A Practical Guide to Its Flexibility, Print Settings, Applications and Performance
When a printed component must bend, absorb impact or return to its original shape, rigid plastics may not provide the required performance. Polymaker 3D Printer Filament is designed for Fused Deposition Modelling applications that require flexibility and durability. Among modern 3D Printing Materials, this thermoplastic polyurethane filament offers a practical balance between elasticity, strength and controlled printability.
What Is Polymaker PD01007 Filament?
Polymaker PD01007 is a black PolyFlex TPU95 filament supplied on a 750 g spool. It has a diameter of 2.85 mm and a Shore hardness rating of 95A, making it flexible while remaining firm enough to produce functional components with defined shapes.
The material is intended for compatible FDM or FFF printers, where the filament is heated and deposited layer by layer. Unlike rigid PLA-style materials, TPU can flex under pressure and recover its form, depending on the geometry, wall thickness and infill used in the printed model.
Its main specifications include:
- Manufacturer: Polymaker
- Manufacturer part number: PD01007
- Product range: PolyFlex
- Material: Thermoplastic polyurethane
- Material grade: TPU 95A
- Filament diameter: 2.85 mm
- Colour: Black
- Spool weight: 750 g
- Printing technology: FDM or FFF
- Material type: Flexible
What Does a Shore Hardness of 95A Mean?
Shore hardness measures how resistant a flexible material is to indentation. A 95A rating indicates a material that can bend and compress but is firmer than very soft rubber. This balance makes the filament suitable for components that require controlled movement without feeling loose or excessively elastic.
The flexibility of a completed part is not determined by material hardness alone. Wall thickness, infill percentage, layer orientation and overall geometry also influence its behaviour. A thin-walled print with low infill will normally flex more easily than a thick, solid component printed from the same spool.
Designers can therefore adjust the model and slicing settings to create anything from a flexible protective cover to a relatively firm wheel, spacer or vibration-reducing component.
Which Printers Can Use This TPU Filament?
The first compatibility requirement is filament diameter. This product measures 2.85 mm, so it must be used with a printer and extrusion system designed to accept that size. It should not be loaded into a machine configured exclusively for 1.75 mm filament.
Users comparing suitable 3D Printers should also consider the extruder design. Flexible filament is generally easier to control through a short and well-supported feed path. Direct-drive extrusion systems are often preferred because they reduce the distance between the drive gears and hot end.
A Bowden-style printer may still be capable of processing TPU, but it can require slower printing, carefully adjusted retraction and a tightly constrained filament path. Printer compatibility should always be checked before loading the spool.
What Are the Recommended Starting Settings?
Correct settings depend on the printer, nozzle, build surface and surrounding conditions. Practical starting values for this TPU filament include:
- Nozzle temperature: approximately 210°C to 230°C
- Heated-bed temperature: approximately 25°C to 60°C
- Printing speed: approximately 20 mm/s to 40 mm/s
- Cooling fan: Use according to the printer profile and part geometry
- Retraction: Keep controlled and avoid excessive movement
- Filament path: Short, smooth and properly supported
Begin with a small test object rather than a large functional component. A temperature tower, retraction test or short flexible strip can reveal whether the material is extruding consistently before more filament and printing time are committed.
Users can prepare dimensions, supports, infill and tool paths through compatible 3D Printing Software. A dedicated material profile is useful, but it should still be fine-tuned for the individual machine.
What Can Be Printed with Polymaker TPU 95A?
The material is suited to prototypes and finished parts that need flexibility, grip or resistance to repeated handling. Potential applications include:
- Protective device covers
- Flexible seals and gaskets
- Cable-management components
- Anti-slip feet and pads
- Vibration-damping mounts
- Soft-touch handles and grips
- Flexible hinges
- Wheels, rollers and tyres
- Wearable prototypes
- Impact-resistant guards
- Custom sleeves and bumpers
- Robotics and automation components
TPU is particularly useful during product development because designers can quickly test how a flexible feature behaves before investing in moulded production parts. The broader 3D Printing & Scanning workflow can also support reverse engineering, customisation and the reproduction of existing shapes.
How Can Print Quality Be Improved?
Flexible filament can buckle or compress if it is pushed through the extruder too aggressively. Slower, steady printing usually provides better control. The spool should also rotate freely so the extruder does not have to pull against unnecessary resistance.
Keep the nozzle clean and inspect the feeding mechanism before printing. Worn drive gears, a damaged nozzle or gaps around the filament path can cause under-extrusion. Suitable replacement 3D Printer Parts may help maintain reliable feeding and accurate material deposition.
Other useful adjustments include:
- Reduce printing speed if extrusion becomes inconsistent.
- Avoid excessive retraction that repeatedly compresses the filament.
- Use a properly levelled build surface.
- Print a controlled first layer without crushing it against the bed.
- Minimise unnecessary travel moves where possible.
- Check that the nozzle size matches the chosen profile.
Why Is Correct Filament Storage Important?
TPU can absorb moisture from the surrounding air. Moist filament may produce popping sounds, bubbles, rough surfaces or inconsistent extrusion as trapped water turns into steam inside the hot end.
After use, return the spool to a sealed bag or dry storage container with fresh desiccant. If moisture absorption is suspected, dry the material according to the current manufacturer guidance before printing. Avoid guessing an extreme drying temperature, as excessive heat could deform the filament or spool.
Users selecting additional colours, diameters or polymer types can compare suitable 3D Printing Filaments according to the mechanical and environmental requirements of each project.
Is Polymaker PD01007 Suitable for Your Project?
Polymaker PD01007 is a strong choice when a design requires flexible black TPU filament in a 2.85 mm diameter. Its 95A hardness makes it suitable for functional parts that must bend, absorb movement or provide grip while retaining useful structural stability.
Before selection, confirm the printer’s filament diameter, extrusion arrangement, temperature capability and intended application. With appropriate storage, careful slicing and a controlled printing speed, this 750 g PolyFlex TPU95 spool can support durable prototypes and customised flexible components across engineering, education, maintenance and product-development environments.