R&D Plastics produces custom overmolded plastic components, providing customers with economically priced parts that maintain an attractive cosmetic appearance and provide exceptional performance. This 5" long, 0.75" thick fillet knife handle was manufactured for our customer in the recreational products industry. The handle is made of a glass reinforced polypropylene core substrate with a Santoprene overmolded exterior.
We worked with our customer throughout the design, development, and material selection stages to ensure their design could be economically and consistently manufactured. The knife handle is designed for functionality and durability with mechanical interlocks in the polypropylene to capture the knife blade. After molding, the substrate handle halves are sonically welded together.
The parts are then overmolded, providing the customer with a complete handle that is ready to assemble to the blade. This handle is molded to tolerances of ±0.010” and tested for proper adhesion of the overmold to the substrate and the quality of the sonic weld.
This design provides a simple-to-assemble product, it utilizes mechanical locking as well as fusion of the overmolded elastomer to provide good retention of the materials. This highly cosmetic and functional overmolding also provides good ergonomics and tactile feel.
For more information about this custom overmolded plastics project, see the table below, or contact us directly.
Highlights of this Custom Overmolded Plastics Project:
Product Description
These knife handles are for recreational outdoor use.
Overmolding & Sonic Welding Capabilities Applied/Processes
Primary: Engineering
- Product Development/Design
- Material Selection
Injection Molding, Sonic Welding, Over-molding
Equipment Used to Manufacture Part
110 Ton All-Electric Toshiba
Overall Part Dimensions
5" long by 0.75" thick
Tightest Tolerances
+/- 0.010
Material Used
Glass Reinforced Polypropylene/Santoprene
Mold Finish
Heavy Chemical Etch Textured
In process testing/inspection performed
Testing for adhesion of the over-mold to the substrate as well as functional fit check of the ultrasonically welded substrates
Industry for Use
Sports / Recreation
Delivery/Turnaround Time
5 weeks typical production leadtime
Delivery Location
FOB our facility
Standards Met
Customer Specifications
Product Name
Fillet Knife Handle