NinjaFlex TPU Filament (Print Settings, Material Properties & 3D Printers)

NinjaFlex is an advanced 3D printer filament made from a specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that allows you to print flexible products with resilient properties. The material is made from patented technology that ensures smooth, clean, high quality printed objects.

NinjaFlex TPU Filament (Print Settings, Material Properties & 3D Printers) 1
NinjaFlex Black TPU Filament

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Best 3D Printers for NinjaFlex

The best 3D printers for NinjaFlex are:

  • Printers using FDM technology
  • Printers using 1.75mm. or 3mm. threads
  • Printers that can use different types of filaments, such as ABS and PLA.

NinjaFlex Material Properties

Here are the common peculiarities about NinjaFlex materials:

  • The edge hardness of the thread is about 85A, according to the Shore method
  • The material has consistent diameter and properties, which ensure reliable, high-quality prints
  • Made using patented technology that ensures smooth material flow
  • Works at low temperatures, ensuring a smooth supply of threads and their gluing
  • Has high elasticity and excellent abrasion resistance
  • Excellent adhesion properties between layers;
  • Complies with REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) 2002/95 / EC directives ;
  • 1.75 mm thread is available in 0.5 kg spools
  • 3.00 mm thread is available in 0.75 kg spools.
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NinjaFlex Sapphire (Blue) TPU Filament

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NinjaFlex Print Settings

The recommended NinjaFlex print settings are as follows:

  • Extruder temperature: 210 – 225°C
  • Printbed temperature: 20 – 50°C
  • Print speed: 30 mm/sec.

NinjaFlex TPU FAQs

Will NinjaFlex work with my 3D printer?

NinjaFlex has been successfully used on many 3D printers (MakerBot Replicator 1, Replicator 2, Replicator 2x, MendelMax, RepRap, Ordbot, Airwolf). The material was not initially adapted to any particular model.

Generally, NinjaFlex TPU is best suited for a direct drive printer with settings similar to those used for printing with standard ABS plastics.

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NinjaFlex Green TPU Filament

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Will NinjaFlex Work With a Bowden Extruder?

The Bowden extruder is not ideal for printing flexible filament such as NinjaFlex due to the long distance between the stepper motor and the extruder head. However, some users have learned to successfully extrude at low speeds. Read this guide.

I Cannot Refeed NinjaFlex. What Do You Suggest?

For proper feeding, flexible filaments such as NinjaFlex require a spring loaded roller bearing feeder. In addition, the extruder must support filament operation between the drive outlet and the inlet to the melting chamber.

Image 1 below shows an example of a correct printer head configuration.

Image 2 shows the printer head without filament support. In this case, the flexible filaments will bend when compressed and cause plugging of the extruder.

Image 3 shows an extruder using a plastic piston to create compressive force. This arrangement creates too much friction on the flexible filament to print reliably.

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Will NinjaFlex Pass Through Plastic Guide Tubes?

The low surface friction coefficient of NinjaFlex was once developed to reduce surface friction and allow filament to pass more easily. Consider using PTFE tubing to further reduce the load on the extruder.

What Printer Settings Need to be Adjusted for NinjaFlex?

The operating temperatures of NinjaFlex are similar to those of an extruder for ABS plastic. However, changing the printer settings can improve the print quality. For example, it may also be necessary to reduce the print speed to about 15 mm/sec to 30mm/sec to get the best results

Should I Use Scotch Tape or Hairspray for Better Adhesion?

NinjaFlex adheres to most surfaces (including aluminum and glass). Therefore, no coating is required on the work surface. Kapton tapes can be used with NinjaFlex. However, the adhesion of the printed parts to the tape can be stronger than the adhesive holds the tape to the work surface.

The recommended maximum temperature for finished NinjaFlex objects is 66°C.

The recommended minimum temperature for printed parts from NinjaFlex is -22°C. Below this temperature, the parts will become more fragile and may break.

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NinjaFlex Gray TPU Filament

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What is the Temperature of the Build Plate for Normal NinjaFlex Printing?

Each printer has its own unique settings. Most printers do not need to heat the plate to print successfully with the NinjaFlex.

My Printer Emits Jets of Plastic When It Heats Up. What Can I Do to Improve the Quality?

This problem occurs on all printers using FDM technology. The plastic material cannot instantly solidify when the printing is turned ON/OFF. There are several factors that lead to this: extruder temperature, build plate temperature, ambient temperature, and filament pull/push settings.

When the molten filament exits the extruder, it must have enough energy to re-melt the previous existing layer of the product surface (to ensure adequate adhesion). The colder the environment, the working platform, and the starting temperature of the filament, the faster it will solidify.

If the temperature is not controlled, when turning ON/OFF, the thread size (thread feed) can be increased. For 1.75mm threads, overshoot of 2-3mm is acceptable.

Can NinjaFlex be Used as Support Material?

Yes, NinjaFlex can act as a support material that is easily removed after printing is complete.

What General Tips Do You Have Before Starting to Print NinjaFlex?

When changing from one filament (e.g, ABS or PLA) to NinjaFlex, thoroughly clean the extruder before printing. As with other media, use lower temperatures (~180-200°C) when preheating the extruder to prevent excess media from being “blown out” before printing.

Are There Any Safety Concerns When Using NinjaFlex?

NinjaFlex should be printed in a well-ventilated area according to the recommended operating conditions. TPE products can emitting odors at high temperatures. Although these odors are generally tolerable and less harmful than those emitted by ABS plastic, this fact should be taken into account.

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NinjaFlex Red TPU Filament

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Is NinjaFlex Able to Handle Any Pairing?

Yes, NinjaFlex behaves similarly to ABS. Therefore it can be used in models designed for ABS plastic.

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