Created at: 08 Oct 2025 Last updated: 05 Feb 2026
I've had the Creality K2 Plus for a couple months now. It's been incredibly fun learning how to use the thing, learning how to make my own designs in CAD, and getting into the deep end exploring the complexities and challenges of 3d printing. Getting TPU to work on the K2 Plus took quite a bit of finagling, and really represents the culmination of understanding a lot of interacting elements of 3d printing. Here's the complete setup that finally worked for me to print Kawa-Family's Taka Shoes.
VIDEO GUIDES
Start with these hardware mod videos and follow them to the letter—they were crucial:
These are my confirmed working settings:
Filament: TPU / Overture (95A is generally the minimum hardness recommended)
Pressure Advance: 0.04
Max Volumetric Speed: 3 mm/s (SLOW)
Nozzle Temperature: First Layer 220°C / Other Layers 215°C (I went lower than the 230°C+ many guides suggest)
Bed Temperature: 40°C (Smooth PEI Plate)
Retraction Length: 2.0 mm (higher than the 1.0 mm often recommended, but it worked)
Retraction Speed: 40 mm/s
Retraction on Layer Change: Disabled (crucial—avoids jams from unnecessary retractions)
Wipe while retracting: Disabled
Z Hop when retracting: 0.4 mm
Fan Speeds: Side Fan 70% / Back Fan 60%
TOP-MOUNT SPOOL SETUP
Bypassing the CFS was critical. I'm running a custom top-mount system:
EXTRUDER MODIFICATIONS
Spring replacement - This was crucial. Swap the stock spring for a softer one with these specs: ID 4.8mm, OD 6mm, Length 15mm. I bought a set of 10 off Amazon, though some people have even used springs from broken pens.
Tension adjustment - Don't overtighten the extruder head filament pusher screws. This is a subtle but necessary thing that most guides don't mention—you want to prevent twisting and knotting the TPU.
Spacer mod - Even with everything above, I still needed this spacer:
The shoes came out awesome! I had minor stringing on the toe tip, which I covered with Shoe Goo.
Wear notes: