Soft 3D printing of thermoplastic polyurethane: Preliminary study
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a highly elastic linear polymer composed of soft segments, usually flexible polyester or polyethers. It is widely used in 3D printing technologies using FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or inkjet printing. Among these options, FFF...
| Autores: | , , , , , , |
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| Tipo de documento: | artigo |
| Data de publicação: | 2022 |
| País: | España |
| Recursos: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositório: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglês |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/384882 |
| Acesso em linha: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/384882 https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/09544054221100077 |
| Access Level: | Acceso aberto |
| Palavra-chave: | Materials--Mechanical properties Three-dimensional printing 3D Printing Additive manufacturing Thermoplastic polyurethane Materials--Propietats mecàniques Impressió 3D Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria mecànica::Processos de fabricació mecànica |
| Resumo: | Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a highly elastic linear polymer composed of soft segments, usually flexible polyester or polyethers. It is widely used in 3D printing technologies using FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or inkjet printing. Among these options, FFF is the most common. However, stiffness and hardness values of 3D printed TPU in filament form are higher that it would be desirable for some applications, which require softer materials. Therefore, it was seen necessary to find a new methodology for 3D printing soft TPU. In this way, the present study seeks to be first research study which focuses on the possibility of 3D printing TPU using DIW (Direct Ink Writing) technology with UV light. Firstly, the optimal 3D printing and curing parameters to print soft TPU are determined and then two different TPU formulations are 3D printed. It was concluded that the 3D printing of this TPU is challenging due to several points: (1) the viscosity of the TPU; (2) their main issue is their sticky behavior; and (3) shrinkage which takes place after the thermal treatment and for some applications, it might be problem. Despite that ,TPU appears to be a promising material to be used in different industrial applications. |
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