TPU Formlabs TPU 90A vs TPU GF20
Polymer · TPU grade comparison
Formlabs TPU 90A Powder and TPU GF20 are two grades of the same polymer grade, TPU: Formlabs TPU 90A versus GF20 (20 % glass-fibre reinforced TPU). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. TPU GF20 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 8.7 MPa (1.26 ksi) for Formlabs TPU 90A Powder, about 5.2 times as much. In exchange, Formlabs TPU 90A Powder is the more ductile: elongation 310% versus 25% for TPU GF20. Formlabs TPU 90A Powder is lighter (1.14 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for TPU GF20).
Formlabs TPU 90A PowderChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU GF20Choose it when strength drives the design.
Formlabs TPU 90A Powder vs TPU GF20: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Formlabs TPU 90A PowderTPU GF20
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Hardness, Shore A
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Water absorption (manufacturer test)
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Powder Moisture Content
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Formlabs TPU 90A Powder vs TPU GF20 — frequently asked
Is TPU GF20 stronger than Formlabs TPU 90A Powder?
Yes. TPU GF20 has a typical tensile strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 8.7 MPa (1.26 ksi) for Formlabs TPU 90A Powder — about 5.2 times as much.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, Formlabs TPU 90A or GF20?
Shore A 85 is the default TPU condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither Formlabs TPU 90A nor GF20). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose Formlabs TPU 90A Powder over TPU GF20?
Pick Formlabs TPU 90A Powder when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint. Pick TPU GF20 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Formlabs TPU 90A Powder and TPU GF20 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.