Ever wonder how decorative labels were made? Those fun-sized labels that added a little something to every planning project we had, all carefully molded into shape with skill and precision. This is due to insert molding, a manufacturing process that is used in a broad range of industries today. Cars, wires, medicinal technology – all these are just a few industries that rely on insert molding to create components that are critical for everyday use.
With how it appears to be such an essential aspect of production, what exactly is insert molding? Well, it is a process that wraps the thermoplastic material around an insert to create a complex product. It is often used to efficiently bond plastic to metal and obtain a clean finish with a mixture of materials. But why is it so attractive to industries today? Here are some reasons why insert molding has asserted itself as a key player in the manufacturing world.
1. The inserts used have evolved to be largely made of metal, stronger and more durable material than plastic. Its higher tensile strength can reinforce the bond between plastics and allow for resilient fastening over prolonged use.
2. As metal is still widely expensive, the unique combination of metal and plastic allows manufacturers to exploit the lightness of plastic while retaining the hardness and strength of metal to create a durable, light end product.
3. With the concept of mixing materials, it gives rise to an infinite number of possible configurations involved in the manufacturing. Insert molding allows for increased flexibility in the final product and offers a platform for creativity and innovation that manufacturers cherish.
Insert molding often entails starting with simple parts to create a more complex product with attention to detail: start small and build up. This lowers the cost of production without compromising quality – in fact, insert molding arguably offers higher quality products at the end line. Next time you use a decorative label, maybe you will be reminded of how this process has become such a large part of our lives.
