Sculpteo, a leading US firm in online 3D printing, has developed a new flexible plastic material developed exclusively for 3D printing, delivering a level of flexibility never before seen in the laser sintering 3D printing process.

The special material is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that makes it possible to create functional objects with a Shore hardness level of 65A, and therefore to reproduce complex mechanical properties. The Shore hardness scale is used to measure the hardness/softness of elastomers.

It is now possible to 3D print a functional and truly soft object. Created using laser sintering technology, flexible plastic components combine freedom of design with a Shore hardness level of 65A, which is well below the market standard for 3D printing. This new material has many revolutionary applications in the fields of health, mobility, and textiles, according to a press release.

From the shoes on our feet to the tires on our cars, the new TPU material offered by Sculpteo makes it possible to recreate the key properties of highly technical products at the development stage, even to the point of allowing leading brands to consider the production of custom components like shoe soles or small-diameter wheels for use on the most demanding terrain.

Sculpteo co-founder Clément Moreau said, “This new type of material puts 3D printing at the same level as traditional production methods by - finally - making it possible to create soft, flexible objects that are truly functional rather than simply prototypes. We are enthusiastic about the first applications conceived by our clients using this completely new material. From medical applications to the world of textiles, we are committed to working alongside the industry leaders of today and tomorrow.” (GK)