Insert Molding Replaces Plated Plastics Techniques For Automotive Blower Switch

1999 SAE International Congress and Exposition at Detroit, Michigan – Tricon Industries Inc. of Lisle, Illinois is displaying an insert molded blower switch that it is manufacturing for a Tier 1 supplier. The switch was previously manufactured as a plated plastic component. The customer came to Tricon to see if costs could be reduced using insert molded technology. Redesigning the part for insert molding resulted in consistent parts with lower process costs. This rear passenger blower control switch is now used in several current production vehicles.

Tricon assisted with the redesign of the switch to incorporate a trim-in-mold process, eliminating a post mold trimming operation. Insert molding permitted the use of a heavy gage stamping for circuit paths, contacts and connector pins. Continual improvement of tooling and part design was justified based on this cost reduction. Pat Grandle, Marketing Manager for Tricon Industries, Inc. said, "We are finding that suppliers and vehicle manufacturers are reevaluating conventionally molded switches and other components. Insert molding provides benefits from improved quality and reliability with the lower costs that manufacturers are looking for."

Tricon Industries is a QS-9000/ISO 9001 registered high precision insert molder and specialized component manufacturer for worldwide automotive, mobile communications and appliance markets. Tricon pioneered the use of insert molding techniques for the manufacture of switch and relay components and other electrically oriented parts. Some of Tricon's recent projects include multiple connector insert molded junction blocks, universal sealed light sockets, insert molded Kevlar ribbon, integrated multifunction switch components, and dual band cellular antenna assemblies. Today, Tricon provides comprehensive design, project management and manufacturing services that can be tailored to a specific project's requirements.