Introduction

Thermoplastic Co-Polyester is a material that is flexible and rubber-like, but durable and sturdy. It is a great option for projects that require bendable and flexible parts without compromising on quality or durability. With many applications in a variety of industries, TPC may be the perfect option for your project. Read on for more information.

Characteristics of TPC Material

Flexibility and Elasticity: TPC is inherently flexible and bendable. It has a rubber-like feel, and is also durable and stretchable. One major advantage of TPC is it’s ability to stand up to harsh environments like cold or hot temperatures. This characteristic makes it an excellent option for projects in the automotive or aerospace sectors. Some examples of parts that work well with TPC material are air hoses, tubing, and seals for different purposes. The elastic nature of TPC also makes it a perfect option for wearable medical devices like braces or splints.

Chemical Resistance: Another specification of TPC material is its chemically resistant properties. It is highly resistant to a number of chemicals and is suitable for industrial use. Some examples of industries that may benefit from a chemically-resistant material could be industrial factories, automotive production, and consumer goods.

Durability and Toughness: TPC is an extremely durable material. It withstands hot and cold temperatures equally well and can hold up to a number of abrasive chemical substances. Additionally, TPC is water resistant, making it a perfect option for outdoor projects. TPC is also resistant to UV light, which means that it will not warp in the sunlight.Some examples of parts that are made with TPC are shoe soles, tubing, and robotic arm parts.

Customizability: TPC parts result in a default raw finish that is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. It is printed in a raw white color, but you can order your parts dyed to a range of other colors when uploading to our quote page. To order INFINAM TPC, load your files to out quote page, select the SLS material option, and click on the dropdown menu to select INFINAM TPC. You can then choose your color, if desired.

Common Applications of TPC Material

Automotive Industry: As stated before, TPC material has many applications in the automotive industry. Whether you are looking for a chemically resistant part, or you need a material that withstands harsh environments, TPC has you covered. It can be a great option for projects like bumpers, interior applications, or under-the-hood counterparts. Another application of TPC in the automotive sector is TPC-made robotic arms and suctions. Thanks to the flexible nature of TPC, it can be used in many automotive robotic systems that require a gentle process.

Consumer Goods: Consumer good are another common application for the TPC material. Some examples of goods that can be made with TPC are shoe soles, gauge seals, and cell phone mounts for car vents. TPC processes allow for custom parts to be produced easily and simply, with quick results.

Medical Devices: Because TPC ia flexible and stretchable material, it can be used for medical devices that need to have a custom fit. For example, a close-fitting brace or support structure must have an exact fit with some give to allow it to be worn comfortably. TPC can also be applied to other areas of the medical field, like mass-produced instruments and equipment. When using TPC in the medical field, professionals gain a large advantage because of the ease of producing with TPC.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of TPC Material: TPC comes with many of the advantages that any type of 3D printing brings you like fast turn-around times, extensive customizability, flexible order quantities, and simple ordering processes. In addition, TPC brings you several other advantages. It allows you to create custom flexible parts without waiting on long time delays of injection molding and other traditional production methods. TPC also provides a part that is chemically, water, and UV light resistant. In addition, every 3D material that you can print with is cost-effective and sustainable for the environment.

Potential Challenges: Like designing for any 3D printing material, you may encounter some issues for TPC projects. To ensure the success of your printing project, be sure to follow our suggested design guidelines or contact our design partner to help you out!

Drawbacks of TPC Material: There are some drawbacks of TPC material. First, it can only be used to create flexible parts that need to be bendable. Secondly, TPC also comes at a slightly higher price than some other material options.

Market Trends and Industry Insights

Current market trends for TPC material indicate that it will become an increasingly popular material, especially within the automotive sector. We can also expect to see new developments and technologies arise in relation to 3D printing technologies aimed at making the processes more available for more people. With the benefits that come with TPC and 3D printing in general, we can expect to see the processes being used in a growing number of industries, from aerospace to the medical field.

Conclusion

Thermoplastic Co-Polyester is a 3D printing material that is flexible, durable, and can withstand harsh environments. Consider it as an option for your next 3D printing project when you are looking for a flexible resulting piece. Also, explore our site for more 3D printing options, tips, and resources!