Pros
- Flexible, and springs back to its shape
- Absorbs impacts and vibration
- Grippy, non-slip surface
- Hard to tear, and resists wear
- Holds up to oils and grease
3D printing materials
TPU: flexible, rubber-like parts
TPU is a flexible, rubbery material. It bends, squishes, and springs back, and it's hard to tear or wear through. Typical TPU feels about as firm as a rubbery phone case. It's the right choice for parts that need to grip, cushion, or seal.
Available on request as a Custom print.
TPU at a glance
Best for flexible parts
- Heat resistance
- Medium Handles warm spots better than PLA.
- Toughness
- Very high Bends instead of breaking.
- Flexibility
- Rubbery Squishes and springs back.
- Outdoor use
- Fair Okay outside, fades in strong sun.
- Detail
- Fair Edges and small features come out rounded.
Pros & cons
What TPU does well, and where it falls short
Cons
- Prints slowly, so parts take longer and can cost more
- Sharp edges and fine detail come out softer
- Can't hold a rigid shape, so it's not for brackets or structural parts
- Hard to sand, and paint tends to crack as the part flexes
Good uses
Great for
- Furniture feet and bumpers
- Gaskets and seals
- Grommets and cable strain reliefs
- Phone and device cases
- Grips and handle covers
- Anti-vibration feet for appliances and tools
Better options
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How TPU stacks up
Most prints use PLA. PETG, TPU, and ASA are available on request as a Custom print.
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