Sculpteo Flexible TPU
Few types of companies are better place to see what innovations 3D printing needs than 3D printing service providers, the sheer amount of applications they have to run off several machines means that they understand the needs of the end-user. Other than being involved in users groups and forums few are able to do anything tangible about it, Sculpteo however are changing the game by getting in on the material science level.
Here at CES 2016 the French 3D printing service provider has launched a flexible TPU for laser sintering processes.
The completely new flexible plastic material developed exclusively for Sculpteo the material makes it possible to create functional objects with a Shore hardness level of 65A, and therefore to reproduce complex mechanical properties.
It is now possible to 3D print a functional and truly soft object. Created using laser sintering technology, Flexible Plastic components combine freedom of design with a Shore hardness level of 65A, which is well below the market standard for 3D printing (the Shore hardness scale is used to measure the hardness/softness of elastomers). This new material has many revolutionary applications: At CES in Las Vegas, Sulpteo is showcasing three uses in sectors as diverse as health, mobility and textiles.
Sculpteo co-founder Clément Moreau: "This new type of material puts 3D printing at the same level as traditional production methods by - finally - making it possible to create soft, flexible objects that are truly functional rather than simply prototypes. We are enthusiastic about the first applications conceived by our clients using this completely new material. From medical applications to the world of textiles, we are committed to working alongside the industry leaders of today and tomorrow."
