As someone who’s been immersed in the plastics and elastomer industry for over 15 years, I’ve worked with countless materials, from rigid thermoplastics to flexible rubbers, helping manufacturers and designers bring their products to life. One question that pops up regularly, especially from those working on innovative product designs, is whether TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) and […]

Having spent over a decade in the plastics manufacturing world, I’ve seen my fair share of quirks and challenges with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). These soft, rubber-like materials are a go-to for everything from phone cases to medical grips, thanks to their flexibility and pleasant feel. But one issue that’s tripped up many a production line—and

In the field of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) processing, a challenge that operators often face is handling the high toughness of TPE pellets, which makes them difficult to cut during the pelletizing process. If not handled properly, this problem can disrupt the production process, reduce efficiency, and even cause equipment damage. As someone who has been

Over my twelve years in the manufacturing and materials processing industry, I’ve tackled countless challenges in joining dissimilar materials. One question that keeps surfacing, whether I’m consulting for automotive suppliers or troubleshooting in a production line, is how to effectively bond aluminum alloy and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It’s a tricky task—aluminum is a lightweight, rigid

A common challenge in thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) manufacturing is the tendency of finished TPEs to stick. This can be a frustrating problem, especially when it leads to inefficient production, damaged products, or unhappy customers. As someone who has been involved in the TPE industry for many years, I’m excited to share some insights and practical

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the plastics and surface treatment industry for over a decade, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). These versatile materials, known for their flexibility, durability, and rubber-like feel, are a favorite in industries ranging from automotive to consumer goods. But one issue that keeps popping

In the world of injection molding, especially when dealing with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) soft rubber materials, the design of the gate is a critical aspect that significantly affects the quality, appearance and functionality of the final product. As someone who has been deeply involved in the injection molding industry for many years, I am happy

As a plastics engineer with over a decade of experience in compounding and processing thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), I’ve spent countless hours on factory floors, tweaking formulations and troubleshooting production issues. One challenge that keeps popping up, especially for manufacturers new to TPE, is why their TPE material hardens quickly—sometimes even before it’s molded or during

As a plastics engineer with over 12 years in the injection molding industry, I’ve troubleshooted countless issues on the factory floor, from warped parts to mysterious brittleness. One problem that’s come up repeatedly, especially with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) parts, is the tendency for joints opposite the gate to break easily during use or testing. I

In the realm of plastic manufacturing, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) injection molding stands out as a versatile and widely used process. Its ability to combine the flexibility of rubber with the processability of thermoplastics makes TPE a preferred choice for various applications, from automotive components to consumer goods. However, like any manufacturing process, TPE injection molding