Abstract: Disclosed are a mold gate insert as well as a mold assembly and an injection molding machine incorporating such a mold gate insert. The mold gate insert comprises a base structure formed of a wear resistant material having a first thermal conductivity. The base structure defines a mold cavity, at least in part, a nozzle assembly alignment portion for aligning a nozzle assembly with respect to the base structure, and a gate for communication between the mold cavity and the nozzle assembly. The mold gate insert further comprises a heat dam being completely enclosed by the base structure. The heat dam is made of a material having a second thermal conductivity being less than the first thermal conductivity and arranged within the base structure in proximity to the nozzle assembly alignment portion such that the heat flow between the nozzle assembly and the base structure is impeded. Furthermore, a method of producing the mold gate insert is disclosed.