PEI vs TPE
How PEI and TPE compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PEI is stiffer, more heat resistant and better outdoors; TPE is easier to print and more flexible.
- PEI typically prints about 135 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PEI typically prints about 95 °C hotter on the bed.
- TPE is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 19 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 17 PEI filaments in 24 colours, and 13 TPE filaments in 41 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PEI | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | ||
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing, Needs ventilation | Dry before printing |
| PEI | TPE | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polyetherimide | Thermoplastic elastomer |
| Filaments listed | 17 | 13 |
| Brands | 10 | 9 |
| Colours | 24 | 41 |
| Nozzle temperature | 340–380 °C | 210–240 °C |
| Bed temperature | 120–160 °C | 30–60 °C |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.20 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 327 m | about 346 m |
| Max drying temperature | – | 60 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
1 brand makes both PEI and TPE.