Understand the connection between the material’s unique properties and your final 3D print price
When you use our calculator at 3DPRINTPRIS.DK, you often see a price difference if you switch from PLA to TPU. This difference in 3D print price is not only due to the purchase price of the material itself. It is largely about the specialized knowledge and the extra machine time that a successful 3D print in flexible material requires. TPU resembles rubber in its structure, but it takes a technical expert to take action and manage the process from start to finish.
Why does the price of 3D print with TPU vary?
The price of 3D print with TPU depends on the industrial advantages the material delivers. TPU is extremely wear-resistant and can stretch up to 5 times its own length without breaking. The material resists impact between 10 and 40 times better than PLA. This is due to superior interlayer bonding, where the layers are effectively welded together in strong polymer chains during the 3D print. You are therefore paying for a durability that cheaper materials cannot match. Additionally, TPU withstands temperatures up to 80 degrees, making it suitable for both outdoor use and chemically stressed environments.
How does 3D print time affect the total price?
The actual 3D print time is the heaviest item in the calculation. TPU is a soft material, and we must therefore guide it very precisely through your 3D printer. If we increase the speed too much, we risk the material curling or getting stuck in the machine. Traditionally, TPU has been 3D printed very slowly with a flow of only 3-5 mm³/s. Although modern machines today can run faster, the process still requires intense monitoring. A part in TPU often takes 2 to 3 times longer to produce than a corresponding part in PLA. Since our price model is based on machine time, this directly affects your final 3D print price.
Why do flexible materials require more expertise?
It takes experience to deliver a flawless 3D print in TPU. The material is hygroscopic, which means it actively absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. We therefore store our rolls in specialized dry boxes where we keep the humidity between 30 and 50 percent. If the material becomes damp, stringing and holes occur in the 3D print. We also have to manually fine-tune the settings for each individual task. The standard profiles found in common software are rarely good enough. We therefore adjust both temperatures and nozzle diameter to ensure a solid result. You pay for this professional insight, which minimizes the risk of production errors.
Why does 3D print in TPU require special equipment and setup?
To control the flexible material, we exclusively use direct-drive extruders. Here, the motor is placed directly above the nozzle, which gives us full control over the feeding. Older systems with long tubes (Bowden systems) are not suitable for TPU, as the material easily becomes crushed or blocks the machine. We also use textured build plates for TPU. The material adheres so strongly to smooth surfaces that it can damage the equipment when we have to remove the finished 3D print. Furthermore, we keep the temperature on the build plate at exactly 60 degrees to hit the ideal balance between adhesion and safe removal.
How does Shore hardness affect the choice of 3D print?
Shore hardness defines the material’s hardness on a scale from 0 to 100A. A standard TPU typically has a value of 95A, which is firm but still flexible. For comparison, a car tire has a Shore hardness of around 70A. The lower the number, the softer the material, and the more difficult it is to control in a 3D printer. Soft variants below 90A require very low speeds and special nozzles of 0.6 or 0.8 mm. This technical complexity means that your 3D print price increases as the material becomes softer and more compliant.
What is the difference between TPU and PLA in a price comparison?
A direct comparison clarifies why prices differ. PLA is an economical material that runs quickly through the machine without requirements for a specialized setup. TPU is more expensive to purchase and requires advanced equipment with direct-drive. While PLA is brittle and decorative, TPU delivers an impact-resistant and industrial solution. The increased 3D print time and the need for manual optimization of flow and speed make TPU a larger investment. You should therefore choose TPU when your part needs to withstand pressure, vibrations, or chemical influence.
| Material factor | PLA (Standard) | TPU (Flexible) |
| Flow rate | 15-25 mm³/s | 3-12 mm³/s |
| Impact strength | Low | Very high |
| UV resistance | Medium | High |
| Difficulty level | 1 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 |
Are there alternatives if TPU is too expensive or complex?
We also advise on materials like PEBA and Morflex for your specialized tasks. PEBA weighs 20 percent less than TPU and has an energy return of up to 80 percent. This means the part bounces better and resists permanent deformation under constant pressure. Morflex resembles TPU but behaves like a stiffer material in your 3D printer, even though the finished result is softer. Although these materials often have a higher price per kilo, they can in certain cases save 3D print time. This makes them a relevant alternative if you are seeking a specific technical property at a sharp 3D print price.
Is TPU always slow to 3D print in 2026?
Many mistakenly believe that one must always 3D print TPU at very low speeds. Today, our facility features modern machines like the FL Sun T1, which can handle a flow of up to 40 mm³/s. This corresponds to speeds around 300 mm/s. We have moved away from the old Bowden era, where all flexible 3D print work took place at a snail’s pace. Our price calculator takes this technological development into account. We ensure that you always get the most efficient production, so your 3D print price reflects a modern machinery park and not outdated methods from 2018.
What is the typical 3D print price for flexible parts?
The typical 3D print price for TPU starts higher than PLA due to the material cost and increased production time. Since flexible parts often take two to three times longer to manufacture, the price reflects the higher resource consumption. You should always use our online calculator to get a precise quote.
Can all 3D printers handle TPU and flexible filament?
No, not all machines can handle TPU, as it requires a 3D printer with direct-drive to control the soft filament. Systems with long tubes often lead to clogs and production errors. At 3D actions, we only use optimized equipment that ensures your 3D print is delivered in the highest industrial quality.
What significance does Shore hardness have for my 3D print?
Shore hardness defines how soft your 3D print becomes and directly affects the difficulty level of production. The lower the Shore number, the softer the part, which requires lower speed and more precise control. This increases the time spent in the machine and therefore has a direct impact on the calculated 3D print price.
Why is 3D print time longer for flexible materials?
Flexible materials require low speed because the soft filament would otherwise bend or get stuck in your 3D printer. Although modern machines have become faster, the physics of the material often force us to run slower than with hard plastic types. The extra time in production is a necessary investment in the durability of the part.
Are TPU 3D prints durable enough for industrial use?
Yes, TPU is extremely durable and withstands impact, vibrations, and many chemicals far better than ordinary plastic. It is an obvious choice for industrial gaskets, dampers, and protective equipment. The higher 3D print price is offset by a very long lifespan and the material’s ability to absorb energy without breaking.
How do you avoid moisture in TPU during a 3D print?
You avoid moisture by storing the filament in dry boxes, as TPU is hygroscopic and absorbs water from the air. Damp material results in poor surface quality and weak bonds within the 3D print itself. Our team always ensures optimal moisture control in our production, so you receive a part with maximum strength and a professional finish.
Choose the right material for your next task
It is important to understand that the price of a 3D print reflects the value and durability you receive in the finished part. TPU is not just a more expensive choice, but an investment in a component that can withstand hard impacts and chemicals without failing.
If you are in doubt about whether your task requires the flexible properties of TPU, or if you can settle for a cheaper alternative, you should test your files in our calculator. Here, you will immediately receive a precise 3D print price based on the actual production requirements.
You are also always welcome to contact us for a technical assessment, so we can take action together to find the most economical path to your goal.
