Global services and training company, Hydratight, is celebrating 25 years as an Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) approved training provider in the area of mechanical joint integrity and on-site machining. Hydratight has worked with the ECITB to deliver specialist bolting training programs since 1994 — including the introduction of the Mechanical Joint Integrity (MJI)…
Four tips OEMs should consider when buying automotive fasteners
Automotive OEMs can eliminate or overcome production issues caused by fastening problems by using the design expertise of fastener manufacturers. However, not all fastener manufacturers are created equal. It’s, therefore, essential to choose a manufacturer who not only has the expertise and capacity to meet strict specifications, but also can incorporate design features that save…
Master Bond releases new electrically conductive die-attach epoxy
Master Bond EP17HTS-DA is a new one-component, no mix, die-attach epoxy that is electrically conductive and withstands high temperatures. It is a silver filled system. Typically, glass transition temperature (Tg) declines with the addition of a filler like silver. However, with this specialty formulation, a high Tg of 140-150°C is maintained and it passes MIL-STD-883J thermal…
What is a socket cap screw?
Written by Dr. Jody Muelaner A socket cap screws are machine screws with a cylindrical barrel shaped head containing a hexagonal socket. The head has a smaller diameter than most other machine screw heads, typically just 1.5 times the nominal thread diameter. Socket cap screws may also be referred to as a socket head cap…
Hi-Tech Fasteners’ Canadian facility earns ISO certification
Hi-Tech Fasteners (HTF), a certified, master-stocking distributor of electronic hardware and fasteners, recently expanded its newest Ontario facility and earned its first ISO certification in Canada. Intertek , a 130-year-old quality assurance and control company — which is certified by the ANSI National Accreditation Board — awarded HTF’s newly expanded facility ISO 9001:2015 certification. This…
The how and why behind the Fastener Training Institute
What began nearly 50 years ago as a collaboration between fastener distributors to train new employees has since developed into an international organization for novice and advanced individuals working in the industry. Today, the Fastener Training Institute (FTI) provides a host of in-person and online training programs by recognized industry experts on fastener products, standards,…
What is the best way to improve fatigue resistance of a bolted joint?
The fatigue capacity of a bolted joint is very small, as compared to its static capacity. To improve fatigue resistance, designers can increase the thread capacity and decrease the alternating stresses at the threads. To increase the thread capacity, the Nord-Lock Group — a provider of secure and customized bolting solutions — recommends using a…
What is resistance welding?
In resistance welding, the metals are heated by an electrical current and parts are joined by pressure. Copper electrodes are placed on either side of the pieces to be joined. The electrode tips contact the metal sheets and push them together for a short period of time to ensure the weld tip force is reached…
Auto Bolt expands with new packing & shipping warehouse
Auto Bolt, a cold-heading bolt manufacturer since 1948, is expanding its facility. The company recently announced the acquisition 30,000-sq-ft. building next to its manufacturing plant in Cleveland, Ohio, providing a dedicated packaging and shipping warehouse. Auto Bolt specializes in low and high-volume performance and commercial fasteners for various industrial, distribution, and original equipment markets and…
How to select the ideal wedge lock
Written by Tim Bretz, EC&IC division manager Elma Electronic Mounted directly to a printed circuit board (PCB), a card retainer — also called a wedge lock — securely holds the board in place. It’s used to reduce the risk of damage to the electronics within an embedded system and is often overlooked. Most applications…