TPU

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible filament that produces rubber-like prints. It’s ideal for parts that need to bend, stretch, or absorb shock.

Advantages

• Flexible - Bends and stretches without breaking
• Impact resistant - Absorbs shocks
• Durable - Excellent wear resistance
• Good layer adhesion - Strong prints
• Chemical resistant - Resists oils and solvents

Print Settings

Setting	Value
Nozzle Temp	220-250°C
Bed Temp	40-60°C
Print Speed	15-30mm/s (slow!)
Cooling	50-100%
Retraction	Minimal or none

Challenges

• Requires direct drive - Bowden systems can’t reliably push flexible filament
• Slow printing - Fast speeds cause jams
• Stringing - Very stringy; minimize retractions
• Hard to remove supports - Supports bond too well

Shore Hardness

TPU comes in different flexibilities measured in Shore hardness:

• 95A - Firm, like a shoe sole (easiest to print)
• 85A - Medium, like a rubber band
• 70A - Soft, like a pencil eraser (harder to print)

Tips

• Print SLOW—15-25mm/s max
• Use direct drive extruder if possible
• Disable or minimize retraction
• Print supports in PLA using dual extrusion if available
• Constrain filament path—no gaps for it to buckle into

Best Uses

• Phone cases
• Drone bumpers
• Gaskets and seals
• Shoe insoles
• Protective covers
• Hinges and living hinges