We have just added TPU 95A HF Black to our filament lineup — our first flexible filament. If you have ever needed a rubbery, elastic material for 3D printing, ordered on-demand without owning a printer, this article is for you. We explain what TPU is, when it is the right choice — and when it is not.
TPU is available for ordering on our instant quote page — upload your STL or 3MF file and get an exact price in 30 seconds, no registration required.
What is TPU filament?
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a filament that remains flexible and elastic after printing — unlike PLA, PETG, or nylon, which are rigid or tough but not bendable. TPU behaves like soft rubber: you bend it, compress it, and it springs back to its original shape. This is exactly the property used in protective cases, gaskets, vibration dampers, and every part where stiffness is undesirable.
Our TPU 95A HF Black is a high-flow (HF) variant, designed for faster and more reliable printing of flexible materials on a direct-drive extruder. Density is 1.21 g/cm³, price is approximately €35.87/kg.
Shore 95A hardness — what does it mean?
Shore A is the standard hardness scale for elastomers and soft materials. The higher the value, the firmer the material:
- Shore 70A–85A — very soft TPUs, softness comparable to a rubber sock or a silicone baking mat
- Shore 95A (ours) — firm-flexible: bendable and elastic, but stiff enough to hold its shape. Comparable to windshield wiper rubber or a firm silicone pad.
- Shore 98A and above — on the boundary between flexible and semi-rigid
95A is the ideal sweet spot for most functional applications: soft enough to absorb impact and bend, yet stiff enough that the part does not collapse under its own weight or deform during assembly.
Properties of TPU 95A HF
- Flexibility and elasticity — the part bends and returns to its original shape without cracking or permanent deformation
- Abrasion resistance — suitable for parts that knock, rub, or slide against surfaces
- Oil and grease resistance — does not swell or soften on contact with oils, lubricants, and many chemicals
- Impact resistance — absorbs and disperses impact energy rather than shattering or cracking
- Vibration damping — the soft structure absorbs and dampens vibrations; excellent for equipment pads and mounts
- Bending without breaking — withstands hundreds of flex cycles without cracking; PLA or ASA would fail after just a few
What is TPU ideal for?
TPU has established itself in thousands of applications worldwide because no other material combines flexibility, abrasion resistance, and FDM printability in the same way. Here are the most common and useful applications:
- Phone and device protective cases — a flexible TPU skin absorbs a drop far better than a rigid PLA case; custom-fit to any device
- Handles and ergonomic grips — softer tool handle, grip for a bicycle, drill, or pole
- Custom gaskets and seals — replacement industrial gaskets or o-ring-like parts in dimensions not available as standard stock
- Bumpers and protective edges — soft edges on equipment, furniture, or industrial tooling that prevent damage on impact
- Straps, bands, and wristbands — custom watch straps or fitness tracker bands, mounting straps, ergonomic wristbands
- Vibration dampers and isolation pads — under CNC machines, 3D printers, compressors, or other vibrating equipment
- Flexible living hinges — a hinge printed in one piece that withstands thousands of opening cycles without breaking
- Anti-slip feet and pads — soft feet under devices, furniture, or ladders that stay in place
- Custom seals, plugs, and caps — tailored plugs, tapered sealing inserts for pipes or openings
When is TPU not the right choice?
Just as important as knowing when to use TPU is being honest about when not to use it. TPU is a filament for flexibility and protection — not rigidity or structural strength.
Avoid TPU when:
- The part must be rigid and dimensionally stable — for example an electronics enclosure or load-bearing structure that must not deform. The right choice here is PETG (everyday parts) or PLA (prototypes).
- The part carries high mechanical loads — brackets, mounts, threaded connections: choose PA6-GF for maximum strength or PAHT-CF for the combination of stiffness and heat resistance. More on those materials in our New Materials 2026 article.
- The part is exposed to high temperatures continuously (above ~80 °C) — TPU softens at high temperatures, while PAHT-CF withstands up to 194 °C.
- You need precise tolerances for mechanical fitting (press-fit, interference fit) — flexible materials deform on insertion and are unsuitable for tight mechanical fits.
In short: TPU = flexibility and protection. For rigidity and structure, look to PETG, PA6-GF, or PAHT-CF. Not sure? Read the filament selection guide.
TPU, PETG, and nylons — material comparison
The table below shows the key differences between the most common materials for functional 3D-printed parts:
| Material | Flexibility | Mechanical strength | Heat resistance | Typical use |
| TPU 95A | high | low to medium | up to ~80 °C | cases, gaskets, dampers, grips, anti-slip pads |
| PETG | low (rigid) | good | up to ~80 °C | everyday functional parts, enclosures, organizers |
| PA6-GF | very low (stiff) | excellent | high | brackets, automotive and mechanical parts, tools |
| PAHT-CF | very low (stiff) | excellent | up to 194 °C | drones, RC models, jigs and fixtures near heat sources |
For a full overview of all available materials, visit our materials page. For a deeper understanding of the differences between filaments, we recommend the filament selection guide.
Printing TPU — why it is trickier (and why that is not your problem)
TPU and flexible filaments in general are more demanding to print than PLA or PETG. The filament is already flexible during transport through the extruder — meaning it can buckle or kink before reaching the nozzle if settings are wrong. This is why most Bowden-style printers struggle with flexible materials and often produce unreliable prints.
On the Bambu Lab P2S we print with a direct-drive extrusion system that gives reliable, consistent control over flexible filament. We calibrate the print speed and parameters for the material and model geometry on every job — you do not need to know any of this. You just upload your model and we handle the rest.
Maximum single-piece print size: 256 × 256 × 256 mm. Larger models are split into parts and assembled by agreement or prepared for later assembly.
How to order a TPU print — step by step
- Prepare your STL or 3MF file
- Open the instant quote at 3DnaKlik
- Upload the file — the system analyzes it automatically and calculates the volume
- Choose the material TPU 95A HF Black from the materials list
- Set print quality (for functional flexible parts we recommend Standard 0.20 mm)
- Get an exact price including VAT in 30 seconds — no surprises
- Confirm the order — we print in Gorica pri Slivnici and deliver across Slovenia
No registration, no waiting for a quote by email. The price is visible immediately and the order is confirmed in minutes.
Frequently asked questions about TPU printing
How different is TPU from real rubber? TPU is a thermoplastic elastomer — it behaves similarly to rubber (flexible, elastic, abrasion-resistant), but can be printed with an FDM printer. You cannot print true vulcanized rubber with a 3D printer — TPU is the practical alternative for prototypes and small custom batches.
Is TPU chemically resistant? TPU 95A is resistant to oils, fats, and many technical chemicals. It is not resistant to solvents, chloroform, and some organic solvents. For aggressive chemical environments, consult the technical data sheet or contact us before ordering.
When should I choose TPU instead of silicone? Silicone is more resistant to high temperatures and UV, but cannot be 3D printed. TPU is an excellent alternative for small batches or prototypes where silicone tooling is too expensive or inaccessible for an individual custom order.
How much does a TPU print cost? The price depends on volume, print quality, and model complexity. The filament cost is approximately €35.87/kg. Get an exact calculation for your model in 30 seconds on the instant quote — no guessing required.
Is TPU suitable for outdoor parts? TPU has good UV resistance compared to most standard filaments. For short-term outdoor applications (protective edges, dampers, feet) it is generally suitable. For long-term outdoor weather exposure, verify in the specific conditions.
What does the surface look like on TPU? The surface is matte and slightly textured — similar to a soft rubber pad. Layers are visible, but for most applications this is acceptable or even desirable (better grip, rubber-like aesthetic).
Ready to order?
TPU 95A HF Black is in stock today. Upload your model, choose the material, and get an exact price in 30 seconds — no registration, no waiting.
Not sure about the material? Browse the full materials range, read the filament selection guide, or check out our New Materials 2026 article for a comparison with engineering filaments.