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Hi, I am new to the world of 3D printing and we are wandering if there Is any form of 3D printing materials that would be flexible,

We are looking to print a flexible badge type label to go onto car seats, any help or advise would be appreciated,

Thanks

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Hello!

There are a few different types of filament that are flexible. The three that come to the top of my mind are NinjaFlex, FlexPLA, and TPE. You can search for the 3D printers that use that material by using our advanced search feature.

Heres a quick video on NinjaFlex - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTIFs_ILu1w

Alex

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@Gyrobot - what filament did you use for this cool Marvin? Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects
FlexibleMarvin.jpg

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Hi, it is green Filaflex from http://www.recreus.com. You can read all about printing with flexible filaments, over on my blog : How to 3D Print with Flexible Filaments - Gyrobot Ltd - CAD Design and 3D Printing

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Awesome

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InnoFlex of Innofil is available in three kinds of ‘flexibility’ - 40-45-60.

http://innofil3d.com/specials.htm

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I have tried flexible filament from NinjaFlex and they’re pretty good but I noticed that you’ll have to clean some tiny threads that appear in the printing process. Also, I had to raise up the temp just a bit and lower extrusion speed, too.

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I had some problems printing with this kind of material. Mostly of the times under extrusion. Do you have been the same problem?

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Flexible materials does not need to be very difficult but some things needs to be kept in mind. Like for instance:

-a good feeding of material - low friction all the way to the melt-zone (or else the print will be uneven)

-a good extruder feeding mechanism that keeps the pressure on the softer filament (spring loaded is good)

-a good support directly under the feeder wheel so that the filament cannot escape

-start slow and ramp up the speed to check the limits

-nozzle diameter matters: small gives more counter pressure -thus slower speeds

-nozzle diameter matters: bigger gives a better bond between the layers and makes for higher speeds (I use 0.7mm)

-different soft material filaments will behave differently (for instance my ETPU will not give much problem with “spider web”)

-Be careful with what print table surface you use, if unlucky the material can bond so hard that it is impossible to separate (I personally use blue tape, glass or PVA-glue right now)

This is my logo printed in my own electrically conductive TPU (its available also in a sample-bags)

http://scontent-b.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xfp1/t51.2885-15/e15/10401613\_394029224105484\_683863531\_n.jpg

http://scontent-a.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xap1/t51.2885-15/e15/10611217\_766806183384463\_1861063936\_n.jpg

A like this material because it has a nice matte surface (due to the carbon black)

super nice page:

http://www.gyrobt.co.uk/blog/how-to-3d-print-with-flexible-filaments

some info from me:

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Hi!

I have just started testing PP filament. Didn’t make it yet… the material that I am using takes tooo much time to lose heat. This way the nozzle creates that mess. Like making a cake … a cake batter.

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check these guys out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6CaEBt0_2c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2LFWo_OeQ4

their materials are the highest quality I have ever tried and gives an incredible part surface finish