3D SYSTEMS, INC.
75-D059 REV_A
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PRINTING PARTS WITH DURAFORM® TPU ELASTOMER MATERIAL
DuraForm TPU Elastomer is an engineered production thermoplastic elastomer for use in 3D Systems’ sPro™ 60 SLS system . This
material can produce durable, rubber-like functional and end-use parts that require no additional post-processing . It offers
similar benefits as DuraForm Flex, but operates at a lower temperature. This guide describes how to use your sPro 60 SLS system
to print parts using 3D Systems’ proprietary DuraForm
®
TPU Elastomer material . This chapter describes the printing process and
includes the following topics:
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Safety Notice: Materials
•
How the DuraForm TPU Elastomer Process Works
•
Build Modes for DuraForm TPU Elastomer
•
Preliminary Prints and Part Prints
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Setting Up a Print
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Part Placement and Orientation Guidelines
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Before Every Print
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Restarting a Terminated Print
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Sifting Material
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Recycling Material
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Cleaning Up the SLS System
SAFETY NOTICE: MATERIALS
DuraForm TPU Elastomer has been designed for and tested in 3D Systems’ sPro 60 SLS system .
Caution: Using any material other than those certified by 3D Systems may cause health hazards and may limit
the warranty of the SLS system.
HOW THE DURAFORM TPU ELASTOMER PROCESS WORKS.
The DuraForm TPU Elastomer material process has the following characteristics:
• The material is heated to slightly below its melting point .
NOTE: The temperature setpoints may vary slightly from machine to machine due to differences in material
conditions and sensors.
• The material is processed in an inert atmosphere (5 .5% oxygen maximum) .
• The material’s melt transition allows it to be transformed from a solid to a low-viscosity liquid using a small amount of
laser energy .
• The material requires the use of a textured roller and wipers to ensure powder tumbling across the bed . Contact 3D
Systems customer support for more information on a textured roller .
• Printing with the material consists of 3 stages:
•
Warm-Up Stage
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Print Stage
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Cool-down Stage
WARNING! The operator must use an approved vacuum cleaner to clean up excess material. 3D Systems
recommends an ESD or explosion-proof model. Contact 3D Systems Customer Service for purchasing options.
