Insert Molding
One of the major factors in any production process is cost. Molders work very diligently to assist their customers by developing techniques and methods designed to reduce costs but produce high quality products. One of the cost saving processes used by Nicolet Plastics is insert molding.
Request a QuoteInsert Molding Benefits
Strengthens Part
Injection molded parts are formed in a mold cavity that does not leave room for dimensional changes. Nicolet Plastic’s insert molding process guarantees that every part is strong and durable with close tolerances.
Eliminates Labor
The insert molding method used by Nicolet Plastics produces perfect products every time. It eliminates the need for after production trimming and finishing reducing labor costs.
Material Variety
Nicolet Plastics has a wide selection of materials to help you choose the one to fit your needs. Our plastics have the strength and endurance to meet for any product or design.
Enhanced Product Design
Nicolet Plastics takes pride in its DFM process, which ensures that our high-quality parts are cost effectively produced. With an understanding of the parts use, our approach monitors every aspect of the process.
What is Plastic Insert Molding?
On the surface, insert molding looks very simple. It is just a matter of taking an extra part and placing plastic around it. Though it may seem easy, several complex engineering calculations are necessary to ensure product quality. The types of inserts varies depending on the design requirements of the piece. They can be couplings, threaded fasteners, filters, electrical components, or any other type of metal or plastic insert.
The process of inserting a metal or plastic component expands the capability of a molded plastic product by adding extra features to enhance the product’s durability. Inserts strengthen the plastic and increase its number of uses. The addition of a simple metal part such as a coupling or fastener transforms the final product into a long lasting component that will never need replacement.
Insert molding is a process where the insert has been placed into the mold. The placement of the insert can be automated for high volume parts or manually loaded for low volume parts. Then molten plastic is injected surrounding the insert to form a secure tight bond. The result of the process is a single joined piece made of sturdy, long lasting plastic. Parts formed in this way can have outstanding strength since they are a combination of the insert and its plastic containment.
Types of Inserts
Common metals used for inserts include brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. Each of them have their benefits with stainless steel being corrosion and rust resistant while aluminum and brass are much lighter. The choice of metal depends on the final application of the product or part.
The Benefits of Insert Molding
There are several methods that can be used to place a component in a pre-existing part. Most of them involve complicated, time consuming, and cumbersome processes. Insert molding is an efficient and convenient process that can be used in place of expensive methods such as soldering, welding, or attempting to use different forms of connectors or adhesives.
In the manufacture of small parts, it is expensive to produce them using large equipment because of their size and the increased cost. Plastic moldings can be designed to fit these unique situations. Electrical components have precise tolerances to enable them to fit their applications. They can easily be produced using insert molding down to the smallest detail.
There are instances when designers are constricted by the parameters of a manufacturing process. They may have a concept but not the means to make it a reality. Nicolet Plastics’ insert molding gives designers an additional tool for creating unique and unusual products and parts.
Customer Success Stories
- Add value by increasing efficiency
- Implement automation with fast payoff
- Simplify multi-part tool programs
Nicolet Plastics University
Proprietary Education Course
- Exclusive customer training
- Brings disciplines together for accuracy
- Injection molding technology, materials, tooling, & RFQ process
- Ensures tools are specified correctly
Ready to begin the quote process? Let's discuss your application.
Get a Quote NowOr Call Us At: 715-276-4200