TPU-Ether E-TPU vs TPU-Ether GF30
Polymer · TPU-Ether grade comparison
TPU-Ether E-TPU and TPU-Ether GF30 are two grades of the same polymer grade, TPU-Ether: E-TPU (expanded (foamed) bead grade) versus GF30 (30 % glass-fiber reinforced). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. TPU-Ether GF30 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) for TPU-Ether E-TPU, about 18 times as much. In exchange, TPU-Ether E-TPU is the more ductile: elongation 150% versus 15% for TPU-Ether GF30, and TPU-Ether GF30 is harder (74 Shore D vs 35 Shore D). TPU-Ether E-TPU is lighter (0.2 g/cm³ vs 1.35 g/cm³ for TPU-Ether GF30) and TPU-Ether GF30 is stiffer (2.8 GPa vs 0 GPa). On the shop floor, TPU-Ether GF30 machines more easily (good vs poor) and TPU-Ether GF30 welds better (excellent vs fair).
TPU-Ether E-TPUChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
TPU-Ether GF30Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
TPU-Ether E-TPU vs TPU-Ether GF30: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Modulus
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Tear Strength
Compression Set (22 h, 70 °C)
Same in both: Shear Modulus 0.01 GPa0 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.49
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Temperature (Tm) 200°C392 °F · Glass Transition (Tg) -60°C-76 °F · Water Absorption (24 h) 1% · Water Absorption (Saturation) 1.8% · Refractive Index 1.52 · Light Transmission 85%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 1,800 J/kg·K0.43 BTU/lb·°F · Vicat Softening Point (B50) 70°C158 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 120°C248 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 1×10⁹ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁶ µΩ·in · Dielectric Strength 25 kV/mm635 V/mil · Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) 5 · Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 0.05 · Volume Resistivity 1×10¹¹ Ω·cm · Surface Resistivity 1×10¹² Ω · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Mold Shrinkage
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100 · Melt Flow Rate 25 g/10 min · Processing Melt Temperature (typ.) 205°C401 °F · Mold Temperature (typ.) 30°C86 °F
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 110 MJ/kg47,292 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 5.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
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.
TPU-Ether E-TPU vs TPU-Ether GF30 — frequently asked
Is TPU-Ether GF30 stronger than TPU-Ether E-TPU?
Yes. TPU-Ether GF30 has a typical tensile strength of 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) against 3 MPa (0.363 ksi) for TPU-Ether E-TPU — about 18 times as much.
Which grade does FabDigit quote by default, E-TPU or GF30?
85A is the default TPU-Ether condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither E-TPU nor GF30). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, TPU-Ether E-TPU or TPU-Ether GF30?
TPU-Ether GF30. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (15/100) for TPU-Ether E-TPU; for welding the order is TPU-Ether GF30 first (excellent, 90/100) then TPU-Ether E-TPU (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in TPU-Ether E-TPU and TPU-Ether GF30 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.