TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing filament rated on the Shore hardness scale, prized for elasticity, abrasion resistance, and impact absorption in functional parts.
Thermoplastic polyurethane is a thermoplastic elastomer that behaves like rubber while remaining printable on standard desktop machines. It is graded by Shore hardness, most commonly between 70A and 95A, where lower numbers indicate softer, more elastic material; TPU can stretch up to roughly 500% before breaking. As one of the 📝3D Printing Filament Types, it prints at nozzle temperatures of about 215–235°C but demands slow speeds, often 20–30 mm/s, and prints most reliably on a direct-drive extruder that limits the filament from buckling.
Beyond flexibility, TPU resists abrasion and many solvents and stays pliable in cold conditions, giving it durability that rigid plastics lack. Its softness is also its main printing challenge, as the flexible strand is prone to jamming and requires patient tuning.
These properties make TPU the standard choice for parts that must bend, cushion, or grip: phone cases, gaskets, seals, drive belts, tool grips, vibration dampers, and wearable components. Where PLA, ABS, and PETG produce rigid structures, TPU fills the distinct role of the flexible elastomer in a filament lineup.