A few years back, I was part of a footwear project where our team spent hours debating whether to use TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) for a new line of shoe soles. The mold designer, clearly frustrated, warned us, “The shrinkage rates of these two materials are worlds apart—pick the wrong one, and […]

I still remember last summer when I bought a new pair of sneakers with TPR soles. On the first day out, they picked up a ton of dust and some mysterious stains. Staring at those grimy soles when I got home, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Are TPR soles just magnets for dirt?” I bet

As someone who’s spent years working with materials in industries ranging from footwear to industrial components, I often get questions about the properties of TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber). One query that’s come up recently is whether higher TPR hardness leads to higher viscosity. It’s a great question, especially for those diving into material selection for manufacturing

As someone who’s been diving deep into the world of materials and manufacturing for years, I often come across questions about what goes into the products we use every day. One question that’s popped up more than once is whether car tires are made from TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber). It’s a fair question—TPR is a versatile,

Having been immersed in the home materials industry for years, I often get asked about the materials used in mattresses, shoe insoles, or other daily necessities. One question that comes up frequently is, “Are TPR and latex the same thing?” At first glance, TPR and latex might seem similar—both are used in soft, elastic products

Having worked in the plastic granulation industry for years, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) granulator fails to cool properly. Inadequate cooling not only affects pellet quality but can also reduce production efficiency and even damage equipment. When a TPR granulator doesn’t cool down, the issue could stem

Having spent years working with plastics and their applications, I’ve seen firsthand how the right material choice can make or break a product. Overmolding polycarbonate (PC) with thermoplastic rubber (TPR) is a popular technique to combine the strength of PC with the soft, grippy feel of TPR. But not all TPRs are created equal, and

As someone who has been immersed in the plastics industry for years, I have a deep understanding of various materials’ properties and applications. PP (polypropylene) and TPR (thermoplastic rubber) are two widely used plastic materials, each with unique characteristics and purposes. But what happens when these two are combined? Today, I’ll dive into the effects

A few years back, a friend called me up, buzzing with excitement about his startup project. He was designing eco-friendly, safe children’s tableware and asked, “Is TPR material safe for food-contact products? Could it pose any health risks?” That question took me back to my early days in the materials industry, navigating the complexities of

As someone who’s been immersed in the world of material science for years, particularly in developing durable and user-friendly components for commercial induction cookers, I’ve had my fair share of encounters with various polymers. Recently, I’ve noticed a growing curiosity among yoga enthusiasts and fitness buffs about the materials used in yoga mats, specifically NBR