PP vs TPE
How PP and TPE compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PP is more heat resistant and better outdoors; TPE is more flexible.
- PP and TPE print at about the same temperature at the nozzle.
- PP typically prints about 45 °C hotter on the bed.
- PP is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 116 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 28 PP filaments in 50 colours, and 13 TPE filaments in 41 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PP | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Dry before printing |
| PP | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polypropylene | Thermoplastic elastomer |
| Filaments listed | 28 | 13 |
| Brands | 19 | 9 |
| Colours | 50 | 41 |
| Nozzle temperature | 210–240 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 30–60 °C |
| Density | 0.90 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 462 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | 60 °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
3 brands make both PP and TPE.