Flexa Bright - TPU Powder

Linear thermoplastic urethane elastomers, also known as TPE-U or TPU, are a group of block copolymers of polyols and diisocyanates developed in the late 1950s by the chemical company BF Goodrich. The ratio between both polymers will determine the final properties of the material, being able to obtain from semi-rigid materials to materials with high elasticity. Since its discovery, they have carved out a niche for themselves in the industry, replacing rubbers in multiple applications.

Its most common applications include cable coatings, hose and tube manufacturing, elastic textile components, shoe soles, waterproofing, vibration dampers, soft-touch elements in consumer products or wheels. Today, TPUs have carved a niche in practically all sectors thanks to their versatility.

Urethane-based elastomers stand out for their high resistance to wear and abrasion, high tensile strength, good damping capacity, good toughness and resistance to fats and oils. In addition, it is compatible with the skin and has a high resistance to fungi, which makes it suitable even for medical or orthopedic applications.

One of the challenges of 3D SLS printing is the use of clear materials. The need for the material to absorb enough energy makes dark materials more suitable for SLS 3D printing. Flexa Bright is a TPE-U based linear elastomer with a color light enough to be tinted to any other color. This makes it an ideal material for sectors such as fashion and design.

Image 1: Dyed parts printed with Flexa Bright. Source: Sinterit

It is a material with an elastic limit of 4 MPa, an ultimate tensile stress of 10 MPa with an elongation of 317% and a hardness of 79 Shore A.

Video 1: Flexa Bright promotional video. Source: Sinterit

Its main applications include components or accessories for the fashion sector, display models and medical training or promotional prototypes.

Image 2: Part printed with Flexa Bright. Sourcee: Sinterit

Like all the other materials in the Flexa series, it also stands out for being 100% reusable, so there is no need to add new refreshment material.

Image 3: Prototipe printed with Flexa Bright. Sourcee: Sinterit

Flexa Bright is the ideal material for those users who need elastic printed parts with a touch of color.