In my years working with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) injection molding, I’ve often felt like a detective, piecing together clues to solve production mysteries. One particularly vexing issue is when TPE material fails to fuse properly. The telltale signs—visible weld lines, rough surfaces, reduced strength, or even cracks—can make any engineer’s heart sink. As someone who’s […]

As someone who has worked in the processing of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) materials for years, I’m no stranger to the various challenges that arise during production. One issue that frequently frustrates injection molding engineers is sink marks at the gate. Those tiny depressions on the product’s surface near the gate can drive anyone up the

Having spent nearly two decades in the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) industry, I’ve wrestled with just about every molding challenge you can imagine. One issue that crops up time and again is stringing at the gate—those frustrating, wispy strands of TPE that form when the mold opens, leaving a messy finish and potentially compromising part quality.

In my 20 years working with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) materials, I’ve tackled just about every quirk and challenge that comes with producing high-quality films and molded parts. One issue that keeps popping up, especially with TPE cast film products, is yellowing—a frustrating discoloration that can turn a pristine, transparent film into something that looks aged

After nearly two decades in the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) industry, I’ve seen just about every challenge that comes with molding these versatile materials. One question that pops up time and again is how to effectively bond TPE to metal during injection molding. Whether you’re making automotive components, medical devices, or consumer electronics, achieving a strong,

As a veteran in the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) industry with nearly two decades of hands-on experience, I’ve wrestled with all sorts of molding challenges. One issue that crops up repeatedly is opacity in TPE parts that are supposed to be transparent or translucent. When your TPE product comes out cloudy or opaque instead of crystal

As someone who’s been knee-deep in the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) industry for over 15 years, I’ve tackled my fair share of production headaches. One of the most persistent issues I hear about is surface patterns—those pesky, irregular marks that mar the look of TPE products and can spell trouble for quality checks or client approvals.

Having spent over a decade working with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) in various manufacturing settings, I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating surface flow marks can be. These imperfections don’t just mar the aesthetics of a product—they can erode customer trust and threaten production timelines. If you’re grappling with severe flow marks on TPE parts, this article is

When I first started working in the polymer industry, I was fascinated by the versatility of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers)—their soft-touch feel, flexibility, and ability to take on vibrant colors made them a go-to for everything from automotive trim to outdoor gear. But one challenge I’ve seen trip up even experienced manufacturers is UV degradation, especially

As a veteran in the polymer processing industry, I’ve spent countless hours troubleshooting issues that pop up during TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) injection molding. One of the most persistent and frustrating problems is air bubbles—those pesky little voids that ruin the appearance, strength, and functionality of molded parts. Whether you’re crafting soft-touch grips, medical device components,