Overmolding is a processes that bond plastic parts together. It can produce parts that are more complex than simple ones.
overmolding can create parts that require more than one layer. The process begins with a steel or aluminum mold. In some cases, two-shot overmolding is the only option for bonding different materials.
Creates a secure seal
Overmolding is a great way to make products water resistant. This is because the material used for overmolding is flexible and water-tight. It also works well for products that need to absorb sound waves. It can make devices quieter, such as headphones and speakers. It also reduces weight. It’s a great way to protect electrical connections, too. And what’s more, overmolding is a great way to reduce the cost and weight of complex assemblies. A toggle switch can be made lighter by using plastic instead of metal. This reduces the weight of the entire assembly.
The process of overmolding starts with a base substrate, which can be either plastic or metal. Plastic is usually used because it can be manufactured in the same production cycle as the metal, which makes it more economical. The base material is also usually warm, which helps the elastomer adhere better to it.
Eliminates the need for a liquid seal
Eliminating the need for a liquid seal when overmolded PCBs can save both time and money. This process eliminates the need for a separate adhesive and can combine the molding and assembly processes. A component with a steel substrate can be overmolded with a plastic user interface, which reduces the cost of the liquid seal and other assembly steps.
While a liquid seal is the preferred method, it is not always possible to use it. For many applications, a high-level chemical bond is not possible or even necessary. For example, a molded electronics housing cover can have an overmolded gasket with nowhere to go, so it must be held to the substrate. By eliminating the need for a liquid seal, it is possible to produce a product with a high-performance design that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly functional and durable.
Offers aesthetically appealing products
Overmolding is an excellent way to enhance the appearance of products by allowing manufacturers to customize the surface. This process is also beneficial to medical products, as it allows the manufacturer to use a more tactile-sensitive material. It also reduces the number of processes required to complete a product and eliminates the need for secondary finishing.
Overmolding can also improve the grip and durability of products. It can be done with a variety of materials, including TPU. In addition, it can be used to add aesthetics and branding to a product.
Requires special skills and experience
Overmolding is a technique that combines two different kinds of plastic resins into a single, cohesive unit. For example, a rigid plastic body may be coated with a soft silicone grip and then overmolded onto a final product’s grip area. This method allows for a wide variety of aesthetic designs and textures. One common example is a tire showroom display, where the tread material is overmolded over a blue substrate.
Overmolding can be a complicated process, and you need to have the right experience to do it right. The two materials must be compatible with each other and withstand high temperatures. Moreover, both materials must not react, or they may come apart. The best way to ensure that overmolded parts are safe and accurate is to partner with a custom injection molding company that has extensive experience with overmolding.
