IXPE vs TPO Foam
Polymer · grade comparison
IXPE and TPO Foam are both polymer grades. IXPE is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.05 g/cm³ for TPO Foam) and IXPE is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, IXPE machines more easily (excellent vs good) and IXPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than TPO Foam (premium, $$$).
IXPEChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
TPO FoamChoose it when the part sees heat.
IXPE vs TPO Foam: 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 0.35 MPa0.05 ksi · Elongation at Break 150% · Compressive Strength 0.04 MPa0.01 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
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)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface 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)
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Weldability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
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 | IXPE | TPO Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
IXPE vs TPO Foam — frequently asked
What is the difference between IXPE and TPO Foam?
IXPE and TPO Foam are both polymer grades. IXPE is lighter (0.03 g/cm³ vs 0.05 g/cm³ for TPO Foam) and IXPE is stiffer (0 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, IXPE machines more easily (excellent vs good) and IXPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than TPO Foam (premium, $$$).
Which is cheaper, IXPE or TPO Foam?
IXPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while TPO Foam is premium ($$$). 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, IXPE or TPO Foam?
IXPE. Its machinability rates excellent (85/100) against good (60/100) for TPO Foam.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in IXPE and TPO Foam 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.