3D printing with Ultimaker TPU 95A

[CliffeRain 0]

I am writing in to enquire about the use of Ultimaker TPU 95A on UM3. I attempted to print a flexible chip but the end product I printed is relatively rigid (Image 1.jpg), requiring a significant amount of force to bend it with my fingers, as seen in the attached photo. It was no where near the flexibility of a TPU film (Image 2.jpg). The chip I printed measures 24 mm (L) x 24 mm (B) x 2 mm (H) and was printed at 240 degree celsius, 0.06 mm layer height and 10% infill. 

Any suggestions as to how I can further optimise the settings to achieve a softer or more flexible end product? Or is this rigidity inherent in the UM TPU 95A filament itself? Thank you!

 

[geert_2 558]

TPU 95A has a shore hardness of 95, I think. So that is quite stiff, much like hot glue after cooling down. If you print it in a thin layer of 0.1-0.2mm it will be flexible, but not in thick parts.

 

You could try playing with less infill, but I have no experience with this, so no recommendations.

 

If you need really soft materials, you could consider printing a mould, and then casting silicone in it. This exists in various hardnesses. There have been several posts about casting silicones, maybe you can search them?

 

[CliffeRain 0]

11 hours ago, geert_2 said:

TPU 95A has a shore hardness of 95, I think. So that is quite stiff, much like hot glue after cooling down. If you print it in a thin layer of 0.1-0.2mm it will be flexible, but not in thick parts.

 

You could try playing with less infill, but I have no experience with this, so no recommendations.

 

If you need really soft materials, you could consider printing a mould, and then casting silicone in it. This exists in various hardnesses. There have been several posts about casting silicones, maybe you can search them?

 

I see! I will look up on the casting and continue experimenting with the thickness. Thank you so much for the advice! 🙂