ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper vs ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm (2026): Key Differences
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You are comparing the ziro pla filament 1 75mm vs shore 95a hardness tpu. Both are ZIRO brand filaments designed for FDM 3D printers. They share a 1.75mm diameter and similar bed temperature requirements. The main difference lies in the material composition. One is a rigid PLA with a metal finish. The other is a flexible TPU with a specific Shore 95A hardness. You need to choose based on the flexibility and strength your project requires.
Key differences
| Aspect | ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper | ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA (Metal Series) | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) |
| Flexibility | Rigid with metal appearance | Flexible, Shore 95A hardness |
| Net Weight | 1kg (2.2lbs) | 0.8kg |
| Max Print Speed | 90mm/s | 50mm/s |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/-0.03mm | +/-0.05mm |
| Color | Metal-copper | White |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper if
- You need a rigid part with a decorative metal look.
- You want to print at higher speeds up to 90mm/s.
- You require a larger spool weight of 1kg.
Choose ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm if
- You need flexible, soft parts with Shore 95A hardness.
- You are printing objects that require bending or impact resistance.
- You prefer a standard white color for functional prototypes.
Verdict: Choose the Metal PLA if you need rigid, decorative prints with faster print times. Choose the Shore 95A TPU if your project requires flexible, durable parts that can bend without breaking.
Metal PLA vs TPU Comparison
Material properties
ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper uses PLA infused with metal powder to create a rigid, metallic appearance. It is designed for decorative items that look like solid metal. In contrast, ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm is a thermoplastic polyurethane. It offers excellent softness and flexibility with a Shore 95A hardness rating. This material provides higher strength and elasticity, making it ideal for functional parts that need to bend or absorb impact. You choose PLA for visual appeal and TPU for mechanical durability.
Print speed
Speed settings differ significantly between these two filaments. The ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper supports a maximum print speed of 90mm/s. This allows for faster production of rigid models. The ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm has a recommended maximum speed of 50mm/s. Flexible materials require slower extrusion to prevent tangling and ensure proper layer adhesion. If you prioritize rapid printing of static objects, the PLA option is faster. For flexible prints, you must accept the slower pace required by the TPU.
Dimensional accuracy
Precision in filament diameter affects print quality and nozzle feeding. ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper maintains a tight diameter tolerance of +/-0.03mm. This high consistency helps ensure uniform extrusion. The ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm has a slightly wider tolerance of +/-0.05mm. While still accurate, the TPU allows for more variation in thickness. The tighter tolerance of the PLA filament may result in smoother surface finishes on detailed models. The TPU accuracy is sufficient for most flexible applications but is less precise than the PLA.
Net weight
The amount of material provided varies between the two options. ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper comes in a 1kg (2.2lbs) spool. This provides more printing volume per purchase. ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm is packaged in a 0.8kg spool. This is a lighter option, offering less total material. If you need more filament for the same price point, the PLA gives you a larger quantity. The TPU spool is smaller, which may be easier to store but offers fewer prints.
Extrusion temperature
Both filaments require specific heat settings for optimal flow. ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper recommends an extrusion temperature range of 190-220℃. This lower range is typical for PLA-based materials. ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm requires a higher nozzle temperature of 200-230℃. The TPU needs more heat to flow properly due to its flexible polymer structure. You must ensure your printer can reach these temperatures. The TPU requires a hotter nozzle, while the PLA operates effectively at lower heat settings.
Choose your ZIRO filament
Need rigid, metal-looking decor
Choose the ZIRO Metal PLA Copper for rigid, decorative items that mimic solid metal. It prints at higher speeds up to 90mm/s and offers tighter dimensional accuracy of +/-0.03mm. This 1kg spool is ideal for statues or ornaments where stiffness and a metallic finish matter more than flexibility.
Need flexible, durable parts
Select the ZIRO Shore 95A TPU for flexible, durable components. Its Shore 95A hardness provides excellent softness and resistance to warping. It is clog-free and tangle-free, ensuring smooth feeding. Use this for phone cases or gaskets, accepting the slower 50mm/s max speed for reliable results.
Want faster printing cycles
Pick the ZIRO Metal PLA Copper if you prioritize speed. Its recommended max print speed is 90mm/s, significantly faster than the TPU option. This allows you to complete rigid projects quicker. The material remains stable at standard PLA temperatures, making it a practical choice for high-volume rigid prints.
The products compared
ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper
Best for: Decorative prints with a metallic finish
- Material Type
- PLA
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 1kg
- Max Print Speed
- 90mm/s
- Dimensional Accuracy
- +/-0.03mm
- Printing Technology
- FDM
View on Amazon: ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper Affiliate link
This ZIRO Metal PLA filament features a copper finish for 1.75mm printers. It has a dimensional accuracy of +/-0.03mm and supports print speeds up to 90mm/s. The 1kg spool includes a vacuum seal and desiccant to keep the material dry. You get a metal appearance without the weight of real metal. It suits users wanting decorative prints with standard PLA settings.
Pros
- Metal-copper color provides a realistic metal look
- Dimensional accuracy of +/-0.03mm ensures consistency
- Max print speed of 90mm/s allows fast printing
- Vacuum sealed with desiccant for moisture protection
Cons
- Print speed maxes out at 90mm/s, which is lower than high-speed filaments
- Not suitable for flexible parts as it is rigid PLA
- No mention of specific nozzle material requirements beyond standard PLA
Good fit if
- You want decorative parts with a metallic finish
- You print at speeds up to 90mm/s
- You need consistent layer adhesion with +/-0.03mm tolerance
Skip if
- You require flexible materials like TPU
- You print exclusively at speeds above 90mm/s
- You need a material that is completely clog-free under all conditions
Verdict: ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper Filament delivers a distinct metallic look for decorative prints. It fits users who value consistent dimensions and standard PLA printing speeds.
ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm
Best for: flexible prints on standard FDM printers
- Material Type
- TPU
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 0.8kg
- Max Print Speed
- 50 mm/s
- Dimensional Accuracy
- +/-0.03mm
- Shore Hardness
- 95A
View on Amazon: ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm Affiliate link
This ZIRO filament is a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with a Shore 95A hardness rating. It comes in a 0.8kg white spool with a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.05mm. The material is designed for softness and flexibility, making it suitable for printing items that need to bend without breaking. You can print it at speeds up to 50 mm/s using standard FDM printers. It includes a resealable bag to keep the filament dry.
Pros
- Shore 95A hardness provides excellent softness and flexibility
- Dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.05mm ensures stable printing
- Mechanical winding prevents tangles and knots
- Compatible with most FDM printers
Cons
- Lower net weight of 0.8kg compared to standard 1kg spools
- Maximum print speed limited to 50 mm/s
- Plastic reel may not fit all printer hubs without adapters
Good fit if
- You need flexible parts that require bending
- You are printing with standard FDM printers
- You want a moisture-free filament ready for use
Skip if
- You require rigid, high-strength structural parts
- You need faster print speeds than 50 mm/s
- You prefer larger spool weights for extended projects
Verdict: ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm White is a reliable flexible filament for users who need bendable prints. It fits those prioritizing dimensional accuracy and tangle-free feeding over high-speed production.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper | ZIRO Shore 95A TPU 1.75mm |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA | TPU |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
| Net Weight | 1kg | 0.8kg |
| Max Print Speed | 90mm/s | 50 mm/s |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/-0.03mm | +/-0.03mm |
| Shore Hardness | not stated | 95A |
| Printing Technology | FDM | FDM |
| Compatible Material | PLA | TPU |
| Color | Metal-copper | White |
| Size | 1.75Mm | 1.75Mm |
| Dimensions | 8.2 × 8.2 × 3.2 inches | 7.09 × 7.09 × 3.15 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 1.76 pounds |
| Model | 1.75mm | 1.75mm |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ZIRO Metal PLA for functional parts?
No, this filament is not suitable for functional components. It is designed specifically for decorative prints with a metallic finish. The material is rigid and brittle, meaning it will likely break under stress. You should choose a standard ABS or PETG if you need durability for mechanical parts.
Is ZIRO Shore 95A TPU flexible enough for phone cases?
Yes, this filament provides the flexibility needed for phone cases. It is a thermoplastic polyurethane with a Shore 95A hardness rating. This level of hardness allows the printed object to bend without cracking. It is ideal for items requiring shock absorption or repeated flexing during use.
What is the weight of the ZIRO Metal PLA spool?
The ZIRO Metal PLA 1.75mm Copper spool weighs 2.2 pounds. This is heavier than the TPU variant, which weighs 1.76 pounds. The difference in mass reflects the density of the copper-infused material compared to the standard thermoplastic used in the flexible filament.
Do both filaments have the same diameter?
Yes, both products share a 1.75mm diameter. This standard size ensures compatibility with most FDM 3D printers. You can use either filament in the same extruder path, provided your printer handles the different feeding speeds and temperatures required by each material type.
How does the color of the TPU filament appear?
The ZIRO Shore 95A TPU is white. This neutral color allows for easy painting or dyeing after printing. It contrasts with the metallic copper finish of the PLA variant, which provides an immediate shiny, metal-like appearance without needing post-processing for aesthetic purposes.
Which filament is better for printing intricate statues?
The ZIRO Metal PLA is better for intricate statues. It offers tight dimensional accuracy of +/-0.03mm, ensuring fine details remain sharp. The rigid nature of PLA holds its shape well, whereas the flexible TPU might deform if the statue has thin, unsupported overhangs.
Can I print with both filaments on the same printer?
Yes, you can use both on the same standard FDM printer. They share similar bed temperature requirements. However, you must adjust your printing speed and retraction settings. The flexible TPU requires slower speeds to feed correctly, while the Metal PLA can handle higher speeds.