Additional locking devices were previously required to solve these issues. However, this solution reduced efficiency by increasing assembly time and costs.
To avoid unexpected downtimes and the additional costs that are a result of loosened bolted joints, Stanley Engineered Fastening modified thread geometry to develop Spiralock, a simple yet effective way to transform a traditional threaded joint into a safer and more reliable design element. And they are now available at Zygology.
What is Spiralock?
Spiralock is a self-locking female thread form with a 30-degree wedge ramp at the root of the thread. The wedge ramp allows the bolt to spin freely until clamp load is applied. At that point, the crests of the standard male thread are drawn tightly against the wedge ramp, creating a continuous spiral line of contact along the entire length of the thread engagement.
Spiralock nuts are free running. This means they can be spun onto the mating thread with just your fingers. A spanner spanner or torque wrench is only used to tighten the nut to apply the final clamp load. Most self-locking nuts bind on the thread right from the start which means that a tool has to be used right from the instant you begin to engage the thread – which is highly inconvenient and slow.
This unique design provides exceptional resistance to vibration loosening, prevents micro movements that are triggered by thermal interaction, improved joint integrity and consistent, repeated reusability while eliminating the need for secondary locking devices.
Increased Efficiency, Reduced Downtimes & Reduced Costs
Extensive testing on Junker’s transverse vibration equipment has proven that Spiralock self-locking threads outperform other thread locking devices and remove the requirement of additional locking devices, reducing assembly time and weight, resulting in reduced costs.
Testing conducted by the Goddard Space Flight Centre also determined that the Spiralock thread form was the only product able to withstand the vibrations imposed by the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters. Even tests that were ten times the specifications for the Space Shuttle did not loosen the Spiralock fasteners.
Suitable for use on space shuttles! Just think how these unique locking devices could improve your efficiency and exceed your assembly requirements.
Key Advantages Of Spiralock:
- Mates with standard male thread - Faster to assemble, reduced operator fatigue
- Free spinning - Wedge tightens as clamp load builds
- Reusable - No deterioration of lock feature
- Self-centring of male fastener - Pushed inward from all sides
- Radial load distribution - Lowers chance of shear failure
- Improved fatigue life - Load carried across all threads
- Exceptionally resistant to vibration loosening - Eliminates radial clearance – no transverse motion
- Cost effective - Reduces life cycle cost of threaded joints
- Increases efficiency - Eases assembly, reducing assembly time
Applications Suited To Spiralock Fasteners:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Electronics
- Medical
- Agriculture
- Oil & gas
- Aviation
- Space systems
Discussing the reliability and effectiveness of Spiralock, NASA Scientist Dan Hargold said, “To survive the vibration and high temperatures of launch, we require the most reliable locking engagement thread.”
He continued, “Screws must remain tight without opportunity for retightening. With conventional threading, screws loosened up and backed out under testing. The Spiralock thread form retained a tight seal at 300° C. Once torqued down properly, the screws stayed put in the threads, which helped us meet our flight schedule.”
When asked about the benefits Spiralock will provide to Zygology customers, Sales Director Richard Avery said, “Each year many thousands of pounds is wasted by manufacturers using various complicated washer combinations, thread sealants and adhesives to try to prevent threaded joints from becoming loose. Spiralock is the class leader in self-locking nuts which are a clean and simple one piece solution to maintaining joint integrity in even the most demanding applications . The other great thing about Spiralock nuts is that they feel just like any regular nut during installation. Once you have tried them you will never go back”
If you’d like to find out more and discover how Spiralock self-clinching locknuts increase efficiency and reduce downtime and additional costs, get in touch with our friendly team of experts today on 0808 123 1221 or email sales@zygology.com.
About Zygology Ltd
With 40 years’ of experience Zygology is the country's main distributor for Penn Engineering and the largest distributor for Southco and POP Avdel in the UK. We are also the UK distribution hub for Masterfix fasteners and tooling. Zygology has also recently been appointed as an official distributor for Tesa assembly adhesive tapes. We have in-house repair facilities for POP Avdel and Masterfix tools. Zygology Ltd has an in depth knowledge of the products we sell and how they can be best incorporated into yours. We will always give the best advice we can - even if this sometimes means that we end up recommending a competing technology. We combine friendly service with competitive prices and excellent stock availability.
