TPU FILAMENT
🎯 Powerful Flexibility
🎯 Reliable Performance
From ultra-soft 85A to high-speed 95A and advanced PEBA elastomers, discover how modern TPU materials are transforming functional 3D printing applications.
Why Flexible Filament is Becoming Essential in Functional 3D Printing
Flexible materials are no longer niche in 3D printing. Engineers, makers, and manufacturers increasingly rely on TPU and advanced PEBA elastomers for:
- Impact-resistant components
- Wearable products
- Vibration-dampening parts
- Automotive seals
- Robotics applications
However, choosing the right flexible material can be confusing:
- 85A, 90A, or 95A, which flexible material should you use?
- Is high-speed TPU really possible?
- When should you consider PEBA instead?
This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is TPU Filament?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that combines:
- Rubber-like flexibility
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Strong layer adhesion
- Chemical resistance
- Durability
Compared with rigid materials like PLA or PETG, TPU material can bend, stretch, and absorb energy without breaking, which makes it ideal for functional applications.
Understanding Shore Hardness: 85A vs 90A vs 95A vs PEBA
Shore hardness defines how soft a flexible material feels.
Lower shore hardness = softer material.
| Material | Hardness | Max Speed | Rebound | Print Difficulty | Typical Use |
| TPU 85A | 85A | 50–80mm/s | Very High | Harder | Wearables |
| TPU 90A | 90A | 80-120mm/s | High | Medium | Functional rubber parts |
| TPU 95A | 95A | 50–90mm/s | High | Medium | General engineering |
| HS TPU | 95A | Up to 200mm/s | High | Easy | Rapid Production |
| PEBA | 90A | 100mm/s | Extremely High | Advanced | Performance applications |
Why Traditional TPU Prints Slowly
Standard TPU is slow because:
- TPU is viscous when heated, fast printing results insufficient melting
- Easy to be compressed in the feeding path when quickly pushing, causing lag and jamming
- TPU is prone to stringing, fast speed will result in oozing and stringing between parts
The above factors limit the traditional TPU to a lower speed (40–60mm/s)
Standard TPU 95A: The Most Versatile Flexible Filament
95A TPU material is the industry standard. It provides:
- Excellent elasticity
- Excellent mechanical performance
- Reliable printing behavior
- Wide application
Applications include:
- Phone cases
- Industrial seals
- Drone components
- Protective covers
- Automotive clips
For flexible printing, most users are willing to start with 95A because it balances flexibility and printability.
High Speed TPU 95A: Solving the Biggest Pain Point
We know one of the biggest pain points with traditional TPU is the slow printing speed. The 40–60 mm/s speed significantly increases production time.
Modern high-speed TPU formulations offer:
- Faster extrusion response
- Melt flow stability
- Reduced stringing
- Compatibility with high-speed printers
- Elasticity and strength balance
- Consistent filament diameter
Those make HS TPU 95A filament ideal for modern machines capable of rapid motion systems, which can speed up to 200mm/s without sacrificing elasticity. Dramatically improves productivity for users of high-speed 3D printers
TPU 85A: Maximum Softness and Comfort
85A TPU is significantly softer than 95A. It behaves closer to rubber and allows extreme flexibility.
Applications include:
- Wearables
- Soft grips
- Medical prototypes
- Protective padding
- Vibration-damping parts
Printing 85A TPU requires more careful settings and experience due to its softer character.
PEBA: Premium Performance Elastomer
When it comes to PEBA (Polyether Block Amide), we associate it with high-end, performance, professional, and Elite engineering. PEBA represents the next generation of flexible materials.
Compared with TPU, PEBA offers:
- Extremely high rebound energy
- Lightweight structure
- Superior fatigue resistance
- Better low-temperature performance
- Higher resilience
Applications include:
- Sports equipment
- Performance footwear
- Robotics
- Aerospace prototypes
- High-end engineering applications
For demanding applications, it can outperform traditional TPU.
TPU 90A: The Future Flexible 3D Printing Filament
This material is currently under testing and will be available soon.
TPU Printing Settings (Recommended)
Nozzle temperature: 220–240°C
Bed temperature: 35–50°C
Print speed: depends on hardness and printer capability
Drying: 60-80℃ for 8-12 hours before use
Additional tips:
- Direct drive recommended
- Minimal retraction
- Ensure proper filament path alignment
- Reduce print acceleration for softer grades
- Maintain dry storage conditions
Why iSANMATE TPU Stands Out?
Not all TPU 3d filament is produced under the same standards. At iSANMATE, our flexible materials are developed and manufactured using industrial-scale production systems with strict QC procedures. We offer those flexible 3d printing filaments with advantages:
✅ Tight Diameter Tolerance
Our TPU filament is manufactured with strict diameter control to ensure stable extrusion and reduced feeding resistance — particularly important for high-speed printing.
✅ Low Moisture Absorption Control
Because flexible filaments are inherently hygroscopic, our comprehensive drying process: pellets drying, production line moisture control, dehydrator drying for 4-8h, and combined with vacuum packaging, minimizes moisture, related defects such as bubbling, stringing, and weak layer adhesion.
✅ High-Speed Extrusion Formulation
Our high-speed TPU is engineered for improved melt flow stability and faster extrusion response, enabling printing speeds up to 200mm/s on compatible 3d printers.
✅ Consistent Elasticity
Uniform polymer blending ensures reliable rebound performance and mechanical consistency across batches.
✅ Industrial Production Lines
All TPU filaments are produced on professional extrusion lines with quality monitoring, ensuring repeatable performance for engineering and manufacturing applications.
For users seeking stable, industrial-grade flexible filament, our iSANAMTE TPU series will be a good choice.
Common FAQ for Flexible Filaments
- Do I need to dry TPU before printing?
Yes. TPU is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air. Drying at around 60–80 °C for several hours before printing significantly improves surface quality, reduces stringing, and ensures stable extrusion performance. - Why does my TPU feel softer than expected??
The hardness of printed TPU depends on print settings. Lower infill density or fewer walls will make parts feel softer, while higher infill and thicker walls increase stiffness and structural strength. - Why is my TPU stringing?
Stringing is usually caused by moisture or excessive retraction. Keep filament dry and minimizing retraction settings can reduce stringing when printing TPU. - Can TPU print fast?
Yes, our iSANAMTE HS TPU 95A can reach up to 200mm/s. - Can TPU be used in AMS or filament feeding systems?
Some automated feeding systems may work with 95A TPU, but direct drive is recommended. - Why is 85A Harder to Print Than 95A?
Softer filament compresses more easily in the extruder. Direct-drive extruders are recommended for 85A. - Is PEBA Better Than TPU?
Not always. High-performance and lightweight applications choose PEBA; General functional use chooses TPU. - What printers work best with TPU 95A?
Most modern FDM printers work well, especially those with direct drive extruders. High-speed printers such as Bambu Lab, Creality, etc., can fully utilize high-speed TPU capabilities.
Choosing the Right Flexible Material
✅ Choose 95A if you want versatility and reliability.
✅ Choose High Speed 95A if productivity matters most.
✅ Choose 85A for maximum softness.
✅ Choose PEBA for premium performance applications.
Best TPU for Popular 3D Printers
Choosing the right TPU filament depends not only on hardness, but also on your printer configuration.
Below are some suggestions:
- Best TPU for Bambu Lab Printers 👉 High-speed TPU 95A
- Best TPU for Creality Printers 👉 Standard 95A TPU is better than 85A
- Best TPU for Prusa Printers 👉 95A TPU, 85A TPU with carefully tuned
- Best TPU for Voron Printers 👉 95A TPU
💡 Reduced retraction and filament path correctly aligned are always recommended when using 85A TPU filament.
The Future of Flexible 3D Printing Materials
Flexible 3D printing materials are evolving rapidly. Several trends are shaping the future of TPU and elastomer-based filaments.
- High-speed flexible materials: HS TPU material reduces production time at significantly higher speeds
- Lightweight elastomers: PEBA and optimized TPU blends provide lower density with high rebound energy
- Growing robotics demand: TPU offers impact-resistant, vibration-damping, and flexible structural advantages
- Custom manufacturing: Flexible filaments for application components can be produced efficiently.
With options ranging from soft 85A TPU to high-speed 95A and advanced PEBA materials, users now have more possibilities than ever. Selecting the right flexible material depends on your application, printer capability, speed expectations, and performance requirements.
As 3d printing material technology evolves, flexible material printing will continue to unlock new design opportunities across industries.
