Rubber Injection Molding Service

Whether you need small or large runs, our rubber injection molding service provides high-quality custom rubber molded parts with precision and efficiency.

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What is Rubber Injection Molding

Rubber injection molding is a highly efficient manufacturing process used to create precise, durable rubber components. The process involves injecting heated rubber material into a mold cavity under high pressure, where it cools and solidifies to form the desired part. This technique is ideal for producing parts with complex geometries, high repeatability, and excellent material consistency. It is widely used in industries such as automotive, medical, electronics, and consumer goods for creating seals, gaskets, o-rings, and other rubber components.

At Erye, we specialize in high-precision rubber injection molding, offering end-to-end services from design to production. Our team works closely with clients to ensure optimal material selection and part design, delivering parts that meet stringent quality standards. Whether you need high-volume production or complex custom rubber components, we have the expertise to bring your project to life.

Let's Start a Rubber Injection Molding Project

Starting your rubber injection molding project is straightforward with our proven 5-step process. From precise part design and material selection to expert mold design and efficient injection molding, we ensure every detail is optimized for success. Let us help you transform your ideas into high-quality, precision rubber injection molded products with ease and efficiency.

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Rubber injection molding part design

Material selection for rubber molding part

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Start rubber injection molding production

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Step 1. Rubber Injection Molding Part Design

The first step in starting your rubber injection molding project is the part design. During this stage, your design needs to focus on factors like part geometry, material properties, and functionality. It's essential to collaborate with experts who can help you optimize your design for both production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

At Erye, we collaborate closely with you during the design phase to ensure that your part is engineered for both performance and manufacturability. Our experienced engineering team conducts a thorough review of your design, providing expert feedback on potential challenges and offering solutions to optimize the molding process. We also offer a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) report, analyzing the design to ensure it is mold-friendly and cost-effective.

Step 2. Material Selection for Injection Molded Rubber Parts

We offer a wide range of injection molded rubber materials to meet the needs of various industries and applications. From standard elastomers to high-performance compounds, the following are the common materials we offer. If you need special compounds please get in touch with Erye for help.

Selecting the correct material isn't just about meeting the basic requirements; it’s about optimizing performance for your product. The right material ensures durability, flexibility, and the ability to withstand varying conditions.

For example, we help clients make material choices that enhance resistance to heat, chemicals, or wear and tear, based on the specific demands of their project. In some cases, we adjust the material properties, using specialized techniques, so your injection molded rubber parts deliver exactly the performance you need.

Step 3. Rubber Injection Mold Design & Production

Once the part design has been finalized and confirmed the material, the next step is mold design and production. The rubber injection mold directly influences product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Our rubber injection mold process begins with a thorough review of the part specifications, taking into account the design, material properties, and production volume requirements. We utilize Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) software to simulate and optimize the mold design, ensuring that every aspect is carefully considered for functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Once the rubber injection mold design is finalized, our manufacturing facility produces the mold using advanced CNC machining, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), and other high-precision techniques. Our expert mold makers ensure that every detail, from intricate part features to cooling channels, we focus on delivering molds that provide long-lasting performance and minimize downtime.

Step 4. Mass Production of Rubber Injection Molding

After finishing first run and confirming the samples, the next step is transitioning to mass production. This phase is where design becomes reality, and precision manufacturing begins.

1. Material Preparation

Rubber compound is prepped, potentially including pre-heating or cutting.

2. Injection

Rubber is injected under pressure into a heated mold cavity for curing, which undergoes a vulcanization (curing) process.

3.Vulcanization (Curing)

Heat and pressure induce crosslinking, solidifying the rubber giving it its elastic properties.

4. Demolding (Ejection)

Cured part is ejected, with attention to prevent tearing.

5. Post-Curing and Finishing

Optional post-cure and flash trimming are performed.

Our rubber injection molding capabilities are designed for both high precision and large-scale production. Equipped with over 20 sets of advanced rubber injection molding machines, we successfully manufacture parts for industries like automotive, medical devices, and consumer products. For example, for a consumer goods of rubber grip, we were able to deliver 100,000 parts within a 2-week timeframe meeting the client's high-volume demands without sacrificing quality.

We offer 24/7 production capabilities to meet tight deadlines and customer demands, whether you're looking for small-volume production or large-scale manufacturing. Our efficient systems and flexible scheduling ensure timely delivery without compromising on quality.

Step 5. Secondary Process and Quality Inspection

Once the rubber parts are molded, the next step is secondary finishing. This includes a range of processes that enhance the final appearance, functionality, and quality of the molded parts. The following key processes are typically performed:

Surface Finishing

Surface finishing is applied to improve the aesthetic and tactile qualities of the molded part. Depending on customer requirements, we offer various finishing options, including painting, texturing, polishing, and laser etching. These treatments not only enhance the part's appearance but also can improve durability, resistance to wear, and functionality, particularly in parts exposed to harsh environments or mechanical stress.

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Assembly

After surface finishing, many parts require assembly. This could involve combining multiple components, adding inserts, or integrating electronic parts. We offer custom assembly services that involve both manual and automated assembly techniques. Our experienced technicians ensure that every part is assembled to the highest precision, whether it involves simple snap-fit components or more complex assemblies with inserts or other materials.

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Quality Inspection

We perform rigorous quality inspecion during the whole process - before, during and after production process, to guarantess your parts meet the highest standards. We utilize advanced metrology equipment such as CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machines) and laser scanners to ensure every part adheres to exact specifications. In addition, we conduct stress testing and environmental simulations (like temperature resistance and waterproof) when required, to confirm the part’s ability to perform in real-world conditions. Only parts that pass these exhaustive tests are approved for shipment.

Features of Rubber Injection Molding

High Precision and Consistency

Rubber injection molding allows for extremely precise and consistent parts. The process ensures uniform material distribution, which results in high-quality parts with tight tolerances, perfect for industries requiring precise specifications, such as automotive, medical, and electronics.

Cost-Effective for High-Volume Production

Once the mold is created, rubber injection molding is cost-effective for large production runs. It minimizes material waste and offers fast cycle times, making it ideal for mass production of rubber components.

Complex Part Design Capabilities

The process can easily produce intricate shapes, fine details, and undercuts, which would be difficult or impossible with other molding methods. This is a major advantage for custom or highly specialized rubber components.

Automation and Efficiency

Rubber injection molding is highly automated, reducing manual labor and improving throughput. Automated operations also ensure consistent quality across large production volumes, which is essential for meeting tight deadlines and quality standards.

High Initial Tooling Costs

The upfront cost for creating injection molds can be expensive. This is due to the complexity of the mold design and the precision required to produce quality parts. While the cost can be justified for high-volume production, it may not be cost-effective for small batches.

Longer Lead Times for Tooling

The time required to design, prototype, and manufacture injection molds can be lengthy, especially for complex designs. Depending on the part complexity, this could delay production schedules.

Complex Mold Maintenance

Molds require ongoing maintenance to ensure longevity and consistent performance. This can incur additional costs and downtime for repairs, especially if the molds are complex or subjected to high production volumes.

Rubber Injection Molding Cost

How much does rubber injection molding cost is the most concern questions, especially from startups. It's completely understandable that costs for new rubber injection molding parts are crucial and sensitive, particularly when working with a tight budget for a new design.

The primary factors that influence rubber injection molding cost include:

/Part1

Mold Design & Tooling

The more intricate and customized your mold, the higher the initial cost. The material used for the mold and its size also factor in. Simpler molds are more affordable, while custom or complex molds tend to cost more.

/Part2

Material

The material you choose can have a significant impact on the cost. Basic materials like NBR are more cost-effective, while high-performance rubbers like Silicone or FKM will increase the price.

/Part3

Production Volume

The higher the production volume, the lower the per-part cost. For large-scale production, the initial investment in tooling is spread out over more units, reducing the per-unit cost.

/Part4

Part Complexity

Complex design or multiple features require higher cost. More detailed parts demand more precision, which means longer processing times and more work during the molding process.

/Part5

Secondary Services

If you need additional services like assembly, special surface finishing, these will add to the final cost. But they ensure your parts are top-notch.

The cost of rubber injection molding can vary widely depending on several key factors. Understanding these factors will help you get a clearer idea of the overall cost and make more informed decisions.

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