BigRep develops new flexible filament

BigRep has released a new TPU-based filament, Pro Flex, which is a flexible material with engineering-grade properties for a various of applications.

Big Rep sells a number of filaments for its BigRep One 3D printer.

This material is designed to work with the BigRep One and its standard 1 mm extruder. It combines high temperature resistance with low temperature impact resistance. It also has good damping behavior and dynamic properties, enabling companies to explore a broader range of manufacturing opportunities. Pro Flex scores Shore 98 A on the Shore Hardness scale.

In developing this material, BigRep analyzed how elastomers behave in its machines’ extruders and achieved the end result by adapting its material evaluation procedure accordingly. However, BigRep has developed a guidance document to use this material and says that customers should be experienced in handling extrusion of flexible materials, as they can be more challenging than most.

Moshe Aknin, BigRep’s Chief Technology Officer, commented: “Printing elastomers is clearly one of the biggest challenges in the FFF AM industry, so we are proud to have found an industrial-grade solution. In terms of applications with Pro Flex, we see high potential for 3D printing in fields like footwear, custom vibration dampers, and seals, due to its high chemical resistance.”

Other likely applications include the automotive industry, for example, for prototyping things like gear knobs, door handles and cable sheathing. Equally, it could be used for prototyping sporting items like skateboard wheels, sporting shoe shells, ski tips and ends.

You can order the Pro Flex filament from BigRep’s online shop.

 


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