Dip molding is the process of using a metal mold shaped like a finished product and dipping it into a plastic product to create an object. Many industries use dip molding, because the dipping process is often less expensive than injection molding or other molding forms. It may surprise you how many different industries use dip molded objects. You can find dip molded products used in the following industries:
Tools: Many tools have dip molded handles. After WWII, manufacturers started replacing wood handles with plastic handles, and the dip mold process is the least expensive form of creating plastic tool handles. Depending on the type of plastic used, the handles can be inflexible or soft to the touch.
Automotive: A surprising number of plastic parts in the automotive industry use the dip molded process. A variety of things, such as tubes, caps, containers, and interior elements of a vehicle are often formed using the dip mold process.
Shoes: Manmade shoes and boots often used the dip molded process. Rain boots, work boots, dress shoes, and some everyday plastic shoes are formed with the dipped mold process.
Plumbing: Many plumbing products use the dip molded method as well. Anything with a hollow inside can be formed through dipped molding. Pipes, pipe fittings, weights, floaters, and other attachments are some of the most commonly dipped plumbing pieces.
Electrical: The electrical industry also uses some dip molded parts. Casings for wires, small plastic screws, rubber gloves, safety equipment, and other parts necessary for electrical work to prevent danger are often created with the dip mold process.
Medical: The medical industry also uses a wide variety of dip molded parts. Catheters, tubes, balloons, masks, gloves, inflatable medical devices, and nearly any other plastic object in the medical industry can be formed using the dip mold process.