Hewlett-Packard and Evonik announced the development of a thermoplastic elastomer material that can be processed on the former's Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology.
The two companies are cooperating through HP's materials program and believe that the newly released materials will achieve breakthrough applications in the automotive and sports equipment industries. As a co-branded material, it will be sold exclusively through HP.
It is reported that the material is a flexible high-performance specialty powder based on thermoplastic amide (TPA) grade, which is very suitable for the production and prototype design of parts that require high ductility and energy feedback. It has a low density of 1.01g/cm3 and a Shore A hardness of 91. It also meets all the processability standards required for industrial-grade parts developed using HP Multi Jet Fusion.
As one of HP's manufacturing partners, GoProto obtained the right to use the material early and successfully manufactured air ducts, bellows, footwear, sports equipment, wearable devices and wiring harness/connector components. GoProto commented that the material's high abrasion resistance, energy feedback, long life and lightweight capabilities have left a deep impression in every application.
"As we expand the field of additive manufacturing and accelerate the development of the industry, open cooperation with materials leaders like Evonik is still so important," commented Tim Weber, HP 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing Global Head of Materials. "We are very I am delighted to continue to provide customers with another compelling material based on the long-term cooperation with Evonik, and look forward to seeing innovative new applications developed using the flexible and lightweight properties of TPA."
"Developing new ready-to-use special materials according to customer needs is the driving force of Evonik. The company is a leading manufacturer of innovative high-performance powders, filaments and liquid resins for all important 3D printing technologies." Innovative 3D printing technology market department is responsible Sylvia Monsheimer added, "The new TPA is a perfect example of the successful cooperation between Evonik and HP-that is, to cooperate in 3D printing materials and technology, closely combined to develop perfect printing materials, so as to finally achieve smooth Faulty printing process.