FlexiFil is a rubber-like high-performance and partially bio-based flexible TPC (Thermoplastic Co-Polyester) type of 3D printer filament.
FlexiFil has unique flexural strength properties, as 3D printed objects with FlexiFil will have a “flexural memory”, allowing objects to return back to their original position or shape after being bent, dent, or folded.Next to this FlexiFil offers a unique combination of flexibility, long term heat resistance, strength, excellent UV resistance and good resistance to chemicals.
Unique features
- Very flexible filament with “flexural memory”
- Shore hardness of 45D
- High impact resistance
- No deformation or breaks when stressed by bending
- Strong & durable
- Good resistance to chemicals
- Excellent UV resistance
- IEC 60695-11-10 Flammability classification: HB
- 43% renewable bio-based content
General Tips & Tricks for printing with FlexiFil™
It is recommended to significantly lower your printing speed (compared to printing with PLA, or ABS) when printing with FlexiFil™. The guideline for an optimal printing temperature is to print at approximately 210°C.The recommended heated bed temperature varies between ± 60˚C and ± 100˚C.Various other options (also without heated bed) are possible depending on the type and size of the object to be printed.
In order to get a good first layer adhesion it is important that your print bed is really level and clean.Depending on the printer it can also help to use a glue stick to improve the first layer adhesion. A combination of Blue Tape, like Eurocel Blue Masking Tape and glue stick can also do wonders.
The flexibility/rubbery characteristics of FlexiFil™ can cause some friction in the printer’s bowden tube, resulting in unstable feeding process of the filament into the extruder.As a remedy one can use a tiny bit of lubricant – like WD40 – in one’s bowden tube in order make sure there won’t be any friction.
Please do keep in mind that above recommendations are only guidelines and that every desktop 3D printer requires different settings for optimal printing results.
Formfutura 1.75mm FlexiFil™ (TPE)
Nozzle size: ≥ 0.15mm
Layer height: ≥ 0.1mm
Flow rate: ± 100%
Print temp: ± 220 - 260° C
Print speed: Low
Retraction: Yes ± 5mm
Heat bed: ± 90 - 110° C
Fan speed: 50-100%
Experience level: Intermediate / Expert
Spool Weight: 0.5kg
Above displayed settings are meant as guidance to find your optimal print settings. These ranges in settings should work for most printers, but please do feel free to experiment outside these ranges if you think it is suitable for your printer. There are a lot of different type of printers, hot-ends and printer offsets that it is extremely difficult to give an overall one-size-fits-all setting.
