Are you seeking ways to increase your product’s durability and improve its aesthetics? Reducing production costs while maintaining quality is surely a massive task. The two major issues product manufacturers face are ensuring the strength of binding components and enhancing production while reducing errors. Overmolding is an advanced manufacturing process in which we layer one material over another. It is a simple yet efficient method to eradicate all your production concerns.
With this process, you can fuse many components into one without needing other assembly methods. However, this method is flexible and uses different materials. How does it work to offer high performance? To answer these questions, let’s analyze over-molding, its process, and its applications in-depth.
What is Overmolding?
Overmolding is an injection molding process that uses plastics to mold over other components. The plastics are usually thermoplastics and elastomers, which layer over the surface of another material. The two materials fuse chemically and turn into one solid piece. For example, we can create a material with a rigid base like ABS and a soft top like rubber.
Although overmolding is an injection process, multiple iterations are needed to inject various materials. Generally, there are two types of over-molding:
- Direct Overmolding: First, we add a material to fill the molding space and let it cool down. Subsequently, we add another material to form a layer on the first one and chemically bind it to it.
- Insert Overmolding: In the insert overmolding, you prepare a rigid part beforehand and then place it into the mold. The rest of the process is the same as direct over-molding.
How Does Overmolding Work?
Overmolding is not a long process; you need to follow it properly. It is not simple to select the material to place the injection molding part and then inject the other part over it. Here’s the step-by-step process of over-molding:
1. Material Selection
The most crucial phase of over-molding is selecting the materials best suited for the product design and considering the product’s functionality. Of course, rubber can’t be used for a product that undergoes excessive wear and tear. Thus, understand the ergonomics and the product’s needs, such as thermal conductivity.
2. Mold Design
Designing for over-molding is not easy. So, start by understanding the functionality of your part under production. Besides, consider whether the part will face UV, water, temperature, or other factors, as some parts are prone to damage. Next, consider the part’s production needs. Thicker parts will need more time and material. Take vibration absorbers into account. TPE offers better vibration absorption when it’s thicker.
3. Injection Molding Setup
The injection molding setup is based on our needs and requirements. For example, if you are doing dual over-molding, you might need multiple injection molding setups. The setup can rotate to accommodate the material precisely. Firstly, the unit places a base material, and after it cools down, we add another material.
4. Ejection and Inspection
After the molding process, we remove the part from the mold. Subsequently, the operators scrutinize it for imperfections such as air pockets and bonding strength.
5. Post Processing
After having a solid part made of a combination of different materials, we perform many post-processing processes on it. For example, we trim the material to remove the extra edges or polish it to give it a proper finish. These processes help enhance the product quality and aesthetics.
Design Tips for Overmolding
Designing the parts for overmolding is not easy. Therefore, we ensure the part design meets our requirements and aligns well with the overmolding process. You first need to understand the design process and function of the parts. Here are some significant points you need to consider:
1. Consider Material Properties
Understanding the material properties is a must, as designing the parts according to the required functionality is critical. So, you need to consider which type of material it will feature. Record the capabilities of the material and its physical properties. Different materials have different melting points and expansion properties, so choose accordingly.
Moreover, in overmolding, we use different materials, so they should have different melting and expansion points. Some plastics may shrink off during the process. Thus, it’s best to use a substrate whose melting point is higher than the other material.
Furthermore, the thickness of the material also makes a huge difference. A thick layer can absorb the vibrations and offer softness. However, a thin layer may melt down and feel more challenging.
2. Part Shape and Mold Optimization
The mold design should feature multiple injections with a 2 to 4-mm wall thickness. Moreover, the injection molding wall thickness should be even, and sharp edges and deep ribs should be eradicated. By doing so, there will be less stress, and the liquid material will flow easily. Generally, the edges of the molds should be less than 0.55 mm. The best practice is to measure with an angle of 1 degree through each inch for better ejection.
3. Bonding Enhancement
The two materials in overmolding should bind strongly together as if they were the same object. They should blend at the chemical level and react to create a bond. Thus, the temperature you set is nearly the melting point of the materials. The materials meltdown (not entirely, as the temperature is near the melting point) and react to form a bond.
In many circumstances, chemical bonding is not feasible, so we can use a mechanical approach. In that case, we use interlocks to bind the two materials together. Another standard option is to texture the materials so that the resin can fill the gaps between them.
4. Design for Manufacturability
You need to streamline the process from part production to part assembly. Assembly is also a more protracted process; one can minimize that by reducing the sub-parts. Besides, you can also use computer technology to refine the designs and make the manufacturing process smoother. Computer analysis can check the material design shift, leading to more substantial structures.
Moreover, the selection of the materials is a crucial aspect. Carefully choose the materials that fulfill the requirements and fill bond together. For example, if you need to create a power tool handle, the handle must be problematic from the inside to provide support and softness from the grip.
5. Do Some Post-Treatments
Ignoring post-processing might be a risk if you are in the part manufacturing industry. To get the desired results, be ready to trim, polish, and paint. Moreover, you might need to perform some extra treatments, such as UV and heat stabilization.
Types of Overmolding Materials
After understanding the material and part design, carefully select the material. There are multiple types of materials available for overmolding. So, you need to choose from them carefully. Subsequently, when you know about the materials and their properties, you can make a better decision. And with that, we go straight to our suppliers and buy the best material according to our requirements. Here’s the list of materials we use in over-molding:
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics have good melting points; therefore, they can melt under heat and harden up while cooling efficiently. Thus, they are the best option for melting and remodeling. Here are some of their popular options:
- Polycarbonate: This material is best for windows and protective gear because of its high resistance and optical clarity. However, it is prone to deterioration under UV exposure.
- Polyethylene: HDPE and LDPE variants are best for creating rigid to flexible parts. HDPE has high durability and strength; however, it is flammable. LDPE is flexible; however, it has a low melting point.
- Polypropylene is the best option for overmolding because it is highly resistant and has mechanical features. It is generally used for consumer goods and automotive parts.
- ABS: ABS parts are versatile and have diverse applications across various industries. They have good heat capacity and offer a high-end surface. However, they are prone to deteriorate with chemicals.
Elastomers
Elastomers, as the name suggests, are elastic and pose softness. Therefore, their best use is to make the soft layer over rigid products. The common types of elastomers best for overmolding are:
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is highly flexible, soft, and durable. It is also resistant to scratches and rubbing. TPU binds well with plastics and is best for products that need a soft touch.
- Thermoplastic Elastomer: TPE features different polymers with high elasticity and thermal properties. It is ideal for products needing a soft grip, including spatulas, brushes, and other tools.
- Silicon Rubber: An ideal material for overmolding, offering flexibility, temperature resistance, and insulation. It binds well with different metals and plastics.
Applications of Overmolding
Overmolding is the best process to enhance the products’ design, style, and grip. Besides, it’s not costly. The combination of different materials increases the performance of products. Here are some significant applications:
- Consumer Electronics: This category includes overmolding for electrical covers, phone cases, and gaskets to offer durability, grip, and superior sealing.
- Automotive Industry: Feature over-molding interior components of vehicles and their technological features for protection, weather resistance, and aesthetics.
- Medical Devices: These include medical devices and tools for comfort, precision, safety, and functionality.
- Industrial Equipment: Tool handles and protective equipment include over-molding for better grip and mechanical protection.
- Consumer Goods: Includes household appliances and sports equipment for best usability and grip.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Co-molding and Overmolding?
Co-molding is a subcategory of overmolding with the same criteria and specs. It also needs compatible melting points and binding properties to mold different materials. Usually, there is a tricky part with a soft layer, such as rubber, over it.
2. How are Insert Molding and Overmolding different?
Both are almost the same; however, the significant difference is in the setups. They both allow the molding of different parts and materials, increasing the quality and aesthetics of the part. Over-molding includes two steps: first, inject the material, and then put the second layer over it. Comparatively, insert molding includes molding a pre-fabricated part with a substrate.
3. What is 2K Molding?
In 2K molding (two-shot), we inject two different materials into the same mold. First, we inject the first material, which forms the base. Then, we rotated and adjusted its position to add the second material over it. This method can bind any plastic material by adding functional layers to the products.
Get the Overmolding Done with Premium Parts
At Premium Parts, we offer high-end overmolding services. If you require parts integrating different layers of materials with high-end finishes, Premium Parts is the right place for you. It does not matter if you need the overmolding of plastic over plastic or plastic over metal; we have something for you. We offer all combinations to offer the best and most affordable overmolding services. Our parts are precise, and we use futuristic technology to keep up with the pace and quality.
Thus, whether you need a few or many products, we ensure that we deliver them for you. Contact us now to get a quote and the right guidance!
