TPE is the acronym for Thermoplastic Elastomer, a combination of rubber and plastic with both thermoplastic and elastomer properties. TPU, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, is another versatile that is derivative of TPE. Both 3D filaments produce flexible, impact-resistant, UV-resistant, impact-resistant, waterproof, and reasonably chemically-resistant parts.
Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are more flexible and softer to the touch. Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are also flexible but also more rigid. TPEs have been commercially available much longer but are relatively new in the 3D printing sector. TPEs are less expensive, have greater availability, and are best for lighter and more flexible products. TPU is preferred for more durable and rugged applications. By comparison, TPUs require less effort to 3D print, while TPE is slightly less expensive.
In addition to TPU, variations of TPE include additional flexible materials, including Thermoplastic Polyamide (TPA) and Thermoplastic Copolyester (TPC). TPE is used in a variety of applications, such as automotive parts, toys, medical devices, and consumer products, such as athletic shoes and electronics. TPE is available for FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling printing as a Filament and SLS printers as a powder.
The material characteristics of TPE are listed below:
- Good impact resistance
- Soft and flexible
- Good tear and abrasion resistance
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Good electrical insulation properties
- Excellent vibration damping
- Good chemical and UV resistance
- Resistance to low and high temperatures (-30 to +140 °C)
- Recyclable
- Soft material creates extrusion problems
- Filament many buckle when extruded
- Filament is hygroscopic and should be stored properly
The advantages of TPE versus TPU include the following:
- TPU is softer and more flexible
- Many TPEs can be easily recycled
- TPE is less expensive
- TPE has been available and used in products since the 1950s
- TPE can be printed as an intermediate layer acting as a flexible stabilizer
The disadvantage of TPE versus TPU are listed below:
- TPE is more temperature sensitive than TPU
- TPEs are not as easy to print as TPUs
- Rework is common with TPE-printed products
