Category Archives: Aerospace Fasteners

In modern aviation, designers constantly pursue weight reductions to improve fuel efficiency, enhance performance and lower operational costs. A significant contributor to this effort is the use of lightweight fasteners, small components that play a pivotal role in making aircraft lighter without compromising structural integrity or safety. The Role of Lightweight Fasteners in Aircraft Design Aircraft are complex systems composed of thousands of parts that must work together under extreme conditions. Traditional metal fasteners like steel bolts and nuts have been the standard for decades. However, the demand for lighter alternatives (due to fuel efficiency and performance goals) has spurred the development of advanced materials and methods that balance strength and weight reduction. Lightweight fasteners, such as those made from

As electric aircraft begin to take centre stage, the aerospace industry is experiencing a transformative shift. The need for more sustainable (and quieter) air travel is growing, changing the fastener requirements needed for these cleaner vehicles. As such, these specialised fasteners become critical components that ensure the structural integrity and precision of cutting-edge aviation designs. The Basics of Fasteners in Aircraft Construction In aircraft construction, fasteners hold everything together – from the fuselage to the landing gear. But with electric aircraft, fastener requirements are more stringent due to the unique materials used and the need for lightweight (and strong) components. Screws, bolts, rivets and lockbolts play critical roles in aerospace, and with each comes a set of standards, like those

Fastener Failure Analysis: Understanding Causes and Prevention In the world of aerospace engineering and beyond, the reliability of fasteners is paramount. Fasteners such as bolts, screws, and rivets play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of various applications, from aircraft to industrial machinery. However, despite advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques, fastener failures still occur, posing risks of catastrophic consequences. In this article, we delve into the realm of fastener failure analysis, exploring the various failure modes, causes, and preventive measures. Understanding Fastener Failure Modes Fastener failures can manifest in several ways, each indicative of distinct underlying causes. Among the most common failure modes are mechanical failure, fatigue failure, and corrosion-related failure. Mechanical failure occurs when

Explore the significance of selecting fasteners for extreme conditions, ensuring reliable performance and durability in challenging environments.

In the 1480s, Leonardo da Vinci drew over 100 illustrations that constituted the first real studies on human flight. One of these, a pen-and-ink sketch of a flying machine similar to a modern helicopter, contained what da Vinci called an ‘aerial screw’ – perhaps the first true aircraft fastener type, similar to a water screw but working in the air instead of water. Fast forward 541 years and the number of domestic and global airline flights worldwide is an estimated 22.2 million (in 2021). And with the demand for more affordable flights, the aerospace industry is growing at a rapid pace – and with it, the need for more specialised aircraft fastener types. The number of aircraft fasteners (bolt or screws, rivets,