New Metal Plastic Technology for Front End Modules

This paper presents a new type of link for an engineered structure which combines a stamped metal component and an injection molded, thermoplastic part. The joining of the two dissimilar materials is accomplished during the injection using features already stamped into the metal component. This allows the structure to be lighter and cheaper than a structure assembled by fasteners.

What will be highlighted in this document is the development of this specific link, from prototyping of the concept through the industrialization of the test samples, the concept validation and, finally the realization of a mass production part. A comparative study versus an existing technology will be shown to demonstrate the enhanced performance of this technology. Currently, the targeted application of this technology is a Front End carrier.