BASF’s Plastic Metal Hybrid and Collar Joining Technologies
BASF's
Innovative Technology Group has developed a new way of joining molded plastic
components and sheet metal. The plastic and metal parts are joined together
by mechanically pressing a collar protruding from the metal component into
the plastic component. An undercut on the collar ensures that the metal
remains firmly anchored in the plastic component. The process involves no
heat and is suitable for both un-reinforced and reinforced polymers.
The new "collar joining" system has a number of advantages
when compared to an over-molded assembly. For instance, it gives designers
more freedom to optimize the strength of the plastic component-particularly
important for high-stress applications. As a result, hybrid parts can
be made smaller and lighter, while delivering the same functionality.
Another advantage is that parts are less prone to warpage than ones produced
in an over-molding process. The mold tool is also easier and cheaper to
build, and higher production rates are possible.
The success of hybridization lies in the ability to combine the advantages
of two materials in a single part to achieve both technical and economic
advantages not obtainable from a single material alone. Hybrid components
offer great cost-reduction potential, making their use attractive in highly
competitive industries such as the automobile manufacturing.
BASF
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BASF's
Innovative Technology Group has developed a new way of joining molded plastic
components and sheet metal. The plastic and metal parts are joined together
by mechanically pressing a collar protruding from the metal component into
the plastic component. An undercut on the collar ensures that the metal
remains firmly anchored in the plastic component. The process involves no
heat and is suitable for both un-reinforced and reinforced polymers.
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