Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
(OP)
Hello,
I'm designing a sledge hammer that will have a steel handle that will be over-molded in rubber. There are other products on the market that already do this, but I don't work for these other companies. So, what rubber would be suited for that application? Oh, I'm talking about the big 3 foot long handle type. We will also be coating the head in a harder (compared to the handle) durometer rubber (or other similar material) as well. This hammer will not be used for demolition of hard materials like concrete. But would still need to be durable. The thickness of the coating on handle will be a minimum of .170" and up to .300" in some areas. The coating on the head will be about .100"
I guess I should also ask what process would best be suited for this? Quantities will be low at first, maybe 100-300 in a year.
Thanks for any input.
I'm designing a sledge hammer that will have a steel handle that will be over-molded in rubber. There are other products on the market that already do this, but I don't work for these other companies. So, what rubber would be suited for that application? Oh, I'm talking about the big 3 foot long handle type. We will also be coating the head in a harder (compared to the handle) durometer rubber (or other similar material) as well. This hammer will not be used for demolition of hard materials like concrete. But would still need to be durable. The thickness of the coating on handle will be a minimum of .170" and up to .300" in some areas. The coating on the head will be about .100"
I guess I should also ask what process would best be suited for this? Quantities will be low at first, maybe 100-300 in a year.
Thanks for any input.





RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
I will look into your recommendation. In regards to the striking surface, I will send you a private message. There is a patent pending on this, but I rather err on the side of caution.
Thanks again.
RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
This hammer will never strike anything metallic or anything harder than the sole of a work boot. So stuff that is non-rigid. Sorry for the vagueness.
Hope that is enough info.
Thanks.
RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
Nitrile rubber or a urethane for the impact surfaces - both can take a lot of abuse, and can both be formulated to be non-marring. I think natural rubber might be an option too. If you are going have high volumes, then the world of plastic injection molding opens up to you for the impact surfaces as well. We have a bunch of 5# dead-blow hammers that appear to be molded in polyethylene, and they have held up well over the years.
RE: Best rubber for over-molding a hammer
Compositepro, the handle will have a specific shape to it, so the dip coat doesn't sound like it's a viable option.
btrueblood, You point out some things are becoming very apparent to me. That is there are many ways to make this work. Sometimes too many choices is not a good thing. Unfortunately, the volumes will be too low for plastic. Urethane is something I have been considering for the head. I imagine there are urethane compounds that would give me what I want for the handle as well. The reason I wonder that, is it seems finding a vendor who can do one, can't do the other. Therefor finding one process and type of material seems to be the best way to go.
Thanks!