TissueDB/Materials/TPE 90A

TPE 90A is a thermoplastic elastomer filament with a Shore A hardness rating of 90 (durometer 90A). Thermoplastic elastomers combine the processability of thermoplastic polymers with the elasticity of rubber, and are supplied as spoolable filaments compatible with fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printers. A Shore 90A grade is semi-rigid — firmer than soft TPE grades (typically 70A–85A) and softer than rigid engineering plastics — so it flexes repeatedly without cracking. Specific brand, filament diameter, and print temperature ranges are not standardised across suppliers and must be confirmed at procurement against the printer in use. It can be used in medical simulation to print flexible parts that must bend during handling.

Tissues

Tissue	Visual	Tactile	Simulator	Notes
Joints (scapular and clavicular flexible joints)	Partial	Partial	Brannan Chest Tube Simulator	Per Brannan 2021: "flexible joints were made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) 90A as well as PVA." Printed on Airwolf Axiom Dual Direct Drive. Enables scapular and clavicular motion so trainees can simulate patient-positioning manoeuvres. Joint dimensions, print temperature, and brand of TPE filament not specified in source.^[1]

Used In Simulators

Simulator	Purpose	Notes
Brannan Chest Tube Simulator	Flexible joints (scapular, clavicular)	Printed with PVA support on Airwolf Axiom Dual Direct Drive. Not a consumable — reusable across learners.

References

↑ Brannan V, Dunne CL, Dubrowski A, Parsons MH (2021). "Development of a novel 3D-printed multifunctional thorax model simulator for the simulation-based training of tube thoracostomy." CJEM 23:547–550. DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00102-1. PMID: 33783760.

At a Glance

Overview

Synonyms

Background

Clinical Context for Simulation

Processing & Preparation

Safety Considerations

Related Materials

Page data
SDG
Authors	Arturopelayo
License	CC-BY-SA-4.0
Language	English (en)
Related	0 subpages, 2 pages link here
Views	3 page views (analytics)
Created	April 18, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Last edit	May 29, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Cite as	Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/TPE 90A". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
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Page data
Keywords	TPE, thermoplastic elastomer, TPE 90A, Shore 90A, flexible filament, 3D printing filament, FDM, surgical simulation, TissueDB
SDG
Authors	Arturopelayo
License	CC-BY-SA-4.0
Language	English (en)
Related	0 subpages, 2 pages link here
Views	3 page views (analytics)
Created	April 18, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Last edit	May 29, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Cite as	Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/TPE 90A". Appropedia. Retrieved June 4, 2026.
API queries	basic, semantic, html, files, more

[brannan2021-1] Brannan V, Dunne CL, Dubrowski A, Parsons MH (2021). "Development of a novel 3D-printed multifunctional thorax model simulator for the simulation-based training of tube thoracostomy." CJEM 23:547–550. DOI: 10.1007/s43678-021-00102-1. PMID: 33783760.

[1]