Anyone found a "soft" flexible filament?
I am running some tests on TPU to see if it can be made more pliable by printing at a lower temp. The generic flex template that I started with works for the Jayo TPU that I am testing with - but it starts out at 240C. The temp range on the box says 205 - 230, so I've been printing a test part, stepping the temp down 10 at a time between prints. So far, it's still a pretty rigid part (thin parts are flexible, but the surface doesn't grab when you try and sink a fingernail into it). I've got an application that is a grip - so I want to find a way to make the grip "grippy".
I've also got some Flex98 from Filamentum - will be trying that next. Anyone got a recommendation for something that comes out a bit grippy?
RE: Anyone found a "soft" flexible filament?
I have some Rubberjet -TPE88 from FilamentPM. It seems to print rubber tires that are very flexible.
Ordered some ninjaflex 85 ... fingers crossed
Thanks .... Shore 88. Don't know if I'll be able to print the ninjaflex 85 on a MK3S+ or not ... will find out this weekend.
@dan-rogers
I print Ninjaflex all the time with ease on my MK3 and MK3S, if your not used to TPU/TPE you will have a learning curve, but I can assure you the MK3 series machines can do it. Durometer 85A is nothing, I've printer 60A on them, this can be painstaking.
Good Luck
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
Thanks for the encouragement
I think I've got flex down ok - lurking here for a year has upped my mojo considerably. Shore 85 here I come!
LOL, you got this.
The Filament Whisperer
Whoah, that stuff STICKS to the pei
What are you using for an easier time releasing a ninjaflex print?
Soft foam TPU from colorFabb
I have lately been experimenting with varioShore TPU from colorFabb. It is a variable foaming TPU filament that has a base hardness of around 92A when solid and begins foaming (softening) from 200C to 250C. I found maximum expansion at 220C.
CNC Kitchen has made a video on YouTube, testing this filament - it was this video that woke my interest in the material.
Like all TPU/TPE filaments it needs some experience to print with, but have great uses as covers, rubber inlays, handles and flexible feet.
I have made a new slip-free phone cover for my phone, using different temperatures to vary the hardness in the same print.
I had no problem printing it on the MK3S+.
Have a look at my models on Printables.com 😉
RE: Anyone found a "soft" flexible filament?
What are you using for an easier time releasing a ninjaflex print?
I use some IPA at the edges of the print to loosen it from the build plate (Textured and Satin).
Have a look at my models on Printables.com 😉
@dan-rogers
What are you using for an easier time releasing a Ninjaflex print?
When, If I'm printing Ninjaflex on smooth PEI, I use glue stick it works really well as a release, however I mostly print it on my satin sheets because I don't have to add anything to them for release, same with the textured sheets.
Regards
Swiss_Cheese
The Filament Whisperer
This one looks promising
Into the "design it for the characteristics you want" phase now ... thickness is everything. Glue stick. Got it. The IPA suggestion was useful too. I found that the goo that I use for ABS and ASA will release after printing and then a spray of windex (goofy eh? - it worked - turned to goo and released. )
Hmmm. Jayo TPU will foam at higher temps
The Jayo rep reached out to me and I'm going to continue my temperature experiments. She advised going higher (250 next) as for much softer outcomes Jayo recommends increasing temps until the filament starts to foam in the nozzle. Would be very interesting to learn to control that precisely with a foaming TPU profile. I don't know how to make profiles - maybe I'll get one started and start learning that.