The Guide to 3D Printing TPU
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile and valuable material for producing flexible, durable parts.
This guide aims to give engineers and designers an in-depth understanding of TPU and how to use it successfully in 3D printing projects.
What is TPU?
TPU is a flexible elastomer that falls between rubber and plastic in terms of its properties.
It is a block copolymer composed of hard and soft segments, which give it a unique combination of flexibility and toughness. The hard segments provide strength and structural integrity, while the soft segments contribute to its flexibility and elasticity.
Due to its durability and elasticity, TPU material has wide-ranging applications across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical devices.
It is also advantageous for 3D printing, enabling the creation of customizable parts, rapid prototyping, and improving production efficiency while addressing design complexities.
This material is commonly used with the Multi Jet Fusion manufacturing method. MJF uses fine powder and fusing agents to create parts with excellent detail and strength. It’s particularly suitable for producing TPU parts that require fine detail, good surface finish, and consistent mechanical properties.
| Property | Unit | Value | Norm |
|---|---|---|---|
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Vicat Softening Temperature | °C | 84-96 | ISO 306 |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Tensile Strength | MPa | 7-9 | DIN 53504 |
| Tensile Modulus | MPa | 75-85 | ISO 527 |
| Charpy-Notched Impact Strength | kJ/m² | No break | ISO 179-1 |
| Flexural Modulus | MPa | 75 | ISO 178 |
| Shore – Hardness | A | 88-90 | ISO 7619-1 |
| Elongation at Break | % | 150-280 | DIN 53504 |
| PHYSICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Density | g/cm³ | 1.10 | – |
| TOLERANCES | |||
| Achievable Part Accuracy | +/- 1.5 mm for parts up to 100 mm, +/- 2% for parts beyond 100 mm | ||
| Min. Wall Thickness | mm | 1.0 | – |
Properties of TPU Filament
TPU filament is a type of flexible filament created by combining plastic polymers with rubber polymers.
This unique blend results in a material that exhibits high elasticity, excellent abrasion resistance, and the ability to withstand significant impacts.
The hardness of TPU filament can vary depending on its formulation, allowing for customization based on specific application needs. Whether you’re looking for a material that can bend without breaking or one that can endure harsh conditions, TPU filament offers a reliable solution for a wide range of 3D printing projects.
Chemical Composition
TPU is a type of block copolymer consisting of alternating sequences of hard segments (isocyanates) and soft segments (reacted polyol). The formulation of TPU can be adjusted to include varying amounts of these hard and soft segments.
Materials with a higher proportion of hard segments tend to be firmer and more rigid, while those with more soft segments are more elastic and flexible. This unique combination of hard and soft segments gives TPU distinctive properties, including strength, thermal resistance, flexibility, and resilience.
The ability to tailor the chemical composition of TPU makes it a highly adaptable material for diverse applications.
Physical Properties
The physical properties of TPU are primarily determined by the ratio of hard and soft segments in its composition. One of the most critical characteristics of TPU is its hardness, measured on the Shore hardness scale, which indicates its resistance to indentation.
TPU also boasts impressive tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance, making it an ideal material for applications that demand durability and flexibility. These properties ensure that TPU can perform reliably in various environments, from the soles of shoes to the intricate components of wearable technology.
Common TPU Applications
TPU is widely used across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, and footwear.
Common applications include phone cases, seals, gaskets, shoe soles, and flexible joints in robotics. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for durable and flexible parts.
Some of the reasons it’s so popular include:
- Flexibility and elasticity
- High wear and abrasion resistance:
- Chemical resistance
- Good load-bearing capacity and impact strength
Post-Processing Techniques for TPU
Surface finishing: Techniques such as sanding, polishing, and tumbling can help achieve the desired surface smoothness. These processes are essential for improving aerodynamics and reducing friction in parts like drone bodies or automotive components.
Painting and coating: Applying protective and aesthetic coatings enhances the durability and appearance of 3D-printed TPU parts. Coatings can also provide additional chemical resistance and UV protection, making them suitable for outdoor applications.
Heat treatment: Annealing and other heat treatments can improve the mechanical properties of TPU parts, such as increasing their strength and flexibility. Controlled heating can also reduce internal stresses and improve dimensional stability.
Machining and trimming: For applications requiring precise tolerances, additional machining and trimming may be necessary. This ensures that parts fit together correctly and meet specific design requirements.
Start Your Project with MakerVerse
3D printing with TPU offers designers and engineers unparalleled flexibility and customization possibilities. From rapid prototyping to full-scale production, TPU’s unique properties make it an ideal material for a wide range of applications.
MakerVerse provides a comprehensive range of technologies and materials, including TPU, to support every stage of your manufacturing process.
Whether you need a single prototype or a large production run, MakerVerse offers the tools and expertise to bring your designs to life with industrial-grade quality and precision.
