A leading sub-contract additive manufacturing (AM) bureau, London-based
3D People Ltd recently added Ultrasint TPU01 (thermoplastic polyurethane) to its materials portfolio, not only expanding its capabilities but also confirming that ‘process control is the cornerstone of achieving consistent, high-quality parts in AM’.
Felix Manley, the co-founder of 3D People, said: “The introduction of this AM-specific TPU material has been a game-changer for us. We have seen an unprecedented level of interest from both new and existing customers alike, but what stood out in every conversation was the emphasis on quality. It became clear that no matter how innovative the material, its success hinges on repeatable process control.
“AM offers unparalleled design freedom, but this comes with its own challenges. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where processes are well-established and highly predictable, AM relies on an intricate balance of variables; and without strict process control, achieving consistent quality becomes almost impossible.”
Sasha Bruml, also a co-founder of 3D People, added: “Every layer matters in AM. From material preparation to machine settings, post-processing, and environmental factors, each step needs to be meticulously controlled. The introduction of TPU brought this requirement into sharp focus for us, as it is a material that demands precision to ensure dimensional accuracy, flexibility, and surface finish. Indeed, customers told us that while cost and lead time are important, they are secondary to quality.
“TPU is known for its properties, which include elasticity, durability, and resistance to abrasion. However, these benefits also make it one of the more-challenging materials to work with in AM. Achieving consistent results requires precise control over factors such as temperature, print speed, and cooling rates — hence our advanced monitoring and calibration protocols across our production line.”