trimming
Used to treat gates, edges and local burrs to give a cleaner appearance and feel.
Rubber-Like TPU
Rubber-Like TPU(thermoplastic polyurethane) is an elastomer material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the processing properties of plastics.
Quote checklist: Upload your 3D model and, when available, a 2D drawing. Identify the required process, material, quantity, critical dimensions, finish, appearance standard, and target delivery date.
Key Material and Manufacturing Parameters
Engineering note: Values below are typical reference ranges. Final manufacturability, tolerances, material condition, surface finish, cost, and lead time depend on the drawing, geometry, quantity, and selected process.
Upload CAD files and mark critical features for an engineering review before production.
| Process | Injection Molding |
|---|---|
| Material | TPU (elastomer) |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.8mm (it is recommended to make the wall thickness as uniform as possible to avoid sudden changes in thickness) |
| Service temperature | 30 ~ 80℃ |
| Tensile strength | 25–55MPa |
| Density | 1.18 g/cm³ |
| Requirements tag | Appearance prototype, flexibility |
| Finishing | Trimming, removing edges, surface spray coating, screen printing |
| Typical lead time | Related to structural complexity, mold/tooling, quantity and finishing; clear delivery and expedited options will be given after uploading the file |
Finishing
Go to the front
Clean up the parting lines and spill edges; it is recommended to mark the priority and acceptance criteria in the remarks for the appearance surface.
Surface spray coating
Used to achieve color consistency and uniform texture (matte/gloss, etc.); it is recommended to provide reference pictures or effect descriptions.
screen printing
Suitable for logos, scales and other graphic information; it is recommended to provide vector files and clarify the location and size.
Why Choose TPU (Injection Molding)
Outstanding flexibility and rebound characteristics
Suitable for structures that require elasticity, cushioning, holding or certain deformation recovery capabilities.
Elastomer prototypes more suitable for “functional validation”
It is used for structural validation, feel verification, assembly and coordination verification and other tests that are closer to the use conditions.
Controllable appearance and easy brand presentation
Color/logo consistency is achieved through spray coating and screen printing, suitable for display samples and small batch trial production.
Comprehensive balance under controllable costs
Easier to strike a balance between cost, appearance and performance, suitable for a variety of elastomer parts needs.
Recommended Applications
- Flexibility/rebound requirements: Parts that require certain deformation and recovery capabilities
- Appearance prototype: Hope the appearance is closer to mass-produced injection molded parts
- Functional validation: Verification of feel, assembly, cushioning, anti-slip, etc.
- Spray/screen printing: Requires brand identity or appearance consistency
Consider Another Material or Process
- Higher temperature resistance: If the temperature is close to or exceeds the upper limit of temperature resistance for a long time, it is recommended to evaluate a more heat-resistant material system.
- High strength/high rigidity structural parts: It is recommended to evaluate engineering plastics such as PA/POM/PC
- Extreme wear resistance/special media: Please note the working conditions in order to choose a more matching material.
- Ultra-thin, large surface and strong appearance requirements: Need to focus on evaluating the impact of shrinkage/warpage and parting line
Design and DFM Guidelines
- The wall thickness should be as uniform as possible: TPU is more sensitive to sudden changes in thickness. Try to avoid sudden thickening/thinning, and use transition fillets and gradient thickness when necessary.
- Draft angle and deep cavity: For deep cavity/deep rib structures, it is recommended to increase the draft angle to reduce the risk of strain and deformation.
- Parting Line and Exterior Surface: If there are any key appearance surfaces, please mark them. We will give priority to matching the appearance targets on the gate, parting line and ejection pin mark control.
- Assembly size and deformation control: Elastomers have deformation and springback, and it is recommended to provide 2D tolerance markings or assembly instructions for key fits.
- Pre-instructions for spray coating/screen printing: Spray coating and screen printing require clear color, texture and graphic files; and will affect lead time and acceptance standards.