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 technology
Combining hard plastics with soft materials
2 step process performed during a single press machine cycle
Consolidates two or more components thus eliminating additional assembly costs
Up-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 texture
2.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.