VoluFab

TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Rubber-like thermoplastic with Shore hardness from 20A to 60D — seals, gaskets and soft-touch parts molded in Thailand without the lead time of vulcanized rubber.

Get an instant quote Lead time: Injection molding 10-15 days after tooling; 3D printing 2-3 days

Key properties

Key properties
Shore hardness 20A-60D (grade dependent)
Elastic recovery like rubber
Excellent low-temperature flexibility (to ~-40°C)
Good chemical and oil resistance (grades vary)
Recyclable and re-processable
Softer grades are harder to mold consistently

Common applications

  • Seals, gaskets and O-rings
  • Soft-touch grips and handles
  • Bumpers and vibration mounts
  • Overmolded enclosures
  • Wire and cable insulation
  • Footwear and sporting goods

Processes available

  • Injection molding (including overmolding)
  • Extrusion
  • FDM 3D printing (flexible filament grades)

Surface finishes

  • As molded
  • Textured
  • Glossy

Cost & pricing

Moderate — competitive with rubber at volume, and no vulcanization step keeps cycle times short.

Tolerance: Molding ±0.1-0.2mm on rigid sections; flexible thin walls can vary more.

Frequently asked questions

TPE or silicone for a seal?
TPE for fast, low-cost molded seals with good recovery; silicone for extreme temperature range and softness.
Can TPE be overmolded onto ABS or PC parts?
Yes — TPE bonds well to ABS and PC when overmolded in the same tool, giving soft-touch surfaces without adhesives.

Frequently asked questions

How long does production take?

Lead time depends on the process and quantity — 3D printing typically ships in 2–3 business days, CNC machining in 3–5, and injection molding in 10–15 after tooling. You'll see the exact lead time on every quote.

What is the standard tolerance?

CNC-machined parts are held to ±0.1 mm as standard, with ±0.05 mm achievable on critical features. 3D-printed parts are typically ±0.2–0.3 mm. Add your critical dimensions in the notes field.

What is the minimum order quantity?

There is no minimum order — we produce single prototype parts as easily as large production runs. Quantity discounts start from around 10–25 pieces.

What surface finishes are available?

A wide range of finishes is available locally, including as-machined/printed, bead blasting, anodizing (clear, black, gold), powder coating, painting and polishing.

How do I get a quote?

Upload your CAD file (STL, STEP, IGES or 3MF) to the instant-quote tool — the VoluFab pricing engine returns a real quote in seconds, with DFM feedback included.

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