What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips  

RE: What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips

Posted by: @bpedrant

 

Hello all,

I was hoping someone could shed some light on filament choice for the following clips. The tabs need to bend.

I am finding, not surprisingly, that PLA snaps. And, doing Web research on TPU and ABS is a mixed bag. Comparing different plastics is not an exact science! 🙂

 

What I found so far is that ABS is more flexible than PLA, but I do not know by how much. TPUs are generally much softer than I want, but even here, there are many different "hardnesses" of TPUs.

Are there any other filaments I should look at?

This clip is about 12mm in diameter.

 

Thanks!

Brian

 

 

 

Look at PETG and ASA. Those are my go to filaments for structural things. I have a roll of PC Blend but have not tried it yet. PETG may be stringy between the two tabs, and ASA really needs a vented enclosure for optimal quality and if you don't want to breathe nasty chemicals.

I'd start with PETG. On the Mini, I've had the best luck with genuine Prusament PETG.

Regards,

Mark

RE: What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips

Nylon (PA)

RE:

Posted by: @lichtjaeger

Nylon (PA)

The Mini does not, at least officially, print Nylon. Nylon also absolutely has to be dried. You might try Taulman Bridge.

Regards,

Mark

RE: What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips

I have a roll of Overture PETG. The tabs break instead of bend, the same as PLA.

I'm need something that will bend a little more and retain it's shape.

(I am assuming my mailbox is some sort of injection molded ABS, which is why I asked about it)

-Brian

RE: What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips

I have had very good experience with PETG for snap fits like this one. 

RE: What filament to print semi-regid/flexible clips

You also could try to print it sideways, cutting away a part of the circular disc-top.

This makes the layerlines bend longways instead of crossways.