At Formnext 2018, Sinterit will showcase Flexa Soft, the softest TPU powder designed for SLS 3D printers. With the lowest hardness (measured in Shore A hardness) within its material range, it offers unprecedented versatility.
Additive manufacturing is typically used to produce rigid objects. Using different technologies, laser powder sintering (SLS) primarily employs fine, high-quality finished products made from PA powder (polyamide). But with such soft materials, can 3D printing experts be convinced that this can also be used on SLS 3D printers?
At this year's Formnext exhibition, you will see Sinterit using the new Flexa Soft material for the first time; this TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) type material offers excellent softness with a Shore A hardness of 40-55.
The new Flexa Soft material has a very wide range of applications, from fashion to medicine; when you need soft materials, Flexa Soft can provide an almost perfect solution.
．For Experimental Surgery
In recent years, with the growing advancement of medical imaging, 3D printing has also attracted the attention of medical researchers, academics, and related industries. For some surgeons, using 3D printed models to simulate procedures before surgery has become a routine: selecting appropriate surgical tools, planning pathways, and even conducting surgical practice. In the past, when simulating organs with rigid 3D printing materials, it was difficult to actually cut with a scalpel, but using Flexa Soft will break through this limitation.
From the perspective of medical professionals, this material perfectly mimics the hardness of certain tissues. Products made from this powder not only have an excellent tactile feel, but their unique elasticity allows them to simulate being squeezed and deformed, and still return to their original shape after release.
．A New Direction for Fashion
For the fashion industry, it's a game-changer. Previously, we shared how fashion designers used another Sinterit soft material – Flexa Black – to create decorative accessories for swimwear (further reading: 3D Printed Fashion Adorns Miss South Africa).
Today, the possibilities are even wider, as Flexa Soft can conform even more closely to the wearer's body, with almost no curvature limitations; Sinterit will launch more materials during Formnext 2018.
．Developing New Materials
Based on the above, the ultra-soft powder Flexa Soft will have 5 major features:
．Ultra-elastic powder material, even softer than Flexa Black
．Visible data, softness Shore A 40-55
．Simulates some human organs for surgical experimentation
．A new fashion choice, snug and comfortable to wear
．Other general prototypes, rubber gaskets, or flexible applications
"Our users are very keen to try new powders and constantly ask us to develop new materials, which will expand the manufacturing possibilities of Sinterit Lisa printers," said Konrad Glowacki, co-founder of Sinterit. "We are happy to receive this user feedback because we know there's more potential for SLS rapid prototyping," he added.
Flexa Soft offers better elasticity and is also an excellent choice for general prototypes, gaskets, or sensory toys. Everyone is eager to discover more applications for Flexa Soft and try out this new ultra-soft 3D printing material on Lisa or Lisa Pro.
This time, 3DMart will also send representatives to participate in the grand event of Formnext 2018. Please stay tuned for the trial printing announcement of the latest Flexa Soft powder! All the latest news will be published on our Facebook page!
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Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/the-softest-tpu-used-in-small-sls-3d-printers/