The term ”Insert Molding“ is a very broad term that basically means inserting anything into a mold and molding plastic over it. These inserts could include but are not limited to brass or steel threaded inserts, special machined metal parts, electrical connectors or plastic substrates for over-molding. Even our IMD and IML processes fall in the category of ”Insert Molding“. When we refer to ”Insert Molding“, we specifically mean the insertion of non-plastic items into a mold for the purpose of over-molding with plastic.
For more than 40 years, engineers have been tasked to convert metal parts to plastic and as we all know, they have been quite successful. Quite often we find that certain areas of the plastic part are not strong enough or stiff enough. This is one area where Insert Molding comes into play. We insert machined brass and steel threaded inserts when pull-out strength is needed. We insert custom stamped steel parts where the wall section is too thin for plastic molding or greater is required. We insert machined steel or non-ferrous metals to increase the flexural strength of a part. We have inserted magnets and even wood.
We have three vertical insert machines available, one with a 4-station rotary table for higher production runs. They range from 28 tons to 66 tons. Inserting in a vertical clamp gives us the advantage of gravity to hold the inserts in place. We also insert mold in horizontal machines when we need to place the inserts in the A-half of the mold or both sides.
Established in 1981, Distinctive Plastics is a Unique Contract Manufacturer specializing in "Technical Injection Molding Services" such as Multi-shot Molding, IMD (In-Mold Decorating), IMA (In-Mold Assembly), Vertical-Insert Molding and Medical Device Molding. We also offer standard Horizontal molding, with capacities from 28-ton / 1-ounce to 500-ton / 68-ounce. DPI is dedicated to utilizing robotics and automation to deliver "Value Added" services and lower "Total Part Cost".
Our full service philosophy assures you that we can assist you from conception through production. We offer full engineering services including consultation, product design assistance, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assistance, mold flow analysis, and mold design. Our Technical Services department offers In-House tooling capability along with local and off-shore sourcing of precision injection molds.
Our molding department offers competent processing of most all engineering grade and commodity resins, with experience in 2-shot molding, insert-molding, over-molding, hot runners and valve gates. As a value-added molder we include such services as ultrasonic welding, pad printing, hot stamping and assembly.
Our modern 44,000 square foot facility in Vista, California was custom built after years of careful design and study. Being the fourth building to house this company, much experience went into the design and layout. Our Injection Molding and Tooling departments are second to none and the plant layout makes for an ease of material handling and flow of finished goods. All this just makes it easier to assure our customers "On-Time and Quality" products.