The process of dip molding dates far back in history, to the ancient art of candle making. These days, plastic dip molding has become a thriving industry. Initially, dip-molded plastic was a product of choice, by virtue of its shiny look and smooth feel. However, recent advancements in the technology have added more reasons for choosing dip-molded plastic. With technological advancements in the formulation, dipping and curing processes, manufacturers produce several new materials, such as open-celled foams, textured formulations and matte finish formulations. If you want to buy dip-molded plastic or become a supplier of dip-molded plastic products, you will need to understand some terms related to the process.

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Dip molding

Dip molding is a process of dipping a hot metal tool in a cold elastomeric compound, like plastisol, drying the metal tool and then removing the plastisol coating as the final product.

I recommend: You can read through the basic information on the plastic dip-molding process at Steere Enterprises, an international plastics supplier.

Plastisol

For the manufacturers of dip-molded plastic, plastisol is a material of choice. Plastisol is an elastomeric solution that possesses unique properties such as flexibility, smoothness and the ability to stretch itself. Plastisol contains PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and a plasticizer.

I recommend: Visit Carlisle Plastics Company, a manufacturer of plastisol plastic products and a provider of plastic dip molding services, to learn more.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

PVC is a fire- and water-resistant polymer. It is an important ingredient of plastisol.

I recommend: Learn the basics of PVC at the Polymer Science Learning Center in the Department of Polymer Science of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Neoprene

Neoprene is another popular material for the plastic dip-molding process. Neoprene possesses unique chemical properties, such as resistance to degradation from sun, weather, oil and ozone, and sustainability to a wide range of temperatures and toughness.

I recommend: You can read through the detailed information on Neoprene at DuPont Performance Elastomers.

Drying

Some manufacturers use the word 'drying' interchangeably with curing. The process of removing a solvent from the end product is called drying. This is an important part of the dip-molding process. The drying process usually follows the dipping process.

I recommend: Learn more at C.A. Litzler, a manufacturer of molding and coating machinery.

Rotational molding

Rotational molding is an efficient process of plastic dip molding. It is the process of creating hollow forms with different wall thicknesses and various shapes.

I recommend: You can get read a definition of rotational molding by visiting Rutland, a manufacturer of plastisol compounds and polyurethanes.

Mandrel

A mandrel is one of the most important parts in the plastic dip-molding process. It is an extruded or machined metal shape that forms the internal shape of the dip-molded product.

I recommend: United Plastics Technology, a manufacturer of dip-molding machines, has a definition of mandrel.

Manufacturers produce a variety of dip molded plastic parts like caps, handles and plugs, which are useful in many industries like appliances. The plastic dip molding process can also accommodate the plastic dipping and coating of products like tool handles.

Dip molded plastic manufacturers use a three-step process whereby a metal mold goes through heating, dipping (in liquid plastisol) and post-heating to fabricate a desired part. Plastisol is the material most used for this process but others like latex are also suitable. Because of plastisol’s versatility and inherent properties, dip molding can produce precision parts that have different surface qualities, wall thicknesses and colors.

The advances in dip molding plastic technology and the advantages of using plastisol provide an alternative option to other molding processes like injection molding. Some advantages are lower tooling costs and multi-dipping capabilities that allow for products designed with two materials or colors on one item. Whether you’re looking for plastic dip molding services or equipment for your business, you should consider options that also include:

1. Find dip molded plastic manufacturers that provide multiple services.

2. Buy your own plastic dip molding equipment.

3. Review your need for custom or multiple plastic dip molding services.

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Search for dip molding suppliers that offer customers a wide range of products

Whether you are searching for dip molded plastic plugs, grips or caps, choose dip molding suppliers that have multiple products. Save time and money by purchasing all your products from one company.

I recommend: Carlisle Plastics has a good selection of round, flat, hex, angle and custom caps in many colors; they also provide dip coating for many applications. Caplugs offers 20 plus styles of dip molded vinyl products that include plugs, caps, grips and others. At StockCap, you can find plastic, vinyl, rubber and custom protective products for diverse applications.

Check out plastic dip molding equipment for your business

If you need to purchase equipment and want to shop around for the best deals then go online and get information and quotes from different suppliers of dip molding equipment. In addition, look for companies that can also provide training, service and support.

I recommend: C.A. Litzler is a manufacturer of dip molding and coating systems suitable for the molding of grips, plugs, caps. Types of systems include rotary, in-line advanced and dual-path machines. The company offers services, training, education and more. United Plastics Technology carries three categories of dip molding machines, which are manual systems, rotary and in-line machines. Manual systems are for low volume; in-line are for high volume and one production application; rotary are suitable for high volume, semi or fully automatic molding. You can request quotes and information from each company.

Select companies that provide diverse plastic dip molding services

Whatever your dip molding needs (large, small or complicated project requirements) may be, find companies that offer many services like plastic coating, custom plastic dip molding, tooling, design, prototypes and engineering to accommodate them.

I recommend: U.S. Plastic Coatings is a manufacturer that provides many services that include dip molding and plastic coating services, prototypes, custom molded parts and PVC plastisol coating for many sizes, shapes and applications. McCammon Engineering is another company that offers diverse services like custom design and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, secondary operations, dip molding and coating. Materials include latex, neoprene and plastic; parts can be made in many shapes, sizes and configurations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are two types of plastic dip molded coating methods. These are cold and hot dip coating. The difference between the two methods is that in the cold dip coating process, the item is immersed in the plastisol without preheating.

If you want to buy dip molded plastic from dip molded plastic manufacturers, you will need to have basic information about the material, such as the available types and prices. If you want to enter the business of plastic dip molding services, you will need to learn the fundamentals of dip molding plastic technology and plastic dipping processes. Furthermore, you will need to educate and train yourself and/or your staff about the handling and maintenance of plastic dip molding equipment, which will help you to run your business more smoothly.

If you are a dip moulded plastic supplier, you will need to keep your knowledge up-to-date in order to keep up with the pace of the industry. In addition, constant communication with other professionals will help you to expand your business.

To educate yourself and/or your workforce about plastic dip molding, you can:

1. Browse through various resources that provide basic information about plastic dip molding
2. Enroll in training courses at recognized institutions
3. Join associations for professionals in the plastic dip molding business

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the fundamentals of plastic dip molding and the relevant terminology

If you have very little exposure to the process of plastic dip molding, you can learn the basics by browsing through different resources, such as websites of plastic dip molding suppliers and online knowledge resources.

I recommend: You can read through the information on the plastic dip molding process at Piper Plastics, a leading plastic dip molding services provider. You can also refer to Engineers Edge, an online source that caters to the engineering field. In addition, you can get useful information on plastic dipping and molding procedures at United Plastics Technology (UPT), a leading supplier of dip molding and dip coating equipment.

Join educational courses that include the knowledge of plastic dip molding and related materials

Recognized institutions offer certificate courses in plastics and polymer engineering that include information on plastic dip molding and the required materials for that process. You can enroll in these courses to gain detailed knowledge about the plastic dip molding process.

I recommend: The College of Engineering at the University of Michigan offers a master’s degree program in plastics engineering that provides detailed knowledge about various plastic molding processes, including dip molding. In addition, you can learn about the materials required for the plastic dipping process by joining a certificate course in polymer engineering at the Rheology Research Center (RRC) of College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Join associations to update your knowledge about plastic dip molding

Associations for professionals in the plastics industry provide a platform for communication and interaction. You can join these associations and update your knowledge about new developments in the dip molded plastic industry. Furthermore, you can develop new contacts in the industry and expand your business.

I recommend: Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) is an association for plastics professionals around the world. You can join the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), an association for leading companies in the plastics industry. In addition, you can join the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), an association for professionals in the plastics industry.