Flexible Filament-Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) for 3D Printing
Overview
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is a flexible filament with high elastic characteristics, resembling rubber in its ability to bounce back to its original shape. This material is suitable for FDM printers that can also handle ABS and PLA filaments.
Advantages
- High Elasticity: TPU’s rubber-like flexibility allows it to return to its original shape after stretching.
- Abrasion Resistance: Excellent resistance to wear and tear makes it durable for various applications.
- Smooth Feeding: Consistent diameter and smooth feeding properties ensure reliable printing.
- Good Adhesion: TPU easily sticks to the build platform and forms strong bonds between layers.
- Non-Toxic: The material does not contain any toxins, though it is not recommended for food contact pieces.
Disadvantages
- Food Contact: Despite being non-toxic, TPU is not suitable for items that will come into contact with food.
Technical Specifications
- Density: 1.1 g/cm³ (69 lb/ft³)
- Dielectric Constant (Relative Permittivity): 3.6
- Dielectric Strength (Breakdown Potential): 24 kV/mm (0.94 V/mil)
- Elastic (Young’s, Tensile) Modulus: 4.0 GPa (0.58 x 10⁶ psi)
- Electrical Resistivity Order of Magnitude: 14 x 10 Ω-m
- Elongation at Break: 5.0%
- Specific Heat Capacity: 1760 J/kg-K
- Strength to Weight Ratio: 68 kN-m/kg
- Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS): 75 MPa (11 x 10³ psi)
- Thermal Conductivity: 0.6 W/m-K
- Thermal Diffusivity: 0.31
- Thermal Expansion: 100 µm/m-K
Material Properties for 3D Printing
- Printing Temperature: 210-230°C
- Flow Tweak: 0.91
- Bed Temperature: 75°C
- Bed Preparation: Apply two layers of glue stick
Additional Considerations
- Print Quality: TPU’s flexibility and adhesion properties allow for high-quality prints, ideal for producing durable and flexible parts.
- Storage: Store TPU filament in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption, which can affect print quality.
Application Examples
- Flexible Components: Ideal for printing items like gaskets, seals, and flexible joints.
- Wearables: Suitable for printing wearable items that require flexibility, such as watch bands and phone cases.
- Shock Absorbers: Used for printing components that need to absorb impact due to its high elasticity.
By understanding these properties and considerations, you can effectively use TPU in your 3D printing projects to achieve flexible, durable, and high-quality results.
TPU remains a popular choice for 3D printing applications requiring flexibility and durability, offering excellent print quality and performance for various projects.