A staking machine is one of our best solutions for any company looking to fasten components together. The components become mechanically locked together when a plastic stud, located on one component, is placed through a hole in a second component and is deformed back down onto the second component. Staking is a quick and economical process that produces consistent results. It also benefits from having no consumable parts (i.e. Rivets, Screws) and the ability to attach a wide variety of materials.

The flexibility of staking allows for a finished part with almost endless achievable results, both aesthetically and structurally. The studs can be reformed in many shapes, including a dome head, flared head and hollow head. The stud can also be formed flush to the part.

We offer the following staking techniques each with their own unique advantages.

Hot Air Staking is definitely the simplest technique. Compressed air is heated and blown onto the stud to sufficiently soften it; the stud is then reformed with the staking tool. The tool is removed from the stud once it has had time to solidify. Joints made with hot air staking have good aesthetic appearance and are structurally very strong. Hot air staking is also the cheapest option of the three, its only weakness is a slightly slower cycle time.

Ultrasonic Staking is the fastest of our staking methods. With this method, the heat to soften the stud comes from friction between the plastic and the staking tool face, which is vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies. Ultrasonic staking is faster than hot air because there isn’t any need for cool down time between cycles. This method also produces very nice cosmetic results. The downside to this option is that its costs are higher and the setup and maintenance are also more involved. Sometimes the quantity and positioning of the studs also becomes an issue due to the importance of controlling the ultrasonic vibrations with this method.

Infrared Staking uses concentrated infrared light to heat the stud, which is then staked. This method is very contained and therefore can be used in delicate situations where areas surrounding the joint can’t be exposed to heat or vibration. As with ultrasonic staking, infrared staking is very quick due to it not needing cool down time. This method is more expensive than hot air staking and is also limited by the opacity of the stud, since translucent materials will not be sufficiently affected by the light.