Guide
TPU 3D Printing for Flexible Parts
TPU is a flexible 3D printing plastic. It bends, stretches, and springs back to shape. That makes it great for gaskets, grips, bumpers, and seals. TPU pulls to about 35 MPa and takes a lot of abuse without cracking. Shore hardness sets how soft or firm it feels. Pick TPU when a part must flex, grip, or cushion.
What makes TPU different
Most 3D printing plastics are rigid. TPU is rubber-like. It bends and then returns to shape.
That flex lets it soak up shock and seal against surfaces. Rigid plastics cannot do that.
It also resists scuffs and grease well, so it holds up in rough, hands-on use.
Shore hardness explained
Shore hardness tells you how firm the part feels. A lower number is softer and floppier.
A shoe sole might be firm TPU. A soft gasket might be much softer. The number guides the feel.
Tell us how bendy you need the part. We will match it to the right TPU for the job.
Good uses for TPU
Use it for gaskets and seals that must press tight and keep water or dust out.
Use it for grips, handles, and pads that need a soft, no-slip feel in the hand.
Use it for bumpers and cases that take drops and shrug off the hit.
Design tips for TPU
Thin walls flex more. Thick walls feel stiffer. Set wall size to the flex you want.
Avoid long, skinny features that could stretch out of shape over time.
Give seals a little squeeze room so they press flat and seal well.
How to get a TPU quote
TPU gets a fast human quote, not an instant auto price. Flexible parts need a quick check first.
Upload your STL and share the feel you want. We will send a flat per-part price.
We hold that price for 30 days. Parts are made in the USA and ship in 2 to 5 days.
Quick takeaways
- TPU is a flexible, rubber-like plastic that bends and springs back.
- It is best for gaskets, grips, bumpers, seals, and cases.
- Shore hardness sets how soft or firm the part feels.
- Set wall thickness to control how much the part flexes.
- TPU gets a fast human quote. Upload your STL to start it.
Have a part to print? Get an instant price.
Instant QuoteCommon questions
- What is TPU used for?
- Flexible parts. Think gaskets, seals, grips, handles, bumpers, and phone-style cases. Any part that must bend or cushion fits TPU.
- What does shore hardness mean?
- It is a scale for how firm a flexible part feels. A lower number is softer. Tell us the feel you want and we will match it.
- Is TPU strong?
- It pulls to about 35 MPa and takes lots of abuse without cracking. Its strength is in flex and rebound, not stiffness.
- How do I control how flexible my part is?
- Two ways. Pick a softer or firmer TPU, and change wall thickness. Thin walls flex more, thick walls feel stiffer.
- Does TPU get an instant price?
- No. TPU gets a fast human quote. Upload your STL, tell us the feel you want, and we will send a flat price.