How to fix stringy and messy TPU 3D prints

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

Answer: Stringing and messiness in TPU prints usually come from excessive oozing and improper retraction settings. TPU is flexible and soft, so it requires adjustments to your slicer. First, lower your print temperature slightly—try reducing it by 5–10°C to prevent the filament from becoming too runny. Next, adjust your retraction settings: increase retraction distance and speed carefully, but not too much as TPU can jam if retracted aggressively. A good starting point is 2–3mm retraction at 25–30 mm/s. Also, slow down travel moves to reduce stringing; speeds around 100 mm/s or less help. Make sure your nozzle is clean and free of debris. Finally, enable combing or avoid crossing perimeters if your slicer supports it, which keeps the nozzle within printed areas when travelling. Test these changes one at a time to find the best balance. Using a cooling fan can also help solidify the filament quickly, reducing strings. With these tweaks, your TPU prints should become much cleaner and less stringy.