Whitepaper · Ultrasint TPU01

Ultrasint TPU01 enhancement with PostPro vapor smoothing

PostPro vapor smoothing improves the surface of thermoplastic 3D-printed parts, adding airtightness and protection against bacteria. This whitepaper tests it on BASF Ultrasint TPU01, printed on HP’s 5200 series Multi Jet Fusion printers.

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Cover of the whitepaper “Ultrasint TPU01 enhancement with PostPro vapor smoothing”
With
BASF Forward AM
Material
Ultrasint TPU01
Printing
HP Multi Jet Fusion (5200 series)
Tested on
PostPro3D
Published
  • 13.42 → 1.18 µmsurface roughness, as printed → smoothed

2022 Published Nov 2022. These tests ran on PostPro3D, the earlier generation of AMT’s automated vapor smoothing systems; today’s systems are the PostPro SF range.

The process

AMT’s PostPro3D machine addresses the rough, powdery and porous surfaces of as-printed parts by rearranging the top layer of surface material into a smooth, sealed finish. Rapid, precise control over chamber conditions sets the finish, which makes the process repeatable and scalable for high-volume production.

The material

Ultrasint TPU01 is a thermoplastic polyurethane powder for parts that need shock absorption, energy return or flexibility, used in sports equipment, footwear and automotive components.

Results

Surface roughness fell from 13.42 µm to 1.18 µm after smoothing. Microscopy showed the un-sintered material and surface porosity removed, leaving a uniform, smooth surface. Dimensional change was minimal, so part geometry and tolerances hold.

Mechanical testing confirmed that vapor smoothing keeps the essential properties of Ultrasint TPU01 and improves hardness, elongation at break and tear resistance. The reflowed, recrystallized surface removes potential crack-initiation sites.

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Test your parts

Send us a part. See it smoothed.

We vapor smooth your own parts and send them back with the results. No cost to evaluate · Parts returned · Typical turnaround 2–3 weeks

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