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Plastisol As An Open Mold

Plastisol open molding has been used in various industries for years.  For example, it is used in the automotive industry as an alternative to over molding and encapsulation.  It is used in the marine industry for dock post covers and lures.  Equipment manufacturers use it to make specialized bushings.  Recreational industries use it to make toys, coat bicycle handles, among a variety of other things.

 

Plastisol dip coating is a process that allows a repeatable, reliable and economical coating to be applied over a metal part.  Thickness of the coating is determined by time and temperature, giving a vast array of coating thicknesses.  Colors can be matched, and many additives can be included, such as UV protection, texture, etc.

 

With plastisol open molding, a pre-designed mold is used to make an object, such as a fishing lure, toy or a grip for tools out of plastisol.  A pre-designed mold can also made and affixed to a metal piece, such as a pedal or handle. 

 

By coating a handle, such as a seat adjustment handle in a car, with an open mold of plastisol, it offers many advantages.  The “seen” portion of the handle, (the plastisol open mold) can be matched to the color of the car interior.  The plastisol open mold provides a softer surface than the metal, it is warmer to the touch and can also cover any rough or sharp edges.  The plastisol open mold can be textured as well for increased tactile sensitivity.  A major advantage is that it is usually more cost effective than over molding or an encapsulation process.

 

There are different methods of open molding plastisol.  To make handles that would slide over a tool or bicycle handle, a pre-heated mold is dipped into the plastisol.  The plastisol coats the outside of the mold and is then cured.  The plastisol is then removed from the mold, creating a plastisol image of the outer mold.  This sheath of plastisol is then slid onto the tool or bicycle handle. 

 

Another method is to pour plastisol into a mold, then cure the plastisol inside the mold.  The plastisol is then cured and removed from the mold.  This is the method used in making fishing lures, such as worms, and some toys. 

 

A further method is to incorporate an open mold with an existing metal piece.  For example, a car brake pedal is held by tooling with the function end (where it contacts the foot of the person) resting in a mold.  The mold is then filled with liquid plastisol.  The plastisol is cured, fusing the plastisol mold to the metal pedal.  The plastisol open mold is pulled out of the mold, completely fused to the metal arm of the pedal. 

 

Plastisol open molding can offer the following:

 

  •     Matte/High/Low gloss
  •     Color matching, including clear
  •     Various thicknesses
  •     Texture
  •     Foam
  •     Electrical insulation
  •     High Temperature resistance
  •     Flammability requirements
  •     Hardness variations
  •     UV Resistance

Contact Latem Industries Limited for your plastisol open molding needs.

               

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