Carbon Inc.

EPU 46

Energy-returning, customizable colors, tunable material stiffness
Epu 46 Sporty Shoe Hero.jpg

Customizable Colors with Tunable Material Stiffness

EPU 46 is a high-performance elastomer material that offers incredible customization in both color and material stiffness to expand Carbon’s market-leading elastomer portfolio. Durable enough for high-performance, demanding applications, EPU 46 is Carbon’s premier energy return resin. One hundred percent stiffer than EPU 41, EPU 46 enables lighter parts through lower-density lattices, which unlocks lower part economics and a wider range of printable geometries. This elastomer is 40% bio-based and is designed for solvent-free cleaning and resin reclaim to minimize waste.

In addition to a black base, a color base allows you to customize the color of the final product. Material stiffness can be tuned through different resin ratios to achieve material stiffnesses from Shore 78A to Shore 56A without compromising printability. Carbon has validated formulations for soft and extra soft and includes printer drop-down options for optimization.

EPU 46

Carbon Inc.
  • Durometer (Shore A Hardness)

    78
  • Glass Transition Temperature

    -6 °C 21.2 °F
  • Elongation At Break

    330 %
  • Tear Strength

    44 kN/m 251.24 lbf/in
  • Bayshore Resilience

    36 %

Comparable Thermoplastics

Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (TPU)

Color Options

Available in both black and a color base, EPU 46 allows direct coloration enabling users to create a wide range of opaque and translucent colors, with the help of an easy-to-use Color Mixing Tool, that have the same excellent printability and mechanical properties.

Tunable Material Stiffness

EPU 46 offers customers the ability to tune the material stiffness through different Part B blend ratios, achieving material stiffnesses from Shore 78A to 56A without changing the printability of the material.

Biocompatibility

EPU 46 has passed requirements for biocompatibility according to ISO 10993-5, ISO 10993-10, and ISO 10993-23.

Example Applications

EPU 46 purple midsole

Midsoles

EPU 46 opens up the capabilities for printed midsoles with a wide range of colors and material stiffnesses. It can perform under demanding compression cycles with incredible durability. The material enables a tailored compression profile to match a desired material response with the benefits of lattice design for lateral stability and directional compression. Printed midsoles unlock a wide range of design aesthetic and personalization opportunities.

EPU 46 purple bike saddle

Saddles

EPU 46 enables fine-tuned structures with multi-zonal pressure support to enable precise cushioning with great breathability and durability. With a rainbow of colors available, EPU 46 can brighten any saddle while delivering improved performance for riders.

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Grips

By tuning Part B blend ratios, EPU 46 offers different levels of material stiffness for applications where a softer elastomer is desired like grips or handles. A softer durometer gives grip a tackier feel in hand. Excellent printability enables different curvatures and shapes to have precisely tuned cushioning and the potential for an open lattice to promote airflow.

3D Printed Parts in Production

Radically Better Products Powered by Carbon

The combination of premium soft materials, computational design, and print technology enables brands to design, develop, and manufacture data-driven, high-performance products that offer elite comfort, protection, durability, customization, and breathability to consumers.