Skip to content
FORM3D Logo
FORM3D
Material family

TPU · Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Flexible elastomer-class material for seals, bumpers, grips and parts that must bend or absorb impact.

Best for: Grips · Seals · Bumpers · Flexible living hinges (validated)

Available by project review

Overview

Why teams choose TPU

Flexible elastomer-class material for seals, bumpers, grips and parts that must bend or absorb impact.

Strengths

  • Elastic behaviour across multiple hardness options
  • Useful energy absorption and grip
  • Lightweight flexible grades available

At a glance

Relative performance — a simplified comparison across FORM3D’s available FDM materials. Actual properties vary by formulation, geometry and print orientation.

  • Strength2/5
  • Stiffness1/5
  • Impact resistance4/5
  • Heat resistance2/5
  • UV resistance2/5
  • Flexibility5/5
  • Surface detail2/5
Variants

Options within TPU

Select a variant to see what actually changes — finish, use and limitations.

85A

Softer flexible grade for grip and compliance.

Available by project review

Best for

Grips · Soft bumpers

Appearance

Rubber-like flexible surface

What changes

  • Softer Shore A response

Key limitations

  • Less structural support

Colours (5 available)

Black · #1A1A1A

Colour representation is approximate. Material batch, surface finish, print orientation, geometry, lighting and display calibration can affect final appearance.

Configure in Instant QuoteRequest material selection guidance
Colours

Colour is subordinate to material choice

Use the variant panel above for swatches. Colours never get standalone pages.

Performance

Comparative guidance

These scales help orientation. They are not laboratory certificates.

Relative performance — a simplified comparison across FORM3D’s available FDM materials. Actual properties vary by formulation, geometry and print orientation.

  • Strength2/5
  • Stiffness1/5
  • Impact resistance4/5
  • Heat resistance2/5
  • UV resistance2/5
  • Flexibility5/5
  • Surface detail2/5
Applications

Where this family fits

  • Overmould-style grips (assembled)
  • Protective bumpers
  • Gaskets and soft interfaces
  • Wearable or handheld soft-touch parts
Design guidance

Designing for TPU

Pair with FORM3D Design Guidelines for shared FDM rules.

  • Specify Shore hardness up front (e.g. 85A vs 95A).
  • Avoid ultra-thin walls if you need a firm response.
  • Design assemblies knowing flexible parts deflect under load.
Open Design Guidelines
Limitations

Know the trade-offs

  • Not a structural stiff polymer
  • Fine detail and sharp corners behave differently than rigid plastics
  • Hardness must match the job — softer is not always better
FAQ

Common questions

Which Shore hardness should I choose?
Start from the feel you need: softer (around 85A) for grip and compliance, firmer (around 95A) when parts must hold shape more. Share the use case with FORM3D for material selection guidance if unsure.

Related families

Configure a part in Instant Quote

The Materials Library helps you decide. Instant Quote remains the separate pricing experience.

Get an instant quoteBack to library