FLEX FOAM TPU Expandable Filament SMARTFIL

FEATURES – SMARTFIL® FLEX FOAM EXPANDABLE TPU FILAMENT

• Type: Expandable foam-like filament
• Material: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
• Printing temperature: 220–250 °C
• Recommended flow: 40–60% (adjustable)
• Recommended speed: 20–30 mm/s (optimal for expansion control)
• Diameter: 1.75 mm
• Bed temperature: 0–50 °C
• Fan: 60–80% (for best surface finish)
• Adjustable hardness: Shore A 60–95 (based on settings)

💡 WHAT MAKES FLEX FOAM UNIQUE?

SMARTFIL® FLEX FOAM enables the printing of flexible, lightweight, and durable parts with a foam-like texture. By adjusting temperature and flow, you can control the final density and weight, achieving results that traditional filaments can't offer.

✔️ With proper settings, you can reduce part weight by up to 65% without losing volume or dimensional accuracy.

📦 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

• ✔️ Flexible seals and gaskets
• ✔️ Shock absorbers, dampers, anti-vibration parts
• ✔️ Footwear components: soles, insoles, midsoles
• ✔️ Ergonomic handles, grips, tool inserts
• ✔️ Lightweight parts for drones, robotics, automotive
• ✔️ Sports gear and soft protective elements

🛠️ QUICK FLEX FOAM PRINTING GUIDE

1. Set nozzle temperature between 220–250 °C. Higher temperature = more expansion.
2. Reduce flow to 40–60% to balance the expanded volume.
3. Print slowly: 20–30 mm/s for best control.
4. Enable part cooling fan at 60–80% for matte surface finish.
5. Run test prints (e.g., calibration cubes) to adjust settings as needed.

🎯 CREATEC 3D EXPERT TIPS

✅ Ideal for technical parts that need impact absorption without added weight. Thanks to its foam-like expansion, you’ll achieve unique results combining strength, elasticity, and visual appeal.

🧠 Recommended for Direct Drive extruders and nozzles ≥ 0.4 mm. Closed chamber not required.

🌍 BENEFITS FOR YOUR PROJECTS

• ♻️ Lower material usage
• 🚀 Shorter print times
• 💸 Reduced costs without sacrificing function
• ✨ Professional matte finish with technical look

📥 DOWNLOAD PRINTING GUIDE

Official PDF guide: FLEX FOAM Printing Guide (PDF)

📊 PRINTING PARAMETERS TABLE

📘 STEP-BY-STEP PRINTING GUIDE (OFFICIAL)

🔧 Basic rule: The higher the temperature, the greater the expansion. Reduce flow to avoid over-extrusion.

1. Prepare the printer

• Clean nozzle and extruder from previous materials.
• Insert FLEX FOAM and load manually.
• Do not use multicolor systems to avoid inconsistent extrusion.

2. Set up the bed

• Use 40–60 °C heated bed if possible.
• Use blue tape, glue stick, or adhesive spray if adhesion is weak.

3. Set nozzle temperature

• Start at 230 °C and adjust as needed.
• Higher temperatures lead to more expansion.

4. Adjust flow rate

• Begin with 60% flow.
• If parts are over-inflated → reduce flow to 50%.
• If fragile or under-extruded → increase to 70%.

5. Print speed

• Recommended: 30–60 mm/s
• Beginners should print slowly for better control.

6. Cooling

• Set cooling fan to 100% for consistent results.

7. Test & fine-tune

• Print a calibration cube and adjust flow + temperature as needed.

✅ RESULTS AND ADVANTAGES

• Up to 65% lighter parts compared to regular TPU
• Unique matte and rough finish
• Shock absorption and impact resistance
• Adjustable flexibility (Shore A 60–95)
• Material savings and reduced print times
• Prevents warping in large parts

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• Is this filament compatible with all printers?
  Yes, compatible with most FDM printers that support TPU. Direct drive extruders are recommended.
• Can I use it without a heated bed?
  Yes, but a 40–60 °C bed improves adhesion.
• Why are my parts over-inflated?
  This means flow is too high. Lower it to 50% or less.
• Do I need to use a cooling fan?
  Yes. Set part cooling to 100% for best surface quality.
• What happens if I don’t adjust the flow?
  You may get over-extrusion, swollen parts or dimensional issues.