Assembly Operations

Designing for Assembly

Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) considers the complete manufacturing and assembly process from the beginning of a project. By simplifying part designs, reducing unnecessary components, and considering how each part will be assembled, IMS can help create a more efficient path from design to production.

Design decisions such as incorporating fasteners or other features directly into a plastic part can help simplify assembly, reduce labor, and lower overall production costs. By considering assembly early in the design process, IMS helps customers develop parts that are practical and efficient to manufacture.

Assembly Solutions for Your Project

Assembly requirements can vary widely depending on the design and application of the finished product. A part may require something as simple as a single fastener or involve multiple components, moving parts, and additional assembly services.

IMS works with customers to determine the appropriate assembly method based on the part design, production requirements, and intended application. Our assembly capabilities help bring individual components together and prepare finished products for the next stage of production or delivery.

Choosing the Right Assembly Method

The right assembly method depends on how the finished product will be used and whether components may need to be removed, repaired, or replaced. Permanent methods such as adhesive bonding, UV bonding, and heat staking may be appropriate for some applications, while mechanical fastening, snap-fit, and press-fit methods can allow for disassembly and reassembly.

IMS also considers factors such as the number and type of fasteners, stability, friction, and overall functionality when determining an assembly approach. By evaluating these details early, our team can help identify an assembly method that supports the part’s performance and production requirements.

Assembly & Post-Production Services

Adhesive and
Solvent Bonding

Permanent bonding methods used to join plastic components without mechanical fasteners.

Mechanical Fastening

Uses fasteners such as screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, or inserts and can allow components to be disassembled and reassembled.

Molded-In Inserts

Uses fasteners such as screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, or inserts and can allow components to be disassembled and reassembled.

Tapping or
Thread Cutting

Creates internal or external threads that allow components to be fastened and, when needed, disassembled.

Painting &
Pad Printing

Adds color, finishes, graphics, logos, or other markings to molded plastic parts.

UV Bonding

Uses ultraviolet light to cure adhesive and permanently bond components.

Heat Staking

Uses controlled heat and pressure to join components by reforming the plastic around a second component.

Electroplating

Applies a bonded metal coating to the surface of a part.

Flexible Assembly Capabilities

Every project has different assembly requirements. IMS works with customers to evaluate each part and develop an assembly process based on the product, production volume, timeline, and budget.

For higher-volume projects, IMS also offers mass assembly line production, with our assembly line currently producing approximately 300,000 pieces per month. From individual part requirements to larger production runs, our team works with customers to determine an assembly approach that fits the needs of each project.

Plastic Parts Assembly Packaging and Distribution Services

Packaging & Distribution

Once assembly is complete, IMS can package and prepare parts for delivery based on the requirements of each project. Packaging options can accommodate different part sizes, designs, and handling needs, whether products require boxes, pallets, or other packaging considerations.

IMS supports domestic and international shipping, including delivery to a central location or multiple destinations. Customer pickup is also available from our Houston facility, providing flexibility based on your distribution needs.