Overmolding 注塑知识.docx

OvermoldingBy: Brad BillITDPT 303 Ball State UniversityIntroduction:Overmolding is a process that is used in many manufacturing forms to create parts and improve product efficiency. Without the process of overmolding we would not have the many consumer products that everyone wants and needs. Examples of overmolded products would be cell phones, clock radios, computer monitors. So how exactly does the overmolding process work and how can it be broken down?? (Sun Plastics 2005) ??Definition: The technical definition of over molding is Overmolding, or two-shot molding, results in parts in which it is clearly evident that more than one material is being used. In these processes, only part of a product is molded in one material, and that molded piece is manipulated so the second material can be molded around, over, under, or through it to complete the final part. This method is sometimes referred to as in-mold assembly, since the resulting part effectively acts as an assembly of two materials rather than as a layered structure. (Kerouac and Grelle 2005)Process:Overmolding is the an injection molding process using two separate molds of which you mold one material over another to create or touch appeal such as a handle or knob. (Mastermolding 2005) Overmolding is typically used when creating an outer shell for electronics or different appliances. This is done using certain plastics and polymers. Typically research has shown that polyethylene is the most widely used plastic in the over molding process. It is used because it can be drawn out into thin sheets which makes the overmolding process easier and more efficient.Industrial Processes:There are two basic types of overmolding used in industrial processes today. The first is the insert molding process which the rigid substrate is molded first and transferred to a second mold, where a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is shot around the insert to create the finished part. The process uses standard injection molding machines an