TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Ester
Polymer · grade comparison
TPA (PEBA) and TPU-Ester 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-Ester, about 16% more. In exchange, TPU-Ester is the more ductile: elongation 500% versus 430% for TPA (PEBA), and TPA (PEBA) is harder (60 Shore D vs 40 Shore D). TPA (PEBA) is lighter (1.01 g/cm³ vs 1.22 g/cm³ for TPU-Ester) and TPA (PEBA) is stiffer (0.22 GPa vs 0.05 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Ester machines more easily (fair vs poor), TPU-Ester welds better (excellent vs very good), and TPU-Ester sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than TPA (PEBA) (high, $$$$).
TPA (PEBA)Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-EsterChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Ester: 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)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °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)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
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
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
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) | TPU-Ester |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TPA (PEBA) vs TPU-Ester — frequently asked
Is TPA (PEBA) stronger than TPU-Ester?
Yes. TPA (PEBA) has a typical tensile strength of 52 MPa (7.54 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for TPU-Ester — about 16% more.
Which is cheaper, TPA (PEBA) or TPU-Ester?
TPU-Ester 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 TPU-Ester?
TPU-Ester. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for TPA (PEBA); for welding the order is TPU-Ester 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-Ester 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.