USAGE OF FLEXFILL TPU FOR LED CLUB END CAPS PRODUCTION
Another case study discusses the use of flexible materials at Pyroterra, an advanced lighting technology company. Company may be known for its products, which are sold under the “Lighttoys” brand. The company uses 3D printing mainly for the production of plastic end caps from Flexfill TPU material for LED light juggling clubs.
Pyroterra, which has been operating on the market for more than 15 years, has standardly used plastic injection molds for the production of such parts, but in this case such production solution would lead to disproportionate weight. 3D printing with its option of low infill percentage allows the company to save significantly on the amount of the material used. The plastic end cap of the LED juggling club must be as light as possible, but at the same time it must protect the club head against hard impacts. Last but not least, it is an aesthetic part that must match the rest of the product. The upper plastic end cap protects the upper part of the club head against impacts, and in addition it has a USB-C charging connector. It is worth noting that the printed part uses only one layer on the top, bottom and side walls, the “octagram spirall” is used as the infill pattern.
3D printing brings both, time and financial savings. “We have saved on the acquisition costs for injection molds by applying 3D printing. Unit costs savings also work very well for us, “says Mr. Karel Koubek, co-owner of the company.
Mr. Koubek appreciates the Flexfill TPU 92A the most for its easy workability and printing, color stability and high toughness of the final part. “We enjoy the wide selection of filaments in Fillamentum, especially the wide range of flexible filaments from TPU and TPE materials, in various stiffnesses and natural colors. Last but not least, we appreciate that this is a Czech brand, which we are happy to support and use for our products, “concludes Mr. Koubek.
