permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
(OP)
Hi All. I want to fix thinnish, flat moulded plastic components together without screws if possible. Something like a bayonet into a female latching/mating hole . Ideally once clicked together it would be a permanent fixing. For example I have a rectangular strip ( say 25 X 150 X 2 mm thick ) that I want to bend into a cylinder and somehow fix the ends togther to form a permanent cylinder. Similarly i'd like to fix the end of ( another ) plate at right angles to a 2mm thick plate. I have seen some neat fixing arrangement in consumer products in the past but didnt look into how they worked at the time. These will all be moulded items so I can have features in the moulding as long as they can be moulded ( eg no re-entrant profiles). If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it.Many thanks in advance . Opticsman.





RE: permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
If you do a search for "Snap fits plastics" there's plenty of data.
The problem you will have is if you mould a flat plate and rely on snap features to keep the end product truly circular you will be disappointed. It is likely to end up as a "tear drop" profile as the joint will never be as stiff as the homogeneous material. You might mould a near shape component but I still feel (from experience) that the same problem will be there - although to a much lesser degree. Same applies for 90 degree plates. Rigidity will be a problem unless ultrasound welding or (possibly) adhesives are used which will be very material dependent.
Cheers
Harry
www.tynevalleyplastics.co.uk
RE: permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
You can get away with topological transformations in rubber, and to a degree in aluminum, but not so much in plastic.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
RE: permanent fixings in a moulded plastic component
Australian new invention of the year.
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