TPU vs PA12
How TPU and PA12 compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- TPU is tougher and more flexible; PA12 is stiffer and more heat resistant.
- 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 68 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 158 TPU filaments in 945 colours, and 50 PA12 filaments in 90 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| TPU | PA12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | ||
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | Dry before printing |
| TPU | PA12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) |
| Filaments listed | 158 | 50 |
| Brands | 70 | 26 |
| Colours | 945 | 90 |
| Nozzle temperature | 210–240 °C | 240–270 °C |
| Bed temperature | 30–60 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ | 1.01 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 344 m | about 412 m |
| Max drying temperature | 70 °C | 70 °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
24 brands make both TPU and PA12; these have the most of each.