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Using the Flexion To Print Flexible Filament
This short article focuses on ways to print flexible filament with the Flexion Extruder. For those who usually do not currently make use of the Flexion Extruder, then go get 1 and come back right here. Right out from the box, Flexion produces rapid (60mm/s), clean, void-free prints with TPU, TPE, Ninjaflex, along with other flexible filaments. Angus (aka Makersmuse) even makes use of it to test flexible filament: Evaluation of Flexible Filaments (with X60!). Flexion eliminates the typical troubles you encounter if you print flexible filament: jamming, buckling, and oozing. Read on to seek out a few tricks to optimize your settings and generate perfect prints along with your flexible filament.
Computer software Settings
Here’s an example of your extrusion settings we use with a soft TPU like Ninjaflex (about 85 Shore A). These settings are valid for speeds up to 60mm/s. A number of items to note:
The extrusion multiplier above 1.0 - when the drive roller and idler squeeze the filament, they correctly decrease the diameter from the filament. This demands extra extrusion. As you raise tension you could possibly have to enhance extrusion too.
Extrusion width lower than the nozzle diameter - this aids create gap-free upper layers. However, it can also make overhangs difficult. You will must balance these things to optimize your own personal prints.
Retract high and quickly - this keeps the nozzle from oozing and makes clean prints. Longer drive paths (Bowden drive, E3D hotend, Mk11 extruder), may perhaps require even longer retractions.
We suggest that you simply enhance outline overlap above 75% to make sure a great connection among outlines and infill. Other settings will be comparable to what you use for other materials.
Hardware Settings
Initially, adjust tension. Hold the filament amongst your fingers and load filament., then turn the adjust screw to maximize the pull-force on the filament. Most printers have a function to load filament automatically. If yours doesn't, then attempt this load/unload “print”.
The photo under depicts two identical prints (one nevertheless has support material attached). The print on the left was made with a perfectly-functioning Flexion extruder. The one on the ideal had a tiny hardware challenge that brought on pressure buildup and “blobbing”.
So the way to fix this issue?
Blobs/strings/pressure buildup - when the barrel (see the exploded view for portion name reference) isn't pushed each of the way up in to the mounting block, then the PTFE will be in a position to float among the nip point along with the nozzle, permitting the accumulation of material among the PTFE along with the nozzle. This can be a trouble which can manifest over time. You could possibly get some number of “good” prints ahead of seeing this effect. The ideal way to fix it can be to disassemble your hotend, eliminate any material, and reassemble. Assure that the barrel is seated on its shoulder against the bottom of your mounting block. Ensure to tighten the nozzle when it's at temperature to obtain a very good seal.
Bumpy surfaces/inconsistent extrusion - this could be attributable to terrible settings. Before you consider hardware troubles, adjust temperature and extrusion up and down. If that doesn’t assist, you may have an under-powered extruder motor. This could “cog” toward a steady magnetic position when it ought to be micro-stepping, causing visible locations of over- and under-extrusion. To operate the Flexion, we advise a minimum of 250N-mm of torque. Most Nema17 motors achieve this, but some drivers do not provide enough current. This occurs most normally on Wanhao (and related) printers, particularly 1 batch that shipped in early 2017. To adjust present, adhere to the guide here. You may also find replacement motors on Amazon.
Design and style Considerations
Listed here are some speedy tricks to optimize prints for flexible filament:
Maintain overhangs at 40° or less
Design and style in peelable assistance wherever doable (see Ninjaflex Support Material here)
Use slicer-generated support and eliminate with side-cutters. This operates far better than you may visualize
We hope this helps you print flexible filament together with the Flexion Extruder. In case you have any queries, we're normally here to answer them! Just send a message by way of our get in touch with kind.