The Chen Hsong Group has offices and distributors all around the globe. Select your region from below or search our global list of distributors.

Despite the many benefits of insert molding, a few disadvantages need to be considered before choosing to use this sub-process. Â

There are various sub-processes within injection molding that add further capabilities to this already versatile technology. This article will explore insert molding vs overmolding and the advantages of each.

Overmolding is essentially a type of insert molding. However, overmolding vs. insert molding is, as the name suggests, plastic is molded over another molded part. The first component is made inside an injection mold, and it is then placed into a second mold to add the over-molded material. This technique combines multiple plastics for either practical or aesthetic purposes. For example, one might use different durometer plastics to mold a softer plastic over a more rigid one to make a part easier to grip. Using multiple colored plastics in an overmolded part can also distinguish the product from other brands. Overmolding is regularly used on the handles of tools like screwdrivers, power drills, or toothbrushes.

Chen Hsong Propels Plastic Industry Forward and Receives Minister’s Acknowledgment at Second Technology Conference in Mumbai, India

The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

Various sub-processes add further capabilities to this already versatile technology. This article will specifically explore insert molding vs. overmolding and the advantages of each.

Injection molding, which includes the sub-processes insert molding and overmolding, is a versatile and low-cost manufacturing production process that is used in the large majority of consumer products. Injection molding often results in the lowest cost per part when compared to other manufacturing techniques like CNC machining and even 3D printing.Â

Injection molding is a broad term used to describe one of the most important processes in the manufacturing industry. It’s a process that requires a mold, typically made of metal with a cavity in the shape of the desired part. Molten plastic is injected into the mold and ejected. The process repeats to produce thousands of identical parts. It’s safe to assume that every large-volume plastic part on the market has come from an injection molding machine because the benefits of using injection molding for production are numerous. These benefits include low cost per part, short cycle times, extensive materials, and compatible, in-tolerance parts.

Insert molding can also eliminate the need for fasteners by including the necessary metal parts in the mold, thus firmly securing the parts into a single bonded component.

Ms. Lai Yuen CHIANG, Chairman and CEO of Chen Hsong Earns “GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award – Supreme Honorable Winner 2023” Title

One of the most common applications for insert molding is the creation of metal attachment features for fasteners. Fasteners enable assemblies to be securely assembled and disassembled without product damage. Heat-set threaded inserts are molded into plastic to reduce the risks of thread damage during installation.

Chen Hsong Propels Plastic Industry Forward and Receives Minister’s Acknowledgment at Second Technology Conference in Mumbai, India

Insert molding is a subset of injection molding techniques similar to overmolding where metal components are placed into a mold cavity before the actual plastic injection. The insert is precisely positioned inside the mold either manually or by a robotic arm. The mold then closes, and plastic is molded over the insert, creating a single part.

Ms. Lai Yuen CHIANG, Chairman and CEO of Chen Hsong Earns “GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award – Supreme Honorable Winner 2023” Title

Despite the many benefits of overmolding, a few disadvantages need to be considered before deciding to use this process. Â

Once injection molding is chosen for a specific application, the next step is often whether to use insert molding, overmolding or just stick with plain injection molding. When trying to weigh the advantages of the processes, it is important to accurately define the product application. Each of these processes has specific use cases that are suited to different product types. It can be difficult to gauge which process will best suit your particular product, so it’s good to get expert advice early on. Contact a Xometry representative to leverage decades of vast manufacturing expertise. We will help steer your design decisions in the right direction so that you can choose between insert molding vs. overmolding or just injection molding.Â

Drain BasketJuly 25, 2022Air conditioning components: Panels,frames, wind bladesMarch 11, 2022Plastic Helmet VisorMarch 11, 2022Stationary Bicycle Belt Drive CoverJanuary 25, 2022

New Energy – New Generation! Chen Hsong Group signs strategic cooperation agreement with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD

Ms. Lai Yuen CHIANG, Chairman and CEO of Chen Hsong Earns “GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award – Supreme Honorable Winner 2023” Title

Ms. Lai Yuen CHIANG, Chairman and CEO of Chen Hsong Earns “GBA Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Award – Supreme Honorable Winner 2023” Title

Otima Veggie TraySeptember 30, 2022Washing Machine BalancerSeptember 30, 2022Plants POTSeptember 29, 2022Silicone LampJuly 25, 2022