Glass-filled Nylon vs TPU
Compare Glass-filled Nylon and TPU filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Glass-filled Nylon
SPA-GF / GFPA
Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
Glass-filled Nylon
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier S
Tier S
Family
Nylon (PA)
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
260-290°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
high
Strengths Comparison
Glass-filled Nylon Strengths
- Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon
- Warping reduced enough to be fairly easy to print (with correct setup)
- Viable alternative to machined aluminum for some parts
TPU Strengths
- Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
- Great for combat robots, tactical/rough-use parts
- Rubber-like parts (gaskets, grips, bumpers, wheels)
Considerations
Glass-filled Nylon Caveats
- Higher print temps; hardware wear if not equipped
TPU Caveats
- Slow printing; retraction can cause jams (especially in Bowden setups)
- Stringing is common
- Very moisture sensitive; wet TPU prints poorly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glass-filled Nylon or TPU better for 3D printing?
Glass-filled Nylon is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to TPU (Tier S). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Glass-filled Nylon is best for Massively stiffer/tougher/more heat & abrasion resistant than nylon, while TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between Glass-filled Nylon and TPU?
Glass-filled Nylon prints at 260-290°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do Glass-filled Nylon and TPU need an enclosure?
Glass-filled Nylon: required. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Glass-filled Nylon or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.