TPU is an elastic thermoplastic with rubber-like characteristics and great mechanical properties. TPU 3D printing can be used for prototypes and functional parts.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is an elastic polymer with outstanding physical properties, high thermal stability, and good chemical resistance. This 3D printing material has been engineered to simulate rubber-like features by combining strength with great elasticity and durability. TPU has good abrasive properties and is extremely resistant to wear, tear and dynamic loading. For that reason, parts that are 3D printed in TPU can be easily compressed and flexed to a degree that other more common plastic materials (ABS and PLA) cannot.
The powdered form of TPU creates highly detailed and precise parts with excellent surface quality. Another advantage of 3D printing in TPU is that it is a real all-rounder able to create flexible, semi-rigid or rigid parts that can withstand temperatures of up to 80° C.
Such characteristics are driving the growth in the popularity of 3D printing in TPU for high-performance parts in industrial environments. There is a wide range of applications in the automotive, machinery and aerospace industries. Depending on the application, the recycling rate of TPU can go up to 100%. The material is suitable for impact-absorbing parts, grips, sealings, wheels, cable sheathings and hard-soft systems.
✦ Simulates rubber-like characteristics
✦ Outstanding physical properties
✦ High resistance to tear and wear
✦ Large, complex parts
✦ Good chemical and thermal stability
✧ Long lead times
✧ Not biocompatible
✧ Some TPUs will degrade in wet conditions
– Tooling and jig
– Air dutcs
– Automotive door handles
SLS
FDM
Max. Bed Size (mm)
1000x1000x1000 mm
1626x864x711 mm
Max. Bed Size (in)
39.4×39.4×39.4 in
64.01×31.02×28 in
Layer Height
30-150 μm
130 μm
Accuracy
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Smoothness
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
Flexibility
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Rigidity
★★☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
Biocompatible
No
No
Food Safe
No
No
Watertight
Yes
Yes
Recyclable
Yes
Yes
Density
0.8 g/cm3
Young Modulus
5.4 MPa
Yield Strength
Not tested
UTS
465 MPa
Elongation at Break
200-550%
Hardness
Shore A60-D80
* These values are meant to give a general idea of the material. Actual values may vary according to chosen material brand, 3D print service and build condition. Please refer to the Beamler online quoting platform for actual technical data of each material brand.
Rubber or materials with rubber-like properties are widely used for a great range of applications where the elastic properties of rubber are required. Since 3D
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