TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU(Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Thermoplastic Elastic Filament

TPU for FDM 3D Printing

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible and elastic filament known for its rubber-like properties.

It offers excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and durability, making it perfect for parts that require stretch, shock absorption, or impact resistance.

TPU prints are versatile for wearable, protective, and custom-fit applications.

Key Benefits

TPU is a flexible and durable material with excellent resistance making it ideal for wearables, moving parts, and soft-touch applications.

Highly Flexible

Can stretch and bend without breaking, ideal for soft or flexible parts.

Impact Resistance

Withstands wear and shocks, making it suitable for rugged use.

Abrasion Resistant

Resists surface wear and friction, extending the life of moving parts.

Soft-touch finish

Offers a rubber-like texture, making it good for grips and wearables.

Dynamic Application

Perfect for hinges, seals, joints, and other dynamic applications.

Chemically durable

Withstands exposure to oils, greases, and many industrial chemicals.

TPU Material Performance Radar Chart

Material Performance Radar Chart

TPU Performance Analysis

TPU revolutionizes 3D printing by bringing rubber-like flexibility to desktop manufacturing. This versatile elastomer achieves a perfect flexibility score while maintaining good strength and durability, making it the go-to material for applications requiring cushioning, grip, or movement.

Unique Properties:

Extreme Flexibility – Rubber-like elasticity with memory
Shock Absorption – Excellent vibration damping
Abrasion Resistance – Outlasts rigid plastics in wear applications
Chemical Resistance – Resists oils, greases, and solvents
Variable Hardness – Available from soft (60A) to firm (98A)
Tear Resistance – Won’t propagate cracks like rigid materials

Printing Considerations:

Print Speed – Requires slow speeds (15-30mm/s)
Direct Drive Preferred – Bowden setups struggle
Retraction Settings – Minimal or disabled
Stringing Common – Post-processing often needed
No Supports – Bridges well due to flexibility

The Flexible Solution: With an overall score of 3.5/5, TPU’s moderate rating reflects printing challenges rather than material limitations. For applications requiring flexibility, no other FDM material compares. The learning curve is worth mastering for access to rubber-like parts.