As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) for over a decade, I’ve seen these versatile materials transform products across industries, from grippy phone cases to durable automotive seals. TPEs are a go-to choice when you need the stretch and bounce of rubber but the ease of processing like plastic. But […]

Having worked in the plastics and elastomer industry for over a decade, I’ve handled countless batches of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) pellets, tweaking formulations and troubleshooting production lines. TPEs are versatile materials, prized for their rubber-like flexibility and plastic-like processability, but their magic lies in their carefully crafted recipes. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into

As someone who’s spent years working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in the manufacturing world, I’ve seen firsthand how temperature can make or break the success of an overmolding project. TPEs are fantastic for creating soft, durable, and flexible components, but when the temperature rises, things can go south fast. If you’ve ever noticed your TPE

Having spent nearly two decades in the polymer industry, I’ve dealt with a wide range of material quirks, and one that often catches people off guard is when TPR (thermoplastic rubber) starts “sweating” oil after being stored for months. If you’ve noticed your TPR pellets or molded parts turning greasy or sticky after four months

As someone who’s been in the plastics industry for over fifteen years, I’ve tackled countless challenges in overmolding processes, particularly with TPR (thermoplastic rubber) on PP (polypropylene) substrates. One issue that keeps popping up is the appearance of water vapor or moisture-related defects, like bubbles, haze, or surface imperfections, in the final product. It’s a

Having worked in the plastics industry for over a decade, I’ve encountered my fair share of quirks with injection molding, especially when processing TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). One issue that crops up time and again is material buildup at the feed inlet, often described as “flowering” or “blooming.” It’s a frustrating problem—clogged inlets slow production, waste

As someone who’s spent years in the polymer processing industry, I’ve seen my fair share of challenges with TPR (thermoplastic rubber) pellet cutting, especially in underwater pelletizing systems. When TPR pellets don’t cut cleanly at 30°C water temperature, it’s frustrating—jagged edges, stringing, or clumping can ruin an entire batch. Over time, I’ve learned that this

In the dynamic world of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) processing, questions about material behavior and process optimization are commonplace. As someone who has spent years immersed in the intricacies of TPE manufacturing, from raw material selection to finished product inspection, I’ve encountered a wide range of inquiries. One that frequently arises is: Does setting the TPE raw

As someone deeply entrenched in the TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) processing industry for years, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges and questions from both newcomers and seasoned professionals. One recurring query that often pops up is: Does the appearance of filaments or “stringing” in TPE cast film suggest that the humidity levels are too high during

As someone who has been deeply involved in the luggage industry for many years, I’ve seen countless suitcases come and go, each with its own set of features and materials. One question that often arises, especially among travelers who are particular about the quality and durability of their luggage, is: How can I tell if the