A comparative analysis of the compression characteristics of a thermoplastic polyurethane 3D printed in four infill patterns for comfort applications

Purpose Most support surfaces in comfort applications and sporting equipment are made from pressure-relieving foam such as viscoelastic polyurethane. However, for some users, is not the best material it acts a thermal insulator may offer adequate postural support. The additive manufacturing of alleviate these issues, but design investigation needed to optimize printing parameters use pressure relief applications. This study aims assess ability an manufactured flexible polymer perform similarly Design/methodology/approach Three-dimensional (3D) printed samples thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) tested uniaxial compression with four different infill patterns varying percentage. behaviours compared used various Findings Results indicate that TPU experiences increase strength increasing suggest pattern impacts compressive response 3D material, two-dimensional inducing elasto-plastic buckling cell walls depending on Such be beneficial property Based results, authors low-density infill, 5% gyroid. Originality/value Several common characterised this work, suggesting importance choices when end-use products manufacturing.