Multi-tool TPU printing on Prusa XL (VarioShore + Filaflex Conductive)
Hello,
I am considering buying a Prusa XL for a project that requires printing two flexible TPU materials in the same print:
ColorFabb VarioShore TPU (around 250°C)
Recreus Filaflex Conductive TPU
I currently use a Bambu Lab H2D, but I have not been able to reliably print two flexible TPUs at the same time.
Has anyone successfully printed two soft TPU filaments simultaneously on a Prusa XL using two independent toolheads?
More specifically:
Is tool changing between two flexible TPUs reliable on the XL?
Does the filament path/PTFE system cause any issues with very soft TPU materials?
Has anyone actually tried a combination such as VarioShore + another TPU in the same print?
For clarification, I would not be using either material as support material. Both TPUs would be part of the final model and printed directly onto each other.
Any real-world experience would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
RE: Multi-tool TPU printing on Prusa XL (VarioShore + Filaflex Conductive)
Hi there. Just happened to see your post, sorry the response is late, better late than never.
The XL toolchanger is a PITA on TPU in my experience. You have to tune the heck out of the wipe tower to make sure it doesn't clog during a tool change. I only recently got it working. But it does work, I managed to do TPU w/ PLA supports.
The filament paths are awful, the only way I've succeeded at running TPU on this machine is a top loaded roll. I use 95A.
Haven't tried Varioshore foaming TPU yet-- very curious to hear what you're doing with this and a conductive TPU too-- sounds like a crazy project!
RE: Multi-tool TPU printing on Prusa XL (VarioShore + Filaflex Conductive)
Also putting in my 2 cents.
I run TPU + PETG. I almost never use a wipe tower. Being how my prints were swapping between the 2 filaments, I assume 2 TPU wouldn't be an issue.
The bigger issue is getting TPU to feed properly. I haven't tried many brands, but I had good luck with Polymaker TPU (mostly 95A, but some 90A). I have not had much luck with other brands (such as Creality 95A).
For me I bypass the first sensor (unplug the tube from block and put on side block with a piece of duct tape). When feeding, I just shove a standard piece of filament in the first sensor, and run the TPU in the normal tube. Sometimes I have to pull of the tube from the head for a moment, to force feed it.
Keeping the head cool will also be important... I believe the creality starts getting a little bit of heat creep and then stretches on the feed roller vs pulling thru.
Bypass the tubes and feed direct to the toolheads from above - but you do need a small amount of tension to aid retraction so either use rewinding spool holders or apply just enough friction to the spools to allow you to drape the filaments over another holder and hang small fishing weights on the catenarys.
I have only printed a few two TPU parts (both 98A) but I use this method whenever making flexible hinges for PETG and PLA prints.
Cheerio,
RE: Multi-tool TPU printing on Prusa XL (VarioShore + Filaflex Conductive)
printing a TPU belt right now(siraya tech 95a) and the only thing we did was delete the side sensors for this print. ie unplug the tube from the side sensor and feed the filament in. don't forget to turn off the side sensor in the settings.