Ultrafuse PRO1 vs TPU

Compare Ultrafuse PRO1 and TPU filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

Ultrafuse PRO1 vs TPU: Ultrafuse PRO1 is known for easiest to print, while TPU is known for excellent layer adhesion. Both have no enclosure requirements; Ultrafuse PRO1 is less moisture-sensitive; TPU prints at higher nozzle temperatures (200-240°C vs 215°C). Choose Ultrafuse PRO1 for easiest to print, or TPU for excellent layer adhesion.

Key differences at a glance

Property
Ultrafuse PRO1
TPU
Nozzle temp
215°C
200-240°C
Bed temp
60°C
30-60°C
Enclosure needed
No
No
Ease of printing
Easy
Easy
Moisture sensitivity
low
high

Detailed Comparison

Property
Ultrafuse PRO1
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier null
Tier S
Family
PLA
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
215°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
60°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
not needed
not needed
Cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
low
high

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

Ultrafuse PRO1 Strengths

  • Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
  • Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength

TPU Strengths

  • Excellent layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; highly durable
  • Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
  • Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)

Considerations

Ultrafuse PRO1 Caveats

  • Creeps under sustained load
  • Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
  • Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups

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

What is the difference between Ultrafuse PRO1 and TPU?
Ultrafuse PRO1 prints at 215°C nozzle / 60°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed (No enclosure, high moisture sensitivity).
Is Ultrafuse PRO1 or TPU stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Ultrafuse PRO1 is suited to easiest to print, while TPU is suited to excellent layer adhesion.
Which prints at a higher temperature, Ultrafuse PRO1 or TPU?
TPU prints at a higher temperature (200-240°C nozzle vs 215°C for Ultrafuse PRO1).
Is Ultrafuse PRO1 or TPU better for beginners?
Ultrafuse PRO1 is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs no enclosure and high moisture for TPU.
Should I use Ultrafuse PRO1 or TPU for flexible parts?
For flexible parts, TPU is usually the better fit (Excellent layer adhesion). Choose Ultrafuse PRO1 instead when easiest to print.

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