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Over molding, Enhances Lowers Cost, Speeds Throughput, and Quality

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Ryan Brown
Over molding, Enhances Lowers Cost, Speeds Throughput, and Quality

Today maximum manufacturers are turning to over-molding as they learn how it adds value to their product lines. Apart from just improving functionality and performance and aesthetics, these days it also lowers total production costs-a rare combination.

Overmolding plastic part is a one-shot or two-shot process that to the substrate of the product bonds a thin layer of TPE. A soft-touch grip is created by the exterior layer that is popular for a wide range of products, starting from personal care products like toothbrushes to power tools. Over molding boosts chemical/UV resistance, also reduces shock and vibration, can be a barrier to oxygen and moisture, provides electrical insulation, and dampens sound.

Because of this, more and more consumers are demanding this feel to the products they purchase, and thus there is a continuous expansion of over-molding applications. Product engineers get more options by the availability of this technology for creating attractive and functional products and staying on the leading design edge of their markets.

However, every injection-molder can’t be over-molded; throughout the production run, precise control of multiple variables, specialized equipment, and extensive training is required. Skilled operators are a must as quality can be affected by even the slightest variations. To the type of substrate and TPE being used, much of this knowledge relates. So, a deep understanding of chemical behavior and material science is also required. To provide expanded properties, including UV resistance, heat and chemical resistance, scratch resistance, hardness, UL standards, and clarity, new resin blends are being engineered constantly.

Determining the best TPE/substrate combination is a key step in over-molding is for optimal bonding, followed by designing the appropriate tools and mold. It is critical to maintaining the melt temperature of the TPE. Including skin oil, dust, dirt, or excessive moisture, the surface of the substrate must be extremely free of contamination and clean if the substrate is even slightly contaminated the bond between the substrate and TPE could be failing or even weakened. Both materials must be carefully dried before molding as the moisture level of both the substrate and the TPE can negatively impact the chemical bond.

To permit the release of air from the mold cavity during over-molding, vents must be properly sized and placed in the mold for tooling; trapped air can weaken the bond between the substrate and the TPE. For the materials involved to eliminate the risk of delamination or curling, the shutoff must also be designed properly. According to the amount of shear, viscosity, the type of material, and flow rate that may be required, gate size is determined. Automotive plastic parts China is reliable.

When an advanced technology improves product customer satisfaction and viability, yet still reduces overall production costs, it’s rare. Because over-molding can reduce the number of steps involved in making the product, Total costs are lower. Over molding decreases overall production cost, reduces waste, increases quality, and boosts throughput by combining these steps into one injection molding process.

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