Ultrasint TPU01 (MJF) — 3D People UK

Introducing TPU01 MJF! Get flexible, resilient 3D prints with our latest material. Available now!

Material Introduction

Ultrasint™ TPU01 is a flexible and durable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), offering excellent impact resistance, energy return, wear performance, and tear resistance. It’s ideal for parts requiring flexibility, shock absorption, and long-lasting performance.

ALSO KNOWN AS
HP 3D High Reusability TPU, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

LEAD TIME
From 4 working days

FINISHES
As Printed, Black Dye (inc Shot Peen), Vapour Smooth

COLOURS
Natural Grey, Black Dye

PRICING
MJF Material Pricing

 
 

tpu01 Pros

✅ Shock Absorption and Rebound:

Provides excellent impact resistance while efficiently returning to its original shape, making it ideal for applications requiring energy return.

✅ Wear and Tear-Resistant:

Delivers exceptional durability, outperforming many materials in high-friction environments, ensuring longevity in demanding applications.

✅ Flexible and Durable:

Combines flexibility with strength, making it perfect for applications like footwear and automotive components that require both adaptability and resilience.

✅ Smooth Surface Finish:

Minimal layer line visibility, offering a finish comparable to injection moulding.

✅ UV and Weather Resistant:

Performs excellently in outdoor environments, resisting damage from sunlight and harsh weather conditions.

✅ Resistance to Oils, Greases, and Chemicals:

Ideal for industrial applications, offering reliable protection against exposure to harsh substances such as oils, greases, and chemicals.

tpu01 Cons

👎 Higher Material Costs:

The specialised properties of TPU can result in higher part costs compared to standard polymers.

👎 Longer Lead Times:

Requires more production time due to material-specific processes and post-processing steps.

👎 Additional Design Constraints:

Avoid features like holes, tubes, engraved details, and sharp internal corners, as they attract unfused powder.

👎 Limited Colour Availability:

Only available in natural or black, restricting colour variety for design specifications.

Ideal for Functional End-Use Parts

Ultrasint™ TPU01’s flexibility, durability, and wear resistance make it ideal for demanding applications in various industries.

+ Industrial Equipment
+ Healthcare and Medical
+ Automotive, Aerospace and Defence
+ Footwear and Performance Sports
+ Agricultural technology and Robotics

Material Hardness Guide: TPU01 in Context

This chart visually compares TPU01 with familiar materials like silicone straps, tool grips and our MJF PA12. In its solid form, Ultrasint TPU01 has a Shore hardness of 88-90A, but incorporating a lattice structure into the design can soften it significantly. Lattice structures allow for adjusting hardness, though it’s important to remember that hardness doesn’t mean elasticity. TPU01 strikes a balance between resilience and flexibility, but it’s not as elastic as softer rubbers like silicone.

 

MJF TPU01 BEHAVIOUR

Ultrasint™ TPU01 offers flexibility, durability, and resistance to wear, chemicals, and heat, making it ideal for demanding applications.

Abrasion & Tear Resistance

This TPU is highly resistant to abrasion, wear, and tear, ensuring durable performance in parts that experience continuous stress, such as seals, gaskets, and protective components​

Chemical & Environmental Resistance

Ultrasint™ TPU01 offers strong resistance to oils, greases, and chemicals, making it reliable in harsh industrial environments or for outdoor applications exposed to the elements​

Flexibility & Energy Return

Ultrasint™ TPU01 provides excellent flexibility and high energy return, making it ideal for applications requiring dynamic motion and impact absorption, such as footwear cushioning or protective gear

Temperature Stability

The material maintains its properties at temperatures up to 80°C, providing stability and performance in environments with fluctuating temperatures or moderate heat exposure​

Available Surface Finishes for Ultrasint™ TPU01 (MJF):

All Ultrasint™ TPU01 parts start with a natural finish, but additional post-processing options are available to enhance the surface appearance and mechanical properties, depending on your application needs.

FINISH

As Printed

The natural finish offers a smooth, slightly matte surface. The material’s flexibility is maintained, with minimal visible layer lines and a fine texture suitable for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

 

FINISH

Black Dye (Inc. Shot Peen)

Dyeing provides a deep black finish while maintaining the flexibility and durability of the material. The process enhances the overall aesthetic and adds a uniform color throughout the part.

 

FINISH

Vapour Smoothing

Vapour Smoothing enhances both the texture and the performance of TPU01 parts. This process creates a smooth, sealed surface while improving elongation at break and moisture resistance, making it perfect for applications requiring airtight or watertight properties.

 

Ultrasint™ TPU01 (MJF) Technical Data

The technical data provided below is sourced from the material manufacturer, ensuring accurate representation of its mechanical and thermal properties. Download the complete technical data sheet or the MSDS for further details.

 
General Properties Test Method Value
Natural Colour N/A Grey
Particle size ISO 13320 80 µm
Sintered Part Density DIN EN ISO 1183-1 1.1 g/cm3
 
 
 
Mechanical Properties Test Method Value
Tensile Strength, max load, XY DIN 53504 9 MPa
Tensile Strength, max load, Z DIN 53504 7 MPa
Tensile Modulus, XY ISO 527-2 85 MPa
Tensile Modulus, Z ISO 527-2 85 MPa
Elongation at Break, XY DIN 53504 280%
Elongation at Break, Z DIN 53504 150%
Flexural Modulus, XY DIN EN ISO 178 75 MPa
Flexural Modulus, Z DIN EN ISO 178 74 MPa
Charpy Notched Impact Strength, 23°C, XY DIN EN ISO 179-1 No break
Charpy Notched Impact Strength, -10°C, XY DIN EN ISO 179-1 46 kJ/m²
 
 
 
Thermal Properties Test Method Value
Vicat Softening Temperature
@ 10 N (XY)
@ 10 N (Z)		 DIN EN ISO 306
97 °C
98 °C
UL Flammability UL 94 HB
 
 
 
Electrical Properties Test Method Value
Dielectric Strength (XY) ASTM D149 4.38 kV/mm
Dielectric Strength (Z) ASTM D149 5.81 kV/mm
Volume Resistivity (XY) ASTM D257 1.45 × 1011 Ω·cm
Volume Resistivity (Z) ASTM D257 6.79 × 1010 Ω·cm
Specific Surface Resistivity (XY) IEC 62631-3-2 5.5 × 1011 Ω
 
 

Tolerance & accuracy

The table below outlines the permissible variation in dimensional accuracy for parts printed using Ultrasint™ TPU01 (MJF) technology. With its flexibility and durability, TPU01 parts offer consistent performance even in challenging applications. For further details, refer to our in-depth guide on tolerance and accuracy.

 
3D Printing Technology 95% of printed parts Guaranteed Tolerance* Guaranteed Lower Limit Layer Height
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) ± 0.25% ± 0.3% ± 0.25 mm 100 microns

*We use a percentage to calculate the tolerance for a given dimension. For example, an MJF 3D print with a measurement of 100 mm has a permissible range of 99.7 mm to 100.3 mm

 
 

TPU01 (MJF) Design Guide

The Ultrasint™ TPU01 (MJF) design guide offers essential recommendations to ensure parts are optimised for 3D printing. Following these guidelines closely will help achieve the best possible performance and fully utilise the material’s properties.

 

Pricing for TPU01 (MJF)

MJF Material Pricing

Ultrasint™ TPU01 is priced using the 'MJF Material Pricing' method. The 3D file’s surface is offset by 3.0 mm, and the new file's volume is used to calculate the material cost of the part. For more details, including tips on how to reduce costs, visit the pricing page.

 

MJF TPU01 CARE GUIDE

Follow this guide to help keep your Ultrasint™ TPU01 (MJF) 3D prints in optimal condition.

Blocked Powder

Due to the nature of TPU powder, it can be more challenging to fully remove from the surface and internal features of parts. Powder may easily become trapped in holes or sharp internal corners, such as engraved text. To minimise this, avoid designs with very small openings and fillet acute edges where possible. For areas where powder becomes stuck, using a pin or brush may assist in clearing these spaces.

Excess Powder

TPU01’s surface can retain more excess powder compared to other materials. The automated blasting process removes powder, but for any remaining residue, a thorough cleaning using a brush may be required to clear residual powder from textured surfaces.

Cleaning Parts

Like any material, TPU01 parts may collect dirt over time. For cleaning, simply use warm water and soap. For enhanced resistance to dirt, consider options like Vapour Smoothing or Black Dye, which also provide a smoother surface and improved aesthetic.

 

PA12 Nylon (MJF) FAQ:

+ How elastic is Ultrasint TPU01 compared to other materials like PA12 Nylon?

TPU01 is more elastic than rigid thermoplastics like PA12 (Nylon) and is commonly used in applications requiring flexibility, such as wearable straps or flexible connectors. Its elastic properties make it ideal for parts that need to bend or compress without breaking, but for extreme stretch applications, TPU01 may not perform as well as softer elastomers.

+ Are Multi Jet Fusion TPU01 prints flexible and durable?

Yes, Ultrasint™ TPU01 prints are both flexible and highly durable, offering excellent elasticity and wear resistance. This makes them ideal for applications that require parts to absorb impact and maintain flexibility over time, such as footwear, automotive components, and protective gear.

+ How thick or thin can TPU01 parts be while maintaining flexibility and strength?

The thickness of TPU01 parts can vary depending on the specific application, but typically, walls as thin as 1 mm can be printed while still maintaining flexibility. For structural strength and more rigid components, thicknesses of 2–3 mm or more are generally recommended. Thinner sections will naturally be more flexible, but at very thin dimensions, parts may lose some durability, particularly if subjected to continuous mechanical stress. For load-bearing applications or where consistent performance is needed, increasing the thickness to around 3-5 mm can help strike a balance between flexibility and strength.

Designers should consider the mechanical requirements of their specific use case and experiment with wall thicknesses based on how the part will be used, as thicker sections offer greater structural integrity but reduce elasticity.

+ Can MJF TPU01 parts be used in outdoor applications?

Yes, TPU01 parts are UV and weather resistant, making them suitable for outdoor applications. These parts maintain their mechanical properties even after exposure to sunlight and environmental factors, ensuring long-term performance in outdoor settings.

+ Can MJF TPU01 parts be post-processed?

Certainly. MJF TPU01 parts can undergo various post-processing methods, such as vapour smoothing and dyeing, which enhance their surface quality and performance. Vapour smoothing, for example, increases elongation at break and provides a sealed surface ideal for airtight or watertight applications.

+ Is TPU01 resistant to chemicals and oils?

Yes, TPU01 offers excellent resistance to oils, greases, and various chemicals. This makes it well-suited for use in industrial environments where exposure to such substances is common, ensuring long-lasting performance.

+ What industries commonly use MJF TPU01?

Ultrasint™ TPU01 is versatile and used across various industries, including:

  • Footwear and Performance Sports: for midsoles, cushioning parts, and protective gear

  • Automotive: for seals, gaskets, and flexible components

  • Healthcare and Medical: for wearable medical devices and orthopaedic models

  • Industrial Equipment: for protective gear and impact-resistant parts

  • Aerospace and Defence: for lightweight, flexible components

  • Agricultural Technology and Robotics: for flexible, impact-resistant parts used in complex machinery

+ Is MJF TPU01 watertight and airtight?

Yes, TPU01 can produce watertight and airtight parts with the right design. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use wall thicknesses greater than 4 mm to ensure adequate material density.

Additionally, post-processing methods like vapor smoothing can further enhance these properties by sealing the surface, reducing porosity, and improving impermeability. This makes TPU01 an excellent choice for applications requiring secure, watertight, or airtight components, such as fluid containers, seals, and protective housings.

+ Does TPU01 degrade over time in sunlight?

TPU01 is UV resistant and maintains its mechanical properties even with prolonged exposure to sunlight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications or products that will be exposed to sun and weather conditions.