Guide to the Injection Overmolding Process

2024-01-26 16:04:47
The injection overmolding process is a specialized injection molding technique that involves combining two or more materials to create a single, integrated product.

What is Injection Overmolding?

Injection overmolding is a manufacturing process used to mold one plastic (commonly a rubber-like plastic called TPE) over top of another component (substrate). The substrate is usually an injection-molded plastic part, but it could also be made from various other materials.

Key Steps in the Injection Overmolding Process:

Substrate Injection: The first material, known as the substrate, is injection-molded into the desired shape. This could be a rigid plastic, metal, or other materials.
Insert Placement (if applicable): If there are inserts or additional components, they are placed into the mold before the overmolding process.
Overmolding: This sequential injection involves injecting the second material at lower temperatures and pressures to prevent any damage to the first material. This creates a bond between the two materials.
Curing or Cooling: The combined structure is allowed to cure or cool, ensuring a strong bond and the final formation of the overmolded part.

Considerations in Injection Overmolding:
Material Compatibility: The materials used for substrate and overmolding must be compatible for adhesion and performance.
Tooling Design: Proper tooling design is crucial to ensure precise placement and bonding of the overmolded material.
Cycle Time: Optimizing cycle time is essential for efficiency in mass production.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures are needed to ensure consistent and reliable overmolded products.

Overmolding is used across several industries and serves a wide array of purposes. It is used in a variety of applications across a range of industries including medical devices, consumer goods, electrical components, and automotive parts. Lingshantech stands out as a premier LSR overmolding manufacturer, Our comprehensive services encompass the entire Overmolding molding process, offering value-added solutions from design and prototyping to packaging and delivery. we are well-equipped to meet your project needs.