⚡ Quick Picks
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is the most popular flexible filament in 3D printing — it's used for phone cases, gaskets, robot wheels, shoe insoles, vibration dampers, and anything that needs to flex or absorb impact. Unlike PLA or PETG, TPU doesn't snap: it stretches, compresses, and bounces back.
The challenge? TPU is hard to print. It's soft and bendy in the extruder, which means it can buckle in Bowden tubes and requires slow speeds and careful settings. This guide ranks the top TPU filament brands based on real-world printability, diameter consistency, flexibility range, and value.
Understanding Shore Hardness
TPU filaments are rated on the Shore A scale — the lower the number, the softer and more rubbery. Most filaments are Shore 85A–98A.
| Shore Hardness | Feel | Best For | Print Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shore 85A | Very soft, rubber-like | Gaskets, wearables, grip pads | Hard — direct drive required |
| Shore 95A | Firm but flexible | Phone cases, wheels, hinges, protectors | Medium — slow speeds needed |
| Shore 98A | Semi-rigid | Structural flexible parts | Easier — Bowden possible |
Top 6 TPU Filament Brands Ranked
NinjaTek Cheetah 95A
NinjaTek is the reference brand for flexible filaments. Cheetah 95A is their high-speed formula — it prints at 40–60 mm/s (fast for TPU) while maintaining excellent layer adhesion and rebound. The filament is made in the USA and has incredibly consistent diameter (±0.03 mm).
eSUN TPU 95A
eSUN TPU 95A is the go-to choice for budget-conscious makers. At ~$18–22/kg it offers diameter consistency that rivals brands costing twice as much. It's compatible with both direct drive and Bowden setups (at very low speeds) and comes in a huge color range. Great for phone cases, cable covers, and flexible joints.
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95
Polymaker's PolyFlex TPU95 is engineered for Bowden compatibility — it has a stiffer formulation than most 95A filaments, which reduces buckling in Bowden tubes. Diameter tolerance is excellent (±0.05 mm). Available in vibrant colors and a transparent version useful for light-diffusing prints.
Bambu Lab PA-TPU / TPU 95A HF
Bambu Lab's TPU 95A HF (High Flow) is optimized for Bambu X1/P1 series printers with their direct-drive extruder and AMS. HF formula allows faster print speeds and reliable AMS multi-material switching. If you own a Bambu printer, this is the easiest TPU to start with — pre-configured profiles eliminate guesswork.
NinjaTek Armadillo 75D
Armadillo bridges the gap between flexible TPU and rigid PLA. At Shore 75D it behaves more like a stiff rubber — it has some flex but resists deformation under load. Excellent abrasion resistance (better than standard TPU 95A) makes it ideal for wheels, rollers, tool handles, and parts that need both toughness and a little give.
SainSmart TPU 95A
SainSmart's TPU is an ultra-budget option that consistently performs above its price point. Diameter consistency is acceptable (±0.08 mm) and it prints reliably at 20–30 mm/s. Color range is limited, but if you need TPU for prototyping or functional testing without spending much, this is a solid choice.
Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Shore | Temp Range | Max Speed | Bowden OK? | Price/kg | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NinjaTek Cheetah 95A | 95A | 220–235°C | 60 mm/s | ✅ Yes | ~$35 | 9.2/10 |
| eSUN TPU 95A | 95A | 210–230°C | 40 mm/s | ⚠️ Slow | ~$20 | 8.8/10 |
| Polymaker PolyFlex | 95A | 215–235°C | 35 mm/s | ✅ Yes | ~$26 | 8.6/10 |
| Bambu TPU 95A HF | 95A | 220–240°C | 80 mm/s | ✅ Yes | ~$28 | 8.3/10 |
| NinjaTek Armadillo 75D | 75D | 230–250°C | 45 mm/s | ✅ Yes | ~$40 | 8.0/10 |
| SainSmart TPU 95A | 95A | 210–225°C | 30 mm/s | ⚠️ Slow | ~$15 | 7.6/10 |
Essential TPU Print Tips
🐢 Print Slow
15–35 mm/s for most TPU. Fast speeds cause inconsistent extrusion and stringing. NinjaTek Cheetah is an exception (up to 60 mm/s).
🚫 Disable Retraction
TPU strings easily, but retraction causes jams. Keep retraction at 0–1 mm, or disable entirely. Use "Combing" in Cura to reduce travel stringing.
💧 Dry Before Printing
TPU absorbs moisture and will pop/bubble when wet. Dry at 60°C for 4–6 hours. Store in sealed bags with desiccant between prints.
🔧 Direct Drive First
If you have a choice, always use direct drive with TPU. Bowden setups require very slow speeds (15 mm/s) and stiffer formulations like PolyFlex or Cheetah.
📐 Infill Matters
For maximum flexibility, use 15–25% infill with Gyroid or Honeycomb pattern. Higher infill makes parts stiffer. 0% infill (vase mode) creates ultra-flexible shells.
🛏️ Bed Adhesion
TPU sticks well to PEI sheets and glass. Avoid glue stick (it's hard to remove). A cool bed (30–35°C) with a brim of 5–8 mm works well for most parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best TPU filament brand for beginners?
eSUN TPU 95A is the best TPU for beginners: affordable, consistent diameter, and widely compatible. It prints reliably at 210–230°C with minimal stringing if retraction is disabled or minimized.
What Shore hardness should I choose for TPU?
Shore 95A is the most versatile: firm enough for functional parts like phone cases and grips, yet flexible enough to absorb shock. Shore 85A is softer and more rubbery — better for gaskets, wearables, and cushioning. Shore 98A+ approaches rigid plastic and prints more like PETG.
Can I print TPU with a Bowden extruder?
Yes, but it is challenging. Use a direct drive extruder when possible. If using Bowden, reduce print speed to 15–25 mm/s, disable retraction completely, and increase temperature by 5–10°C. A shorter, tighter Bowden tube helps prevent filament buckling.
What is the difference between TPU and TPE?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is the most common flexible filament and offers excellent abrasion resistance and oil resistance. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a broader category that includes TPU, as well as TPC, TPS, and other flexible polymers. Most flexible 3D printing filaments labeled 'TPE' are actually TPU.