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What are aerospace fasteners? | Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc.

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What are aerospace fasteners?

December 4, 2023

What are aerospace fasteners?

Aerospace fasteners are an integral component in the aerospace industry, providing security and support for aircraft parts. They come in various sizes and materials to meet the needs of specific environmental conditions that aircrafts experience mid-flight.

With evolving aviation technology, these crucial components must remain durable enough to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures and any other potential risks from external sources, such as corrosion or erosion. That said, let’s explore what aerospace fasteners are, how they work, and why they’re an essential part of modern-day manufacturing for aerospace experts.

What are Aerospace Fasteners?

Aerospace fasteners are essential in any aircraft manufacturing process. These seemingly simple products keep various aircraft body components and parts attached. Therefore, they’re paramount in the production process of aerostructures, especially during the final assembly.

Understanding the stringent standards of the aerospace and avionics industry regarding manufacturing parts, components, and materials is crucial to achieve the best outcomes. These standards also apply to aerospace fasteners. An example is that they must be lightweight yet durable and resilient against stressful and highly unpredictable environments, which airplanes are constantly exposed to.

Desirable Characteristics of Aerospace Fasteners

Apart from being lightweight, aerospace fasteners must be robust enough to survive gravity pressures and fluctuations. This feature is highly critical since it can affect the airplane’s overall efficiency and safety. Naturally, they must pass stringent industrial qualifications and certifications before being used in aircraft manufacturing.

Here are a few desirable traits that aerospace fasteners should possess:

  • Must operate in harsh conditions
  • Corrosion and oxidation resistance
  • Seal-sealing or self-locking capabilities
  • High shear, fatigue, and tensile strength
  • High thermal and electrical conductivity

AS9100 is the primary quality standard for manufacturing superior aerospace fasteners. Finished products made by AS9100-certified manufacturers are produced in a highly controlled and traceable environment, ensuring that Quality Management System is implemented throughout the entire production stage.

Commonly Used Types of Aerospace Fasteners

With the varied types of aerospace fasteners available, their uses and applications within airplane manufacturing are substantial. Below are the most commonly used fasteners:

  • Aircraft bolts: These are externally threaded fasteners designed for nonpermanent joints. They provide outstanding performance against dynamic loading while maintaining exceptional fastening strength.
  • Aircraft screws: The most commonly used fasteners are screws. They also have external threads but are pointier with a higher helical ridge. These are inserted into the component with an external thread.
  • Aircraft nuts: Used in conjunction with bolts and screws, nuts must have the same material as their mating components. These also feature self-locking and sealing characteristics, which are imperative against vibrations.
  • Aircraft screws: These fasteners are made with a smooth, cylindrical shaft with a head on one end. These can be deformed to create a permanent weld, mainly used in joining metal sheets when creating the airplane’s body.

Choose Reliable Aerospace Fastener Manufacturers for Dependable Results

Safety is fundamental in aerospace manufacturing. Therefore, you must only trust reputable manufacturers and suppliers with the qualifications and certifications to produce quality aerospace products.

Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc. can deliver precise and industrial-standard aircraft fasteners with extreme accuracy and precision, ensuring your aircraft’s safety and optimal performance. Contact us today if you want to learn more about our capabilities. We’ll develop a unique solution tailored to your specifications!

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