TPU vs PP
How TPU and PP compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- TPU is easier to print, tougher and more flexible; PP is more heat resistant.
- TPU and PP 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 118 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 158 TPU filaments in 945 colours, and 28 PP filaments in 50 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| TPU | PP | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Dry before printing | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| TPU | PP | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Thermoplastic polyurethane | Polypropylene |
| Filaments listed | 158 | 28 |
| Brands | 70 | 19 |
| Colours | 945 | 50 |
| Nozzle temperature | 210–240 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 30–60 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.21 g/cm³ | 0.90 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 344 m | about 462 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
15 brands make both TPU and PP; these have the most of each.