If you’ve ever worked with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in injection molding, you might have noticed something puzzling: the area around the gate—where the molten material enters the mold—often has a glossy, shiny appearance that stands out against the rest of the part. As someone who’s spent years in the plastics industry, troubleshooting issues like this […]

If you’ve ever noticed that your silicone kitchen spatula or TPE phone case has become stiff, brittle, or even cracked over time, you’re not alone. As a materials scientist with years of experience in polymers, I’ve fielded countless questions about why these versatile materials—silicone and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)—lose their softness and elasticity. The question “Why

Walking into a room with new TPE products—like phone cases, yoga mats, or medical tubing—you might notice a distinct smell that makes you wrinkle your nose. As someone who’s spent years in the materials science field, I’ve heard countless questions about this issue, with one standing out: “Why does TPE material have such a strong

Before we get into why TPE hardens, let’s start with the basics. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a unique class of materials that combine the elasticity of rubber with the processability of plastics. They’re widely used in industries like automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and sporting goods. TPE’s popularity stems from its ability to be both

As someone who’s spent years working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in various industries, I’ve often been asked a question that seems simple but is critical for many users: Will TPE products mold, and how can we test for it? Mold growth on materials can be a dealbreaker, especially in applications like medical devices, food packaging,

As winter approaches and temperatures plummet, many users of TPE hoses might notice that their hoses aren’t as flexible as they were in summer, sometimes even feeling stiff and less manageable. Having worked in the plastics industry for years, I understand the behavior of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) hoses under varying conditions. Today, I’m here to

As a materials engineer with over a decade of experience in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) processing, I’ve encountered countless challenges in injection molding. One question that keeps popping up from clients and colleagues alike is: “Why do my TPE injection molded parts have weld imperfections?” These unsightly marks—sometimes called weld lines, knit lines, or meld lines—can

As someone who has worked in the field of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for years, I often hear this question: “Why does my TPE material get softer over time?” It sounds like a simple issue, but the reasons behind it involve complex material science, subtle differences in manufacturing processes, and the impact of environmental factors. Today,

Having spent over a decade in the world of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) materials, I’ve seen this versatile polymer work wonders in everything from yoga mats to medical tubing. But there’s one issue that keeps cropping up, whether I’m troubleshooting for a manufacturer or answering questions from end-users: TPE exuding oil. That greasy, sticky surface on

In my years working as a materials engineer specializing in TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), I’ve encountered all sorts of challenges, but one issue that keeps popping up is TPE materials getting scratched and showing white marks. Whether it’s a TPE yoga mat scuffing after a few sessions or a soft-touch grip on a tool looking worn,