3D Printing flexible filament on a desktop 3D printer can be a bit tricky. Slicer software settings and 3D printer hardware both come into play when trying to get a successful print.
Slicer software settings
Mainly, print speed and retraction are the slicer software settings you need to get right. Our advice is to print really slow and to turn off retraction. Constant retracting and extruding can cause under-extrusion.
3D printer hardware
The build surface and extruder type of your 3D printer are also important. When printing on a cold print bed make sure to use some sort of adhesive layer. In case your printer has a heated bed with a glass surface there’s a fair chance you don’t need an extra adhesive layer.
Bowden versus Direct Extruder
A few years ago it was basically impossible to print flexible 3D printer filament with a bowden extruder. However, times have changed and extruders have improved a lot. Nowadays you have a good chance your bowden extruder is also up to the task.
Direct extruders are placed on top of the moving parts of a 3D printer. The weight of the stepper motor slows down the travel and print speeds. When you print at high speed with a direct extruder, the print quality might decrease.
Bowden printers on the other hand can achieve better print quality, while printing at high speed.
Fully Constrained Filament Path
The most important element which decides if your printer is up to the task of printing flexible filament is the way it constrains the filament path. A fully constrained path from the idler/gear pinch point to the hot end means there is nowhere for the filament to escape or get stuck.
A good example of an extruder with a fully constrained filament path is the Bondtech QR. It can be configured either as a direct or bowden setup.
Paul says
I find that the Raised N2 is actually far better at printing very soft TPUs than the Pro2. Primarily because the left feeder gear on the N2 is FAR closer to the extruder head than on either the L or R extruder on the Pro2. In fact its’ nearly impossible to print very soft materials on the Pro2 because of this. The feeder gears are so far from the extruder that it almost acts like a bowden extruder type rather than a direct drive.
Peter Strikwerda says
I agree – after some tests I experienced some issues with printing TPU and the pro2 as well. Unfortunately the N2 is not available anymore
Alan Erdman says
Alternatively you can convert your existing printer by using a Flex Wheel Extruder which allows you to successfully print flexible filament (as well as rigid) through a Bowden set up and is compatible with just about any type of desk top printer.
Paul says
I’m looking for a decent budget 3D printer for flexible filament. Looking to pay under $1000 or even under $500 if possible. I know pretty much any 3D printer CAN print flex, but if we get another machine I want it to be used primarily for flexible stuff. Also we mostly print very small stuff. Any suggestions? Thanks