Choosing the right TPU hardness depends on the balance you need between flexibility, strength, durability, and dimensional stability. In general, as TPU hardness increases, flexibility decreases while rigidity, structural strength, and printing stability increase. Yoline Lab offers a complete TPU lineup from ultra-flexible 85A to engineering-grade 72D, allowing you to select the most suitable material for your specific application.

Understanding TPU Hardness

TPU hardness is measured using the Shore hardness scale. The two most common scales for TPU are:

• Shore A: Used for softer, more flexible materials (typically 85A to 98A)
• Shore D: Used for harder, more rigid materials (typically above 60D)

A higher number on either scale indicates a harder, less flexible material. The key is matching the hardness to your application's requirements.

How to Think About Hardness Selection

Ask yourself these questions when choosing a TPU hardness:

How much flexibility does my part actually need?

A phone case needs to flex around the phone. A drone landing pad needs to absorb impact. A shopping cart wheel needs to roll under load. Each application demands a different balance.

What mechanical forces will the part experience?

Compression, tension, impact, and repeated flexing all place different demands on material properties. Matching hardness to the dominant force improves performance and lifespan.

What is your printing setup?

Softer TPU materials are more challenging to print on some extruder configurations. Yoline Lab TPU is engineered for reliable printing across most hardness grades on standard hardware, but understanding your printer's capabilities helps guide selection.

The Complete Yoline Lab TPU Hardness Guide

TPU85A — Ultra-Soft Flexibility

Feel reference: Soft sports protection pads

TPU85A is the softest material in the Yoline Lab TPU lineup, offering exceptional flexibility, elasticity, and comfort.

Choose TPU85A when your priority is maximum softness and flexibility:

• Wearable products
• Soft-touch consumer products
• Phone cases prioritizing grip and feel
• Sports protection equipment
• Flexible cushioning components

TPU90A — High Elasticity and Fatigue Resistance

Feel reference: Traditional phone case material

TPU90A delivers excellent elasticity while providing improved structural strength compared to TPU85A. It offers one of the best balances between flexibility and durability.

Choose TPU90A when you need elasticity with better structural integrity:

• Drone landing gear dampers
• RC model components
• Shock-absorbing parts
• Flexible connectors
• Vibration isolation components

TPU95A — The All-Round Flagship

Feel reference: Sports shoe sole

TPU95A is the most versatile TPU in the Yoline Lab portfolio and the model recommended for most users. It combines excellent printability, high-speed printing capability, strong layer adhesion, high abrasion resistance, and balanced flexibility and strength.

Choose TPU95A when you want the best all-around flexible material — or if you're unsure which TPU to choose:

• Functional parts
• Robotics projects
• Consumer electronics
• Industrial fixtures
• General-purpose TPU applications

TPU98A — High-Rigidity Flexible Material

Feel reference: Shopping cart wheel

TPU98A provides significantly higher rigidity while retaining TPU toughness and impact resistance.

Choose TPU98A when you need strength and dimensional stability but still want TPU's impact resistance:

• Rollers and wheels
• Protective housings
• Durable functional parts
• Industrial components
• Long-duration production printing

TPU72D — Engineering-Grade TPU

Feel reference: Engineering plastic

TPU72D bridges the gap between traditional flexible TPU and rigid engineering materials. It offers the highest tensile strength in the series, exceptional impact resistance, excellent oil and weather resistance, and outstanding dimensional stability. Although technically a TPU, its performance and feel are much closer to engineering plastics.

Choose TPU72D for demanding engineering applications:

• Industrial jigs and fixtures
• Mechanical components
• Automotive applications
• Manufacturing aids
• Engineering prototypes

Quick Selection Guide