Fixing disparate materials without vibration
1 min read
Böllhoff SNAPLOC ® is one of a broad family of fasteners for the automotive sector and amply illustrates how a number of demands have been overcome through design innovation.
The fasteners consist of a ball stud moulded from glass filled Nylon (PA66) and can be supplied with a metal thread. This stud mates with a coupling produced in vibration damping ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) alloyed with hard wearing polypropylene (PP). This composite material enables the coupling to be made in different Shore hardness ratings to suit specific requirements. Studs are generally supplied in 7mm, 8mm, or 15mm diameters and in various lengths.
The combination of hard and pliant materials ensures dampening of resonant frequencies generated by vibrations. This is a benefit when mounting car speakers for example, but also obviates rattling or buzzing from any assemblies subject to vibration.
Ball studs are supplied to manufacturers so as to be able to be moulded into their products as part of the general manufacturing process, therefore requiring no additional assembly time. The mating couplings are supplied separately and incorporate a collar to simplify assembly and enable setting at the correct depth. SNAPLOC® also enables quick assembly and removal.
