TPE - SLS Printing Powder

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), consist of physical mixtures of thermoplastic polymers and rubbers. As they are physical mixtures, the bonds between the thermoplastic polymer chains and the rubbers are not covalent, so they can break with temperature, thus maintaining thermoplastic behavior. The main advantage of these polymeric alloys is that they retain the properties of both components. Thermoplastic elastomers are widely used in the industrial sector, especially in the manufacture of sleeves, watertight joints or vibration dampers.

Sinterit TPE is a thermoplastic elastomer formulated for the Lisa and Lisa Pro printers. With an elastic limit of 3 MPa, an ultimate tensile strength of 6 MPa with an elongation of 196% and a hardness of 90 Shore-A, it is consolidated as the best alternative to Flexa Gray in those most demanding applications.

Video 1: TPE promotional video. Source: Sinterit

It is a material with great resistance to wear, watertight and with good mechanical properties. Unlike Flexa materials, TPE is not completely reusable, although it only requires 10% of refreshing material.

Image 1: Parts printed with Sinterit TPE. Source: Sinterit

Another advantage is that the printed parts can be treated by immersion with “Sealer Dipping Mix”, a sealant with which completely watertight parts can be achieved. This makes TPE an ideal material for 3D printing of gaskets, sleeves or any component that can work in contact with liquids.

For all this, Sinterit TPE is the ideal thermoplastic elastomer for those most demanding applications.