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What is TPU

By Lizzsews

This article is brought to you by Lizzsews.


TPU -> thermoplastic polyurethane which is made up of a blend of rubber and plastic. It's resistant to oil, grease and abrasion.

Recommended read: What is PLA


When 3D printing, TPU filament is used to create flexible prints. It is easier to extrude and use compared to that of other flexible filaments as it is more rigid.

It's flexy and elastic like rubber- but durable like plastic.

TPU is tricky to print with because of its unique characteristics. It should be printed at slower speeds and higher temperatures, compared to PLA. The TPU filament that I use from Eryone prints at a lower temperature than most TPU filaments, this is why you must see what the filament that you have states for its temperature and experiment with it!

When using different filaments and making different prints that have different uses, you might need to adjust the infill too. When using PLA I often use the zig-zag infill, but when using TPU, I use flexible infills. Keep in mind: the more infill density, the less flexible.



For my filament and printer, I use a print speed of 30mm/s and a nozzle temperature of 215°F

Recommended read: About my 3D printer


An example of a print that I have done with TPU filament is an AirPods case, which I made in my how I made article 10.

Recommended read: Airpods case print: How I made article 10

Recommended read: Mythosaurs 3d print


Leave a comment below and let me know what your next print will be! And don't forget to subscribe to stay up to date with all of Lizzsews new articles. See you next time!

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