PLA raft for a TPU print?

Bambu Filament and Accesories Filament
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Has anyone tried using a PLA raft for a TPU print?

I’ve read that TPU can be hard to remove from the build plate and wondered if a PLA raft where it doesn’t matter if the part has one (or a few) layer(s) of PLA on the bottom.

For example, a handle in TPU could have PLA on the base surfaces as this would never get seen or affect the functionality of the part…

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How does TPU stick to PLA? Does it stick well enough during the print but then peel away after cooling? Or does TPU bond really well to PLA?

Any experience with prints consisting of PLA and TPU?

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TPU does bond well to the build plate. This does not mean it is impossible or even hard to remove. You just do it with care.

PLA will release automatically when it gets cool, TPU will still grip.

Just take it slowly and be careful.

No damage will occur to the model or the build plate.

The example you showed has two relatively small contact points and will be no trouble to remove.

I have removed TPU models with contact coverage of half the full size plate with no issues. No chemicals were used to remove it either, no need.

I would be more concerned with your retraction settings to avoid a stringy model. If you are new to TPU, you may have to increase the retraction level if the first result isn’t as clean as you would like it.

Make sure the TPU is dry before using it.

NO RAFT.

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TPU usually releases easily from my plates with glue. Not fall-off-the-plate easy, but with a little effort. Stubborn prints, or plates without glue, go in the freezer for ten minutes and then they come loose. NO raft needed.

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Thanks for the advice folks.
I want to just use my PEI textured plates with no glue ideally.

Any tips on Z-clearance for TPU supports?

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I am lucky enough nit to need it, I hope that is true for you as well.

This depends on the brand and if it is dry.

Start with default settings and if you have any issues, increase them in steps.

Remember, they will behave differently to PLA as the material is designed to be sticky, do not expect the same experience as with PLA.

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Bambu TPU for AMS to begin with.

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Then you have no worries.

Leave all defaults as they are and you will be fine.

When people say TPU, they normally mean TPU 95A, it is a a soft material, not as soft as others, but softer than TPU for AMS.

TPU 95A is on the shore scale as are all TPU materials. TPU for AMS is a 68D, a harder material on the scale.

If you let it cool down longer than you would PLA, it will come off with relative ease than what is assumed was 95A, harder than PLA, but nit much.

I like TPU for AMS, it works almost as easily as PLA, but retains flexibility. It can solve problems other TPU cannot. In my mind it sits comfortably between PLA and TPU 95A.

Enjoy!

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