The success of 3D printing design firms relies a lot on the specific materials used. Today, one of the most affordable and practical materials preferred for producing flexible parts using 3D printing is thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU. This article delves into the top thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) applications for 3D printing companies.
Table of Contents
What is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)?
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a type of engineering polymer material proven to have excellent performance. This material is known for its remarkable particularities, precisely its flexibility and resistance—the unique properties of the thermoplastic offer exciting possibilities for manufacturers, engineers, and designers. The material is developed to meet quality standards specific to the industry. Flexible TPU boasts exceptional mechanical properties and versatility. Using thermoplastic elastomer material, you can manufacture durable, robust performance parts with outstanding detail and surface quality.
You can use TPU material for various appliances, and its distinct traits make it an ideal choice for manufacturing companies. This material is handy for quickly 3D printing any part requiring flexible lattices or a rubber-like elasticity. As a synthetic plastic or elastomer material, TPU’s high resistance and flexibility shine out the most during additional processing, blending the properties of elastomers and thermoplastics. It can endure higher tensile and compressive forces than popular materials, including ABS and PLA.
RELATED: What is 3D printing? A beginner’s guide
The main reason for its hardness and softness variation is its chemical composition. The flexibility and hardness of the material change based on the proportion of the soft and hard segments. A more flexible 3D printed part is also possible due to a lower filling quantity. It affects the final parts’ transparency, adhesion, or softness to the touch of the details. The TPU material also provides excellent resistance to all oils and greases.
Characteristics and production of TPU
Even though most people are familiar with or have heard of TPU filaments, you can find them in resin or powder form. As for these polymers’ properties, they offer many benefits, such as their resistance to wear, cut, abrasion, and high impact. Their layer cohesion is also relatively high, resulting in outstanding mechanical homogeneity of the produced parts while making them isotropic simultaneously.
But it’s still important to consider some of the limitations of this particular material. For starters, TPU doesn’t adapt well to hot settings. It’s a noticeable factor because they cannot endure high temperatures even with such a massive working range. The print settings must also vary according to the 3D machine and technology. Unlike another form of flexible filament, TPE, it’s easier to print TPU and better at retaining its elastic properties at lower temperatures.
RELATED: 6 Ways 3D printing will change the world
The TPU material is also more grease, oil, and abrasion-resistant. With its conformability and flexibility, TPU filament sets itself apart from other stiffer thermoplastics. It also has no issues with delamination and deformation during manufacturing 3D printing services.
Advantages of using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for 3D printing
The combination of the fantastic benefits of TPU and 3D printing can open new doors of opportunities for your company. Use this powerful flexibility in your products and manufacturing process alike.
Develop more flexible prototypes
You can enjoy the perks of an efficient prototyping method with additive manufacturing. You have to develop a 3D model of the project and have it 3D printed, but this time, you don’t need molding. The technique is ideal for creating several iterations or variations of a single product. The best thing about additive manufacturing is its speed and ability to produce prototypes in a snap of a finger. It’s an obvious benefit when developing a project and running a business.
RELATED: 3D Printed threads and screws: innovative product design options for companies
Remember that time is money, particularly as far as prototyping design firms are concerned. Testing your new design solutions faster allows you to quickly tweak your design and proceed to your final product’s manufacturing process. With the help of advanced materials like TPU, your prototypes can take on new properties, and most importantly, they can become more functional and solid.
Design freedom
3D printing is the ideal manufacturing strategy to experience the real essence of freedom of design. Creating intricate designs and complex geometries that can never be manufactured using traditional techniques is always a significant advantage. Developing an attractive structural design makes it possible to 3D print parts for different applications, including the footwear and automotive industries.
Using TPU for 3D printing allows functions with additional flexibility according to the thickness and other zones. This also makes it possible to manufacture lighter parts that are easily integrated with the environments where the standard is at stake, such as aeronautics or automotive.
RELATED: How 3D printing can revolutionize plastics recycling
Mass customization
Mass customization can become an easy process while using design for additive manufacturing services. If other manufacturing techniques like injection molding make customization expensive and complicated, 3D printing technology makes it cost-effective and straightforward. The key in several sectors is to create adapted products. Using TPU for 3D printing is the ideal solution if you are developing made-to-measure flexible parts. Your company can gain a competitive edge if you provide your clients with custom-made products and experience.
Production
While 3D printing is considered a cost-effective method if you only need to manufacture small quantities, this state-of-the-art technology makes using rapid prototyping firms for serial production more appealing and practical. With the rise of new technical materials like TPU, production is becoming one of the primary applications of today’s additive manufacturing process. Using 3D printing to produce your projects is a great way to take a step back and reconsider your supply chain. You can have flexible parts on demand and quickly use a digital inventory.
RELATED: 3D printing with metals: making fully metal parts and products with additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing eliminates the need to keep your adjustable anymore; instead, you can choose and decide on the exact size of your batch. It’s also possible to get one part or more whenever necessary. TPU is also recommended for developing flexible and complex lattice structures that can be used to create shoe parts like orthopedic midsoles. You can also use the exciting facilities to lessen the weight of the products, which is critical in many sectors.
Typical TPU applications for 3D printing
Here are the most common applications of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for 3D printing:
1. Automotive
Although it has been decades since automotive design companies started using 3D printing in prototyping and functional parts for the exteriors and interiors of vehicles, TPU makes it possible to design components focusing on the driver’s improved comfort, such as customized seats and headrests. Using TPU, textures might range from functional and rigid to luxurious and soft, depending on the vehicle’s interior part. There are also various finishes available for automotive applications.
2. Consumer accessories
The industry of 3D printing is famous for increasing the choices available to consumers in terms of accessories, primarily because of the enormous potential made possible by the expanded freedom of design and the ability to customize. This is specifically valid for products such as smartphone cases that allow customers to fully personalize an item to add unique and exciting touches they can’t live without. TPU is also a great option to add customization and quality to highly functional everyday objects, such as handles and rubber mats.
RELATED: 3D Printing technologies for modeling and prototyping
3. Fashion projects
Today’s fashion design services also harness the potential of advanced materials like TPU and additive manufacturing. This flexible thermoplastic can 3D print clothes that respond to the body’s movement. 3D printing is also a great way to breathe life into items with highly intricate designs and turn them into wearable traditional garments.
4. Footwear
The footwear industry has been reaping the powerful effects of 3D printing on various levels. Designers working from their homes or studios can produce new eco-friendly creative designs on demand and send them to 3D printing services. Many large corporations also use materials such as TPU to max out the designs for futuristic-looking epic running shoes with various features designed to propel forward everyday wearers and athletes in terms of stamina and comfort.
5. Robotic and industrial uses
TPU is an abrasion-resistant and robust plastic material that industrial designers can use for 3D printing industrial pipes or tools. It also provides high friction possibilities that allow 3D print grippers. These benefits can all be used for industrial or robotic uses. Despite their flexibility, TPU 3D-printed parts boast excellent resistance to fatigue, impact, and stress.
RELATED: Selecting materials for 3D printing your new product or prototype
6. Medical devices
TPU is also behind in developing several medical devices that bear lightweight and complex geometries that might have been impossible before with just traditional manufacturing. Medical device design professionals can create different products such as implants, prosthetics, and braches that can be 3D printed. This offers patients customized, safe devices that can endure long-term everyday use without irritating the skin.
How Cad Crowd can help
Please find the best professionals at Cad Crowd familiar with TPU material and how to use it for your company’s 3D printing projects.