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92 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

92 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK BAY SUPPLY A DIVISION OF BAY FASTENING SYSTEMS 30 Banfi Plaza North, Farmingdale, NY 11735 TEL 516-294-4100 FAX 516-294-3448 EMAIL info@baysupply.com WEB www.baysupply.com KEYS TO EVALUATING THREADED INSERTS FOR PLASTIC By Mike Eichinger Plastics have been part of our lives since the 1950s and have become integral in manufacturing and industrial applications. However, bonding plastics with different plastics or other materials is one particularly challenging aspect of working with plastics. One of the most common and durable techniques for bonding plastic components is with threaded inserts for plastics. Threaded inserts were designed to form a strong bond with soft or thin materials. In addition to threaded inserts for plastics, inserts also are used for light metals and thin substrates. Threaded inserts are made from different materials and have various designs to form a secure anchor for a strong bond. Choosing the correct type of threaded insert for plastic can be difficult. The choice depends on the application, the load the bond must endure, and other variables. The unique characteristics of different plastics make choosing the right insert even more complicated. If you make the wrong choice, the joint is likely to fail. The Basics Of Threaded Insert Design As the name suggests, a threaded insert is a sleeve with a threaded interior. The sleeve has an exterior pattern or flange to hold it securely in place, ensuring it won’t turn. Once the threaded insert is in place, it can accept a bolt, screw, or other threaded fasteners. Threaded inserts can be brass, copper, steel, or even plastic. There are many advantages to using threaded inserts, especially when dealing with plastic workpieces. They are easy to use in an assembly line to make fast, secure joints. The threaded design also makes them ideal for applications in which materials will have to be replaced. For example, using threaded inserts in electronics makes replacing components or circuit boards easier. Threaded inserts continue to grow in popularity because of their versatility, especially for applications in which you need a durable connection. How To Choose The Right Threaded Insert For Plastic There are some fundamental considerations when choosing a threaded insert for plastics. ¤ Consider the type of plastic. There are two commonly used types of plastics. Thermoplastics can be heated and melted, then recast multiple times. Types of thermoplastics include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate. Thermoset plastics differ in that they can only be molded once using heat and pressure. TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 170