Post Mould Installed Compression Limiters

SPIROL offers robust, vertical installation machines specifically designed to post-mould install Compression Limiters into a variety of plastic assemblies. The machines can install a single Compression Limiter or multiple Compression Limiters simultaneously into various polymers, thermoplastics and thermosets. SPIROL’s Compression Limiter Installation Machines are versatile solutions designed to be retooled to accommodate changing part configurations. All designs incorporate standardized machine components to reduce factory lead time, improve component reliability, and lower component costs. SPIROL also specializes in application-specific fixtures to ensure that all assembly components are held accurately in place through the installation process.

SPIROL manufactures several different types of Moulded-In Compression Limiters that are designed to be installed into the plastic assembly during the moulding process. When moulding Compression Limiters into the plastic assembly, the moulding time is increased as the operator or a pick-and-place robot must load each Compression Limiter over the core pin(s) prior to closing the mould cavity. Precise placement of the Moulded-In Compression Limiter over the core pin is required; otherwise mould damage can occur. SPIROL Standard Moulded-In Compression Limiters include: The Series CL500 Moulded-In, Series CL460 Moulded-In - Oval, Series CL600 & CL601 Aluminum and Series CL800 & CL801 Brass.

A fuel injection systems manufacturer used two steel brackets to clamp the fuel rail to the top of the engine. The customer was looking at changing these brackets to plastic to reduce costs. In order to prevent deformation of the plastic bracket during the tightening of the bolt, a Compression Limiter was required. The customer originally investigated the use of a machined Compression Limiter, but the savings from changing the metal bracket to plastic would have been lost considering the high price of the machined Limiter. The customer approached SPIROL to help provide a lower cost solution for the Compression Limiter. SPIROL recommended the use of a standard CL200 Compression Limiter based on the rated proof load of the bolt used in the assembly. This roll-formed Compression Limiter is a fraction of the cost of a machined Compression Limiter. In addition, the flexibility of the roll formed Limiter enabled the customer to widen their hole tolerances further reducing assembly costs.

This exceptionally versatile tool for post-mould assemblies is ideally suited to all levels of production: from a single unit for prototype assembly, to multiple units on an assembly line. The SPIROL® Model CM Manual Compression Limiter Installation Machine easily accommodates quick change-overs by simply: • Replacing the fixture • Swapping insertion punch/pusher tip • Adjusting the positive stop for new install height. The use of high quality shafting and bearings results in smooth operation, precise positioning, repeatability, and durability. The Model CM Manual Compression Limiter Installation Machine installs Compression Limiters ranging in diameter from M3 to M10 metric and #4 to 3/8" unified, and has a maximum insertion force of 0.9kN (200 lbs).