Overview – SLS Flexible TPU
Our SLS Flexible TPU material is the only elastomer in our portfolio. Its rubber-like properties make it the most flexible material we offer. Parts made from this white material are extremely hydrolysis-resistant, with high resilience and excellent tribological properties. The degree of flexibility can be influenced by part design and can even be varied within the same part with lattice structures.
This industrial material was developed to address the growing demand for applications requiring elastomeric properties and easy processing, —such as those in the footwear and sports equipment industries. The versatile 3D printing material can also be adjusted in terms of its flexibility and damping levels by modifying the structural design of parts as well build process parameters.
Maximum size of a part we can print in one piece:
180mm x 120mm x 120mm (Economy & Trade service)
What machine does it run on? We run SLS Flexible TPU on our dedicated EOS P110 machine [find out more]
SLS Flexible TPU is highly recommended for
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Very flexible components – our most flexible material - +
Anti-vibration parts – great for vibration damping - +
Lattice structures – modify softness with lattices
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Shoe Insoles – create custom insoles - +
Bungs/Gaskets – compressible and water resistant - +
Wearable tech – skin safe and flexible
Mechanical properties
In the chart below you can compare the main mechanical properties of SLS Flexible TPU against our other materials. To make it easier to compare, we have given each value a rating out of 5 (0.5 increments). This can also be seen in the table below. You can toggle each material visibility on/off using the buttons on the right.
Properties
Accuracy
Expected: 0.2mm or 0.2%
Guaranteed: 0.5mm or 0.5%
Repeatability
Repeatability is good, but there can be minor variations in dimensional accuracy and shore hardness.
Strength
Thin parts may tear easily – we recommend printing above 2mm thick for best results.
Flexibility
Easily our most flexible materail
Melting point
Lower melting point than our other offerings, however, it has a much higher melting point than resin-based alternatives.
Resistance to Warping
Warping is almost non-existent with this material due to its flexibility, however, very rectangular geometries can shrink erratically.
Elemental and UV Degradation
Great resistance to the elements can be used for outdoor products.
Chemical and Water Resistance
Has great chemical and water resistance.
Technical Data
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Mean | Unit | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 7 | MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Elongation at Break | 250/90 | %XY/%Z | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Melting Point | 130 | °C | DIN EN ISO 306 |
Datasheets
For more information on SLS Flexible TPU please download the datasheet you require from the list below. If you have any further questions please feel free to give us a call to discuss your project.
Colours Available
White & Black.
Certifications
Flame Retardancy
No, SLS Flexible TPU is not certified as flame retardant.
Food Grade
No, SLS Flexible TPU does not have any food safety documentation.
Skin Safe
Yes, SLS Flexible TPU has biocompatibility certification.
ESD
No, SLS Flexible TPU does not have any ESD safety certification.
3DPRINTUK observations while working with SLS Flexible TPU
Powder residue – SLS Flexible TPU is much harder to clean than PA12 or PA11 – the powder tends to stick to it more, especially in small holes, cavities or channels. More basic geometries work much better for cleaning than complex ones.
Square parts – very square/rectangular parts can shrink more unevenly in the cooling stage than round or organic shapes.
Stretching – the material can stretch, however, it is best to minimise this. The material does not act like elastic (think goggle straps) and may deform if stretched too much.
Talk to Andrew, our Head of Technical Sales, and discover how our services can save you time and money while achieving the highest quality prints.
Appearance and finishes available
Natural
This is as it comes off the machine. Parts have a granular texture and are the roughest of all the finishes. Ideal for parts with thin walls, or finer details that may get damaged in the other processes.
Natural Dyed
This is using our DM60 deep dye machines – takes parts from their natural colour to black. Can be used in conjunction with all other finishing processes. Parts are coloured on the surface only and can be used for applications that involve skin contact.
Design Guidelines, Maximums and Minimums
Max Print Size
This is the maximum size we can print a part in one piece
Economy and Trade: 180mm x 120mm x 120mm
Min Wall Thickness
This is the minimum wall thickness we can guarantee to print. You are able to print under this guarantee at your own risk, however, prints under our guarantee are not covered for a free reprint if damaged.
Natural: 2mm
Min Embossed Thickness
This is the minimum thickness a surface detail can be – this includes text and small intricate details. Note the thickness stroke width, not the width of the entire letter if referring to text.
Width: 0.8mm
height: 0.3mm
Min Engraved Thickness
This is the minimum thickness a engraved surface detail can be – this includes text and small intricate details. Note the thickness stroke width, not the width of the entire letter if referring to text.
Width: 0.8mm
Depth: 0.3mm
Min Hole Sizes
This is the minimum diameter of a hole. As a rule of thumb, the longer the hole, the larger the diameter is required to prevent them from blocking with powder. It is best to avoid long and twisting holes as these are near impossible to clear the powder from post-print.
<2mm depth: 1mm
2-5mm depth: 2mm
5-10mm depth: 3mm
10mm+: at least 4mm
*Powder may not be able to be cleared out of holes longer than 30mm
Clearance
This is the minimum gap required between two separate parts that are designed to fit together, such as a case and a lid. This is the distance between surface faces – remember that this is each side meaning that you need to double this measurement if the whole part is interlocking. e.g. if a shaft is going into a hole, 0.15mm between surfaces means 0.3mm between diameters.
Tight fit: 0.15mm
Smooth fit: 0.25mm
Flat/Warpable Parts
Flat parts are prone to warping. Warping is where the part cools at different rates causing geometrical changes in the object. It is best to try to avoid these shapes where possible, or contact us to ask for advice.
Limitation: minimal due to its flexibility
Min Sharp Angle
This is the minium angle recommended without a fillet or chamfer. Parts with sharp angles tend to get damaged in the print or post-processing stages. Anything sharper than the minimum angle is recommended to have a fillet.
Min Angle: 45°
Sharp Angle Fillet
Anything sharper than our minimum guaranteed angle is recommended to have a filleted edge. Filleted edges are far stronger than sharp edges and are less prone to damage in either post-processing or print stages.
Min Fillet: 1mm
SLS Flexible TPU – Get an Instant quote using our online system
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