UK-based 3D People, a specialist in additive manufacturing (AM) contract manufacturing, is expanding its material portfolio to include the thermoplastic polyurethane Ultrasint TPU01. The introduction of this flexible plastic not only represents a technological expansion for the company, but also underlines the central importance of process control in industrial 3D printing.
“The introduction of this AM-specific TPU material has been a game-changer for us,” explains Felix Manley, Co-Founder of 3D People. “We’ve seen an unprecedented level of interest from both new and existing customers. But what stood out in every conversation was the emphasis on one thing, quality. It became clear that no matter how innovative the material, its success hinges on repeatable process control.”
Additive manufacturing processes offer great design freedom, but place special demands on the reproducibility of components. Without precisely coordinated production processes, the mechanical properties of the material cannot be reliably achieved.
TPU is characterized by elasticity, abrasion resistance and good mechanical resilience. However, these advantages go hand in hand with high demands on the printing parameters.
“Every layer matters in AM,” says Sasha Bruml, Co-Founder of 3D People. “From material preparation to machine settings, post-processing, and environmental factors, each step needs to be meticulously controlled. The introduction of TPU brought this into sharp focus for us. It’s a material that demands precision to ensure dimensional accuracy, flexibility, and surface finish.”
According to Manley, “Customers told us that while cost and lead time are important, they’re secondary to quality. Reinforcing what we have long believed, this has caused us to us to continue to double down on our process control measures, ensuring that every TPU part (indeed every part full stop) we produce meets the highest standards.”
In order to guarantee the processing quality of TPU, the company relies on advanced monitoring and calibration systems. Sensors and software-supported process control enable precise control of the relevant parameters. Feedback from customers flows directly into the optimization of processes.
“Quality isn’t just a buzzword for our clients, it’s non-negotiable,” says Bruml. “Their feedback has been instrumental in helping us fine-tune our process control measures, ensuring that we’re not just meeting but exceeding their expectations.”
Manley adds, “What’s become clear is that process control isn’t just about internal efficiency, it’s about trust. When customers know they can rely on us for consistent quality, it strengthens the partnership and builds long-term loyalty.”
TPU’s experience shows that process control is not only crucial for quality assurance, but also builds customer trust. Long-term partnerships are based on companies being able to reliably deliver consistent components.
“As the AM industry continues to mature, process control will separate the leaders from the rest,” concludes Bruml. “For us, it’s not just about keeping up with industry standards, it’s about setting them.”
The increasing use of TPU in 3D printing confirms this approach. With precisely coordinated processes, 3D People ensures that the material can optimally develop its specific properties in various applications – from the automotive industry to consumer goods. While the market for additive manufacturing is growing, process stability remains a key success factor.
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