FastenersAsia January 2020

Products

Plastic spring technology from Lee Spring

Their non-magnetic material does not interfere with imaging and other ferro-sensitive technologies and, being of a dielectric insulating material, they are suitable for non-conductive applications. Being inert and non-contaminating, the plastic composite protects the purity of products they come in contact with. Other applications include medical products and processing equip- ment, pharmaceutical delivery devices, imaging and X-ray equipment, food processing and packaging equipment, aerospace products, marine pro- ducts, electronics and electrical equip- ment, water purification systems, chemical environments, automotive interiors, pollution control systems, semi-conductors, instrumentation, com- munication devices, and cosmetics packaging equipment. Lee Spring www.leespring.com Index makes anchor improvements Index Fixing Systems has improved and extended its range of structural MTH anchors, with the introduction of a new MTH-A2 anchor. Improvements in the design mean that load performance is increased by 40 per cent in all three versions (zinc, A2 stainless steel and A4 stainless steel).

Engineers are increasingly seeing the benefits of plastic spring technology, as exemplified by Lee Spring in its LeeP range. By offering non-magnetic, non-corrosive and chemically inert properties in a lightweight package, LeeP springs are described as often a complete solution for applications in areas of medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical equipment, aerospace and lightweight/portable instrumentation. The LeeP range combines the strength of metal springs with the attributes of high-performing engineered thermoplastics – in this case, Ultem PEI (polyetherimide) resin, which has excellent thermal stability and electrical insulation properties, while being non-contaminating. They have low flammability and are recyclable in compliance with global regulations, including RoHS and REACH. LeeP plastic composite springs are stocked in a variety of standard sizes, each available in a range of strengths

formulated from different Ultem resins. The five increasing strengths are easily identifiable by distinct colours: red, orange, yellow, green and violet. These plastic compression springs offer high strength-to-weight ratios that optimise performance, while reducing mass; they are said to have excellent stability of physical and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures up to 170°C; high corrosion resistance; and are generally compatible with many chemicals, including strong acids, weak bases, aromatics and ketones. ❍ Plastic spring technology from Lee Spring

Light-weighting solution for attaching carbon fibre and composite panels

EFC International’s BCT rivet nut is a best practice light-weighting solution for attaching carbon fibre and composite panels in automotive applications. The rivet nuts are manu- factured by BBA with BCT ® (bulge control technology). BCT rivet nuts are ultra-high strength and engineered to prevent cracking or de-lamination of carbon fibre panels.

❍ EFC International’s BCT rivet nuts

The patented design enables an engineered yield point on the body of the rivet nut, ensuring the bulge formation always begins beyond the panel and is drawn back on the panel. BCT rivet nuts can be placed near the edge of the panel without risk of inducing a crack in the panel. The installation process of BCT rivet nuts can be fully process-monitored and controlled, and they can be installed into areas with limited rear side clearance. For example, an M6 rivet nut needs only 8mm of rear side clearance prior to installation and only 5mm after installation. This is suitable for use in thinner versions of sandwich (composite) materials, avoiding the need for a through hole. The bulge of the BCT product is strong enough to form by pushing away any material in the sandwich material. In addition, by producing BCT rivet nuts from aluminium for use in aluminium and magnesium, weight is said to be “dramatically reduced”. EFC International www.efc-intl.com

The MTH range is designed for use in concrete, reinforced concrete and stone. Installation distances to the edge of the material, and between anchors, can be calculated using INDEXcal software. Index Fixing Systems www.indexfix.com ❍ Anchor improvements from Index

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Fasteners ASIA – January/February 2020