Having spent over a decade in the plastics manufacturing industry, I’ve tackled my fair share of challenges with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) in injection molding, particularly in overmolding applications like tool handles, medical grips, and consumer electronics components. TPEs are fantastic for their soft, rubber-like properties, but they can be finicky when it comes to achieving […]

As a plastics engineer with over a decade of experience in injection molding, I’ve spent countless hours troubleshooting issues on the factory floor, particularly with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). TPEs are a dream material for their rubber-like flexibility and versatility, used in everything from soft grips to medical seals. But one frustration I’ve encountered—and I hear

As someone who’s been immersed in the plastics industry for over a decade, working with manufacturers to produce everything from medical devices to consumer electronics, I’ve spent a lot of time fine-tuning the use of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). TPEs are a fantastic choice for plug manufacturing due to their flexibility, durability, and ability to form

Having spent over a decade in the plastics manufacturing industry, I’ve worked extensively with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), a versatile material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastics. TPEs are a go-to choice for products like soft-touch grips, medical devices, and automotive components due to their elasticity, durability, and ease of customization.

Over the years, as I’ve worked with countless materials in product design and manufacturing, TPR (thermoplastic rubber) has always stood out for its versatility. From soft-touch grips to flexible medical tubing, TPR’s rubber-like feel and moldability make it a go-to choice. But there’s a catch I’ve encountered more times than I can count: that frustrating

As someone who’s spent years navigating the world of polymers and materials science, I’ve seen TPR (thermoplastic rubber) pop up in everything from shoe soles to phone cases. It’s a fantastic material—soft, flexible, and affordable—but it’s not without its quirks. One issue that often catches people off guard is why TPR sometimes feels oily or

Having worked in the materials industry for over a decade, I’ve handled countless polymers, from rigid plastics to flexible rubbers like TPR (thermoplastic rubber). One question that keeps cropping up, especially from manufacturers, designers, and end-users, is why TPR sometimes gives off a sharp, unpleasant smell. If you’ve ever opened a package containing a TPR

As a polymer specialist who’s spent years working with manufacturers to select the right materials for their products, I’ve often encountered questions about TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and its properties. One common concern I hear, especially from designers and small business owners, is whether TPR is a hard and heavy material. It’s a fair question—nobody wants

As a materials engineer who’s spent over a decade helping companies navigate the world of polymers, I’ve often been asked to clarify the differences between materials like silicone and TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber). This question pops up a lot, especially among product designers and manufacturers looking for the right material for everything from kitchen gadgets to

As a materials consultant with years of experience guiding manufacturers through the complexities of polymer selection, I’ve fielded countless questions about TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and its performance in various applications. One concern that comes up often, especially from designers and product developers, is whether TPR is prone to deformation. It’s a valid worry—nobody wants their