PETG vs TPU (flexible) for 3D printing
Choose PETG for containers, bottles, and organizers; choose TPU (flexible) for phone cases and bumpers.
TPU (flexible) — starting price
$10.00 / part
Rubbery, bendable. Phone cases, gaskets, grips.
Full TPU (flexible) guideSide by side
| Property | PETG | TPU (flexible) |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High, tougher than PLA | Tear-resistant |
| Flexibility | Slight | Very high (rubbery) |
| Heat resistance | Medium | Medium |
| Water / food | Food-safe and water-resistant | — |
| Finish | Glossy; slight stringing up close | Semi-matte, grippy |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.21 g/cm³ |
| Starting price | $8.99 / part | $10.00 / part |
Choose PETG when…
- Containers, bottles, and organizers
- Brackets and parts that flex without cracking
- Food-contact parts (with a food-safe finish)
- Parts that need water and chemical resistance
Reach for something else for
- Ultra-fine detail display models — PLA prints crisper
Choose TPU (flexible) when…
- Phone cases and bumpers
- Gaskets, seals, and grommets
- Grips, straps, and handles
- Vibration dampers and feet
Reach for something else for
- Rigid structural parts — use PLA, PETG, or PPA-CF
Still not sure?
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