THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE (TPU)

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About TPU Material

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU material) is a flexible, abrasion resistant thermoplastic. It’s being used in a number of manufacturing processes for both consumer and industrial use. In certain blends it can become very soft, but TPU material offers many benefits and features. 3D printed parts with TPU are durable and have the ability to withstand ambient temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius.

For consumer goods, TPU is ideal for producing accessories, such as phone cases, and footwear components.

Materials

Quick Overview

ProcessesLead TimeColorTolerancePriceApplications
3D Printing2-4 Days based on sizeWhite & available in all major colors.FDM - 150 µm
PJP - 100 µm
Lowest in marketFlexible parts
Injection Molding20-30 DaysWhite & available in all major colors.As low as +/- 0.030 mmQty & Precision dependentHigh strength, Good surface finish.
Materials

Design Recommendations

Services NameMax SizeMin SizeMin ThicknessUndercutsRadii Depth
For 3D PrintingMax Part Size: 500x500x500 mmMin Hole size : 1 mmMin Wall Thickness: 1 mmMin Feature Size : 3 mmRecommended fillet & Chamfer angles : > 45 Deg
For MoldingMax Part Size: 500x500x500 mmMin Hole size : 0.5 mmMin Wall Thickness: 0.5 mmRibs should be 40-60% the thickness of outer walls and should still maintain draftMinimum draft angle of 0.5°, or up to 5°, for faces with medium textures
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

They are both non-toxic materials but they should be kept away from food. They don’t wear away easily which means they are very durable printing materials. Both can print objects that should bend or stretch.

Most conventional mold designs will work with TPU’s. You can expect a mold shrinkage percentage of between 0.4% and 1.4% depending on the hardness of the TPU being used and the wall thickness of the part being made.

  • Door trim & seals
  • Hoses & tubes
  • Airducts & bellows
  • Seals, gaskets & grommets
  • Windshield & side glass trim
  • Console liners & cup holders
  • Body panel seals & gap hiders
  • Grips & surface protection covers
  • Parts requiring living hinges
  • Dust covers

3D printed TPU parts are not recommended to use in water resistant application.

Where as injection molded parts are water resistant.

OUR VALUABLE

Clients

Think3D has been a great partner for us in supplying COVID-19 test cartridges on-time despite the pandemic challenges. When we came up with a new requirement needing a workforce of more than 25 people, think3D took up the challenge and arranged the workforce within 2 days. I highly recommend think3D for any manufacturing needs.
 

Sanket Srivatsav
Production In-Charge, Molbio

As a professor doing research on new materials, I needed a strong industry partner to assist us. think3D perfectly fit that bill. think3D team is highly knowledgeable on all manufacturing technologies and the team is very prompt in responding to all our requests. My research has been very successful, thanks to think3D team.


Dr. Karthik Chetan V
Asst. Professor, BITS Pilani

We found issue with one part at the time of assembly and needed a quick replacement. think3D team has quickly responded to our request, redesigned the part and printed it using metal 3D Printing and delivered in 3 days time. The part came out really well and the design was better than that of the actual one.


Rama Krishna
Senior Manager (IMM), BDL