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Flexible Filament Material Sugestions For 3D Printing Tires


ElectricJosh

Hello All,

I have been struggling recently to find off the shelf wheels for my various RC and robotics projects especially where it comes to coupling each one to a motor shaft. All of the hobbyist solutions are not sturdy enough and I don’t have the budget for anything more commercial/industrial.

I thought about printing my own rims but I wasn’t sure how to make a custom rubber tyre to go around it. It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that there are flexible filaments that simulate the properties of soft rubber-based substances so I am able to print the tyres as well… brilliant!

I have done a bit of Google searching, read some articles and I have narrowed it down to a few options but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these materials, how easy they are to use and what everyone has used them for?

I have found a few good options on RS but I am not sure what is fit for my specific purposes.

Flex45

Quoted as “rubber replacing filament” TPC, strong and very flexible, resilient to lots of things, better for the environment.

PP (Polypropylene)

Easy to print, high stretch ability, chemical/fatigue resistant, suggested uses are living hinges and snap-fit fasteners, cost-effective.

TPU-98A

High flexibility with an excellent elastic limit, no heated bed required, prints easy, resistant to oils and grease, watertight (good for gaskets and O-rings), used for insoles, prosthetics and vibration damping.

 

Is anyone able to shine some light on this please?

Thank you.

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