PLA printable Flexible Corrugated Tube

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I needed a small corrugated tube for a project and was surprised by how hard it was to find the right size in local hardware shops. After enough dead ends, I decided to print one instead.
 

Printing a corrugated tube that actually flexes in PLA turned out to be trickier than expected. After many failed prototypes and setting tweaks, this design finally struck the right balance between structure and flexibility. The model is designed specifically for vase mode, using finely tuned settings to achieve consistent walls and clean corrugation.
 

Because the geometry is thin and continuous, printing conditions matter a lot. This model needs to be printed in a very cool room to avoid sagging during printing. Higher ambient temperatures can soften the PLA too early, causing the corrugations to deform before they fully set.

The finished tube has a modest but useful amount of flex. As with most PLA parts, that flexibility is strongly influenced by ambient temperature. At room temperature it holds its shape well; when gently warmed (for example, placed in front of a heater for a couple of minutes), it becomes much more flexible and can be repositioned. Once cooled, it will retain its new “resting” shape.
 

This makes it well-suited for light-duty routing, cable management, visual props, or experimental projects where a semi-flexible tube is useful but TPU isn’t an option.
 

If you find this model helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee ☕
 

If you want to support me you can buy me a coffee :)