This profile is designed for printing MatterHackers Build Series TPU 95A filament on the Prusa MK4 using PrusaSlicer. It is intended for makers and engineers who need reliable, high-quality results with flexible TPU on a direct drive system. The settings focus on achieving strong, elastic prints with consistent layer adhesion and minimal print failures, making it ideal for functional parts where durability and flexibility are critical.
The tuning behind this profile is based on the unique requirements of TPU filament. By setting retraction to zero, the risk of filament jams and stringing is minimized, which is essential for flexible materials. The print speed is capped at 35 mm/s to ensure precise extrusion and optimal bonding between layers. A nozzle temperature of 220 °C is chosen to provide good flow and layer adhesion without overheating the filament. These settings are specifically tailored for the Prusa MK4’s direct drive extruder, which handles flexible filaments more effectively than Bowden setups.
Zero Retraction: Retraction is disabled to prevent filament stretching and clogging, which are common issues with TPU. This helps maintain smooth extrusion and reduces the risk of print failures.
Print Speed: The maximum print speed is set to 35 mm/s. Printing slowly is crucial for flexible filaments to ensure accurate deposition and strong layer bonding.
Nozzle Temperature: The nozzle is set to 220 °C, which is optimal for MatterHackers TPU 95A. This temperature ensures the filament flows well and adheres properly between layers.
Layer Height and Quality: The profile uses a standard 0.2 mm layer height, balancing print quality and speed for most functional TPU parts.
Infill and Walls: Light infill (~15%) is used to maintain flexibility while providing enough internal support. Two perimeters (walls) offer a good compromise between strength and print time.
Bed Adhesion: A skirt is used for bed adhesion, which helps prime the nozzle and reduce the risk of warping without making removal difficult.