White Papers

SPIROL has more than 60 years of technical experience in the area of fastening and joining. Browse through these examples of our free solution engineering white paper downloads.

WHITE PAPERS

Automation: Vibratory Feeder Noise Reduction [+] [--]

The effects of noise can have damaging consequences and efforts should be made to minimize noise exposure. Reduction of noise produced by vibratory feeders is one area that can significantly reduce noise exposure in the workplace.

The SPIROL Series 2000 Vibratory Feeder is quieter than conventional vibratory feeders. Empirical data to support this claim was gathered by conducting comparison testing between a conventional square drive and a SPIROL Series 2000 drive. Measurements and analyses were performed by Noise Control Engineering (NCE) of Billerica, Massachusetts. The same bowl was used for testing on each drive. Noise readings were taken with an empty bowl, plastic bottle caps and metal coiled pins. Consistent feed rates were maintained between the Series 2000 and the square drive for both the caps and the pins.

Four measurements around each vibratory feeder were taken and averaged in order to compare the square drive to the Series 2000.

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Coiled Spring Pins: How to Design the Optimum Hinge [+] [--]

There are two primary types of hinges: 1) a free fit hinge where there is little to no friction or drag when the latch or handle is rotated. Hinge components are “free” to rotate independent of one another, and 2) a friction fit hinge where interference is required to prevent free rotation of components relative to one another. Depending on design intent, resistance can vary from a slight drag to a value sufficient to maintain the fixed position of components anywhere in their full range of rotation. This White Paper provides essential design guidelines for Engineers to achieve optimum long-term performance of both types of hinges.

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Compression Limiters and Threaded Inserts: How To Properly Mate Compression Limiters and Threaded Inserts in Plastic Assemblies [+] [--]

In applications where the mating component is also plastic, a Compression Limiter is necessary to avoid the creep or stress relaxation in the mating component from reducing the frictional load in the threaded joint.

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Inserts for Plastics: How to Maintain Joint Integrity When Converting from Metal to Plastic [+] [--]

Inserts for Plastics allow designers to replace machined and cast metal components with plastic to achieve significant cost and weight savings without any loss of joint strength - even in demanding applications. Threaded Inserts can be installed with heat or ultrasonics, they can be molded-in, pressed-in, or tapped into the hole. The challenge is for Engineers to choose an Insert that meets the performance and assembly requirements of the application. This article describes how Inserts for Plastics work, and provides design guidelines for the plastic host components to ensure that the completed assembly meets the desired expectations.

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Shims: How to Control Shim Tooling Costs [+] [--]

SPIROL has several manufacturing methods that eliminate or greatly reduce your tooling expenditure.

Shim tooling costs are one of the quickest ways to drive a prototype or short-run production project over budget. SPIROL has several manufacturing methods that eliminate or greatly reduce your tooling expenditure. Whether your project is for prototype, short run or long term requirements, SPIROL has a solution to minimize your installed component costs by controlling tooling costs. Below, are some of SPIROL’s production technologies to help you determine which method is best for you.

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Solid Pins, Slotted Pins and Coiled Pins: How to Choose Fasteners that Maximize Assembly Life [+] [--]

An assembly can be held together many different ways. The challenge for the Design Engineer is to choose a method that provides the highest quality joint with integrity over time at the lowest manufacturing cost. For many applications, a self-retaining pin is the winning solution. The difficulty is selecting the proper pin with the appropriate strength and flexibility for the application. This Technical White Paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of common types of pins, as well as provides guidelines as to when to use each type in certain applications.

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