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What is thin wall injection molding? - thin wall moulding

Author:gly    Date: 2024-10-15    

Pharmaceutical and medical technology products such as syringes, pipettes or other products with high purity requirements,

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With over 20 market-proven injection moulding processes, ENGEL enables economical production despite ever-increasing product requirements.

2K injection molding, also known as dual injection molding and two shot injection molding, is a manufacturing process in which two materials are simultaneously injected into the mold cavity. This technique allows for the production of complex plastic parts with varying colors, materials, or properties in a single operation. Typically, the first material is a rigid substance like polypropylene, while the second material is often an elastomeric material such as TPE or TPV. This combination of materials allows for more intricate designs and improved functionality compared to traditional single-material injection molding.

1K injection molding, or single-shot molding, is a conventional molding process that involves injecting a single material into a mold cavity to produce a plastic product. Unlike multi-shot molding processes such as 2K and 3K injection molding, 1K injection molding uses a single injection unit to inject the material into the mold.

Compact, energy-efficient and consistently high part quality: the victory series - from 280 to 5,000 kN clamping force - offers you the perfect modular system for the production of diverse technical parts. The patented force dividers, which distribute the clamping force evenly over the entire clamping surface, guarantee consistently high part quality, even with multi-cavity moulds. In addition, the proven tie-bar-less technology allows the use of a relatively small injection moulding machine even with large moulds. In this way, you only invest in the clamping force that is actually required and save valuable production space in the process.

The two shot injection molding process is highly efficient, allowing for the creation of complex, multi-material parts with high precision and tight tolerances. Here's a simplified breakdown of how it works:

With over 20 market-proven injection moulding processes, ENGEL enables economical production despite ever-increasing product requirements.

The 2K injection mold is another essential component, designed to accommodate the dual-material injection process. This mold features two cavities, each corresponding to one of the materials being used. The design of the mold is crucial in ensuring proper material flow and part formation.

In two shot injection molding, specialized equipment plays a pivotal role in ensuring precise and efficient production processes. The primary components of 2K injection molding equipment include:

While both overmolding and 2K injection molding allow the combination of multiple materials into a single product, they are different. The key difference between them lies in the process and timing of combining the materials.

With a precisely matched temperature control solution and our digital assistance systems, additional energy-saving potential of up to 67 % can be exploited.

The 2K injection molding machine is the cornerstone of this process. It is programmed to execute two injections in a single cycle. During the first cycle, a nozzle injects plastic into a mold, which is then rotated to allow the injection of a different type of plastic from a second nozzle. This sophisticated machine enables the creation of highly effective end products from disparate polymers.

Everyday products such as household appliances, toys or furniture to underground tanks or pallets from the logistics sector

3K injection molding, or three-shot molding, is an advanced manufacturing process that involves injecting three different materials or colors into a single mold to create a complex, multi-material product. This technique allows for the combination of materials with varying properties, such as hardness, flexibility, and color, in a single production cycle.

Ergonomics is the top priority for this injection moulding machine. The different clamping systems enable ergonomic overmoulding of inserts. Thanks to the wide range of options and the flexible machine concept, the machine can be adapted to your individual requirements.

The range extends from the standardised entry-level model e-mac fast track to the highly flexible e-mac and e-motion to the high-performance e-cap and e-speed, which are specially optimised for the packaging industry. The integrated encapsulated toggle of the injection moulding machines - in the clamping force range from 300 to 6,500 kN - is the optimal solution especially for applications in the cleanroom.

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Compared to overmolding, two shot injection molding injects both plastic materials simultaneously, so it is better at handling more materials and larger production volumes and offers greater utility and efficiency.

Our product portfolio ranges from 280 kN to 55,000 kN clamping force. It includes hydraulic, hybrid and electric or horizontal and vertical injection moulding machines. From quickly available stock machines to machines that can be customised to the maximum to high-precision systems with the shortest cycle times.

The range extends from the standardised entry-level model e-mac fast track to the highly flexible e-mac and e-motion to the high-performance e-cap and e-speed, which are specially optimised for the packaging industry. The integrated encapsulated toggle of the injection moulding machines - in the clamping force range from 300 to 6,500 kN - is the optimal solution especially for applications in the cleanroom.

2K injection molding stands out as a popular choice for its ability to combine two or more different materials in the same mold before injection, offering unique advantages and applications.  Here, we delve into the world of 2K injection molding, exploring its uses and benefits and showcasing its successful deployment in various industries.

When choosing the right machine, the customer's requirements are the most important factor. ENGEL therefore bases the classification of its machines on the following customer requirements:

Whether hydraulic, hybrid or fully electric: ENGEL injection moulding machines are among the most efficient on the market. Servo-hydraulic machines already consume less than 60% of a hydraulic injection moulding machine with a fixed displacement pump. With all-electric injection moulding machines, power consumption can even be more than halved on average.

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2K injection molding finds widespread applications across various industries, including automotive, electronics, medical devices, and consumer goods. Some common applications include:

We focus on forward-looking development and production of injection moulding machines and their automation. Innovative technologies, modern production facilities and sustainable service and support enable our customers to be competitive and successful.

We focus on forward-looking development and production of injection moulding machines and their automation. Innovative technologies, modern production facilities and sustainable service and support enable our customers to be competitive and successful.

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Selecting the appropriate materials is crucial for achieving optimal results in 2K injection molding. While this process offers significant design freedom, it's essential to consider fundamental factors to ensure compatibility and performance.

We know how diverse the requirements of our customers and the products they produce are. At ENGEL, we see ourselves as a total solution provider. We support our customers in their challenges. Our injection moulding machines stand for efficiency, quality and reliability.

Lightweight plastic elements to reduce the weight and distortion of your plastic parts with foam injection moulding, for example.

2K injection molding is a highly versatile and efficient manufacturing process that offers numerous benefits for producing complex, multi-material parts with high precision and tight tolerances. By understanding the process, requirements, and design guidelines, manufacturers can leverage the advantages of two shot injection molding to create high-quality products for various industries, including medical, automotive, consumer electronics, and more. When choosing a 2K injection molding machine service provider, it's essential to consider factors such as certification, experience, and service offerings to ensure a successful and cost-effective manufacturing process. Huarong Group is an experienced injection molding machine manufacturer; if there is a need for 2K injection machines or automation, please feel free to contact Huarong.

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The 2K molding process is ideal for parts with complex geometries, as it allows for precise placement of the second material. Additionally, it reduces production times and costs by eliminating the need for separate molding and assembly operations.

Whether hydraulic, hybrid or fully electric: ENGEL injection moulding machines are among the most efficient on the market. Servo-hydraulic machines already consume less than 60% of a hydraulic injection moulding machine with a fixed displacement pump. With all-electric injection moulding machines, power consumption can even be more than halved on average.

Depending on the specific requirements of the two shot injection molding process, other supporting equipment such as robots for part handling, material mixers for blending the two materials, and quality control systems may also be necessary.

Compact, energy-efficient and consistently high part quality: the victory series - from 280 to 5,000 kN clamping force - offers you the perfect modular system for the production of diverse technical parts. The patented force dividers, which distribute the clamping force evenly over the entire clamping surface, guarantee consistently high part quality, even with multi-cavity moulds. In addition, the proven tie-bar-less technology allows the use of a relatively small injection moulding machine even with large moulds. In this way, you only invest in the clamping force that is actually required and save valuable production space in the process.

Pharmaceutical and medical technology products such as syringes, pipettes or other products with high purity requirements,

Ergonomics is the top priority for this injection moulding machine. The different clamping systems enable ergonomic overmoulding of inserts. Thanks to the wide range of options and the flexible machine concept, the machine can be adapted to your individual requirements.

Our two-platen injection moulding machines are characterised by an extensive clamping force range on the smallest footprint. The range extends from 3,500 to 55,000 kN clamping force: from the entry-level t-win model to the individually adaptable duo tech and the fast duo speed. The duo series is among the most energy-efficient of its kind - with up to 55% less energy consumption compared to machines without servo hydraulics.

Our two-platen injection moulding machines are characterised by an extensive clamping force range on the smallest footprint. The range extends from 3,500 to 55,000 kN clamping force: from the entry-level t-win model to the individually adaptable duo tech and the fast duo speed. The duo series is among the most energy-efficient of its kind - with up to 55% less energy consumption compared to machines without servo hydraulics.

Overmolding is often used to add a layer of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or rubber over a substrate, which can be a plastic, metal, or brass part and then overmolding it with a second material. This process creates a strong bond between the materials, enhancing the product's functionality and aesthetics.

With a precisely matched temperature control solution and our digital assistance systems, additional energy-saving potential of up to 67 % can be exploited.

Everyday products such as household appliances, toys or furniture to underground tanks or pallets from the logistics sector

Lightweight plastic elements to reduce the weight and distortion of your plastic parts with foam injection moulding, for example.

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