joining two halves to make a __strong handle

[cmedwin]

I've got a handle design made from ABS plastic- we glue two
mirror image halves together. There are pins and holes, and an
internal web that can take a lot of shear when it's all glued
together:

http://www.kettlestack.com//images/handleR7.jpg

(it's about 7" wide)
Presently, the pins are not press fit, we rely on the solvent glue for
the attachment.

Thanks for reading,


if we redid the part in aluminum (and assuming)
external rivets and screws are no good,
something roughly along the lines of the linked picture,
pressfit would be ok,
the bond must be strong and permanent,

what's the best way for aluminum parts to be attached/bonded together ?

 

[CoryPad]

I think adhesive bonding would be best (fewer parts, complexity, etc.). An epoxy would be good - try 3M and Loctite:

http://www.3m.com/us/mfg_industrial/adhesives/jhtml/adhesives.jhtml

http://www/loctite.com

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[EdStainless]

Does it see any temperature or fluids? This will need to be considered.
I like an epoxy for this. You can get ones that work very well with Al.
A 'B' stage epoxy can be applied without mixing and then heat cured. You can also use systems where you apply a chemical activator to one part and the adhesive to the other. When they are mated the cure will start.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm

 

[VeryPicky]

This thing looks like a pot handle. If it is going to see cooking teperatures Aluminum might not be the best of choices for safety reasons. Anyway epoxy shoud be able to handle the temperatures too.

check the website

http://www.mpsupplies.com/3mepoxyadhesive2216.html

Putting Human Factor Back in Engineering

 

[cmedwin]

Hi,

There are no temperature issues- It's a weightlifting device
(kettlestack.com). Strengthwise, the plastic works fine, but some of our
customers are asking for a more authentic feel, so I'm checking out the possibility.

I like the idea of activator on one half, epoxy on the other- easier clean up.

I'm still trying to source/price the cast aluminum part competitively
w.r.t. the injection molded plastic part.

Thanks for all the informed replies.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

if we redid the part in aluminum (and assuming) external rivets and screws are no good,

Why do you assume that? Looking at your product line, a screwed joint would allow replacement of whatever suspends the kettlebells/stacks ... or is this a marketing strategy to get the muscleboys/girls to keep buying more handles?

what's the best way for aluminum parts to be attached/bonded together ?

Welding?

What does suspend the bells/stacks? A cable?

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose

 

[cmedwin]

no Rivets !?!?, I should have known better than to assert a
precondition on an _open engineering forum ;-)

W.r.t. rivets and/or bolts, I'm concerned about
finish:
external rivets interrupting the outside surface, We
can't put the bolts (or rivets) on the centerline of
the part, so they'll have to be deeply recessed
i.o.t. stay below the surface.

cost: (the alignment pins are essential free),
what are the labor loaded costs to using rivets
durability, can rivets work free over time ?

So in hindsight there are marketing issues, but they're driven by the
customers finish requirements - we haven't had any broken or replaced
items yet.

Can rivets address these issues effectively ?