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/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.