Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Calibration Cubes with Time Chart

Purpose: These calibration cubes are specifically designed to help you dial in settings for TPE filament. Whether you’re testing extrusion, temperature, or layer adhesion, these cubes provide a consistent framework for experimentation. Plus, the included time chart gives you an accurate estimate of print times at various cube sizes.

********For a more complex model, check out @FTrap2030_1877070's work. I'm focusing on statistical modeling for this project: TPU Test Model.

 

Sizes Included:

10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and beyond (scale as needed).

Time Chart: A reference guide is included for expected print durations, tested with a Bambu Lab P1S at specific settings.

Recommended Settings:

Printer: Any FDM printer capable of handling flexible filaments.

Filament: eSUN TPE (http://bit.ly/3C8cwts)

Print Speed: 20-40 mm/s.

Layer Height: 0.2 mm.

Infill: 10% gyroid for flexibility.

Nozzle Temperature: 230-250°C.

Bed Temperature: 50-60°C.

Retraction: Adjust minimally for flexible filaments.

Wall Line Count: Increase the number of wall lines to enhance the strength and quality of your prints. A higher wall line count ensures better durability and structure for flexible filaments.

Why Use These Cubes?

Experimentation: Quickly test how settings like flow rate, speed, and temperature affect your prints.

Stretchy Filament Behavior: These cubes are ideal for understanding the unique properties of TPE and troubleshooting issues like under-extrusion or layer separation.

Reference Times: The time chart helps you plan your prints, especially for larger cubes. Please note that these print times are semi-theoretical, based on slicer outputs, and actual results may vary depending on your specific printer and settings.

Scalable Files: Both the 100 mm cube and the 1 mm cube can be easily scaled to any size within your slicer, giving you flexibility to create custom calibration sizes based on your needs.

Keep Failing Until You Try: This project embraces the spirit of experimentation—your failures will lead to success.

Disclaimer: This description was written with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) to provide clarity and professionalism.

Included Files

3MF files for 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, and customizable versions.

3MF files for 100 mm cube and 1 mm cube, both of which can be scaled as needed.

3MF file for Bambu Studio containing all cubes

Time chart (PDF or included in description).

This document, outlining the purpose, instructions, and recommended settings, is also included for reference.

Link to Onshape files: Onshape Calibration Cubes

Instructions

Start with the 10 mm cube: Use it to confirm your settings are dialed in before moving on to larger sizes.

Check the Time Chart: Plan your prints based on expected durations.

Fine-Tune Settings: Test extrusion multiplier, nozzle temperature, and print speed based on results.

Adjust Wall Line Count: Increase the number of wall lines to enhance print strength and quality.

Scale as Needed: Use the 100 mm or 1 mm cube as a base file and scale it to any desired size within your slicer.

Document Results: Keep notes on what worked best for your filament and setup.

Attribution

Designed by Cliff. Inspired by the joy of experimentation and the chaos that leads to learning. Description created with the help of AI for precision and clarity.

Follow me on Instagram: @cliff_prints

Tags

TPE Filament

Calibration Cubes

3D Printing

Flexible Filament

3D Printer Settings

Onshape Files

eSUN Filament

3D Print Testing

Maker Tools

3D Print Calibration