{"id":163316,"date":"2021-05-06T20:55:28","date_gmt":"2021-05-06T12:55:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=163316"},"modified":"2021-05-10T10:44:46","modified_gmt":"2021-05-10T02:44:46","slug":"comparison-of-3d-printed-tpu-rubber-and-other-flexible-resins","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/comparison-of-3d-printed-tpu-rubber-and-other-flexible-resins","title":{"rendered":"Comparison of 3D Printed TPU, Rubber and Other Flexible Resins"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D printing offers great possibilities and many varieties when it comes to printing flexible and rubber-like materials. From production parts to innovative and cool projects for hobbyists, this is something to check out. Let us take a look at the options of flexible polymers for 3D printing for the technologies available at FacFox.<\/p>\n

Comparison between 3 FacFox materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nSLS TPU<\/strong><\/td>\nDLP Flexible Resin<\/strong><\/td>\nPolyjet Rubber<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Color<\/strong><\/td>\nWhite<\/td>\nWhite<\/td>\nWhite\/Black\/Colorful<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardness<\/td>\nShore 92A<\/td>\nShore 75A<\/td>\nShore 30A-95A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Flexibility<\/td>\n\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Elasticity<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Durability<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tear Resistance<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Smoothness<\/td>\n\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accuracy<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bio-compatiblity<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\nN\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

TPUs belong to Thermoplastic Elastomers category. TPEs can range from 10 Shore 00 up to 72 Shore D, spanning all three hardness scales, however, the most commonly used is the Shore A scale.<\/p>\n

Commonly known as SLS TPU (FarSoon TPU 1092A) is a multi-purpose material for application exclusively in SLS 3D printing<\/a>. This material is a thermoplastic urethane, with flexibility, high tear strength and offers good details. TPU 3D printing offers unique possibilities that are otherwise tough to achieve with other 3D printing materials like ABS, PLA or Nylon.<\/p>\n

Combining the properties of both plastic and rubber, TPU can produce elastic, highly durable parts that can be easily bent or compressed. The material exhibits stiff rubber-like qualities \u2013 much like a skateboard wheel \u2013 allowing for a range of end-use applications. In addition, the material is easy to print, and has good UV and hydrolysis resistance. Take a look at this spec sheet for detailed properties.<\/p>\n

The molecular bonding pattern of TPU resembles the structure of classic polyurethanes. However, in this case the three-dimensional structure of the cross-linked building blocks is linear. Polymer chains are able to slide off each other. TPUs are thus fusible and can be processed like other thermoplastics. Yet, at the same time, they still possess properties of \u201cclassical\u201d polyurethanes. This combination makes them very interesting \u2013 for laser sintering as well.<\/p>\n

Properties of TPU<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There a few exclusive key properties of TPUs which benefits the industries<\/p>\n

Abrasion\/Scratch resistance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

High abrasion and scratch resistance means durability and high aesthetic value.TPUs give excellent results compare to other thermoplastic materials when abrasion and scratch resistance are critical for an application like automotive interior parts, sports and technical parts,<\/p>\n

UV Resistance<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Apart from maintaining good mechanical properties, they also show an extraordinary stability to ultraviolet radiation and thus superior color stability. For both light & dark color parts, industries can rely on TPU\u2019s high scratch resistance & UV performance as TPUs ensure colour fastness to the aesthetic parts.<\/p>\n

High flexibility<\/strong><\/h4>\n

TPU offer high flexibility, shock absorption and rebound and are excellent choices for making footwear, sports equipment and orthopaedic models. This property is very helpful when it comes to automotive interiors and air filter covers.<\/p>\n

Other Advantages<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    \n
  • Good flexibility over a wide temperature range<\/li>\n
  • Excellent low-temperature and impact strength<\/li>\n
  • Robust weather and high-energy radiation resistance<\/li>\n
  • High elasticity across the entire hardness range<\/li>\n
  • Resilience to oils, greases and numerous solvents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Highly elastic<\/li>\n
    • Tear resistant<\/li>\n
    • Chemical and bio compatibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Gaskets and seals<\/li>\n
      • Shock absorbers<\/li>\n
      • Vibration isolators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Material Datasheet<\/strong><\/p>\n