Cal25
1
Hi guys, I’m looking for a Silicone rubber that can slightly compress and expand. Similar to a cork, but with more elasticity. Is this merely a case of choosing a larger size, with a softer hardness, so it can conform to shape?
It needed to be less rigid than a cork, and be able to fit a range of sizes. Is there something? Or must I give up and choose a closed cell Rubber Sponge with high durability?
Hi!
I have a few materials that might suit your application. If you are after something that can be printed in a shape and the forced into whatever it should be assembled with, then I think it should be possible to print your part in Ninjaflex or something simliar if FDM gives good enough resolution.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on my hub.
Best regards
Oscar Svensson
Garyg
3
I’ve done castings out of 100% silicone caulk mixed with a small amount of glycerin.
It cures in about 8 hours to a complete solid.
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NinjaFlex is my choice for 3D printing gaskets and things that need to seal and flex.
It does require a flexystruder, which I have, and it works quite well.
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Closed Cell rubber sponge also works, but I can never cut it cleanly so that if it’s visible in my projects
I prefer silicone caulk or Ninjaflex.
…
just my 2 cents worth.
TPE & TPU are the most common materials for substituting rubber. They are very though, have good chemical resistance and can be produced in a wide range of shore hardness. In general TPU is available in shore hardness of 60A-70D and TPE is available in available in shore hardness of 0-100A but the selection is more limited for 3d printing filaments. NinjaFlex (85A) and Semiflex (98A) are both TPU and are the most common filaments available. I print these as well as a 92A TPU.
-Jesse
https://www.3dhubs.com/service/MindFuLL
Cal25
5
It has to be food grade safe also. Like a rubber bung that can compress, and reform to its original larger shape.
Cal25
6
Excellent. Something food safe, silicone (outer shell at least) and around the Pencil Eraser hardness 40-50a would work I’m guessing.
They only FDA approved flexible filament I’m aware of is TPU from MakerShaper. It has a shore hardness of 85A. I have a spool in black but could get other colors if necessary. I print all FDA approved materials in stainless steel nozzles to avoid lead contamination.
Cal25
8
Hi Jesse! I’m interested to talk more with you about TPE. If the density I’m after is to difficult to achieve on 3D, can a injection mould be setup on a small scale with this material?
