{"id":19574,"date":"2022-03-22T21:36:53","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T21:36:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.accu-mold.com\/overmolding-glass-optical-components-at-high-temperature\/"},"modified":"2024-10-24T11:14:01","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T16:14:01","slug":"overmolding-glass-optical-components-at-high-temperature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accu-mold.com\/it\/overmolding-glass-optical-components-at-high-temperature\/","title":{"rendered":"Molding glass optical components into larger structures at high temperature"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After a webinar, I was asked by an engineer if a micro molder is able to mold, or overmold, glass optical components into a larger structure, simultaneously, withstanding wide temperature ranges. The temperature range this engineer specified ranged from -40\u00b0 to 105\u00b0 Celsius. In the wide majority of cases, this answer is a crystal clear yes, Accumold can do this. There are a few exceptions and notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What materials are required when overmolding glass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When overmolding glass, a broad spectrum of materials will perform well, molding over glass from a temperature standpoint is of little concern to a skilled micro molder. The glass optical component can withstand much higher temperatures than the plastic used. Temperature shouldn\u2019t be the primary concern for an engineer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The material’s CTE is completely different however. Most plastics and resins will expand significantly more than glass. If you\u2019re trying to get a hermetic seal over a wide temperature range, that could present a significant challenge because the plastic is going to expand away from glass. A micro mold DfMM team<\/a> would need to work alongside an engineer to achieve this goal and determine what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why is overmolded plastic over glass important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The automotive industry is often concerned about components maintaining geometric integrity despite wide temperature fluctuations. Ensuring these critical components operate in extreme temperatures is necessary for part survival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Datacom could be an industry concerned about wide operational temperatures. Commercial electronics might see high-temperature swings as well, especially during the assembly process. Engineers aren\u2019t always concerned with end-use, but the manufacturing process, preventing reflow issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overmolding glass optical components into a larger structure, are often used in medical cases as well. But those sit on a skin. Because they are non-invasive cases, so hermetic seals aren\u2019t typically necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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