Soft Touch Handles are a Game-Changer for Product Design

While handles may not be the first component considered in the designing of a product, it can have a lasting effect on the aesthetics and overall reputation of the product. It is important to choose components that significantly impact how the user feels about a product. One wrong choice can have a lasting effect on the perception of the product, even if the overall product works well. We have all experienced a soft touch handle that starts to shed material with extended use or worse breaks under stress. Handles like this may do the job temporarily but could affect the product reputation over time. With that said, as a product designer there is a constant tension between durability, feel and added cost. Choosing a premium soft touch handle provides the perfect balance of functionality, durability and aesthetic appeal.

How are Premium Soft Touch Handles Made?

Creating a product that excels in both durability and comfort takes expertise. There are plenty of handles available in metal, which are extremely durable but tend to be cost prohibitive. There are also low-end plastic handles that are manufactured from cheap material and hence do not provide the durability or feel needed. To bridge this gap, choose a soft touch handle that is designed and manufactured with material and expertise designed for excellence. 

The best pull handles are made with a specialized two-shot injection molding process involving two key steps:

1. Undermolding with Nylon: The process begins with the molding of the handle's core using glass-filled nylon. This material provides for strength and lightweight properties, ensuring that the handle can withstand significant stress even under harsh conditions. For example, a horizontal injection unit molds the nylon handle in the bottom cavity of the mold, referred to as the "A" side.
2. Overmolding with TPE: For this same example, on the "B" side, or the top cavity of the mold, the vertical injection unit applies a layer of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) over the nylon core. The TPE material gives the handle its distinctive soft touch feel. This material provides for a comfortable grip while enhancing the overall durability.

This meticulous process ensures that the handle will have both a chemical and mechanical bond between the nylon core and the TPE layer. This bond ensures that the handle remains intact and functional even under hard conditions and rigorous use.

Applications for Soft Touch Handles in Various Industries

The versatility of the soft touch handles makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the primary industries that benefit from these high-quality handles:

1. Electronics: In the electronics sector, devices and equipment often demand precise control and handling. High-quality soft touch handles offer a comfortable and secure grip, minimizing the risk of slipping or breaking.
2. Medical Devices: In the medical field, it's crucial for handles to offer both reliable control and a comfortable grip that can withstand constant use while being easy to handle. Any mishap with the product could have extreme consequences.
3. Industrial Equipment: Heavy-duty industrial equipment requires handles that can endure harsh conditions. Getting handles that can handle the stress but also provide comfort and an ergonomic feel, makes for a perfect combination for industrial applications.

Why Companies Choose Premium Handles

When handles are needed for a product, companies generally have the choice of plastic or metal handles. If durability is a concern, metal may make sense except for the added cost. While metal may be the most durable, they tend to be cost prohibitive for most projects. Plastic handles, on the other hand, cost significantly less but tend to have a wide range in quality and therefore durability and feel. 

Choosing handles made with the process described above provides an ideal solution, combining low cost, durability, and a comfortable feel. Here are some reasons to choose premium soft touch handles:

1. Durability: High quality glass-filled nylon and TPE makes the handles more durable to withstand years of heavy use without significant wear and tear. This is important for long-term cost savings and favorability by end-users.
2. Comfort: The TPE overmolding, makes soft touch handles comfortable to use, reducing hand fatigue and enhancing the overall user experience. For products that are going to be used for extended periods of time, these benefits are especially important.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond durability and comfort, the handles should match the aesthetics of the product. Choose handles that offer a variety of colors and that can be customized to match your branding, maintaining a cohesive and professional look across their product lines.
4. Versatility: Finally, find handles that are designed to perform consistently across a variety of applications. Davies Molding handles are used extensively in high-tech electronics, critical medical devices, and rugged industrial equipment.

A Testament to Quality

Davies Molding has been manufacturing soft touch handles for nearly two-decade which speaks volumes about the quality and reliability. Since these handles were introduced in 2005, Davies Molding has produced nearly a million soft touch handles. Their durability, feel and aesthetic make these ideal for any project.

Every product is not only judged by how it works, but how it lasts and feels to the user. Every component plays a part in affecting the impression of the user, so choose components that are durable and enhance the overall appeal.