TPU
(Thermoplastic Polyurethane)

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible and elastic material commonly used in 3D printing. It belongs to the family of thermoplastic elastomers, which combine the properties of both rubber and plastic. TPU filament offers unique characteristics such as excellent flexibility, high elongation at break, and good abrasion resistance.One of the primary advantages of TPU is its flexibility. It can be bent, stretched, and compressed without losing its original shape or breaking. This property makes TPU ideal for applications that require rubber-like properties, such as gaskets, seals, grips, and functional parts that need to absorb shocks or vibrations.TPU filament is also known for its high elongation at break, meaning it can stretch significantly before reaching its breaking point. This property makes TPU suitable for applications that require parts with excellent resilience and the ability to withstand repeated stretching and bending without failure.In addition, TPU offers good abrasion resistance, which means it can withstand friction and wear over time. This makes it a preferred choice for applications involving moving parts, such as flexible hinges or mechanical components.Another advantage of TPU is its compatibility with dual-extruder 3D printers, allowing for the creation of multi-material or multi-color prints. It can be combined with other filaments to achieve desired properties or create composite structures.It is worth noting that TPU printing may require specific considerations. Due to its flexible nature, it can be more challenging to achieve high levels of detail compared to rigid filaments. TPU also requires specialized printer settings, including slower print speeds and calibrated extrusion settings, to ensure proper print quality. TPU filament is a versatile material that offers excellent flexibility, high elongation at break, and good abrasion resistance. Its rubber-like properties make it suitable for applications requiring resilience, impact absorption, and the ability to withstand repeated deformation. TPU is commonly used in industries such as automotive, footwear, sporting goods, and consumer products where flexibility and durability are essential.