ECO vs TPE
Polymer · grade comparison
ECO and TPE are both polymer grades. ECO is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE, about 60% more. In exchange, TPE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 250% for ECO, and ECO is harder (22 Shore D vs 20 Shore D). TPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1.36 g/cm³ for ECO) 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, $$) than ECO (high, $$$$).
ECOChoose 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.
ECO 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
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Tear Strength 25 kN/m143 lbf/in
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
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)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
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 | ECO | 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 |
ECO vs TPE — frequently asked
Is ECO stronger than TPE?
Yes. ECO has a typical tensile strength of 12 MPa (1.74 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE — about 60% more.
Which is cheaper, ECO or TPE?
TPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ECO is high ($$$$). 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, ECO or TPE?
TPE. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against not recommended (10/100) for ECO.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ECO 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.