INFINAM® TPC elastomer copolyester powders for industrial 3D printing
INFINAM® TPC elastomer copolyester powders for industrial 3D printing

INFINAM® TPC

TPC elastomer copolyester powders for industrial 3D printing

Explore Evonik's INFINAM® TPC elastomer copolyester powders for industrial 3D printing of tough and flexible parts using powder bed fusion technologies.

What are TPC Elastomers?

TPC stands for ThermoPlastic Copolyesters are composed of a combination of polyester and polyether blocks, which give them their unique properties. They exhibit excellent flexibility, durability, and resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and UV radiation. TPC copolyesters are also resistant to water, making them ideal for outdoor applications. One of the most notable features of TPC copolyesters is their ability to be processed through various manufacturing technologies such as, injection molding, extrusion, or 3D printing.

TPC elastomers are a class of thermoplastic polymers that exhibit both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties. They are highly elastic and flexible, yet can also be molded and formed like a traditional plastic. This makes them an ideal material for 3D applications, where flexibility and strength are key requirements.

Elastomer copolyester powders in black and white

Evonik's INFINAM® TPC elastomers are highly elastic and flexible, yet exhibit excellent recovery. The powder 3D printing materials are available in white or black depending on the application, and are suitable for use in common powder-based 3D printing technologies, such as selective laser sintering (SLS). At processing temperatures, the flow characteristics of the new powder formulations are also impressive, allowing manufacturers to make efficient use of the full installation height of the powder bed during the 3D printing process.

Compared to other flexible materials available on the market for SLS, this ready-to-use elastomer copolyesters from Evonik remain tough and flexible after printing, with no sacrifice in surface quality.

3D parts are typically produced in white and then dyed depending on the application. In addition to white, Evonik’s new 3D printing materials are now available as a black powder as well so that parts can be printed directly in that color.

This high-performance material can be used in selective laser sintering (SLS), high speed sintering (HSS) as well as multi jet fusion (MJF) technologies and is expected to enable additive manufacturing of three-dimensional plastic parts for demanding applications.

Product name

Description

3D Technology

Download

INFINAM® TPC 8008 P

White elastomer copolyester

Powder Bed Fusion
(SLS, HSS, MJF)

Key material properties of INFINAM® TPC thermoplastic elastomers

Evonik's INFINAM® TPC elastomers have been specifically formulated for use in powder bed fusion technologies such as SLS. This means that they have been optimized for printing accuracy, surface finish, and overall part quality. Additionally, they offer the following benefits:

  • High elasticity: Evonik's TPC elastomers exhibit high elasticity and can be stretched up to several times their original length without breaking.
  • Chemical resistance: These TPC elastomers are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for use in a variety of industrial applications.
  • Excellent surface finish: Parts printed with Evonik's TPC elastomers have a smooth surface finish, making them ideal for applications where aesthetics are important.
  • Easy to process: These TPC elastomers are easy to process and can be printed at relatively low temperatures, reducing the risk of warping and other printing defects.
  • Wide range of applications: Evonik's TPC elastomers are suitable for use in a wide range of applications, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer goods.

Overall, Evonik's INFINAM® TPC elastomers are an excellent choice for anyone looking to print high-quality, flexible parts using powder bed fusion 3D printing technologies like SLS. With their unique combination of strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance, these TPC elastomers are sure to meet the needs of even the most demanding 3D printing applications.

PRODUCT RANGE FOR ELASTOMERIC 3D PRINTING MATERIALS.

Evonik’s range of elastomeric 3D printing materials includes two types of powders for powder bed fusion 3D printing technologies:


INFINAM® FL, a rubber-like photopolymer resin for photo-curing 3D printing completes the current portfolio of elastomeric materials for industrial 3D printing.

Patented technology to manufacture Evonik's TPC elastomer powders 

INFINAM® TPC elastomer copolyester powders are manufactured in the group's patented structured polymers technology which starts with a polymer (pellet) and ends with a fine powder.  The various process steps make it possible to produce polymer powders with controlled particle sizes ranging in diameter between 0.1 and 400 µm.  The technology provides the ability to turn virtually any semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer into a specialized 3D printing powder material perfectly suitable  common powder-based additive manufacturing such as selective laser sintering (SLS), high-speed sintering (HSS), or multi-jet fusion (MJF).Additionally, excellent material properties are achieved after 3D printing.

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