How the rubber part design process is benefitting from 3D printing

摘要

3D printing is increasingly used for rubber-like part prototyping. Unfortunately, due to process and material considerations, we're still not able to 3D print actual rubber parts. However, recent advances in rubber-like polymeric materials, such as Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE'S), have provided new opportunities in this innovative area. These materials are now increasingly used to realistically emulate elasto-meric characteristics including features such as Shore A hardness values. Engineers from the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, Industrial and a variety of other industries are realising the benefits of 3D printing to prototype their ideas and turn them into successful rubber parts. These benefits include: 1. Finding and fixing problems earlier in the design process. 2. Carrying out visual evaluation, fit, function and refinement.