Insert Technology For Plastics, Composites And Metal Alloys

The Foamsert is a special version of the Trisert and has a very coarse truncated external thread form. Like the Trisert it has three equidistant cutting flutes over the length of the external form and it is this unique combination that makes the Foamsert ideally suited for use in structural foam materials, laminated chipboards, medium density fibre board and certain types of glass reinforced plastics.
 
Continuous product development has led to a headed version of the Foamsert providing all the benefits of the headed Trisert in an expanded range of materials. This innovative design adds a significant degree of versatility to the existing inserts for plastics. Both the Double Ended and Reduced Headed versions are installed using a reversible driving mechanism.

Double Ended – Product Features

The most significant additional features of the Foamsert compared to the Trisert are the larger external diameter, length and coarse truncated external thread form.

Three equidistant cutting flutes, over the length of the external form, give a more balanced cutting load than other forms of self-tapping insert. The cutting action takes place at a larger number of points on the thread form over the length and circumference of the insert.

Lead on both ends allows the insert to be installed either way up, therefore, where the volumes dictate that bowl feeding equipment is required, it is not necessary to incorporate complex flighting systems to orientate the insert, which makes bowl feeding simpler and reduces tooling costs.

Free running internal thread due to there being no interruption to the internal thread, as the external longitudinal flutes produce the cutting action during installation

Reduced outward stress – During the installation process the cutting action of self-tapping inserts results in slight outward stress. This is reduced to an absolute minimum with the Foamsert and enables the insert to be used where there are thin walls.

Improved axial alignment – The balanced cutting load of the Foamsert reduces side thrust caused by predominantly only one cutting edge. This has the effect of guaranteeing much closer axial alignment of the insert in the hole.

Design Aids

• The Foamsert should be specified in structural foam materials where holes must be drilled and there is no skin to improve pull out performance.
• The Foamsert should be specified for applications in blind holes in laminated chip boards, medium density fibre board and some glass reinforced plastics.
• The Foamsert should be specified in applications where exceptional pull out loading is required. Exact loading is a function of the geometry of the total assembly and should be established by trials if necessary in conjunction with our technical department.

Reduced Headed – Product Features

The reduced headed version of the Foamsert incorporates the same coarse truncated thread form containing three equidistant cutting flutes, but provides the designer and production engineer with a higher performance flush fitting insert to match product availability to common assembly problems.

Reduced head at the same diameter as the external truncated thread form provides an increased bearing surface.

Reduced Headed – Design Aids

• It should be specified where a flush fit finish is required.
• It should be specified where higher tightening torques are required.

Installation

The Tappex Foamsert can be installed using our specifically designed Tappex FlexiArm, used in conjunction with our production drivers, which provides a method of accurately installing inserts at various heights and positions in a moulding. Click on the installation video below to see the FlexiArm in use. Alternatively they can be installed by hand using our 031 range of Hand Installation Tools that come complete with alignment bushes to aid correct installation. Please contact our applications department for further information and details.