A base deck for a data storage device is preferably formed from a stamped, or fine blanked metallic platform portion, which supports an over-mold portion. The over-mold portion is a combination of elastomeric components and rigid structural components. In addition to providing structurally rigid side walls for the base deck, the over-mold portion also provides additional structurally rigid components, and features difficult to obtain from the platform portion formation process, such as a ramp load/unload feature and alignment guides. Elastomeric components provided by the over-mold process include gaskets for the top cover, motor, and actuator of the data storage device as well as impact dissipation members. The impact dissipation members aid in dissipating impact forces encountered by the data storage device during manufacturing of the data storage device as well as during the operational life of the data storage device.