TPU: a flexible, rubber-like material
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible 3D printing material that can be bent and squeezed much like rubber. It is used for seals, bumpers, pads and phone cases.
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What TPU is
TPU is one of the elastomers, materials that return to their original shape after being squeezed or bent. Unlike rubber, it can be melted and printed as a filament.
Hardness is given on the Shore scale. According to Prusa Research, TPU is usually 60A to 90A, and the lower the number, the softer it is. It resists abrasion and chemicals well and stays flexible in the cold.
What TPU is good for
- Seals and pads that have to sit tight and seal.
- Bumpers, feet and dampers against vibration and scratches.
- Cases and covers that stretch over an object.
- Parts that have to bend without cracking.
Why TPU is hard to print
The soft strand jams easily in the printer, so it is printed slowly. It copes badly with overhangs and bridges, supports are hard to remove from it, and it absorbs moisture from the air. The softer the material, the harder the print.
Do we print TPU?
Not at the moment. We print PLA and PETG, which are rigid, so you cannot replace a truly flexible part with them. If you only need a little flexibility, for example in a snap-fit clip, PETG flexes more than PLA and a thin wall of it can be bent.
If you need a part in TPU, write to us and we will advise what can be done.
Common questions
Is TPU the same as rubber?
Not quite. It behaves similarly, being springy and bendy, but it is a plastic that can be melted and printed. Harder grades are more like a shoe sole than a rubber band.
Can a flexible part be printed in PETG?
Not flexible like rubber. Thin sections of PETG do bend, for example in a clip, but for a seal or a bumper you need TPU.
Related terms
PETG
PETG is a tough 3D printing plastic, a close relative of the material in PET bottles. Compared with PLA it withstands more heat, impact and moisture, so it suits technical parts and outdoor use.
PLA vs PETG
PLA vs PETG is the most common choice in 3D printing. PLA is more accurate and enough for most things indoors, while PETG is tougher, withstands more heat and also suits outdoor use.
Filament
Filament is a thin plastic strand wound on a spool, which an FDM 3D printer melts and layers into a part. The type of plastic decides the part's strength, heat resistance and price.
Supports
Supports are auxiliary columns of material that hold up the overhanging parts of a part in 3D printing. They are removed after printing, but they add material, time and marks on the surface.
FDM
FDM is a 3D printing technology where the printer melts plastic filament and lays it down through a nozzle layer by layer. It is the most widespread and cheapest way to 3D print.
SourcesSources checked 1 November 2026, 3
- Thermoplastic polyurethane, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
- Flexible materials, Prusa Research, checked 2026-11-01
- Shore durometer, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
We will print it for you
Upload a model and see the price per piece, the total with shipping and the date at once. We print in Košice, Slovakia, from PLA and PETG.
No model? No problem, pick a ready one
These sites have thousands of free models. Download an STL or 3MF and upload it here. If you sell it or use it for business, check the model licence. How to pick a model and licence