Report Overview
The Flexible Filament 3D Printing Material market was valued at US$43.009 million in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 31.26% over the forecast period to reach a total market size of US$288.729 million by 2026.
A flexible filament is made from Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), which are a mixture of hard plastics and rubber. The material can flex and stretch easily owing to its elastic nature. TPE comes in various types, with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) being the most popular. The filaments PETG and PLA cannot be used to print things such as RC airplane wheels and flexible phone cases. In the meantime, flexible filaments are the ideal choice as filaments for this application. Another option to expand your 3D printer's capabilities is to use flexible filaments. These filaments provide flexibility and great adhesion between layers, along with sometimes also elasticity, unlike most common materials (such as PLA or PET-G). It is possible to print flexible objects with extreme resistance to mechanical wear and tear. It is common to use flexible filaments for automotive components, household appliances, or medical devices. Due to their soft and elastic nature, filaments are capable of withstanding high loads. Several market leaders seized the opportunity and started using flexible filaments to grow their businesses. A prime example is Nike. For the production of the Flyprint upper, Nike used a Solid Deposition Modelling (SDM) procedure. This is similar to fused deposition modeling and is built by using flexible TPU filament.
This material is well suited for adding value to various industries, including footwear, where it can be used to create elastic soles, or the automotive industry, where tires and shock absorbers can be made. Using TPU filament makes it easy to make functional prototypes, concept models, and custom components. Mobile phone covers are often made from this type of material, as it protects the device from shocks and fractures. To keep up with the market, companies conduct continuous research and development. Recreus, a manufacturer of 3D printing materials in Spain, has launched a new flexible TPU filament that is 100% recyclable in February 2021.
