Polypropylene vs TPU
Compare Polypropylene and TPU filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Polypropylene
FPP
Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
Polypropylene
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier F
Tier S
Family
PP
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
220-250°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
recommended
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
low
high
Strengths Comparison
Polypropylene Strengths
- Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good fatigue resistance (living hinges)
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
Polypropylene Caveats
- Extremely poor bed adhesion; severe curling/warping (worse when cooling)
- Supports nearly impossible to remove due to toughness/perfect layer adhesion
- Often requires specialized build surface and setup
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 Polypropylene or TPU better for 3D printing?
TPU is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to Polypropylene (Tier F). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Polypropylene is best for Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density, while TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between Polypropylene and TPU?
Polypropylene prints at 220-250°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do Polypropylene and TPU need an enclosure?
Polypropylene: recommended. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Polypropylene or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.