As someone who’s been in the materials industry for years, I’ve seen firsthand how TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) has become a go-to material for countless products. From shoe soles to seals and even children’s toys, TPE’s softness, durability, and eco-friendliness make it a favorite. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from peers asking, “How […]

When I first started working in the materials science field, I was captivated by the unique properties of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). It’s not quite rubber, not quite plastic, but somehow it combines the best of both worlds. One question that pops up frequently from designers, manufacturers, and curious folks alike is: Why is TPE so

When I started my career in the plastics industry, I was amazed by the versatility of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). Its soft, rubber-like feel combined with the ease of plastic processing made it a go-to material for everything from phone cases to medical devices. But one question I’ve heard time and again from colleagues, clients, and

As someone who’s spent over a decade in the plastics and injection molding industry, I’ve seen my fair share of manufacturing headaches. One issue that keeps cropping up, especially when working with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), is the frustrating problem of gate voids—those pesky cavities or hollow spots near the gate of injection-molded parts. Whether you’re

As someone who’s spent years working with materials in industries ranging from consumer electronics to automotive manufacturing, I’ve fielded my fair share of questions about TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer). One issue that keeps popping up, whether from product designers or end-users, is: Why does TPE get sticky after a while? It’s a frustrating problem. You invest

When I first started working in the materials and manufacturing industry, I was fascinated by how something as seemingly simple as a sealing strip could make or break the performance of a product. Over the years, I’ve seen countless applications— from car windows to refrigerator doors to industrial machinery—where the choice of sealing material was

As someone who has been deeply involved in the materials science and printing industries for years, I often get asked one question: Why does TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) have such poor adhesion to ink? This is a frustrating issue for many engineers and designers, especially when working on TPE products that require high-quality printing, such as

When I first started working in the plastics and rubber industry, I was handed a soft, rubbery component and asked, “Is this TPE?” Honestly, I wasn’t sure. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) can be tricky to identify because they mimic the feel of rubber but behave like plastics under heat. Over the years, I’ve learned reliable ways

Walking into a workshop filled with the sharp, chemical smell of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) can be an unforgettable experience—and not in a good way. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the rubber and plastics industry, I’ve dealt with countless questions about TPE odor, from factory managers to DIY enthusiasts. That lingering smell isn’t

As someone who has been deeply involved in the tire and rubber products industry for years, I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with a bulge in a TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) coated wheel. Whether it’s on a stroller, wheelchair, or industrial equipment, a bulge in a TPE-coated wheel not only affects its appearance