Thread inserts for in-moulding processes

We are a partner of the ReLei research and development project Fabrication and recycling strategies for electromobility to recycle lightweight structures in fibre-reinforced composite hybrid design This research and development project was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the conceptual framework „Innovations for the production, service and work of tomorrow“ (reference number 02PJ2800–02PJ2808) as well as by the Energy and Climate fund and supervised by the project sponsor Projektträger Karlsruhe (PTKA). Funded by Partners production methods Partners materials...

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In-moulding and after-moulding - the processes The continuing further technological development has led to constantly increasing requirements for components and their applications. Often, they are so high that one material alone cannot meet them. Therefore, it is of particular interest to combine the specific advantages of different materials. As a joining technology expert, Bollhoff recognised this beneficial synergy effect very early on and in addition to the well-known AMTEC® after-moulding technology, which has been tried and tested for years, also offers IMTEC® thread inserts for in-moulding...

In-moulding and after-moulding - the processes There is a general decision you have to make: Mould in inserts or embed later? Basically, both principles meet all technical requirements in a similar way and cause comparable costs with respect to the used fasteners. Based on experience and provided equipment, you as the user decide which joining technology is better suited for your production environment. However, before we start to take a closer look at the IMTEC® technology, we invite you on a short illustrated excursion into the differentiation between the two joining technologies. After-moulding...

Bollhoff offers with the IMTEC® moulded inserts two innovative product developments for in-moulding of metal threads in components of polymer, composite or light-metal components*: IMTEC® CO - Particularly for creation of blind-hole threads The IMTEC® CO thread insert for in-moulding is an asymmetric rolled stainless steel A2 (option A4) wire which is mainly used for customer components with blind hole threads. That wire is coiled to form a fixed bushing with at least one flange-type extension. In the forming process, the fasteners are also sufficiently magnetised and can be placed on magnetic...

IMTEC® thread inserts – overview of the processing methods Here you find an overview of the IMTEC® thread technology relating to different processing methods. Processing methods Plastic injection moulding Hybrid injection moulding – e.g. organo sheets, tapes, … Cast aluminium Compression moulding (SMC, GMT) check check clear check Choose the perfect innovative principle of IMTEC® thread technology for your requirements. Application area clear Blind-hole thread Minimum remaining wall thickness Through-hole thread Large through hole in the screwed on parts; very soft counter parts Functionality...

IMTEC® thread inserts – the different processing methods Plastic injection moulding IMTEC® is used for forming, particularly in injection moulding (here in-moulding technology). For the manufacture of plastics-metal components (hybrid parts), a system composed of injection moulding machine, injection mould and optionally automation technology is required. The injection mould preferably made of steel consists of several components and different single parts. Only the core pins of the injection moulds have to be geometrically adapted to the IMTEC® moulded inserts to achieve great accuracy and reproducibility....

IMTEC® thread inserts – the different processing methods Hybrid injection moulding – e.g. organo sheets, tapes An important aspect about lightweight construction concepts are alternative materials. With the low material density and very good processing and design options, the significance of plastic-based lightweight construction concepts is continually growing. Organo sheets relate to the main focus “fibre-reinforced plastics”. Organo sheets are composite materials in which a non-crimp fabric consisting of glass fibre, carbon, aramid or a hybrid is embedded in a thermoplastic polyamide or polypropylene...

Since the IMTEC® CO was successfully used for plastic injection moulding, the demand arose to test to expand the field of use to cast aluminium. Here we consider two manufacturing processes in which liquid or pasty aluminium is cast or forced into pre-heated steel moulds (tools or dies) under (high) pressure. There are the following challenges to thread forming in light alloys: ■ Mass melting temperature > 660 °C ■ Different casting methods: - Low-pressure casting (gravity casting, permanent mould casting ...) ■ Thermal damage to surfaces and thread inserts (effects of corrosion) 1. Low-pressure...

IMTEC® thread inserts – the different processing methods 2. Die casting Steel mould, IMTEC® CO and automatic spindle device. The liquid melted aluminium forced in under high pressure fills the mould and encloses the IMTEC® CO on the spindle core without flowing into the internal thread. After the solidifying melt has cooled, a wear-free, high-strength thread has also in this case been formed in your high-quality light-metal components. For the use of IMTEC® CO, smooth core pins are sufficient for the low-pressure method, whereas methods involving higher compressive forces require spindle cores...

IMTEC® CO - technical data to Dry film lubrication is recommended. Using stainless steel screws potentially cold shuts can occur as a result of the material of the IMTEC® CO inserts A2 (material specification 1.4301/1.4310; option A4 material specification 1.4375). Magnetized core pins can be applied. Core pin: Modification according to the specific application.