After spending more than a decade in the plastics industry, working on everything from consumer electronics to automotive components, I’ve encountered a wide range of challenges in TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) overmolding. One issue that keeps cropping up, especially in high-volume production, is material sticking to the sprue—that frustrating moment when the TPE clings to the […]

Having spent over a decade in the plastics industry, working on everything from medical tubing to automotive seals, I’ve often been asked to clarify the differences between TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). These two materials can seem confusingly similar at first glance—both are flexible, durable, and widely used in similar applications. Yet, mistaking

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the plastics industry for over a decade, I’ve wrestled with the unique challenges of working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). One issue that keeps popping up, especially in processes like extrusion or blow molding, is the melt strength of TPEs. If you’re reading this, you’re likely dealing with problems like

Having worked in the plastics industry for over 15 years, I’ve dealt with my fair share of challenges when it comes to thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). One issue that frequently comes up, especially in consumer-facing applications like medical devices, automotive interiors, or household goods, is the odor that TPE materials can emit. If you’re here, you’re

Having spent over a decade in the plastics industry, particularly working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), I’ve tackled countless challenges in overmolding applications. One of the trickiest issues I’ve encountered is ensuring strong adhesion between TPE and metal substrates. Poor adhesion can lead to delamination, reduced part durability, or even complete failure in applications like tool

As someone who’s spent years working in the plastics industry, particularly with thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), I’ve seen my fair share of production challenges. One issue that pops up time and again is weld lines—those pesky imperfections that can compromise the strength, appearance, and performance of TPE parts. If you’re reading this, you’re likely dealing with

Having spent over a decade in the materials industry, working on everything from consumer electronics to medical devices, I’ve come across countless questions about Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and silicone. One that keeps popping up, especially among those diving into material selection or curious about their everyday products, is whether TPE is a component of silicone.

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the world of materials for over 15 years, working on everything from consumer gadgets to industrial components, I’ve handled my fair share of Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). It’s a material that’s everywhere—phone cases, yoga mats, medical tubing, you name it. But one question I get a lot, whether from curious