Three-Dimensional Printing Parameter Assessment of Elastomers for Tendon Graft Applications

TL;DR

This study explores how 3D-printed TPU elastomers can be optimized for tendon grafts by analyzing the effects of printing parameters on their mechanical properties.

Contribution

The study identifies key printing parameters that influence the mechanical performance of 3D-printed TPU for customizable tendon grafts.

Findings

Shore hardness and infill density are the strongest predictors of mechanical properties in 3D-printed TPU.

Infill pattern effects are significant only through interactions with other parameters.

All printed samples underperformed compared to manufacturer-reported TPU strengths and in vitro tendon failure loads.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing has significantly advanced patient-specific medical devices, particularly for hard tissue repair, yet applications in soft tissue remain limited. Existing approaches for 3D-printed soft tissue devices employ mainly biogels and bioinks for regenerative purposes, while synthetic grafts for tendons and ligaments remain non-customizable in shape and mechanics. This study investigates the mechanical performance of 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers as a function of printing parameters, informing customizable connective tissue graft designs. Type C dogbone specimens (n = 180) of three replicates each of parameter combinations from material shore hardness, presence of anchoring within the lattice, infill patterns, and infill density were printed and tested following modified ASTM D412 standards for vulcanized rubber and elastomers. The measured mechanical properties are elastic modulus, tensile yield stress, yield strain, ultimate tensile strength, and ultimate strain. Results show that shore hardness and infill density are the strongest predictors of mechanical properties, with positive but modest effects from anchor presence. Infill pattern is only significant through interactions, and its effects depend on other parameters. While all groups underperformed compared to manufacturer-reported TPU strengths and were well below in vitro tendon failure loads, findings highlight material selection and density optimization as critical early considerations for future patient-specific elastomeric graft design.

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