What is Overmolding?
Simply put, overmolding is an injection molding process in which two or more materials are used to combine the wire and connector to create a single part. Working with our injection moulding sister company, Roland Plastics, the cable assembly is placed inside a mold. The first material (the substrate) is covered by the other materials in this process. The overmolding process requires a rigid plastic component to be overlaid with a TPU layer or other overmold materials using either the insert molding (a single shot) or multiple-shot molding (two-shot) technique.
Overmolding or overmolded cables are full assemblies that combine the wire and connector into one single, seamless piece. To do this, the cable assembly is placed inside a mold. Next, a molten plastic material is injected into the mold cavity. Once the plastic material cools and solidifies, it conforms to the shape of the mold and encapsulates the junction point between the connector and wire.
What are the benefits of Overmolding?
Collectively, all the advantages of overmolding boil down to two things: greater lifespan and reliability. Overmolding shields internal components fortifies protective qualities and helps cable assemblies survive in even the most rugged environments. By over moulding your cable assemblies, you will:
- Increase the flexibility at the cable exit, where most of the movement between a cable and connector takes place
- Provide resistance to abrasion and shock or impact
- Make cable assemblies tamper-proof by encapsulating components beneath a sealed resin
- Provide 360-degree strain relief and increased pull strength
- Create a water-resistant or water-tight seal that qualifies cable assemblies for IP certification
- Improve the overall quality, appearance and feel of cable assemblies, replacing the need for expensive metal backshells
- Simplify installation by creating a one-piece assembly with keys that act as visual indicators to assist in the mating of each pair
- Reduce human error
Customisations
The less obvious advantage of overmolding your cable assemblies is the level of customisation that can be applied. While it is possible to overmold existing assemblies, you can also create a unique product that perfectly meets the requirements of your application. Customisable components include:
- The overmold color, which can be strategically chosen to color code assemblies, complement brand colors, match the cable jacket or blend in with equipment
- The presence of a logo or company name on the overmolding
- The presence of flanges, which can be used at attachment points
- The design, which is available in straight, right-angle or any other exit required to meet the needs of your application
- LED indicator lights, which decrease repair times by making bad connectors easy to locate
- The material used, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), Santoprene (TPV), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Common Applications
Overmolding is ideal for cable assemblies that will face extreme weather, high-pressure wash-downs, constant sanitation, frequent strain and flex, exposure to dust or debris, or must be as aesthetically pleasing as they are reliable. The most common applications in which overmolding is used include solar energy, military equipment, consumer electronics, medical equipment and industrial/OEM applications.
Tooling
Design engineering for overmold tooling is a task of its own. Design considerations must be made for any overmolding project, as errors can have a major impact on production costs, cycle times, time-to-market and the overall quality and performance of the product — especially when designing multi-cavity molds and dealing with high volumes. Thanks to the growing sophistication and accessibility of prototyping technology, engineering teams can now 3D print a tool and test its functionality and manufacturability before production steel is cut. The ability to prototype significantly reduces cost, time and material waste.
