TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Caprolactone
Polymer · grade comparison
TPA (PEBA) and TPU-Caprolactone are both polymer grades. TPA (PEBA) is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for TPU-Caprolactone, about 16% more. In exchange, TPU-Caprolactone is the more ductile: elongation 550% versus 430% for TPA (PEBA), and TPA (PEBA) is harder (60 Shore D vs 35 Shore D). TPA (PEBA) is lighter (1.01 g/cm³ vs 1.2 g/cm³ for TPU-Caprolactone) and TPA (PEBA) is stiffer (0.22 GPa vs 0.03 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Caprolactone welds better (excellent vs very good) and TPU-Caprolactone sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than TPA (PEBA) (high, $$$$).
TPA (PEBA)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-CaprolactoneChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Caprolactone: 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
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.6% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.5%
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)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -40°C-40 °F · Limiting Oxygen Index 21% · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Same in both: Volume Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω·cm
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
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
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) | TPU-Caprolactone |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Caprolactone — frequently asked
Is TPA (PEBA) stronger than TPU-Caprolactone?
Yes. TPA (PEBA) has a typical tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for TPU-Caprolactone — about 16% more.
Which is cheaper, TPA (PEBA) or TPU-Caprolactone?
TPU-Caprolactone is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium 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 TPU-Caprolactone?
TPU-Caprolactone, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 25/100 for TPA (PEBA); for welding the order is TPU-Caprolactone first (excellent, 85/100) then TPA (PEBA) (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPA (PEBA) and TPU-Caprolactone 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.