TPA (PEBA) vs TPE-S (SBS)
Polymer · grade comparison
TPA (PEBA) and TPE-S (SBS) are both polymer grades. TPA (PEBA) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPE-S (SBS), about 8.7 times as much. In exchange, TPE-S (SBS) is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 430% for TPA (PEBA), and TPA (PEBA) is harder (60 Shore D vs 20 Shore D). TPE-S (SBS) is lighter (0.94 g/cm³ vs 1.01 g/cm³ for TPA (PEBA)) and TPA (PEBA) is stiffer (0.22 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, TPE-S (SBS) sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than TPA (PEBA) (high, $$$$).
TPA (PEBA)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
TPE-S (SBS)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPA (PEBA) vs TPE-S (SBS): 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Same in both: Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C) 45%
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)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface 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
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 85 / 100 · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
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 Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: 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 | TPA (PEBA) | TPE-S (SBS) |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TPA (PEBA) vs TPE-S (SBS) — frequently asked
Is TPA (PEBA) stronger than TPE-S (SBS)?
Yes. TPA (PEBA) has a typical tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPE-S (SBS) — about 8.7 times as much.
Which is cheaper, TPA (PEBA) or TPE-S (SBS)?
TPE-S (SBS) is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while TPA (PEBA) is high ($$$$). 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, TPA (PEBA) or TPE-S (SBS)?
TPA (PEBA), by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 25/100 against 20/100 for TPE-S (SBS); for welding the order is TPA (PEBA) first (very good, 75/100) then TPE-S (SBS) (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPA (PEBA) and TPE-S (SBS) 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.