Separating Tangled Parts with a "V" Shaped Metal Clip

[Cordon - 2007]

That's a possible alternative, but it also presents its own set of problems, the main ones being exposure of base material when parts are stamped, and potential ductility issues in the forming operation. Of course, if the purpose of the plating is corrosion protection, stainless steel is also an option, but stainless might require passivation, which reintroduces the barrel-plating problem.

The OP did mention a hardening process (which I would assume is heat treat) then plating and then relief (hydrogen embrittlement, I assume again) so I don't think plating prior to stamping would be an option.

 

[JHagani]

Very good points.
But again, Stainless has its own problems too. If the part has a spring action, the difference in tensile strength, will change the spring rate.

There are too many uncertainities here to really come up with the exact solution.
We are just shooting ideas in the dark, based on our past experiences, trying to help.

Only the customer, and the end user with the manufacturer's advice and assistant can come up with a final decision to improve the part. We just hope our little brainstorming session can shed a little light on the subject.

 

[Jim Wynne]

Very good points.
Only the customer, and the end user with the manufacturer's advice and assistant can come up with a final decision to improve the part. We just hope our little brainstorming session can shed a little light on the subject.

Exactly.

 

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Great creative discussion, all This is the Cove at its best

But again, Stainless has its own problems too. If the part has a spring action, the difference in tensile strength, will change the spring rate.

Then again, it may not be a problem these days: High tensile stainless is available... I should know, working for a producer of the stuff.

/Claes

 

[Domoreto]

HI.
Honestly - I didn't expect such creative response. Thank you all.
Some additional explanations
- Clips are made using an Automatic bending machine “Koradi" (quite old, but beautiful peace of Italian equipment topic: when I first saw it - I thought of my Granny's Pedal Sawing Machine - (Singer)).
This dictates the requirement for softer material and the existing process flow ( Cordon - you've got it right)
- Plating (MFZn5C) does require tumbling. I'm researching the Wes's idea of quiescent plating (electroless nickel) at the moment. ( Plating is done in-house)
- At the moment - we are sorting the clips manually.
- I'll also try to cross the "spikes" inside the clip, this should make the tangling more difficult (I think, but untangling - impossible....), without great impact on the functionality(???). Need to coordinate this with the customer ( there are certain requirements for extraction effort etc.)
Thank you opne more time.

 

[Domoreto]

Hi.
Just to close the thread.
Revised the design - closed the "spikes" - that solved the problem.
Thanks for all your input.

http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/smilies/thankyou.gif

 

[Jim Wynne]

Hi.
Just to close the thread.
Revised the design - closed the "spikes" - that solved the problem.
Thanks for all your input.

http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/smilies/thankyou.gif

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you worked it out.

 

[Wes Bucey]

Hi.
Just to close the thread.
Revised the design - closed the "spikes" - that solved the problem.
Thanks for all your input.

http://elsmar.com/Forums/images/smilies/thankyou.gif

I also thank you for "closure." It makes our efforts at helping worthwhile.