Insert Molding Introduction
Insert Molding has some similarities with overmolding, both can incorporate disparate materials into one molded part, and improve the final properties. Junle applies the aluminum molds to produce custom prototypes and on-demand production parts in as fast as 2 weeks. Our producing parts include thermoplastic and liquid silicone materials. Insert molding is used frequently for low-volume production, bridge tooling, pilot runs, functional prototyping, or testing.
We should consider the critical design guidelines for insert molding, in order to improve part manufacturability, enhance cosmetic appearance, and reduce overall production time.
Insert molding uses the preformed part (metal part) that is loaded into a mold, then overmolded with plastic to improve functional or mechanical properties. The insert molding is performed with the pre-existing substrate (base or inner component), which is different from the overmolding.
Insert Molding Materials
There are a few plastic limitations in insert molding, engineering plastics are good options, and even elastic rubbers can be used.
Junle applies standard inserts in both UNF and metric sizes, most inserts are knurled outside to secure in place with plastics. We can provide brass, steel, and stainless steel inserts.
Design Considerations of Insert Molding
There is no difference between insert molding design and standard injection molding, all good advice is applied equally to insert molding, such as
- Wall thickness consistency
- Undercut elimination
- Avoiding unnecessary features
- Superfine surface finishes
However, consider the hand-loads of inserts, smaller than 3mm inserts are problematic. The insert locations cannot be too deep inside the mold. Junle Company will orient the part differently, in order to accommodate the placement and retention of the inserts.
Advantages of Insert Molding
Insert molding has the combination of both plastic and metal, this can improve the final strength and durability of insert molded parts. The tapped holes in molded handles and knobs are easy to strip, while bolstering these areas with metal can achieve the perfect solution. In addition, compared to all metal parts, the total weight will decrease in a plastic part with metal inserts.
Application of Insert Molding
Any plastic parts with threaded holes are suitable for insert molding technology, such as electronic housing units, hydraulic manifolds with threaded areas, rotating parts, wheels, and sprockets with greater strength or wear characteristics.
- Fasteners
- Automotive
- Electrical component
- Medical devices
- Consumer electronics
