TPU 85A vs TPU 95A vs PEBA: Which Flexible Filament Has the Best Elasticity?

Flexible filaments are essential for 3D printing parts that need flexibility, durability, and shock absorption.

However, not all flexible materials behave the same. Some materials compress easily but return little energy, while others can store and release energy like a spring.

Among the most popular flexible filaments used in 3D printing are TPU 85A, TPU 95A, and PEBA, each offering different levels of flexibility and energy return.

To visually demonstrate these differences, we conducted a real bounce test using 3D-printed balls, dropping them from the same height and measuring the rebound height. The results clearly show how differently these materials store and release energy.

If you’re new to flexible materials, you can also explore our complete TPU filament guide to learn more about printing flexible filaments successfully.

Why Elasticity Matters in Flexible Filaments

Elasticity determines how well a printed part can deform and return to its original shape. In practical applications, this affects:

• Shock absorption
• Impact resistance
• Comfort for wearable items
• Rebound performance for sports or toy parts

Materials with higher elasticity generally provide better energy return, while slightly firmer materials may offer better dimensional stability and printability.

Materials Tested

In this test, we compared three common flexible filament materials:

Each material was printed into the same ball models to evaluate rebound performance.

Test Method: Bounce Test

To measure elasticity, we performed a rebound test by dropping each printed ball from a fixed height and recording how high it bounced back.

Test Procedure:

1. Each printed ball was dropped from a fixed height of 150 cm.
2. The rebound height was recorded using slow-motion video analysis.
3. Each material was tested three times to reduce random error.
4. The average rebound height was calculated.

All Tests Were Conducted:

• At room temperature
• On a rigid flat surface
• Using the same printed models and parameters

This method allows a direct comparison of energy return and elasticity between materials.

3D Printing Setup

To ensure consistency, all test samples were printed using the same settings.

Printer: Bambu Lab 3D printer
Print settings: Default Bambu slicing parameters
Infill density: 25%
Same model: Classical ball model for all materials

Using identical settings helps reduce variables so that the material properties themselves are the main factor influencing the result.

Elasticity Test Results

Below are the rebound results for each material.

The difference is significant: PEBA rebounded over twice as high as TPU 95A, highlighting its exceptional energy return capability. These results show a clear relationship between material structure and rebound performance. Softer elastomers with higher energy return, such as PEBA, can store more deformation energy and release it quickly during impact.

Watch the Bounce Test Video

Seeing the materials in action makes the differences even clearer. Watch our short video to observe the real bounce performance of TPU 85A, TPU 95A, and PEBA.

Observations

💡 TPU 85A

• Demonstrates strong elasticity
• Stable rebound performance
• Good balance between softness and durability

💡 TPU 95A

• Slightly firmer material
• Lower rebound compared with softer TPU
• Provides better structural support

💡 PEBA

• Significantly higher rebound
• Extremely efficient energy return
• Ideal for highly elastic applications

In our test, PEBA reached an average rebound of around 95 cm — more than double the rebound height of TPU 95A, while TPU 85A reached about 61 cm and TPU 95A about 43 cm.

Why PEBA Has Higher Rebound

PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) is a high-performance elastomer widely used in running shoe midsoles, sports equipment, and aerospace components.

Many high-performance running shoes today use PEBA-based foams because of their exceptional energy return.

Its molecular structure combines:

• Rigid polyamide blocks for strength
• Flexible polyether blocks for elasticity

This block-copolymer structure allows PEBA to achieve exceptionally high energy return, which explains its superior rebound performance in the bounce test.

Choosing the Right Flexible Filament

Each material offers advantages depending on the application.

TPU 85A – Balanced Flexibility

Best for:

• Wearables
• Soft grips
• Medical prototypes
• Protective padding
• Vibration-damping parts

It provides excellent flexibility while remaining relatively easy to print.

TPU 95A – Durable and Stable

Best for:

• Phone cases
• Industrial seals
• Drone components
• Protective covers
• Automotive clips

TPU 95A offers greater rigidity and dimensional stability.

PEBA – Maximum Elasticity

Best for:

• Sports equipment
• Performance footwear
• Robotics
• Aerospace prototypes
• High-end engineering applications

It delivers extreme elasticity and energy return, though it may require more careful printing control.

TPU vs PEBA: Which One Is Better?

For most 3D printing users, TPU remains the most practical flexible filament because it offers:

• Good elasticity
• Strong durability
• Easy printing performance

PEBA, on the other hand, is typically used in high-performance applications where maximum rebound and energy return are required.

This is why TPU dominates everyday flexible prints, while PEBA is more common in advanced engineering and sports materials.

For most hobbyists and everyday prints, TPU remains the best balance between flexibility, durability, and printability.

Common FAQ

1. Is PEBA more elastic than TPU?
   Yes. PEBA typically provides higher energy return and rebound compared with TPU due to its block-copolymer molecular structure.
2. Is TPU 95A harder than TPU 85A?
   Yes. TPU 95A has a higher Shore hardness, making it firmer and more dimensionally stable.
3. Which flexible filament is easiest to print?
   For most users, TPU 95A is the easiest flexible filament to print because it feeds more reliably than softer materials.

Final Thoughts

Flexible filaments can behave very differently depending on their material structure and hardness.

From our bounce test:
PEBA showed the highest rebound and elasticity.
TPU 85A delivered strong flexibility with stable performance.
TPU 95A provided a firmer feel with lower rebound.

For most everyday flexible prints, TPU remains a practical and reliable choice, while PEBA excels in applications requiring maximum elasticity and energy return.

If you want to learn more about flexible materials, explore our complete TPU filament guide for printing tips, troubleshooting, and material comparisons.

Recommended Flexible Filaments from iSANMATE

If you’re looking for reliable flexible filaments for your next project, explore our tested materials:

✅ TPU 85A Filament – Ultra-flexible for soft parts
✅ TPU 95A Filament – Balanced flexibility and strength
✅ PEBA Filament – High-rebound engineering elastomer