Plastic Injection Moulding
Overmoulding
Overmoulding – What is It?
Overmoulding is the process of combining two or more materials in the formation of a single plastic part. Specifically, it involves adding a layer to an already existing component.
Overmoulding is an important value-added secondary process for some plastic injection moulded parts. It can sometimes be necessary for functional or cosmetic reasons.
From a functional point of view, overmoulding can improve handheld parts where comfort and grip are important. Cosmetically, overmoulding can allow for the creation of branding or textual information on a part, or where a certain stylistic finish needs to be achieved.
Overmoulding at RP Technologies
We have extensive experience of creating plastic injection mouldings where overmoulding is required as a sub-process.
We have created overmoulded components for the automotive, medical, and consumer products industries.
This is an example of an overmoulded plastic part which we created for Jaguar Land Rover.
This part is a gasket seal. Without the overmoulding, the part would not adjoin tightly to its object component.
The overmoulding allows it to function correctly, adding versatility, strength, and grip.
We have also overmoulded parts for products in other sectors, including medical devices, consumer goods, marine, and aerospace.
Finding Your Ideal Plastic Grade Material Option for Overmoulded Parts
Overmoulding is suitable for a wide variety of plastic grade material selections. The substrate usually consists of a more rigid, tougher plastic. Typical materials include:
- PPS
- Polycarbonate
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG)
- Nylon
Overmoulding usually utilises TPEs (Thermoplastic Elastomers). These materials have ideal physical properties, characteristics, and features for the overmoulding process:
- High flexibility
- Strength and endurance
- Resistance to high temperatures
- Bond easily with other plastic materials
Advantages of Overmoulding
- Improved performance of the final component
- Allow for customised branding and design features
- Added resistance and durability
- Increased shelf life of a product
- Improved shock absorption
- Can add to the visual appeal of a product
