This video showcases a Thermal Press International C-Series Thermal Press performing a precision heat staking operation on an iron faceplate used in a card reader assembly. The process is designed to securely join the metal faceplate to a plastic housing, creating a strong and durable mecahnical bond without the need for adhesives or additional fasteners.
The system is equipped with a power shuttle table, allowing the operator to load and unload components outside of the heat staking area. This configuration improves efficiency, reduces cycle time, and enhances operator safety by keeping hands clear of the thermal tooling during the staking cycle. Once the part is loaded and secured in the custom fixture, the shuttle table moves the assemblly into position beneath the thermal head for processing.
Heat staking is a highly effective method for assembling dissimilar materials such as metal and plastic, particularly in applications like card readers where durability, alignment, and long-term reliability are critical. The C-Series Thermal Press provides precise control of heat, time, and pressure, ensuring consistent material flow and repeatable stake formation across each cycle.
This example highlights the flexibility of Thermal Press International equipment to handle a wide range of applications, including metal-to-plastic joining. From process development through full-scale production, TPI systems are engineered to deliver repeatable, high-quality results while supporting efficient and scalable manufacturing operations.