Simulated Overmolding with 3D Printer

Overmolding is a molding process in which two or more materials are combined to produce one part. An overmolded part begins with the molding of a rigid, thermoplastic substrate. On top of the substrate, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded. The plastic substrate and TPE are joined either through insert molding or multi–shot molding.

Insert molding is a two–step process. First, the rigid substrate is molded. It is then placed in a mold cavity on another injection molding machine and TPE is shot directly over the substrate. However, multi–shot molding takes place on an injection molding press that shoots multiple materials in a single operation. This allows the TPE to be overmolded immediately following the molding of the substrate.

How it works?

Option 1: Prototype Injection Molds

When time and expense are not issues, the ideal method is to inject mold prototype parts using the selected substrate and TPE materials. By using the production methods and materials, the prototype possesses the same qualities as the final product.

Option 2: RTV Molds

As with insert molding, the RTV molding process uses one mold to form the base component and another for the overmolded area. Each mold requires a pattern into which the liquid silicone rubber is poured.

The Objet Connex 3D printer range from Stratasys gives you the opportunity to evaluate more design options in less time and cost.In a single build process, and with little effort, a prototype part can be printed to simulate several variations of an overmolded product.

In just a single build, and while consuming little effort, a prototype part can be printed to simulate many forms of an overmolded product.

The Connex printing systems offers a distinct technology making it one of the most important industrial innovations of the last five years. Jetting multiple 3D printer materials enables overmolding in a single build process. A model can be created fast and cost effectively. This solution costs less and takes a shorter period of time. It is rapidly replacing injection molding and RTV molding to produce prototypes.