this post was submitted on 09 Mar 2025
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I've printed probably 5 kilos worth of prints with a lot of success, but exclusively PLA. I'd like to branch out to a new material. Should I start with ABS or TPU?

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[–] akilou@sh.itjust.works 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I designed and printed a fender for my kid's bike. It would be totally usable as a fender but he's a savage so he broke the first one within 30 seconds of me installing it. Then I changed the design to add more support and that one lasted a full hour before he broke it off. So I'd like to print the same design again in a new material. I think either of these two would work, as they would put up with more abuse in different ways. one would be much harder and the other more forgiving.

I don't love the idea of the toxic fumes. I don't want to get an enclosure and the printer is in my home office off of my living room. I could crack a window and let it run overnight but that sounds inconvenient.

[–] IMALlama@lemmy.world 2 points 5 days ago (1 children)

TPU will be nearly impossible for your kiddo to destroy. ASA/ABS are rugged, but if your print has thin surfaces it's less strong in my experience than PETG.

I didn't find TPU hard to print personally, just go slow and turn retraction way down or completely off. It will string pretty good, but most slicers have a setting to avoid crossing perimeters that will keep it in check. The only thing I would be wary of is ending up with a floppy print, so make sure the part has some structure.

[–] Nomad@infosec.pub 2 points 5 days ago

Don't forget about material wear due to UV radiation. ASA is good for outdoors projects, rugged, not as toxic and UV degradation is minimal.