With insert moulding, plastic is combined in the mould with a component made from another material. This is usually steel or another metal alloy. The main advantage is that plastic completely encapsulates the insert. This integrates it optimally into the finished product.

The inserts can be placed manually, but at VDL Parree this is generally fully automated. A typical example of insert moulding is the production of fastening components. Steel threaded bushes are overmoulded with plastic directly in the mould.

Outsert moulding is essentially similar to insert moulding. The key difference is that the insert has a larger volume or surface area than the plastic.

In outsert moulding, the plastic is injected against the insert, rather than fully surrounding it. This allows plastic slide strips, for example, to be applied directly to a metal support arm.