Embrace the bend: unleash creativity with ultra-flexible 3D printer filaments
The field of 3D printing has long moved beyond rigid geometries produced from basic PLA or ABS. As printers evolve, so do materials, pushing the limits of additive manufacturing. The most exciting frontiers include Super flexible filament. These remarkable materials transform prints from static objects into dynamic, functional components capable of bending, stretching, absorbing impact and mimicking the properties of rubber or soft tissue. This opens the door to applications previously unimaginable with conventional filaments.
Uncovering the secrets of super flexibility
Unlike standard filaments, super flexible filaments are mainly Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) family, with Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is the most widely used variant. Their magic lies in their polymer structure—long chains with alternating hard and soft segments. The hard segments provide a certain structural integrity, while the soft segments allow for significant molecular motion under pressure, conferring superior elasticity.
We measure softness using Shore hardness scale ("one" Limescale is common with elastomers). Standard TPU filament might hover around Shore 95A (similar to car tire tread), but extremist– Flexible filaments go into softer areas:
- Shaw 85A-90A: Flexible yet with noticeable rebound and remarkable durability.
- Shaw 70A-80A: Soft, pliable, and feels similar to a pencil eraser. High flexibility.
- Shore hardness <60A (such as 55A, 45A): exception
