HP Jet Fusion:
ESTANE 3D TPU M95A



ESTANE 3D TPU M95A is a material developed by Lubrizol in cooperation with HP for the 3D printing process Multi Jet Fusion developed thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). TPU is versatile and is characterized by flexibility and a high elongation at break. The material offers high abrasion resistance and elasticity at the same time. This makes TPU ideal for both prototyping and additive series production.


various components made of TPU additively manufactured

Data courtesy of Lubrizol

Brief Information


multi jet fusion technology

Technology
Multi Jet Fusion

colors for TPU

Colors
grey

build chamber for TPU

Build Chamber
min. 10 mm
max. 190 mm

production time for TPU

Production Time
7 working days

accuracy of multi jet fusion technology for TPU

Accuracy
± 0,5 %
(min. ± 0.5 mm)

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Employee squeezes the flexible material TPU

Data courtesy of Lubrizol

Material Properties


Mechanical Properties

  • Tensile strength: ~ X/Y: 13-16 MPa; Z: 5-7 MPa
  • Elongation at break: X/Y: 307-370 %, Z: 55-90%.
  • Tear resistance: X/Y: 91-109 N/mm; Z: 38-53 N/mm
  • Density: ~ 1.1 g/cm³.

TPU is elastic material with a Shore hardness of A 93 ± 3, comparable to a hard rubber. The material is resistant, durable and, with a density of around 1.2 g/cm³, a fairly lightweight plastic. ESTANE TPU displays high chemical resistance for a TPU, and high heat resistance.

Surface Properties

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

Color

In the additive manufacturing process, a black color is added to the white TPU powder. The components are thus completely black on the inside. However, a thin layer of white powder 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.

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employee measures a 3D printed component

Accuracy


The general tolerance is 0.5 mm up to 100 mm outer dimension, above 0.5 %. In the case of large-area, flat geometries, warpage may occur above this. Due to the elastic or flexible material properties, 3D-printed products made of this material are only dimensionally stable to a limited extent and, depending on the geometry, are easily deformable.

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painter sprays component with yellow paint

Image licenses from Shutterstock.com

Post-Processing


Spray Painting

Spray painting of TPU is possible. However, this should not be used if the part is subject to dynamic stress, as in such a case the coating 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 190 mm.

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components with grid structure made of Elastane TPU

Data courtesy of Lubrizol

Applications

In additive manufacturing (Multi Jet Fusion), TPU is used wherever dynamic stress occurs 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 particular application.

Elastic Grips/Grippers
For use in robotics or similar applications, geometrically complex grippers / end-of-arm tools that are gentle on the workpiece can be printed.

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

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

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symbolic images ``costs``

Prices


Quote
Get an instant price quote for your 3D model.

Calculation
Prices are calculated depending on machine volume, model surface and material input, among other factors.

Minimum purchase
EUR 50,- plus VAT (EUR 59,50 incl. VAT) / order

Discounts
For higher quantities significant reductions are possible (depending on quantity, component size and geometry).

Get an instant quote

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