TPE 90A Fabrial-R View larger

TPE 90A Fabrial-R

Convena

New product

3 Items

190,00 €
190,00 €

Ask for information

TPE filament with 90A hardness certified for skin contact by ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-10.

Convena is a company that bases its philosophy on bringing solutions together for companies. Since its foundation in 1994, Convena has become the largest independent trader of fluoropolymers in Europe. Convena is responsible for the distribution of materials in different formats such as powder, pellets or filaments.

The materials distributed by Convena are made using raw materials of the highest quality, and all products are subject to strict controls in order to offer high performance solutions.

Convena, an expert in fluoropolymers, has filaments with an optimised composition for optimal results in FDM 3D printing. It has a portfolio of materials including filaments such as TPE Fabrial-R, a TPE filament suitable for medical applications, as it has been tested for skin irritation and sensitisation according to ISO 10993-10.

Flexibility and elasticity

Fabrial-R filament is composed of TPE. TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is also known as thermoplastic rubber. This material has thermoplastic and elastomeric properties, which means that it has elasticity and flexibility and can be processed when heated. It is this latter quality that allows the material to be produced in filament format for FDM 3D printing.

Unlike TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) filaments, TPE has a smooth finish, which is pleasant to the touch and non-sticky, helping to achieve a high-quality finish on 3D printed parts.

In FDM 3D printing, the hardness of materials is usually indicated by the Shore A or Shore D scales, which perfectly cover the hardness ranges of thermoplastics for AM. In this case, Fabrial-R TPE filament has a hardness of 90A, a medium hardness within the usual range for flexible filaments.

3D printed parts with Fabrial-R.

Image 1: Parts 3D printed with Fabrial-R. Source: Convena.

Applications in the medical sector

In general, TPE filaments can be used to manufacture parts of interest for a wide range of sectors, particularly in the construction industry (expansion joints or window insulation) or in the automotive industry (sleeves, dust caps, spring washers or anti-vibration parts).

This is due to some of its intrinsic properties:

  • Good resistance to oils/solvents.
  • Good UV resistance.
  • Abrasion resistance.

However, Fabrial-R TPE filament has a composition that differentiates it from other standard TPE filaments and has enabled it to be approved for skin contact according to ISO 10993-10. ISO 10993 is a biological evaluation of medical devices that validates to varying degrees whether materials or products are suitable for the medical environment. Part 10 of this ISO focuses on tests for testing in relation to skin sensitisation.

In addition, Fabrial-R has also passed the tests required for ISO 10993-5 certification for in vitro cytotoxicity. This test determines whether or not a material or product can cause toxic effects on living cells.

Thanks to these certifications, Fabrial-R TPE filament is a versatile material, suitable for applications within the medical sector such as customised orthotic solutions, support material to stabilise fractures, customised shoe insoles or for the manufacture of tools or devices for the healthcare environment.

Impact strength (KJ/m2) 58
Elongation at break (%) 400
Tensile strength (MPa) 18
Tensile modulus (MPa) 150
Flexural strength (MPa) 150
Flexural modulus (MPa) 10
Surface hardness 5
Elasticity Elasticity
Flexibility Flexibility
Abrasion resistance Abrasion resistance
Vibration resistance Vibration resistance
UV resistance UV resistance
Chemical resistance Chemical resistance
Medical use Medical use
Hide color variations (Hide color variations)

3D printing with flexible filaments opens up a world of possibilities in 3D printing. However, these are materials that can pose certain difficulties when it comes to processing them. Ideally, this material should ideally be printed with a direct extruder, so the greatest difficulties are usually encountered when using Bowden-type extrusion systems.

The consistency and hardness of TPE 90A Fabrial-R filament allows it to be printed with bowden extrusion systems. To reduce the friction of the filament as it travels through the bowden tube, it is recommended that the printer be upgraded with a Capricorn XS PTFE tube. It is also recommended that the distance between the extruder and the nozzle does not exceed 10 cm.

Fricción en el interior del tubo PTFE.

Image 1: Difference in inner diameter of PTFE tube. Source: Carpricorn.

When printing this material, it is recommended to use a printing temperature between 140 and 160 ºC and a base temperature between 80 and 100 ºC for good adhesion to the base. The recommended printing speed for this material is significantly lower than for other TPE filaments, being between 5 and 10 mm/s.

General information
Manufacturer Convena
Material TPE Fabrial-R
Format 0.5kg spool
Density 1.12 g/cm3
Filament diameter 1.75 mm
Diameter tolerance ±0,05 mm
Filament length ±230 m (Ø 1.75mm-0.5kg)
Colour Natural
RAL/Pantone -
Printing properties
Printing temperature 140 - 160 ºC
Base/bed temperature 80 - 100 ºC
Chamber temperature Not required
Layer fan -
Print speed 5 - 10 mm/s
Minimum nozzle diameter 0.4 mm or more
Layer height -
Retraction -
Mechanical properties
Impact resistance Izod with notch 58 KJ/m2
Charpy impact resistance -
Elongation at break (JIS K 7161) > 400 % 
Tensile strength (JIS K 7161) 18 MPa 
Tensile modulus (JIS K 7161) 150 MPa
Bending strength (JIS K 7171) 150 MPa
Bending modulus (JIS K 7171) 10 MPa
Surface hardness Shore 90A
Abrasion resistance -
Specific properties
Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5) Certificate
Skin irritation (ISO 10993-10) Certificate
Additional information
HS Code 3916.9
Spool diameter (outside) -
Spool diameter (inner bore) -
Spool width -


* The typical values listed in this table should be considered as a reference. Actual values may vary depending on the 3D printer model used, part design and printing conditions. We recommend confirming the final results and properties with your own tests. For further information please refer to the product data sheet.

Accessories

30 other products in the same category: