Insert Molding

Tool$aver > Insert Molding

In general

Insert molding varies significantly from plastics to rubber so it is imprtant to understand the differences. As a rule, custom inserts are purchased by our customers and consigned to us. Normally a 10 percent overshipment is requested for scrap loss and inventory.

Plastics

For in press insert molding, our presses are all horizontal machines which accommodate a relatively limited number of insert designs, governed mainly by part and insert geometry. We have, however, a sub-contractor operating vertical presses which are normally more suitied to insert molding.

We have excellent capabilities for post molding insert press inseriton as well as inserts RF molded in place. Our purchasing also makes available a wide variety of standard inserts available off the shelf.

Rubber

Our presses are all vertical machines which are well suited to insert molding and specifically, rubber-to-metal or sometimes rubber-to-plastic and rubber-to-teflon bonding utilizing adhesives activated by heat in the mold itself which allow great freedom of design compared to plastics.

For nonmetallics it is esential that the insert be of a material that will withstand approximately 400 degrees F without melting or degradation. Teflon and some plastics must be acid etched by an oustide contractor before adhesive application.

Because the finished product is an assembly, in all instances, a design consultation and testing is strongly recommended, and where appropriate, even prototyping, to prove the design and specifically, the integrity of the final assembly.

INDIANA Rubber & Plastics Company, Inc.

P.O. Box 395
Arcadia, IN 46030
U.S.A.

TOLL FREE: (888) 457-5574
Local-intl.: +1 (317) 984-9158
Fax.: +1 (317) 984-5259
E-mail: t.garrity@indianarp.com

We have some very good sourcing and purchasing capabilities for machined and stamped inserts; however, inserts are usually supplied by our customers.

KNOWLEGDE CORNER
When inserts are to be molded to plastics or rubber in the mold, they must be made to tolerances as close as ±.002" on certain dimensions for proper fit in the mold. Failure to do so can result in excess flashing, damage to the tooling and delays in production. A design consultation at the design stage is recommended for all insert molding parts