Thermoplastic polyurethane for three‐dimensional printing applications: A review

Abstract

Additive manufacturing is an emerging technology with the advantage of less wastage, fast prototyping with customized designing suitable for a wide range of applications. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing is one of the types of additive manufacturing and various polymers are explored for 3D printing applications. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a versatile material that has gained increasing attention in 3D printing applications due to its unique combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. This review paper provides an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art in TPU‐based 3D printing, including its characteristics, processing techniques, and mainly its applications. Extensive studies are done in TPU with fused deposition modeling (FDM), multi‐jet fusion (MJF), and selective laser sintering (SLS). The elasticity and flexibility, layer adhesion, tensile strength, and support structure are the parameters that decide the suitability of FDM, SLS, and MJF for TPU 3D printing. The infill density, modification of processing parameters, use of sacrificial materials, addition of perforations or channels, varying the particle size, using a mixture of powders, and so forth. leads to develop the porous structure in the final product. In addition, we have studied blends of TPU with other polymers like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA), as well as fiber‐reinforced TPU composites for 3D printing applications.

Polymers in 3D Printing of External Maxillofacial Prostheses and Their Retention Systems

“…Prosthesis based on PUs can be obtained using SLS printing techniques, since PU materials have very unique and adaptable qualities: well-flowing powders, low melt viscosities, and little shrinkage during the hardening process. PU materials after printing possess many relevant properties, such as flexibility, durability, and is available as a medical grade polymer [63].…”

An experimental and numerical study on an innovative metastructure for 3D printed thermoplastic polyurethane with auxetic performance

“…It is flexible, durable, and resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for applications that require high-performance materials. 7 Moreover, TPU is also resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals, making it ideal for use in the automotive industry. Another advantage of using TPU is that it can be easily recycled.…”

“…TPU is a perfect material for producing flexible polymeric parts because of its unique properties. It is flexible, durable, and resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for applications that require high‐performance materials 7 . Moreover, TPU is also resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals, making it ideal for use in the automotive industry.…”

Characterization and Flame-Retardant Properties of Cobalt-Coordinated Cyclic Phosphonitrile in Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

“…Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), also referred to as polyurethane rubber, is classified under the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) category [1][2][3]. Its notable characteristics include elasticity, wear resistance, chemical stability, and plasticity, which have led to its extensive utilization in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and marine [4][5][6]. However, TPU is an extremely flammable material, The molten droplets generated during the combustion process not only spread the fire but also release a significant amount of toxic and harmful gases, such as CO, HCN, NOx, etc.…”