Poron vs TPU
Polymer · grade comparison
Poron and TPU are both polymer grades. TPU is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for Poron, about 40 times as much. TPU is the more ductile: elongation 550% versus 150% for Poron. Poron is lighter (0.32 g/cm³ vs 1.18 g/cm³ for TPU) and TPU is stiffer (0.03 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, Poron machines more easily (very good vs poor).
PoronChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
TPUChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Poron vs TPU: 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
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Hardness, Shore A
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Hardness, Shore D
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 90 / 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)
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 | Poron | TPU |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | Standard | Shore A 85 |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Conductive Coating | — | Yes |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Primer Coating | — | Yes |
| Tinted Coating | — | Yes |
| Vacuum Metallization | — | Yes |
| Waterproof Coating | — | Yes |
Both are offered for Injection molding. They share 5 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
Poron vs TPU — frequently asked
Is TPU stronger than Poron?
Yes. TPU has a typical tensile strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) against 1 MPa (0.145 ksi) for Poron — about 40 times as much.
Which is cheaper, Poron or TPU?
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, Poron or TPU?
Poron. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (25/100) for TPU.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Poron and TPU 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.