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Overmolding Lowers Cost, Improves Speeds and Quality Throughput

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Ryan Brown

As they learn how it adds value to their product lines, more manufacturers are turning to Overmolding. Not only does it enhance aesthetics, performance, and functionality, it lowers total production costs-a rare combination these days.

To the substrate of the product, the over molding of the overmolding plastic part is a two-shot or one-shot process that bonds a thin layer of TPE. Popular for a wide range of products, ranging from personal care products like power tools to toothbrushes, this exterior layer is what creates the soft-touch grip.

Overmolding also reduces vibration and shock, provides electrical insulation, dampens sound, can be a barrier to moisture and oxygen, and boosts chemical/UV resistance.

As a result, to the products they purchase, more consumers want this feeling and thus Overmolding applications continue to elongate. For staying on the leading design edge of their markets and creating functional and attractive products, the availability of this technology also gives product engineers more options.

However, throughout the production run, it requires precise control of multiple variables, specialized equipment, and extensive training not every injection-molder can over the mold. Skilled operators are a must as even the slightest variations can affect quality.

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 heat and chemical resistance, hardness, UV resistance, UL standards, clarity, and scratch resistance, new resin blends are constantly being engineered.

For optimal bonding, a key step in over-molding from the overmolding plastic part manufacturer is determining the best TPE/substrate combination followed by designing the appropriate tools and mold. It is critical to maintaining the melt temperature of the TPE.

The surface of the substrate must be free of contamination and extremely clean including skin oil, dust, dirt, or excessive moisture - the bond between the substrate and the TPE could fail or even weakened if the substrate is even slightly contaminated. 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 Overmolding, vents must be placed in the mold and properly sized for tooling; the bond between the substrate and the TPE can be weakened by trapped air. For the materials involved, the shutoff must also be properly designed to eliminate the risk of curling or delamination.

It's rare when an advanced technology reduces overall production costs, yet still improves customer satisfaction and product viability. As in making the product, Overmolding can reduce the number of steps involved, Total costs are lower.

For example, with the substrate, the TPE layer forms such a strong bond that it eliminates the need for some secondary finishing operations such as coating, painting, or priming. Overmolding decreases overall production cost, reduces waste, increases quality, and boosts throughput by combining these steps into one injection molding process.

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