Certain plastic components require electrical conductivity. RKT specializes in designing tools and processes for special conductive plastic applications, sometimes employing 2-component injection molding. An example is specialized cuvettes that use electrical impulses to make cell membranes permeable to insert molecules into cell nuclei. In this application, a transparent, non-conductive plastic is initially injected into the mold, followed by a conductive plastic that allows the application of electrical impulses through the final part. Because conductive plastics typically incorporate carbon fibers for conductivity, the mold tool and process must be optimized to ensure sufficient conductivity and to manage increased tool wear caused by the fibers.
In another challenging conductive application, metal pins are molded into a component to act as electrical conductors to a device that powers it. These pins are robotically inserted into the mold prior to the injection process and then are overmolded with the appropriate plastic.
Where part geometry prevents direct contact with pins, silver lacquer can be applied to the conductive plastic using a printing process that provides optimal contact. Conductive plastics offer great design capabilities, however, proper and consistent conductivity is influenced by factors such as the surface quality and the molding process itself, requiring the extensive expertise offered by RKT.
