Flex TPU: ThermoPlastic PolyUrethane

TPU: The Marvel of Flexibility

In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, one material stands out when flexibility is paramount: TPU, or "Flex." TPU belongs to the Thermoplastic Polyurethane family, specifically engineered to combine strength with flexibility, making it a game-changer for a variety of applications.

The Power of TPU

TPU boasts a remarkable set of characteristics that give it a distinct edge:

Positives:

- Flexible and Versatile: TPU is available in various hardness levels, defined on the Shore scales. Whether you need a softer or stiffer material, TPU has you covered.
- Elasticity: Certain grades offer exceptional elasticity.
- Temperature Resistant: Withstands temperatures up to 80°C and remains resilient even in cold conditions.
- Vibrant Variety: TPU comes in a range of colors, allowing you to add a personal touch to your projects.
- High Durability: Known for its remarkable durability, TPU is built to last.
- Exceptional Abrasion Resistance: With the ability to withstand wear and tear, TPU is perfect for demanding applications.
- Chemical Resistance: Offers protection against various chemicals.
- Good Bed Adhesion: Achieves strong adhesion without the need for a heated bed.
- Low Warping: Resists warping, making your prints more reliable.

Negatives:

- Trickier to Print: TPU can be a bit challenging to print, but it excels with a direct drive extruder.
- Hygroscopic Nature: Prone to absorbing moisture, which can affect print quality. Proper drying is essential (although it's less hygroscopic than PA and PVA).
- Stringing: May experience stringing between parts.
- Poor Bridging: Not the best for bridging in your prints.
- Detailed Printing: TPU is known for its flexibility, which can make highly detailed printing more challenging.
- Non-Transparent: TPU doesn't come in transparent colors.
- No Multi-Color Options: Multi-material mixing is not an available option. Characteristics of the material make regular filament changes unworkable.
- Supports do not work well. The strong self-adhesivness means that supports made using the same material are difficult to remove and may damage the print.

In practical terms, some of the negative characteristics limit the success rate of prints, and this raises the cost of printing with this material.

While TPU may present some printing challenges, its unparalleled flexibility, durability, and versatility make it an invaluable addition to any 3D printing toolkit. From shock-absorbing designs to custom grips, TPU is your go-to choice when flexibility is a must.