Are you creating a part and looking to place another part over top of it to make it more effective overall? If so, you’re going to want to use a process called overmolding to do it. The overmolding process involves taking an existing part and placing an additional material on it to make it more functional. You can also use overmolding to make parts safer, more durable, or even just more aesthetically pleasing.
To complete overmolding, a company will typically take a material like a liquid silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer and mold it to fit over top of the original part, which is commonly called a substrate. The substrate can be made from almost anything, including metal, rubber, or plastic. As long as the overmolding process is done properly, you won’t usually have to worry about bonding the first part and the second part together with an adhesive of any kind. The parts will bond through the overmolding process and work together seamlessly.
There are myriad parts that can be made using overmolding. For example, you can put a grip or a handle on top of a metal part by utilizing it. You can also add a layer of protection over top of screws of wires through the use of overmolding. The next time you see a screwdriver with a rubber grip on it or a flashlight with a bright yellow handle on it, you’ll know that it likely ended up looking the way it does due to overmolding. Overmolding is an effective approach to manufacturing so many different items.
Do you want a quote for overmolding injections? Bridgville Plastics would be happy to provide you with one. Just let us know what kind of substrate you’re using and what you want to cover it with, and we can let you know what your options are. Call us at 269-465-6516 today to get started.