Custom gummy mold tooling
Proprietary shapes run on the same depositing lines as our standard cube and gum drop molds.
A custom gummy mold lets a brand run a proprietary shape on HBM's depositing lines at the St. Petersburg, FL facility. Tooling starts at around $20,000 and varies with complexity. Lead time on the mold itself is typically 4-8 weeks. The mold runs on the same four continuous depositing stations that handle standard cube and gum drop work. Combined throughput is 600KG per hour and 90 million gummies per month. Piece weights between 1.5g and 6.5g are deposit-stable. Beyond that window, demolding and shape integrity get unreliable. The mold tooling project usually runs in parallel with the pilot batch so commercial production is not delayed.
Most brands launch on a cube or a gum drop because tooling cost is zero on the standard molds. The brands that invest in a custom shape do it for one reason. The gummy itself becomes part of the trade dress. Once a shape ships on shelf, knockoffs can copy the formula but not the mold. The page below covers what HBM needs to quote a custom mold, what the tooling timeline looks like, and where the engineering constraints sit.
What a custom gummy mold costs
Custom mold tooling starts at approximately $20,000. The final number depends on shape complexity, cavity count per tray, and material. Simple geometries with rounded surfaces sit near the floor. Sharp edges, undercuts, embossed logos, and multi-cavity layouts push the cost up. The quote covers tooling design, fabrication, sample trays, and validation on HBM’s lines. The mold becomes the brand’s tooling asset and stays with the program for the life of the SKU.
Lead time for a custom mold
Mold fabrication runs roughly 4-8 weeks from approved design. HBM sequences the mold project in parallel with the pilot batch so the critical path is not extended. The 10-step R&D framework covers it: bench samples in weeks 2-4, pilot batch in weeks 2-4, commercial production in weeks 4-8. The custom mold lands inside that window. First commercial run on a custom shape is on the same timeline as a standard-mold launch.
Size and shape constraints
Deposit-stable piece weight runs 1.5g to 6.5g. Below 1.5g the gummy struggles to demold cleanly. Above 6.5g the syrup deforms before setting. HBM’s standard size range covers 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, and 6g, with a 3.75g average across the program.
Starch deposition vs starchless on custom molds
HBM runs both starch and starchless lines. The choice changes what a custom mold can do. Starch deposition uses corn starch trays printed with the mold impression. Tooling cost is lower and undercuts are limited. Starchless deposition uses silicone or polycarbonate molds. Tooling cost is higher and undercuts and complex shapes become available. The active ingredient, the base system, and the shape brief together decide which line the SKU should run on.
Active load and shape interact
Active load by weight averages 10-17% on HBM gummies. The theoretical maximum is 33%. Higher active loads change the syrup viscosity and the set behavior. A high-active SKU on a complex mold can produce inconsistent fill or weak corners. The bench sample stage tests the actual active concentration in the actual mold geometry. Adjustments happen before tooling is cut.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a custom gummy mold cost at HBM?
Custom mold tooling at HBM starts at approximately $20,000. The final cost varies with shape complexity, cavity count per tray, and material choice. Simple rounded shapes sit near the floor. Sharp edges, undercuts, and embossed logos add cost. The quote includes design, fabrication, sample trays, and validation runs on HBM's depositing lines. The mold becomes the brand's tooling asset for the life of the program.
How long does custom mold tooling take?
Mold fabrication runs roughly 4-8 weeks from approved design. HBM sequences mold work in parallel with the pilot batch. That keeps the critical path on a standard launch timeline. Bench samples land in 2-4 weeks. Pilot batch follows in 2-4 weeks. Commercial production runs 4-8 weeks. The custom mold is ready inside that window.
What gummy sizes are possible with a custom mold?
HBM deposits gummies between 1.5g and 6.5g on custom tooling. Below 1.5g the piece struggles to demold cleanly. Above 6.5g the syrup deforms before the pectin sets. Standard sizes already on the line are 2g, 3g, 4g, 5g, and 6g. A custom mold can target any weight inside that 1.5g to 6.5g window.
Can a custom mold include an embossed logo?
Yes. HBM supports embossed logos and surface text on custom molds. Minimum relief is approximately 0.5mm for a clean readout after demolding. Fine detail loses sharpness on starch-deposited gummies because the starch impression is softer. Silicone tooling on the starchless line holds detail better. The brand's logo file goes through engineering review before tooling is cut.
Who owns the custom mold tooling?
The mold tooling is the brand's asset. HBM holds the tooling on-site for production and routine maintenance. The mold is dedicated to the brand's SKUs and is not shared. If the brand moves the program, the tooling moves with it. Storage and maintenance terms are covered in the production agreement signed at the formal quote stage.
Related
Talk to R&D about a custom shape.
Send the shape brief and a target piece weight. HBM returns a tooling estimate inside the 24-hour preliminary quote window.
Talk to R&D