Advantages And Differences Of Two Shot Injection Molding

There are a variety of manufacturing methods used to manufacture products that use plastic polymers, including two-shot injection molding, compression thermoset molding, and extrusion. Although all of these are viable manufacturing processes, this process has several advantages that make it the first choice of many plastic manufacturers. The process is relatively simple; inject one material into the mold to make the initial part of the product, and then inject a second material that is compatible with the raw material. Many manufacturers use this method to make plastics or polymers for three good reasons.

Two-shot injection molding is cost-effective
The two-step process only requires one machine cycle, the way the initial mold is rotated and the product placed around the second mold, so that a second, compatible thermoplastic can be inserted into the second mold. Because this technology uses only one cycle, rather than a separate machine cycle, any production operation cost is lower, and fewer employees are required to manufacture the finished product while delivering more projects per run. It also ensures a firm bond between the materials without the need for further assembly down the line.

Two-shot injection molding

Strengthen product quality
Two-shot injection molding improves the quality of most thermoplastics in the following aspects:
Improved aesthetics. When products are made of different colored plastics or polymers, they look better and are more attractive to consumers. If more than one color or texture is used, the product will look more expensive.
Improve ergonomics. Because this process allows the use of a soft-touch surface, as a result, items can have ergonomically designed handles or other parts. This is especially important for tools, medical equipment, and other hand-held items.
When silicone plastic and other rubber materials are used for gaskets and other parts that require a strong seal, it provides a better seal.
It allows you to combine the outstanding comfort and practicality of hard and soft polymers with even the smallest products.
Compared with overmolding or a more traditional insertion process, it can greatly reduce the number of dislocations.
It enables manufacturers to create more complex mold designs using multiple materials that cannot be effectively bonded by other processes.
The bond created is very strong, creating products that are more durable, more reliable, and have a longer lifespan.

Versatility
Product manufacturers favor two-shot injection molding, with a wide range of applications, including automotive interior parts, medical equipment, tools, and toys. It allows manufacturers to combine various materials and colors to create final products that are both strong and attractive. Some materials can be effectively combined with this process, including silicone and thermoplastics, nylon and thermoplastic elastomers, or hard nylon and soft-touch materials.
Two-shot injection molding can solve your company’s product production dilemma. An experienced plastic manufacturer can guide you through the process from concept to finished product and ensure a cost-effective solution.
We are Two-shot injection molding suppliers. Please feel free to contact us if you need or want to know about our products.

Plastic and silicone casting molds: what's the difference?

Plastic resin mold and silica gel mold are the two main molds we use to cast handicrafts or jewelry. Both resins are suitable for different types and quality of molds.Understanding the difference between plastic molds and silicone molds is important to get the results you want. Both types of molds can use a variety of resins, but understanding the limitations of each mold is very important to ensure the correct production of your products.

Here, we will outline plastic and silicone molds and their advantages and disadvantages.

 

Plastic resin mould

These reusable resin casting molds are usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene plastic sheets. They are usually made of templates and are partially flexible.

Benefits:

high quality and inexpensive. Plastic resin molds usually cost less than $10. (many are less than $5!) if or when you damage the mold, you usually don't spend a lot of money to replace it.

Easier to use. Plastic molds are a good place for new craftsmen to start. Compared with silicone molds for epoxy resin, they are easier to demould and maintain.

Disadvantages:

Castings cannot be shiny and shiny. Once removed from the mold, the casting surface contacting the mold surface may not be as shiny as you want. You either need to coat a layer of resin or cover a layer of resin gloss sealant spray.

It's easy to scratch. Although the softness of plastics is helpful, it makes it easier to scratch the surface. If you are not careful, things like toothpicks or nails will leave obvious dents.

It's hard to make it yourself. Making your own plastic resin casting mold requires vacuum forming plastic sheets around the template, which requires special equipment.

 

Understanding the difference between plastic molds and silicone molds is important to get the results you want. Both types of molds can use a variety of resins, but understanding the limitations of each mold is very important to ensure the correct production of your products.

Here, we will outline plastic and silicone molds and their advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic resin mould

These reusable resin casting molds are usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene plastic sheets. They are usually made of templates and are partially flexible.

Benefits:

high quality and inexpensive. Plastic resin molds usually cost less than $10. (many are less than $5!) if or when you damage the mold, you usually don't spend a lot of money to replace it.

Easier to use. Plastic molds are a good place for new craftsmen to start. Compared with silicone molds for epoxy resin, they are easier to demould and maintain.

Disadvantages:

Castings cannot be shiny and shiny. Once removed from the mold, the casting surface contacting the mold surface may not be as shiny as you want. You either need to coat a layer of resin or cover a layer of resin gloss sealant spray.

It's easy to scratch. Although the softness of plastics is helpful, it makes it easier to scratch the surface. If you are not careful, things like toothpicks or nails will leave obvious dents.

It's hard to make it yourself. Making your own plastic resin casting mold requires vacuum forming plastic sheets around the template, which requires special equipment.

 

Custom injection plastic molds can be made of a variety of materials, such as aluminum, steel, or alloys, and may contain various internal components such as pins, rails, bushings, and ejectors.

 

Silicone mold

These reusable molds are made of two parts of silica gel and can be used for many years if properly maintained.

Benefits:

Very flexible. Silicone molds allow you to make complex castings that can be removed more easily than plastic molds.

Custom mold. You can buy two-piece silicone and shape anything you want (assuming you have a model).

Castings may glow. I say "possible" here because the original model used to make the mold must be shiny. If so (like our geometric silicone mold), your casting should be as shiny as the original.

Disadvantages:

expensive. The price of silicone mold for epoxy resin and general process is two to three times that of plastic mold.

Need more care. Silica gel mold must be cleaned after use and placed in a cool and dry place.

Pressure casting may be required. Unless you use a transparent silica gel mold to make epoxy resin, you may not see all bubbles in the resin when pouring it into silica gel. You may need to use a pressure casting device to ensure that all bubbles are treated before the resin begins to cure.

So what kind of resin mold should I choose?

Any kind of resin casting mold can bring you excellent results. Choose your favorite style and shape and start creating!These reusable molds are made of two parts of silica gel and can be used for many years if properly maintained.

Benefits:

Very flexible. Silicone molds allow you to make complex castings that can be removed more easily than plastic molds.

Custom mold. You can buy two-piece silicone and shape anything you want (assuming you have a model).

Castings may glow. I say "possible" here because the original model used to make the mold must be shiny. If so (like our geometric silicone mold), your casting should be as shiny as the original.

Disadvantages:

expensive. The price of silicone mold for epoxy resin and general process is two to three times that of plastic mold.

Need more care. Silica gel mold must be cleaned after use and placed in a cool and dry place.

Pressure casting may be required. Unless you use a transparent silica gel mold to make epoxy resin, you may not see all bubbles in the resin when pouring it into silica gel. You may need to use a pressure casting device to ensure that all bubbles are treated before the resin begins to cure.

So what kind of resin mold should I choose?

Any kind of resin casting mold can bring you excellent results. Choose your favorite style and shape and start creating! WIT MOLD has lots of molds to get you started, all chosen by avid resin addicts who trust them for all their crafting.