Collection: TPU

TPU 95A (Thermoplastic Polyurethane, 95 Shore A hardness) is a semi-flexible 3D printing material that bridges the gap between rigid plastics and fully flexible rubber-like materials. Unlike completely rigid filaments such as PLA or PETG, TPU 95A provides controlled flexibility and excellent impact absorption whilst maintaining enough structural integrity for functional parts. The 95A shore hardness rating indicates it's the firmer end of the flexible filament spectrum, making it significantly easier to print than softer TPU variants.

TPU 95A combines rubber-like elasticity with practical printability. The material can bend and compress without breaking, making it essential for applications requiring shock absorption, grip, or moderate flex. It maintains excellent layer adhesion, resists abrasion and wear, and provides superior impact resistance compared to rigid materials. TPU 95A is resistant to oils, greases, and many chemicals, whilst offering good UV resistance for outdoor applications. Our TPU 95A filament is manufactured to ±0.02mm tolerance at 1.75mm diameter for consistent printing performance.

The semi-flexible nature of TPU 95A makes it more forgiving to print than softer flexible filaments whilst still delivering the benefits of flexibility for functional parts. It prints reliably on both direct drive and well-tuned Bowden extruders, unlike softer TPU variants that typically require direct drive systems. This makes TPU 95A an excellent entry point for users new to flexible filaments who want practical flexibility without extreme printing challenges.

Choose TPU 95A when your application requires semi-flexible parts with structural integrity that rigid materials cannot provide. It's ideal for parts that need controlled flex, impact absorption, or grip without being completely rubber-like. Common applications include protective phone cases and bumpers, tool handles and grips, dampening mounts and feet, living hinges with moderate flex, gaskets and seals requiring some firmness, tyres for RC vehicles, wearable items like watch bands, and impact-absorbing protective gear.

Select TPU 95A over softer flexible materials when you need parts that maintain their shape under load whilst still providing cushioning and flexibility. The semi-flexible nature prevents parts from being too floppy or losing dimensional accuracy, making it suitable for functional components that must hold tolerances whilst absorbing impact. TPU 95A works well for parts requiring grip surfaces, as the material provides excellent friction without being so soft that it deforms excessively.

TPU 95A suits users ranging from intermediate to advanced skill levels. It prints more easily than softer TPU variants and works on both direct drive and Bowden extruders with proper settings. Whilst it requires slower speeds and careful attention to retraction compared to rigid materials, it's significantly more forgiving than softer flexible filaments. Users comfortable with adjusting print speeds and retraction settings will achieve good results.

Consider alternatives if you need maximum flexibility similar to rubber (explore softer TPE options), require rigid structural parts (use PLA, PETG, or ABS), want fast print speeds (TPU requires slow speeds), or need high-temperature resistance above 60-70°C where TPU may deform.

TPU 95A occupies a unique position as a semi-flexible material that balances flexibility with structural integrity. Where rigid materials fail under bending or impact, and softer materials lack dimensional stability, TPU 95A provides controlled flex with practical printability.

TPU 95A balances flexibility with structural support, making it easier to print than softer variants whilst delivering excellent impact absorption and grip. TPE 85A offers more flexibility for applications requiring softer, more rubber-like properties. PETG and ABS provide rigidity and strength but cannot replicate TPU's flexibility and are unsuitable for applications requiring bending or impact absorption.

If TPU 95A isn't the right choice for your application, explore our TPE filament for softer flexibility, or PETG and ABS for rigid functional parts.

TPU 95A requires patience and specific settings due to its flexible nature, but it's significantly more forgiving than softer TPU variants. The material can buckle in the extruder if pushed too quickly, and its elastic nature makes retraction challenging. However, with proper settings, TPU 95A prints reliably and produces exceptional functional parts.

Temperature settings: Nozzle temperatures for TPU 95A range from 200-220°C, with most users finding success around 210°C. Start at the lower end and increase if you notice under-extrusion or poor layer adhesion. Bed temperature should be set between 40-60°C, with 50°C being optimal for first-layer adhesion. TPU 95A adheres well to most surfaces and doesn't require high bed temperatures like ABS.

Speed and extrusion: Print TPU 95A slowly to prevent filament buckling in the extruder. Use 20-30mm/s for the first layer and 30-50mm/s for subsequent layers. Reduce retraction significantly compared to rigid materials: use 1-3mm for direct drive systems or 3-5mm for Bowden systems (some users disable retraction entirely). Increase flow rate by 5-10% if experiencing under-extrusion. Enable minimal part cooling (0-30%) to ensure strong layer adhesion.

Printer setup: Direct drive extruders provide the best results with TPU 95A, offering excellent control over the flexible filament. Bowden systems can print TPU 95A successfully with slow speeds, minimal retraction, and a properly seated PTFE tube with no gaps. Ensure a clear filament path from the extruder gear to the hotend. On Bowden printers, print even slower (20-30mm/s) to prevent buckling.

Common challenges: Under-extrusion occurs if printing too fast or at too low a temperature. Increase temperature in 5°C increments or reduce speed. Stringing is common with TPU. reduce temperature slightly and accept some stringing as normal for flexible materials. Poor layer adhesion results from excessive cooling. disable or minimise the part cooling fan. Filament buckling on Bowden systems requires slower speeds and ensuring the PTFE tube is fully seated without slack.

TPU 95A can be printed on most FDM printers, making it one of the most accessible flexible filaments. Both direct drive and Bowden extruders work well with TPU 95A when properly configured, though direct drive systems provide easier, more reliable printing.

• Direct drive recommended: Direct drive extruders position the drive gear directly above the hotend, providing excellent control over flexible filament. Printers like the Prusa MK4S, Bambu Lab P1S/X1C, and Creality K1 series with direct drive excel at printing TPU 95A with minimal tuning required.
• Bowden systems compatible: Bowden extruders can print TPU 95A successfully with slow speeds (20-40mm/s), minimal retraction (3-5mm or disabled), and a properly seated PTFE tube. Ensure no gaps between the tube and hotend. Popular Bowden printers like the Ender 3 series handle TPU 95A reasonably well with proper settings.
• Heated bed beneficial: Whilst TPU 95A can print on unheated beds, a heated bed at 40-60°C improves first-layer adhesion and reduces warping on larger prints. Most modern printers meet this requirement easily.
• Build surface: TPU 95A adheres well to PEI sheets, textured powder-coated steel, BuildTak, and painter's tape. Avoid plain glass without adhesive, as TPU may not stick reliably. Over-adhesion is rarely an issue with TPU.

TPU 95A works on printers from Prusa, Bambu Lab, Creality, AnyCubic, Elegoo, and other major manufacturers. The semi-flexible nature makes it compatible with a wider range of printers than softer flexible filaments. Ensure your printer can maintain bed temperatures of 40-60°C and nozzle temperatures up to 220°C, which virtually all modern FDM printers support.