The short answer
TPU is a type of TPE. It is tougher, more abrasion and oil resistant and more elastic, so it is used for wheels, cable jackets and parts that see wear. Styrenic TPE (what most people mean by “TPE”) is softer, cheaper and easier to process, so it suits soft-touch grips, seals and overmolds.
Both are rubbery materials that melt and mold like plastics, so they replace vulcanized rubber in many parts. The choice usually comes down to wear, oil exposure, softness and cost.
Side by side
| Property | TPE (styrenic / TPV) | TPU |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Broad family; usually means styrenic TPE (TPS) or TPV | Thermoplastic polyurethane, one type of TPE |
| Hardness range | Very soft (low Shore A) up to about Shore 50D | About Shore 60A up to about Shore 75D |
| Abrasion and tear resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Oil and grease resistance | Poor to fair (styrenic); good (TPV) | Good to excellent |
| Elasticity and rebound | Good | Excellent |
| Drying | Usually not needed for styrenic TPE; TPV and some overmold grades are often dried | Required |
| Processing | Easy, wide window | Narrower window; sensitive to moisture and heat |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical uses | Soft grips, seals, overmolds, toys, consumer goods | Wheels, cable jackets, hoses, phone cases, footwear, seals |
Typical ranges; both families come in many hardnesses and formulations.
Choose TPE when
- Very soft, soft-touch feel is the priority
- Overmolding grips onto PP, ABS or PC
- Cost and easy processing matter
- Seals and gaskets without heavy oil or wear (TPV handles more heat and oil)
Choose TPU when
- Abrasion, tear or cut resistance matters
- Oils, greases or fuels are present
- High elasticity and rebound are needed
- Wheels, rollers, cable jackets, hoses and protective cases
Processing notes
- Dry TPU before molding and use it promptly; wet TPU gives bubbles and weak parts. See the drying chart.
- Soft TPU grades degrade if run at the top of the temperature range; melt temperature is indexed to hardness.
- For overmolding, choose a grade formulated for your substrate and keep the substrate clean and dry.
Grades we source
We source styrenic TPE, TPV and TPU across a wide hardness range, including overmold grades, from one gaylord up, with a COA on every lot, tested to ASTM or ISO methods. See TPE / TPV and TPU.
Common questions
Is TPU a type of TPE?
Yes. TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is the broad family of rubbery materials that melt and mold like plastics. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is one type of TPE. When people say TPE, they usually mean styrenic TPE (TPS or TPE-S) or TPV.
Which is more durable, TPE or TPU?
TPU, for abrasion, tear and oil resistance. It is used for wheels, cable jackets, phone cases and seals that see wear. Styrenic TPE is softer and less abrasion resistant but cheaper and easier to process.
Which is softer?
Styrenic TPE goes softer, down to very low Shore A hardness for soft-touch grips. TPU typically starts around Shore 60A and goes up into the Shore D range.
Does TPU need drying?
Yes. TPU absorbs moisture and must be dried before molding, then used within a short time of leaving the dryer. Most styrenic TPEs need little or no drying.
Can TPE overmold onto other plastics?
Yes, both are widely overmolded. Grades are formulated to bond to specific substrates such as PP, ABS, PC or nylon, so match the overmold grade to the substrate.
Tell us the elastomer you run now
A polymer chemist reviews every request, then matches your grade or finds a qualified equivalent and prices it.
What to send for an accurate quote
- The grade name, from any supplier, or a data sheet
- Color (natural, black or a custom match)
- Fill type and percentage, if any
- Melt flow, if you know it
- Quantity for this order and what you use in a year
- Ship-to city and state or province