company news about Flexible Conductive TPU Filament Advances 3D Printing

Imagine a world where your 3D-printed creations are no longer rigid plastic models but flexible, stretchable, and even skin-conforming wearable devices. This vision is becoming a reality thanks to a groundbreaking conductive flexible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) filament developed by graphene 3D labs.

This revolutionary material, created by the pioneers of graphene conductive filaments, combines two highly sought-after properties in 3D printing: extreme flexibility and exceptional conductivity. It enables nearly any FDM/FFF 3D printer to produce flexible electronic components, fundamentally changing our understanding of 3D printing capabilities.

The filament boasts a volume resistivity below 1.25 Ω-cm, slightly higher than graphene conductive filament (0.6 Ω-cm), offering both excellent conductivity and remarkable flexibility. While resistivity varies depending on specific print conditions, this material significantly expands the potential applications of additive manufacturing, bridging the gap between research and commercial implementation.

The primary applications for conductive flexible TPU filament include:

This represents one of the material's most promising applications, enabling the creation of conductive circuits for various flexible electronics:

• Human-machine interfaces: Developing more comfortable and natural computer interaction methods like flexible keyboards and touchpads.
• Arduino and electronic components: Combining with other electronics to create innovative interactive devices.
• LED power sources: Designing lightweight, bendable LED strips for creative lighting applications.
• Digital keyboards and touchpads: Producing wearable, flexible input devices for enhanced usability.
• Pressure-sensitive buttons: Developing new pressure sensors for gaming and medical applications.
• Wearable electronics: Integrating electronic components into clothing and accessories for health monitoring and fitness tracking.
• Medical devices: Creating comfortable flexible electrodes for ECG/EKG applications.
• Neural surface electrodes: Enabling more precise brain signal acquisition for neuroscience research.

Important note: When using this filament for electronic applications, careful consideration of circuit resistance is essential. The material is suitable for low-current applications, with resistance values affected by print geometry and layer thickness.

The filament's conductivity and flexibility make it ideal for EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RF (radio frequency interference) shielding applications across multiple industries:

• Telecommunications: Protecting equipment from interference to ensure stable signal transmission.
• Medical devices: Shielding against electromagnetic radiation in healthcare settings.
• Enclosures and packaging: Safeguarding sensitive electronic components.
• Aerospace and automotive: Protecting critical electronic systems from interference.
• Shock-absorbing padding: Creating protective materials for electronic equipment.
• Drive belts and flexible connectors: Manufacturing conductive flexible components for industrial applications.

EMI/RF shielding is crucial in environments like hospitals, laboratories, and aerospace facilities, where it prevents competing signals that could compromise equipment accuracy. The conductive flexible TPU filament is particularly suited for designing highly customized RF/EMI shielding components.

• Matte black finish: Printed parts feature a distinctive matte black appearance for premium aesthetics.
• Shore 90A hardness: Offers an optimal balance between flexibility and durability.
• UV resistance: Enhanced stability for outdoor applications.

Each 100g spool comes vacuum-sealed with desiccant. Once opened, store in a clean, dry environment to maintain performance.

Due to the material's slightly abrasive nature, hardened steel or ruby nozzles are recommended. Key printing parameters include:

• Nozzle temperature: 210°C
• Bed temperature: 20-50°C
• Print speed: 40mm/s
• Cooling fan: Recommended

This filament is designed for low-voltage applications (not exceeding 12V) and currents below 100mA. Proper handling includes:

• Wearing gloves to prevent contamination
• Cleaning the nozzle before printing
• Proper storage in dry conditions
• Removing filament from the extruder when not in use

Following these guidelines will ensure optimal print quality and prevent nozzle clogging. If clogs occur, carefully clean the nozzle at 200°C using appropriate methods.