TP-PI vs Ultem 1000
Polymer · grade comparison
TP-PI and Ultem 1000 are both polymer grades. Ultem 1000 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for TP-PI, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) vs 92 MPa (13.3 ksi). Ultem 1000 is the more ductile: elongation 60% versus 40% for TP-PI. Ultem 1000 is lighter (1.27 g/cm³ vs 1.33 g/cm³ for TP-PI) and Ultem 1000 is stiffer (3.2 GPa vs 2.9 GPa). On the shop floor, Ultem 1000 welds better (good vs poor).
TP-PIChoose it when the part sees heat.
Ultem 1000Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
TP-PI vs Ultem 1000: 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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell M
Same in both: Hardness, Rockwell R 125 HRR
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,100 J/kg·K0.26 BTU/lb·°F · Limiting Oxygen Index 47%
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Same in both: Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁶ Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 175 V
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)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 500 L/kg59.9 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.2 mm²/s · 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 | TP-PI | Ultem 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TP-PI vs Ultem 1000 — frequently asked
Is Ultem 1000 stronger than TP-PI?
Yes. Ultem 1000 has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for TP-PI — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) vs 92 MPa (13.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, TP-PI or Ultem 1000?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, TP-PI or Ultem 1000?
Ultem 1000, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for TP-PI; for welding the order is Ultem 1000 first (good, 60/100) then TP-PI (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TP-PI and Ultem 1000 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.