TPU (Into the Unknown)

Well that’s me off in to unfamiliar territory, just started a print of a vintage motor bike speedo back cover in TPU. Original rubber cover has perished and my friend has been unable to source a new one, so he’s produced an STL file for me to have a go at printing one. Wish me luck :grin:

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Good luck!

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Cheers @PingSpike If this turns out OK on the first attempt I’ll be amazed, consensus out there is that TPU can be a right royal pain.

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Don’t believe everything on the Internet. The internet told me that printing TPU on a bowden printer wasn’t a good idea. I ignored it and tried it on my ender3 and using my standard PLA print settings only adjusting the temperature to suit TPU and it prints flawlessly :+1:t2:

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Based on what I’ve read regarding TPU settings the changes I’ve made are:-

  1. Print speed reduced it to 15mm/s for the first layer and 20mm/s for the rest of the print (the K1C standard speed is way too high for TPU).

  2. Hot end 235 degrees.

  3. Bed temp 50 degrees using a textured build plate with a layer of “PrimaCreator FIX” adhesive to aid in releasing the print once cooled.

  4. Model cooling fan switched off.

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My settings

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My suggestion is to pop the TPU in a dryer as you print (or print immediately after removal) for the best surface finish and to prevent stringing.

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Run one of these alongside my K1C

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That’s the first print finished, doesn’t look too bad. Just hope my mate got his dimensions right and it fits. . . . . :crossed_fingers:

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My mate bought the instrument cluster round and the cover is a perfect fit on the back of the speedo :partying_face: :partying_face:

Now printing off the remain 2 covers (1 for the back of the tacho and 1 for the back of the head lamp). They are for a mid 70’s Yamaha Motorbike. Original covers (grommets) that haven’t gone hard and shrunk are impossible to find.

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