Picture this: you’re standing in the workshop, watching a batch of freshly molded TPR (thermoplastic rubber) products come off the injection machine, only to find them stubbornly clinging to each other like best friends at a reunion. As someone who’s spent years knee-deep in the rubber and plastics industry, I know how frustrating this sticking […]

As someone who’s spent over a decade troubleshooting quirks in the rubber and plastics industry, I’ve seen my fair share of head-scratchers on the production line. One issue that keeps popping up, especially with black TPR (thermoplastic rubber) products, is those pesky white flow marks that mar an otherwise sleek surface. These streaks aren’t just

Having spent years navigating the ins and outs of the rubber products industry, I’ve tackled my fair share of production challenges, and the issue of “water ripples” on TPR (thermoplastic rubber) encapsulated suction cups is one that never fails to spark frustration. These wavy surface imperfections don’t just mar the product’s appearance—they can compromise suction

If you’ve ever inspected a freshly molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) part and spotted tiny bubbles trapped inside or marring the surface, you know how frustrating it can be. As a materials engineer who’s spent years troubleshooting injection molding issues, I’ve seen this problem pop up more times than I can count. The question “Why do

If you’ve ever tried bonding a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) product—like a phone case, yoga mat, or medical device—and noticed an oily residue forming where the glue was applied, you’re not alone. As a materials scientist with years of experience in polymers and adhesives, I’ve encountered this issue time and again. The question “Why does glue

If you’ve ever worked with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in injection molding, you might have noticed something puzzling: the area around the gate—where the molten material enters the mold—often has a glossy, shiny appearance that stands out against the rest of the part. As someone who’s spent years in the plastics industry, troubleshooting issues like this

If you’ve ever noticed that your silicone kitchen spatula or TPE phone case has become stiff, brittle, or even cracked over time, you’re not alone. As a materials scientist with years of experience in polymers, I’ve fielded countless questions about why these versatile materials—silicone and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)—lose their softness and elasticity. The question “Why

Walking into a room with new TPE products—like phone cases, yoga mats, or medical tubing—you might notice a distinct smell that makes you wrinkle your nose. As someone who’s spent years in the materials science field, I’ve heard countless questions about this issue, with one standing out: “Why does TPE material have such a strong

Before we get into why TPE hardens, let’s start with the basics. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a unique class of materials that combine the elasticity of rubber with the processability of plastics. They’re widely used in industries like automotive, medical devices, consumer electronics, and sporting goods. TPE’s popularity stems from its ability to be both

As someone who’s spent years working with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) in various industries, I’ve often been asked a question that seems simple but is critical for many users: Will TPE products mold, and how can we test for it? Mold growth on materials can be a dealbreaker, especially in applications like medical devices, food packaging,