FORECAST 3D and Lubrizol have signed an agreement to industrialize 3D printing applications through thermoplastic powder. The announcement follows the commercial release of Lubrizol’s thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A, a TPU that is certified for HP’s Jet Fusion 4200 series 3D printing solution.

As a reminder, FORECAST 3D specializes in plastic additive manufacturing. The company has recently been acquired by GKN Powder Metallurgy, a powder metal and parts producer and had previously installed two HP Jet Fusion 5210 Pro 3D Printers to enhance its offering.

Lubrizol on its side, had an exciting 2019. The material producer shared its expertise with several 3D printer manufacturers including Farsoon and Ultimaker. As far as the TPU material is concerned, the company first unveiled this product at TCT Asia two years ago.

This partnership with FORECAST 3D is the second that the material producer signed with a company that focus on the development and use of TPU powders. According to the expert, not only the material features processing and cold unpacking properties, but it also integrates excellent elongation and tensile strength.

The Lubrizol’s ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A powder is easy to unpack at room temperature (comparable to PA), while maintaining the aforementioned key material properties.

Furthermore, since it enables high volume production, it is the ideal candidate for prototyping and scale-up manufacturing applications in footwear, automotive, industrial and electronics industries.

“Breakthrough innovation and strategic industry partnerships are critical to accelerate the transformation of digital manufacturing,“ said Fabio Annunziata, head of strategic alliances and partnerships, 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing, HP Inc. “By continuing to deliver new materials for HP’s industrial Jet Fusion printers, FORECAST 3D and Lubrizol are enabling customers to manufacture advanced 3D-printed applications and production parts across industries.“

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