#Product Trends
HEICO-FORM Inserts - Standardized sleeves for plastic components: An efficient alternative to custom-made parts
Sleeves fulfil various mechanical functions in plastic components. HEICO now offers two standardized sleeve types as a cost-efficient alternative to customized parts, with short delivery times.
Sleeves may often go unnoticed, yet they are used in their millions, particularly in the plastic processing industry Whether in electrical appliance manufacturing, medical technology, automotive engineering, automation, or robotics, metal sleeves play an important role in bolted joints involving plastic components.
From drawing-based custom parts to standard sleeves
In practice, sleeves are usually manufactured to individual customer drawings. While this allows them to be precisely tailored to the respective component, it also requires a considerable amount of coordination. Not only internal coordination between the design and development department, the entire procurements process also requires continuous communication with the supplier, from the initial enquiry to the delivery. The first step is to select a suitable supplier.
Weeks can pass due to technical clarifications, queries and production feasibility assessments. Once this has been completed and the order is placed, another 16-20 weeks may be required for material and tooling procurement, production and delivery.
“This is exactly where our new HEICO-FORM Inserts come in. We make things as comfortable as possible for our customers by offering a standardized, readily available solution that can be easily and quickly integrated into new products. This not only reduces the need for technical coordination but also shortens procurement lead times, all at an attractive overall value,” explains Tobias Grobe, Head of Sales & Marketing at HEICO Group.
Why use sleeves in plastic bolted joints?
When bolting plastic components, one key question is how to transfer the required clamping force or preload into the component over the long term. Plastics differ significantly from metallic materials. Without steel sleeves, the material may crack when bolted joints are tightened. Long term exposure to compressive loads, temperature changes and material shrinkage can also cause the plastic to deform.
Sleeves absorb the forces generated during bolt tightening and transfer in a controlled manner through the joint. At the same time, they limit material compression and reduce the risk of deformation. Steel sleeves act as mechanical stops and ensure a defined clamping condition.
Sleeves are particularly important when components are repeatedly assembled and disassembled, as they protect the plastic from damage and wear.
Two sleeve types for standardized application
The new standardized HEICO-FORM Inserts are available in two versions. Both types are made from quenched and tempered steel with a property class of 8.8 and are available for metric bolt sizes M3 to M12. The sleeves are available in defined length increments and are supplied as standard with a zinc-nickel (ZnNi) coating.
Type A is a captive steel sleeve designed to ensure a reliable fit in the plastic component. During plastic overmolding, the integrated central collar acts as a retaining feature, ensuring that the sleeve remains securely positioned within the plastic component.
Type B features a central collar with an external octagonal profile and is specifically designed for bolted joints subjected to high loads. The positive-locking engagement reliably prevents unwanted rotation of the sleeve. This ensures that it remains in position, even under heavy loads and high tightening torques.
Customized solutions for special requirements
In addition to standard types A and B, the HEICO Group also offers customized sleeves. Using a modern machine park equipped with high-performance multi-stage presses, state-of-the-art NC/CNC transfer systems and thread-rolling machines, the company manufactures high-quality cold forged parts from materials such as steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass and special alloys.
Working closely with customers, the HEICO Group develops tailored manufacturing processes and product solutions precisely matched to their specific requirements and applications.
Easy to integrate. Available quickly. Ready for use.
The new standardized HEICO-FORM Inserts provide a straightforward alternative to drawing-based customized parts. Thanks to their standardize geometries and short delivery times, complex technical coordination and lengthy procurement processes can be avoided. Customers can now benefit from this cost-efficient solution, which can be integrated quickly and combines reliable joints with an attractive price-performance ratio.
