Ultrasint TPU01 added to 3D People's AM parts service
Above: TPU01 part as finished natural grey with high flexibility.
Courtesy 3D People
According to Felix Manley, Co-Founder of 3D People: “Flexibility is the key to the TPU01 material and in more than one way. The material itself is the most advanced elastomeric material, developed specifically for the MultiJet Fusion (MJF) AM system from HP and as a result it produces the highest quality, flexible parts. Introducing this material also provides more flexibility for our customers, a significant number of whom have been asking for it. Now they can get their PA12 Nylon and TPU parts from the same partner, with quality assured.”
The company has years of experience running MJF technology and all of the company’s technicians have completed HP’s comprehensive “Train to Maintain” programme. This specialised training has instilled a deep understanding of the machines, ensuring optimised performance, enhanced reliability and consistent delivery of high-quality results with MJF parts. The TPU01 material is a perfect addition to the 3D People service offering with its exceptional suitability for end-use parts for a variety of applications where performance and durability are essential.
This is especially true considering TPU01 has been developed for the MJF AM process. Sasha Bruml, Co-founder of 3D People explained: “It is well known, that one of the headline benefits of AM is the ability to produce complex geometries — such as lattices — efficiently and cost-effectively. Combine that capability with this material and we are able to offer a distinct advantage for our customers who are looking to fine-tune the hardness, flexibility and shock absorption of their applications. We are seeing some highly customisable solutions that outperform traditional elastomeric materials as a result. It’s exciting.”
A further key advantage of TPU01 parts produced by 3D People is the ability to achieve significantly advanced finishes. Unlike other elastomeric materials used in additive manufacturing that often face challenges when attempting smooth finishing, the TPU01 material is uniquely compatible with vapour smoothing processes. The benefits of this extend well beyond the aesthetics of the finish, because applying vapour smoothing to TPU01 AM parts also significantly enhances its properties — increasing water tightness and reducing the likelihood of crack initiation. This results in part performance that is closer to that of moulded polyurethane parts.
There are also favourable cost implications with this new material because the MJF process typically offers more competitive pricing than SLS. With this in mind, 3D People are able to produce and supply TPU01 parts at a cost comparable to PA12 MJF, making batch production more efficient and cost-effective for clients.
The 3D People team has allocated a dedicated TPU01 schedule on its in-house MJF machines. This is to align with customer demand and allows the company to offer this flexible material with rapid turnaround times without compromising on quality. The team believe that they are now able to provide the fastest turnaround TPU printing service in the UK.
Finally, 3D People has developed detailed design guidelines to support customers to get the most out of TPU01. From refining lattice structures to enhancing durability and flexibility, the guidelines have been produced by the company’s expert team and offer guidance to ensure optimal results, whether that is for improving shock absorption or achieving smoother finishes.
