Dip-Molded Parts Prototype Development

Creative and confidential dip molded product solutions from KEP.

True innovation is a robust process of generating and refining ideas until you achieve your goal. Whether you’re developing a new molded rubber product or updating an existing product, prototyping allows you to dial in the design for manufacturability.

KEP is proud to offer design and prototyping services for dip molded parts. From initial drawings to making prototype molds, we can help you optimize your idea and turn it into a marketable molded rubber product.

How is rubber molded?

The dip molding process allows for incredible versatility when manufacturing molded rubber products.

In sum, a mold is dipped into liquid rubber, so that a rubber wall can develop on the mold. The mold may be dipped multiple times, depending on the desired thickness, appearance and other properties of the final dip molded product.

At this stage in the dip molding process, the molded rubber undergoes vulcanization, also called curing. Once the molded rubber product has been vulcanized, it may be finished with powders, coatings, rinses or other processes.

Read about the dip molding process in detail.

KEP’s workflow for the prototype mold-making process is as follows:

Stage 1 – Consultation

Whether you have a detailed first draft or simply a basic idea, the prototyping and mold-making process for dip molded products starts with a conversation with our engineering and production experts. This consultation is an opportunity to explore possibilities and answer important questions, including:

• What does your part need to do?
• What conditions and environment does it need to function in?
• Are there any limitations to its shape and size?

The experts at KEP use your answers and our extensive knowledge of how rubber is molded to develop a workable plan for a prototype mold. We also execute confidentiality agreements for every project, so you can trust that your intellectual property is fully protected.

Stage 2 – Dip Molded Product Prototype Mold Process

Once we’ve developed a plan, the next step of the mold-making and prototyping process is to create a drawing of your dip molded part, complete with part dimensions and other specifications. We use this diagram to design the tool that forms the shape of your part. This tool is often called a mandrel or form.

Our tools for prototype molds are typically made of stainless steel, aluminum or polypropylene. We choose the material for each tool based on the size, shape, weight and durability requirements of your dip molded product.

We also include extra length in our tooling designs so we can affix the tool securely to our dipping equipment and still achieve the required dimensions.

Stage 3 – Pricing and Lead Times for Prototype Dip Molding

Every member of the KEP team undergoes extensive training on continuous improvement practices. Our dedication to process improvement translates to more efficient workflows and faster turnaround times for our customers. Lead times for tooling are typically three to four weeks, plus an additional week or two for prototypes.

Pricing for dip molded product prototyping projects varies, depending on the complexity of the design, the number of tools purchased and the number of prototypes and samples provided.

Talk to KEP – and turn your molded rubber product idea into a real dip molded prototype solution.

KEP has years of experience offering custom dip molding and prototyping services for molded rubber products of all kinds. We welcome the challenge of unusual shapes and sizes and can advise you on material selection as well. Our experts can help you optimize your idea for manufacturability, so you can get your product to market faster.

To start the process, talk to one of our dip molding experts.

Talk to KEP – and turn your idea into a real dip-molded prototype solution.