Insights materials

What is a thermoplastic elastomer material?

An elastomer is a type of polymer that can be stretched repeatedly without breaking. It’s also known as rubber-like because it was originally made from natural latex. Windform RL is a durable thermoplastic elastomer material with superior mechanical characteristics that make it particularly suited for Additive Manufacturing applications requiring complex geometries, and where flexible quality is a key requisite.

What is an elastomer thermoplastic material?

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Energica Ego soft seat realized in thermoplastic elastomer material
Energica Ego soft seat realized in thermoplastic elastomer material

Why use it

There are several reasons why additive manufacturing with thermoplastic elastomer material is an attractive option.

First, it allows manufacturers to realize complex shapes that would otherwise require multiple pieces. Second, it reduces waste by eliminating the need to cut out individual pieces. Third, it makes it possible to print objects that are too large to fit into a standard injection mold. Fourth, it allows the production of custom parts that wouldn’t be feasible using traditional methods.
Finally, it allows them to produce parts that are more durable than those produced using other processes.

Windform RL make your next 3D printed product better than ever

If you’re looking to make your next 3D printed object better than ever, here’s how to do it.

In Selective laser sintering with Windform (WSLS) a thin powder layer of the elastomer material is melted layer after layer in local areas. During this process, the melting point of the material is not exceeded. 

After completion, the “cake excess powder” will be removed and not re-used for other products in order to ensure the part is in full compliance to the mechanical performances of Windform RL material.

Moto3 front air inlet functional prototype printed with the thermoplastic elastomer material Windform RL
Moto3 front air inlet functional prototype printed with the thermoplastic elastomer material Windform RL

Due to its specific mechanical fingerprints, Windform RL elastomer material has become indispensable in many applications from tailor made sports footwear to automotive and electronics for parts such as belts, hoses, gaskets, seals, etc.

Compared to other  rubber-like polymers, Windform RL distinguishes it for higher mechanical strength, elongation at break, and impact resilience associated with incredibly high melting point, to name just a few. Such properties result in the accomplishment of significant challenges for the additive manufacturing processes which could not be imagined till recently.

Outstanding properties of our thermoplastic elastomer material

Elongation at break
Melting point (ISO 11357)
Density
Particle size
397,1%
190°C
0,45 g/cm³
100% < 160 microns

Its superior durability and stability accommodate chemicals and heat resistance and combine superior tear resistance with burst strength. 

Windform® RL brings forward decisive advantages, such as freedom in the designs, resistance to repeated bending and deformation disclosing the possibility of manufacturing tehrmoplastic components by additive processes in  industries including automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, healthcare, and others.