TPU is a family rather than one fixed “rubber-like” material. The current filament range spans soft 85A, balanced 90A, firm 95A HF and much harder 68D TPU 68D. The right grade changes cushioning, grip, structural support and deformation far more than the TPU label alone.
Material family names are not specifications. This page anchors the discussion to a named commercial grade and published printed-specimen data, then translates that data into practical selection and design guidance.
TPU is a family rather than one fixed “rubber-like” material. The current filament range spans soft 85A, balanced 90A, firm 95A HF and much harder 68D TPU 68D. The right grade changes cushioning, grip, structural support and deformation far more than the TPU label alone.
Choose 85A for maximum cushioning, 90A for soft functional parts, 95A for firm elastic components, or 68D when toughness and semi-rigid support matter more than softness.
Orientation, conditioning and geometry can move finished-part performance materially. Use these figures to compare candidate materials—not as guaranteed minimums.
| Property | Representative value | Test / context |
|---|---|---|
| TPU 85A | 85A · 12.0 ± 0.8 MPa tensile | >700% elongation at break |
| TPU 90A | 90A · 12.5 ± 0.8 MPa tensile | >650% elongation at break |
| TPU 95A HF | 95A · 27.3 ± 0.8 MPa tensile | >650% elongation at break |
| TPU 68D | 68D · 22.4 ± 0.6 MPa tensile | >650% elongation at break |
| Shore-scale context | A and D are different scales | 68D is materially harder than the A-scale grades |
XY values normally represent flat-printed specimens. Z-direction strength can be substantially lower. Final production settings should be qualified on representative geometry.
A useful material choice starts with load case, temperature, environment, duty cycle and failure consequence—not the strongest number on a datasheet.