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TPU · FDM · SAN DIEGO

TPU 3D Printing — Flexible, Rubber-Like

TPU is a flexible filament that behaves like rubber — gaskets, vibration dampers, phone cases, shoe insoles. $0.070/cm³ at 2.0× PLA. Prints slowly on a direct-drive extruder.

Price
$0.070
per cm³
HDT
60°C
heat deflect
Tensile
26 MPa
strength
Colors
5
in stock
Quote TPU →See properties table

When to choose TPU

TPU is the right pick when the part must flex, compress, or grip. Phone cases, shoe insoles, gaskets, O-rings, vibration dampers, drone battery straps, tool grips, medical wearables (bracelets, straps), dust covers that need a snug seal, and any squishy functional part.

When to pick something else

Skip TPU for rigid structural parts — you're paying more for less strength. Skip for parts that need a crisp, sharp aesthetic. Skip for high-temp applications (keep under 60°C sustained). Our lead time on TPU is typically 1 day longer than rigid jobs because of the slow print speed.

TPU Properties & Datasheet

Verified against manufacturer datasheets and our own print testing at the San Diego shop.

Tensile strength26 MPaLower than rigid filaments — you're paying for flex
Shore hardness95A (common)Feels like a pencil eraser
Heat deflection60 °CKeep below that for load-bearing
Elongation at break450%Huge stretch before rupture
Chemical resistanceExcellentOils, greases, most solvents
Abrasion resistanceExcellentOutperforms most rigid plastics
Print speedSlow (30mm/s typical)Flexible filament takes time; it shows in lead time
Layer adhesionGoodBut layer lines are visible

DESIGN TIPS

Designing for TPU

  • 01Walls: TPU parts compress, so design for the compressed dimension if you need a seal.
  • 02Infill: 25–50% for cushioning. 100% only if you need a solid rubber block (expensive).
  • 03Supports: we avoid them when possible; TPU supports are brutal to remove.
  • 04Shore hardness matters — we stock 95A (firm) by default; softer 85A on request.
  • 05Holes tighten in TPU — design 0.3mm oversized for snug fits.

CUSTOMER WORK

Real parts we've printed in TPU

Drone battery strap

95A TPU strap for a 5" freestyle drone — absorbs vibration and doesn't snap in freezing temps.

Industrial gasket

Custom-shaped TPU gasket for a pump flange — outperformed off-the-shelf O-rings.

Phone case

Drop-tested custom case for a one-off phone model not on retail shelves.

Considering alternatives?

PETGSee specs →

The rigid alternative when you want some flex but not rubber behavior.

TPU FAQ

How much does TPU 3D printing cost?+
TPU prints at $0.070 per cm³ (2× PLA). A typical palm-sized part (~20 cm³) runs around $2.10 including our markup. Exact price depends on quality preset, infill, and quantity — see /pricing for the full formula.
What is TPU best for?+
TPU is the right pick when the part must flex, compress, or grip. Phone cases, shoe insoles, gaskets, O-rings, vibration dampers, drone battery straps, tool grips, medical wearables (bracelets, straps), dust covers that need a snug seal, and any squishy functional part.
When should I NOT use TPU?+
Skip TPU for rigid structural parts — you're paying more for less strength. Skip for parts that need a crisp, sharp aesthetic. Skip for high-temp applications (keep under 60°C sustained). Our lead time on TPU is typically 1 day longer than rigid jobs because of the slow print speed.
What does TAKT 3D's TPU print setup require?+
Direct-drive extrusion and slow print speed (~30mm/s) required. Standard brass nozzle; enclosed chamber optional. All of our TPU jobs use filament dried the same day to avoid moisture-induced defects, and every spool is logged against the part batch for traceability.
How long is TPU 3D printing turnaround?+
Standard turnaround for TPU is 3–5 business days. Expedited (3 days) adds 30%; rush (1–2 days) adds 60%. Most small TPU orders ship within 48 hours from our San Diego shop.
Ready when you are

Ready to print in TPU?

Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ, or 3MF and get an instant price in TPU — no form, no sales call.

Quote TPUSee all materials