Hybrid fastener specified for Eurocopter
1 min read
A corrosion resistant, self-locking fastener, capable of providing a load-carrying thread in sheet materials where there is access from one side only, has been created especially for aerospace applications by combining the fastening and aeronautical industry credentials of two well-known Böllhoff products – Rivnut blind rivets and Helicoil wire thread inserts.
The fastener has a silver coated Helicoil insert which provides the locking thread for the bolt and prevents binding of the 316L stainless steel bolts extensively used for assembly in the aviation sector.
The product was shown for the first time at last month's Farnborough International Air Show and has been approved for use on Eurocopter, where it provides high resistance to rotation and movement between the aluminium and carbon fibre sheet materials widely used in the construction and maintenance of helicopters and other aircraft.
To minimise the use of different part numbers the fastener can accommodate variations in material sheet thickness of up to 2.5mm while offering flush fixing with assorted sizes and types of ISO J bolts.
In use the Rivnut Aero is fail-safe, allowing the bolt to remain the weakest and cheapest component to replace within an assembly.
Installation is quick, easy and repeatable. A hole is created prior to insertion of the Rivnut using proven tooling with depth and torque preset controls. During assembly a mandrel engages with the Helicoil insert and pulls the Rivnut up to form a retaining collar.
