When to use this service
3.6.1- Bolted joints that are disassembled and reassembled repeatedly
- Connections under vibration (automotive, motors, industrial equipment)
- End-customer enclosures with removable covers
- Parts that require high tightening torque
- Replacing stripped plastic threads
- Integrating off-the-shelf metal hardware (PEM, Helicoil, etc.)
Insert types & installation process
3.6.2Heat-Set - controlled heating
The insert is heated and pressed into a pre-defined hole. The plastic melts around it and re-solidifies - a strong joint in seconds. The most common method for 3D-printed parts, fast and inexpensive.
Press-Fit - mechanical press
The insert is pressed into a precisely sized hole. No heat - good for materials that can't be heated or when you want zero thermal impact on the surrounding area.
Mold-In - molded in place
The insert is placed in the mold before injection / casting and embedded during production. Highest strength and pull-out resistance - fits injection molding, vacuum casting and composite layups.
Specialty inserts
Helicoil, PEM, Self-Clinching, Threaded Studs and Captive Nuts on demand - steel, brass or stainless.
Placement planning
We review your CAD and tune the hole position, diameter and depth to load direction, insert type and base material.
Torque inspection & documentation
Post-install torque test, endurance verification across open/close cycles and per-batch documentation for customers that require it.
Materials & technologies
3.6.3Example project
3.6.4End-customer enclosure - 12 inserts, 500+ open/close cycles
MJF enclosure series: 12 brass M3 heat-set inserts for board mounting and lid attachment. We designed the hole depth with thermal clearance for the PCB, installed under controlled heating and torque-tested. Parts passed 500+ open/close cycles with no thread wear.
Frequently asked
3.6.5When to use Heat-Set vs Press-Fit?
Heat-Set is great for 3D-printed and thermoplastic parts - fast, strong, cheap. Press-Fit is the right call when you can't heat the area (heat-sensitive electronics nearby, thermoset materials) or when the plastic doesn't melt cleanly.
Does Mold-In give significantly more strength?
Yes - especially in pull-out direction. It is fully embedded during production. The trade-off is mold prep, so it fits injection molding, vacuum casting and composite layups, less so standard 3D printing.
Which thread standards do you install?
Metric M2–M6 and imperial UNC / UNF - in brass, steel or stainless. Custom threads on request.
Do you torque-test after installation?
Yes - torque to manufacturer spec, and for customers that require it (defense / medical / aerospace) endurance testing across open/close cycles plus per-batch documentation.
Ready to push your next product forward?
We reply within one business day.