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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Custom parts.
Practical answers.

Answers about custom rubber molding, silicone parts, material selection and ordering.

18 questions · 5 topics

01

Factory & customization

Define the component and its fit.

Does ETOL manufacture custom rubber and silicone parts?

Yes. ETOL is the direct manufacturing factory. We develop molded components around the customer's drawing, sample and intended assembly, including the profile, material and dimensions needed at each interface.

What types of custom rubber products are in the catalog?

The catalog includes grommets, mounts, gaskets, plugs, feet, bellows and other flexible components. Silicone keypads, covers and closures are also available as customization examples. Start with the part's function, then compare the shapes and mounting details in the relevant category.

Can one molded part combine a seal, cover and locating features?

A custom design can bring several features into one component when the structure and manufacturing process allow it. Identify each sealing, locating or moving surface and show how it relates to the surrounding parts. This helps keep the combined design accessible for installation.

Can I start with a sample rather than a finished drawing?

Yes. A sample, sketch and basic measurements can explain the starting shape. Show the receiving assembly and identify any changes you want. If the sample is worn or distorted, use the mating dimensions to establish the intended fit.

02

Materials & specifications

Compare the compound, hardness and geometry together.

How should I compare silicone with other rubber materials?

Start with temperature, contact fluids, outdoor exposure and the required movement. Compare suitable material families, then consider hardness and wall geometry. A familiar material name or a similar color does not establish that two compounds are interchangeable in the assembly.

How should I specify rubber or silicone hardness?

Name the material and hardness scale. Customization references are 30-90 Shore A for solid rubber and 20-80 Shore A for solid silicone. For foam, Shore C references are 20-30 for soft cushioning, 35-45 for balanced support and 50-65 for a firmer feel.

These are selection references, not measurements of photographed products. Agree the target and tolerance for the chosen compound; Shore A and Shore C are separate scales. Thickness and shape also affect how the finished part feels.

Can molded parts have a custom color or texture?

Color and surface texture can be included in the design brief. Identify the surfaces that remain visible and any markings or contact finishes that matter. The selected material and geometry influence the result, so evaluate those features on the agreed sample.

Which dimensions should be treated as critical?

Identify dimensions that control sealing, retention, movement or alignment with another part. These may include a panel groove, a plug's engagement profile or the location of a keypad button. Show the mating dimensions and installation method so tolerances can be considered in context.

What can I learn from a product photograph?

Use photographs to understand the structure and material appearance. They do not establish your required dimensions, compound or hardness. Read any dimension table for the listed version and define the final part around its intended assembly.

03

Quotes & ordering

Explain what is needed for this production run.

What should a custom part quotation request include?

Include the component's purpose, key dimensions, estimated quantity and delivery destination. Add a drawing or sample photo where available. Temperature, contact substances and repeated movement help define material needs; identify any requirements that are still open.

Can I get an initial estimate before all dimensions are finalized?

Describe the approximate size, structure, material preference and quantity. The available detail determines whether an initial estimate is possible. Pricing can be finalized when the geometry, critical tolerances, tooling and other production requirements are clear.

What affects the cost of custom rubber molding?

Part size and weight, material, mold complexity, quantity and finishing all affect the cost. Tight interfaces or difficult-to-form features can change the work involved. Compare quotations against the same design and production requirements rather than the outside dimensions alone.

Is there one minimum order quantity for every product?

No single quantity applies to every design. Material preparation, tooling, part size and production setup influence the practical batch. Indicate whether the quantity is for a trial, a single production run or an ongoing requirement.

04

Samples & production

Resolve the fit before approving production.

When is a new mold needed for a custom component?

A new mold may be needed when suitable existing tooling cannot make the required geometry. Some flat shapes may use a different process. The design review establishes the manufacturing route and any tooling requirement before the production work is agreed.

What should I check on a sample part?

Start with the critical dimensions and installation in the receiving assembly. Then assess the agreed operating requirements, such as movement, sealing or support. Record any fit or appearance changes that need to be resolved before production approval.

What determines sampling and production lead times?

Design readiness, tooling, material availability, quantity and the production schedule all matter. Sampling and production are separate stages, and changes after sample review can affect timing. Include the required arrival date so production and transit can be considered separately.

05

Quality & delivery

Agree the acceptance points and shipment details.

How are the checks for a production order defined?

The agreed requirements determine the checks, which may cover critical dimensions, appearance, quantity and specified material or hardness. Identify essential fitting and functional criteria during the design review so the sample and production parts are evaluated on the same basis.

What details are needed to plan delivery?

Provide the delivery destination, postal code, expected quantity and timing constraints. Shipment size, weight and arrival requirements affect the transport options and cost. Confirm the arrangements for the particular order as part of the quotation.

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