TissueDB/Materials/Thermoplastic Elastomers

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a class of filament that combines the melt-processability of a thermoplastic with the elasticity of rubber, supplied as spoolable filament for fused-deposition-modelling (FDM) 3D printers. Grades are distinguished by Shore hardness: a Shore A 90 grade (marketed as TPE 90A) is semi-rigid — firmer than soft grades (typically Shore A 70–85) and softer than rigid engineering plastics — so a printed part flexes repeatedly without cracking. In medical simulation this lets a printed model include flexible joints or bendable regions within an otherwise rigid print. Brand, filament diameter and print-temperature range are not standardised across suppliers and must be confirmed at procurement against the printer in use.

Tissues

Tissue	Visual	Tactile	Simulator	Notes
Flexible rib joints (rib–sternum and rib–spine)	Partial	Partial	Brannan Chest Tube Simulator	Source verbatim (Brannan 2021): "flexible joints were made of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) 90A as well as PVA." The rib–sternum and rib–spine junctions are printed in TPE 90A (Shore A 90) with soluble PVA support on an Airwolf Axiom Dual Direct Drive, giving the rib cage flexion so trainees can position the model. Reusable, not a consumable. Joint dimensions, print temperature and TPE filament brand are not specified in source.^[1]

Used In Simulators

Simulator	Purpose	Notes
Brannan Chest Tube Simulator	Flexible rib joints (rib–sternum, rib–spine)	Printed in TPE 90A with PVA support on an Airwolf Axiom Dual Direct Drive; reusable across learners (Brannan et al. 2021).^[1]

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Brannan V, Dunne CL, Dubrowski A, Parsons MH. Development of a novel 3D-printed multifunctional thorax model simulator for the simulation-based training of tube thoracostomy. CJEM 2021;23:547–550. DOI 10.1007/s43678-021-00102-1. PMID 33783760.

At a Glance

Overview

Thermoplastic elastomers print on standard FDM (fused-deposition-modelling) 3D printers from spooled filament, softening when heated and setting on cooling while retaining rubber-like flexibility. They are specified by Shore-hardness grade; the TPE 90A grade used in medical-simulation prints is Shore A 90 — semi-rigid, holding shape while flexing repeatedly without cracking. Because brand, filament diameter and recommended print temperature vary between suppliers, confirm them at procurement against the target printer. Soluble PVA is commonly co-printed as support and dissolved away after printing.

Synonyms

Common and trade names: TPE 90A, thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, TPE filament, Shore 90A elastomer, flexible FDM filament. Grade (e.g. 90A) is recorded in the notes, not the class title.

Background

Clinical Context for Simulation

Processing & Preparation

Safety Considerations

Related Materials

Page data
Keywords	thermoplastic elastomer, TPE, TPE 90A, Shore 90A, flexible filament, FDM, 3D printing, flexible joints, surgical simulation
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Created	July 3, 2026 by Arturo Pelayo
Last edit	July 3, 2026 by StandardWikitext bot
Cite as	Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Materials/Thermoplastic Elastomers". Appropedia. Retrieved July 3, 2026.
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[brannan2021-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Brannan V, Dunne CL, Dubrowski A, Parsons MH. Development of a novel 3D-printed multifunctional thorax model simulator for the simulation-based training of tube thoracostomy. CJEM 2021;23:547–550. DOI 10.1007/s43678-021-00102-1. PMID 33783760.

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