AEM vs TPE
Polymer · grade comparison
AEM and TPE are both polymer grades. AEM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE, about 73% more. In exchange, TPE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 250% for AEM, and AEM is harder (22 Shore D vs 20 Shore D). TPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1.2 g/cm³ for AEM) and TPE is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, TPE welds better (good vs not recommended) and TPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than AEM (high, $$$$).
AEMChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
TPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
AEM vs TPE: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,900 J/kg·K0.45 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 200 µm/m·K111 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Machinability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Embodied Water
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | AEM | TPE |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Shore A 30 to Shore A 90 |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
AEM vs TPE — frequently asked
Is AEM stronger than TPE?
Yes. AEM has a typical tensile strength of 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE — about 73% more.
Which is cheaper, AEM or TPE?
TPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while AEM is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, AEM or TPE?
TPE. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against not recommended (12/100) for AEM.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AEM and TPE side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.