What is insert moulding?

Insert moulding employs pre-formed parts or “inserts” which are placed in the injection moulding tool before moulding. Thermoplastic material is then moulded around the insert, to create strong, integrated parts. Inserts may be metal, wood, ceramic, or a variety of other materials, and they generally serve various structural and functional goals. Examples of insert moulded parts include threaded fasteners, electrical connectors, and insulators or knobs on control switches, to name a few.

Having produced tens of millions of insert moulded parts, our expertise extends not just to the moulding and finished part, but also to sourcing and procurement of the inserts and other child parts. Insert moulding can simplify complex assemblies into simpler integrated parts, saving downstream operations, cost, and weight, while improving part strength at the same time

Who is insert moulding for?

You may benefit from insert moulding when:

• your plastic part requires strengthening in metal areas

• a component made of metal or other hard material needs to be encapsulated in plastic for aesthetic, ergonomic, or other functional reasons

• parts have high wear or load-bearing applications (such as gears and pulleys)

• simplifying assemblies into integrated parts is a priority

Contact us to discuss your requirements with any ongoing or upcoming manufacturing project. If you’re not sure about what process would best suit your needs, our manufacturing experts would be happy to help with a free assessment, generally within 1 business day.