<p>To also validate the first answer, I have been printing with TPU95A for a number of years and it has been one of the most reliable materials to use. The strength of the product alongside the flex makes it a test and production based outcome with fewer issues. My printer for the most part of this experience was the Ultimaker 2+ that has a similar set up to the UM3 with a more traditional hot end.</p>

<p>Cautions: Some older material profiles have the heatbed at 60c. I have always had better outcomes from room temp (no heat on the bed). </p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-11T05:32:36.630Z
Hrm. Interesting anecdotes.
ifconfig
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-11T05:12:16.660Z
2018-10-11T05:12:16.660Z
Brebinator
<p>As a user of an UM3E, which uses Bowden tubes and has TPU as an available material, I can tell you that the kinking issues can be alleviated or downright avoided. </p>

<p>I've printed quite a few things with the Ultimaker-brand TPU 95, and never had problems with kinking in the tube. </p>

<p>Ultimaker uses 2.85 mm filament, with Bowden tubes adapted for those and a rear motor, i.e. the motor is on the back on the printer and not right on top of the print head.</p>

<p>I personally wouldn't consider Nylon as one of the really flexible material, but that's my opinion. Never had kinking in the Bowden tube with Nylon either in my UM3E.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-07T07:17:10.417Z
2018-10-07T20:37:27.473Z
2018-10-07T20:37:27.473Z
Sava
<p>Other than the most obvious issue with the filament kinking in the tube, what other issues could arise when trying to print flexibles (<em>i.e. TPU/TPE, Nylon, etc.</em>) with a Bowden style extruder setup? </p>

<p>Can the kinking issue be alleviated by a well-constrained filament path (<em>proper ID</em>) in a properly sized Bowden tube?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-10-11T06:25:00.300Z
nylon is not a "flexible" filament in the sense, it is a somewhat flexible "hard" filament
Trish
<bowden><nylon><flexible><tpu><tpe>
What are the limiting factors when trying to print flexible filaments with a Bowden extruder setup?
ifconfig
# What are the limiting factors when trying to print flexible filaments with a Bowden extruder setup?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-10-07)

Other than the most obvious issue with the filament kinking in the tube, what other issues could arise when trying to print flexibles (*i.e. TPU/TPE, Nylon, etc.*) with a Bowden style extruder setup?

Can the kinking issue be alleviated by a well-constrained filament path (*proper ID*) in a properly sized Bowden tube?

**Tags:** bowden, nylon, flexible, tpu, tpe

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: nylon is not a "flexible" filament in the sense, it is a somewhat flexible "hard" filament  

---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2018-10-07. Score: 5 | Accepted answer

As a user of an UM3E, which uses Bowden tubes and has TPU as an available material, I can tell you that the kinking issues can be alleviated or downright avoided.

I've printed quite a few things with the Ultimaker-brand TPU 95, and never had problems with kinking in the tube.

Ultimaker uses 2.85 mm filament, with Bowden tubes adapted for those and a rear motor, i.e. the motor is on the back on the printer and not right on top of the print head.

I personally wouldn't consider Nylon as one of the really flexible material, but that's my opinion. Never had kinking in the Bowden tube with Nylon either in my UM3E.


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-10-11. Score: 3

To also validate the first answer, I have been printing with TPU95A for a number of years and it has been one of the most reliable materials to use. The strength of the product alongside the flex makes it a test and production based outcome with fewer issues. My printer for the most part of this experience was the Ultimaker 2+ that has a similar set up to the UM3 with a more traditional hot end.

Cautions: Some older material profiles have the heatbed at 60c. I have always had better outcomes from room temp (no heat on the bed).

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Hrm. Interesting anecdotes.  

---

