Five Things: Assembly Fasteners
1 // ALUMINUM INSERTS FOR PLASTIC ASSEMBLY
SPIROL has introduced a new series of molded-in inserts for plastic assemblies. The rugged design of the Series 63 through-hole inserts and Series 65 blind-end inserts consists of multiple bands of helical knurls to maximize torque resistance, balanced with radial undercuts to achieve high pull-out force. These inserts are designed to be placed in the mold cavity prior to plastic injection, and offer exceptional performance due to unrestricted plastic flow into the retention features on the outside diameter of the inserts.
The inserts are made from 2024 grade aluminum. The material is 40 percent stronger than brass, but one-third its weight. Standard metric thread sizes include M4, M5, M6 and M8. Standard inch thread sizes include 8-32, 10-24, 1/4-20, and 5/16-18.
2 // SELF-CLINCHING FASTENER NEEDS NO HOLE
Turkish fastener manufacturer Fecon R&D and Engineering Service Ltd. has introduced a new self-clinching fastener, the 3Fs, that can be installed in thin metal sheets and does not require a hole in the base material. Installation consists of two operations—forming and folding. During forming, the sheet metal is shaped by a punch. In the folding operation, a specially designed fastener is pressed into the pre-shaped metal from the opposite direction of the forming operation. The punch creates high plastic deformation in the sheet, so that the fastener is not exposed to high forces. The fastener provides a leakproof connection, since there is no hole in the base material.
3 // WASHER STAYS PUT
The Stay‑Put Washer from ND Industries holds a fastener or multiple components in-place before final assembly. Unlike plastic retaining washers, Stay‑Put Washers are metal, allowing for proper load distribution. They exhibit a low installation force while still providing excellent retention of the washer to the threaded fastener. A dry-to-the-touch flexible polymer is bonded to the inner surface of a washer at 120-degree intervals. This geometry keeps the fastener centered in the washer opening and ensures a secure hold. The washer can be installed and removed five times or more without a significant loss of retaining force.
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4 // TOOL INSTALLS SELF-PIERCING RIVETS, WELDING ELEMENTS
The cordless, electro-hydraulic Portable C setting tool from Bollhoff Inc. installs the company’s RIVSET self-piercing rivets and WELTAC resistance welding elements. Installation pressure is digitally set and controlled. The tool informs the user when the target pressure is reached and the process cycle is completed. If the target pressure is exceeded, the tool issues a visual and audible alarm. Base units provide force levels of 10 to 50 kilonewtons or 40 to 80 kilonewtons.
5 // $16.5 Billion
U.S. sales of industrial fasteners will total $16.5 billion by 2023, according to the Freedonia Group. The market is expected to grow at a cumulative annual rate of 2.7 percent over the next three years.
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