TPU 88A

TPU or thermoplastic polyurethane is a material that can replicate rubber. Because of its many functionalities it is one of the most widespread in industrial production with additive technologies.

It is not only ideal for prototypes, but also perfectly suited for mass production.

The material combines high elongation at break with outstanding tear resistance.

Over the years, a prolific collaboration has been established between Prosilas and BASF Forward AM , culminating in major projects such as research and production of the Skeleton shoe sole for Philipp Plein,  the Lube Volley case study and the validation of latex structures printed in Ultrasint TPU88A for Ultrasim® software.

The laser-sintered parts possess excellent properties, particularly: high strength and rigidity, good chemical resistance, excellent long-term stability, and high detail resolution.

• High Strength and Rigidity: These characteristics make it suitable for applications requiring structural robustness.
• Good Chemical Resistance: The material is well-suited for situations where extended durability in chemical environments is necessary.
• Excellent Long-term Stability: Ensures performance stability even under prolonged usage conditions.
• High Detail Resolution: SLS technology allows for parts with high detail resolution, ensuring precision in shapes and contours and a premium surface finish.
• High Impact Resistance: TPU finds applications in items like cranial remodeling helmets and impact protection devices.
• Various Finishes: Laser-sintered TPU parts allow for various finishes, including painting, coloring, chemical smoothing, and coating, providing flexibility in the appearance of final components.
• Biocompatibility: The material’s composition has been formulated for safe contact with the skin.
• Versatility: It is applied in various sectors, including the automotive industry, consumer goods, fashion, medical devices, and the sports industry.

The flexibility of TPU and its ability to withstand complex conditions enable a wide range of applications, demonstrating its versatility in industrial and consumer sectors.

Automotive Industry:

• Vehicle components, seals, and tubes.

Consumer Sector:

• Wearable devices such as insoles, braces, and prosthetics.
• Fashion/Design Sector:
• Used in the production of fashion accessories due to its capability to apply finishes like painting and coloring.

Footwear:

• Manufacturing high-quality soles. Read our case study with the fashion house Philipp Plein.

Medical Devices:

• Prototypes for medical devices, components for medical devices, and final devices like corrective insoles and prosthetic coverings; Cranial remodeling helmets; Shock-absorbing devices.

Sports Industry:

• Technical clothing; Soles for sports footwear; Protective devices. Read our case study with Lube Volley.

Industrial Sector:

• Seals for industrial machinery due to impact resistance and resistance to contact with oils and chemicals;
• Bearings, equipment for industrial machinery;
• Sealants, masks, belts, caps, and tubes;
• Padding, dampers, shock absorbers, and grips.

The versatility of TPU is also evident in the multiple finishes applicable to 3D printed parts, such as painting, coloring, chemical smoothing, and various types of coatings, such as varnishing

TPU Black

Raw material

TPU White Vapor Smoothing + Paint

After undergoing the vapor smoothing treatment, it is possible to paint the TPU parts according to the specific color provided by the customer. It is a suitable treatment for any part that has an aesthetic purpose.