PNR vs TPE
Polymer · grade comparison
PNR and TPE are both polymer grades. PNR is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE, about 7% more. In exchange, TPE is the more ductile: elongation 480% versus 400% for PNR. TPE is lighter (0.96 g/cm³ vs 1 g/cm³ for PNR) and TPE is stiffer (0.01 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, TPE welds better (good vs not recommended) and TPE sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than PNR (high, $$$$).
PNRChoose it when strength drives the design.
TPEChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PNR 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
Shear Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Bulk Modulus
Compressive Strength
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore D
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)
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.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Polishability
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
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.
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 8 kN·m/kg · 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 | PNR | 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 |
PNR vs TPE — frequently asked
Is PNR stronger than TPE?
Yes. PNR has a typical tensile strength of 8 MPa (1.16 ksi) against 8 MPa (1.09 ksi) for TPE — about 7% more.
Which is cheaper, PNR or TPE?
TPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while PNR is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PNR or TPE?
TPE, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for PNR; for welding the order is TPE first (good, 65/100) then PNR (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PNR 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.