Book Image

3D printing with RepRap Cookbook

By : Richard Salinas
Book Image

3D printing with RepRap Cookbook

By: Richard Salinas

Overview of this book

Table of Contents (19 chapters)
3D Printing with RepRap Cookbook
Credits
About the Author
About the Reviewers
www.PacktPub.com
Preface
Index

A TPE filament


The primary characteristics of a Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) filament are elasticity and resistance to oil, grease, and abrasion. It's an excellent material to print wheels, belts, and gaskets.

The popular brand is NinjaFlex.

The average temperature for 3D extrusion should be around 210 to 225 degrees Celsius. It prints well on aluminum, acrylic, glass, and tape. A heated bed temperature from 20 to 50 degrees Celsius is helpful.

In general, TPE performs best in printers with direct-drive extruders, using settings similar to a standard rigid ABS filament. It's not recommended to be printed with a Bowden Cable system.

TPE will degrade and lose its elastic properties when submerged in water for extended periods of time.

TPE should be used in a well-ventilated area. TPE products are capable of releasing small amounts of fumes at high temperatures. While these fumes are generally considered tolerable and less odorous than ABS, care should be taken to minimize exposure.