Lead frame molding, or reel-to-reel insert molding, is used to efficiently manufacture and assemble small parts that combine small metal and plastic components into a single composite piece. During the molding process, a continuous metal “carrier” strip is precisely fed from a feed reel through a plastic injection mold and on to a take-up reel or simply de-gated. The take-up reel containing the parts can be used by customers in automated production equipment for hands-off operation.