Flex TPU 95A Filament User Guide

1. Introduction to Fibreheart ABS-GF

This guide is designed to assist hobbyists and professionals in fully leveraging the unique properties of Flex TPU 95A for their 3D printing endeavors.

Flex TPU 95A, with a Shore hardness of 95A, offers superior softness compared to the more common 95A variants, making it perfect for projects requiring exceptional pliability, like wearable items, protective gear, and flexible guards.

Siraya Tech’s Flex TPU 95A is specially formulated to balance ease of printing with the distinctive characteristics of TPU - high tear and chemical resistance.

2. Material Characteristics

Density	1.16 g/cm³ (ISO 1183)
Hardness	95A (ISO 7619)
Melt temperature	200℃
Softening temperature	99°C (ISO 306)

All numbers below are tested on X/Y axis.

Tensile breaking strength	32± 3.0 MPa (ISO 527)
elongation at break	500%
tensile stress at 100%	9.8 MPa
tensile stress at 200%	12.5 MPa
tensile stress at 300%	17 MPa

3. Preparing for Printing

(1) Printer Compatibility

Flex TPU 95A is optimized for FDM printers equipped with direct drive extruders, which are located on the toolhead for enhanced filament control. This setup is crucial for successful TPU printing.

For best results, mount the filament directly above the extruder to facilitate the shortest and most efficient path from the spool to the extruder, thus significantly enhancing print quality and success rate.

(2) Print Bed Preparation

A clean, level print bed is essential. We recommend a heated bed temperature ranging from 20°C to 50°C, adjusted according to your printer’s capabilities.

4. Printing with Flex TPU 95A

(1) Temperature Settings
Ideal extrusion temperatures range from 200°C to 230°C, varying with printer models and environmental factors.

Printers with shorter melt zones may benefit from the higher end of this spectrum (210-230°C), while those with longer melt zones can operate at the lower range (200-210°C).

Notably, the black variant of TPU 95A often performs better at slightly cooler temperatures compared to the white variant.

(2) Print Speed
Thanks to its high-flow formulation, Flex TPU 95A can be printed at speeds between 30-120 mm/s. Start at the lower end and gradually increase speed for optimal results.

(3) Nozzle Size
A nozzle size greater than 0.2mm is recommended, with the best results typically achieved using a 0.4mm nozzle.

(4) Retraction Settings
To prevent clogging, keep retraction speeds between 1800-3600 mm/min and retraction distances within 1-5 mm. Start with short and slow retraction first.

(5) Build Platform Material
PEI or glass with glue stick application is recommended for best adhesion.

(6) Cooling Fan
Ensure the cooling fan is operational to maintain print quality. Adjust settings as needed for your specific printer.

5. Moisture Management

TPU filaments, including Flex TPU 95A, are prone to moisture absorption, which can adversely affect print quality. Effective moisture management is therefore crucial.

(1) Storage

Store Flex TPU 95A in the provided moisture-resistant aluminum bags when not in use. Using a dry box with desiccant, maintaining humidity below 15%, is ideal for prolonged storage.

(2) Drying Filament

If moisture absorption is suspected, dry the filament at 50°C - 65°C for 4-6 hours in a filament dryer or an oven.

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

(1) Stringing
Adjust retraction settings and print speed to tackle stringing. Also, ensure the filament’s moisture level is within acceptable limits.

(2) Poor Bed Adhesion
Improve bed adhesion using a glue stick or hairspray, or by slightly increasing the bed temperature.