Published on Tue Dec 15 2020 01:46:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Taming the Dragon: A Deep Dive into SainSmart TPU Filament

SainSmart has carved a name for itself in the 3D printing world, and their TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament is a popular choice for makers seeking flexible and durable prints. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s delve into the specifics, explore best practices, and see how SainSmart TPU stacks up.

Unveiling the Specifications

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s look at the vital statistics of SainSmart TPU filament:

• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm (most common) and 2.85mm. Double-check your printer’s compatibility before ordering!
• Shore Hardness: Usually around 95A. This determines the flexibility; lower numbers mean more flexibility, higher numbers mean more rigidity. SainSmart’s 95A is a good balance for many applications.
• Tensile Strength: Varies slightly, but generally around 30-40 MPa. A good indicator of its resistance to breaking under tension.
• Elongation at Break: Often around 400-500%. This highlights its ability to stretch significantly before snapping.
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 200-220°C (This is a general guideline; experimentation is key!).
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 40-60°C (Often optional, but helpful for adhesion, especially with large prints).
• Spool Weight: Usually 1kg.
• Colors: SainSmart offers a variety of colors, from vibrant hues to more subdued tones. (More on that later).

Taming the TPU Beast: Usage Tips for Success

TPU can be a bit trickier to print than filaments like PLA or PETG. Here are some crucial tips for getting the best results with SainSmart TPU:

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: This is paramount. TPU is flexible, which means it can buckle and cause jams in the extruder. Reduce your print speed significantly, especially for the first layer and complex features. Start around 20-30 mm/s and adjust as needed.
• Direct Drive Extruder is Your Friend: While bowden setups can work, direct drive extruders are much better suited for TPU. The shorter filament path minimizes the chances of buckling. If you have a bowden extruder, make sure your retraction settings are minimal.
• Retraction Optimization is Critical: Too much retraction will cause jams. Experiment with minimal retraction distances (0.5-2mm) and low retraction speeds (20-30 mm/s). Dial it in carefully.
• Proper Bed Adhesion is Essential: A heated bed is generally recommended. Use bed adhesion methods like glue stick or hairspray if needed. A raft or brim can also provide a larger surface area for the first layer to adhere.
• Disable Coasting: Coasting can exacerbate stringing problems with TPU. Turn it off in your slicer.
• Experiment with Fan Speed: Too much cooling can cause warping. Start with minimal fan speed and increase it gradually if you’re experiencing overheating issues.
• Keep it Dry! TPU is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This can lead to stringing, bubbling, and poor print quality. Store your filament in a sealed container with desiccant when not in use.
• Optimize Filament Tension: The tension on the spool holder needs to be just right. Too tight, and the extruder will struggle to pull the filament. Too loose, and the filament can tangle.

How Does SainSmart TPU Stack Up?

While I can’t directly compare it to other specific brands without testing them side-by-side, I can evaluate it based on common TPU characteristics and known user experiences. Here’s my rating (out of 10) for SainSmart TPU, considering its common properties:

• Print Quality: 7/10 - Achievable with proper settings and a well-tuned printer, but can be challenging for beginners.
• Toughness: 8/10 - TPU is generally quite durable and impact-resistant.
• Flexibility: 8/10 - Shore hardness of 95A offers a good balance between flexibility and rigidity.
• Warping: 5/10 - Can be prone to warping, especially with large prints and inadequate bed adhesion.
• Adhesion: 6/10 - Requires careful tuning of bed temperature and potentially adhesive aids.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 4/10 - Highly susceptible to moisture absorption; requires careful storage.
• Color Range: 7/10 - SainSmart offers a reasonable variety of colors, but the selection may not be as extensive as some other brands.
• Temperature Range: 7/10 - The recommended temperature range is fairly standard for TPU.
• Odor & Fumes: 8/10 - Minimal odor compared to some other filaments.
• Spool Winding Quality: 7/10 - Generally well-wound, but occasional tangles can occur.

Average Score: 6.7/10

The Verdict

SainSmart TPU is a solid choice for those looking to print flexible and durable parts. It’s a good general-purpose TPU that can produce high-quality prints with proper tuning and a bit of patience. While it’s not the easiest filament to master, the results are well worth the effort. If you’re new to TPU, start with smaller, simpler prints to get a feel for the material’s quirks. Happy printing!

Written by Alex