Flex, TPE, TPU
Flex, TPE, TPU, what's the difference?
Well, I found the difference between TPE a TPU, but what is this Flex material? It seems to me like just some marketing name for TPE.
Also, I can't find Flex in my favourite store, just TPE. Would I be able to print it on my Mini?
RE: Flex, TPE, TPU
They're different tiers of the same thing...
Flex is a general term used for any flexible filament regardless of composition. In theory, if you had a material you could extrude without heating that was flexible, it could be considered a "flex" but not a TPE.
TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer) is more specific nomenclature for a set of flexible thermoplastics. Butylene polymers (think tool grips) are a TPE but not a TPU.
TPU (Thermoplastic (poly-)urethanes) are a specific subclass of TPEs comprised of urethane monomers.
RE: Flex, TPE, TPU
So I can buy TPE, set Prusa Slicer to FLEX and print glorious rubbery Benchy on my Mini? 🙂
RE: Flex, TPE, TPU
I would recommend TPU instead. TPE doesn't stick to the PEI surface very well.
RE: Flex, TPE, TPU
Is it necessary to print with hot bed flexible filament? I have never needed it and the flexible adheres perfectly to the bed.
Why does the bed have to be heated when I want to insert the filament?
I find it an unnecessary waste of energy when I want to print with a cold bed.