London-based additive manufacturing (AM) bureau 3D People has expanded its materials portfolio with the introduction of Ultrasint TPU01, a thermoplastic polyurethane designed for AM applications.
The move has reinforced the company’s emphasis on process control as a critical factor in ensuring consistent, high-quality production.
Felix Manley, co-founder of 3D People, described the addition of TPU as a significant step forward, generating strong interest from both new and existing customers.
“The introduction of this AM-specific TPU material has been a game-changer for us,” Manley said. “We’ve seen an unprecedented level of interest, but what stood out in every conversation was the emphasis on quality. It became clear that no matter how innovative the material, its success hinges on repeatable process control.”
Unlike traditional manufacturing, where processes are well-established, AM involves multiple variables that must be carefully managed to achieve consistent results.
Sasha Bruml, Co-Founder of 3D People, underscored the importance of precision at every stage of production.
“Every layer matters in AM,” Bruml said. “From material preparation to machine settings, post-processing, and environmental factors, each step needs to be meticulously controlled. The introduction of TPU brought this into sharp focus for us. It’s a material that demands precision to ensure dimensional accuracy, flexibility, and surface finish.”
TPU is known for its elasticity, durability, and resistance to abrasion, but its benefits also present challenges in AM.
Factors such as temperature, print speed, and cooling rates must be carefully calibrated to achieve repeatable quality.
In response, 3D People has implemented advanced monitoring and calibration protocols across its production line. Customer feedback has also played a role in refining processes to align with expectations.
Manley noted that while cost and lead time remain important, customers consistently prioritise quality.
“Customers told us that while cost and lead time are important, they’re secondary to quality,” he said.
“This has reinforced our commitment to process control, ensuring that every TPU part, and indeed every part we produce, meets the highest standards.”
Bruml echoed this sentiment, stating that process control is key to maintaining trust with customers. “Quality isn’t just a buzzword for our clients; it’s non-negotiable,” Bruml said.
“Their feedback has been instrumental in helping us fine-tune our process control measures, ensuring that we’re not just meeting but exceeding their expectations.”
As AM continues to evolve, 3D People stated it sees process control as essential to maintaining leadership in the field.
“For us, it’s not just about keeping up with industry standards, it’s about setting them,” Bruml concluded.
“By prioritising process control and leveraging customer insights, we are committed to delivering high-quality parts that perform reliably, every single time.”
