Cheapest TPU Filament Prices
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like filament perfect for phone cases, wearables, and vibration-dampening parts. Requires slow print speeds (20-30mm/s) and a direct drive extruder for best results. Shore hardness typically ranges from 85A to 95A.
About TPU Filament
TPU flexible filament ranges from $18-50/kg, making it one of the pricier common filaments. Budget TPU from Overture and eSUN starts around $18-24/kg (typically 95A hardness), while premium brands like NinjaTek and Polymaker charge $30-50/kg for softer Shore hardnesses and better printability.
TPU prints best with a direct drive extruder at slow speeds (20-30mm/s). If your printer uses a Bowden tube, look for harder TPU (95A) which is easier to push through the tube. Softer TPU (85A) gives more flexibility but requires more careful tuning.
Common Uses for TPU Filament
TPU is perfect for phone cases and protective covers, drone bumpers and landing gear, shoe insoles and custom orthotics, vibration-dampening feet for electronics, and flexible hinges or living joints in mechanical designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print TPU on any 3D printer?
Most FDM printers can handle harder TPU (95A Shore), but softer TPU (85A) really needs a direct drive extruder. Bowden-tube printers struggle with flexible filament because the material compresses in the tube. Print slowly (20-30mm/s) and disable retraction for best results.
Why is TPU so expensive?
TPU uses thermoplastic polyurethane as its base polymer, which costs more than the polylactic acid (PLA) or glycol-modified PET (PETG) used in other filaments. Manufacturing tolerances are also tighter because diameter inconsistencies cause more jams with flexible materials.