[3D Printing News] Sinterit's "Soft" Power is Tangible: 5 Key Features of the New Powder Flexa Soft

[3D Printing News] Sinterit's "Soft" Power is Tangible: 5 Key Features of the New Powder Flexa Soft

At Formnext 2018, Sinterit will showcase Flexa Soft, the softest TPU powder designed specifically for SLS 3D printers . It boasts the lowest hardness (indicated by Shore A hardness) within its material range, offering unprecedented versatility.
Additive manufacturing is typically used to produce rigid objects. Laser powder sintering ( SLS ), through various techniques, primarily uses PA powder (polyamide) to create fine, high-quality finished products. But given that such a soft material is available, can 3D printing experts be convinced that it can also be used in SLS 3D printers ?



At this year’s Formnext exhibition, you will see Sinterit using its new Flexa Soft material for the first time; this TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material has the excellent softness of Shore A 40-55.
The new material Flexa Soft has a wide range of applications, from fashion to medicine; when you need a soft material, Flexa Soft can provide near-perfect support.



Used for experimental surgery

Over the past few years, with the rapid advancement of medical imaging, 3D printing has also garnered attention from medical researchers, academics, and related industries. For some surgeons, simulating the procedure using 3D printed models before surgery has become routine: selecting appropriate surgical tools, planning surgical paths, and even conducting surgical trials. Previously, when simulating organs using rigid 3D printed materials, it was difficult to actually cut them with a scalpel, but Flexa Soft overcomes this limitation.



From the perspective of medical professionals, this material completely mimics the hardness of certain tissues. Finished products made from this powder not only have an excellent tactile feel, but their unique elasticity allows them to simulate the state and shape of being squeezed, and they retain their original appearance after being released.

A New Direction in Fashion

For the fashion industry, it's a game-changer. We previously shared that fashion designers used another Sinterit fabric— Flexa Black —to create decorative accessories for swimwear (further reading: 3D Printing Fashion Adds a Touch of Splendor to Miss South Africa ).
The possibilities are now much wider because Flexa Soft can fit the wearer's body more closely, with almost no curvature limitations; Sinterit will be introducing more materials during Formnext 2018.



Developing new materials

In summary, the ultra-soft powder Flexa Soft will have 5 main features:

Super-elastic powder material, even more so than Flexa Black.
The data speaks for itself: Shore A softness rating 40-55.
• Simulates parts of human organs for surgical experiments. • A fashionable new option, fits snugly when worn. • Other general prototypes, rubber gaskets, or elastic applications.

“Our users are very enthusiastic about trying new powders and constantly asking us to develop new materials, which expands the manufacturing possibilities of the Sinterit Lisa printer,” said Konrad Glowacki, co-founder of Sinterit . “We welcome this feedback because we know there are many more possibilities for the use of SLS rapid prototyping,” he added.



With its improved flexibility, Flexa Soft is an excellent choice for general prototyping, making washers, or sensory toys. To explore more applications of Flexa Soft, people are eager to try this new ultra-soft 3D printing material on Lisa or Lisa Pro .
Santima will also be sending representatives to Formnext 2018. Stay tuned for the test print of the latest Flexa Soft powder! All the latest news will be posted on our fan page !

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Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/the-softest-tpu-used-in-small-sls-3d-printers/