Dip coating
The process of casting plastic material into a pre-existing metal piece is called dip coating. The coated metal serves as a mold to which the plastic or polymer adheres during the process. The portions (sometimes whole pieces) to be impregnated or soaked are processed and preheated before being placed directly into the liquid polymer. The liquid polymer adheres to the metal and hardens as it cools.
Dip coating is the application of liquid polymer or plastic to the surface of a workpiece by dipping/soaking. The result is a thick plastic surface that serves both protective and decorative purposes. This gives the material additional resistance to scratches, abrasions, corrosion and external factors. It makes the metal piece more durable and gives it a longer life. Dip coating provides end-user convenience and protection by providing a gripping and insulating surface.
Dip coatings are commonly found on hand tools, handles and grips. Pliers are a good example of a hand tool with a plastic dip coating. By applying a plastic coating to the handle, compressing or bending the rigid material is easier and more efficient for the user, while preserving the hand tool itself. Other applications that benefit from its rigidity are: shopping carts, baskets, tweezers, lids, caps, stoppers, and more. Dip coatings are also considered thermal and electrical insulators. They can also be seen in many hand tools, such as pliers and shovels, as extra protection when handling hot objects. Dip coatings can also be used as insulators for electronic components, such as wires, cables, digital instrument probes, etc.
Dip molding
The process of dip molding is similar to dip coating; only dip molding has an additional demoulding or unloading step. Dip molding can create single-wall, hollow and double-wall parts. This eliminates the need for additional downstream processes such as trimming and deburring. This process saves raw materials due to fewer subtractive secondary operations. Some of the plastic products that are dip-molded are latex gloves, fashion and apparel accessories, cups, plastic lids, and entertainment equipment parts.