German additive manufacturing leader EOS has expanded its polymer material portfolio with the launch of a new flexible EOS TPU 1301 powder optimised for industrial 3D printing.
The company, which specialises in both polymer and metal laser-based printing processes, says the material marks a significant step in the path to 3D printing for mass production due to TPU's current application in industries such as automotive and manufacture of consumer-facing products. TPU offers resilience, good hydrolysis resistance, and high UV-stability and is already being used in applications that demand elastomeric properties or easy to process capabilities. To achieve the flexibility and corresponding damping levels needed for different applications, EOS says the material's properties can be adjusted via structural design or by customising build process parameters.
Tim Rüttermann, Senior Vice President Polymer Systems & Materials at EOS, said: “The EOS TPU 1301 offers a great resilience after deformation, very good shock absorption, and very high process stability, at the same time providing a smooth surface of the 3D printed part. As such the material is particularly suited for applications in footwear, lifestyle and automotive – such as cushioning elements, protective gears, and shoe soles.”
François Minec, Managing Director at BASF 3D Printing Solutions, an EOS development partner, added: “We are committed to supporting the industrialisation of additive manufacturing and making it a mainstream production technology. As one of the biggest suppliers of TPU materials worldwide, we ensure the best match of powder properties to process requirements, a robust supply chain and batch consistency that meets or exceeds industry-specific quality standards – all essential factors in successful serial AM applications. Our close collaboration with EOS is key here.”
The material is available today but visitors to Formnext next month will be able to get a closer look at printed samples on booth D31 (hall 11.1) Frankfurt Messe on November 19-22.
