The Summary of eSUN flexible 3D printing materials

In recent years, the demand for elastomer 3D printing (flexible 3D printing) has grown rapidly. Report Oceans, an American research organization, predicts that the elastomer market will reach $1.4 billion (nearly 10 billion yuan) within eight years. The annual growth rate from 2022 to 2030 is 22.5%. Healthcare and the automotive industry, are expected to be the two key market growth drivers

In the development process of elastomer 3D printing, 3D printing materials with excellent performance provide stable support for the in-depth expansion of its application.

So, let’s take a look at the flexible 3D printing materials that eSUN has launched over the years.

1.eTPE-83A

Broadly speaking, TPE refers to the general term for all thermoplastic elastomers. Both TPE and TPU materials are similar in appearance, performance and use. They both have a certain degree of softness and rubber elasticity. Both materials can be used in shoe materials, smart speakers, smartwatches, and mobile phone protective covers.

eLastic (TPE-83A) is a flexible TPE material with a hardness of 83A launched by eSUN. It is sturdy and durable, the printed model is skin-friendly, delicate and soft, and has low surface friction. It can be used in shoe materials, machinery, automobiles, electronic appliances, conveying pipelines, sporting goods, etc.

2.eTPU-87A

eFlex (TPU-87A) is a transparent flexible TPU filament with a hardness of 87A. It is not only strong and durable, flexible and soft but also has a certain degree of transparency in the printed product, which is also one of the features that distinguish it from eTPE-83A. Compared to eTPE-83A, the model printed with eTPU-87A will be stiffer. The material can be used to print shoe materials, machinery, automobiles, electronic appliances, transportation pipes, sports goods, etc.

The 3D printing service is provided by eSUN, and the research paper “Fully 3D Printed Modular Pipe Clipping Robot” related to the pneumatic robot printed with the eSUN flexible material TPU-87A was published in IEEE Robotics and Automa-tion Letters.

3.eTPU-95A

As a flexible 3D printing material, eTPU-95A is very popular among users. It has excellent elasticity and is not easily deformed. It also has good flexibility, high tear resistance, wear resistance and cut resistance; Also it has excellent hardness and good resilience, which is suitable for insoles and other applications; Due to its ultra-high fluidity, this material can also meet the needs of high-speed printing. eTPU-95A can quickly produce large, complex, and precise elastomer parts prototypes, which can be used in shoe materials, machinery, automobiles, electronic appliances, transportation pipelines, sporting goods, medical prosthetics and other fields. In order to meet the ever-changing market demands, eSUN has made product upgrades in terms of appearance and functionality on the basis of this material.

4.LCD flexible resin

LCD flexible resin has a hardness of about 85-90A, high elasticity and high toughness, and is a flexible resin with comprehensive mechanical properties reaching rubber level. It has high elongation at break, soft and elastic molded parts. It can withstand bending, good elasticity, tear resistance, stretchability, bending and compression, fast rebound, and certain wear resistance. The release success rate is relatively high, easy to print, and can be applied to machinery, automobiles, electronic appliances, conveying pipes, sporting goods and other fields.

Based on the excellent properties of elastomers, it is determined that they can be used in products that withstand severe shock or vibration, such as automotive tires, industrial moldings, industrial transmission belts, prosthetics, consumer products, medical equipment, etc. Flexible 3D printing has the advantages of being lightweight, customizability, excellent durability, etc., and it is also less limited in design. It is believed that with the advancement of material technology, the application of flexible 3D printing will become more and more extensive in the future.