Ultimaker TPU 95A, 3D-printed specimens, XY (flat); Ultimaker S5 Pro, engineering intent profile, 0.15 mm layer height, AA 0.4 print core, 100% infill, Cura 4.9, printed one-at-a-time, conditioned >=24 h at room temperature. TDS (file v5.00), April 29, 2022.
SAC305 (Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5) solder alloy, bulk; Indium Corporation Indalloy 256 (SAC305) for Preforms product data sheet (Form No. 100346 R0, 2024), selected properties, test temperature not stated; expansion and specific heat from MacDermid Alpha VACULOY SAC TDS (06 September 2023).
Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
Plastic TPU is 3D printed: its properties depend on build direction and print settings; these are typical values.
Questions
Is Plastic TPU stronger than Solder SAC305?
Plastic TPU is stronger: its tensile strength is 23.7 MPa against yield strength 22 MPa for Solder SAC305 (8%).
Which is lighter, Plastic TPU or Solder SAC305?
Plastic TPU is lighter: 1,220 kg/m³ against 7,350 kg/m³ for Solder SAC305.
Which is stiffer, Plastic TPU or Solder SAC305?
Solder SAC305 is stiffer: Young's modulus 6.9 GPa against 0.067 GPa for Plastic TPU, so the same part in Solder SAC305 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, Plastic TPU or Solder SAC305?
For the same stiffness or strength: Plastic TPU is lighter for a stiff panel or plate, strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate; Solder SAC305 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending).
Part that must be
Plastic TPU
Solder SAC305
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
17.1x heavier
lighter
Stiff beam (bending)
1.68x heavier
lighter
Stiff panel or plate
lighter
29% heavier
Strong rod or tie
lighter
6.49x heavier
Strong beam
lighter
6.33x heavier
Strong panel or plate
lighter
6.25x heavier
For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).