Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Filament

Material Overview: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile and durable 3D printing filament known for its flexibility and resilience. Often confused with its predecessor, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), TPU stands out due to its higher abrasion resistance, superior chemical resistance, and lower shrinkage.

Key Features:

• Flexibility and Elasticity: TPU is ideal for creating rubbery, elastic parts that are impossible to achieve with materials like PLA or ABS. The flexibility of the final print can be controlled by adjusting the infill density—less infill results in a more flexible object.
• Industrial Applications: Thanks to its resistance to grease, oil, and solvents, TPU is widely used in industrial applications, including medical devices, power tools, automotive instrument panels, drive belts, caster wheels, footwear, inflatable rafts, and mobile phone cases.
• Dimensional Stability: TPU offers significantly lower shrinkage compared to TPE, making it a more reliable choice for projects requiring precise measurements. Additionally, its UV resistance and retention of elastic properties at lower temperatures make it well-suited for creating mechanical parts.
• Multi-Use Filament: TPU excels in dual-extrusion printing, where it can be used to create soft surfaces on rigid base materials, enhancing the functionality and comfort of the final product.
• Layer Adhesion: TPU boasts excellent layer adhesion, ensuring strong, well-bonded prints that are both durable and reliable.

Applications: TPU is a go-to filament for creating items that need to withstand wear and tear while remaining flexible, such as smartphone covers, wristbands, belts, caps, bumpers, and other items requiring both durability and flexibility.

This description highlights TPU's key properties and industrial applications while providing clarity on its advantages over TPE.