Best TPU Filament (2025)
TPU is the most useful flexible filament for FDM printing — rubber-like, impact-absorbing, and chemically resistant. These five picks are ranked on printability, consistency, and shore hardness range.
TPU filament picks
Best all-around — consistent diameter, low stringing, wide printer compatibility.
AMS-compatible. Zero profiling needed on P1S/X1C. Poor value on non-Bambu printers.
~$22/kg. Slightly more stringing than Polymaker but excellent value.
Softer than 95A — better for gaskets and vibration mounts. Harder to feed; direct drive essential.
Comparable to eSUN at similar price. Wider diameter variance — worth re-drying before printing.
TPU print settings that actually work
Speed is the single biggest variable with TPU. Fast printing causes the filament to buckle before it reaches the nozzle. Slow down to 25 mm/s before troubleshooting anything else.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best TPU filament?
Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 is the best overall TPU filament — 95A shore hardness, tight diameter tolerance, and reliable feeding on direct drive setups. For Bambu Lab AMS users, Bambu TPU-95A integrates with the multi-material system.
Can you print TPU on a Bowden printer?
TPU is very difficult on Bowden setups because the flexible filament buckles in the tube. It is technically possible at very slow speeds (15–20 mm/s) with a short, tight Bowden path, but direct drive is strongly recommended.
What shore hardness should I choose for TPU?
95A is semi-rigid — good for phone cases, brackets, and wheels. 85A is very flexible — better for gaskets, vibration dampeners, and grips. For most first-time TPU users, 95A is easier to print and more versatile.
What temperature does TPU print at?
Most TPU filaments print at 220–235 °C nozzle with a 25–40 °C bed. Run no cooling fan or minimal fan (10–20 %). Slower speeds (20–35 mm/s) dramatically improve print quality and reduce stringing.
Does TPU need a heated bed?
TPU adheres well to PEI at 25–40 °C (essentially room temperature). A heated bed helps consistency but many TPU prints succeed on an unheated PEI sheet. Avoid adhesion helpers like glue stick — they can make TPU too sticky to remove.