Adjustable feet supporting Dyson's new CR01 washing machine are screwed
into special pierce nuts, which ensure that the corrosion resistant
properties of the base plate are not compromised
Dyson's new CR01 contra-rotating drum washing machine has a base plate
manufactured from pressed 1mm Zintec sheet metal, a material chosen for
its corrosion resistance. The side panels of this innovative domestic
appliance are also fabricated in the material. The base plate also
provides mounting points for the washer's adjustable feet, which are used
to level the machine and ensure its stability during operation.
The search for a suitable way to mount the feet pointed Dyson's design
team towards a number of assembly options. The first to be discounted was
weld nuts, because this would have required a switch to mild steel for
the base plate, with a corresponding reduction in corrosion resistance.
Rivet nuts, too, were investigated, but the team finally chose a method
widely used in the automotive industry - pierce nuts - and invited Profil
to join the project.
To overcome the problems of 'chatter' and loss of adjustment due to
machine vibration, Profil recommended the specification of its RSF type
pierce nuts, which have standard nylon threaded inserts. The first stage
of the installation sequence involves loading the pre-formed plates into
a jig at a dedicated station, where the pierce nuts are located by hand
and pressed into position using purpose designed swaging tools. Dyson's
Andrea Coggins, who was responsible for the CR01 cabinet development, is
pleased with the performance of the fastening.
The mechanical forming operation results in very secure fastenings,
which display extremely high resistance to pull-out and torque loads. The
Profil solution also offers us the option of further process automation
as we ramp up production to meet increased customer demand.