Quality
The finish and level of detail on a model, say between 0.1 mm and 0.25mm per layer, could be the difference of a 1 hour and 5 minutes print job to one that takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. To save you having to reprint a model multiple times, run a quick test print with the different settings prior to committing to your project. Print something like a small 20mm cube can help with fine-tuning print settings and can be used as a reference guide.
Usability
Once you’ve finished printing your epic print and go to use it as what it was intended for, you may find that sometimes it’s not exactly what you expect. With flexible filament, this is definitely one of those cases. When looking for a filament best fit for an application, look for one that has been tested using a shore durometer test, this will allow for a real world comparison as to how flexible/strong the filament is.
Choosing the best filament
When choosing a flexible filament I first purchased one from a few different companies:
- Cheetch from Ninjatek
- Rubber-like from 3D printing systems
- F43 tough from Fore front filaments
- TPU solid orange from Flex force
- Polyester natural from 3D printing systems
F43 Tough
Usability: 3
Printability: 4
Quality: 3
Opinion: This filament was a good diameter at 1.75mm which was consistent but the filament had would not stick to anything other than the adhesive sheets that come from the manufacturer.The filament also didn’t print with support very well
Polyester
Usability: 5
Printability: 5
Quality: 5
Opinion: This filament had consistent diameters of 1.7mm, filament was easy to print with, I was able to print with support and the raft removed easily.
RubberLike
Usability: 4
Printability: 5
Quality: 4
Opinion: This filament had a good diameter at 1.7mm which was consistent but the model needs to be printed raftless.
Flex Force TPU
Usability: 3
Printability: 3
Quality: 4
Opinion: This filament had inconsistent diameters with values ranging from 1.3-1.6mm which made for a very inconsistent print. The filament also didn’t print with support very well
Cheetch
Usability: 3
Printability: 3
Quality: 4
Opinion: This filament had a consistent diameters with 1.4mm which made for a very inconsistent print. The filament also didn’t print with support very well
Overall, I believe after taking into consideration the printablitiy, usability and the quality that the best one to use as an all-rounder filament is ….
Polyester
