PA12 vs TPE
How PA12 and TPE compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PA12 is easier to print, stiffer, more heat resistant and better outdoors; TPE is more flexible.
- PA12 typically prints about 30 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PA12 typically prints about 45 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA12 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 66 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 50 PA12 filaments in 90 colours, and 13 TPE filaments in 41 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PA12 | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | Dry before printing |
| PA12 | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) | Thermoplastic elastomer |
| Filaments listed | 50 | 13 |
| Brands | 26 | 9 |
| Colours | 90 | 41 |
| Nozzle temperature | 240–270 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 30–60 °C |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 412 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 70 °C | 60 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
2 brands make both PA12 and TPE.