Note: Inserting Steel Studs into a Plastic Tail Light
Objective:
To heat a magnetic steel insert for a metal-to-plastic insertion application for a supplier to an engine manufacturer
End Product:
Automotive tail light
Equipment:
Ambrell 1kW induction heating system with one 1.2 μF capacitor and a specially designed induction coil.
Materials:
Threaded steel studs, molded polypropylene tail light, 450 Ă °F temperature indicating paint.
Temperature:
450 °F
Frequency:
160 kHz
Testing:
A special three position coil was designed to align with each of three stud locations on the molded part. Initial testing with temperature indicating paint confirmed that the studs could be heated within 5 seconds to 450 °F. The molded part was clamped onto a table and the coil was positioned 1/2 in above the stud locations. After RF power was applied for 5 seconds, the studs were pressed into the plastic and allowed to cool for 10 seconds.
Benefits:
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The heated studs were easily pressed into the molded part.
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The total cycle time of 15 seconds for heating, inserting and resolidifying matched the application requirement.
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