Flexible tubes

Almost two months ago during the TCT Show we launched our brand new semi flexible nGen_FLEX filament. With a Shore A hardness of 95 and the high glass temperature of 120+ degrees C this is a truly functional 3D printing filament. For today’s featured print we custom designed tubes that needed a certain flexibility.

nGen_FLEX is our first foray in flexible filaments. We aimed for a more functional, semi-flexible filament. The first reactions after launching were unanimously positive and we have seen fantastic prints with nGen_FLEX in the wild ever since.

These tubes were printed on an Ultimaker 2+ on 0.16mm layer height., proving once again that nGen_FLEX can easily be printed on printers working with a Bowden tube.

Printing multiple tubes at once with connecting sections enables us to print the full height of the printer without becoming to flexible to properly print. These tubes are 190mm long and are connected by a single wall thickness of 0,4mm to create the stiffness. After printing these connectors can be easily cut away with a hobby knife.

With an outer diameter of 6mm these tubes are compatible with regular tubing of the same size. Its 2 perimeter thickness ensures a watertight print whilst remaining flexible enough to use in a variaty of applications.

These tubes will be part of a bigger print we are working on. Keep your eyes open in the weeks to come!

nGen_FLEX is a new elastomer material added to our existing range of co-polyester functional 3D printing filaments. It is made from Eastman Amphora™ Flex 3D Polymer FL6000 and the fourth filament in our range of Amphora based co-polyester, following colorFabb_XT, nGen and colorFabb_HT.

nGen_FLEX is available in our webshop: Click here.

nGen_FLEX is best described as a semi-flexible material with good printability on most 3D printers eliminating the use for specialized flex extruders. It’s rated at a Shore A hardness level of 95. By adjusting infill and perimeter settings it’s possible to influence how flexible a part should feel after printing. You can find more information on our dedicated nGen_FLEX landing page.