Semi flexible TPE bowden extruder modification

thingiverse

Printing with TPE on a bowden is no longer a challenge. The compact bowden extruder modification allows the rubber filament to flow smoothly into the feeding hole without twisting out of place. I used a 45D hardness semi-flexible TPE rubber filament, 1.7mm in thickness. To print successfully, you need to drill open the feeding hole with a 1.5mm or 2mm drill after completing the part. The feeding hole must be smooth and perfectly aligned with the pulley. Printing speed is limited to approximately 2cm/s, but if your extruder is dirty or old, you'll achieve better results at 5mm/s. The filament temperature should be set to 240'C. Ensure that the bowden tube has no sharp kinks or bends. Smoothing out the path to the hotend as much as possible is key to success. Don't overfeed; measure the actual feed length for a 100mm feed and adjust your speed accordingly. Rubber parts must be printed solid. I found that an infill density of 95% is sufficient, allowing excess filament to find its way into the part. A crucial note: flexible filaments cannot retract. Switch off retraction to avoid issues. If you need help or have questions, feel free to reach out and share your experiences.