Plastisol dip molding a process whereby a dipping mandrel is dipped into a liquid polymer, typically plastisol, to eventually create a solid form on the mandrel’s external surface.
The cost of molding by dipping is always low.
Most molds are very simple and inexpensive. Dip molding, if automated, is competitive with most other molding processes.
Dip molding has its origin in candle making.
After the second world war, vinyl plastisol came on the market for non-military use. Plastisol dippings immediately became the standard for tool handles, and it still is. Piper was founded in 1958 as a chemical company, supplying a range of coating materials to the rapidly growing plastic coating industry. Piper completed its first dip molding job in 1959.
Plastisol is a vinyl compound that is liquid at room temperature and will keep for years.
When heated, it fuses into standard vinyl, never to liquefy again. Our suppliers can compound plastisols that produce parts in almost any durometer (hardness), clarity and color, and resistance to electricity, chemicals, and weathering. Surface appearance can range from shiny to matte.
Plastisol can also meet many standards, including FDA food contact, Non-Toxic, USP Class VI, UL, MIL-P-20689, and A-A-59464A.
Plastisol dip molding is a thermal process. Metal mandrels (or other materials that can withstand the process temperatures) are preheated, dipped, and then post-heated. During dipping, heat in the mold transfers to the plastisol and gels the surrounding material.
During the post-heat (or “cure,”) the plastisol fuses. Naturally, temperatures and dipping profiles are critical in determining the amount of plastisol buildup on the part. It’s amazing to see the shapes of parts that can be made by dipping.
Since they are elastic, we can easily strip complex parts from the dipping molds.
The parts made by dip molding are precise. Plastisol follows the details of the mandrel exactly.
The inside of the dipped part is an exact negative of the mold. It even has the same surface texture (shiny or matte) that the mold has. The outside dimensions of the parts are surprisingly controllable. Piper can hold wall thickness to very close tolerances. Using precisely controlled ovens, dip speeds, dip times, and withdraw speeds, a range of wall thickness configurations is achievable.
Currently, Piper operates 19 centrally networked dipping systems in both industrial and cleanroom environments.
We operate our systems 24 hours per day and are always adding capacity.
Piper can also formulate its own plastisols. Therefore we are very responsive to special requirements of properties and colors.
Watch how we bring precision and quality to every dip molded product. Explore our manufacturing process, facility, and commitment to excellence.
Reach out to the knowledgable team here at Piper Plastics to get started on your project! We can help you plan the best course of action to make sure the job gets done right!
Get answers to common questions about our dip molding services and capabilities.
Plastisol dip molding a process whereby a dipping mandrel is dipped into a liquid polymer, typically plastisol, to eventually create a solid form on the mandrel’s external surface.
We work with a variety of materials including PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), vinyl plastisol, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers. Each material offers unique properties such as flexibility, chemical resistance, UV stability, and temperature tolerance. Our team can help you select the best material for your specific application.
Dip molding offers several key advantages: low tooling costs compared to injection molding, ability to create seamless products without parting lines, excellent for small to medium production runs, creates flexible and durable products, and allows for multiple color options and custom textures. It’s ideal for protective coatings, grips, and covers.
Lead times vary depending on project complexity, but typically range from 2-6 weeks for initial tooling and first article samples, and 1-3 weeks for production runs once tooling is approved. Rush services are available for urgent projects. Contact us with your specific requirements for a detailed timeline
We serve a wide range of industries including medical and healthcare, automotive, tools and hardware, consumer products, electronics, sports and recreation, and industrial equipment. Our dip molded products are used in applications ranging from surgical instrument handles to protective caps for automotive parts.
Our minimum order quantities are flexible and depend on the specific product and complexity. We can accommodate prototype runs as small as 100 pieces, while production runs typically start at 500-1,000 pieces. We’re happy to work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and budget.
Yes! We can match Pantone colors and create custom color formulations to meet your exact specifications. We also offer various texture options including smooth, matte, textured grips, and specialty finishes. Our team will work with you to ensure your dip molded products meet your aesthetic and functional requirements.
Absolutely. Our experienced engineering team provides comprehensive design support including material selection, mold design optimization, prototype development, and design for manufacturability (DFM) analysis. We work closely with you from concept to production to ensure your dip molded products meet all specifications and perform as intended.
Our team of experts is ready to help you find the perfect dip molding solution for your project.
