3D printer filaments: PLA filaments or TPU filaments?

The 3d print has revolutionized the way we make objects, allowing us to create custom and functional designs in an accessible way. One of the key elements in this process are filaments, the materials used to power 3D printers. When buying one, we can find many different options on the market, but there are two that stand out above the rest.

Between the 3d printer filaments, the most used are PLA and TPU. What are their main differences? We are going to see them here to help you clear up your doubts in case you are thinking of entering this sector.

PLA filament

He PLA filament It is one of the most used in 3D printing due to its versatility and ease of use. It is primarily made from renewable sources, such as corn starch or sugar cane, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to other filaments.

Advantages of PLA filament

Let’s see the main advantages of PLAwhich in turn come from the key characteristics that define this material:

• easy to print – PLA is highly compatible with most 3D printers on the market. As it has a fairly low melting temperature and hardly deforms, it is highly recommended if you are going to start experimenting in the field of three-dimensional printing. It is the most “friendly”.
• Biodegradable – If you are concerned about possible residues, you should know that PLA is biodegradable. It breaks down easily under the right conditions, so we can safely say that it’s the most sustainable option we’re looking at here.
• Wide range of colors – PLA can be found in many different colors, both translucent and opaque, depending on your preference. It gives a lot of freedom for the finishes you want when printing.

Cons of PLA filament

We have seen its favorable points, but now it is time to see the other side of the coin. Let’s see the main drawbacks of PLA:

• Less mechanical resistance – Although PLA is strong enough for many different uses and applications, it is not as strong as other materials. It is not recommended at all if you want to make pieces that are going to be subjected to a heavy load or a lot of tension.
• temperature sensitivity – PLA does not get along very well with high temperatures. If it is going to be exposed to high temperatures, it is very likely that what you 3D print with it will end up deforming. Be careful!

TPU filament

He TPU filament is another option, and its popularity is mainly due to its durability and elasticity, its two key characteristics. It is a thermoplastic that combines the best of rubber and plastic, but also the worst. Flexible and resistant, you may be interested in jobs that require withstanding impacts or stresses.

Advantages of TPU filament

Once presented, we will see the main advantages of the TPU filament when printing in 3D:

• Flexibility – TPU is very flexible and elastic. It is ideal for printing objects that need to be stretched or, on the contrary, compressed. If you are thinking of printing a mobile phone case or even the sole of a shoe, it is the type of filament that you should choose, there is no doubt about it.
• Impact resistence – This material resists any blow or deformation very well. It has a high energy absorption capacity, and without breaking. As an option, it is the best in case you want to do something that will be exposed to difficult conditions.
• well-adhered layers – The adhesion between layers of the TPU is another of its great assets. Cracks? delamination? That will not happen to you if you print something with this filament.

Cons of TPU Filament

We’ve seen the good, now it’s time to see the bad of TPU:

• Difficulty to print – TPU can be more difficult to print due to its flexibility. It requires specific settings on the printer and a suitable extruder.
• less colors available – The range of colors available for the TPU is more limited. However, you can find transparent and translucent TPU filaments, which allows you to create objects with quite curious visual effects.

Which filament is better then?

The choice between PLA filaments and TPU filaments will ultimately depend on your needs and the use you will give to the 3D printed objects. If you are looking for one versatile and easy-to-use option, PLA is an excellent option. It is suitable for projects where extreme strength is not required and you are concerned about environmental impact.

On the other hand, if you need printed objects with elasticity and impact resistance, TPU is the right choice. It is ideal for situations that require flexibility and durability, although it may require a little more experience in 3D printing due to its very particular characteristics.