TPU Chemical Compatibility / Resistance for 3D Printed Parts
The following chart lays out all the testing that was done to prove out TPU’s Chemical Compatibility. This testing was specifically for Lubrizol’s ESTANE® 3D TPU M95A rubber that was printed using an HP MJF 4200 machine.
| Chemicals | UTS Rating | Vol Swell Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM OIL #1 | 1 | 1 |
| ASTM OIL #3 | 1 | 1 |
| 3% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE | 2 | 1 |
| GASOLINE | 2 | 2 |
| DIESEL | 2 | 2 |
| FULE C | 3 | 3 |
| E85 | 4 | 3 |
| ETOH | 4 | 3 |
| ACETONE | 4 | 4 |
| TOLUENE | 4 | 4 |
| Brakleen Brake Cleaner Fluid | 4 | N/A |
| Hand Sanitizer | 4 | 3 |
| Heat Transfer Fluid | 2 | 1 |
| Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) | 3 | 2 |
| Rating | % Change in UTS | % change in vol |
|---|---|---|
| 1 = Little or no effect | <5% | <10% |
| 2 = Minor | 5-15% | 10-25% |
| 3 = Moderate | 15-30% | 25%-35% |
| 4 = Severe / Not Recommended | 30% | 35% |
In order to test each of these Chemicals Compatibility with 3D printed TPU rubber a sample was fully submerged in each chemical for 4 weeks and then removed and evaluated for absorption and tensile strength.
We have received the question of if MEK can be used to clean M95A TPU parts. Yes, it can be used as a cleaning solvent as long as the TPU part is not submerged or soaked in it for a long duration (it will cause the part to swell and degrade). But, if a rag is soaked in MEK that can be used to wipe done the TPU part without issue.
If you would like more general information on this TPU rubber material, check out our page on TPU Rubber for the HP Multi Jet Fusion printer.
Click here to go to the 3D Printing Machines & Materials page