Top 10 over molding​ Manufacturers and Supplier Brands

Introduction: Why choosing the right over molding supplier matters

Over molding is a high-value manufacturing technique used to combine soft and hard materials into a single, robust part. Whether you need grip-enhanced hand tools, sealed connectors, or medical device housings, selecting the right over molding supplier or material brand directly impacts part performance, cycle time, and cost. If you plan to buy over molding materials or outsource overmolding services, understanding suppliers’ material portfolios, processing support, and design capabilities is essential to reduce risk and accelerate product launch.

What is over molding and common commercial applications

Over molding is the process of molding one material (often a thermoplastic elastomer or liquid silicone rubber) over another substrate such as polycarbonate, nylon, or metal. Commercial-intent keywords include over molding solutions, over molding suppliers, and buy over molding materials. Typical applications include automotive grips and seals, consumer electronics housings with soft-touch areas, medical instrument handles, and industrial tool overmolds where wear resistance and ergonomics are critical.

Key factors when selecting over molding manufacturers and suppliers

When evaluating overmolding suppliers, consider material compatibility (TPE/TPU/TPV/LSR), adhesion and surface treatment capabilities, mold design expertise, production capacity, and quality systems (ISO 13485 for medical, IATF 16949 for automotive). Also verify whether a supplier provides turnkey overmolding services or only sells compounds. Commercial buyers should ask about color matching, durometer options, and post-molding operations like secondary machining or assembly when comparing over molding suppliers.

Top 10 Over Molding Manufacturers and Supplier Brands — Overview

Below are ten trusted brands and manufacturers that supply materials, compounds or services used in over molding. Each entry includes product types relevant to overmolding and typical commercial applications so you can quickly identify suppliers to contact for quotes and sample evaluation.

1. Bost — Professional green energy engineering plastics and overmolding solutions

Bost is a professional, innovative high-tech manufacturer focused on engineering plastics and special modified materials used in over molding applications. Bost develops sheets, rods and molded parts that combine high abrasion resistance, enhanced toughness, flame retardancy, conductive or thermal properties, and specialty surface finishes for steel-plastic and plastic-rubber hybrid products. Bost offers R&D, mold design and production services, making it a viable supplier for OEMs seeking both overmolding materials and integrated manufacturing solutions.

2. Avient (formerly PolyOne) — Custom compounds and colorants for overmolding

Avient is a leading global supplier of customized polymer solutions, including thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and engineered compounds tailored for overmolding adhesion, aesthetics and durability. Commercial customers often choose Avient for overmolding projects that require specialty color matching, functional additives (UV, flame retardant) and tight tolerances. Avient supplies both materials and technical support for processing optimization.

3. ExxonMobil Chemical — Santoprene TPV for overmolding and sealing

ExxonMobil’s Santoprene thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is widely used in overmolding where elastomer-like performance and thermoplastic processing are required. Santoprene is popular for automotive seals, grips and soft-touch features due to fatigue resistance and good bonding to substrates. Suppliers and OEMs commonly specify Santoprene when reliable overmolding materials are needed at scale.

4. Covestro — Polycarbonate, TPU and PC/ABS blends for overmolding

Covestro supplies engineering thermoplastics such as Makrolon (polycarbonate) and TPU grades used in over molding and co-molding. Their PC/ABS blends are frequently chosen for overmolded electronic housings that require impact resistance and thermal stability. Covestro also provides technical collaboration for material selection and processing challenges in commercial overmolding projects.

5. BASF — Engineering plastics and Elastollan TPU for overmolding

BASF offers a wide range of engineering plastics (nylons, polyesters) and Elastollan TPU products suitable for overmolding. Elastollan TPUs are known for wear resistance, clarity and soft-touch properties, making them suitable for consumer products, sports equipment and medical device overlays. BASF supports large-volume commercial production with global supply chains.

6. DuPont — Zytel, Hytrel and overmolding-grade resins

DuPont’s portfolio includes Zytel nylon and Hytrel thermoplastic polyester elastomers that are often used in overmolding for structural parts and flexible interfaces. Hytrel provides resilience and chemical resistance, while Zytel provides strong, rigid substrates for overmold bonds. DuPont offers application engineering support for automotive, industrial and consumer overmolding programs.

7. Arkema — Pebax and specialty TPEs for high-performance overmolding

Arkema supplies PEBA (Pebax) and other high-performance elastomers used when light weight, flexibility and low-temperature performance are required in overmolded parts. Pebax is common in sporting goods, footwear and select medical devices where dynamic properties matter. Arkema also supports formulation tuning for adhesion and processing during overmolding production runs.

8. Kraiburg TPE — Dedicated TPE compounds for overmolding and soft-touch parts

Kraiburg TPE specializes in thermoplastic elastomers engineered for soft-touch overmolding, sealing, and cosmetic features. Their compounds cover a wide durometer range and are formulated for good adhesion to common substrates. Kraiburg is a frequent partner for engineers specifying overmolding materials where tactile performance and appearance are commercial priorities.

9. RTP Company — Custom compounding for overmolding and specialty properties

RTP Company specializes in engineered thermoplastic compounds tailored to customer specifications, including overmolding applications. RTP can incorporate fillers, conductivity, thermal management and color into overmolding compounds to meet application-driven demands. OEMs use RTP for custom overmolding materials when off-the-shelf grades do not meet performance or regulatory needs.

10. Teknor Apex — TPE and TPV solutions for overmolding and bonding

Teknor Apex produces a broad portfolio of TPEs and TPVs designed for overmolding, sealing and soft-touch applications. Their commercial-grade materials are used across automotive, appliance and consumer electronics industries. Teknor Apex emphasizes consistent processing behavior and global availability for companies sourcing overmolding compounds.

Comparison table: Top 10 over molding suppliers and product focus

Below is a concise comparison to help purchasing and design teams shortlist suppliers based on product type and application fit.

How to pick the right over molding partner for your project

Shortlist suppliers by aligning materials with product requirements: chemical resistance, thermal tolerance, durometer range and regulatory constraints (biocompatibility for medical devices). Request material data sheets (MDS), adhesion test reports, and sample molding trials. For commercial procurement, evaluate suppliers on lead time, MOQ, engineering support, and ability to scale from prototyping to mass production. If you need turnkey manufacturing, prioritize companies that offer mold design and assembly in addition to material supply.

Design tips to improve overmolding success with suppliers

Design for manufacturability (DFM) is essential for reliable overmolded parts. Provide clear substrate surface specifications, consider mechanical interlocks to improve bond strength, control wall thickness and gate locations to minimize stress, and use venting in molds to avoid trapped air. Share target cycle times and expected annual volumes with suppliers to align material choice and mold cooling strategy for cost-effective overmolding production.

Conclusion: Matching supplier strengths to your overmolding needs

Choosing the right over molding supplier requires balancing material performance, manufacturing capability and commercial terms. Brands like Avient, ExxonMobil (Santoprene), BASF and Covestro provide widely used materials, while specialist compounders like RTP and Kraiburg TPE offer custom solutions. Bost stands out as a vertically integrated partner for engineering plastics modification, mold design and multi-material production if you require tailored properties and integrated manufacturing. Evaluate technical support, sample availability and scale-up experience when selecting an overmolding partner to ensure your product meets performance and cost targets.

FAQs

Q: What materials are most commonly used for over molding?
A: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE/TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), and engineering thermoplastics (PC, ABS, nylon) are the most common. Choice depends on required softness, chemical resistance and bond compatibility.

Q: Can all plastics be over molded together?
A: No. Material compatibility and adhesion depend on chemistry. Some combinations bond well (e.g., TPU over polycarbonate with proper surface prep) while others require primers or mechanical interlocks. Always validate with adhesion testing.

Q: How do I test material adhesion for over molding?
A: Common tests include peel and lap shear tests per ASTM standards. Suppliers typically provide MDS and can run adhesion trials. Prototype molds are recommended to validate actual process conditions.

Q: Which industries most often use over molding services?
A: Automotive, consumer electronics, medical devices, industrial tools, and sporting goods commonly use over molding for ergonomic surfaces, seals and integrated assemblies.

Q: Is over molding more expensive than assembly of separate parts?
A: Upfront tooling and development can be more expensive, but over molding often reduces assembly labor, improves durability and can lower total part cost at high volumes. Consider lifecycle cost, not just unit price.

Q: How long does it take to qualify a new overmolding supplier?
A: Qualification timelines vary by industry and complexity. For consumer parts, a few weeks of material and process validation may suffice; regulated medical or automotive programs can take several months for testing and approval. Early engagement and clear specifications speed qualification.