Flexible Polymer Manufacturing
TPE and TPU Injection Molding Services
PPMolding specializes in processing thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) to create components that require flexibility, high-grip surfaces, or impact resistance. We translate your design requirements into functional parts, ensuring material properties meet your performance expectations for durability and tactile quality.
Shore 20A–80D
Hardness range across TPE and TPU grades
50–1,000 t
Injection press tonnage
Shore 20A–80D
Hardness range
±0.05 mm
Tolerance, material dependent
3–6 weeks
Typical tooling lead time
Design for Elastomers
Engineering Flexible Components
TPE and TPU materials behave differently than rigid plastics like ABS or PC. Our engineering team evaluates your part geometry to address common processing challenges such as gate placement for flow, cooling time optimization, and shrinkage management.
By analyzing your design before production, we help you avoid issues that often occur when molding soft materials. We provide feedback on wall thickness and transition points to ensure your parts maintain their structural integrity while providing the desired flexibility.
Common soft-material defects we help you prevent:
Reviewed before production
-
✓
Gate placement
Positioned for balanced material flow through soft, flexible sections.
-
✓
Cooling time optimization
Cycle times tuned to the thermal behavior of each elastomer grade.
-
✓
Shrinkage management
Mold dimensions compensated for the shrink rate of soft materials.
-
✓
Wall thickness and transitions
Feedback on geometry so parts stay flexible without losing structural integrity.
Equipment & Specifications
Manufacturing Capabilities for Elastomers
We operate injection molding machines ranging from 50 to 1,000 tons, allowing us to produce everything from small, intricate seals to large, soft-touch ergonomic housings.
Our facility supports both standalone TPE/TPU parts and complex overmolding projects.
| Capability | Specification |
|---|---|
| Hardness Range | Shore 20A to 80D |
| Processing Type | Standard injection, Insert molding, Overmolding |
| Tolerance | ±0.05 mm to ±0.15 mm (material dependent) |
| Machine Tonnage | 50 – 1,000 tons |
| Surface Finish | Matte, textured, or high-gloss available |
| Lead Time | 3–6 weeks for tooling; production per volume |
Grades & Performance
Material Selection and Performance
Choosing the right grade of TPE or TPU is critical for your product’s lifespan. We assist in selecting materials based on your specific environment and performance requirements.
TPE
Elasticity & Feel
Soft, rubber-like texture with high friction for a secure, comfortable grip.
Primary Applications
A go-to choice where a non-slip touch point defines the user experience.
TPU
Elasticity & Feel
High abrasion resistance with a tough, durable feel under repeated stress.
Primary Applications
Suited to parts exposed to wear, impact, and continuous flexing.
High-Performance TPU
Elasticity & Feel
High tear strength combined with strong oil resistance for harsh conditions.
Primary Applications
Engineered for demanding automotive and industrial environments.
Multi-Material Molding
Overmolding and Multi-Material Integration
We integrate soft TPE/TPU layers onto rigid substrates to improve user experience and product functionality. This process, known as overmolding, eliminates the need for mechanical fasteners or adhesives, creating a permanent bond between the soft grip and the hard housing.
By combining materials in a single molding cycle, we help you reduce assembly costs and improve the overall durability of your product.
Typical applications
Consumer Electronics
Soft-touch buttons and shock-absorbing bumpers.
Automotive
Interior control knobs and vibration-dampening seals.
Medical Devices
Ergonomic handles and non-slip surfaces on diagnostic tools.
Process
Managing Your Project Workflow
We prioritize a clear, direct communication path to ensure your project stays on schedule. From the initial review of your STEP or IGES files to the final inspection of your production parts, our team handles the technical details so you can focus on product development.
Design Review
DFM assessment focusing on flow paths and material compatibility.
Tooling Development
Custom mold builds tailored to your volume requirements.
Sampling
Functional prototypes provided for fit, form, and tactile testing.
Production
Consistent, repeatable molding processes with in-process quality checks.
Secondary Operations
Including assembly, printing, and custom packaging.
Request a Manufacturing Proposal
If you are currently evaluating suppliers for a project involving TPE or TPU components, we provide detailed manufacturing proposals based on your 3D models and technical specifications.
To receive a quote, please send your design files and project requirements to info@plasticpartsmolding.com.
PPMolding
We provide technical support and manufacturing capacity to turn your flexible plastic designs into finished, production-ready parts.
Start your TPE / TPU project
Share your STEP or IGES files, target hardness, and volume requirements. Our engineering team will respond with a detailed proposal.