Overmolding vs Insert Molding Advantages & Differences ...

Insert molding or Overmolding: which is the better process for your unique medical device injection molding application?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Low-Pressure Overmoulding VS Overmolding. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

There can sometimes be debate as to which of these two processes are preferable. In many ways, these two plastic injection molding processes are very similar.  However, it is important to understand the differences when making this important decision. It is common for manufacturers to research the differences between overmolding vs insert molding. The part design should be optimized early in the design process to reduce time to market. An optimized design will also aid in manufacturability of the part.

Providien Overmolding

The process is very similar to insert molding.  In this case, one piece of plastic is injection molded and then another piece of plastic is molded over it.

Providien Insert Molding

Insert Molding (or “insert molding”) This is the process of molding plastic around an insert that is placed into the injection mold.

Providien is a world leader in plastic injection molding for medical applications. We’ve broken down the differences and similarities between the two process. Our hope is that you can determine which will work best for your product.

Both processes are similar. However, there are many differences that you have to take note of before choosing the right one for your project. The overmolding vs insert molding difference entails the following:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website precision cnc turning.

Insert Molding vs Overmolding: Process

The major insert molding vs overmolding difference is the molding process. On the one hand, overmolding is a two-step manufacturing process (hence the name two-shot molding) that involves molding a plastic (overmold) on another plastic (substrate). On the other hand, insert molding involves molding plastic on a non-plastic material. Unlike the overmolding process, it is a one-step manufacturing process (the insert is manufactured separately)

Insert Molding vs Overmolding: Production Speed

Both processes take time. However, insert molding is relatively more time-consuming due to the molding of another layer on the product, i.e., the total product encapsulation of the insert. In contrast, the overmolding injection molding process entails partial encapsulation. Aside from that, insert molding does not require separate production of the two plastic parts, unlike overmolding, which has the substrate and overmold.

Insert Molding vs Overmolding: Material Selection

On the one hand, overmolded parts come from plastic parts that can form chemical bonds with each other. However, not all plastic materials are compatible with each other. For example, ABS is compatible with ABS, Polycarbonate, and Polyethylene but not with POM. On the other hand, most plastic materials are compatible with non-plastic parts. As a result, insert molding has broader material compatibility.

Keynote: Ensure you are familiar with many injection molding materials before selecting any process. Better, you should seek the advice of an injection molding service provider on the right material to choose.

Insert Molding vs Overmolding: Cost

Overmolding is a more expensive project due to the two injection processes. Aside from that, insert molding reduces assemblage cost and improves project productivity, especially in high-volume production. They are, however, costlier than injection molding.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit precision prototyping manufacturer.