ISO 9001 & IATF 16949 Certified Manufacturer

Custom Overmolding Mold Manufacturer for TPE & TPU Parts

Custom overmolding mold design and manufacturing for TPE, TPU, TPV, PC, ABS, PP, PA and insert-based plastic parts. GBM reviews bonding area, substrate positioning, flash control, shrinkage difference, gate location and T1 validation before mold approval.

  • Custom TPE / TPU overmolding molds for soft-touch, sealing and protective parts
  • DFM review for material compatibility, bonding structure, substrate positioning and flash risk
  • T1 samples, CMM reports, trial videos and export mold packing for overseas buyers
WhatsApp Drawings for Review

Project Quick Facts

  • Mold Type
    Two-step overmolding mold, insert loading mold, TPE / TPU soft-touch mold, connector overmolding mold
  • Material Pair
    TPE / TPU / TPV with ABS, PC, PP, PA, PC/ABS or metal inserts
  • Main Risk Review
    Bonding, substrate movement, flash, shrinkage difference, gate mark, ejection deformation
  • GBM Support
    DFM, mold design, T1 samples, CMM report, trial video, export packing
  • Quote Needs
    2D / 3D drawings, material, Shore hardness, annual quantity, application, export requirement

Custom Overmolding Mold Solutions by Buyer Need

Custom Overmolding Mold Solutions

TPE Overmolding Mold Manufacturer

For soft-touch grips, sealing edges, ergonomic handles and consumer housings. GBM reviews TPE grade, Shore hardness, substrate material, bonding area, shut-off line and flash risk before mold cutting.

Discuss My TPE Overmolding Mold

TPU Overmolding Mold Manufacturer

For protective covers, cable strain relief, wearable parts and durable soft layers. GBM checks TPU flow, ejection, adhesion, shrinkage, gate location and T1 trial risk before production approval.

Review My TPU Overmolding Project

Small Batch Overmolding Mold Supplier

For prototype and low-volume projects, GBM supports two-step overmolding, manual substrate loading, T1 samples and mold adjustment before scaling to higher volume.

Ask for Small Batch Mold Plan

Export Overmolding Tooling for US / EU Buyers

For overseas buyers, GBM supports export mold packing, mold drawings, spare parts list, trial videos, CMM reports and packing photos.

Get Export Mold Quote

Overmolding Mold at a Glance

Quick understanding of overmolding technology and GBM's capabilities.

What is overmolding mold

What It Is

A mold that injects TPE, TPU, TPV or another material over a plastic or metal substrate.

Why buyers use overmolding

Why Buyers Use It

Improve grip, sealing, protection, comfort, impact resistance and part integration.

What GBM provides

What GBM Checks

Material pair, bonding area, substrate location, shut-off line, gate position and ejection.

What to watch in overmolding

What Buyers Receive

DFM feedback, mold design, T1 samples, QC report, CMM report if required, trial video and packing photos.

What Is an Overmolding Mold?

An overmolding mold is a plastic injection mold designed to place a second material over a base substrate. The substrate can be a molded plastic part, a metal insert, or a pre-formed component. The overmold material is usually a soft or functional material such as TPE, TPU or TPV, but it can also be another engineering plastic depending on the project.

Overmolding Mold Structure
Overmolding Type Example Buyer Concern
TPE over plastic TPE + ABS grip Adhesion, touch feel, flash
TPU over plastic TPU + PC cover Wear resistance, ejection, bonding
Rubber-like sealing TPV / TPE + PP Sealing line, compression, material grade
Insert overmolding Plastic over metal insert Insert positioning, movement, coverage
Connector overmolding Cable end / terminal Sealing, strain relief, pin protection

When Overmolding Is Used

Overmolding is used when a product needs multiple functions in one part, such as a hard plastic structure with a soft-touch grip, a sealed connector, a protected housing, a comfortable handle, or a multi-material appearance.

What Buyers Should Consider

Before choosing an overmolding mold, buyers should evaluate material compatibility, bonding strength, mechanical lock design, substrate positioning, wall thickness, shrinkage difference, gate location, flash control and quality validation.

How Overmolding Works

1

Substrate Design

Check bonding area, ribs, holes, undercuts, wrap-around edges and location features.

2

First Shot / Insert Preparation

Check substrate material, surface condition, dimensional stability and heat resistance.

3

Substrate Positioning in Mold

Check locating pins, support surfaces, shut-off area and possible insert movement.

4

Second Material Injection

Check TPE / TPU flow, gate position, weld line, pressure, venting and flash risk.

5

T1 Bonding & Ejection Review

Check delamination, flash, short shot, bubbles, shrinkage, ejection mark and critical dimensions.

In simple terms, overmolding combines two materials into one part. The success of the project depends on material compatibility, substrate positioning, mold design and T1 validation.

Overmolding Mold Parameters

Comprehensive specifications, design standards, and technical support details for custom overmolding projects.

Parameter GBM Support Buyer Notes
Mold Category Overmolding mold, two-step mold, insert loading overmolding mold Selected by material pair, production volume and automation level
Substrate Material ABS, PC, PP, PA, PC/ABS, POM, metal inserts Must review heat resistance and second-shot deformation
Overmold Material TPE, TPU, TPV and project-specific elastomers Grade, Shore hardness and adhesion should be confirmed
Bonding Method Chemical bonding, mechanical lock, groove, hole, undercut, wrap-around edge Do not rely only on material name
Gate Design Edge gate, direct gate, sub gate or custom gate depending on part Affects flow marks, weld line, bonding and flash
Flash Control Shut-off fitting, parting line, venting, steel contact and process window Very important for soft materials
Tolerance Control Project-dependent, based on material, part structure and critical dimensions Use CMM for marked critical dimensions
Quality Documents T1 sample, sample QC report, CMM report, mold trial video Based on project requirement
Export Delivery Drawings, spare parts, packing photos, maintenance notes Important for overseas buyers
Precision Mold Manufacturing Quality Inspection Process

Send your drawings, material, quantity, and quality requirements for evaluation.

WhatsApp Engineer

Overmolding Mold Types & Applications

Custom solutions for various materials and functional requirements.

TPE Overmolding Mold

TPE Overmolding Mold

Best for: soft-touch grips, handles, housings, seals and ergonomic surfaces

Material pair: TPE + ABS, TPE + PC, TPE + PP

Mold design focus: material compatibility, bonding strength, flash control and surface texture

Common risks: weak adhesion, flash, flow marks, peeling

Buyer benefit: improves grip, comfort, sealing and product appearance

TPU Overmolding Mold

TPU Overmolding Mold

Best for: protective covers, cable strain relief, wearable components, industrial soft layers

Material pair: TPU + PC, TPU + PC/ABS, TPU + PA

Mold design focus: TPU flow, substrate stability, gate location, ejection, flash control

Common risks: sticking, flash, delamination, flow marks, deformation

Buyer benefit: improved wear resistance, protection, flexibility and impact absorption

Plastic Overmolding Mold

Plastic Overmolding Mold

Best for: plastic-to-plastic multi-material parts

Material pair: PC + ABS, PC + PC, PMMA + ABS

Mold design focus: substrate design, shrinkage difference, gate location and assembly fit

Common risks: warpage, shrinkage mismatch, weld lines

Buyer benefit: combines different functions in one molded component

PC + TPU Overmolding Mold

PC + TPU Overmolding Mold

Best for: protective housings, hard-soft enclosures, transparent or rigid PC structures with soft TPU features

Material pair: PC + TPU

Mold design focus: PC substrate stability, TPU bonding, gate design and T1 validation

Common risks: PC cracking, TPU sticking, poor adhesion

Buyer benefit: creates strong, durable and functional multi-material parts

ABS + TPE Overmolding Mold

ABS + TPE Overmolding Mold

Best for: consumer housings, electronics, handheld parts and soft-touch grips

Material pair: ABS + TPE

Mold design focus: ABS substrate, TPE adhesion, surface preparation and flash control

Common risks: flash, poor texture, weak bonding

Buyer benefit: improves touch feel, grip and product appearance

Connector Overmolding Mold

Connector Overmolding Mold

Best for: electrical connectors, cable ends, strain relief, sealing and protective encapsulation

Material pair: Plastic + Metal pins, TPU/TPE + Cable

Mold design focus: insert positioning, sealing, strain relief, flash control and dimensional accuracy

Common risks: pin movement, short circuit, flash on contacts

Buyer benefit: improves connector protection, durability and assembly performance

TPE Overmolding Mold Manufacturer for Soft-Touch and Sealing Parts

  • TPE + ABS soft-touch housings
  • TPE + PC protective grips
  • TPE + PP sealing edges
  • TPE + PA industrial grip surfaces
  • TPE over metal insert sealing areas

TPE overmolding is commonly used for soft-touch grips, handles, sealing edges, anti-slip surfaces and ergonomic plastic parts. GBM reviews the TPE grade, Shore hardness, substrate compatibility, bonding surface, texture depth, shut-off line and flash control before mold manufacturing. For parts that need stronger retention, we recommend adding mechanical locks such as grooves, holes, undercuts or wrap-around edges instead of relying only on chemical adhesion.

TPE Overmolding Mold

TPU Overmolding Mold Design for Durable Protective Parts

  • TPU protective covers
  • Cable strain relief
  • Wear-resistant soft pads
  • Industrial grip parts
  • PC / ABS / PA substrate with TPU layer
  • Outdoor or abrasion-resistant soft components

TPU overmolding is selected when the soft layer needs flexibility, tear resistance, wear resistance or protective performance. In GBM projects, TPU mold design is reviewed together with substrate material, bonding area, gate position, shut-off structure, venting and ejection layout. For PC, ABS, PA or PC/ABS substrates, we recommend checking material compatibility and T1 bonding performance before mass production.

TPU Overmolding Mold

Material Combinations for Strong Overmolding Adhesion

Selecting the right material combination is critical for chemical bonding, shrinkage control and final part performance. GBM helps evaluate material compatibility before mold design.

Material Combination Common Application Design Focus Validation Needed
TPE + ABS Soft-touch housings, grips, handheld parts Adhesion, texture, flash control T1 bonding review
TPE + PC Protective housings, ergonomic surfaces PC stability, bonding area, gate location Appearance and adhesion check
TPU + PC / PC-ABS Protective covers, durable shells TPU flow, ejection, wear surface Delamination and ejection check
TPU + PA Industrial grip, functional soft layer PA moisture, shrinkage, bonding Dimensional and bonding check
TPV + PP Sealing edge, automotive soft area Grade compatibility, sealing line Compression and flash check
Plastic + Metal Insert Threaded inserts, pins, electrical parts Insert position, coverage, movement Insert pull / assembly review if required
Read Overmolding Materials Guide

How to Choose an Overmolding Mold Manufacturer for Electronics

Material Compatibility Review

Can the supplier check TPE / TPU compatibility with PC, ABS, PA, PP or PC/ABS before tooling?

Substrate Positioning Design

Can the mold hold inserts, terminals, housings or connector parts without movement during second-shot injection?

Flash and Shut-Off Control

Does the supplier review parting line, shut-off angle, venting and soft material flow before mold cutting?

Connector and Cable Protection

Can they protect pins, cable ends, sealing areas and strain relief features during overmolding?

T1 Trial and Bonding Validation

Can they provide T1 samples, photos, videos, bonding review and mold correction feedback?

Dimensional Inspection

Can they inspect critical connector fit, sealing line, assembly surface and overmold coverage with QC or CMM reports?

Typical Application Scenarios

Where overmolding adds the most value in product design.

Electronics & Electrical

Typical parts: connector housings, cable ends, switch covers, strain relief parts, protective seals, handheld housings

Why it fits: Improves grip, insulation, sealing, strain relief and component protection.

GBM review: terminal protection, insert movement, sealing shut-off, soft material coverage, flash, assembly fit, CMM dimensions

Automotive Overmolding

Typical parts: interior grips, buttons, sealing features, door panel inserts.

Why it fits: Improves comfort, sealing, impact resistance and part integration.

GBM support: DFM review, material selection, dimensional inspection, FAI / CPK reports upon request.

Medical Device Components

Typical parts: surgical tool handles, monitor housings, ergonomic covers, non-implant parts.

Why it fits: Improves grip, comfort, protection and appearance depending on material requirements.

GBM support: Sample QC report, CMM inspection, traceable trial feedback and careful project review.

Industrial Tool & Grip

Typical parts: power tool handles, anti-slip grips, rugged device bumpers.

Why it fits: Improves ergonomics, comfort, grip and durability.

GBM support: Texture design, soft material flow review, adhesion check and T1 sample validation.

Seal and Gasket

Typical parts: sealing edges on boxes, waterproof rings, functional integrated seals.

Why it fits: Creates integrated sealing areas and reduces secondary assembly.

GBM support: Material compatibility review, shutoff design, flash control and trial verification.

Protective Housing

Typical parts: rugged tablet cases, scanner housings, hard-soft enclosures.

Why it fits: Adds shock absorption, soft-touch surface, sealing or grip to rigid plastic housings.

GBM support: PC/ABS, PC, TPE and TPU material review, CMM inspection and mold trial video.

Small Batch Overmolding Mold

Small Batch Overmolding Mold for Prototype and Low-Volume Production

For early-stage overmolded parts, GBM can support prototype review, two-step overmolding mold design, manual substrate loading, T1 sample testing and mold adjustment before mass production. This is suitable for electronics housings, handheld grips, connector seals, protective covers and functional soft-touch samples where buyers need to confirm bonding, appearance and assembly fit before scaling up.

Best For:

  • New product development samples
  • Low-volume electronics overmolding
  • Connector and cable end trial parts
  • Soft-touch handle validation
  • TPE / TPU material comparison
  • Pre-production T1 sample approval

How to Choose an Overmolding Mold Manufacturer for Electronics

Key considerations when selecting a tooling partner for precision electronic components.

Evaluation Criteria Why It Matters for Electronics GBM's Approach
Insert & Pin Protection Terminals and pins can be crushed or covered by flash. Precise shut-off design and locating fixtures.
Substrate Positioning Small electronic substrates easily move under injection pressure. Custom support ribs and positioning pins in the mold.
Flash Control Flash on connectors causes assembly failure or short circuits. Strict parting line fitting and venting control.
Material Compatibility PC/ABS or PC housings need specific TPE/TPU grades to bond. Material pairing review before mold design.
Dimensional Accuracy Electronic parts have tight assembly tolerances. CMM inspection and FAI reports provided.
Precision Injection Mold Manufacturing
Injection Molding Engineering and Inspection

Send your drawings, material, quantity, and quality requirements for evaluation.

Foundational Design Principles for an Effective Overmolding Mold

Engineering details that determine the success of an overmolding project.

1. Material Compatibility

  • Check exact grade, not only material name
  • Confirm TPE/TPU/TPV compatibility with ABS, PC, PP, PA or metal insert
  • Validate bonding through T1 sample review

2. Bonding Area Design

  • Increase contact area where possible
  • Avoid too-small soft material coverage
  • Add texture, ribs, holes or wrap-around edges when needed

3. Mechanical Lock Design

  • Use grooves, undercuts, through-holes or side holes
  • Useful when chemical bonding alone is not enough
  • Important for handles, seals, cable ends and pull-force areas

4. Substrate Positioning

  • Use locating pins, support ribs, inserts and shut-off surfaces
  • Prevent substrate floating or deformation during second shot
  • Critical for electronics and connector overmolding

5. Gate and Flow Direction

  • Avoid direct impact on weak substrate areas
  • Reduce weld lines and air traps
  • Review gate vestige on cosmetic surfaces

6. Flash Control

  • Improve parting line fitting
  • Add correct venting
  • Control shut-off angle and steel contact area

7. Shrinkage and Cooling

  • Different materials shrink differently
  • Check warpage and assembly fit
  • Use T1 samples to confirm final dimensions

8. Ejection and Demolding

  • Soft materials may stick or deform
  • Add proper draft angle
  • Avoid ejector marks on sealing or cosmetic areas

Specialized Mold Components for Overmolding Applications

Component Specifications & Benefits

Mold Component Function in Overmolding Buyer Benefit
Substrate locating pins Hold the first-shot part or insert in position Reduces substrate movement
Insert pockets Fix metal inserts, terminals or plastic substrates Improves coverage and alignment
Shut-off surfaces Seal soft material flow at parting line Reduces TPE / TPU flash
Replaceable gate inserts Allow gate adjustment after T1 Helps optimize flow and appearance
Venting grooves Release trapped air during second shot Reduces burn marks and short shot
Ejector layout Remove soft overmolded parts safely Reduces deformation and sticking
Cooling channels Control shrinkage and cycle stability Improves dimensional consistency
Mechanical lock features Add grooves, holes, ribs or undercuts Improves bonding strength
Precision Overmolding Mold Components

Precision Mold Engineering

Ensuring perfect alignment and flash-free results for complex overmolding projects.

Professional DFM & Mold Flow Analysis within 24 Hours

Why Overseas Buyers Choose GBM for Overmolding Molds

Expert engineering, precision manufacturing, and reliable export delivery.

DFM Before Mold Cutting

Review substrate, bonding area, shut-off, gate and flash risk before steel machining.

TPE / TPU Material Pair Review

Check material pair, Shore hardness, soft material flow and adhesion risk before production.

Substrate Positioning Control

Design locating surfaces, insert pockets and support areas to reduce movement.

T1 Sample Validation

Check bonding, flash, deformation, ejection, shrinkage and assembly fit.

Inspection Documents

Provide sample QC report, CMM report, trial video, FAI / CPK upon request.

Export Mold Delivery

Support mold drawings, spare parts, maintenance notes, packing photos and wooden case packing.

Overmolding vs Insert Molding vs Two-Shot Molding

Understand the differences to choose the right process for your project.

Process How It Works Best For Buyer Consideration
Overmolding A second material is molded over or around a substrate to create one integrated part. Soft-touch grips, protective housings, seals, handles and multi-material parts. Material compatibility, bonding strength and substrate positioning are critical.
Insert Molding A pre-made insert, often metal, is placed into the mold and plastic is molded around it. Threaded inserts, electrical contacts, metal pins and reinforced plastic parts. Insert positioning, insert movement and plastic coverage are critical.
Two-Shot Molding Two materials are injected in one machine cycle or automated sequence using specialized tooling. High-volume, repeatable multi-material parts with stable geometry. Higher tooling investment, but better automation and consistency for large production.

Conclusion: Overmolding, insert molding and two-shot molding are not interchangeable. The right process depends on material combination, production volume, bonding requirement, automation level, tooling budget and final part function.

For high-volume multi-material parts, two-shot or multi-shot molding may provide better repeatability and automation. For prototype, small batch or complex substrate loading projects, two-step overmolding can be more flexible. GBM can review your annual quantity, material pair, bonding requirement and tooling budget before recommending overmolding, insert molding or two-shot molding.

How to Choose the Right Overmolding Process

Selection Factor What to Check Recommended Direction
1. Product Function Does the part need grip, sealing, protection, comfort, appearance or assembly reduction? Choose overmolding when one part needs multiple functions or material properties.
2. Substrate Material Is the substrate PC, ABS, PP, PA, PC/ABS, metal or another material? Substrate material affects bonding, shrinkage, heat resistance and deformation risk.
3. Overmold Material TPE, TPU, TPV or another material? Select based on hardness, grip, wear resistance, flexibility, sealing and bonding.
4. Bonding Requirement Is chemical bonding enough, or does the part need mechanical lock? Use undercuts, grooves, holes or wrap-around structures when bonding is critical.
5. Production Volume Prototype, low-volume, medium-volume or mass production? Production quantity affects mold structure, cavity number, automation and cost.
6. Appearance Requirement Is the overmolded area visible, textured, soft-touch or cosmetic? Gate location, parting line, texture and flash control should be reviewed.
7. Dimensional Tolerance Are there critical assembly dimensions or fit requirements? Mark critical dimensions and request CMM inspection if needed.
8. Mold Destination Will the mold run at GBM or be exported to the buyer’s local facility? Export molds should include drawings, spare parts list, maintenance notes and packing photos.

Engineering Support for Overmolded Parts

We don't just sell molds; we provide comprehensive engineering evaluation.

Engineering Support for Overmolded Parts
Engineering Stage GBM Checks Buyer Receives
DFM Review Substrate geometry, bonding area, shut-off, wall thickness, gate location DFM feedback before mold design
Material Review TPE / TPU / TPV grade, substrate, Shore hardness, adhesion risk Material pair risk notes
Mold Design Locating, insert pocket, gate, runner, cooling, venting, ejection Mold layout confirmation
T1 Review Bonding, flash, shrinkage, deformation, appearance, dimensions T1 samples, photos, video, QC report
Mold Adjustment Flash, short shot, delamination, ejection issue Correction plan before approval

Quality Control for Overmolding Molds and Parts

Overmolded parts often need careful inspection for bonding quality, appearance, flash, dimensions, substrate positioning, ejection and assembly fit. GBM supports incoming, in-process and final quality control for overmolding mold projects.

1

Material and Steel Incoming Check

Check mold steel, mold base, substrate material, overmold material and key components.

2

Machining and Electrode Inspection

Inspect CNC, EDM, electrode and key mold components during manufacturing.

3

Mold Assembly and Water Testing

Check mold fitting, cooling channels, water lines, shutoff areas and ejection movement.

4

T1 Sample & CMM Inspection

Check bonding, flash, delamination. Measure critical dimensions of overmolded samples and mold cavity.

Overmolding QC Checklist

  • Bonding area coverage
  • Delamination / peeling risk
  • TPE / TPU flash around shut-off line
  • Substrate movement after second shot
  • Exposed insert or exposed substrate
  • Gate mark and flow mark
  • Soft material deformation after ejection
  • Assembly fit with mating parts
  • Critical dimensions by CMM if required
  • Surface texture and appearance consistency
CMM Inspection for Overmolded Parts

T1 Mold Trial for Overmolding Projects

For overmolding projects, T1 trial is especially important because bonding quality, flash control, substrate positioning, shrinkage difference, appearance and dimensional stability must be verified before mold approval. GBM uses T1 samples, trial pictures, mold trial videos and inspection reports to help buyers confirm whether the overmolded part meets project requirements.

T1 Issue Possible Cause GBM Review Direction
DelaminationMaterial mismatch, weak bonding area, no mechanical lockReview material pair and bonding structure
FlashPoor shut-off, high pressure, substrate deformationAdjust shut-off, fitting, venting and process
Short shotPoor flow, thin soft layer, bad gateReview gate, runner, venting and material flow
Substrate movementWeak positioning or insert supportAdd locating pins, pocket or support surface
Ejection deformationSoft material sticking or insufficient draftReview draft, ejector layout and surface finish
T1 Mold Trial Samples

Export-Ready Overmolding Mold Delivery

For export overmolding molds, delivery is not only about shipping the mold. Buyers also need mold protection, clear documentation, spare parts support and enough trial information to install and run the mold in their own facility.

If the mold will run in the buyer’s local facility, please provide injection machine tonnage, platen size, tie-bar distance, nozzle radius, locating ring size and preferred mold standard such as DME or HASCO.

Before Packing & Packing Process

Final mold cleaning, anti-rust oil protection, water line check, ejection check, and final fit/form/function inspection. Molds are protected with wrapping, moisture protection when required, and packed securely in wooden cases with nameplates and shipping marks. Spare parts are packed separately.

Documents Available

  • Mold layout drawing
  • 2D / 3D mold drawing
  • Spare parts list
  • Mold trial video
  • Sample QC / CMM report
  • Maintenance instructions
  • Packing photos
Export Mold Packaging

GBM Factory & Capabilities

A reliable partner for international mold buyers.

Company Snapshot

GBM has developed mold and molding capability since 2006, supporting export mold projects for automotive, electronics, medical device, aerospace and industrial applications.

  • ✓ Since 2006
  • ✓ 1,000+ molds completed
  • ✓ Export mold project experience

Proven experience for international mold buyers.

Engineering Review

Mold design review before steel cutting to optimize substrate positioning and material flow.

Precision Machining

CNC / EDM / wire cutting / grinding / fitting support to ensure accurate shut-off control.

Mold Trial & QC

T1 sample trial with Haitian and Fanuc machines, supported by CMM inspection and sample QC report.

Delivery Support

Export mold packing and comprehensive documentation for seamless overseas installation.

What to Send for an Accurate Overmolding Mold Quote

Quote Information Why GBM Needs It
2D / 3D drawings Check dimensions, shut-off, draft, bonding area
Substrate material Confirm heat resistance and second-shot stability
Overmold material Review TPE / TPU / TPV flow, hardness and adhesion
Shore hardness Affects soft-touch feel, flow, ejection and shrinkage
Annual quantity Decide cavity number, automation level and mold steel
Surface texture Affects grip, appearance, demolding and draft angle
Critical dimensions Define CMM inspection points and tolerance control
Application environment Check wear, oil, chemical, temperature or outdoor exposure
Mold destination Decide export standard, machine matching and packing documents
WhatsApp My Drawings

Explore Related Overmolding Capabilities

TPE

TPE Overmolding

For soft-touch grips, seals, housings and ergonomic plastic parts.

TPU

TPU Overmolding

For durable soft layers, protective covers and wear-resistant parts.

Custom

Custom Overmolding

For custom hard-soft plastic parts, prototypes and production.

Connector

Connector Overmolding

For electrical connectors, cable ends, strain relief.

VS

Overmolding vs Insert

Learn which molding process is better for your part.

Guide

Materials Guide

Compare TPE, TPU, TPV, PC, ABS, PP and PA.

Overmolding Mold FAQ

Answers to common engineering and procurement questions.

How do I choose an overmolding mold manufacturer?
Look for a manufacturer that conducts thorough DFM before cutting steel, reviews material compatibility, and has experience with substrate positioning and flash control. Ask for sample QC reports and check if they provide export-ready documentation.
What makes a good TPE overmolding mold supplier?
A good supplier understands the specific flow characteristics of TPE. They will optimize gate locations to prevent flow marks, design proper venting to avoid short shots, and ensure precise shut-off fitting to prevent flash on the soft material.
Is TPU overmolding suitable for protective covers and cable strain relief?
Yes, TPU offers excellent wear resistance, flexibility, and impact absorption, making it ideal for protective covers and strain reliefs. However, TPU can be prone to sticking during ejection, so proper draft angles and surface finishes are critical.
Can GBM support small batch overmolding mold projects?
Yes, we support both prototype and low-volume production. For small batches, a two-step overmolding process is often more cost-effective than investing in an expensive two-shot mold.
What should I prepare for a complex overmolding mold quotation?
Please provide 2D/3D drawings, substrate material, overmold material with required Shore hardness, target function (e.g., sealing or grip), annual volume, and whether the mold will run at GBM or be exported.
How do you design an overmolding mold for electronics parts?
For electronics, we focus on preventing substrate movement under injection pressure. We use custom support ribs, locating pins, and precise shut-offs to ensure that terminals and pins are not crushed or covered by flash.
What mold components are important for overmolding applications?
Key components include precise locating fixtures for the substrate, high-quality steel for shut-off areas to prevent flash, and optimized cooling channels to manage the different shrinkage rates of the two materials.
How do you reduce flash in TPE and TPU overmolding?
Flash is controlled by achieving near-perfect parting line fitting, designing appropriate shut-off angles, optimizing venting, and carefully controlling the injection pressure and speed during the second shot.
How do you prevent substrate movement during overmolding?
We design the mold with dedicated locating pins, support surfaces, and insert pockets. This ensures the substrate is held firmly in place and does not float or deform when the second material is injected.
When should I choose two-shot molding instead of two-step overmolding?
Two-shot molding is recommended for high-volume, mass production where automation and cycle time are critical. For prototypes, low-volume runs, or parts requiring complex insert loading, two-step overmolding is usually more flexible and cost-effective.
Can TPE and TPU bond well to ABS and PC?
Some TPE and TPU grades can bond well with ABS or PC, but adhesion depends on the exact resin grade, surface condition, processing temperature, bonding area and mechanical lock design. GBM recommends confirming the material pair before mold manufacturing.

Supported formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, STEP, IGES, STL, DWG (Max 20MB)

Choose Files No file chosen

Supported formats: PDF, JPG, PNG, STEP, IGES, STL, DWG (Max 20MB)

Supported formats: STEP, IGS, X_T, PDF, ZIP (Max 20MB)

For NDA agreements or file attachments such as STEP, IGS, X_T or PDF drawings, please email us directly after submitting this form.

We respect your privacy. Your project information and drawings will only be used for engineering review and quotation.