{"id":165651,"date":"2022-08-22T12:34:42","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T04:34:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165651"},"modified":"2022-09-09T17:05:01","modified_gmt":"2022-09-09T09:05:01","slug":"tpe-vs-tpu-filament-the-main-differences","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/tpe-vs-tpu-filament-the-main-differences","title":{"rendered":"TPE vs TPU Filament: The Main Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"
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TPE vs. TPU filament. Find out the differences between these two flexible filaments, and learn how to print with TPE and TPU!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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TPE and TPU flexible filaments are both thermoplastic elastomers that allow a print to stretch or bend easily. But before we get into more details about these two types of filament, let\u2019s talk about flexible filaments in general, and why they\u2019re used.<\/p>\n

There are several reasons why you\u2019d want a print to have flexible or rubbery properties, such as vibration dampening and shock absorption, high impact strength, and good resistance to tearing, abrasion, chemicals, and high or low temperatures.<\/p>\n

With all those pluses, it should be noted that flexible filaments are not always so easy to print with. In general, the softer and more bendable the material, the trickier it can be to print.<\/p>\n

If you have something in mind that you want to print but would like to remove any potential hassle, considering using\u00a0FacFox 3D Printing Services<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s delve into more about TPE and TPU filaments and clear up the differences between them. We\u2019ll also go over the best practices for printing with them and leave you with a few prints to try yourself!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Two TPs<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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NinjaFlex is a very popular flexible filament that flexes under weight (Source: NinjaTek via YouTube)<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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TPE<\/h3>\n

TPE stands for \u201cthermoplastic elastomer\u201d. It\u2019s a blend of hard plastic and soft rubber, so it has both thermoplastic and elastic properties. TPE covers a wide range of flexible materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic co-polyester (TCP), thermoplastic polyamide (TPA).<\/p>\n

TPU<\/h3>\n

TPU stands for \u201cthermoplastic polyurethane\u201d. While also technically a class of materials, TPU is the most common type of TPE and is on the more rigid side of flexible filaments, making it easier to print with.<\/p>\n

Clear Up the Confusion<\/h3>\n

Since the terms of TPE and TPU\u00a0are often\u00a0interchanged loosely, it\u2019s worthwhile to set the record straight.<\/p>\n