Flexible filaments, much like rigid ones, are being used in a wider range of applications than ever before.
TPU can be utilized for various creative and practical purposes by taking advantage of its flexibility. In this article, we will introduce 8 models to help expand your 3D printing ideas.
Before we introduce the models, let’s first understand the characteristics of TPU!
Shore Hardness
One of the most important points when printing with flexible filaments is Shore hardness.
Shore hardness is an index that represents the hardness of a material, measured by its resistance to indentation when pressure is applied.
Flexible filaments at 100% infill generally have a Shore hardness between 75A and 85A, though there are products with a hardness of 92A to 98A.
The higher the number, the harder the material. When choosing a flexible filament, check the Shore hardness to understand the material's properties.
Retraction
One common mistake when printing with flexible materials is failing to check the slicer's retraction settings.
Because TPU filament is flexible, tension is generated by retraction when the filament is pulled back toward the hotend.
If the filament is stretched or pulled due to the tension applied to it, it can affect the filament diameter, which may lead to nozzle clogs.
Therefore, if you need to use retraction, we recommend keeping the settings low.
General Printing Guidelines
If the manufacturer of the TPU filament you are using recommends specific printing conditions, we suggest following those settings first.
If there are no recommended values, try using the following figures as a starting point for your initial settings:
Nozzle temperature: 210–240°C
Bed temperature: 0–60°C
Printing speed: 5–30 mm/s
Retraction: Usually disabled. If used, up to approx. 3 mm at 20 mm/s
Cooling fan: Off for the first 3 layers, then 20–60%
Extrusion mechanism: A direct drive extruder is more suitable, especially for older 3D printers
Now that you know the basics of 3D printing with TPU, here are some fun and practical models you can print!
Zipper Pulls
Zipper pulls are essential for backpacks, jackets, and more.
They are especially convenient on cold days when you want to open or close your jacket zipper without removing your gloves.
Many garments come with zipper pulls, but they can break or get lost. In such cases, this simple 3D printed model is a convenient solution.
It is compatible with most backpack zippers and is designed to be printed with TPU at a 0.1 mm layer height.
If you are using transparent filament, we recommend using 5 top and bottom layers.
Sneakers
Inspired by designs seen in 1980s movies, these sneakers are a unique model that combines flexible TPU with an advanced design!
The designer recommends using TPU with a Shore hardness of about 82A, a print speed of 90 mm/s, and an infill density of 25%.
You can adjust the softness of the sneakers by changing the infill settings. Depending on the settings, it takes about 23 hours to print one pair.
Several sizes are available, including 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Of course, you can also scale the model up or down to fit your foot size.
Joystick Caps
If you enjoy playing games on consoles or operating controllers for RC vehicles and the like, these 3D printable joystick caps are an easy way to customize your controller.
They help improve grip on the joystick, which can aid in better control and aiming accuracy.
This model includes several joystick caps, each with a different design. It is designed to fit 8BitDo controllers.
The designer recommends printing with flexible materials, but a separate file named "NonFlex" is also provided, allowing you to print with common filaments like PLA.
Air Duster
This air duster is designed to be printed as a single piece entirely out of TPU.
It is hollow inside, and when you squeeze the main body, air is puffed out from a small nozzle, making it surprisingly effective. It is convenient for cleaning computers and electronic devices, or for removing dust from hard-to-reach narrow spaces in your home.
While the model is designed to be printed entirely in TPU, the designer recommends printing the base in PETG. This creates a sturdy base, making it less likely to collapse after repeated compression.
Detailed settings for printing the model optimally can be found in the description. It is also recommended to reduce the print speed for better results.
Can Lid
If you drink carbonated beverages at parties or family gatherings but often can't finish them all at once, you might want to try printing these TPU can lids.
They fit standard-sized cans perfectly and help prevent carbonation from escaping from opened cans. They also help prevent spills if you accidentally knock a can over.
This is a convenient model that can be enjoyed by both adults and children, and it's also a great item to distribute at events with large groups.
The designer provides two sizes, allowing you to choose a tighter or looser fit for your cans.
If you print the lids in multiple colors, it can also help you identify whose drink is whose!
Airless Tire Style Tennis Ball
You may have seen airless-style balls like this before. Today, we’re introducing an airless tennis ball you can actually play with.
This ball is designed to withstand impacts and bounces without needing to be filled with air, making it feel similar to a conventional tennis ball.
For optimal bounce performance, it is recommended to use TPU with a Shore hardness of 98A. If you use a material with lower hardness, the ball's bounce may be weaker.
If you are interested in these types of airless balls, be sure to check out other models for various sports published by filete3d.
Print-in-Place Adjustable Wrench
This adjustable wrench is designed using the popular "print-in-place" method, featuring a rotating adjustment screw and a movable jaw just like a conventional wrench.
What's particularly notable is that it's designed to function even when printed in TPU.
Several versions are available, including one with built-in support structures so that you don't need to generate them in your slicer, as using regular supports might cause the moving parts to seize up.
While wrenches are generally printed with non-flexible materials, there are many examples showing that they can indeed be printed with flexible materials. You can also see this in the video below.
In fact, the rubber-like texture unique to TPU may even provide a better grip!
When printing this wrench, we recommend slowing down your print speed compared to normal to ensure the mechanism functions correctly.
Playing with your cat is a great time, but it’s even more fun when you have special toys prepared for your pet.
This 3D printed model is a simple toy for your cat to chase around the room. It features a structure with two rings connected by a curved tether.
By printing it with a flexible material, the long tether is designed to bend pliably and then return to its original shape.
The creator of the model used a Prusa i3 MK3S+ to print this cat toy in TPU.
The print time was less than 2 hours, and it used approximately 14g of material.
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