Do More with Less:
Less Weight, Less Cost, and Less Time
The call for 'lightweighting' has led to significant advancements in how products are designed and constructed. Technology gains have resulted in new and exciting possibilities, but they have also created a unique set of joint design problems. Our lessons learned from fastening traditional materials such as steel, do not translate to the 'new' composite materials, GRP or aluminium joints. Fortunately, proven technologies already exist to replace and even improve upon, now incompatible practices.
Huck® structural blind fasteners have been used in many critical joint applications for decades, including widespread usage in aerospace, proving their reliability. The availability of carbon steel, aluminium, and stainless-steel variations make Huck structural blind fasteners a viable option for joining a multitude of materials.
Structural blind fasteners offer similar benefits to those of non-structural blind fasteners, while also providing a distinct advantage: quantifiable and predictable shear and tensile strength. Structural blind fasteners such as, the Huck Magna-Lok® and Huck-Lok® retain their mandrel after installation. This retention of the mandrel is made possible by the interaction of the mandrel and mandrel sleeve during the installation process. The presence of the mandrel accounts for a 60-80% increase in load-carrying ability in shear and tensile over conventional non-structural blind fasteners.
The Huck PentaLok has been specifically designed to work with celled / honeycomb plastic panels and multi-composite board. Its wide blind-side footprint is well suited for use within thin materials and delicate composites. PentaLok’s uniquely engineered peel system installs with ease into shallow panels and its positive pin retention and domed head make it an ideal partner for commercial vehicle load restraint.
For high-speed assembly, the Huck Auto-Bulb™ is the perfect solution. It's designed with an easy-to-use lead-in point, which means fast, reliable installation. It works by clamping the joint with a broad, blind side bulb, which makes it a good choice for use within thin materials, and within oversized, misaligned, or slotted holes. Unlike other bulbing blind fasteners, Auto-Bulb's unique bulbing system creates superior blind side bearing strength. Auto-Bulb is available in both steel and 400 stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Industry is under continued pressure to do more with less: less weight, less cost, and less time. Understanding how different joining technologies function from the perspective of weight, cost, productivity, and reliability is crucial. While adhesives and welding are often the joining technologies of choice when trying to address weight concerns, structural blind fasteners should also be given strong consideration as they create effective, reliable, tight joints between various materials. Star Fasteners' wide range of fastener options all offer unique characteristics and performance; there is a solution available for each application!