Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printing: Complete Guide
How MJF works, how it compares to other methods, and when to use it for the best results in functional prototypes and low-volume production.
Read the ArticleTPU 90A 3D Printing Material
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) · Flexible
Mid-firm flexible filament balancing elasticity with wear resistance.
What Is TPU 90A?
TPU 90A is a slightly harder flexible material than 85A, offering greater structural integrity and wear resistance while staying genuinely flexible. It is a strong all-round choice for functional flexible parts such as bushings, tread, and protective components.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Shore 90A), printed with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Every order is reviewed by our engineering team - no minimum order quantity.
When to choose TPU 90A
Choose TPU 90A when you need a flexible part that must also withstand wear, abrasion, or repeated mechanical cycling. At Shore 90A, the material feels firm-flexible - it bends and compresses under deliberate force but holds its shape under gravity. This makes it ideal for bushings, bumpers, RC tires, and protective cases.
Compared to TPU 85A, 90A sacrifices some softness for measurably better wear resistance and print reliability. If you need a soft grip or cushioning pad, 85A is the better choice. If you need the part to maintain structural definition while still absorbing impact - phone cases, bumper guards, flexible hinges - 90A hits the sweet spot.
TPU 95A is firmer still and auto-quotable, making it faster to order. But 95A starts to feel more like a stiff rubber than a flexible one. For RC tires, shoe prototypes, and protective bumpers where genuine flex matters, 90A delivers the right balance.
Material Properties
Representative values - process- and orientation-dependent. Full technical datasheet available on request.
Process
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Tensile strength
12.5 ± 0.8 MPa
Elongation at break
300–400%
Flexural modulus
Low (elastomer)
Density
1.20 g/cm³
Max build size
245 × 245 × 230 mm
Min wall thickness
1.2 mm
Resolution / layer
150 µm
Relative cost
$$ (1 = lowest, 4 = highest)
Design Guidelines
Plan features to print reliably and assemble cleanly in TPU 90A. Need DFM help?
Min wall
1.2 mm - thicker = firmer feel
Shore hardness
90A - medium flex
Clearance
0.5–0.7 mm - flex parts need more
Max size
245 × 245 × 230 mm - design for flex
Dimensional tolerances
Dimensional tolerance is ±0.5 mm or ±0.8%. TPU 90A holds shape slightly better than 85A during printing due to its greater rigidity, so tall features are more accurate. However, the material still deforms under clamping or measuring pressure, so functional fits should include 0.5+ mm clearance.
Printing notes
TPU 90A prints at 220–240 °C nozzle / 30–50 °C bed at reduced speeds (25–35 mm/s). A direct-drive extruder is required. Retraction is kept to 0.5–1.5 mm to prevent filament jams. Slightly faster print speeds are possible compared to 85A because the material is firmer and less prone to buckling. We dry TPU 90A at 50 °C for 6+ hours - wet TPU produces bubbles and poor layer bonding. Supports are minimized through orientation planning; when required, they separate more cleanly than from 85A due to the firmer material.
How TPU 90A Compares
TPU 90A alongside related materials.
| TPU 90A | TPU 85A | TPU 95A | PA11 (SLS) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 12.5 ± 0.8 MPa | 12.0 ± 0.8 MPa | 27.3 ± 0.8 MPa | 47 MPa |
| Heat deflection (HDT) | - | - | - | 157 °C @ 0.45 MPa |
| Flexural modulus | Low (elastomer) | Low (elastomer) | Low–medium (elastomer) | ≈ 1,100 MPa |
| Elongation | 300–400% | 330–450% | 250–350% | 40–50% |
| Density | 1.20 g/cm³ | 1.18 g/cm³ | 1.22 g/cm³ | 1.02 g/cm³ |
| Relative cost | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
When to Use TPU 90A
Where TPU 90A fits, where it doesn't, and what to use instead.
Bushings and bumpers
Shore 90A holds shape under gravity but deforms under deliberate force, providing impact absorption with enough rigidity to maintain positional accuracy in bushing applications.
EngineeringRC and robotics tires and tread
Balances grip and wear resistance - softer than 95A for better traction on smooth surfaces while lasting 2–3x longer than 85A under abrasive track conditions.
RoboticsProtective device cases
Absorbs drop impact through elastic deformation and returns to shape, surviving repeated 1.5 m drops that would crack rigid ABS cases.
Consumer ProductsFlexible living hinges
Fatigue resistance survives thousands of flex cycles without cracking - outperforms rigid plastics by orders of magnitude for hinge features that cycle daily.
Consumer ProductsShoe-sole and grip prototypes
Firmness approximates commercial shoe midsole compounds, letting designers validate cushioning, tread pattern, and ground-feel before committing to injection molds.
Consumer ProductsStrengths
- Sweet spot between softness and durability - firmer than 85A with measurably better wear resistance for tread, bushings, and rolling-contact parts
- Holds dimensional shape under gravity (unlike 85A) while still compressing 20–30% under moderate hand force
- Excellent fatigue life - flexes through thousands of cycles without cracking, suited to bellows, bumpers, and living-hinge features
Keep in mind
- Still an elastomer - cannot support structural loads or maintain precise tolerances under clamping force; use rigid materials for load-bearing fits
- Prints at 25–35 mm/s with direct-drive extruder and minimal retraction (0.5–1.5 mm) - lead time is longer than rigid materials
- Unsupported overhangs sag beyond 2 mm span - orient geometry to avoid supports, which tear on removal from flexible materials
Finishes & Colors
Finishing options and in-stock colors for TPU 90A.
Standard
As-printed; matte flexible surface.
Best for: Functional flexible parts
In-Stock Colors
Clear
Black
Red
Custom colors and dyeing available on request. Contact us for options.
TPU 90A FAQ
Yes - 90A offers good wear and fatigue resistance for bushings, tread, and flexible hinges while keeping meaningful elasticity.
90A is softer and more elastic; 95A is firmer, prints faster, and is better where you need flexibility with more structure.
TPU 90A is one of the most popular choices for printed RC and robotics tires. It provides good grip, wears well, and absorbs impacts. For harder surfaces or higher speeds, 95A may last longer. For maximum grip on smooth surfaces, 85A is softer.
TPU 90A is printable and available in days; silicone requires molds and weeks. TPU has better abrasion resistance and higher tensile strength. Silicone handles higher temperatures and is more chemically inert. For prototyping and low-volume flexible parts, TPU 90A is faster and cheaper.
Yes. TPU has excellent fatigue resistance. Parts can be flexed through thousands of cycles without cracking, unlike rigid plastics. This makes 90A well suited to living-hinge-like features and cyclic-load applications such as bellows and bumpers.
TPU 90A handles moderate complexity well - enclosed channels, snap features, and curves all print successfully. Avoid unsupported overhangs longer than 2 mm and bridges over 10 mm. We orient parts to eliminate supports where possible.
We hold ±0.5 mm or ±0.8%. TPU 90A is slightly more accurate than 85A because its firmness reduces sag during printing. For mating fits, design 0.5 mm minimum clearance on each side.
TPU accepts cyanoacrylate (CA) glue and polyurethane adhesives. Painting is possible with flexible paints - standard rigid paints will crack as the part flexes. Contact us if your application requires bonding or coating.
Technical Documents
Related Articles
How to Choose the Right MJF Materials for Functional Prototypes and Production Parts
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