

TPU 88A
Selective Laser SinteringAverage Lead Time:
4-8 Business Days
Machines Used:
EOS P110 Velocis
EOS P396
Colors Available


Material Overview
TPU 88A is a thermoplastic polyurethane material that provides an excellent combination of strength, flexibility, and durability. This unique blend allows the printed parts to withstand demanding applications while maintaining their structural integrity. The stable white color of TPU 88A enhances its versatility by providing a neutral base for various finishing techniques. Smoothing, dying, and coating processes can be easily applied to achieve the desired aesthetics and functionality of the printed parts. This flexibility allows for customization and adaptation to specific requirements in different industries. TPU 88A offers an excellent surface quality, ensuring a smooth and refined finish with intricate details.
Mechanical Properties
Nylon 12 offers very high tensile strength making it ideal for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts that need to endure mechanical stress and load-bearing requirements. In addition to its strength, Nylon 12 also exhibits excellent impact resistance. It can absorb and dissipate energy effectively, making it suitable for applications where parts may experience sudden shocks or collisions. This property is especially valuable in the automotive industry, where components may encounter dynamic forces during operation. It is is capable of maintaining its shape and resists deformation under applied loads. This property ensures dimensional stability and precision in printed parts. It is particularly advantageous in applications that require accurate geometries or tight tolerances.
Chemical Compatibility
Thermoplastic Polyurethane demonstrates good chemical compatibility, particularly resistant to oils, greases, and various solvents. Its resistance to abrasion and wear also makes it suitable for environments where exposure to chemicals is common. However, it's important to note that TPU may not be as resistant to strong acids, bases, and some organic solvents. This balance of chemical resistance and vulnerability makes TPU a preferred choice in industries like automotive, where it's often used for parts exposed to oils and fuels, but less ideal for applications involving harsh chemicals or extreme environments.
Thermal Properties
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) offers good temperature resistance, typically between -20°C to 80°C, and low thermal conductivity, making it an effective insulator. Although its heat deflection temperature isn't very high, leading to potential deformation under extreme heat, its melting point is well-suited for SLS printing processes. Additionally, TPU exhibits relatively low thermal expansion, ensuring better dimensional stability across various temperatures. These characteristics make TPU a versatile material in applications that require flexibility, durability, and thermal stability, such as in automotive and consumer products.
Applications
The strength and flexibility of TPU 88A makes it suitable for a variety of end-use applications. It's extensively used in creating flexible parts such as gaskets, seals, and hoses, as well as in the production of footwear, especially for intricate shoe soles and insoles. TPU's elasticity and strength make it ideal for protective gear, like custom-fit phone cases or impact-resistant sporting goods. In automotive manufacturing, it is commonly used parts for armrests, dashboard elements, and door handles, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional reliability. The durability and resistance to wear make it an ideal choice for industrial tools such as pipes and grippers, ensuring longevity and effective performance in demanding environments.
Datasheets
Applications
- Automotive cabin components
- Sporting goods
- Footwear
- Grips and soft touch parts
- Gaskets, couplings and joints