Explore TPU 95A, a flexible thermoplastic elastomer ideal for FDM 3D printing—known for its rubber-like
elasticity, durability, and abrasion resistance, perfect for functional parts requiring flexibility.
Material Name:
TPU 95A (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Description:
TPU 95A is a flexible, rubber-like thermoplastic elastomer combining the properties of plastic and
rubber. It offers excellent elasticity, high abrasion resistance, and good tensile strength. TPU 95A is
shore hardness 95A, making it flexible yet durable, suitable for producing parts that require bending,
stretching, and compressing without breaking. Its resilience and ability to withstand repeated stress make
it ideal for applications such as gaskets, seals, protective cases, and wearable devices. TPU 95A is also
resistant to oils, greases, and various chemicals, expanding its utility in industrial settings. While it
is more challenging to print than rigid materials, advancements in FDM technology have made printing with
TPU more accessible.
Material Type:
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
Price:
Available color:
Black
White
Natural (Translucent)
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Special Properties:
Flexible and Elastic
High Abrasion Resistance
Good Impact Resistance
Chemical Resistance
Limitations:
Difficult to Print
Slower Print Speeds Required
Stringing and Oozing Issues
Limited Detail Resolution
Material rating
Key TPU95A properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.
Strength3 of 5
Flexibility5 of 5
Detail Resolution2 of
5
Surface Smoothness3 of
5
Heat Resistance3 of 5
Chemical Resistance4 of
5
Ease of Printing2 of 5
Cost Efficiency5 of 5
Applications
TPU 95A is ideal for creating flexible parts that require durability and elasticity. Its
rubber-like properties make it suitable for components that need to withstand bending, stretching, and
compressing, serving various industries from automotive to consumer products.
Automotive Applications
Gaskets and seals
Vibration dampening components
Protective covers
Consumer Electronics Applications
Protective cases
Wearable device bands
Flexible connectors
Medical Devices Applications
Prosthetics and orthotics
Flexible tubing
Grips and handles
Industrial Uses
Conveyor belts
Flexible hoses
Custom grommets
Additional Applications
Functional Prototypes
Wearable Components
Grips and Handles
Flexible Housings
Mechanical Properties
Combines flexibility with good tensile strength and abrasion resistance, suitable for parts undergoing
repeated motion and stress.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 26 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 12 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
500%
Flexural Strength
Not typically measured due to material flexibility
Flexural Modulus
Not applicable
Notched Izod Impact Strength
No break (high impact resistance)
Shore Hardness
Shore A 95
Characteristics
Printing with TPU 95A requires careful settings to manage its flexibility. It is
recommended to use direct-drive extruders, slower print speeds, and adjusted retraction settings to minimize
stringing and ensure consistent extrusion.
Type
Value
Lead Time
2-5 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance
±0.20%, minimum ±0.2 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height
0.1 mm to 0.3 mm
Thermal Properties
Exhibits moderate heat resistance; maintains elasticity over a range of temperatures.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 60°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 150 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
80
Max Service Temperature
Up to 80°C before significant softening occur
Electrical Properties
Acts as an electrical insulator with good dielectric properties.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Standard TPU is not ESD safe; specialized grades are available.
Conductivity
Non-conductive; insulating material
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific TPU 95A formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is TPU 95A, and what are its main characteristics?
TPU 95A is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer known for its rubber-like elasticity, durability,
and abrasion resistance.
Where is TPU commonly used outside of 3D printing?
TPU is used in various applications like shoe soles, phone cases, automotive parts, and flexible
hoses due to its flexibility and durability.
How does TPU 95A compare to other flexible filaments?
TPU 95A offers a good balance between flexibility and printability, being less flexible than
softer TPUs but easier to print with standard equipment.
Is TPU 95A suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, TPU has good resistance to oils, greases, and UV exposure, making it suitable for outdoor
use.
Is TPU 95A biodegradable?
No, TPU is not biodegradable. It is a petroleum-based thermoplastic elastomer.
What are the ideal print settings for TPU 95A?
Print temperatures between 210-230°C, bed temperature of 30-60°C, and slower print speeds of
15-30 mm/s are recommended for TPU 95A.
Do I need a direct-drive extruder to print TPU?
A direct-drive extruder is preferred for TPU due to better filament control, but with proper
settings, a Bowden extruder can also be used.
How can I prevent stringing when printing with TPU?
Minimize retractions, reduce print temperatures, and optimize travel movements to reduce
stringing with TPU.
Does TPU require a heated bed?
While not mandatory, a heated bed can improve bed adhesion and reduce warping for TPU
prints.
Can I print TPU on a standard FDM printer?
Yes, with proper adjustments to print settings and possibly hardware modifications like adding a
filament guide.
Can TPU prints be painted or dyed?
Yes, TPU prints can be painted with flexible paints or dyes designed for fabrics or
plastics.
How do I remove support material from TPU prints?
Supports can be manually removed, but due to TPU's flexibility, care must be taken to avoid
tearing the part.
Is it possible to glue TPU parts together?
Yes, TPU parts can be bonded using adhesives designed for flexible plastics or by heat
welding.
Can TPU prints be smoothed or finished?
Mechanical finishing like trimming or sanding is possible, but chemical smoothing is not
commonly used with TPU.
How do I clean TPU prints?
TPU prints can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may degrade the
material.
Why is my TPU filament jamming in the extruder?
Filament jams can occur due to TPU's flexibility causing it to buckle. Slowing down print speeds
and ensuring a constrained filament path helps prevent this.
How can I improve bed adhesion for TPU prints?
Use a clean build surface, consider using adhesives like glue stick, and ensure the bed
temperature is appropriate.
What causes inconsistent extrusion when printing with TPU?
Inconsistent extrusion can result from improper tension on the extruder gears or filament
slipping due to its flexibility.
How do I reduce oozing and blobs in TPU prints?
Optimize retraction settings, reduce print temperatures, and minimize travel moves to reduce
oozing.
Why are my TPU prints rough or have poor surface quality?
Surface issues can stem from incorrect print speeds, temperatures, or insufficient cooling.
Fine-tuning these settings can improve quality.
Can TPU be used in dual-extrusion printers?
Yes, TPU can be used alongside rigid materials, but differences in material properties require
careful calibration.
Is TPU suitable for functional mechanical parts?
Yes, TPU's flexibility and durability make it ideal for gaskets, seals, and vibration-dampening
components.
How does moisture affect TPU filament?
TPU is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, leading to print defects. Store it in a dry environment
and dry the filament if necessary.
Are there different hardness levels available for TPU?
Yes, TPU filaments come in various Shore hardness levels, with 95A being one of the firmer
options.
Can TPU be recycled or reused?
Recycling TPU is challenging due to its elastomeric properties. It's not commonly recycled in
standard facilities.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
Looking for other flexible or durable materials for your FDM 3D printing projects? Consider these alternatives:
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