TPU HARDNESS+ Pellets

Hardness+ TPU pellets are small cylinders composed of TPU, a Thermoplastic Polyurethane obtained by modifying Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). TPU is an ideal material for applications where flexibility, elasticity and good adhesion between layers are required, which is very important in FDM 3D printing. Another advantage is its high abrasion and wear resistance and smooth surface finish, which minimises friction between contacting elements. The material also shows good chemical resistance in contact with oils, oxygen and ozone.

In the case of TPU Hardness +, its name is indicative of its high hardness, while maintaining some of the outstanding advantages of the elastomer and allowing the production of completely rigid parts. Hardness + TPU pellets combine hardness, elasticity and mechanical strength. In addition, they show a high resistance to hydrolysis and are UV stabilised. They are highly resistant to micro-organisms and reduce impact and vibration.

When manufacturing parts with this material, a series of parameters must be taken into account, such as the temperature of the extruder, which must be between 210-230 ºC. At the same time, the bed temperature should be between 80-100ºC. A printing speed of 40-60 mm/s is recommended.

Video 1: Part made with TPU Hardness + material. Source: Smart Materials.

There are several methods for using pellets in 3D printing:

• Hardness+ TPU pellets can be used in the manufacture of filament for FDM 3D printers using Filastruder or any other filament extruder.
• It is possible to use a pellet extruder for direct 3D printing.

To obtain different colours, the TPU Hardness + material pellets must be combined with the desired dyes. In this way, custom colours can be achieved. This can be very useful, as in some cases it can be difficult to find the exact colour required for each application. It is also a great advantage, especially when producing small series of parts in a particular colour.

Image 1: Examples of dyes for pellets. Source: Filament2print.

With the combination of TPU Hardness+ Pellets and a good filament extruder such as Filastruder, it is possible to obtain 3D printing filament with qualities similar to those of a commercial PLA filament.

When using TPU Hardness+ Pellets to make filament with a filament extruder such as Filastruder or using a pellet extruder for direct 3D printing, it should be noted that the extrusion temperature must be regulated in relation to the extrusion speed used.

Hardness + TPU pellets offer optimum hardness, elasticity and mechanical strength properties.