BASF 3D Printing Solutions launches a new lineup of filaments under the Forward AM brand, which include three options characterized by different composition and hardness — Ultrafuse TPU 95A, Ultrafuse TPU 64D, and Ultrafuse TPS 90A.
As its name suggests, the Ultrafuse TPU 64D is based on thermoplastic polyurethane; it is the hardest of the new elastomers. The combination of high rigidity with excellent flexibility is perfect for industrial applications that require parts to feature high impact resistance.
Similar to the previous material, the Ultrafuse TPU 95A is another polyurethane-based option that, in turn, offers high abrasion resistance while being softer.
The Ultrafuse TPS 90A is based on styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), a sort of synthetic rubber. Extremely soft and non-slip, this material features low hygroscopicity and good interlayer adhesion, which makes it ideal for 3D printing of friction linings.
“Flexible materials surround us in our daily lives, in automotive manufacturing and production tools as well as in household appliances and consumer goods. In developing our Flexible Filament Portfolio we leveraged the decades of experience BASF has gathered in flexible materials such as Elastollan® [thermoplastic polyurethane] for traditional manufacturing. We are now transferring this expertise to AM, to support our customers in realizing next-level industrial 3D printing applications with the very best flexible filaments on the market,” says Roger Sijlbing, Head of Sales and Marketing at BASF 3D Printing Solutions.
The new materials complement the existing Ultrafuse TPU 85A and Ultrafuse TPC 45D elastomers released in 2018.
Flexible filaments are not the only field BASF specializes in. The company has produced a great variety of additive manufacturing materials, including more “traditional” PLA, PETG, and ABS, with their quality proved by multiple certifications from renowned 3D printer manufacturers. For example, Fusion3 certified BASF products for its Fusion3 F410 — one of the 2019 best large 3D printers according to All3DP.
