What We Do ？
Lanxin provides high-performance LSR silicone products and injection molding products. Injection molding is the process of injecting molten material into a mold, forming it into shape through high temperature and high pressure, after which the component cools and ejects. Through high-precision molds, we repeat this process quickly and cost-effectively to manufacture thousands of identical, high-quality parts.
Overmolding & Insert Molding
For special applications, Lanxin also offers overmolding and insert molding services, including silicone overmolding, rubber overmolding, and silicone insert molding.
We create overmolded parts from a variety of materials depending on application requirements. The substrate can be a rigid material such as metal or hard plastic for structural integrity. The overmolding material can be a soft elastomer such as silicone rubber overmolding compound to achieve properties like waterproof sealing. While meeting durability and protection requirements, it ensures safer and more comfortable use, improving the overall user experience.
Why Choose Overmolding & InsertMolding?
Our insert & over-molding solutions allow different materials to be combined with elastomers such as silicone and rubber to meet a variety of requirements, and this combination excels across a wide range of applications.
- Soft touch: Elastomers provide a soft-touch surface that improves grip and comfort.
- Anti-slip: The inherent anti-slip properties of rubber and silicone ensure a secure hold and reduce the risk of slipping.
- Waterproofing: Elastomers are commonly used to make seals and gaskets, providing effective waterproof protection for electronic devices and automotive parts.
- Insulating: Silicone and rubber have excellent electrical insulation properties, making them ideal for components that require electrical isolation.
- Vibration reduction: Elastomers absorb and dampen vibrations, protecting sensitive components in electronic, automotive and industrial applications, improving product durability and service life.
The overmolding process allows overmolded parts to be customized for specific requirements such as strength, waterproofing, sealing, corrosion resistance or electrical conductivity, providing tailor-made solutions for a variety of applications.
By embedding electronic connectors, threaded inserts or bearings through insert overmolding, the functionality of the product is enhanced while the overall strength and load-bearing capacity of the component is significantly increased, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
Our overmolding insert molding process minimizes the need for secondary operations and assembly by molding around the insert, saving time and labor costs while reducing the risk of part failure due to separate components.
What is Overmolding?
Silicone Overmolding Process
The silicone overmolding process combines at least two materials to create a single part or product, adding a layer of material over an existing substrate. This includes liquid silicone overmolding, which is valued for its precision and resistance to extreme temperatures. The substrate can be made from metals, plastics or other materials. When the materials cool, they bond together to form a strong and durable part, while also improving weather resistance and chemical resistance of the final product.
Applications of Overmolding
Silicone overmolding and rubber overmolding are widely used to improve a product’s soft-touch grip, functionality, or aesthetics, such as combining a metal frame and silicone housing for an electronic device. If the product requires a soft, comfortable grip, overmolding is typically the best choice.
Advantages of Overmolding
01. Reduces assembly time and cost
02. Increases the grip of the products
03. Increases products functionality
04. Creates parts/products with tight tolerances
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What is Insert Molding?
Silicone Insert Molding Process
Silicone insert molding places a preformed object, such as a metal or plastic part, into the mold before injecting molten material around it. Our insert molding services produce finished parts that combine the characteristics of both materials, reducing assembly operations and cost. Unlike overmolding, insert molding is performed with a pre-existing component already in the mold.
Applications of Insert Molding
Insert molding is the preferred process for parts with complex geometries or assemblies that combine multiple components into one. As part of our full insert & over-molding capabilities, it is particularly suited when the product requires an insert for structural support or electrical conductivity.
Advantages of Insert Molding
01. Saves assembly costs
02. Reduces the risk of assembly errors
03. Create solid and reusable connections
04. Enhance products durability, moisture and dust resistance
FAQs About
What is the difference between overmolding and insert molding?
Overmolding bonds a secondary layer of material (typically silicone or rubber) over an existing substrate to add functionality such as grip, sealing, or protection. Insert molding places a pre-formed component into the mold cavity before injection, encapsulating it within the part in a single cycle. The core distinction: overmolding adds material after a substrate is formed; insert molding integrates a component during the initial molding process.
What substrate materials are compatible with silicone overmolding?
Silicone overmolding is compatible with metals (aluminum, stainless steel, brass) and engineering plastics (PC, ABS, PA, POM). Compatibility depends on surface energy and thermal resistance. For plastic substrates, primers or adhesion promoters are typically applied to ensure a reliable bond at the material interface.
What types of inserts can be encapsulated using insert molding?
Supported inserts include metal threaded inserts (brass, stainless steel), electrical connectors and terminals, pins, bushings, bearings, and structural reinforcement elements. Inserts must withstand injection temperature and pressure without deformation. Key design factors include insert placement, draft angles, and minimum wall thickness around the insert.
How does overmolding improve waterproofing and sealing performance?
Silicone and rubber overmolding creates a continuous elastomeric layer that conforms tightly to substrate geometry and mating surfaces. With correct durometer selection and compression ratios, overmolded seals can achieve IP-rated protection for enclosures and connectors. Unlike secondary-assembly gaskets, overmolded seals eliminate joint gaps and maintain integrity under vibration and thermal cycling.
Can overmolding and insert molding be combined in a single part?
Yes. Complex assemblies often use both processes together. For example, a metal connector is first encapsulated via insert molding within a rigid plastic housing, then a silicone overmold layer is applied for grip, sealing, or vibration damping. This approach reduces assembly steps while achieving structural, functional, and ergonomic performance that no single material can deliver.