When you browse through various materials that can be used for 3D printing, you are bound to notice that specific materials have specific properties. It is always a good idea to match these properties with your desired outcome. 3D Unique stocks a variety of resins and filaments that includes one of the most popular choices in this industry: TPU filament.
Today, we discuss the properties, uses, and benefits of TPU filament to give you a better idea of how this material can be applied to your 3D printing endeavours.
What Should I Know About TPU Filament?
- Properties: TPU filament, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane, is perfect for 3D printing applications. This material is elastic, flexible, and delivers sensible levels of impact resistance for 3D models that are created with TPU. It is commonly used to manufacture protective casings for electronic devices, as well as footwear and components that are required to flex or bend without breaking.
TPU filament can be stretched to 450% of its original size and shape before breaking. It features excellent vibration dampening resistance – making it a good choice for insulation and acting as an isolator. This material can also be printed in a variety of colours and hardness levels to suit your specific needs.
- Uses: In the world of 3D printing, TPU filament can be used for a variety of applications. As mentioned before, it is an elastic and flexible material. As a result, it can be used to create toys, phone cases, unique soft-grip handles, and a variety of parts and components. This material is also popular when it comes to automotive applications. Mechanical parts and components are usually exposed to high levels of impact. Therefore, it is used to create a variety of interior components, as well as isolators for cables and protective films for sensitive instrumentation.
- Benefits: TPU filament is a biocompatible material. This allows for a plethora of medical applications, such as prosthetics. It is also abrasion-resistant – making it an ideal option for mechanical parts and chemical applications – as it resists the effects of oil, grease, and a list of chemicals. It provides a wide variety of 3D printing applications for a multitude of industries, which is why it is such a popular choice among professionals and hobbyists alike.
3D Unique is your first choice when it comes to a supplier of TPU filament in South Africa. We also stock a variety of other filaments and resins, with a complete filament guide to match these materials with your hardware. Feel free to browse our online store for prices and details on our available products.