Glass-filled Polypropylene vs TPU
Compare Glass-filled Polypropylene and TPU filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Polypropylene
BGFPP / PP-GF
Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Polypropylene
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier S
Family
PP
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
230-260°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
low
high
Strengths Comparison
Glass-filled Polypropylene Strengths
- Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight
- Industrial-relevant material properties
TPU Strengths
- Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
- Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
- Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)
Considerations
Glass-filled Polypropylene Caveats
- Even harder to print than PP; peels/curls more aggressively
TPU Caveats
- Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
- Stringing is common
- Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glass-filled Polypropylene or TPU better for 3D printing?
TPU is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to Glass-filled Polypropylene (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Polypropylene is best for Very tough, durable, all-weather, extremely lightweight, while TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Polypropylene and TPU?
Glass-filled Polypropylene prints at 230-260°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Polypropylene and TPU need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Polypropylene: required. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Polypropylene or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.