Published on Wed Sep 23 2020 11:04:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Diving Deep into Overture TPU: A Comprehensive Review

Overture has carved a name for itself in the 3D printing filament market, and their TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) offering is a popular choice for users looking to print flexible and durable parts. But how does it really perform? This article provides a detailed look at Overture TPU, covering its specifications, best usage practices, and a balanced assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

What is TPU and Why Use It?

TPU is a flexible filament known for its elasticity, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance. It’s ideal for creating parts that need to bend, flex, or absorb shocks, such as phone cases, gaskets, RC car tires, wearable technology components, and custom grips. Unlike rigid filaments like PLA or ABS, TPU provides a rubber-like feel and offers unique design possibilities.

Overture TPU: Key Specifications

• Diameter: Typically 1.75mm (with a tolerance of ±0.05mm for consistent extrusion)
• Hardness (Shore Hardness): Usually around 95A. This indicates a good balance between flexibility and rigidity, suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Printing Temperature: Recommended range is generally between 210°C - 230°C.
• Bed Temperature: Typically 60°C, but some users have success without a heated bed, especially with good bed adhesion techniques.
• Print Speed: Slower print speeds are recommended, typically 20-40mm/s to prevent issues with extrusion and stringing.
• Density: Approximately 1.20 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: Around 30 MPa (varies slightly based on specific TPU formulation).
• Elongation at Break: Can reach up to 400%, indicating its high elasticity.
• Spool Size: Usually available in 1kg spools.

Tips for Successful Overture TPU Printing

Printing with TPU can be trickier than with more rigid filaments. Here’s how to maximize your chances of success:

• Direct Drive Extruder: A direct drive extruder is highly recommended. Bowden setups can be challenging due to the flexibility of the filament, leading to buckling and inconsistent extrusion. The shorter filament path of a direct drive system minimizes this issue.

• Slow Down: TPU thrives at lower print speeds. Start with 20-30mm/s and adjust from there. Rushing the print will often result in jamming, stringing, and poor layer adhesion.

• Retraction Settings: Minimize retraction distance and speed. Excessive retraction can cause the flexible filament to get stuck in the extruder. Start with 1-2mm retraction distance and a speed of 25-30mm/s and fine-tune as needed.

• Extrusion Multiplier: Experiment with the extrusion multiplier to fine-tune the amount of filament being extruded. Slight over-extrusion can help with layer adhesion, but too much will lead to clogging.

• Turn Off Part Cooling Fan (or Use It Sparingly): TPU generally benefits from minimal cooling. Over-cooling can negatively impact layer adhesion. If using a fan, keep the speed low (around 20-30%).

• Bed Adhesion: A clean and level bed is crucial. Use adhesion aids like painter’s tape, PEI sheets, or glue stick. A brim can also improve adhesion, especially for parts with small contact areas.

• Dry Your Filament: TPU is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Moist filament can lead to stringing, popping, and weak prints. Store your TPU in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use, and consider drying it in a filament dryer before printing if you suspect it’s absorbed moisture.

• Nozzle Temperature: The right temperature is vital. Too low, and it will struggle to extrude smoothly; too high, and it will produce stringing and possibly burn the filament.

Detailed Assessment (Out of 10)

• Print Quality: 8/10 - Can produce detailed prints with good resolution when settings are dialed in correctly. Expect some slight imperfections compared to rigid filaments.

• Toughness: 9/10 - Excellent impact resistance and durability, making it suitable for functional parts.

• Flexibility: 9/10 - Exhibits a good degree of flexibility and elasticity, as expected from a TPU material with a shore hardness of 95A.

• Warping: 2/10 - Warping is generally minimal, especially with a heated bed and proper bed adhesion. However, large prints can occasionally exhibit slight warping at the corners.

• Adhesion: 7/10 - Good bed adhesion can be achieved with a heated bed, proper bed preparation (glue stick, PEI sheet), and a brim if needed.

• Moisture Sensitivity: 4/10 - Highly susceptible to moisture absorption, which can lead to printing issues. Proper storage and drying are essential.

• Color Range: 8/10 - Overture typically offers a decent range of colors in their TPU lineup, including translucent options.

• Temperature Range: 8/10 - The recommended printing temperature range (210°C - 230°C) is fairly standard for TPU and allows for some flexibility depending on the specific printer and environment.

• Odor & Fumes: 9/10 - Produces minimal odor during printing, making it a more pleasant option than some other filament types.

• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 - Generally well-wound spools, reducing the risk of tangles and print failures.

Average Score: 7.2/10

Conclusion

Overture TPU offers a solid balance of performance, price, and availability. While it can be more challenging to print with than rigid filaments, the resulting parts are well worth the effort. By following the tips outlined above and carefully calibrating your printer settings, you can successfully create durable, flexible, and functional 3D printed objects with Overture TPU.

Written by Alex