June 5: Use TPU-Specific Settings When Printing Flexible Filament

Introduction

TPU is flexible but tricky—if you use standard PLA settings, it may jam, print inconsistently, or under-extrude. Proper TPU printing settings help avoid frustration and ensure smooth TPU prints.

Why This Matters

Flexible filaments behave differently than rigid plastics. They need low-speed printing, proper extrusion control, and adjusted retraction settings to prevent failures.

How to Apply This Tip

✅ Reduce print speed to 20–30 mm/s for accuracy.

✅ Use a direct drive extruder—Bowden setups struggle with TPU flexibility.

✅ Disable retraction—reduces filament jams and ensures smooth flow.

✅ Slicer Settings: In Cura or PrusaSlicer, switch profile to TPU mode or manually adjust speed & extrusion flow.