ENGEL combimelt

Multi-component parts for innovative productsand economically efficient production

Joint-ventures, mergers, fusions, blends, symbioses, alloys – all of them combinations of one form or another, and all of them testifying to the fact that it it is better to join forces than to go it alone. Combinations unite individual properties to form a stronger, more advantageous whole. Based on this principle, ENGEL combimelt technology embraces all the known methods of producing multi-component injection moulded parts from plastics featuring different properties and/or colours or from completely different types of material.

The process

The combimelt process is divided in two main groups:

Multi-component injection moulding stands for the combination of different material qualities and properties in one component:

• Sequential moulding
  sequential addition of different plastic components and affords the product designer completely new possibilities. The most important application is the production of multi-colour parts.
• Overmoulding   
  Handles and finger grips, with soft, non-slip coverings. This is done by overmoulding the thermoplastic parts with an elastomer.
• Co-injection
  this process can be used for the production of multi-layer parts (usually three layers). In most cases, two different types of thermoplastic are injected into one another simultaneously, forming two outer skins and a core.

The purpose of in-mould assembly is not to manufacture single multicomponent parts but to mould and assemble individual components into structural and / or working units. Utilizing the specific properties of the individual components, it is possible to produce units with articulated parts or components with integrated seals or gaskets.

• In-mould fitting of seals and gaskets.
  The most important area of application for composite injection moulding is the in-mould fitting of seals and gaskets. Using the sequential moulding process, the ENGEL combimelt multi component injection moulding system can be used for the production of sealing elements from both thermosetting and thermoplastic elastomers.
• Components with properties made to measure
  Using selected combinations of thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers, it is possible to manufacture   components featuring a whole spectrum of made-to-measure properties, such as rigid/flexible composites with good damping characteristics, parts with integrated sliding bearings or components in-mould assembled from transparent and non-transparent parts.
• Component manufacturing  
  By selecting materials which do not adhere to one another, it is possible to produce articulated parts – hinge or knuckle joints, for example – ready-assembled  in the mould, thus waiving the need for downstream assembly.

>> For detailed information on ENGEL combimelt please click here (pdf)