FDM TPU – Comparison Between 68D, 95A, 90A, 85A – YouTube
TPU 95A vs. 85A: Choosing the Right Level of “Squish”
While both are Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU), the 10-point difference on the Shore A scale fundamentally changes how the part behaves in the real world. At Partmade3D, we stock both to ensure your design intent matches the final part’s feel.
Shore Hardness at a Glance
The Shore A scale measures the resistance of a material to indentation.
- 95A (Firm/Industrial): Feels like a shopping cart wheel or a dense pencil eraser. It is flexible but requires significant force to compress.
- 85A (Soft/Elastic): Feels like a shoe insole or a rubber band. It is noticeably “squishier” and provides much higher energy return (rebound).
Technical Comparison: 95A vs. 85ATPU 95A (High-Flow)TPU 85A (Ultra-Soft)Best ForBest ForFunctional industrial parts, drone frames, protective coversBest ForGrips, seals, gaskets, wearable prototypesFlexibilityFlexibilitySemi-flexible; holds shape under moderate loadFlexibilityHighly elastic; easily compressed by handPrintabilityPrintabilityHigh; can be printed at faster speedsPrintabilityModerate; requires slow speeds and direct-drive extrudersKey BenefitKey BenefitSuperior dimensional stabilityKey BenefitMaximum shock absorption and comfort
Which One Do You Need?
Choose 95A if:
- You need dimensional accuracy. 95A is stiff enough to hold tight tolerances for mechanical housings.
- You are printing gears or drive belts. It has the “columnar strength” to resist buckling under tension.
- You want a faster turnaround. Bambu Lab TPU 95A HF is specifically designed for high-speed printing without sacrificing layer adhesion.
Choose 85A if:
- You need an airtight or watertight seal. The extra softness allows the gasket to deform and fill gaps more effectively.
- You are designing human-interface parts. Handles, grips, and wearables feel much more natural in 85A.
- You need maximum vibration dampening. Ninjaflex 85A is the industry gold standard for absorbing high-frequency jitters in camera mounts or delicate sensors.