Threaded Inserts

FASTEKS® Compression Limiters

Compression limiters are components that limit compressive forces on molded plastic parts, preventing overloading of the material. They are used in various industries that rely on plastics or where metal is increasingly replaced by plastics and composites.

Four different types of FASTEKS compression limiters in oval and round shapes with and without head on a light grey background with the FASTEKS logo.
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Two people discussing design of a fastener.

Why Do You Need Compression Limiters?

When you tighten bolts during the assembly process, you generate compressive loads and forces that can impact plastic materials. Compression limiters prevent the integrity of your plastic component from being compromised in that process.

We offer a standard range of FASTEKS® Compression Limiters for press-in and mould-in installation, suitable for screw diameters of M4 - M10.

Benefits of FASTEKS® Compression Limiters

Benefits

Protect Materials

from becoming overloaded.

Benefits

FASTEKS® compression limiters limit compressive forces on plastic molded parts and thus prevent the material from being overloaded.

Benefits

Increase

strength and durability.

Benefits

FASTEKS® compression limiters increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of plastic parts. They also increase their longevity by reducing the creep of thermoplastic molded parts over time and at elevated temperatures.

Benefits

Versatile Solution

Compression limiters are suitable for a wide range of applications.

Benefits

FASTEKS® compression limiters are used in various industries and can be adapted for a variety of applications.

FASTEKS® Compression Limiters Overview

FCL 1: FASTEKS® Compression limiters round, unheaded

A FASTEKS compression limiter in a round, unheaded version on white background.

The symmetrical design of the unheaded version allows a bi-directional installation without the need to orientate the part.

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A FASTEKS compression limiter in a round, unheaded version on white background.

FCL 2: FASTEKS® Compression limiters round, headed

A FASTEKS compression limiter in a round version with head on white background.

The headed version comes with an increased contact area which provides a higher resistance to axial loads.

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A FASTEKS compression limiter in a round version with head on white background.

FCL 3: FASTEKS® Compression limiters oval, unheaded

A FASTEKS compression limiter in an oval, unheaded version on white background.

The oval versions provide additional flexibility over round compression limiters for centerline and stack-up tolerancing. The symmetrical design of the unheaded version allows a bi-directional installation without the need to orientate the part.

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A FASTEKS compression limiter in an oval, unheaded version on white background.

FCL 4: FASTEKS® Compression limiters oval, headed

A FASTEKS compression limiter in an oval, headed version on white background.

The headed version comes with an increased contact area which provides a higher resistance to axial loads as well as additional flexibility over round compression limiters for centerline and stack-up tolerancing.

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A FASTEKS compression limiter in an oval, headed version on white background.
Thumbnail Factsheet FASTEKS Compression Limiters

FASTEKS® Compression Limiters Factsheet

Download more information and find technical details about FASTEKS® Compression Limiters in our factsheet.

891.8 KB | pdf

More Information about Compression Limiters

Manufacturing Process and Assembly of Compression Limiters

There are various manufacturing processes such as cold extrusion, stamping, bending, turning as well as zinc die-casting. The compression limiter is either mounted using heat or ultrasound or pressed in.

The central external knurling of the compression limiter allows the plastic to flow progressively around and in the knurling during the molding process. For a press-in installation the non-knurled area ensures that the compression limiter is located squarely in the drilled or molded hole prior to the assembly.

FASTEKS® Compression limiters provide sufficient mechanical strength to withstand clamp forces created by a tightened ISO Class 10.9 screw. The special design and geometry of the parts ensure a compression of less than 1% of the overall length of the compression limiter under such conditions.

Selecting the Right Compression Limiter

It is important that the length of the spacer is carefully selected in relation to the plastic part and the counterparts so that the clamping force acting on the plastic is limited, and the plastic is not overloaded.

In addition, each compression limiter must be designed in relation to the material, the type of fastener and the two mating materials used for the particular application.

Special compression limiters reduce the effects of creep of thermoplastic molded parts over time and at elevated temperatures by maintaining a "metal-to-metal" contact that maintains a consistent clamping force.

The choice of manufacturing process and assembly method is critical to the quality of the end product and the safety of the application. Depending on the requirements, different processes and assembly methods can be selected to achieve the desired results.

We are happy to guide you to the right solution!