3DXTech3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A)USA-Made Flexible TPU Elastomer — Soft, Stretchy, Impact-Resistant
A soft 85A elastomer with 660% elongation — tough, flexible, and chemical-resistant.
3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) is an engineering-grade thermoplastic elastomer chosen for its balance of printability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and toughness. At 85 Shore A it prints soft, rubbery parts that stretch, bend, and absorb impact instead of cracking — and it's made in the USA. Direct-drive extruders are recommended; experienced users succeed with Bowden setups too. Full specifications →
Made in the USA — ships from Rev1. Need a firmer TPU, a specific quantity, or bulk? Call (248) 707-2950.
USA-made flexible TPU, with a published datasheet behind it.
3DXTech compounds 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) in Grand Rapids, Michigan with published print and material data — no mystery filament. Rev1 Technologies is your authorized 3DXTech reseller and US support partner, Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Soft, stretchy, and tough — a genuine engineering-grade TPU.
3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) was chosen for its balance of printability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and toughness. At 85 Shore A it's noticeably soft and rubbery, yet it still runs reliably on desktop printers — no enclosure and no hardened nozzle required. It's compounded in the USA for consistent diameter and repeatable results, spool to spool.
660% elongation — parts stretch, flex, and absorb impact.
A soft elastomer for seals, dampers, grips, and flexible functional parts.
With roughly 660% elongation at break and a low 12 MPa tensile modulus, 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) stretches far and springs back — ideal for parts that need to bend, cushion, seal, or grip. It resists impact and many chemicals, and prints on a standard brass nozzle at ordinary TPU temperatures. Direct-drive extruders give the most reliable feed for a filament this soft; slow, steady printing yields the cleanest results.
Real elastomer properties, from a published TDS.
3DXTech's published 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) values (TDS v1.0), tested on an open-source FDM/FFF machine (0.75 mm nozzle, 100% infill, XY flat) — printed-specimen values, ISO/ASTM methods.
ASTM D2240 — a soft, flexible durometer that still holds its shape.
ASTM D638 — stretches far and recovers; ideal for flexing, sealing, and cushioning.
ASTM D638 — low modulus for a soft, compliant feel.
ASTM D638, printed specimen — a soft elastomer, not a structural rigid.
ASTM D648 at 0.45 MPa — suited to near-ambient service temperatures.
ASTM D792 — predictable part weight and spool yield.
Flexible filament, dialed in — go slow and use direct drive.
3DXTech's recommended conditions. A soft 85A TPU feeds best through a direct-drive extruder; unfilled and non-abrasive, it needs no hardened nozzle and no heated chamber.
Standard TPU hotend range — no exotic high-temperature hardware required.
A mildly warm bed with a suitable adhesive gives reliable first-layer grip.
Recommended for soft filament; experienced users can run Bowden setups with tuning.
No enclosure needed — TPU prints without warping concerns.
Unfilled and non-abrasive — a standard 0.4 mm brass nozzle is fine.
TPU is hygroscopic; dry at 65°C for ~4 hours and print slowly for the best surface.
Wherever a part needs to flex, seal, grip, or cushion.
Where 85A sits on the flexibility scale.
A soft 85A TPU vs. the common firmer 95A TPU vs. rigid filaments — approximate positioning; confirm exact figures against each TDS.
| 3DXFLEX TPU 85A | TPU 95A | Rigid (PLA / PETG) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shore hardness | 85A (soft) | 95A (semi-rigid) | >80D (rigid) |
| Feel | Soft, rubbery | Firm rubber | Hard |
| Elongation at break | ~660% | ~450–550% | <30% |
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Flexible | None |
| Extruder | Direct-drive recommended | Direct or tuned Bowden | Any |
| Print speed | Slow | Slow–moderate | Fast |
| Best for | Soft seals, dampers, grips | Flexible functional parts | Structural parts |
Qualitative comparison among flexible and rigid filaments; confirm exact properties against each TDS. Prices vary by reel size and date.
3DXTech 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) Technical Data
Check the reel fits your printer.
Standard spool dimensions — confirm it fits your printer or dry box.
3DXTech ships 3DXFLEX TPU (85A) on a consistent, standard 500 g reel.
Before you buy, check the outer diameter, width, and center bore against your printer's spool holder or drybox — and remember flexible filament feeds best on a direct-drive extruder. Open the full 3DXTech reel infographic for exact spool dimensions.
View reel dimensions →RESOURCES
Datasheet & Print Support
Everything you need to qualify and print 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A).
WHY REV1 TECH
Authorized 3DXTech Reseller. Engineering-Materials Specialists.
Rev1 Technologies is an authorized 3DXTech reseller in Auburn Hills, MI, supplying genuine USA-made filament with real print support.
We help you pick the right durometer, dial in the direct-drive profile, and keep production running.
FAQ
3DXTech 3DXFLEX TPU (85A) — Common Questions
How flexible is 85A?
85 Shore A is a soft, rubbery durometer — noticeably more flexible than the common 95A TPU. It stretches to about 660% elongation and springs back, so it's well suited to seals, dampers, and grips that need real give.
Do I need a direct-drive extruder?
It's strongly recommended. Soft filament can buckle in a Bowden tube; a direct-drive extruder feeds it far more reliably. Experienced users can run Bowden setups with careful retraction and speed tuning.
Do I need a hardened nozzle or enclosure?
No. 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) is unfilled and non-abrasive, so a standard brass nozzle is fine, and no heated chamber is required. Print at 225–250°C with a 50°C bed.
Any tips for a clean print?
Print slowly and steadily, keep retraction low, and dry the filament at 65°C for ~4 hours before printing. TPU is hygroscopic, and moisture is the most common cause of stringing and rough surfaces.
What sizes are available?
1.75 mm on a 500 g reel, in Black. Ask us about larger quantities or firmer TPU grades.
Is it made in the USA?
Yes — 3DXTech manufactures and compounds 3DXFLEX™ TPU (85A) in its 68,000 sq-ft facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with published data and lot traceability.