What Is Two Shot Injection Molding? Producing two color or two components injected molded parts from two different thermoplastic materials in one process, quickly and efficiently:Two-shot plastic injection molding, co-injection, 2-color and multi-component molding are all variations of an advanced molding technologyCombining hard plastics with soft materials2 step process performed during a single press machine cycleConsolidates two or more components thus eliminating additional assembly costsUp-to-date fabrication technology allows processors to produce injection molded parts from two different thermoplastic materials. By combining these different materials with the ever-improving molding technology, complex functional parts can now be produced economically and efficiently in massive quantities. The materials may differ in polymer type and/or hardness, and can be fabricated from molding techniques such as dual injection molding, two-shot molding, two color molding, two component molding and/or multi-shot molding. Whatever its designation, a sandwich configuration has been made in which two or more polymers are laminated to take advantage of the properties each contributes to the structure. The thermoplastic parts from these moldings offer excellent performance characteristics and reduced cost. The Benefits and Differences of Two Shot Injection Molding There are a variety of manufacturing methods used to create products using plastic polymers, including two shot injection molding, compression thermoset molding and extrusion. While all of these are viable manufacturing processes, there are several advantages to this process that make it the top choice for many plastics manufacturers. The process is relatively simple; 1 material is injected into a mold in order to make the initial section of the product, followed by a second injection of a secondary material that is compatible with the original material. Two Shot Injection Molding Is Cost Effective The two-step process needs only one machine cycle, rotating the initial mold out of the way and putting the secondary mold around the product so that the second, compatible thermoplastic can be inserted into the second mold. Because the technique uses only one cycle instead of separate machine cycles, it costs less for any production run and requires fewer employees to make the finished product while delivering more items per run. It also ensures a strong bond between the materials without the need for further assembly down the line. Enhanced Product Quality Two shot injection molding enhances the quality of most thermoplastic items in several ways: 1.Improved esthetics. Items look better and are more appealing to the consumer when they are crafted of different colored plastics or polymers. The merchandise looks more expensive if it utilizes more than one color or texture2.Improved ergonomics. Because the process allows for the use of soft touch surfaces, the resulting items can have ergonomically designed handles or other parts. This is particularly important for tools, medical devices and other hand-held items.3.It provides for a better seal when silicone plastics and other rubbery materials are used for gaskets and other parts that require a strong seal.4.It can greatly reduce the number of misalignments when compared to over-molding or more traditional insert processes.5.It enables manufacturers to create more complex mold designs using multiple materials that can’t be effectively bonded using other processes.

What is Injection Molding Insert injection molding is the process of molding or forming plastic parts around other, non-plastic parts, or inserts. The inserted component is most commonly a simple object, such as a thread or rod, but in some cases, inserts can be as complex as a battery or motor. Moreover, Insert Molding combines metal and plastics, or multiple combinations of materials and components into a single unit. The process makes use of engineering plastics for improved wear resistance, tensile strength and weight reduction as well as using metallic materials for strength and conductivity. Insert Injection Molding Benefits Metal inserts and bushings are commonly used for reinforcing the mechanical properties of the plastic parts or thermoplastic elastomer products that are created through the insert injection molding process. Insert molding provides a number of benefits that will improve your company’s processes all the way down to its bottom line. Some of the benefits of insert injection molding, include: Applications & Uses for Plastic Injection Inserts Insert molding metal inserts are derived directly from insert injection materials and are regularly used in a wide range of industries including: aerospace, medical, defense, electronics, industrial and consumer markets. The applications for metal inserts for plastic parts, include:

Compression Molding Compression molding is the process of molding in which a preheated polymer is placed into an open, heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed with a top plug and compressed in order to have the material contact all areas of the mold. This process is able to produce parts with a wide array of lengths, thicknesses, and complexities. The objects it produces are also high in strength, making it an attractive process for a number of different industries. Thermoset composites are the most common type of material used in compression molding. Four Main Steps There are four main steps to the thermoset composite compression molding process: Advantages of Compression Molding Compression molding is a popular technique for a number of reasons. Part of its popularity stems from its use of advanced composites. These materials tend to be stronger, stiffer, lighter, and more resistant to corrosion than metal parts, resulting in superior objects. Manufacturers accustomed to working with metal parts find that it is very simple to convert an object designed for metal into a compression molding part. Because it is possible to match metal part geometry with this technique, in many circumstances one can simply drop-in and replace the metal part altogether.

ADVANTAGES OF IMD & IML The in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML) technology enables design flexibility and productivity advantages over traditional post-molding labeling and decorating technologies, including use of multiple colors, effects and textures in a single operation, long-lasting and durable graphics, and overall labeling and decorating cost reductions. With in-mold labeling (IML) and in-mold decorating (IMD), labeling and decorating are complete in the plastic injection molded process, so no secondary operations are required, eliminating post-molding labeling and decorating labor and equipment costs and time. In addition, design and graphic variations are easily achieved by simply changing to different label films or graphic inserts in the same part run. The use of in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML) results in high quality and visually impressive graphics and finished parts. The graphics and labeling are also very durable and long lasting, since they are encapsulated in the resin as part of the finished molded plastic part. In fact, the graphics are essentially impossible to remove without destroying the plastic part. With the right films and coatings, in-mold decorated and in-mold labeled graphics will not fade and remain vibrant for the life of the molded plastic part. In-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML) advantages include: APPLICATIONS In-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML) has become the process of choice for high quality, durable labeling and graphics, employed by many industries in a wide range of applications, a few of which include: