Staking Design and Process Parameter Study of Hot-Air Cold Staking Process 1999-01-1629

An experimental evaluation to systematically study a hot air cold stake joining process was conducted with injection molded samples. Twelve material combinations consisting of six stud plate materials were matched with two hole plate materials (GDT 6400 and 18% talc filled PP). Seven stud designs with variations in size and geometry were used for each material combination. A proper heating temperature was first determined by heat characterization trials. Different heating times and stake heights were studied in the staking experiments. Pull tests were conducted to determine the strength of the joints and their failure mode. Results showed that material characteristics, material combinations, and process parameters all could contribute to variations in pull strength and different failure modes.