TangoBlackPlus FLX980
Grade · default condition
also FLX980
FLX980 = neat TangoBlackPlus, softest black rubber-like grade
Pick when the softest, most stretchable opaque black PolyJet elastomer feel is required (grips, gaskets, boots).
Values for the FLX980 condition
Other TangoBlackPlus grades and fills
TangoBlackPlus is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at TangoBlackPlus.
Compare all 8 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FLX980DefaultThis page Neat TangoBlackPlus, softest black rubber-like grade | Pick when the softest, most stretchable opaque black PolyJet elastomer feel is required (grips, gaskets, boots). | — | 1 | 195 | 27 Shore A |
Glossy print mode | Use for cosmetic soft-touch surfaces where a smooth, slightly tacky black gloss finish is wanted. | — | 1 | 200 | 28 Shore A |
Digital material blend, Shore A 40 | Blend of FLX980 with rigid Vero resin when a slightly firmer, dimensionally steadier soft part is needed. | — | 2 | 120 | 8 Shore D |
Digital material blend, Shore A 50 | Mid-soft blend for seals and over-mould simulations that must hold shape under light load. | — | 2 | 90 | 11 Shore D |
Digital material blend, Shore A 60 | Typical TPE-substitute hardness for buttons, bumpers and grip inserts. | — | 3 | 65 | 15 Shore D |
Digital material blend, Shore A 70 | Firm rubber feel with better tear resistance; good for hinges and thin living-flex features. | — | 4 | 50 | 21 Shore D |
Digital material blend, Shore A 85 | Hard elastomer blend for shoe soles, wheels and stiff sealing lips. | — | 6 | 40 | 32 Shore D |
Digital material blend, Shore A 95 | Hardest rubber-like blend, close to rigid plastic; choose for semi-flexible housings and clips. | — | 9 | 30 | 45 Shore D |
What is TangoBlackPlus FLX980?
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 is TangoBlackPlus in the FLX980 grade — pick when the softest, most stretchable opaque black PolyJet elastomer feel is required (grips, gaskets, boots). TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has a tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.16 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 195% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.18×10⁻⁴ Msi). TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has a density of 1.13 g/cm³ (0.0406 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 0°C (32 °F).
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 195%, better than 75% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades
- Low stiffness — 0 GPa (2.18×10⁻⁴ Msi), worse than 96% of polymer grades
- Hard to polish — 20/100, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 50°C (122 °F), worse than 94% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 55/100, worse than 94% of polymer grades
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 properties
Typical room-temperature values for TangoBlackPlus FLX980; 15 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are TangoBlackPlus reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical2
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has a density of 1.13 g/cm³ (0.0406 lb/in³), lighter than 63% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 0°C (32 °F).
Mechanical7
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has a tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.16 ksi), weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 195% and the elastic modulus is 0 GPa (2.18×10⁻⁴ Msi).
Thermal3
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 is rated for continuous service to 50°C (122 °F). It conducts heat at 0.2 W/m·K (0.116 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 56% of polymer grades.
Electrical1
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has an electrical resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 94% of polymer grades. UV resistance is poor.
Manufacturability4
TangoBlackPlus FLX980's machinability is not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades); weldability not recommended (5/100); formability poor (20/100).
Common Calculations2
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with TangoBlackPlus FLX980
Is TangoBlackPlus easy to machine?
Not machinable in any normal sense — trim flash with a fresh blade or scissors; the soft tacky surface tears and clogs abrasives.
Can TangoBlackPlus be welded?
Cannot be welded; join by adhesive bonding with cyanoacrylate or silicone-compatible flexible adhesive, or print as one piece.
Can TangoBlackPlus be formed, bent or molded?
Jetted and UV-cured layer by layer at 16–32 µm; requires SUP705/SUP706 support in matte mode, keep walls ≥1 mm to avoid tearing during support removal.
What surface finishes work on TangoBlackPlus?
Support removed by waterjet or NaOH bath; do not bead-blast. Surface cannot be polished or painted reliably — gloss/matte is decided at print time, and prolonged UV exposure hardens and yellows the part.
TangoBlackPlus chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| urethane acrylate oligomerflexible backbone giving rubber-like elongation | 30 – 60 | 45 |
| acrylate/methacrylate monomersreactive diluents controlling viscosity and crosslink density | 20 – 40 | 30 |
| acrylic oligomer / crosslinker | 5 – 20 | 12 |
| photoinitiatorUV free-radical initiator package | 0.5 – 3 | 2 |
| carbon black / black pigmentgives the opaque black colour | 0.1 – 2 | 0.5 |
| additives (stabilizers, surfactants) | balance | — |
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 — frequently asked
What is TangoBlackPlus FLX980 used for?
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 is typically used for soft-touch overmolds, rubber gasket prototypes and handle grips. In short: legacy soft rubber simulant; superseded by Agilus30; digital-material hardness blends.
What is the tensile strength of TangoBlackPlus FLX980?
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 has a typical tensile strength of 1 MPa (0.16 ksi) — weaker than 85% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is TangoBlackPlus FLX980 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (10/100, worse than 100% of polymer grades). Not machinable in any normal sense — trim flash with a fresh blade or scissors; the soft tacky surface tears and clogs abrasives.
Can TangoBlackPlus FLX980 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (5/100). Cannot be welded; join by adhesive bonding with cyanoacrylate or silicone-compatible flexible adhesive, or print as one piece.
What surface finishes work on TangoBlackPlus FLX980?
Support removed by waterjet or NaOH bath; do not bead-blast. Surface cannot be polished or painted reliably — gloss/matte is decided at print time, and prolonged UV exposure hardens and yellows the part.
Can TangoBlackPlus FLX980 be formed, bent or molded?
Jetted and UV-cured layer by layer at 16–32 µm; requires SUP705/SUP706 support in matte mode, keep walls ≥1 mm to avoid tearing during support removal.
What is the maximum service temperature of TangoBlackPlus FLX980?
TangoBlackPlus FLX980 is rated for continuous use to about 50°C (122 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- PolyJet Rubber-like (Tango) Materials Data Sheet — TangoPlus/TangoBlackPlus FLX930/FLX980 — Stratasys (2019)
- PolyJet Digital Materials Data Sheet (FLX9840–FLX9895-DM Shore A 40–95) — Stratasys (2019)
- Safety Data Sheet — FLX980 Rubber-like Black — Stratasys (2018)
- Additive Manufacturing Technologies (material jetting photopolymer properties) — Springer / Gibson, Rosen & Stucker (2021)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.