THE PROBLEM

Locating tabs on a urethane cast part we produced broke during shipment on a time critical component.

THE PROBLEM

Reviewed requirements of Tab feature in relation to assemble components. Pick up parts at customer for immediate rework and re-delivery.

THE PROBLEM

Fortunately, the pins sheared off with a clean break and we were able to locate them in the original packaging. This clean break can be common for urethane cast parts under quick events of extreme stress due to the shorter polymeric chain present from the urethane resin post cure in a low pressure process. After assessing the damaged pins, we determined an appropriate dowel pin size to implement reinforcement in the area. A simple drilling operation to remove material in the part base and the loose pin coupled with a few dabs of CA glue. Since it was a difficult position of clamping we let it cure for a full 24 hours before delivering back to the customer. We also came up with a custom packaging crown for this specific area to ensure future rounds didn’t experience the same issues.