For simple understanding the concept of molding, it can be said that a mold is a hollowed out block or rigid frame. A liquid or pliable materials like plastic, glass, ceramic materials etc are filled in order to strengthen the material or adds the value added functional features. When the liquid hardens and sets inside the mold and takes the desired shape.
A variety of inserts can be molded into plastic components and can be used in housings, instruments, knobs, devices and electrical components for a wide variety of applications in the medical, defense, aerospace, electronics/electrical, industrial and consumer markets etc.
In insert moulding, the two basic methods applied are post moulded installation and moulded-in- installation. The step by step procedure of the insert moulding process is as follows-
- Generally, custom-built mold is loaded with inserts and the inserts may be loaded mechanically or manually.
- Plastic in molten form is injected into the mold.
- Then it is allowed for cooling, the mold opens and the components are removed.
- Components are separated from the spruces and inspected accordingly.
- In case of Post-molding assembly, it include a variety of secondary operations, such as:
- Die cutting of stampings into discrete circuits
- Bonding
- Micro soldering
- Circuit testing