BASF Ultrasint TPU 88A Black

Ultrasint TPU 88A Black

The Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder belongs to the BASF family of Ultrasint 3D printing powders. TPU 88A Black can be 3D printed on desktop SLS 3D printers and for higher output and bigger series production, it can be used with with industrial SLS 3D printers such as:

• The P1000 / P100X 3D printers by Prodways (open parameter kit required).
• The P1xx and P3xx / P7xx 3D printers by EOS (open parameter kit required).
• The Sinterstations / Vanguard / sPro 60 3D printers by 3D Systems.
• The MfgPro230 xS 3D printer by XYZprinting.
• The HT403P / HT/ST25xP and SS403P / eForm 3D printers by Farsoon.

Parts 3D printed with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder are characterized by high flexibility (Shore 88 A), high elasticity, rebound, resistance to fatigue and high UV resistance as well as excellent surface quality and high level of detail.

Image 1: A head rest with lattice filling 3D printed with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder. Source: BASF.

Furthermore, Ultrasint TPU 88A Black is a sustainable material as it allows for over 80 % of powder to be reused. This leads to enormous material savings, efficiency and rentability.

Lattice structures

The possibility to create lattice structures with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder unlocks the potential of high-performance materials for any application. With the help of Ultrasim Virtual Engineering & Simulation, customized lattices can be engineered to have specific mechanical properties or for precision performance such as cushioning, energy absorption, foam-like response or energy return. Introducing internal lattices (or thinner walls/hollowing) into the design also allows to obtain softer parts with reduced weight and lower production costs. Lattice design with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder can be done with the help of the Ultrasim 3D Lattice engine.

Post-processing

Parts 3D printed with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder are black and have and a powdery feel. While this finish is adequate for functional prototypes and non-visible parts, consumer-facing parts may require post-processing. The Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder allows for chemical smoothing or coating.

Chemical smoothing will improve material performance while enhancing the appeal, durability, surface roughness and overall quality. This process uses a chemical vapor that smooths the surface of the part, giving a look and feel comparable to injection molding.

Image 2: Parts 3D printed with Ultrasint TPU 88A Black can be chemically smoothed and coated. Source: BASF.

Applying a coat of Ultracur3D Coat F+, with a layer of the Ultracur3D Hardener F+ for durability, is a dyeing method compatible with Ultrasint TPU 88A Black. This coating is a waterborn 2k-basecoat designed especially for coating parts 3D printed with flexible and elastic materials. It can be applied by spraying or dipping, and it gives the coated parts a smooth consistent finish with no loss of dimensional accuracy.

Versatility of uses

Thanks to its advanced properties and high processability, the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder is especially suitable for low-to-mid-volume manufacturing in series for sectors such as automotive, transport, industrial, medical, sports, etc. Some applications where parts 3D printed with the Ultrasint TPU 88A Black powder would give high performance are tools, grippers and pipes, car interior components, footwear or sports protection equipment, including parts that will be used outdoors.