HP Multi Jet Fusion:
Ultrasint® TPU01



Ultrasint® TPU01 by BASF is a high-quality thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), specifically designed for the Multi Jet Fusion process. This material is characterized by high elasticity and elongation at break, excellent surface quality, high abrasion resistance, and precision in detail. It is perfectly suited for mass production of sports equipment, shoes, automotive interiors, housings or protectors, and industrial tools. Thanks to its powder-based manufacturing and high process stability, it offers limitless design possibilities, enabling the production of even the most complex structures, such as lattice frameworks.


Kopfstütze mit Gitternetzstruktur 3D gedruckt in BASF Ultrasint TPU

Data courtesy of BASF

Mitarbeiter mit 3D gedruckten Helm aus grauem TPU in der Hand

Data courtesy of Kupol

Brief Information


Fertigungstechnologie TPU

Technologie
Multi Jet Fusion

Colors for TPU

Colors
gray
black

Build Chamber TPU

Build Chamber
mind. 10 mm
max. 380 mm

Production time TPU

Production Time
9 working days

Accuracy TPU

Accuracy
X/Y: ±0,9 % (min. 1 mm)
Z: ±1,8% (min. 1,5 mm)

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3D printed helmet made of Ultrasint TPU is compressed

Data courtesy of Kupol

Material Properties


Surface properties

Since the raw material is in powder form, the surface produced after 3D printing is slightly rough. The roughness values are between Ra 6 – 12 µm, depending on the geometry and orientation.

Color

In the additive manufacturing process, the white TPU powder is given a black color. The components are thus completely black on the inside. However, a white component remains on the surface, resulting in the gray production color typical of Multi Jet Fusion. For technical reasons, this is rather inhomogeneous with light and dark areas.

DOWNLOADS

  • Material Datasheet: Extended Material Datasheet TPU – including information about:
    • Mechanical Metrics
    • Cyclical Mechanical Testing (“ROSS Flex”)
    • Chemical Resistance
    • UV Stability
    • Hydrolysis Resistance
    • Air and Liquid Tightness
    • Flame and Temperature Resistance
    • Air Quality in Vehicle Interiors
    • Biocompatibility
    • Food Contact

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Employee measures a 3D printed component

Accuracy


The general tolerance is 1 mm up to 100 mm outside dimension, above 0.9 % in X/Y and 1.5 mm up to 100 mm outside dimension, above 1.8 %. In the case of large-area, flat geometries, warpage may occur in addition. Due to the elastic or flexible material properties, 3D-printed products made of this material are only dimensionally stable to a limited extent and are easily deformable depending on the geometry.

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Woman sprays component with yellow paint

Image licenses from Shutterstock.com

Finishing


Coloring

Coloring in black is possible.

Painting

Wet painting of TPU is possible in principle. However, this should not be used if the component in question is subject to strong dynamic stress, as in such a case the paint could come off at the points of movement.

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Design Guidelines

minimum wall thicknesses for TPU

Minimum Wall Thickness
The minimum wall thickness should not be less than 1 mm. For longer objects/surfaces or for objects subject to mechanical loads, you should increase the wall thickness.

cavities in objects

Cavities
Hollowed out objects can be printed, but openings (min. 10 mm diameter) must be inserted so that excess material can be removed. For larger cavities, you should plan for several openings. The source material is compacted during the printing process, so excess material is very difficult to remove.

spacing between walls for TPU

Spacing
Keep a spacing of min. 0.5 mm for grooves or walls that are close to each other. Individual objects (“shells”) must always be uploaded as a separate file, unless they are firmly connected to each other.

resolutions of objects

Resolution
Details up to a size of approx. 0.5 mm can be displayed.

interlocked objects TPU

Interlocked Objects
Interlocked objects can be printed. Please note the minimum distance between the objects of min. 0.5 mm. Also make sure that the corresponding areas are accessible to remove excess material powder.

size of TPU components

Size
The object should not be larger than 370 x 274 x 380 mm.

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3D printed TPU case with lid

Data courtesy of BASF

Applications

TPU processed in additive manufacturing (Multi Jet Fusion) is used wherever high loads occur or flexibility is required. The material has been consistently designed for additive series production and is widely used in industry and medicine.


Shock absorption/damping
Due to its elasticity, the material can be used for damping or shock absorption similar to a hard rubber. For this application, it is also possible to produce grid structures without any problems. Depending on the wall thickness and geometry of the grids, different “hardnesses” can be achieved and optimized accordingly for the respective application.

Elastic grips/grippers
Geometrically complex, workpiece-friendly grippers can be printed for use in robotics or similar applications.

Covers
For high shock or dynamic loads, TPU can also be used for housings or protective covers.

Orthotics
TPU is ideal for many orthotic applications due to its flexibility and resilience.

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symbolic image ``cost``

Prices


Quote
You can receive an instant price quote for your model here.

Calculation
Prices are calculated based on factors including machine volume, model surface area, and material usage.

Minimum Order Value
EUR 50,- plus VAT (EUR 59.50 including VAT) / Order

Discounts
For higher quantities, reductions of up to approximately 45% compared to the standard price are possible (depending on quantity, component size, and geometry).

Request a quote

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