Silicone overmold plug

[Davemcguire]

I have a silicone plug that is molded over a small circuit board and needs to be pressed into a plastic housing WITHOUT USING ANY LUBRICANT. The plug measures ~ 2"l x .5"w x .75" deep. The plug has 3 horizontal and equally spaced ribs along the pressed in area. Currently the operation of pressing the plug into a plastic housing is being done by hand. A real operator killing process. I'm trying to press the plug in using an automated air driven press but I'm not able to seat the plug all the way with out it springing back. The ribs are also no longer running parallel and are up swept towards the outside.
Any idea's or suggestions would be great.
THanks
Dave

 

[patprimmer]

Fix the fit of the ribs.

Heat the female part.

Regards
Pat
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[Compositepro]

Make a fixture with slots that fit the ribs tightly so that when you insert your plug you push on the ribs rather than the plug. The slots keep the ribs from distorting.