Hot end temperature
For optimal 3D printing with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), setting the hot end temperature is of crucial importance. The ideal hot end temperature is between 210 and 230 °C, depending on the specific TPU filament and its flexibility. Filaments with higher flexibility usually require higher temperatures, while less flexible options can be printed at lower temperatures.
Recommended temperatures:
- For flexible filaments such as NinjaFlex: 225-250 °C
- For less flexible filaments such as MatterHacker's Pro Series TPU: 220-240 °C
It is advisable to check the temperature ranges recommended by the manufacturer in order to achieve optimal printing results.
Problems and solutions
Under-extrusion
Under-extrusion occurs when the filament does not melt fast enough and results in insufficient layer adhesion. Signs of this are gaps in the print, a clicking noise from the extruder and brittle models. In this case, the hot-end temperature should be increased.
Over-extrusion
Over-extrusion leads to excess material on the print and is indicated by stringing, lumps and scars on the model. It is advisable to reduce the hot-end temperature in this case.
Bed temperature
The heated bed temperature influences the adhesion of the models to the print surface and should be between 30 and 60 °C to avoid warping. If the ambient temperature is cold, a higher bed temperature is required, while an enclosure can prevent draughts.
Problems and solutions
Warping
Warping occurs when the print corners become detached from the print bed. Increasing the bed temperature and using a glue stick can help.
Elephant foot
Elephant foot is caused by excessive heat transfer to the printer plane, which leads to expansion of the print corners. Reducing the bed temperature can solve this problem.
Partial cooling
Moderate partial cooling is recommended to prevent stringing while maintaining adhesion of the layers. Switching off the cooling for the first few layers and then setting it to low to medium speed is recommended.
Other factors
In addition to the temperature settings, other factors also play a role, such as the humidity of the filament and the quality of the printer components. Using test prints and adjusting the retraction settings can also improve the print quality.
By considering and adjusting these temperature and pressure settings, high quality TPU prints can be achieved with minimal problems.
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