123-3D - 3D Printers and 3D filament - Homepage logo
 1000's products available for Next Day Delivery
 Lowest Price Guarantee
 3D Experts on hand to help
T: 0333 325 0011
E: info@123-3D.co.uk
Free delivery over £30

Shopping cart

Quantity Product
No products
Total: £0.00
(Incl. 0% VAT)

All about TPE filaments

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

What is TPE filament?

TPE filament is a rubbery and very flexible filament type that is gaining more and more popularity in the world of 3D printing. It is available in many different colours and is ideal for printing smartphone cases, shoe soles and non-slip objects, for example. 

Main properties of TPE filament:

  • Matte material
  • Available in various colours
  • Very flexible and resilient
  • Soft, but strong
  • Heat resistant
TPE filament

Order TPE flexible filament
TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is characterized by its high elasticity and perfect degree of bending. It has a print temperature between 210°C and 235°C and works best at a low print speed of about 30 to 40mm/s.

TPE is a strong, but soft and flexible filament, which makes it a bit more difficult to print with. To prevent the material from bending or being pushed in the wrong direction during 3D printing, the extruder should support the TPE filament as much as possible. In addition, the use of a heated bed is essential for good layer adhesion and an even cooling process.  

With TPE 3D filament you can print objects in any desired shape. In addition, the application possibilities of this flexible filament are endless. For example, you can provide your printed objects with extra grip or print parts that serve as a shock absorber for moving/vibrating objects.

Choose NinjaFlex TPE to achieve the highest degree of elasticity, or opt for the semi-flexible NinjaTek TPU filament.
 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of TPE filament?

Advantages TPE filament Disadvantages TPE filament
High elasticity and tensile strength Limited print speed
Can serve as a shock absorber Less suitable for Bowden extruders
Excellent wear resistance Use of a heated bed is highly recommended
Heat resistant Strong smell when printing

 

Tips for printing with TPE 3D filament:

  • Always store TPE in a dry place and preferably in a sealed bag with moisture absorbers or silica gel to prevent holes in your 3D prints.  
  • The hardness of the TPE material is indicated on a shore scale. A higher value indicates that the material is harder / less flexible.  
  • Use painter's tape or adhesive spray for good layer adhesion. Without good adhesion, the risk of tearing is very high when the object is bent or stretched.
  • The extruder should support the TPE filament as much as possible, so that the material is not bent or pushed in the wrong direction.
  • For printing with TPE filament, it is best to use a direct drive extruder. Do you want to print with a Bowden extruder? Then make sure that the filament does not get stuck against the wall of the Bowden tube.
  • Retraction of the filament should be disabled or limited to a very small distance. Check which printer settings are needed before you start printing with flexible filament.
  • Please take into account a slightly longer printing time. TPE can only be printed at a lower speed.

TPE filament with different properties: 

You can easily order TPE filament with diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm online at 123-3D.co.uk!


Order TPE 3D filament directly
Back to everything about 3D filament