TPU

(Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

Recyclable TPU Shoes 3D Printed by Peak & Wanhua

TPU

(Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Filament is a flexible, rubber-like 3D printing material known for its durability, elasticity, and impact resistance. It is commonly used for applications that require flexibility, shock absorption, and wear resistance.

TPU Profiles

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like filament known for its durability, impact resistance, and elasticity. It is commonly used for printing phone cases, wearables, seals, gaskets, and other functional parts that require flexibility.

Due to its softness, TPU requires specific print settings to ensure smooth extrusion and prevent feeding issues. Below, you’ll find optimized print profiles tailored for different TPU brands and printer setups. These profiles will help you achieve high-quality prints while minimizing common issues like stringing, under-extrusion, and poor bed adhesion.

You can use these profiles as a starting point and fine-tune them to match your specific printer and TPU brand for the best results.

Creality TPU Print Profile

General Settings:

Hot End Temperature: 210–235°C (Recommended: 220°C)
Bed Temperature: 40–60°C (Lower temps help prevent sticking issues)
Print Speed: 15–30 mm/s (Slower speeds improve print quality)
Cooling Fan: 30–50% (Too much cooling can reduce layer adhesion)
Retraction Distance: 1–2 mm (Direct Drive) | 3–5 mm (Bowden)
Retraction Speed: 20–30 mm/s (Avoid fast retractions to prevent filament grinding)

Additional Settings:

Layer Height: 0.2 mm (Lower for fine details, higher for strength)
First Layer Speed: 15 mm/s (Ensures strong bed adhesion)
Infill: 10–30% (Higher for stronger parts)
Bed Adhesion: Use a PEI sheet or glue stick for extra grip

Troubleshooting & Tips:

Filament Grinding? Reduce retraction and print speed to avoid excessive pressure.
Stringing Issues? Enable combing mode and lower the nozzle temperature slightly.
Poor Bed Adhesion? Use a textured PEI sheet or a thin layer of glue stick.
Under-Extrusion? Increase flow rate slightly (102–105%) if gaps appear in prints.
Clogging? TPU is soft and can jam in Bowden extruders. Direct-drive extruders are recommended for best results.

Common Uses for TPU Filament:

Phone Cases – Provides shock absorption and a grippy texture.
Shoe Soles & Wearables – Offers flexibility and comfort.
Seals & Gaskets – Resistant to oils and chemicals.
RC Car Tires – Provides traction and durability.
Protective Sleeves & Covers – Shields delicate parts from damage.

Key Characteristics:

Shore Hardness: TPU comes in different hardness levels, usually ranging from Shore 85A to 98A (lower numbers are softer and more flexible).
Elasticity: Can stretch and bend without breaking.
Abrasion & Chemical Resistance: Resistant to wear, oils, and chemicals.
Difficult to Print: Requires precise settings due to its flexibility, especially on Bowden-style printers.

Why TPU Needs to Be Stored in a Dryer Box

TPU is a highly hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air very quickly. If TPU filament is exposed to humidity, it can cause several printing issues, including:

Poor Print Quality: Moist TPU can create inconsistent extrusion, leading to stringing, bubbles, and rough surfaces on prints.
Nozzle Clogging: The absorbed moisture turns into steam when heated, which can cause popping sounds and partial blockages in the nozzle.
Weakened Layer Adhesion: Excess moisture can cause prints to become brittle and weak, reducing their flexibility and durability.
Inconsistent Extrusion: The trapped water in the filament expands as steam, causing variations in filament flow, leading to under-extrusion and uneven layers.

How a Dryer Box Helps

A filament dryer box removes excess moisture by maintaining a controlled, low-humidity environment. By storing TPU in a dryer box, you ensure:

Consistent print quality with smooth, bubble-free extrusion.
Stronger prints with proper layer adhesion.
Reduced clogging and feed issues in both Bowden and direct-drive extruders.

If TPU has already absorbed moisture, it should be dried at 50-60°C (122-140°F) for 4-6 hours in a filament dryer before printing for optimal results.

Differences between PLA and TPU

Great article! Learn about the differences between TPU and PLA. Click here or the shoe to read the full article. Below are the main differences:

Flexibility & Hardness

TPU is highly flexible and rubber-like, ideal for bendable and impact-resistant parts. It comes in various shore hardness ratings, with lower numbers being softer.
PLA is rigid and brittle, breaking under stress instead of bending.

Strength & Durability

TPU is highly durable and resistant to wear, impact, and chemicals, making it great for long-lasting, functional parts.
PLA is strong but brittle, meaning it can crack under pressure instead of deforming. It is better suited for aesthetic and non-load-bearing prints.

Ease of Printing

TPU is difficult to print due to its elasticity. It requires slow print speeds and a direct-drive extruder for optimal results, and it can cause feeding issues in Bowden-style extruders.
PLA is one of the easiest filaments to print, working well with most 3D printers without major modifications.

Print Speed

TPU requires slow print speeds (15–40 mm/s) to avoid extrusion issues.
PLA can be printed much faster (40–100 mm/s) with minimal issues.

Heat Resistance

TPU has a higher heat resistance (typically up to 80–100°C), making it suitable for functional parts exposed to heat.
PLA has low heat resistance (~55–60°C), meaning it can warp or deform if left in a hot car or under direct sunlight.

Adhesion & Warping

TPU has strong bed adhesion and doesn't warp easily. However, stringing can occur due to its flexible nature.
PLA also has good bed adhesion but may warp slightly if cooling is too aggressive.

Applications

TPU is ideal for flexible parts like phone cases, shoe soles, seals, tires, and wearables.
PLA is best for decorative or structural prints, such as models, prototypes, and low-stress functional parts.

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