You may be unfamiliar with the terms “dip molding” and “dip coating” but chances are you have used some type of tool or device that was at least partially made using these processes. Even if you have a passing familiarity with the terms, you may not know exactly what the difference in definition is between the two or what they are used for.
While the processes are identical, the finished product of each is different. Here’s what you need to know about dip coating and dip molding:
Dip Coating
The dip coating process involves putting a finished product of some kind into a liquid polymer and covering a certain amount of it in plastisol. Essentially, you are “coating” this material in plastisol to improve the use of whatever finished product you are dipping in the polymer. The plastisol encapsulates the metal and enhances the product.
If you want to think about it in more direct terms, imagine a pair of metal pliers being dipped into a liquid polymer to add a plastisol coating to the grip area. This coating enhances the use of the tool, making it far more comfortable to grip.
Dip Molding
Unlike dip coating, dip molding creates an entirely new product out of plastisol. You first take a mandrel, which is the metal tool used to mold the part you’re producing and preheat it before dipping it into the liquid polymer. Eventually, the plastisol will begin to thicken into polyvinyl chloride around the mandrel. When the desired level of thickness is achieved, you remove it from the plastisol.
Next in the process, you heat the product again to allow the plastisol to fully fuse into a solid piece of polyvinyl chloride. After it cools down, you can remove the part from the mandrel and the process is complete.
This process is used to make a variety of products, especially in the medical field. Nasal cannulas tubes for patients on oxygen, stethoscope tubing and enema tips are all common examples of products made via dip molding.
If you are in need of either dip coating or dip molding services, Piper Plastics is the place to call. We have more than 50 years of experience in the plastics business and can handle any of your molding and coating needs. Call 631-842-6889 to learn more about our services today!
