I’ve been working in the injection molding industry for over a decade and have tackled numerous challenges when overmolding TPEs (thermoplastic elastomers) onto metal parts. One of the most challenging issues is shrinkage, which impacts the dimensional accuracy and bond quality of the final product. If the TPE doesn’t bond effectively or shrinks excessively around […]

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the materials industry for over a decade, I’ve seen the push for sustainability reshape how we think about plastics and elastomers. One question that keeps coming up, especially from manufacturers and eco-conscious designers, is whether Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) can be recycled and reused. It’s a question close to my

Having spent over a decade in the materials industry, working on everything from consumer goods to industrial components, I’ve fielded countless questions about Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) and its customization. One query that keeps popping up, especially from manufacturers and product designers, is whether white TPR raw materials require fluorescent agents (also known as optical brighteners)

As someone who’s spent years working with materials in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and consumer goods, I’ve come across countless questions about Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR). One of the most common queries is whether TPR has an odor and what exactly this material is. Having handled TPR in various projects, from designing soft-grip tools to specifying

Having spent over a decade working with materials in the automotive sector, I’ve seen firsthand how thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have become a cornerstone of modern vehicle manufacturing. From the soft-touch dashboard in your car to the weatherproof seals around your windows, TPE is everywhere—and for good reason. But why exactly is this material so indispensable

As someone who’s spent over fifteen years in the plastics and elastomers industry, I’ve seen my fair share of material quirks. One issue that keeps coming up, especially with white thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), is its tendency to turn yellow over time. Whether it’s a phone case, a yoga mat, or a medical device, that unsightly

As someone who’s been working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) for over a decade in the materials industry, I’ve handled countless questions about this versatile material. From yoga mats to car parts, TPE is everywhere, prized for its flexibility and durability. But one question keeps popping up: Why does TPE smell so bad? If you’ve ever

As someone who’s been navigating the plastics industry for over a decade, I’ve seen my fair share of material mismatches and bonding challenges. One question that keeps surfacing, especially from product designers and manufacturers, is why thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) struggles to form a reliable bond with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). It’s a frustration I’ve encountered

Having spent over a decade in the polymer industry, working with everything from automotive seals to medical tubing, I’ve come to appreciate the versatility of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). These materials, which blend the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastics, are a staple in countless applications. But one question I often hear from clients,

Having worked in the plastics and elastomer industry for over 15 years, I’ve seen how thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have become a go-to material for everything from soft grips to medical devices. One question that frequently comes up, whether from product designers or manufacturers, is about the hardness levels of TPE soft gels. Understanding these levels