Rubber & Silicone Parts FAQ
Your custom parts questions, answered.

We make custom rubber and silicone parts by molding, extrusion or cutting. Our range includes stoppers and plugs, feet and bumpers, adhesive pads, vibration mounts, tubing, washers and gaskets, seals and strips, O-rings, bushings, bellows and silicone keypads. Send your drawing or sample so we can review the shape, material and process for your application.

Start with Stock Parts if a listed shape and size looks suitable. Send the product name, model and required dimensions so we can check availability. Choose Custom Parts if you need a different profile, fit, material, hardness, color or function. We will confirm stock and dispatch timing when you inquire.

Yes. Send your idea, sketch or photograph with dimensions and a description of what the part needs to do. Include the mating component if possible. We may need a dimensioned drawing or sample before we can confirm a firm quote or begin tooling.

Send a sample or dimensioned drawing and describe the original part's function and any failures. Identify the dimensions that must fit the existing assembly. A worn or deformed sample may no longer reflect the intended size, and its material cannot be reliably identified from appearance alone; agree on the replacement specification before sampling.

Include your prototype quantity, initial order and expected repeat demand in the inquiry. Ask us to quote a trial batch separately from volume production. Minimum quantities and trial-batch feasibility depend on the material, tooling and process and will be confirmed for your project.

Use Request a Quote or Contact Us on this website, or email [email protected]. Include a part name or project reference, drawing or sample details, quantity, application and delivery destination. If your deadline is fixed, include both the sample approval date and the date you need the finished parts.

Provide a drawing or sample; dimensions and units; material and hardness if known; Pantone color code for custom colors; quantity per order and estimated annual demand; and the intended use. Add critical tolerances, operating temperature, contact media, inspection requirements, packaging, delivery destination and target date. Mark unknown items so we can identify what still needs clarification.

ETOL accepts drawing and CAD formats including STP, IGS, PDF, DWG and DXF. Please include the drawing revision, dimensions, units and critical tolerances. If available, send both a 3D model and a dimensioned 2D drawing to help clarify the geometry and inspection requirements. For other formats or large files, contact ETOL to arrange a suitable transfer. When using the inquiry form, follow its attachment type and size limits; files can also be sent by email.

Tell us how the part will be installed and used: what it touches, how it moves, the load, temperature, chemicals and expected service life. If you are replacing a part, explain what works and what fails. We can discuss a proposed specification with you, then arrange samples for evaluation before production.

Send your drawing and ask us to review the manufacturing options. We can discuss features such as parting lines, wall thickness, draft, undercuts and flash that may affect cost or function. We will agree on the scope of design assistance with you, and any changes should be approved on a revised drawing before tooling begins.

Identify the dimensions that control fit, sealing or movement and state their individual tolerances. Include the intended measurement method and whether the part is measured free, installed or under a defined load. Ask us to confirm achievable tolerances for the selected compound and process instead of assuming all dimensions can share a metal-part tolerance.

Yes. Colors can be customized to your Pantone color code. Provide the code, preferred finish and the location, size and method of any logo or marking. Ask us to confirm feasibility and any extra tooling, setup or order requirements. Approve the appearance on a physical sample where color or texture matters; screen images alone are not a reliable final color reference.

We offer adhesive rubber feet and vibration mounts with metal components. For a custom design, send the bonding surface details, insert drawing, thread dimensions, assembly loads and operating conditions. We will review whether the proposed adhesive, insert or combination of materials suits the part and process.

Request a confidentiality agreement before sharing sensitive files, and confirm who will receive the information. Agree separately on ownership and permitted use of drawings, design changes and tooling. Confirm the confidentiality and intellectual-property terms in writing for your project.

Material options include silicone, EPDM, NBR, natural rubber and fluororubber, depending on the part and manufacturing process. If your design calls for a specific polymer, compound or material standard, include it in your inquiry so we can confirm availability.

Start with the application requirements rather than the material name: sealing, flexibility, abrasion, load, temperature, weathering and fluid contact. Share the most demanding conditions and ask us to recommend a suitable compound. A material that works for one duty may not suit another; approve the selection using relevant material data and application samples.

Include the required hardness, scale, tolerance and test requirement if you have them. If you need a softer or firmer feel without a known value, describe the function and provide a reference sample if possible. Hardness alone does not establish sealing force, vibration isolation or service life; evaluate the finished geometry as well.

There is no single temperature limit for all ETOL rubber or silicone parts. Provide continuous and peak temperatures, exposure duration, the surrounding medium, pressure and mechanical load. The operating limit depends on the compound and test conditions. A dry-air rating does not automatically establish suitability for hot water or steam.

List each fluid or chemical, its concentration, temperature and contact duration, including cleaning and sterilization cycles. Ask us to confirm compatibility for the specific compound and propose suitable validation. Compatibility depends on the actual compound and exposure conditions.

Our range includes food grade tubing. Suitability for food-contact, drinking-water or medical use depends on the actual compound, finished part and application. Include the intended contact, destination market, operating temperature, cleaning process and applicable requirements in your project specification.

Material selection depends on the specific RoHS, REACH or other requirements for the product and destination market. Identify these requirements in the project specification so they can be considered when reviewing the compound, production process and any testing scope.

Include each property as a measurable requirement wherever possible, along with its test conditions. State whether appearance, UV and ozone exposure, electrical insulation or conductivity, cleanliness, or odor is critical. Ask us which compound and verification options are available; the right choice depends on the specific compound.

Provide the opening or mating-part dimensions, insertion depth, sealing surface and required fit. State whether the part seals, masks, protects or is removed repeatedly. Include pressure or vacuum, contact media and temperature where relevant. Confirm sizing and removal force with a sample in the actual opening.

Include the inner and outer dimensions, thickness or cross-section, groove and mating surfaces. State whether the seal is static or moving, the fluid, temperature and pressure, and the available compression. For washers, clarify whether the main function is sealing, spacing or cushioning. Confirm any unclear catalog dimensions before ordering.

Specify inside diameter, outside diameter or wall thickness, length and tolerances, plus the fluid, flow conditions, temperature and bend requirements. For pressurized or vacuum service, state the working conditions and required verification, including burst or safety-factor requirements where applicable. Ask us to confirm reinforcement, connections and suitability for your duty.

Provide the mounting area, dimensions, load, surface material and desired cushioning or grip. For adhesive parts, include surface texture, cleanliness, application temperature and service environment. Evaluate adhesion on your actual substrate under representative conditions; the rubber and adhesive need to work together.

Send the mounting arrangement, thread or sleeve dimensions, load per mount, load direction and movement limits. For vibration applications, include equipment speed or excitation frequency if known. A dimensional match alone does not establish isolation performance. Ask us to confirm the proposed part and test it in your assembly.

For seals and strips, send the cross-section, groove, contact surfaces, compression space and required cut length. For bellows or boots, include both connection sizes, installed length, minimum and maximum travel, movement direction and cycle requirements. Add the environment and exposure conditions so the profile and material can be reviewed together.

Provide the key layout, key dimensions, travel and desired tactile response, together with the housing and circuit interface. Describe legends, Pantone color codes, backlighting and any sealing needs. Ask us to confirm the available contact and marking options and evaluate actuation, fit and appearance using samples.

That depends on the shape and manufacturing process. A molded part may need a dedicated mold, an extruded profile may need a die, and a cut part may need cutting tooling or setup. Ask us whether existing tooling can meet your approved specification and have any new tooling charge identified separately.

Request a project-specific tooling quotation covering what is included, any sample work and the terms for changes. Tooling costs depend on the design and manufacturing requirements. Agree on ownership, storage, maintenance, expected service life and transfer arrangements in writing before tooling begins.

Yes. We arrange custom samples for evaluation before mass production. Agree with us on the sample quantity, material, tooling stage, cost and shipping. We will also clarify whether the samples represent the final production process and which details you need to approve.

Free samples may be available for eligible requests; contact us to confirm availability and shipping costs. Some samples may be ready in as little as 48 hours, depending on the design. New tooling, special compounds, complex shapes and testing can take longer, so we will confirm the schedule for your project.

Check critical dimensions, assembly fit, material and hardness, appearance, and the function that matters in your product. Where relevant, test sealing, adhesion, movement or performance under representative service conditions. Send us a clear result against each agreed requirement and retain an approved reference sample.

Provide marked-up drawings, measurements, photographs and a description of the issue. Agree on a revised specification and ask us to confirm tooling changes, resampling cost and schedule before work proceeds. Distinguish a design change from a sample that does not meet the previously agreed specification.

Contact us immediately with the new revision and ask which operations have already started. Changes may require new tooling, material, samples or a revised production schedule and price. Confirm the current drawing revision and whether production should pause or restart, so we use the correct version.

The MOQ depends on your design, material, color and manufacturing process. Tell us your trial quantity and expected repeat volumes so suitable options can be discussed. The applicable MOQ will be confirmed in your quotation.

Ask for a quote based on the approved drawing, material, weight, complexity, process and order quantity. Tooling, finishing, inserts, inspection and packaging may also affect the total. To compare quotations, use the same specification and ask which costs are included or charged separately.

Unit prices may start at $0.02, depending on the design. Your price will depend on the material, dimensions and quantity. Ask for a written quote that also identifies tooling, sample and delivery charges.

Yes. Include the quantities you want compared and your target cost, along with the requirements that cannot change. Ask us to show quantity breaks and any options involving geometry, tolerances, material or packaging. Review proposed changes for function before approving them to reduce cost.

Check the part number and drawing revision, material, hardness, color, quantity and unit price. Confirm tooling and sample costs, inspection requirements, packaging, currency, payment terms, delivery terms, freight and quote validity. Clarify whether taxes or import charges are included and which event starts the production lead time.

Payment arrangements are agreed for your order. Ask us to confirm the accepted payment method, currency, deposit and balance timing, and any credit terms in the written quotation or order confirmation. Before payment, resolve any discrepancy in the order or payment details directly with your established ETOL contact.

Contact us with the order reference, requested change and required dates. Feasibility and any charges depend on material purchasing, tooling and production already completed. For split shipments or scheduled releases, agree on quantities, storage, payment and shipping arrangements before placing the order.

Define the approved drawing revision, compound, hardness, critical dimensions and functional requirements before production. Include appearance limits, inspection methods and any sampling plan or reports you need. Ask us to confirm which checks will be performed and how acceptance will be recorded.

The order specification should identify the compound, critical dimensions, tolerances, inspection methods and any batch-identification requirements. The inspection scope, acceptance criteria and traceability arrangements are agreed before production.

Include your inspection items, test methods, required reports and acceptance criteria in the inquiry. Agree with us on the inspection or testing scope, who will perform it, and any additional cost and time before placing the order.

Identify visible and functional surfaces on the drawing and agree on acceptable limits or reference samples. Specify any limits for flash, gate marks, surface defects or color variation and the inspection conditions. Rubber parts can have process-related features, so define which ones are unacceptable in your assembly before sampling.

Use a stable part number, controlled drawing revision and approved material, hardness and color references. Keep the approved sample and inspection requirements linked to the order. Ask us to confirm any tooling, compound or process changes before production and specify batch records if traceability is important.

Production is estimated at about 5–10 days after sample approval, with the schedule confirmed for each order. Allow additional time for design review, tooling, sampling, any revisions, testing and shipping. Share your required arrival date when requesting a quote.

Send the required arrival date, delivery destination, quantity and status of your design or sample approval. Ask us which milestones can be met and whether an express shipment or partial delivery is possible. Confirm any extra cost and the distinction between production completion, dispatch and arrival dates.

Provide your country, postal code, preferred delivery terms and any carrier-account details you wish to use. We will confirm the available shipping arrangements for your destination and order. Agree on the shipping method, charges and estimated transit time before dispatch.

Agree on the delivery terms and importer responsibilities in the quotation. The commercial invoice, packing list and any origin or product documents are handled according to the agreed shipping terms and destination requirements. Ask us to clarify whether the quoted total includes freight, insurance, duties and taxes.

Specify the quantity per pack, labeling, part numbers, batch identification and any protection or cleanliness needs. Provide artwork or label content if required. Ask us to confirm feasibility, packaging materials, extra cost and any effect on the minimum quantity or delivery schedule.

Storage conditions and shelf life depend on the compound and any adhesive system. On receipt, check the package condition, quantity, labels and agreed inspection points against your order and approved sample. Keep batch information and record issues promptly.

Contact us with the order number, part and batch references, affected quantity, photographs and measurements against the approved specification. Retain representative parts and packaging while the issue is reviewed. We will review the issue with you and agree on an investigation and appropriate remedy based on the confirmed specification and order terms.

Reference the previous order and part number, then state the required quantity and delivery date. Confirm the drawing revision, material, hardness, color and packaging. If anything changes, identify it explicitly and ask whether new samples, tooling work or updated pricing are needed before repeat production.