Bonding a plastic handle to a surgical knife

Objective

Bonding handle of a stainless steel surgical knife into a plastic handle

End Product

scalpel

Equipment

• Ambrell 4.2 kW induction heating system, equipped with a remote workhead containing one 0.66µF capacitor.

• An induction heating coil designed and developed specifically for this application. 

Materials

Plastic tool handle, 0.125” (3.18mm) diameter steel knife 

Temperature

450 ºF (232 ºC)

Frequency

390 kHz

Testing

A four turn split helical coil is used for this application. Power is applied to the steel knife for 2.0 seconds to reach 450 ºF (232 ºC). The steel knife is then inserted into the plastic handle to create a solid bond. 

Benefits

• Fast, accurate, repeatable heat • Able to heat very small areas within precise production tolerances

• Hands-free heating that involves no operator skill for manufacturing

• Even distribution of heating

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