Overmolding and Sonic Welding of a Fillet Knife Handle for the Recreational Industry

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