Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer for Low Shrinkage 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, exhibit high shrinkage and instability, leading to deformation and printing failures, particularly in FDM processes, limiting their application in flexible areas like chains, cords, and joints.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer composition comprising 22-55 wt% diisocyanate, 2-16 wt% chain extender, and 30-70 wt% polyester polyol, with specific molecular weights and ratios, is developed to reduce shrinkage and enhance heat resistance, suitable for 3D printing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is used for 3D printing, then flexible application areas can be achieved, but the material exhibits large shrinkage and unstable size causing deformation and printing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of TPU by selecting specific diisocyanates (aromatic or alicyclic) and polyester polyols with controlled molecular weights (600-5000 g/mol), and optimizing their molar ratios to achieve low shrinkage (≤0.2%) while maintaining flexibility and elastomeric properties suitable for 3D printing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining rigid diisocyanate segments with flexible polyester polyol chains, where the specific composition (22-55 wt% diisocyanate, 30-70 wt% polyester polyol, 2-16 wt% chain extender) provides both dimensional stability during printing and elastomeric flexibility in the final product
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TPU composition is used, then elastomer properties can be obtained, but heat resistance is insufficient for stable 3D printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the thermal decomposition temperature to ≥300°C by selecting aromatic or alicyclic diisocyanates and specific polyester polyols with appropriate molecular weights and structures, enabling the material to maintain elastomeric properties while withstanding higher printing temperatures without degradation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves a low shrinkage of 0.2% or less and a thermal decomposition temperature of 300°C or more, enabling stable and flexible 3D printing with no significant deformation or base tilt, expanding the scope of 3D printing applications.
Implementation Method 1
TPU is formed by linear polyols, organic diisocyanates, and short chain diols/diamines (also referred to as chain growth agents or chain extenders)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU), and a preparation method, use and product thereof. The thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer comprises the following components with respect to the total weight of TPU: 22-55 wt % of an aromatic diisocyanate and/or alicyclic diisocyanate; 2-16 wt % of a chain extender; and 30-70 wt % of a polyester polyol. The invention can reduce a TPU injection molding shrinkage to 0.2% or less, and can increase the thermal decomposition temperature to up to 300° C., and can obtain elastomeric materials of different hardnesses, thus having a broad prospect of application in 3D printing methods.