Voodoo Manufacturing announced today the introduction of new full-flex and semi-flex Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), two new material options now available through the Brooklyn-based software-optimized 3D-printing factory. TPU, which has rubber-like elasticity, allows for the creation of objects that can withstand repeated stretching, movement, and impact without wear or degradation.
By offering both full-flex and semi-flex versions of TPU for 3D printing, Voodoo Manufacturing is growing the capabilities of its factory to support the creation of advanced 3D printed parts and products, such as seals, plugs, hoses, textiles, and other flexible and functional parts. TPU is also known for its high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and recyclability, making it a popular material for thousands of automotive, medical, and footwear applications on the market.
Starting from today, anyone can order TPU parts for next-day turnaround directly through Voodoo Manufacturing’s Direct Print service, or place Volume orders of up to 10,000 parts.
“In the last few months, we’ve been testing TPU filaments for 3D printing to see if there’s a way that we can offer this material scalably and reliably,” said Jonathan Schwartz, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Voodoo Manufacturing. “We’re excited to share that we’ve been successful in developing internal technologies that make it possible for us to scalably offer TPU, and we look forward to working with partners to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
To date, Voodoo has worked on multiple projects with customers to beta test the new TPU material, including a 3D printed dress for Intel and NY-based fashion company, Chromat, in October, where the dress was composed of over 90 unique pieces printed in the semi-flex TPU material. Additionally, Voodoo has worked with the San-Francisco based startup, Sensel, to print custom overlays for Sensel’s “Morph” multi-touch pressure sensitive trackpads using the new TPU material.
TPU’s market share is growing quickly, already half the size of the world-wide PLA market, according to a report published by marketsandmarkets.com. “We are excited that TPU also opens up our addressable market by 50%,” continues Jonathan, “I think we are going to see a lot of new and innovative applications for TPU now that it is finally made accessible at volume by our service.”
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