Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has undergone an enormous development boost in recent years. The latest innovation in this field is an elastomer called TEPU 50A, presented by Inkbit at this year’s Formnext trade fair. This thiol-ene-based polyurethane elastomer is characterized by a Shore hardness of 50A and thus expands the range of materials available for 3D printing.
The special feature of TEPU 50A is its low compression set and exceptional UV stability, which sets it apart from conventional, commercially available 3D printing elastomers. It also exhibits remarkable chemical resistance, making it ideal for the production of detailed parts with high surface quality and elasticity. The material is used in the production of components that require a medium to soft Shore hardness, such as seals, grip pads or rubber bearings.
“TEPU 50A is the culmination of years of chemistry and process development driven by customers searching for an alternative to molded or cast silicones and rubbers for prototyping and beyond,” said Inkbit Co-Founder and CEO Davide Marini. “Our novel thiol-ene polyurethane-based chemistries enable us to print soft but resilient elastomers that are UV stable and have excellent chemical compatibility.”
Inkbit stands out with its innovative Vision Control Jetting (VCJ) technology, which makes it possible to process high viscosities and ensure precise and fast production. This technology, combined with the thiol-based reaction mechanism, contributes to a high stability of the material properties.
The properties of TEPU 50A that make it special include a compression strength of 7.7% (after 72 hours at 23 °C), a Shore hardness of 49A and an elongation to break of 128%. Even after 1000 hours of UV ageing, the elongation changes by only 9.4%. These parameters show that TEPU 50A can withstand the demanding requirements of the industry while delivering detailed and precise parts.
For those interested, Inkbit offers more information on its website and the opportunity to learn more about TEPU 50A. Inkbit is convinced that with this new elastomer they have presented a solid solution for a variety of applications that will further advance the flexibility and precision of 3D printing.
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