TPU Filament Made for Nylon-Like Quality: Evaluating Performance on CC3D's 72D TPU Printer
New TPU Filament from CC3D Showcases Unique Properties
A new addition to the FDM filaments market, the CC3D 72D TPU filament, has been making waves due to its unique characteristics and performance. In a comparison with Bambu Lab's 68D TPU for AMS, these two filaments exhibit distinct print characteristics and performance profiles.
Print Characteristics and Settings
The CC3D 72D TPU filament, with a Shore hardness scale D rating of 72, is significantly harder than typical TPU filaments rated on the Shore A scale. This "nylon-like" filament is very bendable but not stretchable, performing similarly to polyamide (nylon) filaments. The recommended print temperature is 225–245°C. Successful printing results were achieved with generic TPU settings at about 240°C combined with nylon-specific tweaks on a Bambu Lab X-1 Carbon. Initially, the filament was prone to warping and spaghetti-like extrusion when using generic TPU settings, indicating a need for adjusted print settings closer to nylon filaments. The 72D TPU is hydrophilic, requiring moisture control in storage.
Bambu Lab's 68D TPU for AMS, on the other hand, has a Shore hardness D rating of 68 and is designed specifically for AMS (Automated Material System). It is less prone to permanent deformation compared to the 72D TPU, making it easier to print with typical TPU settings without the need for significant nylon-specific adjustments.
Performance and Resistance to Abrasion
The CC3D 72D TPU exhibits much higher abrasion and wear resistance than standard PLA and even some flexible filaments, making it suitable for high-wear applications. It tends to suffer from permanent deformation under stress but still maintains mechanical integrity due to its hardness. Despite claims or confusion over compositional blends, the 72D TPU appears to be pure TPU, without added polyamide.
Bambu Lab's 68D TPU, on the other hand, demonstrates better resistance to permanent deformation compared to the 72D TPU, allowing for more flexibility and resilience under repeated stress. It is suitable for functional prints requiring some flexibility and moderate wear resistance.
Summary Comparison
| Feature | CC3D 72D TPU | Bambu Lab 68D TPU for AMS | |------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Shore Hardness | 72D (harder, nylon-like) | 68D (slightly softer) | | Print Temperature | 225–245°C with nylon-like tweaks | Standard TPU settings (~240°C) | | Print Difficulty | More challenging; prone to warping | Easier to print with TPU profiles | | Flexibility | Bendable but not stretchable | More flexible, less deformation | | Abrasion Resistance | Higher abrasion resistance | Moderate abrasion resistance | | Permanent Deformation | More permanent deformation | Less permanent deformation | | Composition | Pure TPU (possible mix claims) | Pure TPU | | Recommended Use | Applications needing durability, wear resistance | Applications needing flexibility and durability |
In conclusion, the CC3D 72D TPU is a tougher, harder, and more abrasion-resistant filament, requiring careful print settings closer to nylon to avoid warping, making it suitable for durable, wear-intensive parts. Meanwhile, Bambu Lab's 68D TPU is easier to print and better at resisting deformation under repeated use, ideal for flexible functional components in the AMS system.
[1] Bambu Lab 68D TPU for AMS product page: https://www.bambulab.com/products/tpu-68d-for-ams [2] CC3D 72D TPU product page: https://www.cc3d.com/products/72d-tpu [3] Comparison between CC3D 72D TPU and Bambu Lab's 68D TPU for AMS: https://all3dp.com/2/cc3d-72d-tpu-vs-bambu-lab-68d-tpu-for-ams-comparison/
Technology plays a crucial role in the printing process of both the CC3D 72D TPU and Bambu Lab's 68D TPU, as advanced settings and machinery are employed to achieve optimal results.
The unique technology behind the CC3D 72D TPU allows it to exhibit higher abrasion and wear resistance compared to standard PLA and some flexible filaments, making it suitable for high-wear applications.
