Conductive Flexible TPU Filament

This filament has been designed for use with prints intended for operation at room temperature and for use only in low voltage and low current projects. It can´t exceed 12 volts and the use of the filament for the supply of energy exceeding 100 mA should be avoided. The value of a resistance is directly proportional to the length of the conductor and inversely proportional to the section thereof. The resistivity of one meter of filament of 1.75mm of diameter is of approximately 5 kΩ.

The possible contamination of the conductive filament such as dirt from the hands or dust from the environment should be avoided as much as possible. To do this, it is recommended to treat the filament with gloves and to use the filament cleaner. A nozzle is recommended for the printing of conductive flexible filament of at least 0.4 mm.

Conductive flexible TPU filament tends to adhere to the brass nozzles so it is recommended to clean the outer surface of the nozzle before printing with oil or lubricant to decrease the buildup of material on the outside of the nozzle during print.

Conductive flexible TPU filament 1.75mm must be stored in a dry place away from dust and other particles. The user should avoid prolonged exposure to moisture. The nozzle of the 3D printer should always be washed before and after using the filament to avoid complications in printing. It is important to wash your hands before and after using this filament to avoid contaminating it.

TPU conductive material has a tendency to adhere to the brass printer nozzle. Therefore, we recommend cleaning the outer surface of the nozzle before printing with any technical or domestic oil to decrease buildup of material in the nozzle during printing. The surface of the filament has been pretreated with a special additive (non-toxic) and may feel slightly oily to the touch, however, the printed objects will have a dry and matte (non-oily) finish.

The intrinsic properties of the conductive TPU filament are such that it shouldn´t be left inactive in the 3D printer extruder (while not printing) as it can expand and cause nozzle clogging. Therefore, after printing, remove the filament as soon as possible from the extruder. In addition, it is very important to print at the recommended temperature (220 °C) since, if printed at 180-190 °C, the viscosity of the melt won´t  be optimal, which will expand and obstruct the nozzle and, if printed at 250 °C, a partial degradation together with a substantial aggregation of nanomaterials also producing nozzle clogging.

On the other hand it is also very important to have perfectly the base of the 3D printer because otherwise a significant amount will accumulate on the external surface of the nozzle, which when solidified will obstruct the flow of the melt. Therefore the external surface of the alcohol-cooled nozzle should be cleaned if this happens.

In the event of complete blockage of the nozzle in order to unclog it, try to heat it to 200 °C and with a copper wire to unclog it, or attempt to melt ABS or PLA (rigid filaments) to draw the obstructing material, or immerse it in acetone, etc. If you can´t unclog it, you will need to replace the nozzle with a new one. To avoid this you must take into account all the above advice.

* The typical values detailed in this table should be considered as a reference. Actual values may vary depending on the 3D printer model used, part design and printing conditions. We recommend confirming the results and final properties with own tests. For more information you should consult the technical data sheet of the product.

⁽¹⁾ The TPU Flexible Conductive Filament was tested using a direct-drive extruder. The TPU flexible conductive filament is not guaranteed to be compatible with indirectly operated 3D printers, such as Delta models. Avoid leaving the filament in a heated nozzle for an extended period of time. (When the 3D printer is inactive).

⁽²⁾ TPU Flexible Conductive Filament is not toxic if used as intended. However, users should work in well-ventilated areas, wash their hands before and after using the material and not ingest it or put it in contact with the eyes, food or drinks.