CSM vs TPE
Polymer · grade comparison
CSM and TPE are both polymer grades. CSM is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE, about 113% more. In exchange, TPE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 320% for CSM, and CSM is harder (22 Shore D vs 20 Shore D). TPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for CSM) and TPE is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, CSM machines more easily (fair vs poor) and TPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than CSM (premium, $$$).
CSMChoose 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.
CSM 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 30%
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.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
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 Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°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.)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Same in both: Weldability 65 / 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 | CSM | TPE |
|---|---|---|
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Shore A 30 to Shore A 90 |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ 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 |
CSM vs TPE — frequently asked
Is CSM stronger than TPE?
Yes. CSM has a typical tensile strength of 16 MPa (2.32 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE — about 113% more.
Which is cheaper, CSM or TPE?
TPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while CSM is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, CSM or TPE?
CSM. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for TPE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in CSM 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.