Thread creation

AMTEC®

High-strength thread inserts for plastic components

Thread creation

Embedding in plastic

AMTEC® stands for “After Moulding TEChnology” and refers to the installation of thread inserts in plastic components after moulding. Our AMTEC® thread inserts enable you to achieve the advantageous synergy effects resulting from high-strength metals in combination with plastics.

Plus factors

Advantages of AMTEC®

Shorter injection cycles

No wasted time. The component injection moulding process takes place automatically without the need to insert metal parts. Safe production can also be guaranteed.
Low-stress anchoring

High pull-out and torsion values. Because the plastic is heated during installation, as it cools, it creates a tight fit with low stress.
Reduction in manufacturing costs

Saves costs while maintaining top quality. AMTEC® thread inserts have been specifically designed for after moulding installation. The result is a wear-free, high-strength thread in your high-quality plastic components.

Method and principle

Three ways to achieve high-strength threads in plastics

Heat element welding (HEW)

Heat element welding is a tried and tested joining technique to embed metal thread inserts into thermoplastic mouldings. During the single-phase process, contact heat is transferred to the joining zone of the plastic via the metal insert. Joining takes place on fusion of the plastic at the contact surface. During this process, the plasticised mass is forced into specific recessed areas and undercuts to produce a form-closed joint.

Electromagnetic resistance welding (ERW)

ERW (electromagnetic resistance welding) is a technique developed by KVT Bielefeld for the joining of metal and thermoplastics. An electromagnetic AC field heats the thread insert without contact and the contact surface of the plastic component is plasticised. During the simultaneous joining process, the melted material is forced into recessed areas and undercuts.
Metal elements of any size are heated up extremely quickly (approx. 2 – 6 s). After switching off the power supply, accelerated cooling of the melt takes place, allowing an installation accuracy of up to 0.05 mm.

Ultrasonic welding (USW)

USW is a process that was originally developed for joining thermoplastic parts. Within a very short time, the plastic material is plasticised by boundary-layer friction and vibration absorption of the parts to be joined. This is followed by the joining process. The necessary energy is generated as alternating voltage in the ultrasonic generator, converted into mechanical vibration (20 – 40 kHz) and then introduced with a sonotrode. With the embedding of thread inserts (metallic M 2 – M 6) in the thermoplastic material, the melted material is forced into recessed areas and undercuts.

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Find the right solution for your application

AMTEC® product types

For the full variety of applications, we offer a selection of different thread inserts for plastics.

HITSERT® 2
Principle

The HITSERT® 2 thread insert is heated to the melting temperature of the plastic. As a result of the heat transfer upon insertion, the plastic is plasticised for a short time and flows into the undercut of the thread insert. As the plastic cools, it creates a tight fit with low stress.

Advantages

Ideal for thermoplastic materials

Specially designed for thermal installation

Screw-locked and low-tension anchoring

High pull-out values

Efficient installation with single-mandrel, multi-mandrel and automated insertion machinery with preheating device
HITSERT® Screwlock
Principle

The thread insert is heated to the melting temperature of the plastic. As a result of the heat transfer upon insertion, the plastic is plasticised for a short time and flows into the undercut of the thread insert. As the plastic cools, it creates a tight fit with low stress.

Advantages

High pull-out values

Ideal for thermoplastic materials

Reduced weight

HELICOIL® resists up to 15 screw cycles and can be replaced for repair

Meets many aviation standards

Locking torque values according to NASM 8846
HITSERT® 3
Principle

With its patented, fine, self-tapping thread with asymmetric flank profile, HITSERT® 3 is a thread insert that allows you to use the entire range of proven installation methods.

Advantages

Proven 8° angle of taper

Self-centring

Large contact surface with the plastic before installation

Flexible assembly with thermal installation, tapping or cold insertion

Short installation times

Milled external contour (narrow tolerances)

Systematic sealing inserts
SONICSERT®
Principle

You can install these thread inserts with commercially available ultrasonic welding devices. The plastic is plasticised by the ultrasonic vibrations at the welding point and flows into the undercuts of the thread insert. As the plastic cools, it creates a tight fit with low stress.

Advantages

Suitable for thermoplastic materials

Specially designed for ultrasonic welding

Screw-locked and low-tension anchoring

High pull-out values

Type 0730 can be installed from both sides. Advantageous with automatic feed as no direction-based orientation is necessary here.
QUICKSERT®
Principle

The QUICKSERT® consists of a cylindrical body with an internal thread and a special external thread. The outer thread profile has an extremely small flank angle and enlarges asymmetrically to the base of the thread. This optimises installation with low screw-in torques. The threaded bush is screwed in with a rotating spindle.

Advantages

For brittle and ductile plastics, e.g. unsaturated polyester resins (SMC, ZMC), polyurethane and glass fibre reinforced thermoplastics

Universally applicable

High-strength, torsion-proof threads

Optimum installation characteristics
QUICKSERT® Hex
Principle

The QUICKSERT® Hex consists of a cylindrical body with an internal thread, an additional internal hexagon and a special external thread. The external thread profile has an extremely small flank angle and enlarges asymmetrically to the base of the thread. This optimises installation with low screw-in torques.

Advantages

Efficient installation process due to additional drive feature

Suitable for thermoset and thermoplastic materials

Radial stresses minimised by extra-small flank angle of special external thread

High-strength, torsion-proof threads
QUICKSERT® Plus
Principle

The QUICKSERT® Plus consists of a tapering body (overall taper 8°) with an internal thread, an additional internal hexagon and a special external thread that has an extremely small flank angle and enlarges asymmetrically to the base of the thread. This reduces driving torques for installation. Since no cutting slot is needed, no chips are produced because the thread insert moulds itself into the plastic.

Advantages

Suitable for thermoplastic materials

High-strength, torsion-proof threads
EXPANSIONSERT 1
Principle

The EXPANSIONSERT 1 thread insert consists of a cross-slotted body with an internal thread featuring external diamond knurling, as well as a spreader plate. When the thread insert is inserted into the mounting hole, the diamond knurling is expanded by the spreader plate, which is pushed down. The knurling then anchors itself in the wall of the hole.

Advantages

Universal thread insert for thermoset and thermoplastic parts

High-strength threads through expansion anchoring

Fast, low-cost installation
EXPANSIONSERT 2
Principle

This thread insert consists of a body with an internal thread that features knurling and undercuts on the lateral surface. The body contains a spreader plate, which is pushed down into the mounting hole on installation of the thread insert. This causes the slotted bottom part of the EXPANSIONSERT 2 to expand and anchors its cutting rings in the wall of the mounting hole. The thread insert is now reliably secured to prevent twisting or pull-out.

Advantages

For a wide variety of materials

Wear-resistant threads

Fast, low-cost installation
SPREDSERT® 1
Principle

The SPREDSERT® 1 is inserted into the mounting hole until the knurled collar is fully anchored in the plastic. During this process, the slotted section is compressed. The screw causes the radially secured thread insert to expand again, so the anchor rings penetrate the plastic material, ensuring the thread insert fits tightly. The screw is also locked in the process.

Advantages

Suitable for thermoplastic materials

The knurled collar and anchor rings offer a high level of security against twisting and when subject to tensile load

Screw locking
SPREDSERT® 2
Principle

The SPREDSERT® 2 is inserted into the mounting hole until the knurled collar is fully anchored in the plastic. During this process, the slotted section is compressed. The screw causes the radially secured SPREDSERT® 2 to expand again, so the diamond knurling penetrates the plastic material, ensuring the thread insert fits tightly. The screw is also locked in the process.

Advantages

Suitable for thermoset materials

The knurled collar and diamond knurling provide a high level of security against twisting and when subject to tensile load

Screw locking
SPREDSERT® with retaining flange
Principle

The thread insert is inserted into the through hole at the rear until the retaining flange is seated. During this process, the slotted anchoring section with diamond knurl is compressed.
When the screw is screwed in, the thread insert is pushed apart in the anchoring section so that the diamond knurling penetrates the plastic material. Acting as a shoulder support, the retaining flange prevents pull-out and locks the screw

Advantages

For thermoset and thermoplastic parts

High-strength threads in through holes

Screw locking
QUICKSERT® Expansion

Principle

The insert is spun on to the rotating threaded mandrel of the installation tool and inserted into the mounting hole. This hole may be preformed or created as a blind or through hole using a standard drill. The axial pulling action of the mandrel makes the thread insert shear at the predetermined breaking point between the anchoring sleeve and the threaded bush. The bush is drawn into the anchoring sleeve and expands it. Meanwhile, the diamond knurling of the anchoring sleeve is pressed into the wall of the hole. The thread insert is now securely anchored to prevent twisting or pull-out.