Sonic-Lok

Hole Preparation

Molded holes are recommended wherever possible. The taper on a molded 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 molded 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.