Smith3D TPU Flexible / Elastic Filament 1KG

Smith3D TPU 95A Flexible / Elastic Filament 1.75mm 1kg – Durable TPU for Grips, Gaskets & Functional Parts

Smith3D TPU is a 95A flexible filament built for parts that need to bend, grip, and absorb impact. It combines elastic behavior with strong abrasion resistance, making it a great choice for phone cases, gaskets, feet, wheels, dampeners, and other real-world functional prints.

If you’ve printed with Flashforge Elastic TPU 95A (0.5kg) before, Smith3D TPU is in the same “everyday flexible TPU” category: it prints best at moderate temperatures and slower speeds (not a high-speed material).

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) provides better shock absorption and wear resistance than rigid filaments, and it’s most reliable on printers with a direct-drive extruder and a constrained filament path.

Smith3D TPU Key Features

• TPU 95A Hardness – Great balance of flexibility + printability
• Elastic & Tough – Springs back and resists cracking
• Excellent Abrasion Resistance – Ideal for rollers, feet, wear parts
• Strong Layer Adhesion – Durable flexible parts when tuned correctly
• Good Grip & Damping – Helps reduce vibration and impacts
• Functional Finish – Handles bending and repeated use

Smith3D TPU 95A Printing Parameters (Not High Speed)

Bambu Studio / OrcaSlicer (Bambu Printers) – How to Print TPU Faster

If you’ve tested this TPU on a Bambu printer (X1/P1/A1) and it works at higher speeds, that’s usually because the printer has a strong direct-drive system and can maintain consistent extrusion. The key limiter is typically Max Volumetric Speed (mm³/s), not the “mm/s” numbers alone.

1. Start with a TPU 95A profile – In Bambu Studio/OrcaSlicer, select a TPU/TPU 95A filament profile as your baseline.
2. Increase speed safely – Raise wall/infill speeds, but watch for under-extrusion (thin lines, gaps) and excessive stringing.
3. Tune Max Volumetric Speed – If you hit a speed ceiling, increase the filament’s Max Volumetric Speed gradually. Higher flow usually needs a higher nozzle temperature.
4. Reduce acceleration if needed – If corners look messy or the extruder struggles, lower acceleration before lowering speed.
5. Run a calibration in OrcaSlicer – OrcaSlicer includes calibration tools (flow/pressure advance/max volumetric flow) that make it easier to find a reliable “fast TPU” limit on your exact printer.

Important: Most TPU is not AMS-friendly. If you’re feeding from an AMS, only do so if your TPU is specifically rated for it. Otherwise, use an external spool holder.

TPU 95A vs PLA vs PETG (Quick Comparison)

Smith3D TPU Applications

• Phone Cases – Protective flexible covers
• Gaskets & Seals – Watertight flexible seals
• Wheels & Rollers – Shock-absorbing components
• Grips & Handles – Ergonomic soft-touch parts
• Hinges – Living hinges and flexible joints
• Drone Accessories – Vibration dampeners

TPU Printing Tips (Checklist)

1. Print slow – TPU is most reliable at 20–40mm/s.
2. Minimize retraction – Too much retraction can cause buckling and jams.
3. Constrain the filament path – A tight path between gears and hotend improves consistency.
4. Tune for stringing – Use temperature + fan + small retraction changes to reduce strings.
5. Dry if needed – Moisture can cause popping, bubbles, and extra stringing.

Smith3D TPU Specifications

Smith3D TPU FAQ

Q: Can I use TPU on a Bowden printer?
A: It’s possible but challenging. Print very slowly (15-20mm/s), disable retraction, and expect some failures. Direct drive is much easier.

Q: What’s 95A shore hardness like?
A: Similar to a car tire or shoe sole – flexible but with some firmness. Bendable by hand but springs back to shape.

Q: Why does my TPU jam?
A: Usually due to printing too fast, excessive retraction, or gaps in the filament path. Slow down and reduce/disable retraction.

Q: Is this TPU suitable for high-speed printing?
A: TPU generally prints best at slower speeds. For consistent results, use 20–40mm/s and focus on smooth feeding rather than speed.

Q: How do I reduce stringing?
A: Dry the filament, lower the nozzle temperature slightly, increase cooling fan, and use only minimal retraction.

Related Products

Looking for other flexible filaments? Explore our collections:

• TPU Filaments – All flexible options
• Smith3D Filaments – Full range
• Flexible Filaments – TPE and TPU
• Soft Filaments – Elastic materials
• Filament Dryer – Keep TPU dry for clean prints
• Bed Adhesion – Helpers for flexible materials