Last Updated on November 13, 2021 by ronnie
The demand for 3D printing is ever increasing as the technology has evolved. A few years back, the 3D printers were only owned by big tech companies, and a middleman could not use these printers because of unavailability.
Today you can easily get a 3D printer for flexible filament because of its popularity, availability, and ease of use. These printers are economical, require less maintenance, easy to use, and offer high-quality products.
A best 3d printer for flexible filament should have direct drive, precise temperature, ample bed adhesion, and a slow to the medium speed of around 6mm per second to give quality results.
A newbie may find it hard to find the best of the best 3D Printers for Flexible Filaments as the market is full of many printers out there. Our team has researched from the experts and users to find the best flexible filament to start with, even for newbies as well as professionals.
Let us dive deep into this review article to have complete insights into flexible filament printers.
Our Top Picks
8 Best 3d Printer for Flexible Filament 2022 Reviewed
1. QIDI x pro-Best overall
- ★★★★★【Friendly Reminder: There is one spool of...
- X-Pro 3D Printer Kit features conditional breakpoint...
- Durable and high temperature resistance 6mm aviation grade...
Why do we love it?
● Supports multiple filament types.
● Comes with dual extruders.
● 4.3” LCD screen for easy navigation.
● It can print in 2 colors.
Specifications
● Print speed- 60m – 150m
● Print precision- 0.5 – 0.4m
● Print area- 230×150×150mm
QIDI pro is one of the best 3D printers for flexible filaments and also performs great as a 3d printer for cookie cutters because of its versatility of filaments. It is a decent TPU 3D printer for smaller school and engineering projects. Interestingly, it supports multiple filament types such as PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG, permitting you to work with versatile materials.
Dual extruder allows you to print in 2 colors for making colorful objects. The 3D printer has a 230×150×150mm print area, which is relatively smaller than other such models. An exciting feature embedded in the model is that it saves the breakpoint when the printing process suddenly stops due to a power cut.
So you can resume the process from where it was stopped. The bed needs to be leveled manually by adjusting the screws. It comes with a heated removable plate for the effortless removal of printed objects. The printer has Acrylic covers that are attached to the top and sides to maintain the temperature inside.
Though they are magnetically fixed, they may collapse after a slight touch. Additionally, it has 4 turbofans that help in the quick cooling process.
Our opinion
QiDi x pro is a fantastic choice if you happen to print smaller objects. The dual extruder helps you to print in 2 colors, plus you can try multiple materials. While testing, we found that the acrylic covers were delicately fixed. This printer is suitable for designing smaller molds, toys, and other smaller objects.
2. Creality Ender 3V2-Best budget 3d printer flexible filament
- Self-developed Silent Motherboard: The Ender-3 V2 built-in...
- UL Certified Branded Power Supply: Equipped with branded...
- Effortless Filament Feed-in: Ender-3 V2 adds a rotary knob...
Why do we love it?
● Larger build volume.
● Lesser Noise.
● Carborundum glass plate that ensures smooth first layer.
● 4.3” detachable touchscreen display.
Specifications
● Build volume- 220×220×250mm
● Weight -17.16 pounds
● Dimensions- 18.5 x 18.7 x 24.41 inches
If you are searching for a cheaper 3d printer for flexible filaments that will serve your bigger needs, here’s Ender 3v2 from Creality. Like other alternatives, this one also lets you work with a wide range of filaments, such as ABS. Its self-developed motherboard ensures smooth movement plus reduced Noise.
Furthermore, it offers 220×220×250mm of build volume, which is enough to create slightly bigger objects such as architectural and medical models plus bigger toys. It has a single extruder that takes a maximum of 5 minutes to pre-heat, and that’s quick.
Moreover, the carborundum glass plate is a new addition made by creality whose smoothness ensures a flat bottom layer of the print.
Though printed objects may detach from the plate, this problem can be fixed using an adhesive like glue. This machine comes with an X-Y axis tensioner that tightens the printer’s belts ensuring long life and excellent performance. In case of power failure, the printer will record the extruder position and resume printing when power is supplied.
Moreover, it allows you to select a power voltage between 115V- 230V so that you don’t cause damage if you have a low voltage. There’s an extra tool organization drawer so that you won’t misplace any of the tools.
Our opinion
In our opinion, this 3d printer is for those who have prior printing experience and not for a newbie. This is among the best printers at a low cost to offer these features and also a smooth printing experience. It’s easy to set up and also to maintain.
However, its low cost may cause you to buy additional accessories, but it’s worth the price. It is quite suitable for printing medical models and bigger toys as it offers a larger print area.
3. ANICUBIC MEGA S3D-Best 3d printing flexible filament for newbies
- ✔Upgraded Powerful Extruder -- Anycubic Mega s metal 3d...
- ✔Easy assembly -- Comes with 12 screws and 3 cables, 3...
- ✔Intelligent Sensor Detection & Resume Printing -- When...
Why do we love it?
● Total extruder for smooth extrusion.
● User friendly
● It doesn’t shake while printing.
● Touchscreen display for convenient control.
Specification
● Item weight- 24.2 pounds
● Dimensions – 15.94” x 16.14” x 17.83”
● Build volume – 210×210×205mm
ANICUBIC is a well-known brand in the field of electronics and also in 3d printing. This model is suitable for newbies at 3d printing because of its ease of use. Bigger build volume provides creative space to design desired objects. Its strongly built body structure minimizes body shaking that ensures a clean printing experience.
Moreover, the Titan extruder embedded inside allows smooth extrusion and reduces the risk of filament jam, also facilitates multiple filament types.
Luckily, a microporous coated printing platform keeps the object stable while printing and also enables the effortless removal of objects when it comes to room temperature. Once you run out of the filament, the printer will ring the alarm, indicating you to put in the new filament.
Like other 3d printers, this one also records the extruder position and resumes work after an unexpected power cut. The fans help to get the object at room temperature faster. These features make it easy to use, even for beginners.
Our opinion
In our opinion, this printer is suitable for beginners who are new to 3d printing. Its effortless operation and large build volume allow you to make decorative items for homes, parties, toys, and other such materials.
However, the heat bed is limited for warranty, and you may need to replace it if the performance is low over time. Otherwise, the printer delivers a smooth printing experience and creative space to print the objects of your choice.
4. Flashforge 3D Printer Creator pro-Best Small flexible filament 3d printer
Why do we love it?
● Dual extruder that allows printing in 2 colors.
● Facilitates the use of multiple software.
● Acrylic covers surround the chamber.
● Less Noise while printing.
Specifications
● Weight- 24.2 pounds
● Dimensions – 16.14 x 22.05 x 18.9 inches
● Print volume – 227× 148×150 mm
In case you are searching for a relatively smaller printer that is too flexible filament type? Then Flashforge 3d printer will suit best for our needs. Luckily, this Best 3D printer for Flexible Filaments allows you to use multiple filament types, including that wood filaments and metal-filled filaments.
It is compactly built with acrylic covers that enclose the print area. This helps to maintain temperature, which is required for printing with ABS filament.
There are LED lights fixed inside that lighten the inside of the printer. Furthermore, the rod of the Z-axis is strong enough to ensure shake-free movement while adding layers on the hotbed. Moreover, it has a 6.3mm build platform that assists high heat while printing objects.
Turbofans cool down the object to room temperature. This printer offers an opportunity to try various software and choose the right one for you. Additionally, there’s a touchscreen display and buttons that facilitate easy setting and functioning.
Our opinion
To sum it up, we can say that flash forge creator Pro ninja flex is beginner-friendly due to its ability to support flexible filament types and ease of use. Upon testing, we found that the smaller print volume will limit you from printing larger objects.
Moreover, both extruders are a bit difficult to level and may ruin the printing experience if not paid attention to. Otherwise, the printer performs well, and if you happen to print smaller objects such as toys, tiny showpieces, and small tools, then this printer is definitely for you.
5. Marker gear M2
- Large 8" x 10" x 8" Build Envelope
- Work Out-Of-The-Box With ABS, PLA, PET, Nylon, Flexible and...
- True High-Quality Linear Motion Components
Why do we love it?
● Truly versatile.
● Large build volume.
● Easy bed leveling.
● Prints professional-level objects.
Specifications
● Weight- 36.6 pounds
● Dimensions – 21”×24”×16.5”
● Print Volume- 200mm×250mm×200mm
Maker gear is a renowned brand when it comes to manufacturing professional-quality 3D printers. Maker gear M2 is the 5th model of their M2 series. The printer has a body made up of fabricated steel and other high-quality material that ensures long life.
This model allows young minds to experiment with multiple filament types, making it the best flexible filament printer that doesn’t compromise the quality of your project.
Though it has a single extruder, it can heat up to 300°C and supports multiple filament types. Moreover, the printer has a larger print volume that doesn’t limit you to get your more prominent projects into reality.
Additionally, the plate made up of cast aluminum ensures the effortless removal of objects. Furthermore, it is easy to level the bed with a 4 point leveling system. It comes with 3D CAD software, which allows you to design beautiful objects. You can either insert an SD card or connect it via USB to your computer for easy access.
Our opinion
Marker gear’s products are trusted for their accuracy and authenticity in the field of 3d printers. This model is genuinely beneficial for high professionals, engineers, and designers to design and print larger objects using filaments of their choice.
Though it takes a longer time to print objects, it shouldn’t be a problem if you want to see fabulous results. To ease out your work, you must get this printer on your work desk to enhance your skills and also your business.
6. Dremel Digilab 3D45-Best value 3D Printer for Flexible Filaments
- BEST IN CLASS: The winner of PCMag.com’s 2022 Editors’...
- DESIGNED FOR TEACHERS: Introduce your students to the world...
- EASY TO USE: Our guided setup process gets you from unboxing...
Why do we love it?
● Automatic leveling bed.
● Built-in HD camera.
● Fully enclosed to help maintain temperature.
● Allows WiFi connection.
Specifications
● Weight – 42.8 pounds.
● Dimensions- 23”×18.75”×18.74”
● Build volume – 6”×10”×6.7”
Dremel has been awarded for its perfection and accuracy in printing professional-level objects. Digilab 3D45 proves to be an excellent Flexible filament printer for printing objects with sharp-edged and perfect dimensions. It comes with a 0.4mm nozzle that supports a wide range of filaments such as ECO ABS, Nylon, PETG, PLA, and much more. The 3D Printer nozzle can heat up to 280°C that can melt different materials.
Furthermore, a Glass plate heats up to 100°C for precisely printed objects. The print area is enclosed with an acrylic cover that helps to maintain the temperature while printing. Though it has a single extruder, you can stop the process from adding different colored filaments or changing filament types. Additionally, the extruder is clogged resistant.
Moreover, there’s a build HD Camera, through which you can view the real-time progress of your printing process on your phone. You can also connect the printer to your computer via WiFi which is an uncommon feature for 3d flexible filament printers.
It comes with a 4.5” touchscreen that ensures effortless control. This printer doesn’t trouble you for leveling issues regarding the bed since it has an automatic leveling sensor that helps you out to level the bed perfectly.
Our opinion
In our opinion, this printer is both user-friendly and professional level due to its ease in operation and high-quality output. This 3d printing machine is suitable for engineering, educational purposes, and creating architectural models due to its reliability and accuracy. Though it has quite a higher price than other such printers, its performance is worth the price you pay.
7. Sindoh 3DWOX 1X-Best versatile 3D Printer for Flexible Filaments
- ✅ Open Source Filament Mode is available letting users...
- ✅ Easy to use and setup with patented features such as...
- ✅ Offers Flexible Metal Bed Plate for easy bed adhesion...
Why do we love it?
● An open material feature that supports multiple filaments.
● Noise-free printing
● Easy to use.
● 2 air filters trap the dust.
Specifications
● Weight- 62.4 pounds
● Dimensions – 30.2× 24× 21.1 inches
● Print Volume- 228mm× 200mm × 300mm
Sindoh has come up with a flexible filament 3d printer that supports 3rd party filaments allowing you to experiment with a wide range of filament types. It has an open material feature that allows 3rd party filament to do a job in printing the object of your choice. Moreover, it has a flexible heating plate that makes it easier to take the printer object off just by folding it.
Furthermore, the print area is enclosed, which has benefits. Firstly, it reduces the noise to the lowest; secondly, there are 2 filters that don’t let the dust come out. Luckily, by downloading their 3DWOX app, you can monitor the real-time progress of printing objects on your phone. Additionally, it works with the Alexa device for basic commands and also notifies you through voice commands.
In terms of connectivity, it supports USB and Ethernet. However, it doesn’t support 3rd party filament, which has a melting point above 250°C which limits you while selecting the desired filament. Moreover, the raft can get stuck inside, which may cause trouble while printing.
Our opinion
In our opinion, this printer serves well for school and office use due to its features. Though it is a flexible filament printer, it limits you to choose the material that has a 250°C melting point. But to solve this problem, Sindoh has recommended a list of non-Sindoh filaments on their website to help you out choose the right one.
Overall, it is a good compact 3D printer that allows you to work with various software and also filament types to make objects that you desire with precision and accuracy.
8. Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer-Best hobbyist 3D Printers for Flexible Filaments
Why we love it:
● Low-cost 3D printer
● 1-year warranty
Specification
● Weight: 15.43 pounds
● Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.39 x 13.78 inches
● extruder temperature: up to 230C
● Build volume: 9.0 x 5.9 x 5.5 in
Dremel Digilab 3D20 comes under the category of Best 3D Printers for Flexible Filaments because of its high workability with famous filaments. You can either use it with ABS or nylon filaments, and they bring up the wonderful printing any hobbyist can dream of.
There is not any hassle of assembling the 3d printer as it comes pre-assembled, ready to give your first printing object. Furthermore, the Dremel Digilab offers a 0.5 kg spool, helping to get your first printing model as soon as possible.
Another amazing feature is its non-heated build plate that ensures high-quality product printing with PLA and the safety approval of 3rd party.
Furthermore, you don’t need any specialists to design the models for you. Simply download from the web or prepare from any AutoCAD system and print in 3d printers for the flexible filament as you desire.
Last but not least, the ed Printer comes with a fully colored touch screen. The touch screen helps you to manage, arrange and use the files according to your instructions for printing.
Our opinion
Dremel Digilab 3D20 is one of the best 3D printers for flexible filaments because of its easy-to-use features. Any DIY enthusiastic, tinkerer, or hobbyist can go along with this 3D filament printer. On assessment, we found the 3D printer easy to use and budget-friendly.
The only downside is the software that has a few models to work on. The company claims to provide compatibility with all the models available on the web. But in reality, you can’t get unique and complex modeling because of its software limitations. So it can be a great choice for small-scale use or home projects only.
Important considerations to use 3D Printer for Flexible Filament
All the flexible filament printers are either TPE or TPU. The elasticity of the filament makes the final product stretchy. The flexible filaments are resilient, have high shock and fatigue resistance.
But how to use a 3D flexible filament printer is an important task. Let’s dive deep into the important considerations.
● Method of feeding
It is hard to feed the flexible filament to the extruder because of its softness. Your filament can either jam, stuck, clamp, or get tangled. So the feed needs a straight path to remain smooth.
● Buckling
If you are working on a fast and quick job, you need a fast feed of filament. When the speed of the filament increases, it can buckle through the hot end of the extruder. Furthermore, your filament can also buckle if the opening of the extruder is loose or not tight enough.
● Hard to stick
You can also find problems with sticking the filament if the bed’s temperature is not accurate. Make sure to check the temperature and adjust it according to the specifications of your printer. A small fix can be made by using hair spray or a pin.
Tips to use the Best 3D Printers for Flexible Filaments
As we have discussed the problems you might face during printing, let’s discuss important tips for smooth printing.
- Slow printing
if you want to have the highest precision in the end product, opt for the slowest speed on your printer. You can select 5mm per second for absolute accuracy and a precision product. It may look slow to you, but it eliminates the chances of any pressure build-ups and messy prints.
- Selecting the direct drive extruder
Using the direct path between the hot end and cold end can keep the filament straight and steady for feeding. If the path of the filament is not straight, you may have buckled in your resulted product.
- Setting the right temperature.
Choosing the proper temperature and set your printing process at success. If your filament to too hot or cold or cold from the required temperature, your filament printing won’t be a success resulting either in buckling or pressure build-ups. So always see and select the right temperature for the type of filament you are using.
How to pick the best 3D Printer for Flexible Filament
Flexible filament printing is a difficult task and requires important considerations. While you look for the right kind of printer, the following considerations are necessary for an effective printer.
- Temperature
In case you are buying a printer with a heated bed, go for a temperature which is 45 to 50C.
- High-temperature extruder with direct drive
If the extruder is capable of handling 22-245C, it is considered a great extruder for flexible filament printing. Furthermore, a direct drive extruder keeps the filament tight and aligned.
- Bed Adhesion
You need to choose a printer that offers good bed adhesion. A PEI coating provides a good bed adhesion. You can also use a standard plate with a glue stick to get satisfactory results.
Some Commonly Asked Questions are Explained Below
What 3D printing material is the most flexible?
TPU or thermoplastic polyurethane is the most flexible and commonly used filament in the filament printing industry.
What can I print in flexible filaments?
You can think of any project and start working on it. The common 3D printing jobs include watch straps, customized keyrings, basic needs, and personal accessories.
Can a 3D printer print flexible plastic?
The 3D printer uses TPU filament to offer amazing results in the form of objects which are impossible to achieve with other materials like ABS, PLA, or nylon.
