Reply summary: Comolding applications

From: Marshall Burns (Marshall@Ennex.com)
Date: Tue Dec 07 1999 - 18:48:46 EET


Thank you to the people who responded to my inquiry about applications of
comolding or overmolding (one person replied that both terms are used
synonymously). Here is a summary of replies. No names are given since all
replies were sent privately.

    -- Molded interconnect devices (MIDs), wherein the second component is
one that can be metallized, allowing 3-D electronic circuits to be made.
    -- Under-hood automotive air ducts which need a stiff main section and
flexible lips at the ends for secure sealing and noise reduction.
    -- Screwdrivers that combine chemical resistance, non-slip grip, and
reduced hand fatigue.
    -- Decorative purposes.
    -- The outsole/midsole combinations of just about any athletic shoe on
the market (from a model maker at a major shoe manufacturer).
    -- Automotive tail-lamp lenses combining red, amber, and clear.
    -- Toothbrushes
    -- Under-hood automotive hoses and tubing with embedded sensors to
monitor flow, temperature, or air quality.
    -- Handhelds that combine a soft feel and a durable body.

What a great list! Thanks for your help. I will be citing a couple of these
examples in an upcoming Rapid Prototyping Report article that discusses the
future ability of fabbers to work in multiple materials.

Best regards,
Marshall Burns
President, Ennex Corporation

Marshall@Ennex.com
Los Angeles, USA, (310) 824-8700
www.Ennex.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Marshall Burns <Marshall@ennex.com>
To: RP-ml@bart.lpt.fi <RP-ml@bart.lpt.fi>
Date: Monday, November 22, 1999 23:38 PM
Subject: Comolding applications

>Hi folks,
>
> Thanks for all the answers to my spray metal question. I'll post a
>summary after the responses start to slow down. But now, another question
>for all the manufacturing experts out there:
>
> What are some of the most common applications of comolding (or is it
>called overmolding?) in which two different kinds of plastic are injection
>molded into the same product? I know I've seen it in hand grips for
sporting
>goods (golf clubs? tennis racquets?) and hand tools (e.g., drills?) and I
>believe that the scuba fins that I've looked at at the mall were probably
>made that way. What are some other good examples?
>
> Thanks for your help. (In case you haven't guessed, this is still part
>of my research for the coming series in my RP Report column.)
>
>Best regards,
>Marshall Burns
>President, Ennex Corporation
>
>Marshall@Ennex.com
>Los Angeles, USA, (310) 824-8700
>www.Ennex.com

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