When it comes to the manufacturing process, innovations are made every day to lower costs while increasing efficiency and productivity. A common practice in the manufacturing process is molding. Molding is an important part of the manufacturing process as it involves shaping liquid or other similar material using a frame otherwise called a mold.
Among all the molding techniques available, insert molding is an interesting application of molding. Insert molding is a specialized version of injection molding and overmolding that combines several materials to create a final single unit. Let’s learn more about insert molding with this article and the benefits this technology brings to the table.
What is Insert Molding? How is it Different?
We previously mentioned that insert molding is derived from both insert molding and overmolding and that is because of its application. Insert molding can be used to manufacture different parts as well as add to the durability of pre-existing parts (usually metallic ones) and add finishing touches that the part needs without increasing production costs or comprise the part’s quality.
Inject molding and overmolding were developed with mass production in mind which emphasizes speed and product output over precision. When high accuracy and precision is needed, machines that use this technique will have trouble reaching that demand. Insert molding is typically used for smaller parts for increased structural integrity and with that, high-precision machines are used for the process which can meet the demanding requirements that the same parts require.
Why Bother Using Insert Molding? What are the Benefits?
Even though insert molding is used for finishing touches in the manufacturing process, this shouldn’t be overlooked and not taken into consideration. Using a part that isn’t properly reinforced will comprise the product’s overall functionality and quality. It is always in the best interest of the manufacturers to always deliver high-quality and function finished products.
Although insert molding is used to create stronger individual parts rather than the final product, the combined durability of these parts will contribute to the overall quality resulting in a high-quality finished product that consumers will enjoy.
Aside from that, there are also several other benefits in choosing inert molding:
- Since insert molding involves combining different metals into a final product through the use of a plastic resin, this allows for small parts such as screws, fasteners, magnets and tubes to be securely attached and placed together. This makes it very consumer-friendly as it removes the need to assemble or install the part. This also saves up the time used in assembling parts during manufacturing as well as makes the product more appealing to your consumers because of the convenience of having everything in the right place already.
- Insert molding can make parts more efficient while also reducing weight. When it comes to manufacturing and creating products made of metal, most consumers don’t want heavy products since it becomes a hassle to carry around and use. If the product you are making is made with probability in mind, insert molding can greatly benefit you since it not only increases the durability of the final product but also reduces the number of metals to be used since it can be substituted for lightweight plastics or resin
- Insert molding offers design flexibility while remaining cost-efficient. When it comes to designing a product and its parts, you can be severely limited with how a product or part will look because of the material used. Since insert molding is a combination of using metallic parts and plastic/resin, it can allow for some uniquely shaped parts.
It also remains cost-efficient as insert molding is a simple one-step process that doesn’t greatly contribute to any extra assembly and labor costs.
