Ever imagined a single material could feel as hard as solid plastic and as soft as foam? 

Experience the incredible versatility of material engineering first-hand with our lattice test pads. * Print the test pad and experience it yourself.

Steps to use your test pad with Ultrafuse® TPU85A :

1. Dry your Ultrafuse® TPU85A filament (more details in section 2)
2. You can print directly from your mobile, by using the Bambu Handy app, please select at “My Filament”:  Generic, followed by TPU. Once set, you are ready to print. For more crisp results, please use Bambu Studio and continue with step 3.
3. Set an appropriate K factor (more details in section 3).
4. Print your Test Pad for filaments and experience it yourself.

5. Select the right infill for your application using our lattice library (more details in section 6).                

   (Link: Forward AM -Lattice library - Filaments).

6. Fill the part with the infill of choice (more details in section 7).

   (Link to the step by step video tutorial)

7. Print your part with desired properties.

    

1. Introducing Forward AM’s Test Pad - Gyroids :

Introducing Forward AM’s Test Pad - Gyroids developed specifically for Ultrafuse® TPU 85A filaments . This test pad works in tandem with Forward AM’s extension of the Lattice library to Filaments. Users are now powered with the ability to take full advantage of the gyroid infill structure in Fused Filament Fabrication for their applications.

The mechanical performance of the gyroid structure printed with the Ultrafuse TPU 85A, shows a multi-purpose behavior able to address various applications. We at Forward AM observe a match with Footwear and Seating applications, but feel free to use it in your own applications.

2. Details :

Material: Forward AM Ultrafuse® TPU 85A

Technical data sheet: Ultrafuse® TPU85A

Layer Height: 0.2mm

Amount of walls: 2
Nozzle size: 0.4 mm

Infill: Ranges from 7% to 25% in the testpad.*

Support: The model does not require any supports. Please ignore any warning about overhangs in the model.

Orientation: Default position. Please print it flat on the platform with the walled bottom surface in contact with the build platform.

Adhesion aid: The Forward AM Ultrafuse® TPU 85A has sufficient adhesion to the build platform. No additional adhesion aids necessary.

Build Platform: Use the Bambu lab Smooth plate to impart a smooth surface finish to your Test Pad. Use the Bambu Lab  textured PEI plate for a nice textured grainy surface for your Test Pad. 

Validated: The prints are validated on a P1P and X1C (Bambu studio version: 1.9.3.50) on the external spool holder.

*Infill: Please note the the 3mf file for the test pad is setup with the required infill for the 8 zones. Please select the material profile , process-preset and your printer to print the test pads. 

3. Drying :

At least 5 hrs at a temperature of 70 °C, drying time may vary depending on the quantity of filament and the initial moisture content of the filament. Pre-dried silica packs in an enclosure with the filament can be used to prolong the dried state of Ultrafuse® TPU 85A.

4. K-factor selection :

Perform a manual or automatic K factor calibration on your Bambu lab printer.  A value that we have internally used is K=0.2. Please make adjustments in accordance to your machine.

5. Pre-processing summary :

For optimal detail on the part please be mindful for the following parameters:

1. Dry the material for a minimum of 5 Hrs at a temperature of 70 °C.
2. Keep the material dry during prints. in a airtight container with pre- dried silica pads or use a active filament drier to prevent moisture re-absorption. Use the dried filament promptly to maintain optimal conditions.
3. Set the flow calibration factor (K) (Recommended starting point by Forward AM: 0.2)
4. Ensure that all the cooling arrangements (if applicable) are activated in your machine 
5. Do not print it on the AMS. The material is not compatible on the AMS. Use the external spool slot.
6. Preferable but not mandatory to use a dedicated hot-end to print Ultrafuse TPU85A

** If you print it with the Bambu Handy app, please select at “My Filament”:  Generic, followed by TPU.

6. Forward AM Lattice library :

There are millions of different lattice options to choose from. This can easily become overwhelming. This is why BASF Forward AM developed the Ultrasim® 3D Lattice Library to understand the different mechanical performances of different lattice types and find the right lattice for your application.
The lattice library for filaments can be found under: Forward AM -Lattice library - Filaments

• Testing for the lattice library: Each of the cells have been tested under compression loads in the z direction until 60% compression. The structures are loaded normal to the print bed (z-direction).

7. Steps to use Lattice Library in your applications :

Filling your parts with your desired lattices having your desired mechanical properties can be achieved by following the following simple steps. 

Video tutorial:

8. Our call to innovate :

The process of selecting lattice structures for your application is frustrating due to the large amount of available options. In order to make this process easier for users we have developed the lattice library, which is a collection mechanical testing data specific to different structures. We encourage you to use it in your applications and share it with the community.

9. Further information on individual cells:

Flow Calibration factor for TPU on the Bambu lab P1S: K = 0.2

Setup the flow calibration factor under Devices , Ext Spool