Nicolet Plastics LLC, a Wisconsin-based custom plastic injection molder providing manufacturing and engineering support for a range of industries, today announced the addition of a 360-ton two-shot injection molding press, expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities and enabling the in-house production of complex, multi-material plastic components. The new equipment has been installed at the company’s Jackson, Wisconsin facility and represents a significant investment in advanced injection molding technology designed to support evolving customer design and production requirements.
With the new press, Nicolet Plastics two-shot injection molding capabilities now support the production of components that combine multiple materials or colors within a single molding cycle. This process differs from conventional injection molding by integrating two distinct materials into one unified part, reducing the need for secondary assembly operations and additional manufacturing steps. The expanded capability supports customers seeking more efficient production methods for components with functional, ergonomic, or sealing features.
Two-shot injection molding is commonly used to create parts that require both rigid and flexible elements, such as structural housings with integrated soft-touch surfaces or components with built-in seals and gaskets. By producing these features in one continuous cycle, the process can improve dimensional consistency and reduce variability associated with assembling separately molded parts. The new press is equipped with dual injection units and a precision transfer system designed to support these requirements.
According to Nicolet Plastics, the investment reflects increased demand from customers for multi-material components used in applications across medical, consumer, industrial, and recreational markets. Products in these sectors often require enhanced durability, improved ergonomics, or integrated functional elements that benefit from two-shot molding techniques. The company expects the new capability to support both new product development and the redesign of existing components to simplify manufacturing processes.
“Adding two-shot injection molding capability allows Nicolet Plastics to address more complex design challenges while maintaining consistent quality standards,” said Brian Torres, Chief Commercial Officer of Nicolet Plastics LLC. “This investment enables customers to consolidate parts, reduce assembly steps, and bring multi-material designs into production with a single manufacturing partner.”
The two-shot process creates a molecular bond between materials as they cool within the mold, resulting in a single integrated component. This approach can improve structural integrity and sealing performance compared to parts that rely on adhesives, fasteners, or mechanical assembly. It also supports the production of multi-color components without the need for secondary decorating or coating processes.
Nicolet Plastics indicated that the new press supports a range of material combinations, including rigid thermoplastics paired with thermoplastic elastomers, compatible engineering resins, and multi-color variations within the same polymer family. Material compatibility is a key consideration in two-shot molding, and the company’s engineering team works with customers to evaluate material selection based on performance requirements, regulatory considerations, and production volumes.
Design support is a central component of the expanded offering. Two-shot injection molding requires early-stage design considerations related to material interfaces, wall thickness, and part geometry. Nicolet Plastics provides design-for-manufacturability analysis to help ensure components are optimized for the two-shot process prior to tooling. This collaborative approach is intended to reduce development risk and support smoother transitions from prototyping to production.
The new equipment also aligns with Nicolet Plastics’ existing quality and process control practices. The company applies scientific molding principles and process monitoring to maintain repeatability and consistency throughout production runs. These practices are used to support customers in industries where dimensional accuracy and material performance are critical.
Beyond injection molding, Nicolet Plastics offers complementary manufacturing services including insert molding, secondary assembly, pad printing, and fulfillment programs. The addition of two-shot molding capability allows customers to consolidate more of these services under a single supplier, which can simplify supply chain coordination and production planning.
Nicolet Plastics stated that the new press enhances its ability to support medium- to high-volume production programs where two-shot molding can provide long-term efficiencies. While tooling for two-shot processes can be more complex, the company notes that customers often realize cost advantages over time through reduced labor, lower part counts, and streamlined manufacturing workflows.
The expansion reflects Nicolet Plastics’ ongoing focus on investing in equipment and technical capabilities that align with customer needs and broader trends in plastic component design. As product designs continue to incorporate multiple materials for performance and usability, the company expects two-shot injection molding to play an increasingly important role in future manufacturing programs.
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For more information about Nicolet Plastics, contact the company here:
Nicolet Plastics
Brian Torres
715-276-4200
info@nicoletplastics.com
N174W21430 Alcan Dr, Jackson, WI 53037
