3D Printed TPU (Rubber-Like Material)

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Tpu is a practical material choice when you need the right balance of performance, finish, and cost for functional parts.

TPU – Flexible, Tough and Built to Take a Beating

TPU is your go-to material when you need a part that won’t snap, crack or shatter. I’m talking about something that bends, stretches, and still returns to shape. Think rubber‑like feel, but with more durability and better precision when printed right.

We use TPU when a customer says, “I need this to flex but still last.” Whether it’s for seals, gaskets, vibration‑dampening mounts, or custom grips — TPU is brilliant for jobs where impact resistance and flexibility are key.

Key Technical Specifications (Typical Values)

• Shore hardness: 85–95A (softer to firmer rubber feel) • Elongation at break: 300–600% • Tensile strength: 25–50 MPa • Impact resistance: Extremely high • Heat deflection temperature: 60–80°C • Density: ~1.2 g/cm³ • Abrasion resistance: Very good • UV resistance: Moderate • Chemical resistance: Good (oils, greases, some solvents)

This stuff’s built to move. You can twist it, stretch it, squash it — and it’ll still do its job.

Quick take

Tpu is a good practical material when you need strength and real-world durability — not just a nice-looking prototype.

What I’d ask you before choosing Tpu

Is it going outdoors in full sun? Is it near heat? Is it under constant load? Those usually decide whether Tpu is right or whether we should look at alternatives.

Why Engineers Use TPU

You use TPU when something needs to absorb shock, flex under pressure, or make a seal. I recommend TPU when: • You need flexibility and repeated movement • You want to replace a rubber part without tooling • You’re prototyping parts that will later be cast in rubber • You need some impact protection in your design

It’s especially good for grommets, cable protectors, bump stops, and even shoe soles.

Real-World Applications

We’ve printed TPU parts for: • Dust seals and custom gaskets • Vibration‑dampening feet for machines • Flexible tool grips and ergonomic covers • Snap-fit connectors that need to flex • Custom bumpers for impact zones • Protective sleeves and cable guides

If it's got to flex without failing — TPU’s your best bet.

What to Consider with TPU

Printing TPU isn’t like printing PLA or ABS. It’s soft and slippery, so you’ve got to treat it right. Here’s how we handle it: • Slow print speed — 20 to 40 mm/s tops • Direct drive extruder preferred for better grip • Print temp: usually 220–250°C • Bed temp: 40–60°C (no warping, but better adhesion) • Minimal retraction to avoid stringing We build the part based on its real use. If it’s a thin gasket, we’ll print it flat. If it’s a shock pad, we adjust the infill pattern to manage compression zones.

Why Buyers Choose TPU

From a purchasing standpoint, TPU solves problems that rigid plastics can’t. It’s ideal when: • You need flexibility without going to silicone moulding • You want to skip rubber tooling costs • You’re testing a product for ergonomic fit or function • You need one‑off protective parts quickly

Why We Use TPU

We had a client come in who needed a rubber foot for a discontinued bit of lab equipment. OEM wanted a few hundred quid just for a part that should’ve cost a fiver. I told him, “Give me the sample — I’ll CAD it, print it in TPU, and you’ll be sorted.” Next day, done. Cost him next to nothing, worked perfectly. That’s the difference between off-the-shelf and custom printing that’s done properly.

We don’t just print rubbery things for the fun of it — we do it because TPU fixes real-world problems when rigid plastic just won’t cut it.

TPU Material

3D printing has come a long way in recent years. Once the domain of large corporations and hobbyists with expensive equipment, 3D printing is now accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection.

One of the most popular materials for 3D printing is TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane. TPU Morbido is a flexible and durable material that is perfect for both beginners and experienced 3D printers.

TPU Morbido has unique characteristics that make it elastic like rubber, yet durable like plastic. This makes it perfect for a wide range of applications, from phone cases to prosthetic limbs.

Despite its many benefits, TPU is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that TPU is not compatible with all 3D printers. Some printers cannot reach the high temperatures required to melt TPU, while others cannot produce the high-quality finish that is possible with other materials.

Despite these challenges, TPU Morbido is a popular material for 3D printing. Thanks to its unique properties, TPU is perfect for a wide range of applications. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced 3D printer, TPU is a great material to experiment with

Technical Data

tensile strength of 46.7 MPa . Break Elongation of 702% at 500 mm/min stretch rate

Is TPU toxic to print?

TPU filaments are not toxic and are generally safe in many applications depending on several factors, they are even used in biomedical cases. A TPU Morbido filament is a versatile compound and is commonly used in everyday

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible 3D printing filament known for its elasticity, durability, and resistance to abrasion. Here is some technical data on 3D Printed TPU filament:

Melting Temperature: The melting temperature for TPU filament is typically around 220-240°C. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the printing process to ensure quality prints.

Filament Diameter: The diameter of TPU filament is usually 1.75mm or 3mm, but it can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Print Bed Temperature: The recommended print bed temperature for TPU filament is around 50-60°C. This is not always necessary, but it can help with adhesion to the print bed.

Cooling: TPU filament requires some cooling during the printing process to prevent warping and improve dimensional stability.

Tensile Strength: TPU filament has a relatively low tensile strength of around 20-25 MPa, but it has high elongation at break, which means it can stretch without breaking.

Flexural Strength: TPU filament has a low flexural strength of around 10-20 MPa, which means it is not as rigid as some other filaments.

Shore Hardness: TPU filament has a wide range of Shore hardness values, typically ranging from 50A to 95A. Lower values indicate softer and more flexible material, while higher values indicate a firmer and more rigid material.

Abrasion Resistance: TPU filament is highly resistant to abrasion and is commonly used for applications that require a durable and flexible material.

Chemical Resistance: TPU filament has good resistance to chemicals such as oils and solvents, but it is not as resistant as some other filaments such as Nylon.

Post-processing: TPU filament can be sanded, painted, and glued. It can also be printed with different nozzle sizes to achieve different levels of flexibility and rigidity.

FAQs

Is Tpu suitable for outdoor use?

It depends on UV exposure and heat. Tell us the environment and we’ll advise the best material.

Can you print Tpu for functional parts?

Yes. If you share the part purpose and any load/heat details, we’ll confirm the best settings and material choice.