Harrison Silverdale (HSL), a supplier of threaded inserts and specialised fasteners to the plastic moulding industry, recently worked with one of its key customers to provide a threaded insert for a new moulding, which would support a radiator on a luxury 4x4 vehicle.
After an initial meeting to discuss the requirements HSL proposed a standard part, which would meet the design criteria. The project engineer wanted to over-mould the insert as this is more economical and provides better performance than post moulding operations.
The insert would be placed in the tool by a pick and place robot so a symmetrical design was recommended for easy orientation. Because the insert will be under heavy loads some testing was required to validate the design. It was requested by the vehicle manufacturer that HSL do a torque test where a number of insert locations are torqued up to double the usual tightening torque and this should be repeated seven times on the same insert to see if any failure occurred. A pull-out test was also required to determine the force that the insert could withstand before the thread failed or the insert broke free from the moulding. The tests had to be duplicated on dry mouldings and also after being submerged in water for five days to replicate various climatic conditions.
With the help of their local UKAS approved laboratory the tests were completed in accordance with the client’s instructions and HSL’s recommendations. The inserts passed the torque tests comfortably and withstood 4,000N pull out with no failures, which were well above the customers’ requirements. The results were certified and submitted for approval. The mouldings will be in full production later this year with four per vehicle and run for six years.
During the development process HSL was able to receive CAD files from the vehicle manufacturer, add the proposed insert to the assembly and then share this data with the moulder and test facility. This is one of many examples of how Harrison Silverdale has offered engineering expertise at the development stage and can support customers from design through prototyping and to full production.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
