Method of molding free-floating insert

摘要

A method (60) for molding (67) a component (73) including a free floating insert (11). The method includes steps of providing an insert (11) including one or more weakened regions (23) coupled to a removable leader (20) and molding (67) a moldable compound (25) about the insert (11) and a portion of the removable leader (20). The method (60) further includes a step of pulling (69) on the removable leader (20) to fracture the weakened regions (23) and thereby detach the removable leader (20) from a molded component (73) including the insert (11) therein. The molding step (67) desirably includes a step of injection molding (67) a thermoplastic material (25) about the insert (11) and the portion of the removable leader (20).