Flexible 3D printing in TPU and TPE
A flexible, rubber-like material for parts that need to bend, absorb impact or provide grip. Used where compliance or vibration damping matters more than stiffness.
For something softer, TPE 85A is softer and stretchier again. We print TPU 95A, priced in the online quoter, and TPE 85A, quoted by hand. Both are printed in Christchurch and delivered anywhere in New Zealand.
Instant online quote.
No CAD file? Start a design request
Properties
- Flexible
- Abrasion resistant
- Absorbs impact
Flexible parts we print
- Gaskets and seals - Custom gaskets and seals for a flange, lid or housing, sized to squash into their groove.
- Bumpers and feet - Non-slip feet, door stops and bump guards that soak up knocks.
- Grips and covers - Handle grips, protective sleeves, cable boots and covers. TPE 85A gives a softer feel.
- Vibration mounts - Dampers and isolators, where give matters more than stiffness.
- Grommets and clips - Our free generator recommends TPU for grommets, because the whole point of a grommet is to give.
Designing a flexible part
- Wall count and infill set how soft a TPU part feels: fewer walls and lower infill give a softer part.
- Seals work best squashed, not stretched. Size a gasket to compress into its groove.
- Tall, thin features wobble while printing, so keep them short or brace them.
- Flexible filament prints slowly, so large solid parts take longer and cost more.
- Only have a worn or perished original? Send it with a design request and we will model a replacement.
TPU or TPE: which flexible material?
Both are thermoplastic elastomers. TPU is firmer and tougher; TPE is softer and stretchier.
| TPU 95A | TPE 85A | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Firm, springy rubber (the 95A grade) | Softer and more squashable (the 85A grade) |
| Strengths | Flexible, Abrasion resistant, Absorbs impact | Very flexible, Soft touch, Stretchy |
| Best for | Gaskets and seals, Bumpers and feet, Grips and protective covers, Vibration mounts | Soft-touch grips, Cushions and pads, Soft seals |
| Trade-off | Not as soft as moulded rubber | Prints slower and holds fine detail less well, so it costs more |
| Quoting | In the online quoter | By hand: send us the file |
Questions
What is the difference between TPU and TPE?
TPU is one kind of TPE. In 3D printing, "TPU" usually means a firmer, tougher flexible filament and "TPE" a softer, stretchier one. We print TPU 95A and the softer TPE 85A.
Can I get an instant price for a flexible part?
For TPU, yes: upload an STL, 3MF or OBJ and choose TPU in the quoter. TPE 85A is quoted by hand, so send us the file and we will price it by email.
Can you print a gasket or seal to match one I already have?
Yes. Send the old seal, a photo with measurements, or the part it fits, and our design service will model it. If you already have a CAD file, upload it for a quote.
How soft can a TPU part be?
Softer than the filament itself: fewer walls and lower infill make a TPU part squash more. If it still needs to be softer, TPE 85A is the next step.
Do flexible parts take longer to print?
Yes. Flexible filament prints slower than rigid plastic, so large parts take longer and cost more. Your quote shows the turnaround before you order.
Do you deliver flexible parts outside Christchurch?
Yes. We print in Christchurch and deliver across New Zealand, rural addresses included.
Manufacturer datasheets
We do not publish strength or temperature figures of our own. For numbers, use the filament manufacturer's datasheet for the grade we print: ask us which one it is. Datasheet values are measured on test specimens, and a printed part's properties vary with print orientation and settings, so tell us what the part has to do and we will recommend a material and orientation.