The thermoplastic material coats the mandrel and begins to form a skin around the mold.
The hotter the mold and the longer the dip, the thicker the coating. The mold is then carefully extracted from the dipping tank, then proceeds to a post-heat, and finally a cooling process.
The vinyl part can be stripped from the mold after it has cooled to a solid. Even “female” parts produced on geometrically complicated “male” mandrels can be stripped relatively easily because the solidified material is quite elastic.
When necessary, the process can be repeated multiple times to build the molding to the desired thickness.
Piper operates 19 fully automatic dip molding machines. All of our machines have been designed with the theory that if you can control as much as possible in the process, then you can repeatably make quality parts.
Our proprietary dipping systems have three main components: at least one oven, an accurate z-axis motion control for dipping, and the dip tank itself.
Ergonomic, slip-resistant grips for tools and equipment
Durable end caps and protective coverings for pipes and equipment
FDA-compliant dip molded parts for medical devices and equipment
Heavy-duty molded parts for manufacturing and industrial use
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We create custom solutions for unique applications.
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.
