CUSTOM INSERT MOLDING
Metal and Plastic. Molded as One.
Integrate metal inserts into custom plastic parts with tooling and injection molding support — from prototypes to production.
- Threaded Inserts & Bushings
- Electrical Contacts & Terminals
- Tooling & DFM Support
- Prototype to Production
CUSTOM INSERT MOLDING
Metal Inserts. Seamlessly Integrated.
Custom plastic parts with integrated threads, sleeves and electrical contacts.
Designed Around Your Insert
Plastic is molded around a pre-positioned metal component to create an integrated part. We review insert location, retention features and surrounding wall geometry before tooling begins.
Supported Through Production
HordRT brings tooling, injection molding and inspection together to support your project from initial samples to production parts.
INSERT MOLDING CAPABILITIES
The Right Insert. For Your Part.
Incorporate metal features where your plastic component needs fastening, support or electrical connectivity.
Threaded Inserts
Integrate metal threads into plastic parts for screw fastening and repeated assembly.
- Brass and steel inserts
- Mounting bosses and fastening points
- Housings, covers and brackets
Bushings & Sleeves
Add metal interfaces at mounting holes and locations subject to contact or clamping.
- Steel sleeves and bushings
- Locating and mounting interfaces
- Supports and structural components
Contacts & Terminals
Combine conductive metal elements with a molded plastic support or insulating body.
- Copper-alloy contacts and terminals
- Pins, blades and terminal carriers
- Connectors and electrical components
Insert geometry, material and molding suitability are reviewed against your drawings and application requirements.
HOW IT WORKS
From Metal Insert to Finished Part.
A coordinated process from design review and tooling to molding and validation.
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Design & Tooling Review
Review insert geometry, plastic wall thickness and locating features before building the mold.
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Insert Preparation & Loading
Check the inserts and position them in the mold using the designed locating and support features.
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Injection & Cooling
Inject plastic around the inserts, then cool the component before removing it from the mold.
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Inspection & Validation
Verify dimensions, insert position and part condition against the agreed requirements.
MATERIAL OPTIONS
Materials Matched to Your Application.
Explore metal inserts and molding resins for your part’s functional requirements.
Metal Inserts
Fastening, support
and electrical function.
Molding Resins
Structure, insulation
and part performance.
Material grades and combinations are reviewed against your design, operating conditions and production requirements.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Better Integration Starts with Design.
Review how the insert is held, retained and supported by the surrounding plastic.
Insert Location
Provide clear locating surfaces so the mold can support the insert and maintain its intended position during injection.
Retention Features
Consider knurls, grooves or undercuts that allow the molded plastic to mechanically retain the insert.
Surrounding Wall Geometry
Review plastic thickness and transitions around the insert to address filling, shrinkage and local stress.
POST-MOLD INSERT INSTALLATION
Heat-Set Inserts for Molded Parts.
Add metal threads to your plastic components after molding.
HordRT also provides heat-set insert installation. A heated threaded insert is pressed into a prepared hole in a thermoplastic part. As the surrounding plastic cools, it retains the insert.
Prepared Hole Geometry
Review hole size, boss thickness and insert dimensions before installation.
Controlled Installation
Set installation conditions around the resin, insert design and required seating depth.
QUALITY CONTROL
Check the Part. Verify the Integration.
Inspection considers both the molded plastic and the metal features within it.
We define inspection requirements around your drawings and application, including critical dimensions, insert position and functional checks.
Explore Our Quality ApproachCritical Dimensions
Check specified part dimensions and the locations of key metal interfaces.
Insert Position
Verify insert presence, orientation and seating against the part specification.
Functional Checks
Perform agreed thread, fit or retention checks where required by the application.
Inspection Records
Document agreed inspection results to support sample review and production approval.
INSERT MOLDING APPLICATIONS
Where Insert Molding Adds Value.
Integrated metal features support fastening, electrical connection and repeated assembly across a wide range of molded products.
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Mounting & Structural Parts
Integrate threaded inserts, metal sleeves and bushings into molded brackets, supports and mounting components.
- Equipment brackets
- Structural supports
- Mounting bases
ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
Contacts & Terminals
Mold conductive pins, blades and terminals into insulating plastic bodies.
PRODUCT HOUSINGS
Enclosures & Covers
Add durable metal threads to housings that require secure or repeated assembly.
WHY HORDRT
One Team from Tooling to Production.
Coordinate insert selection, mold development, injection molding and inspection through one manufacturing partner.
Start Your ProjectIn-House Tooling
Tool design and mold manufacturing are coordinated around the insert and molded-part requirements.
Engineering Review
Review insert location, retention, surrounding geometry and moldability before production begins.
Flexible Production Volumes
Support prototype quantities, low-volume production and ongoing manufacturing without a fixed MOQ.
Quality Verification
Confirm critical dimensions, insert position and agreed functional requirements before delivery.
START YOUR INSERT MOLDING PROJECT
Have a Part with Integrated Metal Features?
Send us your part drawings, insert specifications and production requirements. Our engineering team will review the design and recommend a suitable manufacturing approach.
- DFM Review
- Tooling Support
- No MOQ
01 What information do you need to quote my insert molding project?
Please send your 3D CAD file, relevant 2D drawings, plastic material, insert specifications, required quantity, tolerances and any functional or inspection requirements. If some details are not confirmed, our engineers can recommend practical options.
02 What types of inserts can be molded into plastic?
Common options include threaded inserts, bushings, sleeves, pins, electrical contacts and terminals. Insert geometry and material are reviewed against the molded-part design and application requirements.
03 What metal materials are commonly used for inserts?
Brass, steel, stainless steel and copper alloys are commonly used. The right material depends on thread strength, corrosion resistance, conductivity and the operating conditions of the finished part.
04 Which plastic materials are suitable for insert molding?
Common molding materials include ABS, PC-ABS, polycarbonate, PBT, nylon and glass-filled nylon. Material selection depends on mechanical, electrical, thermal and environmental requirements.
05 What is the difference between insert molding and heat-set inserts?
In insert molding, the metal insert is positioned inside the mold before plastic injection. A heat-set insert is installed into a prepared hole after the plastic component has already been molded.
06 Can HordRT provide heat-set insert installation?
Yes. HordRT provides heat-set insert installation for suitable thermoplastic parts. We review the prepared-hole geometry, boss dimensions, insert type and required seating depth before installation.
07 Can you support prototypes and low-volume production?
Yes. With no minimum order quantity, HordRT supports initial samples, prototype quantities, low-volume production and ongoing manufacturing.