TPC (COPE/TPEE) vs TPU-Ether
Polymer · grade comparison
TPC (COPE/TPEE) and TPU-Ether are both polymer grades. TPU-Ether is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for TPC (COPE/TPEE), about 13% more. TPC (COPE/TPEE) is harder — 55 Shore D against 35 Shore D for TPU-Ether — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. TPU-Ether is lighter (1.12 g/cm³ vs 1.2 g/cm³ for TPC (COPE/TPEE)) and TPC (COPE/TPEE) is stiffer (0.2 GPa vs 0.03 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Ether welds better (excellent vs very good).
TPC (COPE/TPEE)Choose it when surface hardness matters, or when the part sees heat.
TPU-EtherChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
TPC (COPE/TPEE) vs TPU-Ether: 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
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)
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)
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 Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 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)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb
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 | TPC (COPE/TPEE) | TPU-Ether |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TPC (COPE/TPEE) vs TPU-Ether — frequently asked
Is TPU-Ether stronger than TPC (COPE/TPEE)?
Yes. TPU-Ether has a typical tensile strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) for TPC (COPE/TPEE) — about 13% more.
Which is cheaper, TPC (COPE/TPEE) or TPU-Ether?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, TPC (COPE/TPEE) or TPU-Ether?
TPU-Ether. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for TPC (COPE/TPEE); for welding the order is TPU-Ether first (excellent, 90/100) then TPC (COPE/TPEE) (very good, 72/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPC (COPE/TPEE) and TPU-Ether 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.