Printing with Flexible Filaments

First, we need to understand the difference between flexible materials.
They vary depending on the level of flexibility and their use cases.

For example, PLA-F is not truly flexible, but the printed part is impact-resistant.
That means if it falls, it won’t break easily. You can use it to make device covers that can handle daily use.

Now, TPU:
This is closer to rubber. It has an important factor that measures flexibility, such as
60A, 83A, 90A, and 100A.
The lower the number, the higher the flexibility, and the more difficult the printing becomes.
Keep in mind that some brands, like Esun, may call it eTPU, but it is essentially the same material.

To print TPU successfully, you need a few tricks:

1. It is preferable to use a Direct Extruder instead of a Bowden Extruder,
   to avoid nozzle jams and problems with retraction
2. Set the material temperature properly according to the brand,
   usually between 215 and 225
3. Pay close attention to cooling and reduce it to about 20–50% depending on your printer
4. The first layer speed should be low, and the printing speed should not exceed 60 mm/m
5. Increase retraction from 1 to 2 mm depending on your printer
6. It is also recommended to dry the filament before printing

Tell us—how do you think TPU printing can benefit the manufacturing industry?