processingdetails

Dip Molding

Dip molding is a common plastic manufacturing process that a heated metal is dipped into a heated temperature material. The pattern is generally dipped into molding material multiple times to build successive layers, then extracted from the bath and goes through a curing or cooling process until the desired part thickness is obtained. After the material has cooled or solidified, the molded part is removed from the form or pattern. Dip molding is a very capable process as intricate and undercut geometries are possible, however design requiring trapped volumes or other features resulting in a air pockets should be avoided.

Dip Molding material are normally polymer compound like Plastisol, which is a polymer vinyl compound and in a liquid state at ambient temperatures. When being heated to a known temperature, the Plastisol material fuses into a durable plastic-rubber like material. After the application of heat energy, the Plastisol does not return to the liquid state. Plastisol polymer compounds can be formulated to a wide solvent resistance, or with specific dielectric or other electrical characteristics. Many plastisol compounds are used in application meeting FDA non-toxic standards.

The typical dip molding application can be divided into surgical gloves, hand tool handles, caps, covers, grips and plugs. Typical Dip Molding applications are products meeting FDA non-toxic standards.