Discover TPU 1301 SLS material's versatility and durability for automotive parts, sports gear, custom tooling, and more. Explore its applications now!

What is TPU for Selective Laser Sintering?

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) TPU , a Thermoplastic Polyurethane, stands out for its durability, flexibility, and rubber-like feel, making it ideal for applications requiring an elastomer. It's characterized by excellent rebound properties, UV resistance, and is suitable for a range of uses from automotive parts to footwear, thanks to its hydrolysis resistance, impact absorption, and smooth finish. Adherence to minimum wall thickness guidelines is crucial for optimal use in additive manufacturing. Detailed specifications on tensile strength, chemical resistance, and thermal properties can be found in the technical section of its material page.

What is TPU 1301 SLS MAterial?

TPU 1301 SLS material is a flexible thermoplastic polyurethane powder with rubber-like elasticity, ideal for elastic functional prototypes and series-production pieces. It is used in selective laser sintering (SLS) printing process to produce highly flexible, abrasion-resistant, and high-precision parts, especially bending components. Typical applications include shoe soles, damping elements, orthopedic inserts, seals, pipes, grips, bellows, and tires. Additionally, its properties like flexibility and damping level can be adjusted through lattice structure design or by modifying process parameters.

The main characteristics of TPU 1301 SLS material

TPU 1301 SLS material is a versatile thermoplastic polyurethane powder designed for use in selective laser sintering (SLS) printing processes. It possesses several key characteristics that make it ideal for a wide range of applications. One of its primary features is its flexibility, resembling rubber-like elasticity, which allows for the production of highly flexible parts suitable for bending. Additionally, TPU 1301 exhibits excellent abrasion resistance, ensuring durability in demanding environments. Its high precision enables the creation of intricate parts with fine details, making it suitable for various industries requiring precision components.

Moreover, its adaptability is notable, as the material's properties, such as flexibility and damping level, can be adjusted through structural design modifications, such as lattice structures, or by adapting process parameters. This adaptability enhances its suitability for diverse applications, including shoe soles, damping elements, orthopedic inserts, seals, pipes, grips, bellows, and tires. Furthermore, TPU 1301 SLS material is capable of producing both functional prototypes and series-production pieces, providing manufacturers with flexibility in their production processes.

Overall, its compatibility with SLS printing technology ensures efficient and precise manufacturing, making it a preferred choice for various industries requiring flexible and durable components.

How SLS Flexible TPU look, feel, Colour, Texture & Flex

SLS Flexible TPU, or Selective Laser Sintering Thermoplastic Polyurethane, typically exhibits a white color with a rubber-like texture and feel. It has a soft and pliable texture, providing flexibility similar to that of rubber. When handled, it feels smooth and slightly elastic, with the ability to bend and stretch without breaking. The surface texture is typically uniform and slightly matte. In terms of flexibility, it offers excellent elasticity, allowing it to deform under stress and return to its original shape when the stress is removed.

Overall, SLS Flexible TPU has a distinct appearance and tactile properties that make it suitable for a wide range of applications requiring flexibility and durability.

Versatility with TPU: From Automotive Parts to Sports Gear

This TPU material, known for its robust mechanical characteristics, showcases versatility across numerous uses due to its rubber-like elasticity and capacity for creating flexible structures via 3D printing. It's well-suited for both prototyping and full-scale production across various industries.

Notably, its high degree of flexibility makes it ideal for automotive parts like interior components, while its rubber-like nature and high friction make it suitable for industrial tools and robotic grippers. Moreover, its exceptional shock absorption and rebound properties allow for applications in creating sports equipment, orthopedic models, and footwear, highlighting its broad utility.

1. Automotive Parts: TPU 1301 SLS material is extensively used in automotive applications for manufacturing seals, gaskets, and mechanical rubber parts. These components require flexibility, abrasion resistance, and high precision to ensure optimal performance and longevity in automotive systems.

2. Sports Gear: In sports gear, such as shoes and protective equipment, TPU 1301 is utilized for producing various components like shoe soles and grips. Its rubber-like elasticity and durability make it an ideal choice for withstanding the rigors of athletic activities while providing comfort and support to the user.

3. Custom Tooling: TPU 1301 is also employed in custom tooling applications where flexibility and precision are crucial. It is used to create molds, jigs, and fixtures tailored to specific manufacturing processes, allowing for the production of complex parts with intricate details.

4. Prototypes: TPU 1301 is widely used for prototyping purposes across industries. Its ability to replicate fine details and intricate designs makes it suitable for creating functional prototypes for product testing and validation before mass production.

5. Gaskets: Gaskets play a vital role in sealing applications to prevent leakage of fluids or gases. TPU 1301's flexibility and abrasion resistance make it an excellent choice for manufacturing gaskets that can withstand varying temperatures, pressures, and environmental conditions.

6. Mechanical Rubber Parts: TPU 1301 is employed in the production of various mechanical rubber parts such as bushings, mounts, and vibration dampers. Its rubber-like elasticity and high precision allow for the creation of parts that provide shock absorption and noise reduction in mechanical systems.

7. End Use Production Parts: TPU 1301 is utilized for producing end-use production parts in industries requiring high-quality, durable components with precise dimensions. These parts can range from small, intricate components to larger, more complex assemblies used in various machinery and equipment.

8. Seals: Seals are essential for preventing the ingress of contaminants and maintaining the integrity of systems and components. TPU 1301's flexibility and abrasion resistance make it suitable for manufacturing seals that provide reliable sealing performance in demanding environments.

9. Wheels: TPU 1301 is employed in the production of wheels and other components requiring flexibility and damping properties. Its ability to absorb shocks and vibrations makes it ideal for manufacturing wheels that offer smooth and comfortable rides in automotive and industrial applications.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, TPU 1301 SLS material offers a flexible and durable solution for a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to sports gear and custom tooling. Its rubber-like elasticity, smooth finish, and adjustable properties make it suitable for prototyping and end-use production parts across various industries.

Whether used in automotive seals, sports shoe soles, or mechanical rubber parts, TPU 1301 SLS material provides reliable performance and precision, contributing to enhanced product quality and durability.

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