As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of materials for over 15 years, working on everything from consumer gadgets to industrial components, I’ve handled my fair share of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). It’s a material that’s everywhere—phone cases, yoga mats, medical tubing, you name it. But one question I get a lot, whether from curious […]

Having spent over a decade in the plastics and elastomers industry, I’ve worked with Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) in countless projects, from designing consumer goods to troubleshooting manufacturing issues. One question that pops up frequently, especially from those curious about production processes, is how to determine whether a TPE product was made using injection molding. It’s

As someone who’s been working with materials like Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) for over a decade in product design and manufacturing, I’ve seen firsthand how this versatile material performs across various applications—from medical devices to consumer goods. TPE is loved for its flexibility, soft touch, and cost-effectiveness, but a question I often hear is whether it’s

Having worked in the plastics and elastomers industry for over a decade, I’ve spent countless hours navigating the nuances of materials like thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). From designing soft-touch grips to specifying materials for medical devices, I’ve seen firsthand how confusion about material terminology can trip up even seasoned professionals. One question that pops up frequently

As someone who’s spent years knee-deep in the world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and injection molding, I’ve seen my fair share of quirks and challenges in the process. One question that comes up often, especially from those new to TPE molding, is whether cranking up the injection pressure leads to more shrinkage in the final

Having spent over a decade in the materials industry, I’ve worked with countless batches of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), from soft grips to durable seals. One question that keeps popping up, especially from clients focused on quality or sustainability, is how to tell if a TPE is recycled or virgin. It’s a valid concern—recycled TPEs can

As a materials engineer with over a decade of experience in polymer processing, I’ve spent countless hours troubleshooting issues in injection molding and overmolding projects. One question that frequently comes up, especially from designers and manufacturers, is: Will thick TPE overmolding cause flow marks? It’s a legitimate concern—flow marks, those unsightly streaks or patterns on

Having spent over a decade working with polymers and elastomers in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, I’ve handled materials like TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) and various types of rubber in countless applications. A question I often encounter, especially from engineers and product designers, is: Will TPE react chemically with rubber? It’s a critical concern

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of plastics and elastomers for over 15 years, I’ve handled TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) in countless applications, from flexible grips to medical tubing. One question that keeps popping up, especially from folks in colder climates or industries with low-temperature demands, is: Will TPE rubber break at around zero