Do you want to learn more about Flexible Filament? You’ve come to the right place! This guide will discuss everything you need to know about Flexible Filament. We’ll cover what it is, how it works, and why you should be using it in your 3D printing projects. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide has something for everyone!
What Is Flexible Filament?
Flexible filaments are thermoplastic materials that can create flexible objects with different textures. They are usually made from polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These materials have been around since the 1970s when scientists at DuPont Corporation first invented them as part of their research into new plastics for automotive applications such as window seals and windshield wipers.
Advantages Of Flexible Filament
The main advantage of Flexible filaments is;
- Their ability to absorb shocks resist tearing and abrasion while still soft enough for comfortable use in clothing items like gloves, hats, or even shoes.
- They also provide great insulation properties, making them ideal for outdoor applications where thermal protection is required.
- Flexible filaments are commonly used in sporting goods, medical devices, and other consumer products that need to be tough but also comfortable to use.
- Flexible filament is perfect for creating objects that are both flexible and strong.
- It has a wide range of applications, including prosthetics, wearable art, and soft robotics.
- Printing with flexible filament can be tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful prints that stand up to the test of time.
- Flexible filament is available from a variety of online and offline retailers.
- Make sure to read the manufacturer’s safety guidelines before printing with flexible filament.
What to Look for When Choosing a Flexible Filament: Factors to Consider
In the world of desktop FDM/FFF printing, Flexible filament has only been around since 2014 when Makerbot released their first Flexible filament cartridge called “Makerbot Flexystruder” for their Replicator printers. Since then, other companies have followed suit, and now there is a wide range of Flexible filaments available on the market from different suppliers. So what should you look for when choosing a Flexible filament? Let’s take a closer look! When choosing a Flexible filament, there are several factors you need to consider:
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Flexibility
The degree of flexibility and elasticity is one of the most important factors to look for when choosing a Flexible filament. Some filaments are more flexible than others, so make sure you choose one that suits your needs.
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Strength
Another important factor to consider is the strength of the filament. Flexible filaments can be weaker than regular thermoplastics, so you need to make sure you select one that has good resistance to tearing and abrasion.
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Temperature tolerance
Most Flexible filaments have a lower melting point than standard thermoplastics, so they tend to deform at higher temperatures. Make sure you choose a filament with a high-temperature tolerance if you need it for projects where hot temperatures are involved.
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Flexibility index
Flexible filaments also come in different “Hardness” or “Shore A Durometer,” which indicates the material’s flexibility. The higher this number, the more flexible and elastic your filament will be! Selecting a flexible filament with too high of a Shore A value may become brittle and break easily under stress. So depending on what type of project you’re working with, make sure to choose wisely here as well (e.g., if printing out shoe soles).
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Tensile strength
Flexible filaments can have varying tensile strength depending on their composition and manufacturing process, so look into this if you need a filament with good tensile strength.
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Price
Flexible filaments can also be more expensive than regular thermoplastics, so make sure to factor this into your budget if needed.
Now that we know what to look for let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Flexible filaments available on the market today!
Types of Flexible Filament
For flexible filaments for 3D printing, you have various alternatives to select from. As previously stated, the chemical structures of each will differ, determining their flexibility and rigidity.
Here is a list of the most prevalent types of TPEs:
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Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is the most common flexible filament. It is strong and durable, which makes it stiffer than other options. The advantage of using a hard filament is that it can easily be passed through the extruder.
TPU has many applications in 3D printing. You may have used it before to make a personalized phone cover! TPU can also make rubber mats, ski boots, and shoe insoles.
One particular application for TPU is in the RC (radio-controlled) vehicle industry. It has ideal properties for making shock absorbers, tires, seals, and even O-rings. TPU is useful in this project because it allows the prototypes to withstand the stress of abrupt motions and collisions.
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Thermoplastic Polyamide (TPA)
What happens when these two elements are combined? You get a flexible filament with the smooth feel of nylon and the flexibility of TPE. As a result, it is ideal for manufacturing items such as golf balls, medical devices, and even ski equipment.
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Polylactic Acid (Soft PLA)
Polylactic acid, or PLA, is the final flexible filament on our list. This thermoplastic is made from sustainable sugarcane or corn starch instead of petroleum. People sometimes call PLA “soft PLA” because it can be very springy.
Because it can absorb blows and vibrations, PLA is often used in industrial applications where items bend or yield without breaking. It is also food-safe, which means it can make utensils and food containers. The combination of stiffness and flexibility makes this an excellent choice for pen grips and shoe inserts.
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Thermoplastic Co-Polyester (TPC)
TPC is a flexible filament made from a mix of short-chain and long-chain glycols. It has both soft and hard parts, making it good for engineering projects.
TPC is used in various industrial applications, but it is not commonly used in hobbyist 3D printers. Companies use TPC to create self-expandable polymer stents and bellows.
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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
You may also deal with ABS, which belongs to the thermoplastic polymers category. Its name tells you all you need to know about its composition: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. ABS is a common material for making toys such as legos, sports equipment, and low-cost prototypes for various businesses.
Bottom line
After reading this guide, you should decide if the flexible filament is the right material for your project. Flexible filament has many benefits, but it’s not perfect for every application. If you’re still unsure, contact us, and we’ll help you choose the best material for your needs. Thanks for reading!
