| Q. | What is the advantage of 2 shot molding over from pre-mold/over-molding? |
| A. | "There are several advantages, fewer molds needed, less labor required, a more robust finished product, lower set up charges vs. 2 mold/presses & more." |
| Q. | Is 2 shot only used for different colors or materials? |
| A. | Those are the primary reasons why you would choose 2 shot but there are other reasons as well such as In-Mold Assembly, molding different parts/materials in one mold, lower tonnage requirements can be utilized & more. |
| Q. | Is 2 shot molding a readily available technology? |
| A. | 2 shot molding has been very popular in Europe for many years and is rapidly expanding in the US. |
| Q. | Are 2 shot molds very expensive? |
| A. | They can be depending on the requirements but not always. |
| Q. | Are there any graphics limitations to In-Mold Decoration? |
| A. | No. The possibilities are almost endless. From the simple one color item to high quality, brilliant, multiple color photograph quality graphics as well as metallic's, fabrics, and every thing in between. You are only limited by your imagination. |
| Q. | Is In-Mold Decoration durable? |
| A. | Yes, very durable. Unlike painting, pad printing, silk screening & hot stamping IMD, under normal conditions, will not scratch, peel, flake or wear off. |
| Q. | Can IMD be used on unusually shaped parts? |
| A. | "The simple answer is yes. But many factors must be considered i.e., shape, size, depth of draw, type of film required and more." |
| Q. | Is IMD a low cost alternative to other forms of decoration? |
| A. | In most cases no. IMD is chosen not for it's low cost but for it's market appeal. |
| Q. | Is IMD chemical resistant? |
| A. | There are many films used in the IMD process that are chemically resistant. This aspect must be handled on a case by case process. |
| Q. | Why would I choose to use IMD |
| A. | "For many reasons; durability, eye popping graphics, establish a unique market presence, breath new life into a stale product line, give the look of metal & more." |
Established in 1981, Distinctive Plastics is a Unique Contract Manufacturer specializing in "Technical Injection Molding Services" such as Multi-shot Molding, IMD (In-Mold Decorating), IMA (In-Mold Assembly), Vertical-Insert Molding and Medical Device Molding. We also offer standard Horizontal molding, with capacities from 28-ton / 1-ounce to 500-ton / 68-ounce. DPI is dedicated to utilizing robotics and automation to deliver "Value Added" services and lower "Total Part Cost".
Our full service philosophy assures you that we can assist you from conception through production. We offer full engineering services including consultation, product design assistance, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assistance, mold flow analysis, and mold design. Our Technical Services department offers In-House tooling capability along with local and off-shore sourcing of precision injection molds.
Our molding department offers competent processing of most all engineering grade and commodity resins, with experience in 2-shot molding, insert-molding, over-molding, hot runners and valve gates. As a value-added molder we include such services as ultrasonic welding, pad printing, hot stamping and assembly.
Our modern 44,000 square foot facility in Vista, California was custom built after years of careful design and study. Being the fourth building to house this company, much experience went into the design and layout. Our Injection Molding and Tooling departments are second to none and the plant layout makes for an ease of material handling and flow of finished goods. All this just makes it easier to assure our customers "On-Time and Quality" products.