Welcome to the expansive world of rivets. A rivet is a highly effective mechanical fastener comprised of a cylindrical stem on one end and the head on the other. As leaders in fastening technology, Bossard offers years of experience and knowledge designed to help you confidently make the best fastening decision for your application. Let’s take a closer look at three main types of rivets:

• Blind Rivets
• Blind Rivet Nuts
• Lock Bolts
  
  

Blind Rivets

Also known as break stem rivets, blind rivets are simply tubular fasteners with a mandrel in the middle. To apply blind rivets, they must be inserted into pre-drilled holes in the parts that are to be joined with a special tool that draws the mandrel through the rivet’s body. Then the blind end will expand, and the mandrel will be snapped off.

One of the most desirable attributes of blind rivets is they only require a one-sided exit. This is a massive benefit because most fastening solutions will require a two-sided exit. There are several different types of blind rivets, including:

1. Non-structural: Engineered for applications with medium requirements regarding tensile and shear force.
2. Structural: Employed by applications that have a higher requirement regarding tensile and shear force.
3. Speed: Used in applications where manufacturing speed is paramount. These types of rivets are suitable for applications with low requirements for tensile and shear force. 
   
   

Applications for Non-Structural Rivets vs Structural Rivets

The difference between these two types is the breaking point of the mandrel. On structural rivets, the breaking point is predefined and breaks always above the sheer edge of the application material. Also, the mandrel is mechanically locked inside the blind rivet body, which means it never falls out. The design of a structural rivet ensures the mandrel always supports the mechanical force/resistance in terms of shear and tensile forces regarding the fastening point. 

A Closer Look at Speed Rivets

As the name suggests, speed rivets are used where manufacturing speed is necessary, and there are no high requirements for tensile and shear force within the application. The biggest advantage of utilizing speed rivets against other types of blind rivets is you don’t have to reload the installation gun each time you want to install it. 

Blind Rivet Nuts

Blind rivet nuts are multifunctional fasteners. At first, blind rivet nuts can perform like a blind rivet — fastening two or more materials together with only a one-sided exit. However, the key advantage of using blind rivet nuts is their versatility in working with a vast range of materials.

Specifically, they can be used to bring in a strong and reliable thread into a thin or thick sheet metal plate, profile, composite, or plastics where thread forming is impossible. There are many types on the market. 

• Standard rivet nuts with an open-end
• Standard blind rivet nuts
  
  

Lock Bolts

As a high-strength fastening solution, lock bolts consist of a separate pin and collar that are mechanically locked during the installation process. These fasteners boast the ability to withstand the toughest applications and environments that traditional screw and rivet joints wouldn’t be able to perform. Lock bolts also offer excellent resistance to vibration and material fatigue. 

Ready to learn more about choosing the best rivet for your application? Watch our latest video — Rivet Technology from Bossard — and then reach out to the Bossard team for tailored fastening solutions. 

 

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Should I Use Weld Nuts, Self-Clinching Nuts, or Blind Rivet Nuts?

3 Types of Rivet Nut Tools for Assembly

No matter your industry or segment, protecting what needs to be protected is critical. And when it comes to different access locking and control solutions, the team at Bossard can and will help. Our seasoned team of access locking and control engineers specialize in helping other engineers and product developers create more secure and reliable solutions.

Let’s take a quick look at a few key types of access locking and control solutions. To see these mechanisms in action in everyday scenarios, watch our latest video: Access Solutions from Bossard. 

 

What Is a Cam Latch?

The cam latch is a relatively simple locking mechanism designed to secure access to entry points and panels. Cam latches are made up of a latch and body that rotates when actuated to release or secure.

What Are Draw Latches and Hinges? 

Draw latches function by leveraging the simple principle of drawing two parts or items together by using tension. The key parts of a draw latch assembly are:

 

• The blade, which can be a wire-formed loop, hooked plate, or another mechanism. 
• The keeper, which is a hooked plate engineered to receive the blade. 
• The hinge, which is discussed in more detail below. 

With a draw latch, the tension is established when the blade is connected to the keeper and then clamped down. For most draw latches, the tension is released as the latch is rotated into a vertical position; while the horizontal position usually results in tension being applied. 

What Is a Friction Hinge?

The friction hinge — also called a torque hinge — is an important access locking and control solution designed to provide resistance to the pivoting motion of the hinge. These mechanisms are used for holding doors, lids, panels, and display devices at certain angles for long periods. 

What Is a Gas Spring?

Also called the pressure gas spring, gas pressure damper, and gas damper, gas springs are designed to solve simple to complex requirements for closing, opening, tilting, and damping tables, flaps, loungers, or seats. Unlike other mechanical springs that use elastic deformation, gas springs rely on compressed gas located inside an enclosed cylinder that is sealed with a sliding piston that pneumatically stores potential energy. At the same time, this design enables the gas spring to withstand external forces applied parallel to the direction of the piston shaft. 

Contact Bossard for Customized Access Solutions

At Bossard, we are your experienced manufacturing partner. We are home to a vast range of tailored access solutions designed for an array of applications. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for solutions or guidance at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. And feel free to watch our latest YouTube video — Access Solutions from Bossard — to see many of our actual access and locking solutions in everyday scenarios. 

 

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Operating and Control Elements for Your Application

Access Solutions from Bossard

A thread rolling screw (TRS) is a type of threaded fastener that utilizes threads to reliably and securely fasten different materials. These types of screws create threads in the material by forcing the material outward. As a result, they are most popular in applications where you want to avoid loose chips that are typically created by thread-cutting screws.

What Are They?

Unlike traditional screws, thread rolling screws do not require a pre-tapped hole. As a member of the tapping screw family, these fasteners “roll” or form their own threads by displacing the material instead of removing it. The name “thread rolling screw” is typically reserved for self-tapping screws that have a coarse pitch and a standard machine screw thread form.

What’s the Difference Between a Standard Bolt and a Thread Rolling Screw?

While a standard bolt and thread rolling screw can appear to be similar, there are distinct differences. 

Standard M10 Metric Flange Screw

Pictured above is a standard M10 metric flange screw. This type of screw can be threaded into a tapped hole or a mating nut. With this type of screw, make sure to recognize how the lead thread is rounded and uniform. 

Thread Rolling Screw

The screws pictured above are both thread rolling screws and will create their own threads into the properly prepared light metal or steel. With thread rolling screws, it’s important to recognize the triangular shape to the point. You should also notice the distinct tapering of the first two to three threads.

The unique tapered lead threads and different shapes are instrumental in helping start rolling threads in the mating material. Although several different point styles can be used with thread rolling screws, they must all meet performance specifications in the corresponding fastener standards such as: 

• SAE J1237 or
• DIN 7500

Key Characteristics of Thread Rolling Screws

Thread rolling screws are typically case-hardened. This attribute allows them to create threads into ductile metals that may be up to twice their diameter. The surface hardness of the screw must be harder than the material it’s being threaded into. And thread rolling screws are not ideal for brittle materials, such as cast iron. 

Understanding the Fastener Hole

When using thread-forming fasteners, hole preparation is paramount. The hole size can vary based on the thickness and type of material. Because of this, it’s vital to refer to foundational literature, such as the chart below: 

You can view this table and other technical literature on the technical section of our website at www.bossard.com.

When creating a pilot hole, the displacement of the material at the entrance of the hole must be taken into consideration. One tip is to add a countersink to the hole, so the bulge isn’t created upon thread forming. The creation of a bulge could result in the parts not seating flat against each other.  

Contact Bossard for Thread Rolling Screws

When deciding whether to use thread-rolling screws, it’s important to evaluate the needs of your application. And the engineers at Bossard offer decades of experience providing expert guidance in all matters involving fasteners and thread rolling screws. 

For more information on Thread Rolling Screws or any type of fasteners, check out www.bossard.com or contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

 

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4 Types of Thread Forming Screws for Your Applications

Locking Fastener Methods to Secure Your Applications: Additional

Small Changes Sometimes Upset Industrial Processes

Thermoplastic materials can produce a wide array of products that get used in industrial processes, including auto manufacturing. When an automaker wants to make a design change to an existing injection molding tool, there may be costly consequences.

This was exactly the case when an automotive client came to us a few months ago with a thread-forming fastener request for their PC+ABS thermoplastic assembly.

Not Enough Space for the Ideal Type of Screw

Since they had already made the tooling for their injection molding process, they wanted us to try and fit a screw into their existing design. The existing hole diameter was 5mm with space for an 8mm long screw. However, the recommended thread engagement length for this type of screw in thermoplastic materials was 10mm, or roughly twice the diameter. In addition, they had space constraints around the head of the screw. They needed us to find a solution and supply fasteners quickly for a rapid ramp-up.

Simulation Technology Reveals a Solution

To resolve the space constraint issues around the head of the screw, we considered using flat head screws. However, our simulation technology showed that switching to a Torx head screw with a round washer head was the only option suitable to achieve the performance requirements for their soft thermoplastic material.

Production Starts with Proper Parts in Place

Ultimately the customer did have to make minor changes to the existing boss, but once the design was finalized, we located inventory of the thread forming Torx screws quickly for prototypes and testing. Today we are supplying parts for production.

For more information about automotive fastener needs in thermoplastic materials, email us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com to speak with a Bossard engineer.

Bolts are often the fastener of choice for applications requiring robust connections. At Bossard, we offer bolts with a wide variety of attributes, making it important to know which bolts are most effective for a particular application. This brief rundown highlights the common types of bolts and their most frequent applications.

Anchor Bolts – These bolts feature a thread on one end and a non-threaded L or split shape on the other end. Commonly used to secure materials and equipment to concrete and masonry.

Carriage Bolts – Commonly used for metal-to-wood or wood-to-wood fastening, these bolts feature a square neck undercut that keeps them from turning when tightened.

Elevator Bolts – Similar to carriage bolts, but with a thin, flat, or countersunk head. These bolts find use throughout the RV and camping industries, as well as in conveyor systems, elevators, and bucket lifts.

Eye Bolts – Used as connection points for rigging, anchoring, and hoisting applications.

Flange Bolts – Used to connect plumbing pipes and in the assembly of truck and bed frames.

Hex Bolts – A versatile bolt with a slim six-sided hexagonal head. Commonly used in a broad range of industries.

J-Bolts – A J-shaped bolt with a non-curved threaded section. Used for structural applications.

Lag Bolts – A self-piercing bolt that creates its own threads in wood timber and other soft materials.

Plow Bolts – Features a countersunk flat bolt head with a square neck undercut. Used in applications demanding a smooth top surface.

Shoulder Bolts – These bolts feature an unthreaded shank that lets pulleys, gears, and other rotating parts move freely.

Structural Bolts – Similar to hex bolts but with shorter thread lengths. Commonly used in bridge construction and other structural applications.

T-Bolts – Features a T-shaped head that’s easily held in place with a wrench or fitted into a slot.

Toggle Bolts – Known as a butterfly anchor thanks to its expanding wing nut, these bolts are popular for mounting heavy objects to plaster, drywall, and hollow masonry.

U-Bolts – Also known as bent bolts, these are commonly used to support liquid and gas pipework. U-bolts are also used in the automotive industry to support exhaust pipes and mufflers.

To learn more about the different types of bolts, their uses, and which types best suit your needs, contact Bossard at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

FAQs About Fastener Stainless Steel Composition

If you have questions about fastener stainless steel composition, the team at Bossard is your one-stop center for reliable answers. We’ve fielded and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about fastener stainless steel composition. Continue reading to learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to Bossard with any additional questions.

What Is Stainless Steel Made Of?  

Stainless steel is a family of reliable, iron-based alloys that are made up of at least 11.5% chromium as well as other elements, including:

• Titanium
• Nickel
• Selenium
• Molybdenum
• Manganese
• Sulfur
• And more

The chromium is primarily responsible for corrosion resistance, while the other alloying elements can be used to bolster certain characteristics regarding fabricability, strength, and heat resistance. 

In total, there are over 60 different types of commercial stainless steel acknowledged by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) as basic varieties. In addition to those, there is a seemingly wide range of exclusive and special analysis stainless steel produced throughout the US. 

How Are Different Stainless Steels Identified?

The majority of AISI stainless steels utilize a system of numbers for identification, such as 400 Series. Simultaneously, they are identified by the United Numbering System. For instance, while AISI’s moniker may be Type 304 stainless steel, the UNS may identify it as Type S30400. All exclusive stainless-steel blends and special analysis blends are identified by trade names.

In general, there are five main groups of stainless steels:

• Duplex stainless steel
• Austenitic stainless steel
• Precipitation hardening stainless steel
• Martensitic stainless steel
• Ferritic stainless steel

What Is the Most Popular Stainless-Steel Composition?

Most austenitic stainless steels are recognized as having excellent corrosion resistance. For instance, Type 304 stainless steels are highly popular and are the most frequently used material that can resist ordinary rusting. At the same time, it’s immune to dyestuffs, most organic chemicals, foodstuffs, sterilizing solutions, and a host of other chemicals. 

These stainless steels are used in many industries because they boast the ability to maintain product purity with minimal pollution. Some of the most common industries that use 304 stainless steel include:

• Electronic chip industries
• Food and beverage
• Medicine

How Should I Choose the Best Stainless Steel for My Fastener or Application?

When it comes to choosing the best stainless steel, taking the all-purpose approach rarely works. You can, however, use the following chart to help narrow down your choice of stainless-steel materials based on the usually important dimension of corrosion resistance: 

Category	Type	Resistance to Corrosion
Austenitic	316 Stainless Steel	Superior
Duplex	2205 Stainless Steel	Superior
Austenitic	304 Stainless Steel	Excellent
Precipitation Hardened	17-4 Stainless Steel	Excellent
Ferritic	430 Stainless Steel	Good
Martensitic	410 Stainless Steel	Fair

Above all, it’s imperative to choose your stainless-steel composition based on tests and trials performed under the actual working environment and conditions. 

Contact Bossard today at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com for assistance selecting the best stainless steel. 

Our staff of Application Engineers look at the ins and outs of fasteners every day. They’ve been able to help our customers solve some of their most intricate challenges when it comes to product design and product development and how fasteners play a role in that. Here are four tips from Bossard Application Engineer Jon Dabney.

1)      Matching Property Classes

When looking at bolted joints you must be using the correct matching property classes for the bolt or screw, nut, and washer. If you do not consider this, you can have a pre-mature failure while the joint is in service.

You want to make sure that the nut is always stronger than the bolt. The reason being is a nut failure is a delayed failure and not something you will typically see right away as you would with a bolt. A way of doing this is pairing them appropriately 8.8 and class 8/10.9 and 10. 

Incorrect washer strength for the property class of the bolt. When you have too soft of a washer paired with a higher property class bolt it can cause embedment which will result in a decrease in preload in the joint which can cause failures.

2)      Standard Fasteners

When designing the fastening joint, it is important to design around standards that will govern the material, tolerances, and performance of the fastener. It can greatly increase the cost and lead time of the fastener when going away from the industry standard. What might be a slight change on the drawing can quickly go from a standard cold-headed part to a costly machined part.

3)      Assembly Considerations

When designing the fastening joint, it is important for industrial designers to take into consideration the manufacturability of the joint. Balancing the time it takes to assemble and reducing the complexity of the area of the assembly will greatly reduce the total cost of the joint itself. A good practice is to ask this simple question: How do I put this together?

4)      Consider Using Multifunctional Fasteners to Reduce Total Cost of Ownership

By using features that help with assembly speed and other multifunctional fasteners such as a dog point, MAThread®, pre-applied patches, thread forming screws, SEMS screws and the many other options can help reduce the total cost of the joint by reducing assembly time and removing processes.

If you have any questions about how to design successful products, please reach out to us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.