I’m sure that is normal. Porous plastic outgases over time and will lose some volume. That is also the cause for that “new plastic smell”.
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I’m looking at ordering the flexible case by @fiacco from a printing company that does TPU MJF with chemical finish. Are you happy with your case after using it for a few months? Is it still your primary case or have you ran into problems with it? Most importantly, do you think its thick enough to provide meaningful protection to the phone?
I’m currently reworking my Ender 3 printer and trying to get it to print TPU Ninjaflex, but I’m having issues and it may take a while to fix. I figure the TPU MJF print might be even better long term and visually.
Thanks!
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Hello and sorry for my late reply. I can tell you : the case printed in TPU MJF with chemical finish (the last one in black color) looks like in the pictures, to me it is like a professional finish (no visible slice or hole/bump). I still use it as my main case. It is important to mention that during more or less a day, the chemical finish smell a lot. You’d better put it close to a window.
I am very happy with the shape made by @fiacco as it protect the phone well especially around the screen without adding too much thickness. The touch feeling is a good grip in the hand, and also the material feeling is like a silicon case. The 3 holes for passive cooling are really useful, this was not something I expected much for and finally the result is very effective, I think there would be a more rapid and significant overheating if these vents were not in the shell.
The weird experience was that after receiving my case there was a kind of gap (I mean the case was a little bit longer/larger than expected). Fiacco was sure about his dimensions and after waiting a few weeks, the case has thinned itself ! I suspect a kind of contraction of the material after cooling or at standard temperature and pressure). Now the phone is is firmly tightened by the shell.
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Hello! Thank you for your feedback. I’m glad it worked out so well. I ordered mine yesterday and I’m looking forward to it. Now, I wait to see if the quality of the print is as good as yours. I’ll post back here with pictures and my feedback. Thanks!
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I would be really happy to see your feedback, hoping you will be totally satisfied !
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I think I need to put a Borat image on the back, under the stretched silicone. 
Did you buy one?
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Sorry, it has taken me so long to reply. First off, the print took 3.5 weeks and another week for delivery. So, I was a little disappointed by the month delay but willing to shake it off for a good print.
My initial reaction was disappointment. It was thin, floppy, and bulging on the back. I have used it almost everyday since, and my opinion has definitely evolved.
My conclusion is that it is a great 3D model. Thank you to everyone for contributing. The fact that it is thin is a good thing because it hardly adds anything to the size or weight of the phone, and gives it a good level of protection. The fit is really nice. It is easy to remove, but does not move at all when it is on the phone. My favourite aspect of the case is the fact that it makes holding the phone comfortable when the metal sides might otherwise get too hot to hold. I basically forgot that the phone creates heat since I’ve started using the case. It makes me turn towards it for a bunch of stuff I would otherwise have used my other phone. For this reason alone, this case is worth every penny.
My only remaining gripe is the back side that bulges out a bunch. I thought it would tighten up over time, but it hasn’t. It looks kind of silly, but still feels fine to the touch and no big deal. For the record, I blame the printing company and not the 3D model.
Thanks again to everyone for this case. If you want one, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you use a reputable printing company. TPU, MJF, Chemical Finish. Good stuff!
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@williamtries Hello, thank you very much for your complete feedback ! I’m very happy that you are as satisfied as I am.
I hope you will experience the same thing I did, namely the contraction of the hull over time (it took me many days, maybe weeks or months), and the end of the gaps on the sides + the bulging at the back.
Please see some before/after pictures:
BEFORE :
AFTER :
@v0odoo :
The link from @fiacco does not work anymore but maybe @williamtries has the STL file ? We should add it in the repo I think.
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I can post the .stl again, even tightening it a little bit, if needed … I meant to put it on the repo but “Your account is pending approval from your GitLab administrator and hence blocked”, for months.
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I would love a copy of the file, is the case sturdy enough that picking it up by a popsocket or using a popsocket to mount it to a car phone mount is safe? Or would it need to be made of a harder construction than the rubbery printing materials?
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If desired I can upload the file to my private webspace.
Otherwise how about thingiverse?
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That would be awesome
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If the creator gives his ok I will do that.
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Sorry for the late reply. Sure, no problem, put it where you want to
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btw i have used high density foam sibgle sided 3M tape 7-8mm wide on the surround metal frame offset from switches and trays.
I have used the aplied tape for ~2 weeks and put my phone in my pocket etc using it normally and the tape has held up well. It protects the metal corners and edges from a drop, you dont need to create a case that overs the back since that is already plastic.
A bumper like iphone esque case that hugs the frame is all that is needed with a lip 1-2 mm above the display and slighly below to where the plastic back starts tapering to hold the bumper in place (prevents it from sliding forward)
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Is there an updated link for the STL file? The case looks great… I would love to be able to get one before I get the phone!
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If someone sends me the file I can put it on my webspace.
Fiacco has given his ok.
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Send him the file please!
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@mladen @Kyle_Rankin
Purism do you want my 50 dollars for a fancy gnu case for L5? if so Hurry Up.
Nota: Sé que 50 dolares es un precio elevado, pero me nace ayudar a Purism pórque creo lo nesecita.
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