【3D Printing News】New Chapter for SLS Technology: Waterproof, Airtight TPE Parts!
Sinterit has launched a new powder for desktop SLS 3D printers – elastic TPE material, which combines the advantages of both plastic and rubber. TPE is elastic, with an elongation at break of 196%, several times higher than the tested values of PA series materials. On the other hand, TPE can be immersed in a sealant to make the SLS 3D printed product waterproof and airtight – providing additional new functionalities.
TPE in Daily Life
TPE is similar to rubber in properties, having the characteristics of repeated use and elastic deformation. However, TPE material can be used for 3D printing manufacturing, making it an ideal material for prototypes such as footwear, hoses, and more. More importantly, since TPE is an environmentally friendly and non-toxic material with no allergenic irritants, it is suitable for human contact, such as bracelets, handles, wearable devices, and other applications. TPE is also widely used in common household items like toothbrush or razor handles, furniture handles, and elastic casings for mobile phone cases, electric grips, push-button switches, and other items that are integrated into our daily lives. 
Waterproofing and Airtightness Solutions
"Integrating TPE material into Sinterit 3D printers is crucial as it opens up possibilities for our customers," emphasized Konrad Głowacki, co-founder of Sinterit. "After the release of TPU powder material, customers gained more ideal choices for prototyping; now, impermeability and airtightness are the next highly sought-after demands." These special requirements make TPE material an ideal choice for automotive, industrial, and general parts.Since SLS 3D printed objects use the principle of laser sintering to fuse molecules together, they often contain many tiny capillaries. Therefore, original SLS 3D printed objects are not completely airtight or waterproof. However, by using this 3D printed object with Sealer for TPE, this special requirement can be met while retaining its elastic properties.
(Left: sample not immersed in sealant, Right: sample treated with TPE sealant.)
Wide Range of Applications
Whether you are a Sinterit Lisa or the latest Lisa Pro user, you can use this TPE powder for 3D printing to create soft, flexible parts. Due to TPE's high resilience, any accessories requiring impact or vibration resistance (e.g., shock absorbers) can be 3D printed with TPE and directly tested. Additionally, its anti-slip properties are very suitable for creating soft anti-slip accessories in the automotive industry, such as anti-slip mats, cup holders, floor mats, door and window seals, or adjustment knobs.
Do you also have similar sample or prototype production needs? You can now pre-order this practical TPE specialty material and its dedicated Sealer for TPE in our shopping mall to create customized parts or waterproof, airtight sample prototypes that meet your requirements.
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