Printing with TPU

[Lez0]

Hi Everybody.
Has anyone used TPU filament, I was thinking of trying it.
I am worried about it being flexible and also how well the layer adhere.

Thanks in advance.
Lez

[LePaul]

I've used Ninjatek Cheetah on my Ultimaker a few times. I printed super slow and got some really nice prints

[Lez0]

Thanks Paul.
Any other advice on printing this soft material?
I've just been using PLA for so long I'm out of touch.
Lez

[Roberts_Clif]

Hi LePaul

Lets talk about TPU, did you 3D Printer this with your Creality or another printer.

[LePaul]

[Lez0]

Thanks for the video Paul.
I'll let you know how I get on with TPU.

Lez

[Lez0]

I bought a 500g SUNLU TPU 1.75mm.
These are the first samples 1.2mm thick cones. They came out very well.
Settings in Cura:
0.1mm layer 0.8mm wall thickness (no infill)
Temp 220C
Build plate 40C
Speed 20.0
Retraction-off
Retract at layer change-off
Cooling: fan speed 20%
No supports
Skirt.
Thanks to Paul for his video.

[LePaul]

Isn't it weird to print without retraction?

Slow definitely works very well with this material.

[Lez0]

2nd print.
Well I expected a little bit of stringing. I guess I'll have to do a bit of trial and error.

[Lez0]

I did another print enabling retraction. and retraction at layer change.
Retraction distance 2.0
Retraction speed 15.0
Combing Mode, All.
As you can see the prints are a lot better.
I don't think I can get rid of the stringing but there isn't a lot.

Lez

[LePaul]

Nice job!

[Lez0]

Thanks Paul
TPU is a strange material. I'll be doing some more prints in this material when I get time. I'll let you know the results.
It would be better I think with a direct drive printer for TPU. I think that's what my next printer will be.
Lez

[LePaul]

Yes, direct drive has been my preferred setup for a while now.