A polyurethane material that exhibit both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties, combining the benefits of both types of material. They are made from hard and soft segments of molecules.
In additive manufacturing, TPU is a popular material type because, as a thermoplastic, it can be melted and then solidified but as an elastomer, it can be used to build parts with rubber-like properties. TPE material can be used in material extrusion and powder bed fusion systems.
TPU is generally more rigid than the other thermoplastic elastomer used in additive manufacturing, TPE. It has a narrower range of hardness than TPE. TPU is also denser and has a smoother finish than TPE.
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