TechArchive

Original article date: October 1999 For securing tubes, cables and the like, Protex says that its Bandclamp is perhaps the only available method of rapidly clamping small diameters Why does the Bandclamp score over the old-established and arduous worm-drive hose clip? The answer, it seems, is because it can be opened and closed repeatedly over [...]

This article was originally written in the period 1995-2000 How much torque should be put into a joint? This value is often not defined, so a design engineer often has to base the value on experience and values which the fastener manufacturer may recommend. It is also possible to establish the approximate optimum torque by [...]

Original article date: September 1998 An innovative approach to sealing or potting electromechanical components comes from US company Multi-Seals – solid pre-forms that melt when heated to form a seal Precision epoxy preforms are one-part resins that offer a no mix no mess solution to the problem of sealing and potting small parts such as [...]

Original article date: October 1999 In a tensioner designed as a replacement for a hex nut, Alan Quinn uncovers a new solution to an old problem It’s an old problem: torquing large bolts to capacity with hand tools. The strength of a screw fastener increases with the square of its diameter. To make use of [...]

Original article date: April 2000 By measuring the clamping force of threaded fasteners, says ROY MOFFATT, you can be more confident of bolts or studs performing to expectations than you can by relying on a torque wrench alone How many products rely on threaded studs or bolts for their proper operation? Consider, for instance the [...]

Original article date: July 2000 What’s the best compression limiter for your application, and what points should you bear in mind? Here are a few simple guidelines Compression limiters protect the plastic components of an assembly from compressive loads generated by bolt tightening. The objective is to keep compressive stresses below the elastic limit of [...]

Original article date: May 2000 A new all-plastic integral spring design enables objects such as cables, tubing, paper and labels to be temporarily clamped to each other or to other objects. DAVID WRIGHT reports Annoyance doesn’t have to be unproductive. Dr Brian Wybrow used to get annoyed when he put his hand in a peg [...]

Original article date: March 2000 New equipment being introduced by Loctite for metering and dispensing fluids and pastes includes systems which cost at least 25% less than systems previously available. Alan Quinn braved the A1 to take a look. The need to improve quality, increase productivity and reduce waste has combined with Health and Safety [...]

Original article date: July 1998 Phil Mould Managing Director of TRAQ Fasteners introduces the Bi_Fix range of quarter-turn fasteners ideal for use in most industries where access reliability and aesthetics are equally important. The Bi-Fix quarter-turn fastener is used for securing panels and components where accessibility is important. It can be used wherever two elements [...]

Original article date: July 2000 Looking for a cost effective alternative to weld nuts? Alan Quinn reports on the Kaptinut There are many alternative captive fasteners available for the sheet metal industry, each with its own benefits and disadvantages. The Kaptinut is a cost-effective alternative to weld nuts in high volume automotive, appliance and other [...]