Products
Insert Moulded Components
Overmolding is the process of molding plastic onto plastic or metal components.
When overmolding plastic on metal, the durable plastic is molded over the metal component
This process is often used in manufacturing plastic handles on metal tools and in the medical, aerospace, and consumer goods industries. Overmolding is useful for products that will benefit from using multiple materials. Common examples include soft-touch handles and gaskets. This procedure is often used to achieve aesthetic results that would otherwise not be possible.
In this type of overmolding, first a substrate or metal material is inserted into an injection molding tool. The plastic is then molded around the metal substrate, a process commonly known as insert molding
A similar process, insert molding encases a complete part (usually metal or plastic) in another material. This process can be used to create a soft product with a hard plastic or metallic core. One of the most common usages of insert molding is to create threaded inserts for screws. These inserts are useful for situations in which the product will see repeated use.
When to Use Overmolding
In general, overmolding is used for products that need to be rigid or strong, yet maintain a comfortable and ergonomic grip. As previously mentioned, things like toothbrushes or screwdrivers often utilize overmodling as they need to have a soft grip while still being able to withstand repeated use.
Overmolding can also be used to create flexible areas in a product that would be otherwise rigid. This is very useful as it allows a piece to bend without the introduction of additional moving parts.
The Best of Both Worlds
Overmolding is a common procedure for good reason. It’s used so often in the injection molding business because it can create an incredible variety of everyday products. Beyond the physical applications, it is also a very efficient and cost-effective solution.
