How to cover metal with a plastic casing?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for covering a piece of metal with a plastic casing. Participants explore various approaches to achieve a smooth, encapsulating plastic surface that completely conceals the underlying metal, without the need for a closure mechanism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessity of 3D printing for creating a fitting plastic cover.
  • Another participant asks for details about the metal object, including its weight and whether the casing needs a closure mechanism.
  • A participant clarifies that the metal object weighs about half a pound and specifies that the casing should completely cover it without needing to open for insertion or removal.
  • There is a suggestion that the coating's hardness and durability are considerations, with a mention of using Plasti Dip as a potential solution.
  • Another participant proposes powder coating as an alternative method and shares a technique involving dipping hot metal into toner from photocopiers or laser printers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best method for covering the metal, with multiple approaches being discussed, including 3D printing, Plasti Dip, and powder coating.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the exact requirements for durability or environmental conditions that the plastic casing must withstand, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

tirelessphoenix
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Hi, I want to cover this piece of metal (A) with a plastic cover (white line B) that fits but I am not sure how that is created...do I need 3D printing?Has to be like an encapsulating plastic box that fits, hiding the underlying metal thing seen in the picture A...so the results is a smooth plastic surface, hiding completely the metal underneath...Does anyone know how this is done?
plastic cover.jpg
 

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Out of curiosity, what is that metal thing? How heavy is it?

Do you want the casing to completely cover it with some sort of closure mechanism? Or will one end be open for inserting & removing the metal object?
 
its about half a pound. I want completely cover , closing mechanism not needed. I want terminal closing. Does not need to open for inserting & removing the metal object.
 
tirelessphoenix said:
its about half a pound. I want completely cover , closing mechanism not needed. I want terminal closing. Does not need to open for inserting & removing the metal object.
Just how hard and durable does the coating have to be? Perhaps something like Plasti Dip (https://plastidip.com/applications/), intended for tool handles, might work in your application?
 
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