Metal and plastic can be bonded in a single molding process by metal insert molding, in which a metal is inserted into a mold and a plastic resin is then injected. However, the adhesive strength at the interface between the metal and plastic is weakened by the difference in the shrinkage ratio and inherent differences between the materials in the metal insert molding. This study reports the treatment of a metal surface that is followed by inserting the metal into a mold to increase the adhesive strength between the metal and glass fiber (GF)-filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A laser process was used for an engraving surface treatment and a plating process was performed for an embossed surface treatment of the metal. In addition, the adhesive strength between the metal and GF-filled ABS was evaluated after the insert molding process was completed. Particles such as glass beads, ceramic beads, artificial diamonds, and aluminum oxides were employed in the plating process. The adhesive strength varied depending on the surface treatment of the metal. In particular, the adhesive strength significantly increased when an undercut shape was formed at the metal surface. The best adhesive strength with GF-filled ABS was found in the metal specimen plated using aluminum oxide particles. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E93-E100, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers