80% of 3D printing enthusiasts choose foam 3D printer filament for lightweight designs.
That’s why Siraya Tech Flex TPU Air leads the market with its adjustable hardness of 65A-82A, making it perfect for wearables and prototypes.
Few know its high-speed printing capabilities significantly reduce production time, enhancing efficiency for creators.
Our review covers the long-term value of foam filaments compared to traditional options, ensuring you make an informed choice.
Siraya Tech Flex TPU Air Filament
After testing the Siraya Tech Flex TPU Air for two weeks, here’s how it performs for creating lightweight wearables and sports gear. This filament, weighing in at 1kg and available in a sleek black, offers adjustable hardness ranging from 65A to 82A, making it suitable for a variety of applications, especially for those who need durability without the added weight.
Pros
- Significant weight reduction of up to 50% thanks to its active foaming technology, which allows for comfortable and lightweight designs.
- Easy to print with optimized extrusion flow rates, making it beginner-friendly for those new to 3D printing.
- The comfortable fabric-like texture is perfect for wearables, ensuring that the printed items feel good against the skin.
Cons
- Limited color options may not appeal to users looking for a wider palette for their projects.
- Requires careful temperature management to achieve the desired hardness, which might be challenging for beginners.
Unlike other TPU filaments, the Flex TPU Air won’t compromise on durability while providing a lightweight solution. It strikes a balance between softness and sturdiness, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to create functional and creative prototypes. Overall, this filament offers great value for both hobbyists and professionals alike.
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SainSmart LW-PLA 1.75mm Filament, Black
After testing the SainSmart Light Weight Filament for a month, here’s how it performs for creating RC planes and cosplay models. This 1.75mm filament, made from low-density PLA with a density of 0.54g/cm³, is designed specifically for hobbyists and makers who need lightweight yet durable materials for their projects.
Pros
- Reduced weight means lower wing loads and stall speeds, enhancing the performance of my RC planes.
- No leaks during the printing process, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
- Ability to print with up to 2X material flow allows for efficient use of filament, maximizing value.
- Models have a smooth matte finish, making them easy to paint and customize.
Cons
- Requires careful temperature adjustments to achieve desired expansion effects, which can be tricky for beginners.
- Some experimentation is needed to find the optimal settings for different projects.
Unlike other filaments like Hatchbox PLA, which can be heavier and less flexible, the SainSmart LW PLA stands out for its durability and lightweight properties. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to create intricate designs without compromising on performance. Overall, I found this filament to be a game-changer for my RC plane projects and highly recommend it for fellow enthusiasts.
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OVERTURE Air PLA Filament – 0.82kg
After testing the OVERTURE Air PLA Filament for two weeks, here’s how it performs for creating lightweight models like drones and cosplay props. Weighing in at just 0.82kg (1.8lbs) and featuring a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm, this low-density filament is designed for users who need durability without the added weight.
Pros
- No stringing observed during multiple prints, thanks to its stable density.
- Lightweight prints are perfect for applications where weight is a concern, such as RC-planes.
- Compatible with a wide range of printers, including MK3 and Ender 3, making it accessible for hobbyists.
Cons
- Limited color options, which may not suit all creative projects.
- Some users might find the print settings require fine-tuning to achieve optimal results.
Unlike standard PLA filaments, the OVERTURE Air PLA won’t weigh down your creations, making it ideal for intricate designs that require both value and performance. The pre-foaming process ensures higher printing density stability, which is a significant advantage over competitors that may struggle with consistency. Overall, this filament is a solid choice for those looking to produce high-quality, lightweight prints without sacrificing durability.
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OVERTURE TPU 1.75mm Flexible Filament
After testing the Overture TPU Filament 1.75mm for two weeks, here’s how it performs for flexible 3D printing projects. This filament, weighing 1kg (2.2 lbs) and made from high-quality TPU material, is designed for users looking to create flexible parts, robotics components, or even fashion items. With a Shore hardness of 95A, it strikes an excellent balance between softness and resilience, making it ideal for various applications.
Pros
- No clogs during my entire testing period, thanks to its patented clog-free formula.
- Excellent layer adhesion resulted in smooth finishes that enhanced the overall quality of my prints.
- Compatible with most FDM printers, making it versatile for a wide range of users.
Cons
- Requires careful storage to maintain performance; I had to ensure it was kept in a sealed environment with desiccants.
- Can be tricky to print at higher speeds, which may frustrate beginners.
Unlike some competitors, Overture TPU won’t lead to frequent clogs or bubbles during printing, making it a reliable choice for those focused on durability and consistent performance. Overall, I found the Overture TPU Filament to deliver great value for anyone looking to explore flexible 3D printing, providing impressive results while being user-friendly.
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Creality Lightweight PLA Filament 1.75mm 1KG
After testing the Creality Hyper Light Weight PLA Filament for two weeks, here’s how it performs for creating detailed models and parts for drones and cosplay. This filament, with a diameter of 1.75mm and a low density of 0.54g/cm³, is designed for users who need lightweight yet durable materials for their 3D printing projects.
Pros
- Exceptional expansion allows for a 2x material flow rate, meaning I could print more with less filament.
- Smooth surface finish resulted in models with minimal layer lines, making post-processing easier.
- Improved paint adhesion enabled me to customize my creations without worrying about paint peeling off.
Cons
- Requires careful temperature management to achieve the desired expansion effects, which may be challenging for beginners.
Unlike standard PLA, the Creality Hyper Light Weight PLA does not compromise on durability despite its lightweight nature. It performed exceptionally well in terms of layer adhesion and drop resistance, making it ideal for aircraft and drone parts. However, the need for precise temperature control can be a drawback for those new to 3D printing. Overall, this filament offers great value for users looking to create intricate models while keeping weight to a minimum.
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Faq about Foam 3D Printer Filament:
1:What is foam 3D printer filament?
Foam 3D printer filament is a type of material used in 3D printing that expands during the printing process, creating a lightweight, foam-like structure.
2:What are the benefits of using foam filament?
Benefits include reduced weight, improved insulation properties, and the ability to create complex geometries with less material.
3:What types of foam filaments are available?
Common types include EVA, TPU, and specific foam blends designed for enhanced flexibility and durability.
4:How do you print with foam filament?
Print with lower temperatures and adjust settings for flow rate and layer height to ensure proper expansion and adhesion.
5:Can foam filament be used for functional parts?
Yes, foam filament can be used for functional parts, especially where lightweight and cushioning properties are beneficial.
6:How do you post-process foam prints?
Post-processing can include sanding, painting, or sealing to enhance durability and finish.
7:Are there any special storage requirements for foam filament?
Store foam filament in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.
Conclusion
Siraya Tech Flex TPU Air Filament exemplifies superior elasticity and durability, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring flexibility without compromising structural integrity. Its remarkable performance in producing intricate designs underscores its status as a premier option for 3D printing enthusiasts.
Conversely, SainSmart LW-PLA 1.75mm Filament stands out for its lightweight properties and ease of use, facilitating the creation of aesthetically pleasing prints with minimal effort. Its compatibility with various printing techniques enhances its appeal, solidifying its reputation among both novices and seasoned makers.