This new capability can produce 25 to over 10,000 custom overmoulded parts in 15 days or less.
"This is a game-changer," said Proto Labs CEO Vicki Holt. "Proto Labs is focused on accelerating product development, and the introduction of rapid overmoulding gives designers and developers at the world’s largest companies one more tool to make high-quality prototype or low-volume production parts as quickly as possible."
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Toothbrushes are a classic example of overmoulding. |
Product designers and engineers use overmoulding to improve grip and durability, dampen vibration, and to add dual-colour aesthetics to parts. The process can also reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying multi-part assemblies.
Overmoulded parts go through a multi-step process, which results in common products like tool handles, personal care products, medical devices and more. The speed at which these parts can be created with Proto Labs’ rapid injection moulding services is unprecedented. Proto Labs’ overmoulding process uses engineering-grade thermoplastics and liquid silicone rubber materials to create overmoulded prototypes and end-use production parts.
"Proto Labs was able to deliver high-quality, overmoulded parts in just 15 days from the time I placed the order. This turnaround time allowed me to validate my design — using production-grade materials — much sooner than ever before," said Michael Ackner, a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Smiths Medical and early Proto Labs overmoulding customer.
