Bendable filaments and 3D printing elastomers have a multitude of uses. We create our flexible products to provide a wide range of shore hardness values from 40 to 110. You can find a bendable elastomer material that will meet your application needs. If you don’t see one that fits your requirements, just ask and we can help design one. Our comprehensive product line provides you with many different 3D printing flexible filaments. In addition to their bendable properties, they have superior melt flow characteristics and feature excellent print quality.
Choose from rubber, polypropylene, or nylon 3D printing material. Be aware that elastomer material uses a higher printing temperature and may shrink or warp while cooling. A heating bed is essential with this filament type.
There are many things you can create with 3D printing elastomers, such as gaskets, packaging, couplings, connectors, caps, closures, sockets, clips, and bands.
Material Features
TPU
Flexible
Industrial Grade bendable material that creates smooth and flexible parts; Terra-Bend™ is less likely to stick to spool and ball at nozzle; ideal for gaskets, couplings, and connectors.
PP
Flexible
Industrial poly-propylene; ideal for thin-walled parts, caps, and closures; 2 grades available – FDA food contact compliant, healthcare product applications (end user to specify).
TPE
Flexible
Industrial Grade Elastomer that is the “rubber” equivalent. Flexible with a rubber like surface; ideal for gaskets, couplings, and connectors where a “rubber” feel is important. We offer two grades of TPE for softness. Our standard grade is 90A Shore hardness and our really soft feel grade is 75A Shore hardness. Be advised that for the 75A Shore material you will need a direct drive extruder for your printer specifically designed for soft material.
TPU: Smooth and Flexible
PP: Great for Thin-Walled Parts
TPE: "Rubber" Equivalent
Elastomers: Shore Hardness 50 - 100
Filament Properties
TPU
Strength
High
Flexibility
Very High
Durability
Very High
Difficulty to Use
Medium
Print Temperature
220°C – 240°C
Print Bed Temperature
45°C – 75°C
Shrinkage / Warping
Possible – care required; print with heated bed
Soluble
No
PP
Strength
Medium
Flexibility
High
Durability
High
Difficulty to Use
Medium to High
Print Temperature
210°C – 230°C
Print Bed Temperature
40°C – 80°C (Use Tape)
Shrinkage / Warping
Possible – care required; print with heated bed
Soluble
No
TPE
Strength
High
Flexibility
Very High
Durability
Very High
Difficulty to Use
Medium
Print Temperature
210°C – 230°C
Print Bed Temperature
45°C – 75°C
Shrinkage / Warping
Possible – care required; print with heated bed
Soluble
No
The Perfect Material for Your Project
Let us know if you are interested in a custom material blend or color. We will work with you to create the perfect material for your project!