Post-processing TPU?
I'm currently doing some research into printing flexible things & so far I've struggled to find any info on how people post-process TPU.
I've seen people heat it up to 'anneal' it slightly by melting it in an oven or with a blowtorch.
Is there anything comparable to vapor smoothing that can help improve the finish (or possibly mechanical properties) of TPU prints?
Best Answer by NotJannet:
No one has come back to me on this here, but after some research I discovered two companies that do post processing for TPU (and a lot of other 3d printing materials / printing techniques):
- AMT Technologies - PostPro
- Dye Mansion - Powerfuse S
Both seem to use proprietary mixes of chemicals in a controlled vapor smoothing process. The machines used for this are highly expensive, only worth even thinking about if you're a larger 3D printing company that's looking to have a high throughput of parts that need post processing, but there are a number of companies around the world that have these machines available as a service where you send your parts to them.
The only other option I've seen is by people who heat their TPU prints with an oven or blowtorch. Not something I want to try as I need my parts to remain somewhat dimensionally stable.
RE: Post-processing TPU?
No one has come back to me on this here, but after some research I discovered two companies that do post processing for TPU (and a lot of other 3d printing materials / printing techniques):
- AMT Technologies - PostPro
- Dye Mansion - Powerfuse S
Both seem to use proprietary mixes of chemicals in a controlled vapor smoothing process. The machines used for this are highly expensive, only worth even thinking about if you're a larger 3D printing company that's looking to have a high throughput of parts that need post processing, but there are a number of companies around the world that have these machines available as a service where you send your parts to them.
The only other option I've seen is by people who heat their TPU prints with an oven or blowtorch. Not something I want to try as I need my parts to remain somewhat dimensionally stable.