CRP Technology’s Windform TPU Rubber-Like Material for SLS Process

Photo Credit: CRP Technology

CRP Technology has expanded its material portfolio with the addition of Windform TPU, a versatile thermoplastic polyurethane for selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. The material is white colored, extremely elastic, flexible, impact resistant and soft because of its elongation at break value which is less than 400%.

This durable polyurethane material has exceptional rubber-like distinguishing features. Its mechanical properties make it particularly well suited for applications that require softness, flexibility, elasticity and where robustness is a key requisite. It shows excellent durability and stability, and combines superior tensile strength with high shock absorption and high abrasion resistance. The rubber-like material is now available for the company’s industrial 3D printing service and is suitable for many industrial sectors and applications.

“With Windform TPU, the number of rubber-like materials of the Windform Top-Line range rises to two,” says Franco Cevolini, CRP Technology CEO and technical director. “We can satisfy many more customers’ needs, as they are two rubber-like SLS materials with different characteristics: Windform RL – the first of the Windform range - is a TPE, and it is more rigid, whereas Windform TPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane and it is softer, more flexible.”

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There are many industrial sectors that can benefit from the use of Windform TPU because of its versatility — from transport to robotics, from design to footwear, sports equipment and fashion accessories. Windform TPU is suitable for manufacturing automotive interior components, gimbal bellows, air cleaner covers, hoses, grips, connectors, joints, snap fits and more. It will also work well for creating components for the sport sector, from the sports protections and running shoes outsoles due to its high abrasion resistance.

Windform TPU is also suitable for parts to be used at low temperatures or that have to be immersed in oils, greases or solvents. With Windform TPU, the total number of Windform Top-Line materials for professional 3D printing (that is Selective Laser Sintering) rises to 11.

Learn about Windform composite 3D Printing materials which enable lightweight, flexible air inlet. CRP Technology recently developed a new front air inlet for a Moto3 racing customer, which was manufactured in Windform materials by using an SLS additive manufacturing technique.
Learn how CRP Technology used additive manufacturing and CNC machining to create a driver clubhead with increased performance. A combination of laser sintering, advanced materials and CNC machining enabled the creation of the KD-1 high-performance golf driver clubhead.