Though riveting is the standard fastener for many industries, including aircraft, ship, and even spacecraft, it isn’t an infallible means of fabrication and joining. In fact, the very process of riveting creates strength penalties in a structure.
For each riveted nut plate used to secure lap joints on an aircraft’s skin, for instance, three holes are drilled closely together: the primary hole created for the mating bolt as well as the two holes required to attach the riveted nut plate to the airframe. While one hole on its own results in stress that can generate cracks from the hole into the surrounding area, three holes increases the threat of stress and fatigue damage. Because the holes required for riveted nut plates are so close together, this threat is magnified.
Due to the diversity of materials used when riveting, the potential for corrosion is also increased by riveted nut plates. Corrosion, naturally, weakens structural integrity, increasing chances of cracking further.
The breakthrough adhesive fastening technology Click Bond eliminates the structural deficiencies created by riveted nut plates by entirely replacing rivet holes with adhesive bonding. Rather, nut plates are affixed to surfaces via a revolutionary adhesive that has passed brutal MIL-SPEC strength tests with flying colors.
Click Bond doesn’t just reduce structural weaknesses created by riveting; it actually improves structural integrity. The adhesive bond formed between the nut plate and the airframe seals out moisture, preventing corrosion. Moreover, removing the bolts in favor of adhesive also reduces excess material and, consequently, excess weight and strain on a structure’s frame. In addition, an adhesive-bonded nut plate strengthens the frame of a structure at its point of attachment by acting as a laminated reinforcement.
At Production Fastening Systems, LLC, we provide industrial fabricators with innovative fastening systems from traditional welding to cutting edge adhesive bonding. To learn more about the products we offer, call our office today. We always have an expert on hand to assist clients.
