The Assembly Molding process group models the processes involved in both insert molding and overmolding.

With insert modling, a plastic part is molded around metal inserts such as pins or bushings, as well as around larger, more complex inserts. Common examples of insert molded parts include electrical connectors, screwdrivers and other tools with plastic-coated handles, and plastic components with embedded, threaded metal bushings for fastening purposes.

With overmolding the insert is made of a polymer material. The insert is injection molded separately, and then subsequently placed in a second mold base and machine so that another polymer can be molded around it. Common examples of overmolded parts include toothbrush handles and wheels for toys and vacuum cleaners.

The Assembly Molding process group provides a single routing, which can be used to estimate the costs for both these manufacturing processes.

The Assembly Molding process group is similar to the Plastic Molding Process Group, and many of the calculations and setup options are the same in both groups. In addition, Assembly Molding is similar to the Assembly process group with regard to the type of CAD file it extracts information from. As with the Assembly process group, the Assembly Molding process group extracts geometric information from a CAD file for an assembly of component parts.

With Assembly Molding, each component of the assembly is either a molded portion of the overall Assembly Molding part, or is a non-molded insert, placed into the mold (with some portion protruding out of the mold) prior to injection of plastic. A non-molded subcomponent can be a previously-costed metal part, Plastic Molding part, or Assembly Molding part.

You should cost non-molded subcomponents separately, using the appropriate process group, so that their costs are rolled into the cost of the finished molded assembly.

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