Quite frankly, the better the oven, the better the parts. This is true for both dip molding and dip coating. In production, and in order to maximize consistency and quality of dipped parts, using a conventional oven for dipping purposes is not advised. Natural ovens and those relying solely on natural convection are unlikely to heat parts evenly. There will be temperatures gradients both vertically (from the bottom to the top) of the oven, as well as across X-Y axis (or dipping plane.) These oven gradients will result in inconsistent parts every cycle, ultimately increasing reject rates and costs.
The solution is to use forced air convection ovens in the dipping process. At Piper, we’ve been designing and improving on our custom forced air convection ovens for over two decades. Using either natural gas or electricity as an energy source, we believe we have the best ovens in the industry. Our well designed heat chambers, efficient ductwork and plenums, and controlled circulation enable us to maintain exceptional temperature stability AS WELL AS convection air velocity stability across the two dimensional (XY) dipping array. This ensures that all parts in the two dimensional dipping array heat uniformly.
Finally, we utilize custom tuned PID controllers, which enable us to maintain our temperature setpoint to ±1°F.
Controlling both the dip and withdraw are critical if you want to make complex, consistent, and beautiful dip molded and dip coated parts. Piper accomplishes this by using computer controlled robotic technologies for our z-axis. Again, at the heart of our system is a proprietary PID controller, with feedback on both position and velocity. Our position control has a resolution of .005″ with a similar number for repeatability, and our velocity control is accurate to a fraction of an inch per minute. Combining this technology, we have infinite control of both dipping and withdraw profiles.
What kind of vessel you dip into is just as important as the other two components. Again… control is the key. At Piper, our custom dipping tanks utilize sufficient agitation, filtration, and temperature control so your parts are as blemish free and consistent as possible.
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.
