When people first get into the world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPR), they often assume it’s just another soft plastic—like PVC. I’ve been working with TPRs and PVC for well over 15 years now, in everything from toy factories to automotive parts suppliers, and if there’s one rookie mistake I still see surprisingly often, it’s this: […]

I’ve spent many years immersed in the world of TPR (thermoplastic rubber) compounding, extrusion, and injection molding. In that time, I’ve helped clients from toys to automotive seals troubleshoot everything from sticky flow lines to unexpected brittleness. But one question pops up with surprising frequency, even from experienced processors: “Why does my semi-transparent TPR turn

After spending more than a decade in the thermoplastic rubber (TPR) extrusion industry, I’ve come across countless machine setups, production challenges, and maintenance headaches. One question that pops up surprisingly often—both from newcomers and even some experienced operators—is: why does the discharge port of a TPR extruder need to be ventilated? It seems straightforward at

As someone who’s been immersed in the polymer industry for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) across a range of applications, from soft-touch consumer goods to durable automotive components. One question that often pops up, especially from those new to the field, is what exactly goes into making

Having navigated the world of polymers for over a decade, I’ve worked with Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) in countless projects, from designing soft-touch grips to engineering durable automotive seals. One topic that often comes up, especially among manufacturers and sustainability-focused professionals, is the management of TPE waste. If you’re wondering about the types of TPE waste

As someone who’s spent years knee-deep in the world of polymers, working with everything from automotive parts to medical devices, I’ve come to see Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) as one of the most exciting materials out there. Their ability to combine rubber-like elasticity with the ease of plastic processing makes them a go-to for countless applications.

Having spent over a decade working with polymers in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible versatility of Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs). These materials, which blend the elasticity of rubber with the moldability of plastics, are a cornerstone in modern manufacturing. If you’re wondering about the various types of TPEs,

As someone who’s been immersed in the materials industry for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how versatile and game-changing Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) can be. These materials, which combine the flexibility of rubber with the processability of plastics, have carved out a significant niche across industries like automotive, medical, consumer goods, and more. If you’re

As a materials scientist with over a decade in the polymer industry, I’ve spent countless hours tinkering with formulations to achieve that perfect balance of performance, safety, and cost. One topic that’s always fascinated me is how blending polyphenylene oxide (PPO) with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) can create materials with exceptional fire-retardant properties, particularly through the

As someone who’s spent years working in the materials science and polymer industry, I’ve had the privilege of diving deep into the fascinating world of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). These versatile materials, known for their rubber-like flexibility combined with the processability of plastics, are everywhere—from the soft grips on your toothbrush to the seals in your