Comparison
TPU 85A Filament vs PLA
A side-by-side comparison of Thermoplastic Polyurethane 85A Filament and Polylactic Acid.
Physical
Density
1.18-1.23 g/cm³
1.24 g/cm³
Water Absorption (24h)
0.6-1.1 %
0.5 %
Transparency
Translucent to Opaque
Semi-transparent
Shrinkage
Very Low (0.0-0.3%)
0.3 – 0.5 %
Mechanical
Young's Modulus
0.02-0.1 GPa (at low strain)
3.5 GPa
Tensile Strength
30-40 MPa
50 – 65 MPa
Elongation at Break
400-600 %
6 %
Impact Strength (Izod)
High (Not typically measured in standard Izod due to deformation)
16 J/m
Flexural Strength
—
80 MPa
Thermal
Glass Transition Temperature
-45 to -25 °C
60 °C
Melting Point
N/A (thermoplastic, softens)
150 – 160 °C
Continuous Service Temperature
50-70 °C
45 °C
Heat Deflection Temperature
N/A (deforms)
55 °C
Electrical
Dielectric Constant
4.2-4.7
3.0
Volume Resistivity
10⁹-10¹¹ Ω·cm
10¹⁴ Ω·cm
Dielectric Strength
8-13 MV/m
—
Chemical resistance
Acids
Good resistance
Fair
Bases
Good resistance
Poor
Solvents
Resistant to oils and greases. Attacked by strong polar solvents.
—
UV Resistance
Good
Poor
Alcohols
—
Fair
Hydrolysis
—
Poor
Sustainability
Recyclability
Mechanically Recyclable (limited)
Industrially compostable
Recycling Code
7 (Other)
7
Carbon Footprint
Moderate
~1.6 kg CO₂e / kg
Bio-based Content
—
100 %