the flexible elastomer: Shore 85A–95A. Direct-drive mandatory.
No other FDM material is truly flexible. PLA, ABS, PETG are all rigid. TPU is the only way to print rubber-like parts without post-processing.
| Formula | (C₂₇H₃₆N₂O₁₀)ₙ |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ |
| Tg (glass transition) | -40°C |
| Nozzle temp | 220–240°C |
| Bed temp | 50–60°C |
| Enclosure | no |
| Difficulty | ★★: intermediate |
Engineer, author of The Big Book of 3D Printing and additive manufacturing expert
| Formula | (C₂₇H₃₆N₂O₁₀)ₙ |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.21 |
| Tg (°C) | -40 |
| Print ease (0-10) | 5 |
| Tensile (0-10) | 6 |
| Flexibility (0-10) | 10 |
| Impact resistance (0-10) | 9 |
| Heat resistance (0-10) | 4 |
| UV resistance (0-10) | 5 |
| Chemical resistance (0-10) | 6 |
| Cost (0-10) | 6 |
| Safety (0-10) | 8 |
| Finishing (0-10) | 5 |
| Bed adhesion (0-10) | 8 |
| Accuracy (0-10) | 6 |
| Drying temperature (ASTM) | 50-60 °C |
|---|---|
| Nozzle temperature (Cura) | 210-240 °C |
| Bed temperature (Cura) | 0-60 °C |
| Nozzle temperature (EduFacturing library) | 210-230 °C |
| Bed temperature (EduFacturing library) | 40-60 °C |
| Nozzle temperature (OrcaSlicer/Bambu) | 220-240 °C |
| Bed temperature (OrcaSlicer/Bambu) | 35-55 °C |
| Property | TPU | ABS | ASA | CF-Filled (PLA/PETG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print ease | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Tensile | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Flexibility | 10 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Impact resistance | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
| Heat resistance | 4 | 8 | 8 | 3 |
| UV resistance | 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 |
| Chemical resistance | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 |
| Cost | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Safety | 8 | 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Finishing | 5 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Bed adhesion | 8 | 6 | 6 | 8 |
| Accuracy | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Brand | Manufacturer | EUR/kg | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSUN eTPU-95A | eSUN | 24 | budget |
| Bambu TPU 95A | Bambu Lab | 32 | mid |
| Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 | Polymaker | 35 | mid |
| Recreus Filaflex | Recreus | 45 | premium |
| NinjaTek NinjaFlex | NinjaTek | 65 | premium |
Compatible printers: 534