Minimum lead time
Price range
Tolerances
Layer Height
Wall Thickness
Max. Part Size
TPU filament has high resistance to impact, cuts, weaars, and abrasion. It has also high resistance to oil and grease. It is easier to print compared to TPE, another flexible filament, and is better in keeping its elastic properties even at lower temperatures.
TPU can also withstand ambient temperatures of up to 80°C.
Due to its good flexibility, TPU is harder to print compared to other filament materials, and is not recommended to be used for small, thin-walled models, or those simulating high elongation materials in terms of SLA manufacturing.
The reason why many companies choose Polyethylene as their material in producing mechanical parts and robotics is because it is the perfect filament to combine ductility and strength. Also, it is considered as a great material for ornamental and artistic prints like rings, bracelets, collars, and the like.
In 1959, a company whose name was changed from BF Goodrich to Lubrizol Engineered Polymers, invented thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU).