Siraya Tech Flex PEBA 95A User Manual

1. Introduction

Flex PEBA is engineered for industrial-strength parts that require both structural stability and controlled flexibility, offering exceptional wear resistance and durability.   

Key Features:

  • Exceptional Energy Return (High Rebound): Unlike standard flexible filaments like TPU which dampen impacts, PEBA excels at storing and returning energy. This results in a distinct "bouncy" or "springy" characteristic. 
  • Significant Lightweighting: PEBA has one of the lowest densities among all flexible filaments, making it 15-20% lighter than comparable grades of TPU.
  • Superior Low-Temperature Performance: While many elastomers become stiff and brittle in the cold, PEBA maintains its flexibility and impact resistance even at temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F). 
  • Robust Chemical & Fatigue Resistance: Thanks to its nylon (polyamide) backbone, PEBA offers excellent resistance to a wide range of oils, fuels, greases, and common industrial solvents. It also stands up exceptionally well to repeated stress and bending cycles, ensuring a long and reliable service life for functional parts that are constantly in motion.

2. Technical Specifications

Material  Polyether Block Amide (PEBA)
Shore Hardness 95A
Diameter 1.75mm (±0.05mm tolerance typical)
Weight 0.8kg (Net filament weight)
Available Color Black
Enclosure for printer Highly Recommended
Recommended Nozzle Size ≥ 0.4mm


3. Before Printing: Handling and Storage

Drying is Crucial!

PEBA is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. Wet filament leads to poor print quality (stringing, bubbling, weak parts, clogging). 

  • Recommendation: Dry the filament thoroughly before every print, even if the spool is new.

  • Method: Use a dedicated filament dryer or convection oven at 50-60°C for at least 4-6 hours. Longer drying times may be needed if the filament has been exposed to humid air for extended periods.

  • Consider using a drying print box during long prints.

Storage

When not in use, store the filament in a sealed, airtight bag or container with desiccant packs (like silica gel) to minimize moisture absorption.

4. Print Setting Recommendation

Slicer Settings

  • Nozzle Temperature: 230-260°C.  

  • Bed Temperature: 60-100°C. 100°C for full plate large model print to prevent warping

  • Print Speed: 30-120mm/s. PEBA can often be printed faster than TPUs at the same hardness level. Start conservatively (e.g., 40-60mm/s) and increase speed gradually while monitoring print quality. Reduce speed for complex geometries or fine details.

  • First Layer: Print the first layer slower (e.g., 15-20mm/s) and slightly hotter (e.g., +5°C on nozzle) for best adhesion. Ensure proper nozzle height (z-offset).

  • Retraction: PEBA generally requires minimal retraction to prevent clogging and stringing. Start with low values of 0.4mm.

  • Cooling Fan: Use moderate part cooling (e.g., 70-100%). Too much cooling can weaken layer adhesion; too little can worsen overhangs and stringing. Start low and increase if needed.   

  • Flow Rate (Extrusion Multiplier): Calibrate for optimal results. PEBA often requires a slightly lower flow rate (e.g., 93-96%) than rigid filaments. Print a calibration cube or object to check dimensions and extrusion quality.

  • Build Plate Adhesion: 

    • Use a brim or raft if printing parts with small contact areas or sharp corners.

    • Ensure the build plate is clean (isopropyl alcohol wipe).

    • Suitable surfaces include PEI (smooth or textured), glass with glue stick or Magigoo, or specialized flexible filament build surfaces.

Hardware Considerations

  • Extruder: Direct drive extruders generally provide the best results with flexible filaments, offering better filament control.

  • Nozzle: A standard 0.4mm brass nozzle works well. Ensure it is clean before starting. Larger nozzle sizes (0.6mm+) can make printing easier and faster.

5. Post-Processing

  • Part Removal: Allow the bed to cool completely before attempting removal. Flexing the build plate (if applicable) usually helps release the print. Use a scraper carefully if needed.

  • Support Removal: Supports printed in PEBA can be challenging due to strong layer bonding. 

    • Optimize support settings in your slicer (e.g., increase Z distance, use support interface layers with a compatible material if doing multi-material printing, reduce support density).

    • Use needle-nose pliers and flush cutters for removal. 

  • Finishing: 

    • PEBA is difficult to sand effectively.

    • Use a sharp craft knife or deburring tool to carefully trim away strings, blobs, or support remnants.

    • Briefly applying heat (e.g., heat gun on low setting, very quick pass with a torch flame) can sometimes smooth surfaces or reduce fuzziness, but exercise extreme caution to avoid melting or burning the part. Practice on test prints first.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Stringing/Oozing: Dry filament thoroughly. Optimize retraction settings (distance, speed, Z-hop). Adjust print temperature (lower might help, but don't compromise layer adhesion). Increase travel speed. Use wipe/coast settings if available.

  • Clogging: Ensure filament is dry. Check for heat creep (ensure hotend fan is working). Increase nozzle temperature slightly within the recommended range. Clean the nozzle. Ensure extruder tension is appropriate (not too tight, not too loose).

  • Poor Bed Adhesion: Clean build plate. Adjust Z-offset (nozzle height). Increase bed temperature (within range). Use brim/raft. Apply bed adhesive (glue stick, Magigoo). Slow down first layer speed.

  • Weak Layer Adhesion: Dry filament thoroughly. Increase nozzle temperature. Decrease cooling fan speed. Ensure correct flow rate/extrusion multiplier.

  • Extrusion Issues (Under/Over): Calibrate E-steps and flow rate. Check for partial clogs or restrictions in the filament path (including extruder gears and Bowden tube if applicable). Ensure filament spool can rotate freely.

7. Safety Precautions

  • Print in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

  • Be cautious around the hot nozzle and heated bed during operation.

  • Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available on the Siraya Tech website for detailed safety information.

8. Contact & Support

For further assistance, questions, or feedback, please visit our website or contact our support team via support@siraya.tech.


Happy Printing!