Proto Labs launches rapid over-molding capabilitiesProto Labs launches rapid over-molding capabilities

Proto Labs Inc. (Maple Plain, MN) announced today that it has officially expanded its rapid injection molding portfolio of services with over-molding technology. This new capability can produce 25 to 10,000-plus custom over-molded parts in 15 days or less, said the company. It will showcase the new service at the co-located Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) Minneapolis and PLASTEC Minneapolis events next week.

Calling it a game-changer, Proto Labs CEO Vicki Holt said in a prepared statement that “the introduction of rapid over molding gives designers and developers at the world’s largest companies one more tool to make high-quality prototype or low-volume production parts as quickly as possible.”

Over molding is typically used to improve grip and durability, dampen vibration and add two-color aesthetics to parts used in medical device assemblies, tools and personal care products. The process can also reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying multi-part assemblies. Proto Labs claims to achieve unprecedented speed at molding such parts in engineering-grade thermoplastics and liquid silicone rubber.

“Proto Labs was able to deliver high-quality, over-molded parts in just 15 days from the time I placed the order,” said Michael Ackner, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Smiths Medical and an early Proto Labs over-molding customer. “This turnaround time allowed me to validate my design, using production-grade materials, much sooner than ever before.”

To learn more about its over-molding services and other rapid injection molding capabilities, visit Proto Labs at booth 525 at MD&M Minneapolis. The trade show and conference will be at the Minneapolis Convention Center on September 21 and 22.