Forward AM Launches Ultrafuse Flexible Filament Portfolio

With three new filaments—Ultrafuse TPU 64D, Ultrafuse TPU 95A and Ultrafuse TPS 90A—Forward AM is launching a portfolio of advanced flexible materials for additive manufacturing (AM). These new filaments enable the easy, rapid and cost-efficient production of 3D printed parts via fused filament fabrication (FFF).

With soft, durable haptics, high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, the new filaments are made for a wide range of industrial applications requiring flexibility and impact resistance. 

“Flexible materials surround us in our daily lives, in automotive manufacturing and production tools as well as in household appliances and consumer goods. In developing our Flexible Filament Portfolio we leveraged the decades of experience BASF has gathered in flexible materials such as Elastollan for traditional manufacturing," says Roger Sijlbing, head of Sales and Marketing, Additive Extrusion Solutions at BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH.

The three new filaments in the portfolio were all developed for industrial applications, with each material delivering different specific properties and benefits:

• Ultrafuse TPU 64D is the hardest elastomer in this material range. It offers high rigidity while maintaining flexibility and is suited for industrial applications that demand highly impact-resistant parts, according to Forward AM.
• Ultrafuse TPU 95A was developed to enable rapid, easy printing of a durable, flexible polyurethane-based material. Its abrasion resistance makes it a useful material for wear-and-tear applications.
• Ultrafuse TPS 90A stands out thanks to its soft-touch surface haptics, giving printed parts a non-slip touch and feel—unique in filament printing. With low moisture uptake and convincing layer adhesion, this filament is suited to two component parts and appliance grips.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.