Over Molding, the Benefits Include Improved Product Design and Durability
Without overmolding many of the products we take for granted today would not exist.
Most electronics, cell phones, PDAs, clock radios, computer monitors and even toasters would not be here if it were not for this innovative process.
Overmolding allows two different molds to be combined into one part to improve appearance or durability.
It is also used when the combination of inserts is too complex to be completed by one molding process.
The industrial processes behind overmolding are constantly changing and being improved to extend performance, durability, and life cycle.
Kamek Precision incorporates these innovations into all of its overmolding processes.
Overmolding Technical Definition
Overmolding is an injection molding process that offers improvements in product resilience and appearance.
It is also ideal for projects with complex final molded component designs.
How does it work? A pre-mold is insert molded out of one material and then transferred to a second mold.
Using a single shot process, a second material is then molded over the first to create the final molded part.
In the overmolding process there is no need for primers or adhesives. The materials and overmold process used ensure a strong bond between the assembled inserts.
The pre-mold is fabricated from a rigid plastic. In the secondary operation, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is used, creating a lasting bond.
Overmolding offers many benefits in safety, ergonomics, functionality and aesthetics, including:
- reducing vibration during product use
- improving comfort and grip
- insulation of electrical components
- making parts water resistant
- absorbing sound
- enhancing the appearance and improving the performance of a product
Kamek Overmolding Processes - Commitment to Excellence and Efficiency
The overmolding process is always advancing and changing.
With our commitment to continual improvement, we are quick to incorporate these changes into our manufacturing techniques, ensuring that we create exceptional products at a reasonable cost.
The benefits to our customers are many:
- One of the advances that has improved the over molding process is the wide range of TPE materials.
- With our expert knowledge of plastics and part and mold design, we select the best materials for the component, ensuring our customers a high quality product with strong adhesion.
- Temperature control is critical to the adhesion process.
- Our manufacturing systems and quality control processes ensure that we use optimum temperatures, allowing us to create parts with strong adhesion and without the degradation of materials that can result from incorrect melt temperatures.
- This results in less waste and greater production efficiency.
- Efficiencies are further realized because over molding does not require special tools or machines, meaning that complicated parts can be assembled affordably and quickly using existing equipment.