Key principles.
Brass standard
Brass insert pressed/heated into pre-drilled hole. Most common.
Production fast
Ultrasonic energy melts plastic. Fast installation. Brass standard.
Cuts threads
Cuts thread into hole. Quick installation. Less strength than heat-set.
Highest strength
Insert in mold during molding. Plastic flows around. Strongest.
Brass / stainless
Brass standard. Stainless for corrosion. Carbon steel for strength.
M2-M16
M3-M8 most common. Larger for structural assemblies.
FAQ
Insert: stronger, more cycles, hot/humid environment OK. Molded: cheaper, limited cycles.
Heat-set: insert OD + 0.0-0.1 mm clearance. Self-tapping: ~80% of insert OD. Per insert spec.
Boss OD ≥ 2× insert OD. Boss height = insert height + 1-2 mm.
Heat-set ~2000 N. Ultrasonic ~1500 N. Self-tapping ~1000 N. Material/depth dependent.
Heat-set 100s of cycles. Self-tapping fewer (50-100). Helicoil best for extreme cycles.
Heat-set retains strength to material limit. Plastic creeps at temperature reducing engagement.
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