Overmolding of inserts for rapid prototyping

Our company specializes in the production of plastic parts and small series of 3D prototypes that are as close to reality as possible. To this end, we offer various applications, in particular, the overmolding of metal inserts.

Definition of metal inserts

Overmolding and inserts are used in plastic injection for various sectors, such as automotive and connector engineering. An insert is an attached piece, generally made of a metal such as steel, aluminum or brass. Its purpose is to be fixed into the plastic part. It may be full or tapped for the insertion of a screw. With 3D plastic prototyping, it is possible to simulate the overmolding of inserts in order to approach the functionality of series parts. In rapid prototyping, overmolding with inserts is an application produced with vacuum duplication and 3D machining.

Photo of brass inserts

Photo of aluminum inserts

Applications of inserts and process

The molding of metal inserts in plastic parts has several major advantages. First of all, a metal insert allows a part to be reinforced. Second, it allows the inclusion of the functionality of a screw thread on a plastic part. Finally, it can serve as a connector for the conduction of electricity.

The insert can be fixed in two ways. It can be applied manually to the interior of the mold before the material is injected. It will then be integrated with the prototype part. Secondly, it can be inserted by hand after producing the part and extracting the mold.

Prototech solutions

Our mastery of vacuum duplication allowed us to produce the part below with inserts. The customer asked us for a set of 20 parts, each with 8 inserts. Thanks to their visual and functional rendering, the prototypes made it possible to promote the product that could be commercialized in the market. An article detailing this project is available here.

Zoom of the insert

Our workshop is capable of producing prototypes and plastic parts with applications. We are capable of prototyping visual and functional parts with 3D plastic machining and vacuum duplication. If you require a small series of plastic parts, send us your request via our quotation page.