Overmoulding

At Dudley Associates Ltd, we offer a reliable overmoulding service that forms part of our complete manufacturing capability. Using this specialised injection moulding technique, we deliver precision overmoulded components tailored to your project requirements.

About Overmoulding

The process of overmoulding involves adding an additional layer of material to an existing component. Typically, this is either plastic on metal or plastic on plastic. In addition to traditional insert overmoulding, we also offer twin shot (2K) moulding, where two polymer materials are combined within a single moulding cycle.

In this type of overmoulding, a metal part is inserted into the mould and a plastic polymer is injection-moulded around the metal part. This may entail some of the metal protruding externally beyond the plastic or the metal may be encased but with key parts exposed.

Why might this be needed?

There are many situations where this process is advantageous and it is very common in electrical and electronic areas (perhaps consider a two or three pin plug). Plastics are generally more lightweight and cheaper than metals, with very different conductive and thermal properties. In applications such as busbars, overmoulding allows the conductive element to be safely insulated whilst maintaining performance and reducing overall assembly complexity.

We use this type of overmoulding with a range of different materials, often with a substrate made from ABS and an overmould with a TPE or acrylic. The skill here is to secure full bonding between the materials to ensure longevity and robustness. This is achieved through a combination of temperature, the speed and pressure of the injection process, and the cooling parameters.

Not all material combinations can be successfully bonded, but our team have built expertise over many years.

In addition to standard plastic-on-plastic overmoulding, we also offer twin shot (2K) moulding. This process involves injecting two different polymer materials in sequence within the same mould tool and machine cycle, enabling enhanced functionality, improved ergonomics, integrated sealing features or distinct aesthetic finishes.

Why might this be needed?

The most common reasons we are asked to overmould plastic on plastic are:

  • When a rigid, functional interior is required but an aesthetically pleasing exterior casing is desired;
  • When a rigid, functional device is required but with a softer, tougher, easier to grip area on the outside;
  • To establish a permanent seal which may well require a softer material than the rest of the component.
  • Where twin shot (2K) moulding enables multiple materials to be combined efficiently within a single manufacturing cycle, reducing assembly time and improving consistency.
Where a chemical bond is not possible, the overmould must be mechanically fixed to the substrate. This involves modifying the original part to have holes or cut-outs through which the overmoulded material can flow and set. The overmoulded material must fully encapsulate the substrate from both sides in the area of the fixing in order for the fixing to work. This complicates the moulding process as a shut-out is required on both sides of the substrate.

How it Works

Our intuitive overmoulding process takes care of everything on your behalf.

Discussion

We work closely with you to understand your requirements and integrate overmoulding into your product design from the outset, ensuring your product is tailor-made for your needs.

Manufacturing

Utilising our moulding experts, and our advanced tooling and injection moulding technology, we produce accurate, high-quality overmoulded components to the highest standards, with consistent results.

Delivery

We’ll send out your fully-assembled parts using our approved courier partners. Alternatively, you can pick up your items if you wish.

Request a Quote

Have a project you need our support with? If any of our services sound like they could be of use to you and your company, simply click the button to request a quote and get started.

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