Explain why a manufacturer would over-mould a soft material onto a rigid moulded component. [4]

Assessment: Design & Technology: Product Design 9252 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Technical, designing and making principles Subject: Design & Technology: Product Design - 9252

Question 1 Report

Explain why a manufacturer would over-mould a soft material onto a rigid moulded component. [4]

Answer Details

Over-moulding combines the useful properties of a soft material and a rigid material in one integrated component.

  • The soft material can provide grip, cushioning or a seal, while the rigid polymer supplies strength and mounting features [2].
  • Making the two parts together removes an assembly stage and separate fixing because no additional soft part has to be fitted [1].
  • The process creates a permanent joint with no gap for dirt to enter. It can also give colour and texture variation without a separate finishing process [1].

The rigid part provides structure; the soft layer provides the surface property that the structure alone cannot.

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