TPU 68D 3D Printing Service Coming Soon
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like material for parts that need to bend, compress, or absorb impact. We print with a 68D shore hardness TPU, semi-rigid flex rather than soft rubber. Think firm shoe sole, not squishy rubber band.
TPU is launching soon, email us at orders@1offmanufacturing.com to be notified when it's live.
Best Uses for TPU 68D
- Vibration dampening mounts (motors, cameras, drones)
- Protective bumpers and edge guards
- Gaskets and seals for non-critical applications
- Flexible hinges and living hinge prototypes
- Grips and ergonomic handles
- Cable management and strain reliefs
- Shock-absorbing feet and pads
Understanding 68D Shore Hardness
Shore hardness measures how firm a flexible material is:
- Shore 40A = very soft (rubber band)
- Shore 85A = classic flexible TPU (phone case flex)
- Shore 95A = firm flex (most common TPU filaments)
- Shore 68D = hard flex / semi-rigid (what we print)
Our 68D TPU sits above most standard TPU filaments in stiffness. It won't fold in half like a phone case, but it flexes under load and absorbs impact that would crack rigid plastics. Think of it as a "tough flex."
Material Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Shore Hardness | 68D (semi-rigid flex) |
| Impact Strength (XY) | ~124.3 kJ/m² |
| Water Absorption | ~1.20% |
| Abrasion Resistance | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Good against oils and greases |
Design Tips for TPU
- Wall thickness matters more than infill for flexibility. Thicker walls = stiffer part.
- Tolerances are slightly looser than rigid materials (~±0.3mm).
- TPU parts are hard to post-process, sanding doesn't work well.
- Design snap-fits with generous clearance, the material will flex into place.
When to Choose Something Else
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 68D TPU soft and squishy?
No. 68D is on the firmer end of the TPU spectrum. Think firm shoe sole, not phone case flex. It's semi-rigid, holds its shape under load but flexes and absorbs impact.
What's the difference between Shore A and Shore D?
Shore A measures softer materials, Shore D measures harder ones. 68D is roughly equivalent to Shore 95A+, the hard end of flexible materials.
Can TPU be used for gaskets and seals?
Yes, for non-critical applications. For pressure seals or fluid-critical applications, FDM layer lines may not provide a perfect seal.
Can you print TPU with complex geometry?
TPU is more challenging to print than rigid materials. We handle most geometries, but extreme overhangs and bridging are trickier.