TPU

🧪 Material Properties

• Highly flexible and elastic: Can bend, stretch, and compress repeatedly without damage.

• Rubber-like feel: Soft and grippy surface.

• Good wear resistance: Withstands friction and abrasion well.

• Shore hardness: Typically ranges from 85A (very soft) to 95A/98A (firmer).

🔧 Printing Characteristics

• Print temperature: 210–240°C.

• Heated bed: 40–60°C (optional but improves adhesion).

• Slow print speeds: 15–30 mm/s is typical to prevent clogging.

• Direct drive extruder preferred: Bowden setups can struggle with flexible filament.

• Nozzle clog risk: Requires smooth filament path with minimal resistance.

• Minimal warping: Easy to print on most surfaces (PEI, glue stick, painter’s tape).

🧱 Mechanical Properties

• High impact resistance: Absorbs shocks well.

• Moderate tensile strength: Strong enough for flexible functional parts.

• Excellent elongation: Can stretch up to 300–600% of original length.

• Durable under repeated motion: Ideal for wearable and moving parts.

🌡️ Environmental Resistance

• Good chemical resistance: Resists oils, greases, and some solvents.

• Good abrasion resistance: Long-lasting under friction.

• Moderate heat resistance: Softens around 60–80°C (not for hot environments).

• Moisture absorption: Keep dry for optimal results.

✅ Common Applications

• Phone cases

• Gaskets and seals

• Shock-absorbing mounts

• Wearables (watch bands, insoles)

• RC tires and flexible joints