When you use a screwdriver or pair of pliers in Grand Rapids, a soft and comfortable handle makes it much easier. This not only improves the function of the tool, it helps to prevent blisters. These handles come in a variety of bright and attractive colors and they are available thanks to liquid plastisol. But what is this material and why is it so important today? Let’s look closer and see.
What is Plastisol?
If you take a mixture of PVC particles and a plasticizer it becomes a liquid with special properties when heated. In fact, both the plasticizer and PVC dissolve. A plasticizer is an ingredient which increases the flexibility and fluidity of materials it is combined with. Plasticizers are used in a wide range of applications. They enhance the properties of cement and make screen printing more efficient, and these are only two uses.
After the mixture is heated it can then poured into molds and cooled. However, there is another important advantage of plastisol. Once heated you can dip cast materials in it.
What is Dip Casting?
The process of dip casting or coating is quite simple in principle. For example, if you have ever made candy apples, you dip casted the apples in a warm solution of melted caramels or other sweet liquid. You leave the apple in long enough to become thoroughly coated. Remove the apple and then allow it to cool. This is similar to the way some businesses in Grand Rapids utilize liquid plastisol dip casting.
Benefits
Plastisol offers many benefits today. For example, it is possible to achieve a wide array of colors. It also provides a cushioning effect and this is one of the reasons it is often used to create tool handles. The material is very durable and resists the effects of ultraviolet light. It is also resistant to many kinds of chemicals. Special ingredients can be added plastisol to make it resistant to fire and heat.
Coating Methods
Not all materials are hot dipped to achieve a coating. In fact, a cold dipping method is utilized when a thin coating is desired. The materials are not pre-heated before dipping and then heated to cure.
A hot dip molding process is often used to create items like bicycle grip handles. In fact, this process is more cost effective than injection molding, because less tooling is required.
In order to produce hollow objects in Grand Rapids, rotational molding is sometimes used. Liquid plastisol is placed inside a mold. It is then heated and rotated. This provides an equal coating on all sides.
Cast molding methods can be used to produce parts which are multi-colored. In the process, liquid is cast into a mold and then heated.
