Custom manufacturing example · High quality waterproof silicone rubber keypad overlays

CUSTOM RUBBER & SILICONE MANUFACTURING

High quality waterproof silicone rubber keypad overlays

A custom component for your assembly.

Define the mating surfaces, dimensions and working conditions. ETOL manufactures the part to the agreed design and material.

Factory direct
Made to order
Drawing & sample support

Share the part, its application and your estimated quantity.

Customize the fit, material and finish

Vulcanization workshop illustration with green molding presses and blue collection bins

Material & hardness

Selected for the contact, temperature and movement

Color & finish

Define the visible surfaces and intended color

Shape & dimensions

Develop holes, lips and walls around the mating parts

Mounting & fit

Match the attachment and installation method

Product Overview

Silicone rubber keypad overlays provide a molded covering over a control layout. The custom shape needs to follow the keys or switch positions beneath while fitting the surrounding housing. The overlay should preserve access and movement rather than simply cover the panel with an approximate outline.

Check the alignment of every control and the clearance around moving areas. The overlay's thickness can change how a press reaches the underlying key, so the complete stack should be evaluated with the housing fitted. The perimeter also needs the support and retention required by the enclosure design.

For water-resistant use, consider the edge contact and other openings in the complete panel. An overlay alone does not establish a waterproof rating. Install the part on clean surfaces without wrinkles or trapped edges, then test each function and return movement. Keep the exposed surface clean using a method suited to the selected material. After service, inspect the perimeter and control alignment before reuse, especially if removal has stretched the overlay around a locating feature.

Material options: Silicone. Custom formulation and color for the intended contact conditions.
Hardness selection: Silicone: 20–80 Shore A. The overlay's thickness can change how a press reaches the underlying key, so the complete stack should be evaluated with the housing fitted.
Custom dimensions: The custom shape needs to follow the keys or switch positions beneath while fitting the surrounding housing.
Fit & assembly: Check the alignment of every control and the clearance around moving areas.
Use & inspection: After service, inspect the perimeter and control alignment before reuse, especially if removal has stretched the overlay around a locating feature.

Photos illustrate structure or material only. The overlay should preserve access and movement rather than simply cover the panel with an approximate outline. ETOL directly manufactures custom-shaped silicone and rubber parts to your requirements.

Choosing a material or hardness? Explore the selection guide →

From part requirements to production

Define the part

Identify key dimensions, mating surfaces and quantity

Review material & tooling

Agree the compound and manufacturing approach

Evaluate the sample

Review the fit and agreed requirements in the assembly

Produce & inspect

Manufacture and check against the approved requirements

Review the intended assembly

Working conditions

Identify temperature, contact fluids and repeated movement.

Material and structure

Consider hardness together with wall thickness and support.

Installation

Check access, mating dimensions and the fitting sequence.

Ordering this custom component

Can the shape be adjusted to my mating parts?

Yes. Show the receiving opening, contact surfaces and clearance limits. We can review the dimensions and retaining features around the intended fit.

Which details should be agreed before tooling?

Agree the critical dimensions, material, hardness, visible surfaces and sample requirements. Explain how the part is installed and which interfaces control its function.

Can a sample help define the replacement?

A sample can help explain the structure. Compare it with the assembly because wear, swelling or compression may have changed its original dimensions.

How is the quotation for this part determined?

The material, part geometry, tooling, quantity and finishing affect the quotation. Include the intended batch size and delivery destination when describing your requirements.

DISCUSS THIS COMPONENT

Describe the part you need.

Share the fit, operating conditions and quantity with our manufacturing team.