Know Your Materials: Elastomer (TPU 92A)

Thermoplastic Polyurethane 92A (TPU 92A) is a type of elastomer material – a polymer with elastic properties. The main differentiator between elastomers and rigid, or semi-rigid, polymers is resilience; TPU can stretch or compress significantly and not lose its shape. This material is renowned for high elongation, superior toughness and extreme durability. 

TPUs are highly processable which makes them ideal for Additive Manufacturing. TPU 92A brings these benefits to FDM 3D printing and offers the capability to quickly produce large and complex elastomer parts. Typical applications include flexible hoses, tubes, air ducts, seals, protective covers and vibration dampeners.

FDM TPU 92A

Printing Technology: FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Technology uses production-grade thermoplastics to create parts that are designed to be accurate, easily replicated, and stable over time. The FDM process allows for 3D printing with the most commonly used thermoplastics, such as ABS, polycarbonate, a variety of blends, as well as engineered thermoplastics for aerospace, medical, automotive, electronic and other specialty applications.

When printing on an FDM machine you tend to get stronger parts since you are working with thermal plastics. If you plan on testing your parts in a strenuous process, FDM may be the better choice. These materials specialize in high tensile strength and resistance to high temperatures.

>> Learn more about FDM printers that can use this material 

Benefits of using TPU 92A:

• Quick turnaround: Get elastomer parts in hand in hours versus days
• Large build size: Produce the size you need- larger prototype capabilities
• Complex design: Create complex geometries not possible with other additive manufacturing options
• Reliability: Highly functional elastomer material that reliably produces complex and accurate prototypes
• Cost effectiveness: Build all prototypes (elastomer and other thermoplastics) on a single system with fast, easy material changeovers
• Ease of usability: User-friendly software with quick learning curve – No dedicated operator needed

Learn more about TPU Material

This article is just an introduction to this material. For additional details and specifics about all that it can do, take a look at some of our related content

• Download the FDM Systems and materials overview
• Click here to download the TPU 92A Datasheet

Want to learn more about which Stratasys 3D printing material is right for your application? Download our 3D Printer Material Guide below.