Picture this: you’re running a batch of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) parts, excited about their soft, grippy texture, only to find unsightly gate marks marring the surface near the injection point. As someone who’s spent over a decade in the injection molding industry, wrestling with everything from medical devices to consumer goods, I’ve faced this issue […]

If you’ve ever worked with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmolding, you know it’s both a game-changer and a headache. The ability to bond TPE’s soft, grippy texture onto rigid substrates like PP, ABS, or PC creates products with incredible tactile appeal—think ergonomic tool handles, sleek phone cases, or comfy toothbrush grips. But there’s a catch: TPE

Walking through a toy store, you’ve probably noticed those squishy, colorful toys that kids can’t seem to put down—think soft squeeze balls, bendy action figures, or teething rings. Many of these are made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a material I’ve worked with for years in the toy manufacturing industry. TPE’s softness, safety, and versatility make

There’s a moment in every injection molder’s life when you pull a TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) part from the mold, expecting perfection, only to spot those frustrating glossy marks—shiny, uneven patches that scream imperfection. I’ve been there, holding a TPE grip or seal under the shop lights, wondering why these glossy streaks are ruining an otherwise

There’s something deeply satisfying about dialing in the perfect settings on an injection molding machine, watching TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) parts come out smooth, strong, and just right. But when it comes to 70 Shore A TPE—a versatile material used in everything from grips to seals—getting the molding temperature right can feel like a high-stakes balancing

There’s a certain thrill in the hum of an injection molding shop, but that thrill can quickly turn to frustration when you spot weld lines or flow marks on your TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) parts. As someone who’s spent years knee-deep in TPE processing, I’ve felt that sinking feeling more than once—holding a part that should

In the world of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) processing, few things are as disheartening as testing a batch of freshly molded parts only to find they’re weak, stretchy, and practically falling apart under the slightest pull. I’ve been there, staring at a pile of 0 Shore A TPE samples that feel more like jelly than the

If you’ve ever stood by an injection molding machine, watching TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) parts pop out, only to notice those pesky burrs—those thin, unwanted flashes of material clinging to the edges—you know the frustration. As someone who’s spent years in the TPE processing world, I’ve seen my fair share of these imperfections. Burrs not only

Walking through a factory floor, surrounded by the hum of injection molding machines, I’ve often been struck by the little mysteries that pop up in TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) production. One question I hear repeatedly from colleagues and clients alike is: Why do TPE raw materials turn out translucent? It’s a curious issue—sometimes you expect a