Custom Insert Molding For Agricultural Warehouses

FCE and Strella: Partnering for a Sustainable Future with Insert Molding Technology
Each year, over one-third of the world’s food is wasted before it can be consumed. Our client, Strella, is dedicated to addressing this issue. As an innovative biotechnology company, Strella develops gas monitoring sensors that are widely used in agricultural warehouses, transportation containers, and supermarkets. These sensors can predict the shelf life of produce, helping to reduce food waste and enhance freshness.
At FCE, we share Strella’s vision of using practical technology to build a better future. For more than three years, FCE has been a trusted partner to Strella, providing cutting-edge solutions to meet their production needs. One of the key technologies we’ve implemented in our collaboration is insert molding, which has played a crucial role in the production of Strella’s sensors.
The body of Strella’s gas sensor is made of plastic, with stainless steel screws used to assemble the housing and cover, ensuring a sealed and secure product. However, during use, the sensor must often be disassembled and reassembled, and plastic threads alone cannot withstand the repeated cycles without wearing out.
To solve this issue, FCE recommended the use of insert molding technology. This process involves placing copper nuts into the mold before injection molding. During molding, the plastic encapsulates the nuts in precise positions, creating a strong bond. By using copper nuts in combination with stainless steel screws, the sensor assembly can withstand repeated disassembly and reassembly without compromising the structure or performance.
One of the challenges with insert molding is ensuring that all eight copper nuts are correctly placed during production. A single missing nut renders the product defective. To address this, FCE integrated an advanced camera inspection system into the molding process. After the nuts are placed in the mold, the camera system verifies their correct placement before sending a signal to the injection molding machine to begin production. This technology eliminates human error, increases production efficiency, and significantly reduces waste and costs.
Over the course of our partnership, FCE has consistently provided Strella with the best solutions, from material selection and functionality optimization to structural improvements and packaging strategies. In recognition of our efforts, Strella awarded FCE the Best Supplier trophy, a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence.
Together, FCE and Strella continue to push the boundaries of technology, striving for sustainable solutions that reduce waste and create a brighter future for all.