Mechanical Fastening of Plastics
An Engineering Handbook

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction to Plastics
Organization of the Plastic Goods Manufacturing Process
Plastics Versus Metals
A Brief Explanation of Plastics for the Fastener Engineer
Thermoplastics Versus Thermoset ( Cross-Linked_ Plastics
Thermoplastic Subgroups
Thermoset Plastics
Reaction Injection Molding and Reinforced Reaction Injection Molding Processes
Fillers
Plasticizers
References
Bibliography
Mechanical Fasteners Used in Plastics
Permanent Assemblies
The Challenge: Disassembly
Metal Thread-Forming and Thread Cutting Screws for Plastics
Need for New Screw Types
Thread-Rolling Screws Especially Designed for Use in Plastics
Only Guidance Can Be Given
References
Bibliography
Fastening Characteristics of Plastics
Stiffness in Plastics
Reinforcements: Effects on Plastics
Crystallinity in Plastics
Molecular Weight
Moisture Content
Elasticity and Resiliency in Plastics
Crazing
Annealing and Thermal Treatments
Concluding Thoughts
References
Bibliography
Generic Name Plastics
Thermoplastic Resins, crystalline
Polyolefins
High-Performance, Thermoplastic Crystalline Polymers
Vinyls
High-performance, thermoplastic Amorphous Polymers
Thermoplastic Structural Foam
Thermoset Plastics
Thermoset Foam Plastics
Trademarks Cross-referenced in Chapter 5
References
Bibliography
Tradename Plastics
Bakelite-Phenolic (Union Carbide Corporation, Specialty Chemicals and Plastics Division)
Celanex (Celanese Plastics and Specialties Company)
Celcon (Celanese Plastics and Specialties Company)
Cycolac (Marbon Division, Borg-Warner Chemicals)
Delrin ( E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co)
Durez (Occidental Chemical Corporation)
Fiberesin (Formerly Made by United States Gypsum)
Gafite-Gaftuf ( GAF Corporation, Engineering Plastics Department)
Genal (General Electric Company, Specialty Plastics Division)
Glaskyd (American Cyanimid Company, Organic Chemicals Division)
Glastic (Glastic Corporation)
Kralastic (Uniroyal Chemical , Division of Uniroyal, Inc.)
Lexan (General Electric Company, Specialty Plastics Division)
Merlon (Mobay Chemical Company)
Minlon (E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co)
Moplen (USS Novamont Inc.)
Noryl ( General Electric Company, Specialty Plastics Division)
Nylafil (Fiberfil Division, Dart Industries Inc.)
Polycarbafil (Fiberfil Division, Dart Industries Inc.)
1900 Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polymer ( Hercules, Inc.)
Pro-Fax ( Hercules Inc.)
Profil (Fiberfil Division, Dart Industries Inc.)
Royalex (Uniroyal Chemical, Division of Uniroyal Inc.)
Rynite (E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co)
Ryton (Phillips Chemical Company, Plastics Technical Center)
Teflon ( E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and co)
Tenite (Eastman Chemical Products Inc., Plastics Division)
Tivar (Poly-Hi/ Menasha Corp)
Ultem (General Electric Company, Specialty Plastics Division)
Valox (General Electric Company Specialty Plastic Division)
Vaspel ( E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co.)
Victrex ( ICI Americas)
Vydyne ( Monsanto Company)
Zytel ( E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co.)
Fastening Site Design Considerations: Threaded Fasteners
Fastening site Design: Self-Threading Screws
Assembly Considerations: Self Threading Screws
Assembly Equipment: Self Threading Service
Troubleshooting Self Threading Screws
Tapping in Plastics
Reference
Bibliography
Typical Applications
Machine Screw versus Special Design Screws for Plastics
Screw Selection Affects an Automotive Assembly Line
Failure to Check Out the Fastening Site with a Laboratory
Effect of Different Molding Techniques
Obtaining a Consistent Magnitude of Torque with Small Screws
A Problem Just the Opposite of the Usual
The Importance of Correct Boss Design
When Screw Selection Is Not Thoroughly Tested
A Case Study in Structural Foam and Some Famous Last Words
Automatic Assembly Demands Close Attention to Fastener Specifications
Bibliography
The Fastener Laboratory
The Need for Reliable Laboratories in the Fastening Industry
Functions of a Fastener Laboratory
Definitions of Terms Used
Determining Optimum Hole Sizes
Laboratory Equipment in Analysis of Plastics Applications
Laboratory Study Examples
References
Power Screwdriving Equipment
Selection of the Driver Tool
Explanation of "Soft" and "Hard" Draw, Slam or Pull-Up
Screwdriver Configuration
Electric or Pneumatic Drivers?
Driving Methods for Air-Powered Portable Screwdrivers
Making the Choice of Type of Screwdriver
Operating Speeds
Accuracy
Torque Level Ranges
Torque Control and Size Selection in Plastic Applications
Manufacturers ( Portable, Air Powered Screwdrivers)
A Word About Fastener Pick-Up Methods
Bench Model Automatic Screwdrivers
References
Bibliography
Inserts and Insertion Methods
Insert Categories
In-Place Molded Inserts
Expansion Inserts
Cap Nuts
Helically Coiled Wire Thread Inserts
Ultrasonic Insertion
Summary: Insert for Frequent Disassembly Usage and Push-In Fasteners
References
Bibliography
Appendix 1 Tradenames and Manufacturers
Appendix 2 Some Questions to Ask About Fastener Application In Plastics
Appendix 3 Summary: Fastener Recomendations
index