Aerospace fastener technology has been around since before the airplane, as aerospace fasteners were routinely used in dirigibles. As the technology developed to adapt to include commercial, business, military, and space-destined products, the aerospace fasteners evolved as well. The aerospace industry utilizes all sorts of fastener types: screws, rivets, bolts, pins, etc. The key difference amongst the various types is quality of components. Aerospace fasteners must be durable in order to withstand high pressure and high temperatures, and yet still be lightweight enough to enable the lift of planes and keeping down fuel costs for rockets. This is why there are various types of equipment and metal treatment methods involved in perfecting the aerospace fasteners.
The first type of aerospace fastener is the aluminum kind. It’s a lightweight metal, so using it in atmosphere-based planes is very efficient. However, it does require extra care and treatment. Aluminum rivets and fasteners are common, but the aluminum itself must be cold-treated. Even still, the fastener will be sensitive to any temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit and over, and is subject to stress-induced corrosion.
Steel aerospace fasteners are very strong, as steel is a hard and sturdy alloy. Unfortunately, the material also makes them very heavy, which can cause problems for aircraft and spacecraft. Only the proper series of stainless steel can be used, as the steel fasteners are subjected to high heat and corrosion. Series C300 is corrosion resistant, though not as heat resistant. It’s used for aerospace fastener covers. Series 400 is also corrosion resistant and is more heat resistant, but it is prone to rusting. An experienced distributor and/or manufacturer will have a working knowledge of aerospace fasteners and, as such, will know which type of steel is best for the specific type of fastener.
Finally, Super alloys are aptly named, as they are high-performance alloys which are very commonly used as aerospace fasteners. They are extremely versatile, are able to handle high temperatures, and are resistant to creep factors.
In addition to the aerospace covers themselves, the industry requires a lot of fastener covers. These are made from a wide variety of materials which all have different types of resistances. A good distributor will know which material should be used the type of aerospace fastener cover being called for.
When it comes to finding a manufacturer with engineering expertise and flexible manufacturing, Matdan Corp. is second to none.
