this post was submitted on 11 Mar 2025
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I have been looking at least prototyping in TPU 3D printed dog toys.

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[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I'd be very concerned about the dog toys breaking apart and causing the dog harm.

I think non-used prototypes would be fine, but nothing that would actually go near the dog

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Yeah, it's not the material, it's the chewed off bits that I would be worried about. It would help you prototype something, then make a mold that you can use.

For my dog though, if it doesn't squeak, it doesn't exist.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Good point on the mold.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I see your point about parts breaking apart being a concern.

How familiar are you with TPU? It’s quite durable and robust. It’s a plastic currently used in many dog toys. Between that and Part of me feels like TPU being a soft plastic that would minimize risk.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

TPU prints are very robust for FDM prints, but dog toys need to be solid objects. Even a small dog will tear apart a printed toy. Layer adhesion is no match for dog teeth.

Printing a mold and then casting the toy would give much better results.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

Pretty familiar, I also use it for prototyping. It's an awesome material, but FDM is no match for a dogs teeth.

I wouldn't want to take the risk, peraonally, but I guess it comes down to your level of risk tolerance and if you're absolutely confident it won't harm your pet