insert molding

What is it?

Hand load mold inserts are mold components that are installed manually by an operator and then ejected with the molded part in order to create undercuts or threaded features.

Typical Method to Product Undercuts

Typically undercuts are created by side actions or core pulls that automatically retract at some point during the molding cycle.  These features can be quite expensive to build and take time.

Introduction

Threaded inserts allow a great way to add threaded features to your product.  Screws can be repeatedly installed and removed with little fear of stripping the threads.  They can be installed into plastic parts in a number of ways.  Traditionally inserts can be molded in place, pressed fit, heat staked, or ultrasonically staked.  Plastic parts must be properly designed for each type of installation method.  Using adhesive to bond inserts into place is also possible, but will not be covered here. APP can install inserts by all these methods.