by RetireeJay » 2016-Nov-Sat-21-Nov
Several years ago, I was trying to find conductive epoxy (no, not for 3D printing, and not flexible). The best that I could find was extremely expensive, and even at that it wasn't particularly a good conductor. Basically, it was an epoxy mixed with a high proportion of finely-ground silver, which accounts for the expense.
I've heard that there are organic (i.e. plastic) conductors nowadays, and carbon nanotubes can be conducting, but I doubt you'll find an inexpensive, flexible plastic that's anywhere close to being a good conductor of electricity. And as the plastic flexes, expect the quality of conduction to vary with the deformation and also have residual changes after the deformation is over. It's a really tough problem, and if anyone does come up with a very cheap and reliable way of making excellent electrical conductors that are truly flexible, expect a huge explosion of applications in smart clothing, automation robots, etc. etc. Since we don't see that right now, that tells you the problem hasn't been cracked.
I recommend instead using standard plastics and then conductive paints or very fine springs to minimize your expense while achieving some degree of conduction.
Printrbot Plus operational January 2013
Brass threaded rods (5/16" X 18) & nuts for Z axis
GT2 belts & pulleys
Cable chain to reduce probability of fatigue failure in wires
E3D V5 Hot End, 0.4mm nozzle, also 0.8 and 0.25 in use occasionally
PB fan mount + 40mm fan -- using printed mount adapter, not the E3D supplied fan
Injection molded extruder gears
Optical Z "endstop" (custom designed and built)
Have used many pounds of T-Glase filament. Now also doing some work with Ninjaflex SemiFlex
Print on glass with Scotch Craft Stick or other glue stick
"My next printer is..." Prusa i3 MK3, upgraded to MK3S