TPU Flexible Part Production: Gaskets, Bumpers and Protective Case Solutions

Do you need a gasket with rubber-like flexibility? Are you looking for a shock-absorbing bumper for an electronic device? Or do you need a soft protector for your drone’s landing gear? Producing flexible, durable and functional parts with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) filament is now incredibly easy. Printable on FDM 3D printers, this material allows you to produce parts across a wide spectrum, from soft rubber to rigid plastic, depending on its Shore hardness.

Which Flexible Parts Can Be Produced With TPU?

Within the scope of our 3D printing service, the parts we most frequently produce with TPU are:

• Sealing gaskets and rubber seals: When an original rubber gasket cannot be found or a custom size is required, a perfectly fitting gasket can be printed with TPU.
• Protective cases and bumpers: Shock-absorbing bumpers for electronic devices, drone bodies and delicate instruments.
• Cable organizers and grommets: Flexible grommets that protect cable entry points and reduce friction.
• Vibration-damping feet: Anti-vibration feet for 3D printers, speakers or sensitive equipment.
• Anti-vibration mounting parts: Vibration-damping spacers for FPV camera gimbals and sensor mounts.
• Hand tool grips: TPU coatings for the non-slip gripping surfaces of tools such as screwdrivers and pliers.

Advantages of TPU Over Other Filaments

The most important feature that sets TPU apart from PLA or PETG is that it can flex without breaking. While a PETG part may crack when it takes an impact, a TPU part absorbs the impact and returns to its original shape. This property is especially critical in the following situations:

• Drone parts and robot components that take impacts
• Mounting elements continuously exposed to vibration
• Gaskets that go through compression and tension cycles

You can see the prices of all our materials, including TPU, in our transparent per-gram price list.

Things to Consider When Printing TPU

Due to its flexible structure, TPU requires a printing process different from standard PLA/PETG. A direct drive printer gives far more successful results with TPU than a Bowden system. Low-speed printing (20-30 mm/s) and the correct temperature profile (210-230°C) are important for quality results.

If you need a TPU part, find out your price instantly with our online price calculator and receive your flexible part within 1 business day.