Noob question: Do I need to change anything with hardware for this TPU filament?
Warning: I'm a real beginner with 3D printing. I have recently bought a second hand Prusa MK3S and am learning the basics with printing PLA. So far I'm only at the designing part and have designed and printed stuff with PLA. I have no knowledge at all about the hardware (I dread the day I have to learn how to replace the nozzle).
I want to print some mildly flexible stuff in TPU and bought PrimaCreator EasyPrint FLEX 95A as it was recommended to me. Now searching on printing with TPU I am a little concerned I have bitten off more than I currently can chew. I have read of people needing to replace beds, or put tape or glue on them, having to loosen "idler" (don't know what that is), changing fan speeds and so on. Are these things something I have to do with the above mentioned filament? If it's just a matter of settings, then I can search for recommended settings for printing TPU but I am concerned about needing to make alterations with the hardware.
RE: Noob question: Do I need to change anything with hardware for this TPU filament?
If you don't know what loosening the idler is then I don't think you are ready for TPU yet. You shouldn't have to make any changes to the hardware itself, but adjusting things will almost certainly be required. You should know about adjusting filament tension anyway as its not just applicable to flexible filaments so that is something you need to learn.
Then again its all a confidence thing. It doesn't matter how long you have been printing, the TPU learning curve has to be tackled. Its just that with more confidence and a bit more knowledge you wont just throw up your hands in disgust when it fails to print properly or the filament gets completely wrapped around the feed gears (which is what adjusting the idler tension is supposed to stop). Getting TPU dialled in is a challenge. Also 95 is softer than 98 and the softer it is the more difficult it becomes.
You will certainly have to select the correct filament profile (possibly even modifying one of the existing TPU ones if your specific filament isn't listed). You may or may not have to also adjust other print settings. Lowering speeds is always a good idea with flexibles. Just do much more research before you even try to use it.
RE: Noob question: Do I need to change anything with hardware for this TPU filament?
Thanks. I think your right, I'm not ready.
There are advantages to buying pre-assebmled, I could start printing stuff in PLA straight away. The disadvantage is that it makes things like this more intimidating, and you don't find out you are not a suitable candidate to owning a 3D printer before it's too late (not quite there yet, we will have to wait and see). I think I'll just study up on basic maintenance before moving on the TPU. Thanks for the input.
To learn about the extruder idler look at step 36 on: https://help.prusa3d.com/guide/5-e-axis-assembly_169235
And for the basics of TPU printing begin with: https://help.prusa3d.com/article/flexible-materials_2057
And if it goes wrong - come back here: yes, we may laugh but we *will* try to help.
Cheerio,
RE: Noob question: Do I need to change anything with hardware for this TPU filament?
Thanks! I have some homework to do... Quite a lot before I start with TPU.
RE:
As a general advice: Always check https://help.prusa3d.com/materials before trying a new material. Unless you enjoy buying new build plates...
And consider trying filaments with existing profiles in PrusaSlicer before buying different ones and needing to modify the profiles.
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
Find out why this is pinned in the general section!
RE:
As a general advice: Always check https://help.prusa3d.com/materials before trying a new material. Unless you enjoy buying new build plates...
And consider trying filaments with existing profiles in PrusaSlicer before buying different ones and needing to modify the profiles.
That's a useful link I didn't know about. Thanks!
Also good tip about filaments. With a filament that has a profile I at least know there is nothing wrong with those settings.