New heat inserter from Herfurth

Citation

(2001), "New heat inserter from Herfurth", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321dad.005

New heat inserter from Herfurth

New heat inserter from Herfurth

Keywords: Plastics, Threads

A new heat inserter, designed for inserting brass threaded components into thermoplastic parts, is now available from Herfurth (UK) Ltd, of Luton. It has been developed using the pneumatics and electronics from Herfurth's proven range of ultrasonic welding machines and features a Mitsubishi PLC, with integral heater controls.

Heat insertion relies on heating the metal insert, which is driven into the plastic component, so that the heat is transferred into the plastic. This causes localised melting of the plastic, so that the insert can be driven into the plastic component. When the heated inserter is removed, the melted plastic solidifies to capture the insert.

The heat insertion technique is often preferred to injection moulding plastic around a plastic component, which is time-consuming and can often induce unwanted stresses around the metal insert. Furthermore, heat insertion offers a very cost-effective method of applying multiple inserts and eliminates the possibility of mould damage, as inserts can often fall into moulds using the injection moulding technique.

The new Herfurth inserter comprises a steel insertion probe with integral cartridge heater and thermocouple, a pneumatic actuation cylinder to apply the force during the melting phase, a table to position and hold the workpiece and a control system, incorporating liquid crystal display and touch pad interface. There is facility for coarse and fine setting of the workpiece and the unit features a built-in setting mode to allow setting without heat.

The new heat inserter can be easily adapted for single or multiple operation and is ideal for automated, high volume production processes, offering repeatability, reliability and controllability, with a temperature control system which is accurate to ±1°C. As such it will find application in the manufacture of parts for the computer industry, the automotive industry, the telecommunications sector and virtually any industrial sector where there is a need for inserting metal inserts into plastic components.

For further information contact John Pini, Herfurth (UK) Ltd, Airport Executive Park, President Way, Luton, Befordshire LU2 9NY, UK. Tel +44 (0)1582 436000; Fax: +44 (0)1582 455955.