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Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)  

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bobx26
(@bobx26)
Active Member
Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)

Looking for a pointer here - I've got a stand design that I want to print in PETG, but I'd really like to put/print a U shaped TPU "cup" on the bottom of this to act as an anti-table-scratch and anti-slip protection. Is there anything out there (like a n00b guide) on how to define this in the slicer (how to assemble and - particularly - how to hint to the printer that it's getting a different material). And yes, I know (via lots of YouTube videos and Googling) that I'm best to print my stand upside-down, with the PETG going first, and then TPU (to save some kind soul pointing that out).

I'm using Prusa Slicer 2.9.2 with a Core One (if that makes a difference). If I can't figure out how to do it as an integrated print then I guess I'll resort to printing the parts separately and gluing them together - less satisfying.

Thanks all!

Posted : 04/06/2025 8:45 pm
Brian
(@brian-12)
Prominent Member
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)

Yes you can do this.  I'll not post how here as it's been posted about many times on the forum.  Do a Google search and if you want the examples on the forum just include Prusa forum in your search. 

Posted : 04/06/2025 10:06 pm
Jürgen
(@jurgen-7)
Noble Member
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)

This would require two (manual) filament swaps per layer, for the every layer in the height region where both components overlap, right? I think you will find it much more satisfying to print the parts separately.

Ideally the parts can be designed in a way that lets you stick them together without glueing -- e.g. with a raised ring on the PETG and matching groove on the TPU part.

Posted : 05/06/2025 5:09 am
Brian
(@brian-12)
Prominent Member
RE: Multimaterial printing (PETG+TPU)

 

Posted by: @jurgen-7

This would require two (manual) filament swaps per layer, for the every layer in the height region where both components overlap, right? I think you will find it much more satisfying to print the parts separately.

Ideally the parts can be designed in a way that lets you stick them together without glueing -- e.g. with a raised ring on the PETG and matching groove on the TPU part.

Depending on their design yes, a lot of manual changes.  I have found though that the slicer is pretty smart in this regard and it's usually 1 change pretty layer.  It usually prints 2 layers of the same material sequentially.  Aka it prints everything in the layer for PETG, then switches to TPU and prints 2 layers of TPU before switching back to PETG.  Then 2 layers of PETG before switching back to TPU etc. etc. 

Posted : 05/06/2025 11:30 am
2 people liked
bobx26
(@bobx26)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE:

Thanks all - I was misled by the "Core One Toolbox" print*, thinking that if it was able to do multicolour then multi-material in the same layer should be achievable.

But yes, I came to the conclusion that a cup/U shaped fitting cannot be interference printed - so I'll resort to the easier way: separate print runs and a hot glue gun.

I did do a small PETG/TPU cubeoid+soft foot (basically two cubeoids butted into each other) and it worked quite well. I used the PETG temps and the only major drawback was patchy layer adhesion on the first/interface layer of the TPU - but the foot is on pretty well.

* https://www.printables.com/model/545197-prusa-tool-box-core-one-mk4s-mk4-xl-mk39-mk35-mk3

Posted : 06/06/2025 9:23 pm
Diem
 Diem
(@diem)
Illustrious Member

As hinted at above, yes, it's possible - but probably not worth the effort as every filament change would require a loooong purge to flush the filament and, depending on the precise filament used, quite possibly a pause as a different printing temperature stabilises.

This is really a job for a multiheaded XL, even an MMU would need huge purges to keep the single nozzle working cleanly.

Muli-colour isn't too hard with manual filament changes but if there are to be changes on more than two or three layers the MMU becomes very attractive.

The background:

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/prusaslicer/manual-multicolor/

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-how-do-i-print-this-printing-help/acting-as-my-own-mmu

Cheerio,

Posted : 07/06/2025 1:50 am
1 people liked
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