TPU Filament

About TPU filament

TPU is flexible 3D printer filament. It prints rubber like parts that bend, stretch and absorb impact, and it is graded by Shore hardness. We stock TPU in 1.75 mm on plastic spools from soft 85A through 90A, 95A, 95A HF and 98A to rigid 64D, 70D and 75D, plus silk TPU and ShoeFlex.

Choosing a Shore hardness

  • 85A and 90A are soft and stretchy, for grips, seals and squishy parts.
  • 95A is the common all rounder, for phone cases, feet, bumpers and gaskets.
  • 95A HF is a high flow grade made to print faster.
  • 98A, 64D, 70D and 75D are firm to rigid, for tough parts that flex only slightly.

The TPU page has a Shore hardness slider to compare grades.

Printing TPU

Softer TPU needs slower speeds and a well constrained filament path. Direct drive extruders handle it best. TPU absorbs moisture quickly, and damp TPU strings and bubbles, so dry it before printing and keep it dry while it prints.

Print settings

Nozzle210 to 240°C
Bed30 to 60°C
Speed20 to 40 mm/s for soft grades
RetractionLow or off
DryingDry before printing

High flow and harder grades can run faster than the speeds above. Free slicer profiles are available, and data sheets are in the TDS library.

Common questions

What does 95A mean on TPU filament?

95A is a Shore hardness rating. TPU 95A is firm but flexible, about as hard as a shopping trolley wheel. Lower numbers such as 85A are softer and stretchier. Grades on the D scale, such as 64D, are harder again and only flex slightly.

Is TPU hard to print?

TPU is harder to print than PLA but manageable with the right setup. TPU prints best slowly, with little or no retraction, on a direct drive extruder. Firmer grades such as 95A and above are much easier to feed than soft 85A.

Does TPU need to be dried?

TPU should be dried before printing. TPU absorbs moisture from the air quickly, and wet TPU strings, bubbles and leaves a rough surface. Drying the TPU spool and printing from a dry box gives a much cleaner result.