CR vs TPE
Polymer · grade comparison
CR and TPE are both polymer grades. CR is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 17 MPa (2.47 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE, about 127% more. In exchange, TPE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 400% for CR, and TPE is harder (20 Shore D vs 15 Shore D). TPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1.42 g/cm³ for CR) and TPE is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa).
CRChoose it when strength drives the design.
TPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
CR 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
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
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: 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.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Weldability
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 5%
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 | CR | TPE |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Shore A 30 to Shore A 90 |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ 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 |
CR vs TPE — frequently asked
Is CR stronger than TPE?
Yes. CR has a typical tensile strength of 17 MPa (2.47 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE — about 127% more.
Which is cheaper, CR or TPE?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, CR or TPE?
CR, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for TPE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CR 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.