Materials and Fastening

Metal is the most common material used to create fastening solutions, however plastic fasteners offer a different and often more appropriate set of characteristics. Notably, they’re used in space – for example the Hubble Telescope and International Space Station are held together using plastic fasteners.

Challenge Europe, in conjunction with their sales partners Hafren, are delighted to offer safety and security through the medium of their primary fastener ranges. These high quality competitive fasteners are in constant demand for use in a vast range of security applications in projects all over the world.

The experienced cast manufacturers, Arlon Graphics, has different cast vinyl products that suit every application need. SLX Cast Wrap with FLITE Technology features easy release liners and maintains the integrity of graphics, enabling users to have the fastest installation in the industry. The superior repositionability of SLX Cast Wrap + FLITE Technology provides a long-term bond where it counts: deep channels, complex curves, and rivets.

The latest technological innovations reach a wide variety of industries and components, even revolutionising the humble screw. Many industries now require that fasteners have increased strength, resistance to extreme temperatures, smoother surfaces and lower friction. Essentra Components understand their customers fastener requirements cover a vast array of industries, from space shuttles to freezers. 

EMKA’s new catalogue of Ingenious Locking Technology for the Railroad Industry includes many new approaches to the specific needs of rail installers. The Program 1057 flush mounting quarter-turn latch is one such item. Designed for rear fitting to door panels of 3.5-21mm thickness and to present a very neat flush and vandal-resistant face, this lock is partnered with its sister Program 1000 IP65 stainless steel compression latch for mounting in the same way.

The team working at Challenge Europe are experts at exploiting the adaptability of simple, rugged threaded fasteners, and it is this adaptability which brings engineers to their use. Simple to use and to provide with vibration resistance, improved sealing, load spreading or good looks by combining with a range of washer accessories to enhance the performance of the basic fastener.

The DuPont Kalrez LS390 series of perfluoroelastomer sanitary seals have been designed specifically for use in sectors that include life science, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical. Class-leading Kalrez LS390 provides longer seal life and tighter sealing, which improves productivity and process optimisation.

Five high-performance wear- and abrasion-resistant plastics as plate stock strips are now offered through igus. In addition to the classic iglidur W300 and the cost-effective J4, the FDA-compliant iglidur A500 material as well as the high-temperature endurance runner C500 and iglidur J350, the specialist for temperatures up to 180°C, complete the range. All sliding plates are available from igus, 15mm thick and 160mm wide.

A decisive step has been taken by igus towards the fire protection in car interior applications with the 3D print material iglidur I3. Not only is the material extremely wear-resistant and therefore an all-rounder for all types of wear resistant parts, it also meets the requirements for the FMVSS 302 fire test. In the tests, the measured calorific value is approximately five times lower than the maximum permitted limit.

As part of the training programme for all new sales recruits at igus, managing director Matthew Aldridge sets a project. The task is to solve an engineering problem using igus products. For new starter Darren Lane, the challenge was to come up with a way of stopping a classic 1962 Land Rover Series IIA throttle ball joint from detaching while accelerating.