Comfy TPU

Development of electrically heatable TPU-based components from continuously producible sheets

Thermal comfort is a crucial aspect considered in various fields such as transportation, medical and orthopaedic technology, construction, and winter sports. The development of innovative material solutions that maximize both resource efficiency and functionality is of paramount importance. The increasing demand for customization and small batch sizes also necessitates highly flexible, cost-effective, and reliable manufacturing technologies.

The goal of ComfyTPU is to develop an individually heat able moulded part made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which can be manufactured through automated, highly flexible thermoforming processes using sheet-like, electrically conductive TPU nanocomposites. These composites exhibit a high degree of homogeneity and corresponding heating performance. Through the development of specific material models, a thermoforming process is designed that enables the automated application of electrodes and ensures efficient shaping of the TPU semi-finished products. The ComfyTPU approach offers a range of technical and technological advantages, particularly for SMEs. These include the reduction of mass and construction volume through the use of functionally integrated materials, as well as increased process efficiency and safety through automated manufacturing processes.

Insole: black surface of a sole. — Orthopaedic shoe insole as project demonstrator.

Period

01.01.2022–31.03.2024

Project partners

Funding

Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK): Programm „Collective Research Networking (CORNET) / Industrial Collective Research (IGF) international"
Funding code: 327 EBR