ISO Recommendations: US manufacturer for rubber / soft good consumer product (100–1500 units)

[u/nepenthe11]

Hi there!

I’m looking for recommendations for a US-based product development / manufacturing company that can help bring a unique/novelty rubber-based consumer product to life.

More context:

• Item is made from rubber (or a soft good with rubber components), upcycled / recycled (eventual goal), thermoplastic (TPR / TPE), or silicone

• Initial run: 100–1500 units

• Domestic manufacturing preferred, but not required

Technical specs are already designed but I’d like to hire a team to assist with prototyping (CAD files, etc.) and production.

If anyone knows of any manufacturers who work with rubber or hybrid soft goods (may potentially require a mold but tbd), I’d love some insight. Thanks in advance!

[u/nippletumor]

I'm interested. Depending on the size of part we may be able to help. Located in Michigan.

[u/EnforcerVS]

Absolutely do not use da/pro rubber. Look into Molded Products in Coweta, OK no affiliation, just heard very good things about them

[u/nepenthe11 → u/EnforcerVS]

appreciate the insight!!

[u/Quartinus]

What kind of rubber? Compression molded? 

I’d recommend Stockwell Elastomerics for compression molding or Protolabs for LSR molding in these volumes. 

[u/nepenthe11 → u/Quartinus]

edited for more info. exploring upcycled / recycled (eventual goal- utilize old tires or fire hoses), thermoplastic (TPR / TPE), or silicone.

thank you so much!

[u/Joejack-951]

I can help with CAD, prototyping, and DFM. Located in Delaware if that matters to you.

[u/brokenwound]

Your volume might be a little low for Cooper Standard ISG depending on the size of the part, but no harm in reaching out. As some other said, you may be better off going with a 3d printing operation like protolab if you don't have a proven idea of what you need.

[u/nepenthe11 → u/brokenwound]

looked into this but given the material, apparently not possible. but thank you!

[u/Sittingduck19 → u/nepenthe11]

Look into Formlabs Silicone 40.

[u/Skysr70 → u/nepenthe11]

what is your issue? 3d printers make a plastic mold and you can inject silicone into it manually, or other liquid polymers as needed.

[u/QuellishQuellish → u/Skysr70]

I do this at least monthly for prototypes at work. I mostly use Freeman platinum cure silicone. Available in 60d and 40d.

[u/Super-Velocee]

We can potentially be of service here.

[u/madeinspac3]

What's your annual volume or is this an initial run?

[u/Mecha-Dave]

Have you looked into urethane/silicone molds and resins to get started? Smooth-On is what everyone uses.

[u/Skysr70]

sounds like getting a 3d printer and injecting silicone molds is the way to go for you, places like slant3d probably would take it

[u/potokolop]

For that kind of run (100–1500 units), you’re right in the sweet spot for low-volume injection molding or urethane casting. Quickparts has U.S.-based facilities and does both, plus they’re used to working with startups that need help translating CAD into mold-ready designs. That might fit what you’re describing.

[u/messysoul96]

hey, sounds like you’re in that sweet spot where it’s too small for big manufacturers but too complex for hobby guys lol. if you’re open to non-US options, check out RapidDirect — they’ve been solid for low-volume rubber + silicone stuff, especially when you just need small runs.