Rubber 3D printing service
TPU (BASF Ultrasint TPU01)
Flexible, functional, rubber-like parts
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a rubber-like polymer which is ideal for producing parts that require high elasticity, shock absorption, and energy return. This material is 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, which produces durable, strong and consistent parts with excellent surface quality and high level of detail.
3D printing technology
Dimensional accuracy
+/- 0.3% with a lower limit of +/- 0.3 mm
Maximum build size
380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9" x 11.2" x 14.9")
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TPU: a rubber like polymer for robust, detailed, flexible parts
Ultrasint TPU01 is a versatile thermoplastic polyurethane which has rubber-like elasticity and is designed to produce strong, flexible, durable parts for applications requiring high elasticity, shock absorption, and energy return. This material offers a balanced property profile and the ability to print very fine structures with a high level of detail. This material is suitable for a diversity of applications, including jigs & fixtures, footwear, industrial tubes and pipes, transportation Industry, and sports and leisure.
TPU exhibits good UV and hydrolysis resistance. It passes skin sensitisation and cytotoxicity tests in accordance with ISO 10993-10 and ISO 10993-5, making it suitable for applications close to the human skin, such as in the medical industry.
TPU parts are developed by BASF and 3D printed with HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology. Because MJF is a powder-bed fusion technology parts can be used immediately out of the printer, or can be dyed black and treated for a smoother, customer-facing finish.
Key Benefits
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Functional parts with fine detail and dimensional accuracy.
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Enhanced rebound resilience and elongation-at-break with lighter parts
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Optimal mechanical resistance at low temperatures
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Good UV and hydrolysis resistance
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Flexible lattices
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Complex parts
Applications
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Flexible lattice structures
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Sports equipment such as helmets, footwear, or safety gear.
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Automotive use, including car interiors, air filter covers, or bellows gimbal
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Industrial tools such as robotics or grippers
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Custom shock absorbers and springs
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Fluid systems such as flexible pipes
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Medical equipment such as face masks or orthopedics.
Design guidelines
Min wall thickness
0.5 mm
Recommended wall thickness
2.0 mm
Max wall thickness
7.0 mm
Min hole diameter at 1 mm thickness
0.5 mm
Min shaft diameter at 10 mm high
0.5 mm
Min clearance at 1 mm depth
0.5 mm
Min slit between walls 1 m thick
0.5 mm
Min deboss depth
1 mm
Min emboss height
1 mm
Design considerations
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The best results are obtained with thin structures and lattices, so it is recommended to re-design dense parts by hollowing them, introducing internal lattices, and/or removing unnecessary material. This strategy also reduces the weight of the parts and lowers the cost of production.
Technical Specifications
Accuracy
+/- 0.3% (minimum of +/- 0.3 mm)
Hardness (shore A)
88
Tensile modulus
75 MPa (xy) / 85 MPa (z)
Tensile strength
9 MPa (xy), 7 MPa (z)
Rebound resistance
63%
Elongation at break
>220%
Tear resistance (Trouser)
20 KN/m (xy), 16 KN/m (z)
Tear resistance (Graves)
36 KN/m (xy), 32 KN/m (z)
Compression set
20%
Abrasion loss
90 mm3
Certificates & Data Sheets
Available finishes
Raw (gray)
After the part has been printed and has been cleaned it has a powdery gray look and feel. This finish is best suited for functional prototypes and non-visible parts.
Black Dye
Parts are submerged in a hot dye bath containing dye pigment. This gives a smooth, consistent finish with no loss of dimensional accuracy.
Vapor Smoothing
This process uses a chemical vapor that smooths the surface of the part, giving a look and feel comparable to injection molding. Best for consumer-facing parts.
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