TPU: made to bend

What is TPU?

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing filament designed for parts that need to bend, stretch and endure. Some prints shouldn’t be rigid: TPU unlocks a new dimension of functionality, where parts move, flex and absorb impact without breaking. Use it for wearable parts, protective covers, seals and impact-absorbing designs.

• High durability
• Absorbs impact
• Wearable parts
• Bends without breaking

Properties and benefits

TPU offers excellent flexibility, abrasion resistance and impact absorption. It is resistant to oils, greases and many chemicals. Shore hardness typically ranges from 85A to 95A, which makes it ideal for shock absorption and flexible applications.

Super flexible

Elastic shape recovery

High impact absorption

Resistant to oils, greases and many chemicals

Print settings

Start with these settings: best practices lead to better results.

Nozzle temperature

220–250°C

Bed temperature

40–60°C

Print speed

20–30 mm/s

Tips for successful prints

1. Slow and steady

   Print at 20–30 mm/s for the best results and to prevent extruder jams.

2. Minimal retraction

   Keep the retraction distance at 1–2 mm, or disable it entirely, to avoid grinding the filament.

3. Direct drive preferred

   Direct-drive extruders work best with TPU because of their shorter filament path.

4. No TPU in AMS or CFS

   Long filament paths, such as those in an AMS or CFS, can cause jams or clogs. TPU is flexible and therefore elastic, so these systems can stretch and strain the filament and spoil the print.

5. Dry storage, dry before printing

   Store TPU somewhere dry, as it absorbs moisture from the air. For the best print quality, dry your TPU before printing.

6. Support settings

   Use wider support interfaces and a higher Z-distance so supports come off easily.

Projects to try

Discover what you can create with TPU filament. Open any project to explore its STL files.

TPU Dishwashing Sponge by 土豆地呱

Use this TPU dishwashing sponge on your dirtiest pots and pans. Tried and tested: warm it up with a little hot water and your favorite dish soap for maximum flexibility.

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Breathable TPU Orthopedic Insole by Artigiano Digitale

Comfortable, custom-fit insoles with shock absorption, designed by an orthopedic technician. Scale the length of the insole to fit any size.

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Wristbrace by familieKP

Have a sprain? Out of bandage wraps and need a quick fix? TPU is here to save the day.

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Fixel 2 by Boundless 3D

Looking for a coaster? Maybe a floor mat? Fixel 2 covers your hexagonal textile needs: each hexagon set prints in place and separates after printing, to be joined and taken apart again and again.

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The Almog (A Fashion Module) by Variable Seams

Ever wanted to 3D print fabric? “Lego lace” is a single module you weave into a textile of any size. Print it in TPU and scale it up to whatever your project demands.

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Parameterized Rugged Box with TPU Gasket by Maxman

Combine the powers of TPU and PLA with this rugged box. It is parametric in OpenSCAD, so you can size it to your needs.

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TPU Strap or Ribbon Maker by Fuszy

Making fashion? Step it up with these reusable ribbon straps. The model is parametric, so you can scale it to your needs.

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Slim Wallet V6 by Makerverse Designs

Why spend money on a wallet when you already have TPU? Make your own and save the cash for more filament.

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Hex Colanders by Triple G

Need spare colanders for the kitchen that are virtually indestructible? Look no further. Depending on the model, prints designed for PLA can work in TPU too.

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USB C Universal Cable Saver by NordcaForm

Fraying cable? Need something a little more rigid for tight spaces? This USB-C universal cable saver does the trick.

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