TPU

TPU, an acronym for Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is a plastic material distinguished by its exceptional properties of flexibility, strength and durability. This material offers a series of unique advantages that make it ideal for applications ranging from footwear production to the medical industry and much more.

Advantages of TPU in 3D printing

Geometric Freedom Typical of HP MJF 3D Printing: 3D printing with HP MJF technology allows you to fully exploit the properties of the TPU material. This technology offers extraordinary geometric freedom, allowing the creation of complex parts without the need for additional supports. This capability is crucial for engineers and designers who can create intricate components efficiently.

TPU flexibility: The TPU material is known for its exceptional flexibility, with a Shore hardness of 88/90A. This characteristic makes it ideal for applications that require a material that is both flexible and durable. Its ability to adapt to different shapes and designs makes it perfect for a wide range of uses, from mechanical components to protective devices. The 3D printing of TPU offers maximum adaptability, ensuring that your creations can meet the specific requirements of your project.

Suitable for Impact Absorption and Vibration Damping: Thanks to its remarkable elasticity, TPU can absorb impacts and dampen vibrations. This feature makes it an excellent choice for parts and components that must withstand mechanical or dynamic stress. In applications where safety and durability are paramount, TPU provides reliable protection against impact damage or unwanted vibrations. Its ability to absorb impacts makes it an ideal material for applications where safety and structural integrity are a priority.

Excellent UV and Hydrolysis Resistance: TPU offers exceptional resistance to damage from UV rays and hydrolysis. This means that the material maintains its integrity and durability even in outdoor environments or when exposed to direct sunlight. UV resistance is particularly crucial for outdoor applications, such as automotive components or parts exposed to the external environment. Additionally, hydrolysis resistance makes 3D printed TPU suitable for applications that require high resistance to water and humidity. This combination of properties makes it a versatile and reliable material for a wide range of uses.

Cons

Behavior Limited on Thick Sections: It is important to note that in particularly thick sections, the flexible behavior of TPU may be slightly limited. In such situations, careful consideration of this aspect during part design is crucial. Engineers and designers should evaluate the need to reinforce thicker sections or explore alternative solutions to ensure that TPU meets the specific requirements of the application. Understanding the material's limitations is essential for achieving optimal results.

Available Only in Rough Gray Color: Currently, TPU printing is primarily available in a rough gray color. This limitation may impact aesthetic options for some projects, especially when a broader range of colors is required for design purposes. However, many applications prioritize functionality over aesthetic appearance, and gray TPU polymer can still offer exceptional performance for many of them. In cases where color choice is critical, post-processing options or exploring other material alternatives may be necessary.

Risk of Deformation on Extended, Wide, and Thin Parts: In the presence of very extended, wide, or thin parts, there is a potential risk of TPU deformation during use or production. It is advisable to consider this aspect during material utilisation and design. Engineers can implement design strategies to minimise the risk of deformation, such as using structural reinforcements or special geometries. Additionally, optimising printing parameters and paying attention to printing temperature can help reduce this risk. Planning and prevention are fundamental to ensuring that TPU meets the specific project requirements without deformation or distortion issues.

Applications

Flexible materials, including TPU, stand out for distinctive features that make them particularly suitable for a variety of applications. These materials are known for their high elongation at break, which means they can be significantly stretched before breaking. Additionally, they have a low elastic modulus, which means they regain their original shape after deformation. These properties make them ideal for applications that require a certain level of elasticity and resistance to deformation.

The advanced properties of flexible materials make them a valuable choice in many industries. The combination of flexibility and strength is essential in applications ranging from the automotive industry, where components must withstand vibrations and impacts, to the production of medical devices, where compliance and safety are paramount. The ability to adapt to complex shapes and absorb impacts makes flexible materials a valuable resource for engineers and designers seeking innovative solutions to their design challenges.

Comparison with other materials

Conclusion