WCA March 2024

Products

Fastener order for prototype reusable rocket French spacecraft designer and manufacturer Opus Aerospace has selected premium screws from Swedish specialist fastener manufacturer Bumax for its new sub-orbital rocket and future vehicles designed to send satellites into space.

Opus decided to use Bumax 88 screws to secure the two domes of a prototype cylindrical fuel tank for the Mesange sub-orbital rocket. The domes must have high-strength screws as they are a critical part of the rocket under extremely high pressure. “We already offer our customers various space systems services and are currently conducting pilot tests for the different parts of our new fully reusable rocket,” said Safouane Benamer, CEO of Opus Aerospace. “We’re planning a test launch of our Mesange rocket in early 2024, which will pave the way for us to launch sub-orbital payloads of up to 1,000kg and orbital payloads of 250kg. We’ll scale up our offering step by step.” Ignacio Amundarain, launcher mechanical engineer at Opus, said, “Our initial calculations showed that standard stainless steel fasteners simply wouldn’t cope with the loads. We have already tested and validated the design of our fuel tank with Bumax 88 on the ground with even more demanding pressurisation tests than we can expect in normal conditions. We are confident that this will ensure the safe operation of our fuel tank.” Properties of Bumax 88 fasteners include high strength, corrosion resistance, low-temperature resistance and reliability. The enhanced properties are achieved through a combination of unique manufacturing processes and the highest quality European steel.

Photo courtesy of Opus Aerospace

Bumax 88 screws will be used in Opus Aerospace’s Mesange sub-orbital rocket

Opus Aerospace has obtained an excess supply of Bumax 88 that will be used for other important applications on the prototype rocket. These include securely fastening the fuel lines from the fuel tank. Bumax managing director Lars Holm commented, “Our premium fasteners have been chosen for many scientific high profile projects and products, including CERN, ISS and the Einstein Telescope project. When the stakes are high and you need the best and strongest fasteners in the world, you opt for Bumax.” Bumax AB www.bumax-fasteners.com Opus Aerospace www.opus-aerospace.com

From screws to blind rivets and nails Lituo is a Chinese manufacturer of screws. Its screw factory was established in 2000, and initially traded under the name Tianjin Lituo Hardware Products Co Ltd. company has become a professional fastener manufacturer for customers around the world.

fastener supplier for global distributors. The company states that its screws, nails and blind rivets, available in various materials and sizes, have a bright and smooth finish, resistance against corrosion, dimensional accuracy, and high torque strength and hardness. Tianjin Lituo Imp & Exp Co, Ltd www.tjlituo.com

With various production lines and advanced industrial technology, Lituo manufactures self-tapping screws and self-drilling screws. It also offers other fastener products, such as nails and blind rivets, making it a comprehensive

The product lines gradually expanded, from screws to blind rivets and nails.

After 20 years of development, the

Stainless steel machine screws Alkama Fasteners stainless steel machine screws, made to DIN standards, are designed to prevent rust, fatigue and failed joints.

surpass international standards to ensure durability and reliability. The company specialises in providing customised fastener solutions, working with customers to tailor products to specific requirements in construction, automotive and other sectors. Alkama Fasteners www.alkamafasteners.in

A wide selection of sizes, head styles and drive types ensures the right fit for any project, from delicate woodwork to heavy-duty industrial applications. Alkama Fasteners holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management. From raw material selection to final inspection, its stainless steel fasteners

They are manufactured from high-grade AISI 304 or AISI 316 steel to deliver corrosion resistance and strength, regardless of weather, environment or project demands.

FA 6/76

www.read-fastenersasia.com

March 2024