Smooth TPU expands Markforged's material portfolio and enables manufacturers to print production-quality flexible parts at the point of need
WATERTOWN, Mass. September 12, 2022 —- Markforged (NYSE: MKFG), maker of the integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, today announced the addition of Smooth TPU 95A to its growing material portfolio. The new, rubber-like material offers manufacturers an efficient way to easily and reliably produce high-quality, flexible parts on demand in small to medium quantities.
With the introduction of Smooth TPU 95A Markforged now offers manufacturers the ability to produce custom, flexible parts with high geometric accuracy. This is critical for producing fine details, such as the ribs on high-precision drive belts or cutouts for complex bushings. Manufacturers now have a better way to additively manufacture flexible parts for design validation, production-line tooling, specialty production, and aftermarket replacement parts. Smooth TPU 95A is used in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, electronics, energy, industrial equipment, and many more.
“After the launch of Precise PLA Earlier this year, Markforged further expanded the capabilities of The Digital Forge with the introduction of Smooth TPU 95A, offering the ability to reliably and easily print high-quality, flexible parts with impressive surface finishes," said Shai Terem, President and CEO of Markforged. "The launch of our new material is another step forward in our commitment to innovation that delivers on the Markforged brand promise: extreme precision and high quality on an easy-to-use platform."
Flexible materials are difficult to print and frequently cause jams and clogging, meaning few, if any, 3D printing systems can produce viable end-use parts with the consistency and mechanical properties required for production. Markforged's platform, the Digital Forge, is designed to overcome these challenges for manufacturers who have historically struggled to produce flexible parts by synchronizing hardware, software, and materials to deliver a consistent and reliable TPU printing experience.
Request a DEMO component now!
See for yourself the strength and surface quality of the components.
The Central Virginia VA Health Care System Assistive Technology Team is implementing Smooth TPU 95A in its practice to find new ways to improve the lives of military heroes.
"We have long relied on Markforged technology in our clinics. Thanks to the reliability of the printers and the user-friendly Eiger interface, we can collaborate with medical professionals and veterans to quickly iterate through design iterations and deliver a high-quality solution that truly helps our patients," said Brian Burkhardt, Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer. "With Smooth TPU 95A, we are able to produce parts from a material that better suits our patients and their needs, allowing us to do things we couldn't do before. Whether we're working on a prosthetic or a stylus holder, the flexibility of this new material gives us more options to provide our patients with an elegant solution and make their lives easier."
The Stylus Holder, designed as a wrist strap with a slot to help veterans with limited manual dexterity securely hold a writing instrument, stylus, or similar device, is a design that leverages the benefits of Smooth TPU 95A. Before using the material on Markforged printers, the team struggled to print high-quality models with other technologies because the models didn't meet their quality standards. Being able to print with Smooth TPU 95A allowed the team to move the project forward quickly and efficiently, validate the design, and then move into custom production, where they could tailor a unique design for each individual to create a striking final product.
Smooth TPU 95A will be available starting September 12th and is compatible with the Mark Two (Gen 2) and Onyx Pro (Gen 2) printers. The new material is also expected to be available for the X7 (Gen 2) printers equipped with the latest A3648 extruder in the fourth quarter of this year.
Learn more about 3D printing with continuous fibers!
Which continuous filament is suitable for which application? How do I design correctly for filament 3D printing? What do users say about it, and where can I find more information? – You've come to the right place! We've listed several information sources that will help you get the answers you need.
Leave A Comment