Super-Elastic 3D Printing Material PEBA Arrives: FDM-Printable Basketballs, Shoes, and More by Shenzhen Xinbochuan

Panda3dp.com Guide:Recently, 3D-printed basketballs and shoes have been making waves online. These aren’t just prototypes—these basketballs are game-ready, and the shoes are fit for a stroll down the street. Behind this buzz lies not only the continuous evolution of desktop 3D printing technology but also a major leap in elastomeric printing materials.

Just imagine: with an FDM 3D printer at home, you can create your own basketballs and sneakers. That’s not just convenient—it’s fun.

△ Elasticity comparison between a standard basketball (left) and a 3D-printed one (right)

Many readers have asked, “What is this new material? It seems way more advanced!”

That’s when Panda3dp.com discovered a new 3D printing material: PEBA.

In May 2025, Panda3dp.com noted that Shenzhen Xinbochuan Materials Technology Co., Ltd. launched a high-performance thermoplastic elastomer for 3D printing—PEBA (Polyether Block Amide). Basketballs printed with PEBA demonstrate rebound properties remarkably close to standard basketballs, making them ideal for training. The market response was enthusiastic. This versatile material is also being used to 3D print shoes, bike saddles, insoles, pillows, and other consumer goods.

△ 3D-printed basketball (large) and tennis ball (small)

Xinbochuan is a high-tech enterprise co-invested by Qifu Capital, Junke Danmu Capital (under Lenovo Holdings), and Guangzhou Pinchuan. It specializes in the R\&D, production, sales, and service of nylon/polyester and related high-performance elastic materials. The PEBA material—already attracting much attention—is a compelling testament to their innovation capabilities.

Outstanding Performance: A Comprehensive Upgrade Over Traditional TPU

Xinbochuan’s PEBA filament delivers all-around superior performance compared to traditional TPU filaments. In terms of rebound, PEBA boasts an exceptionally high elastic recovery rate. In sample testing, steel balls of the same size were dropped from the same height: the PEBA sample rebounded to \~300mm on the first bounce and \~195mm on the second; by contrast, the TPU sample reached only \~160mm and \~60mm, respectively.

△ GIF: Elasticity comparison between 3D-printed TPU and PEBA samples

Basketballs printed with Xinbochuan’s PEBA material nearly match the weight and bounce of real basketballs, underscoring its superb rebound characteristics. This makes it an ideal choice for midsoles and insoles in athletic footwear, where repeated deformation occurs. Even after long-term use, it resists shape loss.

Strength-wise, PEBA strikes a remarkable balance between flexibility and rigidity. Its tensile strength far exceeds TPU, with the 90A version reaching 30 MPa. This makes it suitable for printing load-bearing components like gears and industrial fixtures, ensuring shape integrity. In a 5.5J pendulum impact test, PEBA samples showed no fracture, making them ideal for protective robot shells and automotive cushioning parts.

The material also maintains stability across a wide temperature range—from -40°C to +80°C—without hardening in the cold. It’s suitable for outdoor equipment brackets (e.g., drones). At 90–100°C, it still resists deformation. Additionally, it exhibits strong resistance to chemicals, aging, and UV exposure.

High-Speed Printing Without Compromising Precision

Print speed is a key indicator of a material’s practicality, and Xinbochuan’s PEBA excels in this regard. The 90A/85A versions offer a "speed mode," enabling print rates of up to 7.2 mm³/s—over twice that of standard TPU (3.6 mm³/s). This greatly reduces production time for industrial gears, drone frames, and other applications. The 80A version, designed for strong adhesion, operates steadily at 3.6 mm³/s, expanding its application scope. For thin-walled or hollow structures, it can switch to a 5 mm³/s "endurance mode." With a unique "dynamic flow rate algorithm," PEBA’s molecular chains interlock deeply, achieving tear resistance on par with injection molding—delivering tunable speed without sacrificing performance.

Broad Application Potential Across Diverse Sectors

Thanks to its superior properties, Xinbochuan’s PEBA material shines across multiple industries.

In consumer electronics, it strikes a balance between lightness and functionality. Used in custom keyboard wrist rests, it offers dynamic support, better breathability than TPU, and resists deformation with extended use. For rugged phone cases, PEBA retains flexibility even at -40°C and provides excellent impact resistance, ideal for extreme conditions. It also enhances user experience in flexible sensor casings and noise-reducing headphone pads with its high rebound and biocompatibility.

△ 3D-printed cushion

In medical and health care, PEBA is an ideal material. In rehabilitation, it’s used to make dynamic orthotic braces and bionic prosthetic joints. Its ultra-thin print capability ensures breathability, and its elastic modulus can be tuned to match different rehabilitation stages. Surgical guides made from PEBA can be steam-sterilized, replacing single-use TPU guides and reducing medical waste. For seating products, PEBA delivers breathable, shock-absorbing, and comfortable support for long-duration drivers.

△ 3D-printed phone case and bicycle saddle

In industrial manufacturing, PEBA has also proven valuable. In flexible automation, robotic suction grippers use its high rebound to minimize impact forces. Conveyor buffer pads resist oil and aging, suitable for food and pharmaceutical production lines. In energy and infrastructure, it is used in seismic pipe joints that maintain reliable sealing between -40°C and 120°C.

In sports and leisure, PEBA shines. Custom midsoles and high-resilience insoles offer up to 65% energy return and can be tailored to individual foot shapes, benefiting even flat-footed users. In smart fitness gear, protective supports made with integrated lattice printing weigh just 50–80% of TPU-based equivalents. Outdoor shoes made with PEBA offer strong support and a springy yet tough feel, transforming the wear experience.

△ 3D-printed insole

In aerospace and future mobility, PEBA reveals its edge. Foldable drone joints and supports printed with PEBA are lighter and more tear-resistant, enabling rapid deployment for rescue missions. EV wire harness protectors and smart lock pads for shared bikes benefit from reduced maintenance costs.

Empowering Makers and Innovators

Some hobbyists interested in printing shoes or basketballs have told Panda3dp.com that PEBA filaments—costing several hundred yuan per roll—are still relatively expensive. To help more enthusiasts and professionals experience its full potential, Xinbochuan has taken proactive steps.

They launched a 200g trial pack of PEBA, offering 230g (with bonus) at no extra cost. Available in grey and white, the 90A and 85A trial packs are priced at 79.9 and 89.9 yuan respectively. A “Pioneer Tester” campaign is also underway, where participants can earn full-size rolls by submitting detailed reviews. During the upcoming 618 shopping festival, the flagship PEBA-90A (regularly 439 yuan) will see substantial discounts.

With its exceptional properties, wide-ranging applications, and compelling promotions, Xinbochuan’s PEBA material injects new energy into the 3D printing industry. Whether you’re a professional seeking high-performance materials or a hobbyist eager to explore the possibilities, PEBA is well worth trying.

Panda3dp.com believes this ultra-elastic 3D printing material may open a whole new frontier for consumer-level 3D printing applications.