The main difference between PLA and TPU lies in their flexibility. PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a rigid and brittle material that is easy to print with, making it ideal for projects that require structural stability and detailed accuracy.
In contrast, TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is highly flexible and elastic, resembling rubber in its ability to stretch and bend without breaking.
This makes TPU the preferred choice for applications that demand durability and flexibility, such as phone cases, gaskets, or any part that needs to withstand repeated movement or impact.
Difference between PLA and TPU (With Table)
| Aspects | PLA | TPU |
| Flexibility | Rigid and brittle | Highly flexible and elastic |
| Durability | Less durable, can crack under stress | Highly durable, resistant to wear and impact |
| Printability | Easy to print with, suitable for beginners | More challenging to print due to flexibility |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, made from renewable resources | Not biodegradable, made from synthetic materials |
| Thermal Resistance | Lower thermal resistance, can deform in heat | Higher thermal resistance, retains shape under heat |
What Is PLA?
PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is a popular biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. It is widely used in 3D printing, packaging, and various other applications due to its ease of use, environmental friendliness, and affordability.
As a thermoplastic, PLA softens when heated and hardens upon cooling, making it an ideal material for 3D printing. It has a relatively low melting point, typically between 180-220°C, which allows it to be printed with minimal warping and without the need for a heated bed.
This makes PLA an excellent choice for beginners and for creating detailed, accurate prints with a smooth, glossy finish.
PLA’s biodegradability is one of its key advantages. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PLA can break down under industrial composting conditions, reducing its environmental impact.
This quality makes it a preferred material for eco-conscious projects and products, such as disposable utensils, packaging, and certain medical devices.
However, PLA is not as durable or flexible as some other plastics. It is relatively brittle, which means it can crack or break under stress or impact. Additionally, PLA has lower thermal resistance, so it can deform at high temperatures, limiting its use in high-heat environments.
What Is TPU?
TPU, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a type of flexible, durable plastic widely used in various applications, particularly in 3D printing.
Unlike rigid plastics, TPU has a rubber-like elasticity that allows it to stretch and bend without breaking, making it ideal for creating parts that require flexibility and resilience.
This material is composed of a mixture of hard and soft segments, which gives it a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and abrasion resistance.
TPU is known for its excellent impact resistance, making it perfect for products that need to endure repeated stress, such as phone cases, footwear, gaskets, and automotive components.
In 3D printing, TPU is valued for its ability to produce functional, flexible objects that can withstand wear and tear. However, its flexibility also makes it more challenging to print than more rigid materials like PLA.
TPU typically requires slower print speeds and specific printer settings to achieve the best results, but the effort is often rewarded with durable and versatile prints.
TPU’s chemical resistance is another significant advantage, as it can withstand exposure to oils, greases, and various chemicals, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Although TPU is not biodegradable like some other plastics, its durability means that products made from TPU often have a longer lifespan, which can be a benefit in terms of reducing waste.
Difference between PLA and TPU
Flexibility
- PLA: Rigid and brittle
- TPU: Highly flexible and elastic
Strength
- PLA: High tensile strength, but can be brittle
- TPU: Excellent impact resistance and durability
Printability
- PLA: Easy to print with, even for beginners
- TPU: More challenging to print due to flexibility
Print Speed
- PLA: Can be printed at higher speeds
- TPU: Requires slower print speeds to avoid issues
Melting Point
- PLA: Lower melting point (around 180-220°C)
- TPU: Higher melting point (around 220-250°C)
Durability
- PLA: Less durable; can crack or break under stress
- TPU: Highly durable, resistant to wear and tear
Surface Finish
- PLA: Produces a smooth, glossy finish
- TPU: Typically has a matte, rubbery finish
Environmental Impact
- PLA: Biodegradable and derived from renewable sources
- TPU: Not biodegradable, made from synthetic materials
Applications
- PLA: Ideal for prototyping, hobby projects, and decorative items
- TPU: Suitable for flexible, impact-resistant parts like phone cases, seals, and gaskets
Chemical Resistance
- PLA: Poor chemical resistance
- TPU: Excellent resistance to oils, greases, and other chemicals
Thermal Resistance
- PLA: Lower thermal resistance; can deform at high temperatures
- TPU: Higher thermal resistance, retains shape at elevated temperatures
Ease of Post-Processing
- PLA: Easy to sand, paint, and glue
- TPU: More difficult to post-process due to flexibility
Elasticity
- PLA: Non-elastic, breaks under bending or twisting
- TPU: Highly elastic, can stretch significantly
Odor During Printing
- PLA: Minimal odor, often described as slightly sweet
- TPU: May produce a noticeable odor during printing
Warpage
- PLA: Low tendency to warp, good for larger prints
- TPU: Can have warping issues if not printed slowly and at the right temperature.
Similarities between PLA and TPU
- Both PLA and TPU are widely used in 3D printing and can be printed on most standard FDM/FFF 3D printers.
- Both materials are thermoplastics, meaning they become soft and moldable when heated and return to a solid state when cooled.
- Both PLA and TPU exhibit good layer adhesion during the 3D printing process, which helps in producing strong, well-bonded prints.
- Both materials are relatively low in toxicity when printed, making them safer for use in environments with limited ventilation compared to some other thermoplastics.
- Both PLA and TPU are versatile materials used in a wide range of applications, from prototyping and functional parts to consumer products.
- Both materials are readily available and come in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing for customization in 3D printed projects.
- Both PLA and TPU can be recycled, although the recycling process and facilities available may differ between the two.
- Both materials can produce prints with high dimensional accuracy when the printer settings are properly configured.
- Both PLA and TPU adhere well to common print surfaces such as glass, PEI, and build plates with adhesive or texture.
- Both materials can be printed with or without supports, depending on the complexity of the design, and these supports can be easily removed after printing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PLA (Polylactic Acid) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) are both popular materials in 3D printing, but they offer distinct characteristics suited to different applications.
PLA is known for its ease of use, affordability, and environmental friendliness, making it a great choice for general-purpose printing and prototyping. It has a lower melting point, which allows for simpler printing processes and minimal warping. However, PLA lacks flexibility and durability compared to TPU.
TPU is a flexible and resilient material that excels in applications requiring elasticity and impact resistance. It is more challenging to print with due to its high flexibility and tendency to string, but it produces parts that can withstand significant stress and deformation. TPU is ideal for applications like phone cases, gaskets, and other parts requiring a rubber-like quality.
Ultimately, the choice between PLA and TPU will depend on the specific requirements of the project. PLA is suitable for projects where rigidity and ease of printing are prioritized, while TPU is preferred for applications where flexibility and durability are essential.