After spending more than 15 years working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, I’ve seen just about every manufacturing hiccup you can imagine. One issue that keeps cropping up, no matter the application, is delamination and peeling during the TPE molding process. Whether it’s a soft-touch grip on a […]

Having spent over a dozen years in the plastics and elastomer industry, I’ve tackled countless challenges in material bonding, especially when it comes to combining thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This pairing is popular in products like tool grips, automotive parts, and consumer electronics, where TPE’s soft, flexible feel complements ABS’s rigid,

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of production challenges. One issue that keeps popping up, whether I’m consulting for a toy manufacturer or troubleshooting for an automotive parts supplier, is uneven color in TPE products. It’s frustrating when a batch

As someone who’s spent years navigating the ins and outs of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), I’ve seen how their unique stretch-and-snap-back properties can make or break a product. One key property that often comes up in projects is elongation at break—the measure of how far a TPE can stretch before it snaps. Whether you’re designing flexible

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for over a decade, I’ve wrestled with my fair share of molding challenges. One of the most frustrating issues is sticking in the mold—when your beautifully designed TPE part refuses to pop out cleanly, slowing production and driving up costs. It’s a problem

As someone who’s spent years working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), I’ve seen firsthand how versatile these materials can be. TPEs are prized for their rubber-like elasticity combined with the processability of thermoplastics, making them a go-to choice in industries like automotive, medical, and consumer goods. But one question I often hear is: how do you

Having spent nearly two decades in the materials industry, I’ve worked with countless polymers, from automotive components to consumer goods. One question that frequently crops up—whether from product designers, manufacturers, or curious DIYers—is how TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) stacks up against TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin). Both materials are celebrated for their versatility and rubber-like properties, but they

Having spent over 15 years in the materials and manufacturing industry, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of foams, from sports equipment to medical padding. One question that keeps coming up, whether from gym owners, product designers, or DIY enthusiasts, is whether EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the materials industry for nearly two decades, I’ve seen countless debates over which material reigns supreme for specific applications. One question that keeps popping up, especially among manufacturers, designers, and DIY enthusiasts, is whether TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is the better choice. Having worked

As someone who’s been in the flooring and safety equipment industry for over 15 years, I’ve seen anti-slip mats evolve from basic rubber strips to advanced materials like TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Whether you’re outfitting a gym, a kitchen, a vehicle, or even a bathroom, choosing the right anti-slip mat can make