Comparing TPU Filaments 95A Vs 98A for 3D Printing
March 8, 2026
Selecting the right TPU filament for your 3D printing project can be challenging, with 95A and 98A TPU offering distinct advantages in flexibility, strength, and printability. Understanding their differences is crucial for bringing your creative designs to life. This comprehensive guide examines the properties of both materials to help you make an informed decision.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material that combines the elasticity of rubber with the durability of plastic. It provides excellent bending, stretching, and rebound properties, making it ideal for flexible 3D printed components.
The "A" designation followed by a number (95A or 98A) refers to the material's Shore A hardness rating, measured according to ASTM D2240 standards. Lower values indicate softer, more elastic materials, while higher numbers denote greater rigidity. For instance, 95A TPU strikes an optimal balance between flexibility and strength, making it suitable for general-purpose printing.
95A TPU serves as an excellent entry-level material for flexible 3D printing, offering several key benefits:
- Superior flexibility: Excellent bending and stretching capabilities make it perfect for deformable components like phone cases, shock absorbers, and gaskets.
- Enhanced printability: More forgiving than softer TPU variants, with less stringent printing parameter requirements and reduced risk of nozzle clogging.
- Strong layer adhesion: Produces durable prints with excellent interlayer bonding, minimizing delamination issues.
- Broad applications: Versatile enough for consumer products and industrial components alike.
With slightly higher Shore hardness, 98A TPU excels in demanding applications:
- Increased rigidity: Better suited for structural components like tires, rollers, and mechanical connectors that require higher load-bearing capacity.
- Improved wear resistance: Ideal for long-lasting parts such as conveyor belts and scrapers.
- Enhanced tear resistance: Maintains integrity under stress, perfect for impact-absorbing components like protective covers.
- Chemical resistance: Performs better than 95A TPU in harsh industrial environments.
| Parameter | 95A TPU | 98A TPU |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Hardness | 95A | 98A |
| Tensile Strength | 25-40 MPa | 35-50 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 300-500% | 200-400% |
| Printing Temperature | 210-230°C | 220-240°C |
| Print Speed | 20-50 mm/s | 20-40 mm/s |
| Typical Applications | Consumer products, wearable items, soft-touch components | Industrial parts, high-stress components, mechanical applications |
The optimal choice depends on your specific requirements:
Choose 95A TPU when:
- Maximum flexibility is required
- Ease of printing is a priority
- Printing non-structural, everyday items
Choose 98A TPU when:
- Superior mechanical strength is needed
- Components will experience significant stress or impact
- Operating in demanding environments
- Moderate print speeds: Maintain 20-50 mm/s to ensure consistent extrusion
- Disable retraction: Minimize or eliminate retraction to prevent nozzle jams
- Prefer direct drive extruders: Provides better control over flexible filament
- Fine-tune temperatures: Adjust based on manufacturer recommendations
- Enhance bed adhesion: Use appropriate surfaces like PEI sheets or adhesives
Both 95A and 98A TPU filaments offer unique advantages for different applications in flexible 3D printing. By understanding their material properties and matching them to your project requirements, you can achieve optimal results for your designs. This analysis provides the necessary framework to make informed material selections for your 3D printing endeavors.