At Formnext 2018, Sinterit will showcase Flexa Soft, the softest TPU powder designed specifically for SLS 3D printers. With the lowest hardness within its material range (indicated by Shore A hardness), it offers unprecedented versatility.
Additive manufacturing is typically used to produce rigid objects. Using different technologies, selective laser sintering (SLS) primarily employs fine, high-quality finished products made from PA powder (polyamide). But for 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, everyone will see Sinterit using the new Flexa Soft material for the first time; this TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) type material has a premium 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; Flexa Soft can provide a nearly perfect solution when soft materials are needed.
．For Experimental Surgery
In recent years, with the increasing development of medical imaging, 3D printing has also attracted the attention of medical research, academics, and related industries. For some surgeons, using 3D printed models to simulate the process before surgery has become a common practice: selecting appropriate surgical tools, planning pathways, and even conducting surgical trials. In the past, when simulating organs with rigid 3D printing materials, it was difficult to actually cut them with a scalpel, but using Flexa Soft will break through this limitation.
From the perspective of medical staff, this material perfectly mimics the hardness of some tissues. Products made from this powder not only have an excellent tactile feel, but their unique elasticity allows them to simulate being compressed and shaped, and still retain their original appearance after release.
．A New Direction for Fashion
For the fashion industry, it's a game-changer. We previously shared how fashion designers used another Sinterit soft material, Flexa Black, to create decorative accessories for swimwear (further reading: Becoming Miss South Africa with 3D Printed Fashion).
The possibilities are now 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 more so than Flexa Black
．Visible data, softness Shore A 40-55
．Simulates parts of human organs for surgical experiments
．New fashion choice, fits snugly when worn
．Other general prototypes, rubber gaskets or elastic 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," says Konrad Glowacki, co-founder of Sinterit. "We are happy to receive this user feedback because we know there are more possibilities for SLS rapid prototyping," he added.
Flexa Soft offers better elasticity and is also an excellent choice for general prototypes, manufacturing gaskets, or sensory toys. Everyone is eager to discover more applications for Flexa Soft and try out this brand new 3D printing ultra-soft material on Lisa or Lisa Pro.
3DMart will also send representatives to participate in the Formnext 2018 event, and everyone is invited to stay tuned and look forward to the trial print release of the latest Flexa Soft powder! The latest news will be announced on our Facebook page!
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Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/the-softest-tpu-used-in-small-sls-3d-printers/