What is the Difference Between Overmolding and Insert Molding?

What Is the Difference between Insert Molding and Overmolding

Plastic injection molding is one of the most widely used processes for
manufacturing high-quality and extremely precise parts. The process is known
for its multiple advantages. Consequently, a wide range of industries have
adopted this part manufacturing method. There are many types of injection
molding technologies currently in use, depending on the parts to be produced.
Among the many types, overmolding and insert molding are the two most common
injection molding technologies.

1. Overmolding

As the name implies, overmolding is a process of molding one material on
another. The first component is made in an injection mold and then placed in
the second mold, where overmolding material is added. This technology combines
a variety of plastics to achieve practical or aesthetic purposes. For example,
people may use plastics of different hardness to mold soft plastics over hard
plastics to make the parts easier to grasp. The use of multiple colors of
plastic in overmolding parts can also distinguish the products from those of
other brands. Overmolding is often used on the handles of tools such as
screwdrivers, electric drills, or toothbrushes.

The advantages of overmolding injection molding are:

(1) Improve material flexibility

(2) Long service life

(3) Enhance security

2. Insert molding

Insert molding is a subset of custom injection moulding technology, similar to
overmolding. Before the actual injection molding, the metal part is put into
the mold cavity, and the insert is accurately positioned in the mold by manual
operation or mechanical arm. Then the mold is closed and the plastic is molded
on the insert to form a part. Most of the finished parts produced by this
method are a combination of thermoplastics and metal parts, which are often
used in aerospace, automotive and medical fields.

The advantages of insert injection molding are:

(1) Reduce assembly and labor costs

(2) Reduce the weight of parts

(3) Shorten assembly time

The above is the insert molding vs overmolding difference Both have their own
advantages and applications. The corresponding technology can be selected
according to the type of parts to be manufactured.

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