Kimya’s family of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is expanding! We would like to introduce to you our new filament, TPC-91A, derived from the copolymerization of two types of monomers. Here is a look back at the main characteristics and uses of TPC-91A Kimya.
Our TPC-91A is part of the same family of polymers as our TPU-92A: TPEs or ThermoPlastic Elastomers. These materials combine the elastic properties of elastomers with the reversible properties of thermoplastics. These TPEs are either a blend or a copolymerization of two monomers.
TPC-91A is a block copolymer
Our filament is made up of a block ester which is the rigid part of the material and a flexible part which is a block ether. This polymer is found mainly in sports shoes, especially ski boots, waterproof sheeting for roofing, low-melt adhesives and some medical equipment. It can also be used to make ties for plastic bags or even stops for doors and door handles.
The thermoplastic elastomers are well-known for their hardness, measured on the Shore hardness scales (Shore 00, Shore A and Shore D) which evaluate the rigidity of a material. TPC-91A has a hardness of 91 Shore A for 100% filling of the printed part.
What are the properties of TPC 91A?
TPC-91A has many interesting features for industry in general. These include the following:
- Easy to print : Flexible filaments often generate problems with power supply and drive during printing. TPC-91A is more printer-friendly than other flexible filaments.
- Excellent elasticity: TPC-91A can be stretched up to 500% of its initial size before breaking.
- Good impact resistance: TPC-91A resists shocks without breaking.
- Good chemical resistance
- Excellent flexibility: TPC-91A can withstand bending and tearing.
TPC-91A can be used for industrial applications in sectors such as electronics, as well as for 3D printing for decoration and leisure.
Below is a comparative table highlighting the main differences between Kimya flexible filaments TPU-92A and TPC-91A:
| TPU-92A | TPC-91A | |
| Nozzle temperature (°C) | 210 – 250 | 230 – 270 |
| Print surface temperature (°C) | 20 – 90 | 60 – 85 |
| Print speed (mm/s) | 20 – 70 | 20 – 60 |
| Easy to print | + | ++ |
| Elongation at tensile breakage (%) | > 350 | > 500 |
| Chemical resistance, heat resistance, abrasion resistance | ++ | + |
Which 3D printing parameters should be considered?
| TPC-91A | |
| Extrusion temperature | 230-270° C |
| Plate temperature | 60-85°C |
| Print speed | 20-60 mm/s |
Print settings are specific to each 3D printer; we recommend that you carry out a few tests to find the most suitable. Please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team if you need any help in making the right choice!
