TPE Injection Molding Manufacturer for Custom Soft-Touch Parts

GBM Mold provides custom TPE injection molding and mold tooling for soft-touch grips, seals, gaskets, wearable parts, cable strain reliefs, protective covers and overmolded components. Our engineering team reviews TPE grade, Shore hardness, gate location, venting, mold surface, shrinkage, ejection and T1 trial results before moving your project into production.

Custom TPE molded parts for soft-touch, sealing, grip and flexible applications
TPE mold design review for gate location, venting, flash control and demolding
Support for SEBS, SBS, TPV, TPU-like TPE and customer-specified TPE grades
DFM review, T1 samples, sample inspection, trial video and export packing

Request a TPE Molding Quote WhatsApp Drawings for Review

Custom TPE Injection Molding at a Glance

Item	GBM Mold Support
Service Type	Custom TPE injection molding, TPE mold tooling, TPE overmolding
Common Parts	Soft grips, seals, gaskets, flexible buttons, wearables, strain reliefs, covers
TPE Types	SEBS, SBS, TPV, TPO, TPU-like TPE, customer-specified grades
Key Review Points	Shore hardness, shrinkage, gate, venting, ejection, flash, surface feel
Mold Options	Prototype mold, production mold, cold runner, hot runner, multi-cavity mold
Quality Checks	Dimension, appearance, Shore hardness, fit test, adhesion test if overmolded
Quote Needs	3D/2D drawings, material or hardness, quantity, color, surface and application

Send Your 3D Drawing for DFM Review

What Is Thermoplastic Elastomer Injection Molding?

Thermoplastic elastomer injection molding is a process that melts TPE pellets and injects the material into a closed mold cavity to form flexible, rubber-like plastic parts. TPE materials combine the elastic feel of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics, making them suitable for soft-touch grips, seals, gaskets, flexible covers and overmolded components.

Unlike traditional thermoset rubber molding, TPE injection molding can use standard thermoplastic injection molding equipment when the material grade, part design and processing window are suitable. HEXPOL and KRAIBURG both describe TPE as processable on conventional or standard injection molding machines, with mold design and processing settings adjusted according to the specific grade.

Ask GBM to Review My TPE Part Design

Custom TPE Injection Molding Services for Overseas Buyers

GBM Mold supports overseas OEM buyers, product developers and sourcing teams that need flexible plastic parts with controlled touch feel, sealing function or overmolded structure. We do not only mold the part; we review whether the TPE grade, mold structure, gate position, venting and demolding method are suitable before tooling.

Custom TPE Molded Parts

For single-material TPE parts such as soft seals, flexible covers, buttons, plugs, gaskets and anti-slip components.

Buyer Concern Shrinkage, flash, sticking, surface marks, dimensional stability

GBM Support Gate review, venting review, ejection layout, T1 trial correction

TPE Overmolding

For TPE over ABS, PC, PP, PA, PC/ABS or metal inserts used in grips, handles, protective edges and sealing structures.

Buyer Concern Weak adhesion, peeling, flash, substrate movement

GBM Support Bonding area review, mechanical lock suggestion, shut-off design, T1 adhesion check

TPE Soft-Touch Grips and Handles

For tool handles, handheld devices, consumer products and ergonomic components.

Buyer Concern Hand feel, Shore hardness, surface texture, cycle time, cosmetic marks

GBM Support Material selection support, texture review, gate location, hardness inspection

TPE Seals and Gaskets

For flexible sealing lips, compression parts, protective covers and enclosure sealing.

Buyer Concern Compression, flash line, deformation, fit with mating parts

GBM Support Parting line review, tolerance control, fit testing, sample inspection

Discuss My TPE Injection Molding Project

TPE Materials and Grades for Injection Molding

Choosing the right TPE grade is the first step in a stable molding project. A soft-touch grip, a sealing gasket and a wearable component may all use TPE, but their hardness, elastic recovery, bonding requirement, chemical exposure, UV resistance and surface feel can be very different.

TPE Type	Typical Use	Design Focus
SEBS-based TPE	Soft grips, flexible covers, consumer parts, overmolding	Flow, surface feel, adhesion, residence time
SBS-based TPE	Soft-touch parts, grips, flexible consumer parts	Moderate processing temperature, surface control
TPV	Sealing parts, automotive-style flexible components	Compression set, heat aging, sealing performance
TPO	Flexible automotive or industrial parts	Weathering, impact, lower density
TPU-like TPE	Wear-resistant soft layers, protective covers	Abrasion, tear strength, ejection, sticking
Customer-specified TPE	Regulated or brand-specified projects	Material datasheet, testing, color and compliance

* Note: TPE part design begins with selecting the correct TPE type and grade, while material and mold design decisions affect gate location, runner style, cooling, warp and weld line control.

Send Material Datasheet for Review

How to Choose the Right TPE Grade for Injection Molding

A suitable TPE grade should be selected according to the final application, not only by material name. Before mold design, GBM checks the part function, required Shore hardness, surface feel, flexibility, mating part, environment and production volume.

Shore hardness: soft grip, flexible seal or semi-rigid part

Elastic recovery: repeated bending, compression

Compression set: sealing lips, gaskets

Tear strength: thin flexible tabs, plugs, covers

Substrate adhesion: TPE over ABS, PC, PP, PA or metal

Surface feel: matte, textured, anti-slip, glossy

Exposure: UV, sweat, oil, heat or outdoor use

Regulatory: medical, food-contact, consumer safety

Ask GBM to Help Select a TPE Grade

TPE Injection Molding Process from DFM to Production

A stable TPE injection molding process starts before cutting steel. GBM reviews the part design, TPE grade, wall thickness, gate location, venting, surface texture and ejection method so that T1 samples can be corrected quickly and production risks can be reduced.

RFQ & Drawing Review

We review 3D CAD files, 2D tolerances, material requirements, Shore hardness, annual volume, color and application conditions.

DFM for TPE Moldability

We check wall thickness, flow length, draft angle, ribs, sealing lips, undercuts, thin flexible areas and possible flash lines.

TPE Mold Design

We define runner type, gate location, venting groove, cooling layout, parting line, texture and ejection system based on the TPE grade.

Mold Manufacturing

CNC, EDM, wire cutting, polishing or texture preparation are selected according to the mold structure and surface requirement.

T1 Trial & Sample Review

T1 samples are checked for short shot, flash, bubbles, sticking, sink marks, deformation, Shore hardness, appearance and fit.

Production & QC

After sample approval, we support low-volume or production molding with dimensional inspection, appearance checking and shipping support.

Request TPE DFM Feedback

TPE Injection Mold Design Guidelines

TPE mold design must account for soft material flow, elastic recovery, demolding difficulty and flash sensitivity. Compared with rigid plastics, soft TPE grades may require stronger attention to venting, parting line fitting, mold surface and ejection support.

Gate Design

Use gate locations that support balanced filling, avoid critical appearance areas and reduce weld lines in stressed zones. Fan gates, submarine gates, diaphragm gates or multiple pinpoint gates may be considered depending on the part geometry.

Venting

TPE parts can show burn marks, bubbles or short shots if trapped air cannot escape. A vent groove depth of 0.01–0.02 mm is generally sufficient for TPE molds to allow air out without causing flash.

Mold Surface

For soft TPE grades, a highly polished surface is not always the best choice. EDM or shot-blasted mold surfaces are often recommended as they can improve release and prevent soft parts from sticking in the mold.

Ejection

Soft TPE parts may deform during ejection. Ejector plates or stripper rings are ideal for soft grades. If ejector pins are used, they should be larger and act on the stiffest sections of the part.

Shrinkage

TPE shrinkage varies by grade, application and gate location (typically 1.0%–2.5%). GBM reviews shrinkage during DFM and validates it again during the T1 trial to ensure final dimensions meet tolerances.

Review My TPE Mold Design

TPE Injection Molding Temperature, Mold Temperature & Residence Time

TPE injection molding temperature is not a fixed value. It depends on the TPE family, grade, part thickness, runner system and target surface quality. GBM recommends confirming the final settings with the material datasheet and then validating them through mold trial.

Residence Time Control

Long residence time can increase the risk of thermal degradation, odor, bubbles, discoloration or poor surface appearance. For TPE overmolding or small second-shot volumes, GBM checks shot size, barrel usage, hot runner design and purge plan before production.

WhatsApp TPE Material & Part Drawing

Parameter	Practical Reference
SEBS runner temp	170–240°C depending on grade
SEBS cylinder temp	190–245°C; large parts may need higher
SEBS mold temp	20–60°C to support flow and surface
SBS runner temp	Around 170–200°C depending on grade
SBS cylinder temp	170–200°C (should not exceed 220°C)
SBS mold temp	15–60°C
Cycle time ref	15–25s (up to 2mm), 30–60s (2–6mm)

TPE Overmolding for Soft-Touch and Sealing Components

TPE overmolding is used when a rigid substrate needs a soft-touch, sealing, anti-slip or protective layer. Common combinations include TPE over ABS grips, TPE over PC covers, TPE over PP sealing edges, TPE over PA industrial handles and TPE over metal insert sealing areas.

GBM Design Review Focus:

Substrate material and heat resistance
Chemical adhesion or mechanical lock design
Bonding area, grooves, holes, undercuts or wrap-around edges
Shut-off surface and parting line flash control
Substrate positioning during second-shot molding
T1 adhesion, peeling, flash and deformation inspection

Learn More About TPE & TPU Overmolding Molds

TPE vs TPU, Rubber, LSR, PVC and TPV

Understanding material differences helps buyers select the right elastomer. This section helps you understand when TPE is suitable and when another elastomer like TPU might be better.

Comparison	When TPE May Fit	What to Check (Alternatives)
TPE vs TPU	Soft-touch feel, grips, flexible covers, some overmolding	TPU may be better for abrasion, tear strength or wear resistance
TPE vs Rubber	Can be processed like plastic, no vulcanization needed	Rubber may be better for high temp, strong chemicals, long compression
TPE vs LSR	Thermoplastic-style molding, easier coloring, recycling	LSR may be better for high heat, biocompatibility, silicone performance
TPE vs PVC	Flexible parts where eco-friendly PVC replacement is required	PVC may still be selected for extreme low cost or specific flexibility
TPE vs TPV	TPE is a broad family; TPV is one type for rubber-like sealing	TPV may be better for heat aging or automotive flexible sealing

TPE vs TPU and Rubber Material Comparison

Ask GBM to Compare TPE with TPU or Rubber

Common TPE Injection Molding Defects & Control

TPE defects are often related to material flow, venting, temperature, pressure, residence time, demolding and parting line control. GBM reviews these risks during DFM and confirms them during T1 trial.

Flash

Cause: Low clamp force, parting line gap, high pressure, poor venting.

Control: Parting line review, shut-off fitting, venting control, trial adjustment.

Short Shot

Cause: Low melt temp, poor venting, thin flow path, low injection pressure.

Control: Gate/runner review, venting, temp window, flow path optimization.

Bubbles / Blisters

Cause: Moisture, trapped air, high shear, thermal degradation.

Control: Drying review, venting, residence time control, process adjustment.

Sticking in Mold

Cause: Surface too smooth, insufficient draft, high mold temp, soft grade.

Control: EDM/texture review, draft, cooling time, ejection support.

Sink Marks

Cause: Gate freeze, holding pressure/time, cooling, wall thickness variation.

Control: Wall thickness review, packing adjustment, gate and cooling check.

Poor Adhesion (Overmold)

Cause: Wrong material pair, poor substrate positioning, weak mechanical lock.

Control: Adhesion review, substrate location, mechanical locks, T1 peel check.

Send Defective TPE Sample Photos for Review

TPE Injection Molded Parts We Support

GBM Mold supports custom TPE injection molded parts for OEM products that need flexibility, sealing, grip, cushioning or soft-touch surfaces.

Soft-Touch Grips & Handles

For tool handles, handheld devices, control grips, consumer products and ergonomic parts.

Focus: Shore hardness, texture, anti-slip feel, gate mark, appearance.

Seals and Gaskets

For enclosure sealing, flexible lips, protective covers and compression-fit parts.

Focus: Compression, flash line, fit with mating part, material recovery.

Cable Strain Reliefs

For cable ends, connector protection, flexible boots and sealing covers.

Focus: Insert positioning, strain relief shape, sealing, flash around pins.

Wearables & Skin-Contact

For wearable housings, flexible bands, soft covers and comfort components.

Focus: Softness, surface feel, color, skin-contact material requirement.

Overmolded Housings

For ABS, PC, PP or PA substrates with TPE soft layers for protection or grip.

Focus: Adhesion, shut-off line, bonding area, substrate deformation.

Rollers & Flexible Parts

For soft contact parts, anti-slip rollers and flexible industrial components.

Focus: Hardness, concentricity, wear, shrinkage and dimensional stability.

Get a Quote for Custom TPE Molded Parts

How to Estimate the Cost of a TPE Project

Main Cost Factors

• Part size and weight
• TPE grade and Shore hardness
• Wall thickness and flow length
• Mold steel and mold life requirement
• Single-cavity or multi-cavity mold
• Hot runner or cold runner system
• Overmolding or single-material molding
• Surface texture, polishing or special appearance
• Annual volume and production schedule

RFQ Checklist

To quote faster, please prepare:

3D CAD file & 2D drawing with tolerance
Material grade or target Shore hardness
Annual quantity and first order quantity
Color, surface finish & overmolding substrate
Application, environment & testing requirements

Upload 3D Drawing WhatsApp Details

T1 Trial, Inspection & Production Validation

TPE molded parts are flexible, so quality control should not only check dimensions. GBM reviews appearance, flash, short shot, bubbles, surface feel, Shore hardness, deformation, fit, sealing area and overmolding adhesion when applicable.

Buyer Deliverables

T1 sample photos
Trial video if required
Sample inspection report
CMM report (marked dims)
Mold correction feedback
Packing photos pre-shipment

Request T1 Sample & Inspection Support

Why B2B Buyers Work with GBM Mold for TPE Projects

GBM Mold is suitable for buyers who need more than a molded part supplier. We support TPE part projects from DFM review and mold design to T1 trial, sample approval, production molding and export packing. Need prototypes first? See our prototype injection molding services.

DFM Before Tooling

We review wall thickness, draft, gate location, venting, soft material flow, shrinkage and demolding risk before mold manufacturing.

Practical Mold Design

For soft TPE parts, we check mold surface, ejection, vent groove, parting line and flash control instead of copying rigid plastic mold rules.

TPE Overmolding Support

We review TPE adhesion with ABS, PC, PP, PA, PC/ABS and metal inserts, including mechanical lock and shut-off design.

T1 Trial Correction

We use T1 samples to validate shrinkage, hardness, surface appearance, fit, flash and demolding before production approval.

Export Communication

For overseas buyers, we support drawing review, mold trial updates, photos, videos, inspection reports and export packing. We are your reliable partner for custom injection molding services.

Talk to a GBM Engineer About Your TPE Project

TPE Injection Molding FAQ

1. What is TPE injection molding?

TPE injection molding is a process that melts thermoplastic elastomer pellets and injects the molten material into a mold cavity to produce flexible, rubber-like plastic parts. It is commonly used for soft grips, seals, gaskets, protective covers, wearables and overmolded components.

2. Is TPE suitable for injection molding?

Yes. Many TPE grades can be processed on standard thermoplastic injection molding machines when the grade, mold design and processing window are suitable. The exact temperature, screw design, gate and mold surface should be checked according to the material datasheet and part design.

3. What is the typical TPE injection molding temperature?

TPE molding temperature depends on the material family and grade. HEXPOL lists SEBS cylinder temperature at 190–245°C, with up to 260°C sometimes needed for large parts, while SBS cylinder temperature is listed at 170–200°C and should not exceed 220°C. Always confirm with the material datasheet before production.

4. What mold temperature is used for TPE injection molding?

HEXPOL lists a mold temperature range of 15–60°C for both SEBS and SBS based materials, and its processing guide notes that SEBS mold temperature is normally between 20–60°C to support flow and surface uniformity.

5. Does TPE need drying before injection molding?

Some TPE grades do not need drying under normal storage conditions, but drying may still be required if the material has absorbed moisture, if the part has strict surface requirements, or if the TPE is used in overmolding with a moisture-sensitive substrate. GBM checks the material datasheet before molding.

6. What is the residence time for TPE injection molding?

There is no universal residence time for all TPE grades. Residence time depends on the grade, barrel size, shot size, runner system and temperature. For small shots or overmolding projects, GBM checks shot volume, purge plan and thermal history to reduce degradation risk.

7. What are common defects in TPE injection molding?

Common TPE injection molding defects include flash, short shot, bubbles, blisters, burn marks, sticking in the mold, sink marks, deformation and poor adhesion in overmolding. Causes may include poor venting, wrong temperature, high pressure, long residence time, parting line gaps, moisture or unsuitable mold surface.

8. How do you reduce flash in TPE molded parts?

Flash control starts with parting line design, shut-off fitting, clamp force, venting, injection pressure and material viscosity. For soft TPE, the mold must be fitted carefully because low-viscosity material can escape through small gaps.

9. What mold surface is suitable for TPE parts?

For many soft TPE grades, EDM or shot-blasted surfaces are more suitable than highly polished surfaces because they can improve release and reduce sticking. HEXPOL recommends EDM or shot-blasted mold surfaces for TPE injection molding.

10. Can TPE be overmolded onto ABS, PC, PP or PA?

Yes, suitable TPE grades can be overmolded onto ABS, PC, PP, PA and other substrates when material compatibility, bonding area, substrate positioning and processing temperature are properly reviewed. Mechanical locks such as grooves, holes, undercuts or wrap-around edges can improve retention when chemical adhesion is limited.

11. What is the difference between TPE and TPU injection molding?

TPE is a broad elastomer family, while TPU is a specific thermoplastic polyurethane material. TPE is often selected for soft-touch feel, sealing and flexible overmolding, while TPU may be selected when wear resistance, tear strength or abrasion resistance is more important. The final choice depends on the grade and application.

12. What are the advantages of TPE over rubber for molded parts?

TPE can often be processed with thermoplastic injection molding equipment, colored more easily and reprocessed in suitable grades. Rubber may still be better for high temperature, aggressive chemicals or long-term compression performance, so the material should be selected by application rather than by name only.

13. How much does custom TPE injection molding cost?

The cost depends on part size, complexity, TPE grade, Shore hardness, tolerance, surface finish, cavity number, mold steel, runner system, overmolding requirement and annual quantity. Send a 3D drawing, material requirement and expected volume for an accurate quote.

14. What information is needed for a TPE injection molding quote?

Please send 3D CAD files, 2D drawings, material grade or Shore hardness, color, surface requirement, application, annual quantity, first order quantity, overmolding substrate if any, inspection requirement and shipping destination.

15. Can TPE regrind be reused?

Some TPE grades allow regrind reuse, but the percentage should follow the material supplier’s recommendation and the part’s quality requirement. For appearance-critical, sealing or regulated parts, GBM recommends validating regrind use through trial molding and sample inspection.