Printing TPU on Your H2 Series 3D Printer: A Complete Setup Guide

TPU is an excellent material when you need parts that are soft, flexible, and durable. From gaskets and bumpers to protective covers, TPU opens up a wide range of functional applications. However, printing TPU does require a bit more care and setup compared to rigid filaments. In this guide, we’ll walk through proven techniques for printing TPU on H2 Series printers (H2S, H2D, and H2C) so you can achieve consistent, high-quality results.

Understanding TPU Basics

Moisture Sensitivity

TPU is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. If TPU has been sitting out for a while, it should be dried before printing.

Signs of moisture in TPU include:

• Steam coming out of the nozzle

• Fizzing or popping sounds during extrusion

• Poor surface quality or inconsistent extrusion

Using a filament dryer before printing can eliminate these issues and dramatically improve print quality.

Always Dry TPU

Build Plate Adhesion Tips

TPU bonds extremely well to most build plates... sometimes too well.

Best practices:

• Start with small test prints to understand how strongly TPU adheres to your specific build surface.

• Apply a thin layer of glue stick to the build plate. This actually helps release the part later.

• Orient parts at an angle when possible to reduce the contact area with the build plate.

If a TPU part is stuck:

• Carefully pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol around the base of the part.

• Slowly work it underneath the print. The alcohol helps weaken the bond and release the TPU without damaging the build plate.

  
  

Using TPU with the AMS

Bambu Lab printers are often paired with the AMS (Automatic Material System), which works exceptionally well for rigid filaments but flexible filaments are more challenging.

TPU for AMS

Bambu Lab does recommend a specific filament called TPU for AMS, which is designed to work reliably within the AMS system.

Key requirements when using TPU for AMS:

• Use a 0.4 mm nozzle or larger

• Avoid nozzles previously used with carbon fiber or glass fiber filaments

• On the H2D or H2C, use the right nozzle (the one without the lifting action)

• If a high-temperature filament was previously used, perform a cold pull before printing

• Both textured and smooth PEI sheets are compatible

  
  

Beyond these points, setup is straightforward:

• Select the TPU for AMS profile in Bambu Studio

• Start printing as you would with other filaments

  
  

Printing TPU That Cannot Use the AMS

Many TPU filaments are too flexible to be fed through the AMS. In these cases, printing from an external spool is the best approach.

Nozzle and Bed Considerations

The same general rules apply as with TPU for AMS:

• A 0.4 mm nozzle or larger works well

• A 0.6 mm nozzle can improve print quality and significantly increase print speed

• PEI build plates (smooth or textured) are compatible

  
  

External TPU Setup on the H2 Series

Step 1: Access the Extruder

Remove the top cover of the H2 Series printer to access the extruder and related components.

Remove Top to Access Components

If you plan to use a dedicated TPU nozzle, now is the ideal time to install it. Using a nozzle dedicated to TPU helps prevent contamination and clogs.

Replace the Right Nozzle if Desired

Step 2: Disconnect the PTFE Tube

• Remove the PTFE tube from the right nozzle by pushing down on the fitting and pulling the tube out.

• At the back of the printer, push down on the black grommet and pull the tube free.

• You’ll see a dedicated TPU port on the back of the printer. This is where the filament will be fed.

• Feed the TPU through this rear port until it appears inside the printer.

  

  Remove PTFE Tube by Pressing In on the Black Grommet then Pull on the Tube

Step 3: Reduce Friction

Run the TPU through the PTFE tube you just disconnected. Make sure the tube exits cleanly through the rear port because there is a significant amount of rubber in that area access port, and excess friction can cause feeding issues.

Minimizing friction is critical for reliable TPU printing.

After Feeding TPU through Tube, Feed Tube Out Back of Printer

Step 4: Load the TPU

• Set the hotend temperature to 250 °C

• Once the temperature is reached, manually feed the TPU into the right extruder until it stops

• Use the on-screen controls to engage the extruder motor and pull the filament through

• Continue until TPU is extruding cleanly from the nozzle.

Step 5: Final Connections

• Set the hotend temperature back to zero

• Reconnect the PTFE tube at the top of the printer

• Align the TPU spool so it feeds straight into the rear port without sharp bends

• On the printer interface, select the external spool material (for example, TPU 90A).

At this point, the printer may prompt you about performing a cold pull. Let's look at that next.

Cold Pull Maintenance (When and How)

Cold pulls are especially useful if the nozzle was previously used with high-temperature filaments. TPU can struggle to extrude past residual material left behind.

Accessing Cold Pull Maintenance

1. Open System Settings

2. Tap the gear icon

3. Go to Toolbox → Cold Pull Maintenance

4. Select the right nozzle

5. Use PLA for the cold pull process. Ideally a clear or white colored PLA so you can identify dirty/black bits of old filament that will get lodged in it.

   

   Cold Pull in H2 Series Menu

Performing the Cold Pull

• The printer will heat the nozzle and move into position

• Remove the PTFE tube to allow direct access

• Insert PLA into the nozzle

• The printer will extrude the PLA, then cool the nozzle

• Once cooled to the correct temperature, you’ll be prompted to pull the filament out

The goal is to remove debris and leftover material along with the PLA. You can repeat this process multiple times until the pulled filament comes out clean.

Clean PLA Tube!

Final Thoughts

With the right setup, TPU printing on the H2 Series printers is reliable and produces excellent results. Proper drying, minimizing friction, choosing the correct nozzle, and performing cold pulls when needed will eliminate most common TPU issues.

If you’re interested in learning more about different types of TPU and which applications they’re best suited for, keep an eye out for our upcoming deep-dive where we test TPU across real-world projects and share what worked and what didn’t.

Thanks for reading, and happy printing.