Nylon PA12 vs TPU
Compare Nylon PA12 and TPU filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Nylon PA12
BPolyamide 12
Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts
TPU
SThermoplastic Polyurethane
Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible
Detailed Comparison
Property
Nylon PA12
TPU
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier S
Family
Nylon (PA)
Flexible
Nozzle Temp
260-300°C
200-240°C
Bed Temp
80-110°C
30-60°C
Enclosure
required
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
Moderate cooling
Moisture Sensitivity
very high
high
Strengths Comparison
Nylon PA12 Strengths
- Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty 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
Nylon PA12 Caveats
- Warps even more than PA6
- More brittle than PA6; more expensive/harder
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 Nylon PA12 or TPU better for 3D printing?
TPU is generally rated higher (Tier S) compared to Nylon PA12 (Tier B). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Nylon PA12 is best for Hotter printing, stiffer than PA6 for precision heavy-duty parts, while TPU is best for Perfect layer adhesion; extremely impact resistant; nearly indestructible.
What are the temperature differences between Nylon PA12 and TPU?
Nylon PA12 prints at 260-300°C nozzle / 80-110°C bed. TPU prints at 200-240°C nozzle / 30-60°C bed.
Do Nylon PA12 and TPU need an enclosure?
Nylon PA12: required. TPU: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Nylon PA12 or TPU?
TPU is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.