TPU (Flexible Filament) Print Settings and Common Problems
TPU is flexible, which means it behaves completely differently from rigid filaments in the extruder. Almost every TPU problem comes down to printing it too fast or with too much retraction, not temperature.
Nozzle temp
210-230°C
Bed temp
30-60°C
Direct-drive extruders handle TPU far better than Bowden setups — the flexible filament tends to buckle inside a long Bowden tube instead of being pushed through it. Print slowly (15-30mm/s is typical) and use minimal to no retraction.
Common problems
Grinding or clicking during extrusion
This is the most common TPU complaint, and it's almost always the extruder gear failing to grip the flexible filament properly — it buckles instead of feeding. Slow down print speed significantly, reduce retraction distance to near zero, and if you're on a Bowden setup, know that's working against you structurally.
Full guide on this →Clogging from excessive retraction
Standard retraction settings for PLA or PETG are usually far too aggressive for TPU and can jam the extruder. Cut retraction distance dramatically, or disable it for short travel moves entirely.
Full guide on this →Stringing is a lesser concern here
TPU generally strings less than PETG or nylon since it doesn't ooze the same way, so if you are seeing strings, check that retraction hasn't been disabled entirely rather than just reduced.
Full guide on this →
Print going wrong with TPU?
ForgePrint diagnoses the exact cause for your printer and filament combination — describe it, or just upload a photo.