Both PE thermoplastic elastomers and TPU thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are thermoplastic materials with rubber-like elasticity. TPE and TPU materials, which have similar hardness levels, both exhibit a certain degree of softness and rubber-like elasticity. Many customers, when first encountering elastomers, often ask their very first question: What are the differences between them, and which one should I choose? To select the right material for your product, you need to pay attention to details and analyze the differences between TPE and TPU from multiple angles, enabling you to make the correct choice based on your specific needs.

1. Differences in hardness (range)
TPE modified based on SEBS features a widely adjustable hardness range, with its hardness varying between 0 and 100 on the Shore A scale. In contrast, TPU typically has a hardness range of 60A to 70D on the Shore scale (although recently, soft TPU with a hardness around 45A has emerged in overseas markets, though it comes at a considerably high price). Therefore, it can be said that TPE falls within the medium-to-low hardness range, whereas TPU occupies the medium-to-high hardness range.
2. Combustion distinction
When TPE burns, it emits a distinctive aromatic odor accompanied by a petroleum-like smell (the petroleum-like smell is characteristic of the PP component burning). The flame tip is yellow, while the base of the flame is blue (in ultra-soft TPE, the flame base is yellow). In contrast, when TPU burns, it produces a somewhat irritating, pungent odor and emits a faint crackling sound resembling a slight explosion during combustion.
3. Performance Differences
TPU exhibits superior elasticity and elastic recovery performance (including resistance to flexural fatigue and creep) compared to TPE. This is mainly because the material structure of TPU is a homogeneous polymer structure, classifying it as a polymer resin. In contrast, TPE is an alloy material composed of multiple components blended together in a multiphase structure. TPE with high hardness tends to deform during processing, whereas TPU demonstrates excellent elasticity across all hardness ranges, and its products are less prone to deformation.
4. Differences in tactile sensation
Some overmolded products, such as handles and wheels, may be made of TPE or TPU. Products made from TPU tend to have a somewhat rougher texture and higher friction resistance, whereas products made from TPE feel smoother and softer to the touch and exhibit lower friction performance.
5. Coating Application Analysis
TPE and TPU are two commonly used soft elastomers for overmolding. Generally, TPE is used to coat plastics such as PE and PP (TPE hardness ranges from 20 to 95A). TPU, on the other hand, is a popular soft elastomer for coating plastics like ABS, PC, and PA (hardness ranges from 75A to 72D). However, TPE specially modified with an SEBS matrix can also be used for coating ABS, PC, and PA (hardness ranges from 35A to 90A).
6. Shrinkage Rate Comparison
The shrinkage rate of TPE is 1.2% to 3%; the shrinkage rate of TPU is 0.8% to 1.8%. Specific values depend on the particular grade. Generally, TPU with higher hardness exhibits less shrinkage, and TPE with higher hardness and higher specific gravity also shows less shrinkage.
   
In summary, both TPE and TPU are soft materials that both exhibit excellent rubber-like elasticity. Comparatively, TPE excels in terms of tactile comfort, while TPU demonstrates superior elasticity and strength. For products with lower hardness (such as below 30A), TPE is the preferred choice, as it can provide anti-slip, cushioning, shock-absorbing, and resilient effects. On the other hand, for products requiring high elasticity at higher hardness levels (80A and above), TPU is the more suitable material.