F&M specializes in custom two-shot plastic injection molding capabilities. Our comprehensive two shot or multi shot injection molding services include consulting on part and mold design, mold-making, running your two shot injection molded parts, coordinating secondary operations, and everything in between. Whether you need a mold for prototyping or to run thousands of custom precision parts, our team is here to take care of the details for you.
Two Shot Injection Molding Services
Two-shot injection molding, also known as dual-shot molding or multi-shot molding, is a plastic injection molding process that allows for the production of complex molded parts with multiple materials or colors in a single molding cycle. This process involves injecting two different materials (or colors) into the same mold to produce a single integrated part.
Here’s a basic overview of the two-shot injection molding process:
- First Shot:
- The first material is injected into the mold to form the initial part or component. This is typically the primary material that forms the majority of the part.
- Mold Rotation or Movement:
- After the first shot, the mold may rotate or move to a different position to allow for the injection of the second material.
- Second Shot:
- The second material is injected into the same mold, either over the first material or in a different area, depending on the design requirements. The two materials bond together to create a single, integrated part.
- Cooling and Ejection:
- The combined materials are then allowed to cool and solidify. Once the part is ready, the mold opens, and the finished product is ejected.
Two-shot injection molding offers several advantages:
- Improved Productivity: By producing a multi-material or multi-color part in a single cycle, the overall production time is reduced.
- Enhanced Design Capabilities: Complex designs and features that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with a single material injection molding process can be realized.
- Reduced Assembly Steps: Parts with multiple components can be produced as a single piece, eliminating the need for assembly and reducing production costs.
- Improved Part Performance: Different materials with specific properties can be combined to achieve desired performance characteristics, such as soft-touch grips on rigid components or improved aesthetics.
This process is commonly used in industries where the demand for intricate, high-quality parts is significant, such as automotive, medical, consumer electronics, and consumer goods. Call F&M Tool and Die to discuss your two shot injection molding requirements.
