Fastener Technology

Fastening Solutions for Automotive Applications

bigHead Bonding Fasteners

Fastening Solutions for Automotive Applications: bigHead Bonding Fasteners

When looking into a fastener, ultimately, you want one that is reliable, secure and it is efficient with your time. Solutions like bigHead have been developed to ensure you have a reliable fastener, even if it the situation isn’t as straightforward. Recently, there have been some changes in how the automotive industry has been building vehicles. These changes require better fastening solutions.

Changes in Building in the Automotive Industry

Like every industry, the automotive industry is always trying to improve the way they do things. For a while now, performance cars have used lightweight composite materials to improve performance in those vehicles.

Now, however, many high-end and luxury car manufacturers are looking to use those lighter materials as well. These luxury manufacturers want to reduce CO2 emissions, improve fuel efficiency and improve safety features. Decreasing the weight of these vehicles through composite materials will help achieve these ends.

To make this material change would mean to change production and assembly procedures. The only potential problem with this change is automakers finding the right fasteners to work with these composite materials, and a fastener that can keep up with quick assembly procedures. This is where bigHead comes in; these fasteners were designed to as a quick and easy solution for tough fastening applications.

Fastening Solutions like bigHead

bigHead has developed new production techniques to fit specifically with the changes in the automotive industry’s needs. The following are advantages of bigHead for the automotive industry.

  • bigHead fasteners can be securely and reliably bonded to CFRP panels with no special curing conditions.
  • Bonding times can be as little as 6 seconds or 15 seconds.
  • The results are completely invisible for the A-side panel with no holes or shadowing.
  • The bigHeads perforated head design allows adhesive to flow through the holes and firmly lock the fastener with high load distribution and excellent stability.
  • bigHead can be a highly precise application that doesn’t have to compromise the panel form or structural design.

These fastening solutions were created with automotive applications in mind. The needs of the automotive industry and automotive applications have been anticipated and bigHead provides the solutions. If you have questions about bigHead fastening solutions, reach out to us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard
February 24, 2017
Transportation, Fastener Technology, Composites
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Galling Definition: What is It and How to Prevent It

preventing galling with bossard

The galling definition is an interaction (usually negative) between two materials as they slide past each other. It is also known as cold welding which occurs frequently in mating threads of similar materials and surface conditions. Stainless steel fasteners are the most prone to galling but can also occur with aluminum and titanium as well.

Prevention of galling simply involves changing the surface condition of one of the mating components. If dealing with aluminum, changing the alloy of one of the components is sometimes enough. Hardening to create a difference in the mating surfaces is another option. Lubricants are also good deterrents of galling.

However, there are several ways in which you can prevent or minimize galling. Check out the infographic below for those solutions.

top coats for preventing galling

Take some time to think about preventing galling when you are assembling your next project. It will save you time, effort, and money in the long run. In order to find out more about preventing galling, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard
February 10, 2017
Galling, Fastener Technology, Lubricants
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Blind Rivet Nuts for Lightweight Applications

blind rivet nuts

A blind rivet nut is known for its use in projects where you have only one-sided accessibility. This nut allows easy assembly when you don’t have access to multiple sides of your project. They can be used in a wide variety of projects and a variety of different industries.

There are very clear benefits to using blind rivet nuts, some of these include:

  • Simple blind installation
  • Fast assembly time
  • Low assembly costs
  • Close-to-edge application
  • A secure hold is provided
  • No surface damage

With the advantages of blind rivet nuts, it can be easy to see why they would be useful. They are particularly beneficial in lightweight applications that can only be accessed from one side. Blind rivet nuts are great for soft materials like plastic, fiber glass and aluminum. This is because blind rivet nuts are relatively soft, but they are great in those materials because they can fit snuggly and they have the strength to hold properly.

Some good projects to use blind rivet nuts include cabinets, pipes, benches, fans, metal enclosures, heating installations, and air conditioning. Blind rivet nuts are also used in the automotive industry, the aerospace industry and many others. These fasteners are versatile and they carry a great number of benefits.

If you have questions about blind rivet nuts or how you can apply them to your next project, reach out to us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com.

Bossard
February 03, 2017
Fastener Technology
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Is it Safe to Reuse Screws?

reuse screws

For many of us, the default is to try to reuse materials from previous projects to save on costs and because we already have those materials around. However, is it safe to reuse screws?

Check out this video for some quick rules on when you should or should not reuse screws:

As the video said, do NOT reuse screws if

  • They have exceeded the yield point
  • They have wear and tear from external loads
  • They will be used in critical applications

You can reuse screws, but if you are worried about the integrity of the screw, it might be best to get new fasteners.

If you have a specific question about a project or situation, reach out to us and we can give you the benefit of our expertise. Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com with any questions or concerns about fastener reuse!

Bossard
January 27, 2017
Quality Practices, Fastener Technology
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Surface Bonding Solutions by bigHead®

surface bonding solutions

If you are in a situation where you cannot allow your fastener to be embedded, a surface bonding fastener is the way to go. There are many options for surface bonding fasteners created by bigHead®. This can be an effective and also discrete solution that will allow you to keep the structural integrity of your product.

How Surface Bonding with bigHead® Fasteners Works

Your bigHead® fasteners are discrete and strong. How do they work? They are surface bonded with a structural adhesive. This gives you the fastener where you need it, and it makes it completely invisible from the other side. You will have no rivets, drill holes or visible shadows from surface bonding the bigHead®.

This fastener is designed with a perforated head, so the glue can flow through the holes and lock it into position. There are a wide range of designs and sizes available as standard or custom made for specific applications.

Benefits of Surface Bonding with bigHead®

Benefits of surface bonding with bigHead® are numerous and include:

  • Discreetness because the fastener will not be visible from the other side
  • No holes in the material so you can keep the structural integrity
  • No loosening or rattling of the fastener through vibration
  • Optimal design because the fastener can be designed specifically for the application
  • Easy to apply with no specialized tools required
  • Optimal tensile and torsional loading, depending on the head design and adhesive used

There are a lot of reasons to choose surface bonding with bigHead®. This is a great fastening solution if you need something more discrete or if your project is working with composite materials. If you have questions about surface bonding or any other type of fastening solution, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. Happy fastening!

Bossard
January 20, 2017
Fastener Technology, Composites
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Rust and Stainless Steel Fasteners

Can stainless steel rust

Stainless steel is so named because it is corrosion resistant; it is a term used to define steels that are very resistant to tarnishing and rusting. In stainless steel, there is a high percentage of chromium that helps form a thin chromium oxide layer that prevents corrosion.

Many people use stainless steel because of its resistance to corroding elements. Even if the surface of your project is damaged, the chromium will react with oxygen to create a new protective layer that resists rust and corrosion.

Can stainless steel rust? While for the most part stainless steel resists rust and corrosion, if the stainless steel is not sufficiently alloyed for the environment, it cannot maintain the thin layer that helps prevent corrosion. However, stainless steel is more resistant to rust and other corrosive materials than many metals. If chosen probably your stainless steel fastening solutions should last you a long time and they should fight off corrosion.

If you are looking to replace your current fasteners or you are curious about whether stainless steel would be a good choice in your next project, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. We are happy to help answer your questions and find you a fastening solution that works well with your current project.

Bossard
January 06, 2017
Corrosion, Fastener Technology
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A Closer Look at Austenitic Stainless Steel

austenitic stainless steel

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Austenitic Stainless Steel

When picking the fastener for your next project, you are going to want to consider the material it is made of. Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is an alloy that combines carbon grades with chromium and nickel. To be Stainless Steel, the alloy must contain at least 10.5% chromium. Austenitic is a type of Stainless Steel. Let’s take a closer look at Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Austenitic Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steel has a chromium content between 15% and 20% and a nickel content between 5% and 19% and offers a higher degree of corrosion resistance than the other two types of stainless. The tensile strength of austenitic stainless steel varies between 72,000 psi and 115,000 psi (500 MPa to 800 MPa). 18-8 stainless steel is a type of austenitic stainless that contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This group includes AISI grades 302, 303, 304, 304L, and 316.

Consider using Austenitic Stainless Steel in projects that need corrosion resistance or projects that involve exposure to high heat. Do you still have questions about fastener materials? Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com and we can set you up with the fastening solution that will fit just right.

Bossard
December 23, 2016
Quality Practices, Fastener Technology
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A Closer Look at Stainless Steel

stainless steel

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Stainless Steel

Should I use Stainless Steel for fastening in my next project? That’s a good question. Fasteners come in a variety of materials and it is important to consider your project before you decide what material to use for it.

Many fastening options involve steel. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel. Let’s take a closer look at Stainless Steel.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is made up of alloy steels that contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. The presence of chromium creates an invisible surface film that resists oxidation and makes the metal corrosion resistant. If the surface is damaged, it rebuilds itself in the presence of oxygen. It is important to understand the self-healing process because stainless steel used in a low oxygen surrounding is susceptible to aggressive influences if the protective surface layer becomes damaged.

Stainless steel is divided into three classes: Austenitic, Martensitic and Ferritic.

Stainless Steel fasteners are a good option when you need a fastener with high corrosion resistance because these fasteners will not easily deteriorate. If you have questions about Stainless Steel fasteners or need help in deciding on a fastener, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. Our experts can help you get the materials you need for a successful project.

Bossard
December 16, 2016
Quality Practices, Fastener Technology
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A Closer Look at Alloy Steel

alloy steel

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Alloy Steel

There are a lot of fastener options out there. When picking the fastener for your next project, you are going to want to consider the material it is made of. Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel.

Carbon Steel
Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel are all types of Carbon Steel. They are separated into these three groups because the mechanical properties of these fasteners are based on the amount of carbon in the fastener.

The vast majority of fasteners that are manufactured use carbon steel. This is because it is inexpensive, but also because it has a broad range of strength capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at one type of Carbon Steel: Alloy Steel.

Alloy Steel
Alloy steel is carbon steel that contains additives such as boron, manganese, chromium, silicon, etc. Additions of these elements improve the capacity of alloys to be heat treated to a wide range of strength and ductility combinations. However, the higher the strength the great the risk of hydrogen embrittlement if plated.

Alloy steels have a tensile strength in excess of 150,000 psi (1034 MPa).

SAE Grade 8 (metric class 10.9, 12.9) fasteners are made from alloy steel with AISI grades 4137, 4140, 4340, and 5140 falling into this category.

Still have some questions about fastener materials? Contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com if you have questions. We are here to make sure your projects go smoothly!

Bossard
December 09, 2016
Quality Practices, Fastener Technology
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A Closer Look at Medium Carbon Steel

medium carbon steel

Fastener Materials: A Closer Look at Medium Carbon Steel

What is the best material to use as a fastening solution for your next project? There are a lot of things to consider when asking yourself that question because you have a lot of options.

Many of our options include steel fasteners. The main options you have for steel are Low Carbon Steel, Medium Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel, or Austenitic Stainless Steel. Each of these materials have benefits and drawbacks and certain situations in which they perform best.

Carbon Steel
The vast majority of fasteners that are manufactured use carbon steel. This is because it is inexpensive, but also because it has a broad range of strength capabilities. The mechanical properties of these fasteners are based on the amount of carbon in the fastener; that is why these fasteners are classified into one of three groups: low carbon steel, medium carbon steel or alloy steel. Let’s take a closer look at Medium Carbon Steel.

Medium Carbon Steel
Medium carbon steel has a carbon content between 0.25% and 0.65%. It can be easily heat treated for added strength with very low risk of Hydrogen Embrittlement after plating. It has a tensile strength between 100,000 psi and 120,000 psi (690 MPa to 830 MPa).

SAE Grade 5 (metric class 8.8) is generally made from medium carbon steel with AISI grades 1038, 1040, 1045, 1541, 5132, and 5135 falling into this category.

If you still can’t decide what material you want to use for a fastener, contact us at ProvenProductivity@bossard.com. If you have any questions about finding the right fastener for your project, reach out because we are here to help!

Bossard
December 02, 2016
Quality Practices, Fastener Technology
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