AdhFAST®
AdhFAST® is a novel, three-in-one
fastening system, which allows adhesive to be injected through the middle
of the device whilst retaining the joint and controlling the gap between
the substrates, i.e. the bondline thickness.
Although hybrid joints - the combination of fasteners or weld points
and adhesives - are not new, this system is unique in that components can
be assembled dry, checked for tolerance and then injected with adhesive at
the final stage. This ensures a simplified process with increased quality
control, maximising the benefits of hybrid joint technology.
Adhesive dispensing can be metered with minimal wastage, making the
process cleaner with resultant health and safety and economic benefits.
It is envisaged that industrial sectors such as aerospace, marine,
building, construction and transport could benefit from using the AdhFAST®
system in terms of improved performance and cost savings. The utilisation
of such fasteners enables the advantages of adhesives to be combined with
the benefits and confidence associated with fastener technology.
Prototype AdhFAST® fasteners have been made in aluminium alloy (top
picture)and a commercial rivet system has been adapted to work using a
modified washer as the spacing element (bottom picture set), but any
material with appropriate structural properties including other metals,
plastics, and composites, could be used. The fastener design is very
flexible and must enable the three functions of retention, spacing and
injection to be achieved. Injection of the adhesive can be carried out
manually or by an automated process, making it ideal for large volume
production.
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