3DreamFactory
HomeServicesBrandingPrint On DemandExpress DeliveryHow It WorksPricingSupport
Log InGet Started
  1. Home
  2. TPU 3D Printing
Flexible Material

TPU 3D PrintingFlexible & Elastic

Professional TPU 3D printing services from a European 3D printing hub. Get an instant quote with 24-48h express delivery on eligible orders for flexible parts, gaskets, and impact-resistant components.

Why Choose TPU for Your 3D Printing Project?

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) offers unique flexibility and elasticity, making it perfect for applications requiring rubber-like properties.

Flexible & Elastic
Exceptional flexibility and elasticity with up to 500% elongation, perfect for applications requiring bend and stretch
Impact & Tear Resistant
Excellent impact absorption and tear resistance, making it ideal for protective equipment and durable applications
Soft Touch & Comfort
Soft, comfortable feel with excellent grip properties, perfect for wearables, handles, and human-contact applications

Perfect Applications for TPU 3D Printing

TPU excels in applications requiring flexibility, impact resistance, and comfortable human interaction.

Phone Cases

Gaskets & Seals

Footwear Components

Automotive Parts

Medical Devices

Sports Equipment

Wearable Tech

Protective Gear

TPU Material Properties

Understanding TPU's flexible characteristics helps you design parts that take advantage of its unique rubber-like properties.

Print Temperature210-230°C
Bed Temperature50-60°C
Shore Hardness85A - 95A
Elongation at Break500%+
Tear StrengthExcellent
Abrasion ResistanceSuperior

TPU Hardness Options

Choose the right TPU hardness for your specific application requirements.

Soft TPU (85A)

  • • Phone cases & covers
  • • Wearable devices
  • • Comfort grips
  • • Flexible hinges

Medium TPU (90A)

  • • Automotive gaskets
  • • Industrial seals
  • • Sports equipment
  • • Protective bumpers

Firm TPU (95A)

  • • Mechanical parts
  • • Tool handles
  • • Vibration dampeners
  • • Flexible couplings

TPU vs Other 3D Printing Materials

Compare TPU's unique flexibility with rigid materials to understand its specialized applications.

PropertyTPUPLAABS
Flexibility★★★★★★☆☆☆☆★☆☆☆☆
Impact Resistance★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★★☆
Tear Resistance★★★★★★★☆☆☆★★★☆☆
Printing Difficulty★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆

Shore Hardness Guide

Shore 85A-95A
Rigid-flexible parts

Gaskets, seals, and protective bumpers. Firm with slight give — feels like a car tire.

Shore 75A-85A
Phone cases & grips

The sweet spot for consumer products. Flexible enough to absorb impact, rigid enough to hold shape.

Shore 60A-75A
Wearables & soft-touch

Watch bands, shoe soles, and ergonomic grips. Noticeably soft — like a pencil eraser or shoe insole.

TPU Design Tips

  • Wall Thickness = Flexibility

    Thinner walls flex more. For rigid areas, use 2mm+ walls. For flexible hinges, drop to 0.8-1.2mm. Vary thickness within the same print for tailored flex zones.

  • Infill Controls Softness

    Gyroid infill at 10-20% gives maximum flexibility. 50%+ infill makes TPU nearly rigid. Use variable infill to create parts that are soft in some zones and firm in others.

  • Print Slow

    TPU needs 20-30mm/s for reliable extrusion. Faster speeds cause filament buckling. Direct-drive extruders handle TPU much better than Bowden setups.

  • No Supports Needed

    TPU bonds so strongly to itself that supports become nearly impossible to remove. Design parts to avoid supports entirely — TPU bridges well at short distances.

Ready for Flexible TPU 3D Printing?

Get a custom quote for TPU 3D printing services. Flexible, durable, and perfect for demanding applications.

Also explore: Custom 3D Printed Retail Displays →