TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) is a type of thermoplastic elastomer material that boasts high strength, high resilience, environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, and excellent colorability. However, many people harbor misconceptions about this innovative eco-friendly polymer material. Here, we address four common misunderstandings about TPE materials:

1. **Misconception #1: TPE is just one type of material**
   When asked, "How much does your company's TPE cost per ton?", it may seem like TPE is a singular material with fixed properties and prices. In reality, TPE encompasses a variety of types such as TPR, TPV, and more. These are not all the same material, differing in properties and applications, which naturally leads to variations in pricing.

2. **Misconception #2: TPE perfectly replaces PVC**
   Compared to PVC, TPE is free from halogens, phthalate plasticizers, and heavy metals, making it an environmentally friendly, advanced polymer material. It combines the processing characteristics of thermoplastics with the physical properties of vulcanized rubber, offering better low-temperature resistance, smoother and more comfortable feel, improved wear resistance, and slip resistance. These traits lead some to believe that TPE can entirely replace PVC.
   
   In practice, however, PVC still dominates certain markets due to its cost advantage in areas with less stringent environmental regulations. The full substitution of PVC by TPE is a gradual process.

3. **Misconception #3: Weak bonding in TPE overmolding is always caused by the material**
   Overmolding is a key application method for TPE. When issues arise with weak bonding between TPE and the substrate, clients might initially assume the problem lies with the TPE material itself. Yet, inadequate bonding is not always due to the material alone. Insufficient injection molding temperatures can also cause weak adhesion. Factors such as the specific type of TPE, the hardness of the plastic being overmolded, the mold design, and product structure all play a role in determining the optimal molding temperature.

4. **Misconception #4: All TPE is food-grade**
   Many manufacturers tout their products as food-grade TPE, but the term "food-grade" is a general concept. Different materials have distinct testing standards. According to the US FDA, for a material to be considered food-grade, it must pass tests involving distilled water and n-hexane, meeting the criteria outlined in regulation 21 CFR 177.2600. Currently, only a select few TPE manufacturers worldwide manage to meet both of these rigorous testing requirements.