company news about Multi-Material and Overmolding: Combining Functions in a Single Part

Traditional manufacturing methods often require assembling parts made from different materials. Plastic injection molding, however, offers advanced techniques like overmolding and multi-shot molding, which allow for the creation of a single component with multiple materials and functions. This not only simplifies the assembly process but also creates more durable and innovative products.

Consider the common power tool handle with a soft, rubberized grip. Instead of a separate plastic handle and a glued-on rubber grip, overmolding allows the two materials to be injected in separate cycles within the same mold. The second material is molded directly onto the first, creating a seamless and incredibly strong bond. A major tool manufacturer switched to this process for their drill handles and reported that customer complaints about loose grips dropped by 80%. The integrated design is not only more durable but also more aesthetically pleasing.

The medical industry also uses this for safety. A surgical instrument manufacturer uses overmolding to create a metal instrument with a plastic handle, where the plastic provides insulation and a non-slip grip. The two materials are permanently bonded, ensuring the handle will never come loose. This level of integration is a significant safety feature. The ability to combine hard and soft plastics, or even plastic with metal, into a single, cohesive part is a powerful advantage that simplifies manufacturing, reduces assembly time, and improves the final product's performance.