What is Overmolding
What is Overmolding
Overmolding is a process where a single part is created using two or more different materials in combination. Typically the first material, sometimes referred to as the substrate, is partially or fully covered by subsequent materials (overmold materials) during the manufacturing process
1. What is the Substrate?
The substrate could really be anything; a machined metal part, a molded plastic part, or even an existing product like threaded inserts, screws, or electrical connectors.
2. What is the Overmolding Material?
Overmold materials (typically plastic) start off in pellet form. These pellets are mixed with additives like colorants, foaming agents, and other fillers. They’re then heated to their melting point and injected into the mold tooling as a liquid. There are some limitations on what materials are suitable for overmolding. If you are overmolding a metal part with plastic, you can really use any plastic. If you are overmolding a plastic part with another plastic (or a rubber or TPE), then there can be compatibility issues.
What is Overmolding Used For?
The overmolding process is utilized for a number of reasons that vary according to the specifics of the particular project. Common materials include toothbrushes, tool handgrips (e.g. cordless drills and screw drivers), and personal care products (e.g. shampoo bottles and shaving razors).
There 4 typical overmolding applications:
1. Plastic Over Plastic;
2. Rubber Over Plastic;
3. Plastic Over Metal;
4. Rubber Over Metal.
Why Would you Want to Overmold?
1. As a means to break up color;
2. To provide a soft grip surface around a part of separate material;
3. To add flexible areas to a rigid part;
4. To eliminate assembly line time;
5. To capture one part inside of another without having to use fasteners or adhesives.
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