The Heat Stake Advantage

Originally published in January/February 2003, The Heat Stake Advantage is a technical article by Gary Sullivan and Lance Crawford examining the principles, applications, and benefits of heat staking and related thermal assembly processes. The article explores how controlled heat and pressure can be used to assemble thermoplastic components, including printed circuit boards, threaded inserts, and […]
Improving Plastic Assembly Efficiency with Rotary Table Systems

Since 1976, Thermal Press International (TPI) has developed heat staking, heat sealing, thermal insertion, and plastic welding equipment for a wide range of plastic assembly applications. Rotary table systems can be integrated with our thermal assembly equipment to increase production efficiency, improve workflow, and provide greater flexibility for applications requiring higher throughput. Enhance Your Production […]
Thermal Assembly vs Ultrasonic Welding in Medical Device Manufacturing
Introduction Medical device manufacturers face unique challenges when selecting plastic assembly methods. Every joining process must balance reliability, cleanliness, scalability, cost effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Choosing the wrong method can increase scrap, reduce throughput, complicate validation, and introduce risks that affect long-term product performance and regulatory confidence. Two of the most widely considered technologies for […]
Choosing Between Pneumatic and Servo Actuators for Thermal Assembly
A Practical Guide from Thermal Press International In precision thermal assembly – whether joining, sealing, or staking thermoplastics – actuator choice influences consistency, performance, and validation capabilities. Pneumatic and servo actuation each offer distinct advantages, depending on material characteristics, regulatory expectations, and production goals. Pneumatic actuators remain the industry standard for most applications, providing constant […]
How Our Customers Use Heat Staking in Regulated Industries
When it comes to manufacturing for regulated industries like medical devices, automotive systems, and electronics, the stakes are high – and so are the standards. Heat staking is a proven and precise method for thermoplastic assembly, and at Thermal Press International (TPI), we specialize in delivering cleanroom-ready heat staking systems tailored for the most demanding […]
Unveiling the Advantages of Heat Sealing Films and Plastics
In today’s advanced manufacturing and packaging environments, heat sealing equipment plays a critical role in bonding plastic components with strength, precision, and repeatability. This thermal process – commonly used in medical device manufacturing, industrial plastics assembly, and electronic packaging – uses heat and pressure to create reliable, airtight seals in thermoplastic materials. Whether sealing flexible […]
5-Axis CNC Machining Now Available at TPI
We’re excited to announce the addition of a Haas UMC-750SS 5-axis CNC mill to our in-house machine shop. While our shop has always supported the creation of custom tooling for TPI thermal press systems, we’ve also provided local CNC machining services for companies throughout the region. This latest equipment investment dramatically expands what we can […]
Built to Last: Refurbishing Legacy Thermal Press Machines
At Thermal Press International, we take pride in designing and manufacturing thermal assembly machines that stand the test of time. For 50 years, our equipment has supported critical manufacturing processes across industries – from medical and automotive to consumer electronics and aerospace. In many cases, a TPI machine (or machines) has helped produce a specific […]
Post Cooling in Heat Staking: Improving Process Reliability
In high-precision plastic assembly applications, process control and repeatability are everything. One feature that often gets overlooked – but can significantly enhance part quality and cycle consistency – is post cooling. At Thermal Press International, our machines include an optional post cooling feature, designed to improve the consistency and durability of thermoplastic assemblies by introducing […]
Reshoring Medical Device Manufacturing
As medical device manufacturers consider reshoring production to the USA to avoid import tariffs, they face challenges such as improving supply chain resilience and ensuring a cost-effective and timely transition. With 50 years of industry expertise, Thermal Press International (TPI) provides turnkey thermal press solutions that streamline medical device assembly and domestic manufacturing. Why Choose […]