Material properties TPU
There is growing scientific evidence about 3D printing custom-made soles. FootPrint3D keeps a close eye on the evidence and is happy to share the latest insights and knowledge. This first article is about the material properties of TPU.
An interesting article was published early this month on the flexural fatigue performance of different types of TPU. This means that TPU-printed insoles have been exposed to flexing in the front surface for extended periods of time in both a testing device and in everyday life.
After 700,000 rounds of testing, none of the 3D printed soles showed damage to the internal structure (infill failure) or to the visible outer surface. The only sole that did show damage to the internal structure was one that was first worn and then not used for a year.
For more background information, you can access the open-sourced article at the following link:
