Dip Moulding Materials

Caplugs specialises in plastisol dip-coating and dipping moulding. A plastisol is a dispersion of polyvinyl chloride (also known as vinyl or PVC) beads in a liquid plasticiser. When heated, the vinyl granules absorb the plasticiser, swell and merge into a liquid substance, this can be compared to resin. The plastisol can then be coloured with pigment. By default, we use the colours black, yellow and red. Once the liquid cools down to below 60 °C (140 °F), it hardens into a flexible rubbery cap.

Hardness or Shore

PVC is incredibly versatile, it can be thick or thin, rigid or pliable and made in virtually any colour. The amount of plasticiser determines the vinyl’s hardness. The more plasticiser, the more flexible the plastic. This hardness is determined by the level of plasticiser and is measured by the Shore A scale, which ranges from a supple 40 Shore A to a dimensionally stable 95 Shore A.

Applications

Depending on the composition and the resulting product, plastisol can be dipped, sprayed or cast. It can also be used as a liquid for screen printing. In addition to the plasticiser, other ingredients can be added to vinyl plastisol, such as heat and UV light stabilisers, flame retardants and additives that affect the surface (matt/gloss).

Dip moulding moulds

Caplugs specialises in plastisol dip-coating and dipping moulding. A plastisol is a dispersion of polyvinyl chloride (also known as vinyl or PVC) beads in a liquid plasticiser. When heated, the vinyl granules absorb the plasticiser, swell and merge into a liquid substance, this can be compared to resin. The plastisol can then be coloured with pigment. By default, we use the colours black, yellow and red. Once the liquid cools down to below 60 °C (140 °F), it hardens into a flexible rubbery cap.

Plastisol Qualities

The favourable qualities of vinyl plastisol make it a perfect material for product protection:

 

  • Electrical resistance – PVC does not conduct heat or electricity and is often used in the electrical industry as an insulator for power tools, sheaths and connectors on wiring and rails.
  • Flame retardant – Effective flame retardant with specially adapted properties according to UL94 / V0.
  • Grip – Vinyl feels nice and comfortable when gripped. It is used for tool handles, bicycle handlebars and furniture.
  • Noise reducing – Soft, impact-resistant surface which is noise reducing. Ideal for reducing squeaking or rattling from metal to metal.
  • Chemical resistant – Plastisol’s resistance to alkali and acid makes it ideal for racks and tools exposed to chemicals.
  • Shockproof and abrasion-resistant – Plastisol is tough and long-lasting. Ideal for latches and pull handles.
  • Corrosion and UV radiation resistant – Excellent for outdoor applications such as use on agricultural machinery.
  • Wide temperature range – Plastisol withstands high and low temperatures from -50°C to +120°C.
  • Oil resistant – The ideal property for use in the oil and gas industry.

Colour and finish

Colouring plastisol is very easy, allowing PVC to be customised in any colour. Caplugs offers a complete range of standard colours of red, yellow and black, but can match an exact colour if required. Thereby, our standard finish of dip moulded products is high gloss, but semi-matt, matt, textured (foam) and fluorescent materials are also possible.