Sonic-Lok
PSM SONIC-LOK inserts are engineered for rapid installation into thermoplastic materials using heat or ultrasonic energy. They combine ease and speed of insertion with strong mechanical performance. Their geometry includes opposed helical knurl bands to deliver a balance of high torque resistance and pull-out strength. They’re available in captive and flanged versions, as well as stud types, making them versatile for many plastic fastening needs.
Advantages
- Permits thin boss walls allowing compact boss design
- Provides high torque and pull out performance
- Rapid installation using heat or ultrasonic
- Choice of lengths available
- Self-aligning – Assists Installation
Selection of Sonic-Lok Inserts
ISO Metric
Unified
Specifying an Insert
Boss Design Specification
Hole Preparation
Moulded holes are recommended wherever possible. The taper on a moulded hole should be 1° inclusive and the hole diameter recommended should apply at the point reached by the bottom of the insert. Drilled holes may be used but performance may be reduced when compared with a moulded hole. The top of the hole should not be chamfered or counterbored and care must be taken to avoid bell mouthing. Hole diameter tolerance: •0.00 •0.10mm.
Installation
The fastener may be installed using either a pre-heating process or using heat generated by ultrasonic vibrations. Where preheating is used, care must be exercised to ensure that the fastener softens but does not melt the plastic. This will avoid any tendency to generate unsightly “flash” around the top of the insert. Ultrasonic installation is best carried out using low amplitude vibration and the minimum power consistent with satisfactory softening of the plastic material. In either case excessive pressure should be avoided, since this may result in the insert being forced into the hole without allowing the plastic to soften and flow around the surface profile.
Wall Thickness
A general guide to minimum wall thickness is given in the data table but this will vary depending upon the nature of the plastic. Where thinner walls are required these can often be accommodated, but consultation with the P.S.M Technology Centre or local sales office and pre-production testing is strongly advised.
Performance Data
The complexity of materials and variations in service conditions make it impossible to detail fastener performance for specific applications. The chart below gives a general guide and shows the relative performance of the inserts in the range.
