Written by Dr. Jody Muelaner A cotter joint, also known as a socket and spigot joint, is a method of temporarily joining two coaxial rods. One rod is fitted with a spigot, which fits inside a socket on one end of the other rod. Slots in the socket and the spigot align so that a…
Imperial versus metric fasteners in one chart
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between imperial and metric fasteners? Mudge Fasteners has the comparisons and calculations covered in one chart. The company has more than 40 years of experience in providing stainless steel fasteners for several industries (learn more about them here). Mudge Fasteners created a reference chart to help designers…
What is the difference between a hasp and a latch?
Written by Dr. Jody Muelaner A hasp and a latch are both types of fastening used to hold a door or gate closed. A hasp is a slotted plate that fits over a loop before a pin is inserted through the loop, securing the hasp. A padlock may also be inserted through the loop, instead…
Bulten to enter global fasteners market with acquisition of PSM International
Bulten, a major supplier of fasteners to the European automotive industry, is looking to extend its global reach with the acquisition of all shares in PSM International Holdings Limited (PSM). The new acquisition is expected to strengthen Bulten’s position in the international fasteners market, and particularly in North America and Asia, providing a strong platform…
PennEngineering offers free app for use with PEM fasteners
Did you know that PennEngineering offers a free app that supports the use of its fasteners? PEMspec is an iPhone/iPad/Android app that lets users quickly lookup critical installation dimensions for a selected PEM fastener. The app also provides quick mobile access to product catalogs and data sheets. With ongoing investments in research and new product…
The versatility of retaining rings
Retaining rings are a type of fastener that can hold components or assemblies onto a shaft. They’re typically used to replace conventional fasteners to reduce installation and material costs. However, they can also serve applications in unique and creative ways where other fasteners fall short or are simply too costly. Retaining rings have been used…
What is self-piercing riveting?
Written by Dr. Jody Muelaner Self-piercing riveting (SPR) is a way of joining sheet materials using a rivet that clinches the sheets as it is pressed into them. Unlike conventional riveting, no hole is required, making it a rapid single-step process. Typically, the first sheet is pierced when the rivet is inserted. Then, the second…
SPIROL receives GM Supplier Excellence Award
SPIROL International Corporation announced that two of its world-class manufacturing locations have received the prestigious 2018 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award for achieving operational excellence and quality control. Here’s what the letter stated from General Motors about the awards: “The award is given to specific manufacturing locations and only our top performing supplier manufacturing…
What’s the difference between brazing and soldering?
Written by Miles Budimir Senior Editor, WTWH Media Brazing and soldering are metal joining techniques that use heat as the main mechanism to bind together the two metals. Broadly speaking, there are three common techniques for joining metals together thermally: welding, brazing, and soldering. The main characteristic of welding is that it uses high temperatures…
PennEngineering acquires Eurotec Ltd.
PennEngineering announced that it has acquired Eurotec Ltd., a specialty technical reseller of metal fabrication equipment, fastener installation systems, and clinch and sheet metal fasteners. Eurotec is based in Tokyo, Japan. “PennEngineering’s acquisition of Eurotec reflects our steadfast commitment to strategic expansion in Japan. Eurotec is an innovative company with highly technical fastener expertise, and true…