#USA #Massachusetts #Inkbit #TEPU elastomers #Stratasys Direct

Inkbit's TEPU Elastomers Make Waves in Additive Manufacturing

In a significant move for the additive manufacturing industry, Inkbit has announced the availability of its production-grade TEPU™ 30A and 50A elastomers through Stratasys Direct. This collaboration marks an important step forward for engineering teams that are transitioning from prototyping to production, as it provides them with easier access to functional elastomer parts that are high-performing and robust.

A New Era for Additive Manufacturing

With the introduction of TEPU elastomers, Inkbit is addressing a major hurdle in additive manufacturing—the challenge of producing soft and durable parts that retain their dimensional stability while eliminating the need for support structures. The Vision-Controlled Jetting™ (VCJ) technology utilized by Inkbit is pivotal in achieving these objectives, as it enables manufacturers to design and produce intricate internal lattices, airtight seals, and compliant structures with remarkable accuracy and repeatability.

Davide Marini, CEO of Inkbit, emphasized the significance of making TEPU elastomers available through Stratasys Direct, stating, "Access turns technology into impact. This initiative allows engineers to create not just visual prototypes but components ready for actual use."

Inkbit and Stratasys Direct: A Partnership for Excellence

Stratasys Direct is recognized for its industrial manufacturing solutions, particularly for companies in regulated sectors like aerospace and medical. By incorporating Inkbit's VCJ technology into its repertoire, Stratasys Direct can better support applications requiring functional elastomers, enhancing its ability to provide durable and high-performance parts on a large scale. Bud Runquist, General Manager at Stratasys Direct, noted, "As our customers progress from prototypes into production, the demand for functional elastomers is on the rise. This collaboration broadens our portfolio and offers our customers more robust options."

Versatile Applications of TEPU Elastomers

The TEPU 30A and 50A materials are particularly suitable for a variety of applications that include:

• - Soft-touch and compliant interfaces
• - Seals, gaskets, and airtight components
• - Energy-absorbing lattices and foams
• - Cushioning components

By leveraging closed-loop control at the voxel level combined with a meltable wax support system, the VCJ technology ensures a non-porous, fully dense structure, eliminating common issues faced by other manufacturing processes, such as surface marks or trapped powder. This innovative approach provides a clear pathway from CAD designs to functional parts, thereby minimizing the variability encountered in traditional 3D-printed elastomers.

Experience TEPU at RAPID + TCT

For those interested in experiencing this cutting-edge technology, attendees at the RAPID + TCT event are encouraged to visit the Stratasys booth (#1601). Here, they will have the opportunity to see TEPU elastomer parts firsthand and witness the material's performance, surface quality, and functional characteristics.

About Inkbit and Stratasys Direct

Inkbit is on a mission to redefine digital manufacturing through its advanced VCJ technology. By integrating materials science with real-time computer vision, Inkbit is paving the way for the production of intricate elastomer parts with high accuracy and consistency. Meanwhile, Stratasys Direct stands as a leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions, engineering, and post-processing capabilities designed to serve industries that require meticulous production standards.

With this partnership, both companies are well-positioned to advance the landscape of additive manufacturing, empowering engineers and designers to bridge the gap between prototyping and production more efficiently than ever.