I Positioned part on plastic Cooling wrth base with stake Heot and force compressed air Heat Staking Staking plastic using Heat staking is a method of joining two or more parts where at least one of the parts is made out of plastic. The bond is made by partially de-forming the plastic part in order to fix the other. Heat staking is commonly used in high volume/low cost applications like automotive components, consumer appliances. Release: finished TYPICAL APPLICATIONS De-forming the plastic is achieved by heating it to a temperature above the glass transition temperature and then applying pressure in order to create the stake. After the stake has been formed, the plastic is cooled under constant pressure to ensure good fixation of the parts. Cooling can be done with the use of compressed air or with a cold, preformed tool. Metal battery clip in plastic housing (mobile phone) Tubular stud (airbag)

Heating the plastic makes it easier to form a stake and prevents cracking. Glass filled plastics have a small work window of +/- 10°C and therefore require precise temperature control. If the temperature is too high, the glass fibers will come out of the plastic, leading to sticking and a rough finish. Too low a temperature, on the other hand, will cause cracks and cold deformation. Plastic without glass is easier to bond because of the larger work window. In order to create a good stake it is important to fully heat the pin while deforming. A small pin is easier to heat than one with a larger...