Choose TPU Rubber-Like (TPU 1301) for flexible, rubber-like parts: seals, dampers, grip zones, protective sleeves, gear rubbers or grippers for robot arms. Shore A 86, 250% elongation, wear-resistant (DIN <=50 mm³), chemically resistant. For parts that flex repeatedly without cracking, or that need grip without scratching.
What makes TPU 1301 unique
TPU 1301 is a thermoplastic polyurethane. Combines rubber elasticity with the repeatability of 3D printing.
Where traditional rubber parts require a mould (expensive setup, long lead time), TPU 1301 prints straight from your STEP. Parts can stretch up to 250% before break. Wear-resistant, chemically resistant against most industrial fluids, biocompatible (ISO 10993-5) for medical applications.
Typical applications
Seals and O-rings for prototype or small batch (where a cast rubber mould does not pay off). Robotic grippers and suction cup variants. Protective caps around moving machine parts: TPU deforms on impact instead of breaking.
Vibration dampers, machine and equipment feet. Sport and medical orthopaedic parts. Aftermarket rubber-look parts for cars and appliances no longer available. For rubber-substitute prototypes you often use TPU as a bridge before going to cast rubber.
What is different when designing TPU
TPU is flexible. That asks for different design thinking than rigid nylons.
Minimum wall 1.5 mm (thinner can tear during de-powdering). Avoid sharp internal corners that cause stress concentrations (radii >=1 mm). For stretchable sections: model the rest length and test in a prototype before you order a series.
Our engineers gladly think along on specific sealing or grip geometries. For parts harder than Shore A 86: consider PA11 (still tough, but more rigid).