Which material suits best?
Hi all,
I've designed and printed a doorstopper in PLA. I did have my concerns using PLA as it probably doesn't "stick" on the floor and indeed it doesn't "stick" as wished for. Does anyone have a recommendation on which material to use?
Here's a link to the doorstopper: https://www.printables.com/model/561251-cheese-doorstopper
Thanks for your help
RE: Which material suits best?
By the way I have a Prusa Mini+ Printer and I am not sure whether or not I would be able to print TPU
RE: Which material suits best?
I've got the Mini and yes it prints TPU, but you don't get the same print quality. Also, TPU sticks to the build plate. You need to make sure you put glue on the plate first, and even then it can be difficult to get off. I put the model and plate in the freezer for half an hour afterwards. The model goes solid and falls off when you flex the plate.
It depends on the floor surface. PLA is very stiff and, as you found, is unlikely to grip many surfaces - PETG and TPU will each be a little better but they too will slip on most surfaces.
You may find it is easiest to glue a thin sheet of sponge or neoprene to the lower surface ... but if it is used on carpet you have the option to create gripping 'teeth' - suface textures, on one face.
Cheerio,
RE: Which material suits best?
Thanks for the feedback, that's very helpful. I have heard that TPU is not the easiest of materials to print but I will give it a try. Is there a printer that is "more" convenient for printing TPU?
The Mini can handle TPU - it takes very careful setting up and the filament must be absolutely dry but that is also the case on a Mk3 or anything else. I would first try PETG with Lightening fill and no more than 3 top layers.
Cheerio,
RE: Which material suits best?
Not sure if printing TPU is really worth it.
You can put little dots with hot glue on the sides, usually the most elastic hot glue sticks are very good at it ( I did it with wooden door blockades).
Another option is to attach anti slippering mats for furniture for the bathroom/kitchen, or silicone pads
See my GitHub and printables.com for some 3d stuff that you may like.
RE: Which material suits best?
Thanks for the tip, I also thought about that but then where would the fun be of trying and failing with TPU 😀 hahaha get the idea and I think for now I will do it just like that. but definitely want to also try TPU, since I want to print my smartphone case with TPU