What Are the Advantages of Two Shot Molding?
Two shot molding is a plastic injection molding process that incorporates two different plastic raw materials into the same product. This allows for multiple colors, textures and material combinations which create aesthetically pleasing and highly functional products. Using this process, engineers can reduce assembly time by eliminating secondary steps that would otherwise be required to attach components together. This can save significant time and money on manufacturing production runs.
Two-shot injection molding also offers greater flexibility in design. As the process is able to combine hard and soft plastics, manufacturers can engineer ergonomically designed products that are both sturdy and comfortable to hold in the hand.
The process works by injecting a first shot of a softer material into the mold, which is then coated with a harder more rigid polymer to produce a final product. A range of materials can be used, including thermoplastics, thermoset elastomers and silicones. The bond created by the process is exceptionally strong and far superior to that achieved in traditional injection molding processes.
As the injected softer plastic hardens, it forms a shell over the more rigid second shot of material. The two shots are held together by the chemistry of the materials and a strong molecular bond. When designing a part for the two-shot injection molding process, it is important to consider the chemistry of the individual polymers to ensure that they will adhere to each other and form a solid bond. To do this, a material compatibility chart should be consulted.
When selecting a supplier to partner with on a project, it is important to look for one that has experience with this type of specialized process. A qualified supplier will be able to provide you with the expertise, tools and technology needed for success. They will also be able to help you with the initial design phase of your project, suggesting suitable materials and color options that will work best for your specific application.
A key consideration when selecting a supplier for your two-shot injection molding project is the quality of their equipment and manufacturing process. This is especially true if you plan to produce a high volume of parts. A supplier with a sophisticated machine and experienced staff will be able to deliver parts that are both durable and visually appealing.
In addition, a supplier that utilizes a high-speed injection molding process will be able to meet your production needs in the most cost effective manner possible. The higher speeds of the machines allow them to make more parts in a single cycle, reducing the overall manufacturing costs.
Choosing the right two-shot injection molding supplier can be a challenging task. There are a number of factors to take into account, such as the supplier’s experience, their commitment to customer service and their capacity for high-volume production. A good supplier will be able to offer you a variety of injection molding solutions, including two-shot injection molding, that can help you design and produce innovative products for your business. 2 shot molding