Insert molding has become much more popular in plastic injection molding, being a unique way to combine the mechanical properties of plastic and metal for much stronger components. While it can be used with other types of inserts–such as ceramics or other rigid materials–our focus in this article is on metal. Insert molding services are an excellent way to reduce assembly time and costs, increase the design flexibility and reliability, and reduce size and weight of the final product.
The Insert Molding Process
Insert molding functions largely the same as the typical injection molding process, but with the addition of the metal insert. The part is designed and the mold tooling built as usual, but engineers also have to take into account the insert as well as the other aspects of the part.
Once the design is finalized, and the mold built, the metal insert is the first thing that actually goes into the mold. This can be done by hand or automatically, and both methods have their inherent advantages and disadvantages. Then, melted plastic is injected into the mold at a high pressure, filling it entirely and forming around the insert. Once the plastic is cooled, the part ejected consists of both the metal insert and the plastic around it.
When Insert Molding Services Can Benefit Your Assemblies
Insert molding has become a go-to process for a wide variety of manufacturers. Aerospace manufacturers use it for interior parts of the aircraft, such as latches, handles, switches, controls, and communications components. Reducing size and weight is crucial in the industry, so insert molding has become increasingly popular for these non critical parts.
Automotive manufacturers also benefit significantly from insert molding services, as these types of parts can often replace fully metal components while still retaining the performance and durability necessary. Weight reduction is also a big part of the industry–lighter parts help with improving the vehicle’s fuel economy.
Insert molding services are also necessary for a wide range of medical equipment components, surgical instruments, enclosures, electronics, threaded fasteners, control panels, and much more across the commercial and military sectors. And they’re important for our everyday lives–after all, if you have appliances or electronics in your house, then they likely have insert-molded components in them.
Looking for an injection molder that offers insert molding services?
Panova offers complete contract manufacturing and product development solutions, from start to finish. We support clients facing technical or service challenges and leverage our expertise in engineering and supply chain management to provide our clients with actual solutions and finished products that they can depend on. Head over to our website to learn more about what we can do for you.
Recent Comments