TPE-S (SBS) vs TPU-Ester
Polymer · grade comparison
TPE-S (SBS) and TPU-Ester are both polymer grades. TPU-Ester is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPE-S (SBS), about 7.5 times as much. In exchange, TPE-S (SBS) is the more ductile: elongation 700% versus 500% for TPU-Ester, and TPU-Ester is harder (40 Shore D vs 20 Shore D). TPE-S (SBS) is lighter (0.94 g/cm³ vs 1.22 g/cm³ for TPU-Ester) and TPU-Ester is stiffer (0.05 GPa vs 0.01 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Ester machines more easily (fair vs poor) and TPU-Ester welds better (excellent vs very good).
TPE-S (SBS)Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-EsterChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
TPE-S (SBS) 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)
Elongation at Break
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Flexural Modulus
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Melting Temperature (Tm)
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
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI)
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.)
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)
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 0 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 1
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 | TPE-S (SBS) | TPU-Ester |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
TPE-S (SBS) vs TPU-Ester — frequently asked
Is TPU-Ester stronger than TPE-S (SBS)?
Yes. TPU-Ester has a typical tensile strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 6 MPa (0.87 ksi) for TPE-S (SBS) — about 7.5 times as much.
Which is cheaper, TPE-S (SBS) or TPU-Ester?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, TPE-S (SBS) or TPU-Ester?
TPU-Ester. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (20/100) for TPE-S (SBS); for welding the order is TPU-Ester first (excellent, 85/100) then TPE-S (SBS) (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPE-S (SBS) 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.