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TPC 45D Ultrafuse
The Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament belongs to the BASF Ultrafuse portfolio of flexible filaments. Like all Ultrafuse filaments, it is manufactured on state-of-the-art computer-controlled machinery, which ensures consistent filament diameter, properties and color between batches. The Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament is a rubber-like elastomer and has a Shore hardness of 45D. One of its most interesting properties is that it has a reduced carbon footprint (50% lower than comparable co-polyesters) since it is derived from rapeseed oil.
The Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament combines the best properties of elastomers (rubbers) and polyesters. It is characterized by Improved elastic performance and excellent adhesion in the Z-direction, which is a rare feature among polymers. This means that the 3D printed layers do not detach even with extreme deformation. Furthermore, TPC performs very well mechanically at low temperatures, and is chemically resistant and durable.
These properties make the Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament suitable for the manufacturing of prototypes and tools, but also end use parts that have to be extremely flexible and maintain their mechanical properties when compressed, stretched and bent often. Some great examples would be miniature tires, bumpers (energy absorbing components), hoses and tubes, air ducts, wearable or medical devices, footwear, protective covers for moving parts, or parts that need to have a surface soft to the touch (robotic arms).
The manufacturer recommends using the following printing parameters and methods with the Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament in order to achieve best results: nozzle temperature of 220-240 ºC (best 230-250 ºC), bed temperature of 20-60 ºC (best 0-30 ºC), printing speed set to 20-50 mm/s (best 30-40 mm/s), and flow set to 125-150 %, depending on the 3D printer used. The recommended extrusion system to use with the Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament is a direct drive extruder. Indirect drive extruders are prone to clogging or inconsistent throughput with flexible filaments.
BASF also recommends keeping the nozzle very close to the printing bed. They achieve it by first doing standard bed leveling and then adding Kapton tape on top of the printing surface, thus decreasing the space between the bed surface and the nozzle slightly. It is also recommended to use PP adhesive or Magigoo Flex to help adhesion and use the “brim” setting in the slicing software to ensure a good adhesion of the first layer to the printing surface.
The Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament should be stored in dry conditions at all times - before, during and after printing. A good way to store the filament is in its original packaging, with a filament drying capsule, or in a vacuum sealed bag. An intelligent filament container can also be used to protect the filament from humidity. During printing, the spool can be placed in the Fiber Three filament drying case or an inline filament dryer. If the Ultrafuse TPC 45D filament absorbs excess moisture (which manifests in, among others, oozing, bubbles, sizzling and surface imperfections on the part), it should be dried at 60 °C in a hot air dryer or vacuum oven for 4 to 16 hours.
Flexible rubber-like TPC filament with excellent interlayer adhesion in the z-direction.