How to Fix Stringy and Messy TPU 3D Prints

Question: Why is my TPU 3D print stringy and messy?

Answer: Stringy and messy prints with TPU usually come down to retraction settings, print temperature, and print speed. Start by lowering your print temperature in 5°C increments—TPU typically prints well between 210°C and 230°C; too hot and it oozes excessively. Next, adjust your retraction: increase retraction distance slightly (around 2-4 mm) and speed (20-40 mm/s) to reduce stringing, but be careful not to retract too aggressively as TPU is flexible and can jam. Also, slow down your print speed to about 20-30 mm/s to improve control. Make sure your filament path is smooth and the extruder is clean to avoid resistance. Finally, enable combing or coasting features in your slicer if available, as these help reduce oozing during travel moves. By fine-tuning these settings step-by-step, you should see a big improvement in print quality with TPU.