Whether you're a beginner or a professional, when it comes to 3D printing, the question of which filament is best always arises! Do I need a flexible filament, which might bring challenges during printing, or should I use classic 3D printer plastics like PLA or PETG?
Do you know what we're talking about? Then you've come to the right place, because we want to introduce you to a 3D printer filament that ideally answers all your questions. Since the beginning of 3D printing, many filaments have been used; in recent years, TPU filament has become increasingly popular.
If you want to print TPU, there are a few aspects to consider to get a perfect TPU 3D print. We want to take a look at exactly that in this article, in addition to fundamental aspects of TPU 3D filament. We will provide important tips on TPU print settings, Geeetech filament, and what makes 3D printer filaments like TPU material so special. In addition to TPU filament properties, we will also summarize problems and their solutions for TPU 3D printing for you in a clear overview.
What is TPU?
There are various 3D printer filaments with different properties, advantages, and disadvantages, and which are better or worse depending on the product. If you know what the end product's purpose is, you should consider which filament makes the most sense.
TPU filament stands for thermoplastic polyurethane filament. It is a plastic for 3D printers that is gaining increasing popularity because it is flexible, elastic, and durable. TPU material is primarily used as a 3D printer filament in FDM printers.
The Development History of TPU Filament
TPU filament originated in the chemical industry. In the 1930s, polyurethanes were first synthesized. Then, in the 1950s, TPU material was developed. Its special elasticity, durability, and abrasion resistance made TPU filament a popular material in the automotive industry, medical technology, and played a major role in shoe manufacturing.
It was only in the 2000s that TPU became popular as a 3D printer filament. Until then, only rigid filaments were used. Thus, TPU printing was revolutionary, as suddenly stretchable, flexible objects could be printed. In 2011, the first companies began to produce TPU filament specifically for 3D prints. Current material development already allows for the production of various elasticities and hardness levels, enabling a wide range of versatile products to be manufactured using TPU printing.
The Properties of TPU Filament
TPU filament has properties that other 3D printing filaments do not, and is therefore one of the most popular plastics for 3D printers. The Geeetech filament and TPU material in general are flexible filaments. TPU filament has high abrasion resistance and is therefore used in objects exposed to high mechanical stress. In addition, TPU filament is very chemical resistant (oils, greases, solvents). Other TPU filament properties include high tensile strength, temperature resistance, and shock absorption, as well as noise damping and versatility (various hardness levels).
The Characteristics of TPU Printed Models
The characteristics of TPU printed models partially overlap with the properties of TPU material. If you print with Geeetech filament or another TPU filament, objects that are flexible and stretchable are created. These can be, for example, phone cases or rubber seals. Depending on your needs, very soft, but also harder objects can be printed, as the plastic for 3D printers is available in different hardness levels. A TPU 3D print enables objects that are weather-resistant, have high durability, and allow for smooth surfaces and good finishing.
It is particularly noteworthy that objects made with TPU 3D printing exhibit high material resilience as well as high chemical resistance, so that both mechanical friction and oils can cause little to no damage to the object.
Tips for TPU Print Settings
To print TPU filament optimally, you should use special TPU print settings. For example, Geeetech filament can cause problems such as clogged nozzles or messy prints if the TPU filament temperature is incorrect. TPU material has very good properties, but as a plastic for 3D printers, it is not the easiest material to print. Here are the most important TPU print settings for optimal printing of TPU material:
- Print temperature: 190-250 degrees Celsius (temperature depends on the brand, a medium temperature should be chosen at the beginning)
- Print bed temperature: 40-60 degrees Celsius (low temperature can improve adhesion)
- Print speed: 20-30 mm/s (as TPU is soft, a low speed is recommended)
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4-0.8 mm
- Layer height: 0.1-0.3 mm
- Retraction distance: >1mm (retraction function can also be switched off)
- Retraction speed: 20-40 mm/s
- Flow Rate: 0.95-1.05
Further helpful tips:
- Use a direct drive extruder -> better results
- To improve adhesion, you should use a PEI board and secure it with blue tape.
- For the first layer, you should set the speed low and increase the strength.
- Use a fan for cooling (low air volume: 30%-50%). This helps the individual layers bond better.
- Your printing platform should always be clean and smooth. To achieve better results, you can use a magnetic print mat.
- If the object is to be more flexible, the infill density must be reduced (10-20%) and the wall thickness and layer height adjusted.
Common TPU Printing Problems and Solutions
TPU material can cause problems during TPU 3D printing. Most problems can be solved by optimizing print settings.
Nozzle clogged
A nozzle clog occurs relatively often because Geeetech filament, and other TPU filaments, are very elastic, twist or deform, and accumulate uncontrollably in the nozzle. Reasons for this can be too high printing speed, too high retraction setting, irregular filament feeding, or the nozzle itself.
You should consider the following solutions:
- Reduce print speed
- Adjust retraction (minimize retraction)
- Ensure good filament guidance
- Clean the nozzle
- If worn, a new nozzle should be used
Bubbles in TPU printed objects
Plastic for 3D printers quickly absorbs moisture from the environment and is very sensitive to incorrect print settings. This can impair surface quality. If the extrusion is not even, and the print speed and temperature are too high, bubbles quickly form on the object.
The following should be done:
- Adjust print temperature
- Adjust print speed
- Dry filament in high humidity
Print failures due to moisture
A major problem with TPU filament is moisture. TPU material is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the environment. This can lead to the printer blocking, bubbles forming, or material being applied unevenly.
Basically, you should store your TPU filament dry in an airtight container to protect the TPU material from moisture. If it is already damp, you should thoroughly dry the TPU material.
Click here for more instructions on storage and drying of filaments.
Applications of TPU
Today, TPU material is found in many areas. It is known as a 3D printer filament.
In addition to its high popularity as a 3D printer filament, TPU is also found in shoe soles, sports articles, the automotive industry, and medical devices. TPU is a popular packaging and insulating material for cables and is used for vibration and noise dampening. TPU filament is also frequently used in the aerospace industry or simply in household items due to its properties.
Conclusion
The popular 3D printer filament is an all-rounder. Not many filaments can boast such extensive properties as Geeetech filament. This 3D printer filament has been found in the automotive industry, as a 3D printer filament, and in medical devices since the 1950s. It is elastic, flexible, durable, and both chemically and physically resilient.
TPU filament is very popular as a 3D printer filament due to its properties. The challenge, however, is that TPU 3D printer filament can be complex to print. Problems such as bubbles, impurities, and moisture can occur.
However, with optimized print settings, these problems can usually be solved, and versatile objects with diverse properties can be printed.
The temperature tower model is an excellent method for determining the optimal 3D print temperature and speed. It is also very important that you always store your TPU filament safely.
If you consider these aspects, problems during printing can be avoided and the fun of 3D printing can begin.