TPU Elastomer
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is an elastic, rubber-like plastic. Produced with MJF (88A/90A), SLS and FDM – suitable for gaskets, dampers, grips, protective elements and flexible joints.
Properties by technology
Values from manufacturer datasheets. “To be confirmed” means the value is being checked against the manufacturer’s data; full details are in the PDF.
Production
- Technology
- HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
- Max. dimensions
- 380 × 380 × 284 mm
- Accuracy
- ±0.3 mm or ±0.3 %
- Min. wall
- 0.75 mm (locally down to 0.5 mm)
- Production time
- up to 7 business days · express up to 4
- Min. price
- €20 per part, orders from €40 (excl. VAT)
Production
- Technology
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Max. dimensions
- 335 × 335 × 600 mm
- Accuracy
- ±0.3 mm or ±0.3 %
- Min. wall
- 0.75 mm (locally down to 0.5 mm)
- Production time
- up to 7 business days · express up to 4
- Min. price
- €20 per part, orders from €40 (excl. VAT)
Colours
Production
- Technology
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM / FFF)
- Max. dimensions
- 300 × 200 × 200 mm
- Accuracy
- ±0.5 mm or ±0.5 %
- Min. wall
- 0.75 mm (locally down to 0.5 mm)
- Production time
- up to 7 business days · express up to 4
- Min. price
- €20 per part, orders from €40 (excl. VAT)
Comparison across technologies
| Property | TPU 88A/90A (MJF) | TPU / TPE (SLS) | TPU (FDM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM / FFF) |
| Tensile strength | to be confirmed | to be confirmed | 8 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 240 % | 136 % | 350 % |
| Tensile modulus | — | to be confirmed | 70 MPa |
| Flexural strength | to be confirmed | to be confirmed | — |
| Service temperature (max) | 100 °C | 100 °C | to be confirmed |
| Hardness (Shore) | 88–90A | 70–90A | — |
| Colours | grey, black | grey, black | black, various |
| Max. dimensions | 380 × 380 × 284 mm | 335 × 335 × 600 mm | 300 × 200 × 200 mm |
| Accuracy | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3 % | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3 % | ±0.5 mm or ±0.5 % |
| Min. wall | 0.75 mm (down to 0.5 mm) | 0.75 mm (down to 0.5 mm) | 0.75 mm (down to 0.5 mm) |
| Production time | up to 7 business days · express up to 4 | up to 7 business days · express up to 4 | up to 7 business days · express up to 4 |
| Relative price | €€€€ | €€€€ | €€€€ |
| Datasheet | — |
A good fit when…
- you need a flexible, elastic part – gaskets, dampers
- the part must withstand friction and wear
- you need rubber-like grip – handles, soles, guards
Choose something else when…
- you need a hard, stiff part – choose PA12
- you need transparency – choose Flex resin (SLA, semi-transparent)
Designing in TPU Elastomer
Walls
For flexible parts – 1–2 mm; thinner walls will be very soft.
Lattices
MJF/SLS can produce lattice shapes for shock-absorbing structures without supports.
Dimensions
The dimensions of elastic parts depend more on load – specify critical dimensions.
Hardness
TPU hardness is measured on the Shore A scale: MJF TPU – about 88–90A (similar to a shoe sole), SLS TPU/TPE – 70–90A. The lower the number, the softer the material. More: TPU hardness guide.
Which technology to choose
- MJF / SLS – complex shapes, lattices (shock-absorbing structures), batches.
- FDM – simpler shapes, lower price for one-off parts.
Parts by technology
TPU Elastomer – frequently asked questions
Does TPU flex?
Yes – TPU is an elastomer: it bends, stretches and returns to its original shape. Flexibility depends on wall thickness and hardness (Shore A).
Is TPU suitable for sealing?
Yes, for gaskets and seals. For sealing through a wall, we recommend thicker walls; for critical seals, consult an engineer.