Matériau · FDM
Filament TPU : guide complet
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is the reference flexible filament: rubber-like elasticity, abrasion- and impact-resistant. Ideal for seals, soles, anti-vibration sleeves, and parts that must flex without breaking.
Polyuréthane thermoplastique
Caractéristiques du TPU
Notation 0-5 sur les 8 critères qui comptent au quotidien à l'atelier.
- Tenue mécanique
- 3 / 5
- Résistance chaleur
- 2 / 5
- Résistance UV
- 3 / 5
- Souplesse
- 5 / 5
- Aptitude alimentaire
- 2 / 5
- Transparence
- 2 / 5
- Facilité d'impression
- 2 / 5
- Coût matière
- 3 / 5
Pour quels projets choisir le TPU ?
TPU is mandatory whenever a part must bend, absorb, or conform to a surface: seal, elastic clip, adjustable strap, cushioning sole, silicone-like furniture foot. Standard shore 95A gives bike-tire elasticity.
Also used for impact protection (phone case, cable sleeve, cane tip), wear parts (tool handle, custom shoe sole, grip), and soft links between rigid parts.
Food-safe TPU exists for occasional contact (ice mold, dispenser tip). Check supplier sheet — standard TPU isn't food-safe long-term.
Limites du TPU
Not a slightly-less-brittle PLA: TPU is genuinely rubbery, completely different use case.
Demanding to print: slow extrusion (20-40 mm/s), direct-drive PTFE recommended, minimal retraction. Cheap bowden setups struggle.
Moderate heat tolerance (60-80 °C) and rough surface finish — not for under-hood, prolonged sun, or pure aesthetics.
- Éviter : Pièce rigide
- Éviter : Forme avec porte-à-faux fin
Alternatives au TPU selon votre usage
Questions fréquentes sur le TPU
85A = silicone-bracelet soft, hard to print. 90A = balanced. 95A = atelier standard, elastic but printable on most machines. Above 98A approaches semi-rigid (PETG-like).
Imprimer votre pièce en TPU
Atelier Unlimit3d, basé à Lille (Hauts-de-France) et Paris. Estimation gratuite, devis sous 24 h, livraison France entière.