What Is Two-Shot Injection Molding?
Two-shot injection molding is also called “2k molding” or co-injection molding. To successfully perform liquid silicone rubber two-shot molding, a specially designed co-injection molding machine is needed, and a mold builder and molder that are skilled and experienced in LSR processing to ensure accurate alignment and precision placement.To get more news about https://www.asm-mold.com/2k-multi-shot/ 2k injection moulding, you can visit asm-mold.com official website.
Two-shot LSR injection molding involves molding an LSR material and a second polymer in the same molding process. The second material can be either a compatible thermoplastic material or a different grade of LSR (different durometer or pigment). The two materials are molded during the same process and combined to form one integrated two-material component. This process is a two-shot injection molding process.
2-Shot vs. Overmolding
Is Two-Shot Molding the Same as Overmolding?
The overmolding injection molding process is sometimes confused with or referred to as two-shot molding. Although similar because the finished component of both consist of a combination of two different materials or substrates, the manufacturing process and bonding is different. In the 2k molding process, the two materials are both chemically and physically integrated providing a superior bond compared to overmolding.
In the overmolding process, a finished molded component or a metal or other substrate is placed within the LSR mold during the LSR molding process. Once introduced, the mold closes and the LSR is molded around or over the presented substrate or component, integrating the two.
There are several benefits that can be achieved by choosing a multi-shot process versus a single-material part followed by assembly, heat staking, ultrasonic welding or other secondary process used to mechanically combine two or more substrates.
Cost and Time Savings
A finished product is designed with various components each with desired features and functions. By integrating these components and performing in a single manufacturing process, a significant savings can be attained – a savings in production costs for added assembly or other secondary operation equipment, labor costs for manual operations and material handling, and a time savings.
Efficiency and Quality
The combination of fewer production steps and a cleaner, smoother transition of materials offers a more efficient manufacturing process. By reducing the number of operations and suppliers, supply chains are streamlined reducing the risk and opportunity for errors and thereby improving quality.
Optimization
The LSR Multi-Shot technology allows for part weight and space optimization, complex designs, the integration of multiple materials, and multiple functions into one component.
LSR 2-Shot injection molding is well suited for parts with tight tolerances and complicated geometries, as well as parts with wall thickness consistency requirements. In some instances, complex part designs incorporating multiple dual materials can only be achieved using two-shot process.
