Collar joining

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Collar joining is a method of joining plastic components and sheet metal components to form a hybrid component.

In this mechanical joining process, which was first presented by BASF in 2002, so-called "collars" are first pressed into a pre-drilled metal sheet that is positioned on a template with the help of a stamp. The punch turns over the edge of the holes on the opposite sheet metal side in a collar-like manner. In a second step, the collars of the sheet metal component are pressed into the plastic. The process does not require an elevated temperature and can be used with a large number of plastics.

Collar joining belongs to the family of the so-called PMA processes (from English: post molding assembly). It takes place after the injection molding process and has numerous advantages compared to joining directly in the injection molding process (IMA, from English: in-mold assembly). The designer is free to design the plastic component and can therefore make optimal use of the material even in highly stressed constructions. This means that these hybrid components will be smaller and lighter with the same properties. Compared to the IMA, there are also lower component distortions.

Collar joining is increasingly being used in connection with lightweight construction concepts, in particular in the automotive industry .