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Fasteners have been a fundamental part of construction and manufacturing for centuries, providing a reliable means of mechanically holding materials together. They are found in nearly every industry and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to meet the demands of increasingly complex designs, making it useful to be familiar with common types and uses. In aerospace operations where the margin for error is slim, fasteners have been developed to uphold the highest standards of integrity and safety with specialized standards and specifications coming about over the years. In this blog, we will explore the evolution of fasteners, covering history that ranges from their early uses to cutting-edge applications in modern aerospace operations.
Among the earliest known fasteners were wooden pegs and simple metal nails, both serving as straightforward means to attach beams and planks in construction. Such fasteners were often crafted by hand, with wooden pegs being shaped to fit into corresponding holes of materials and nails typically hammered from iron or bronze. Although these early iterations lacked the complexity and precision of modern designs, they were more than sufficient for the structures and machines of their time. This is because they offered a quick and effective solution to secure materials, even though they were often inconsistent in size and shape due to manual production processes.
As civilizations grew and construction techniques advanced, the need for stronger, more versatile fasteners became apparent. The introduction of more modernized screws and bolts would later allow for more secure and adjustable joints to be achieved, marking a significant step toward a more refined and standardized approach to fastening.
By the early 20th century, the development of standardized fasteners began to take shape. In particular, the rise of mass production and industrialization allowed for consistency in the size, thread pattern, and materials of various forms of hardware, serving as a major advantage to industries like automotive and aviation where interchangeability and reliability became key factors of manufacturing.
More advanced machining techniques also allowed for mass production of fasteners with consistent tolerances, ensuring that bolts, screws, and other components could be used across various applications without fear of failure. Materials also advanced, with steel alloys and other high-strength metals replacing earlier iron or brass for enhanced durability.
At the same time, standards bodies such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) also began regulating the dimensions and specifications of fasteners to avoid discrepancies in manufacturing specific items, which would otherwise lead to issues or incompatibility between components produced by different manufacturers.
The aerospace industry presents a unique set of challenges for fasteners as aircraft structures and components are subject to varying standards and expectations concerning the ability to endure significant stresses like exposure to extreme temperatures, constant vibration, intense pressure fluctuations, and the dynamic forces of takeoff, flight, and landing. All of these factors must be managed effectively while maintaining a lightweight profile for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. To meet these rigorous demands, aerospace fasteners are often made from advanced materials such as titanium and high-performance alloys, all of which offer a unique combination of strength, durability, and low weight.
Notable Types of Aerospace Fasteners
Hi-Lok Fasteners: These combine a bolt and a collar, providing a high-strength clamping force that ensures a secure assembly with minimal weight. As such, Hi-Lok fasteners are often used in critical load-bearing parts of an aircraft, such as the fuselage or wings.
Blind Rivets: Though not specifically developed for aircraft, these rivets can be installed from one side of a structure, making them ideal for quick installation in hard-to-reach areas and for assembling the metal panels of a fuselage. They expand to fill the hole they are placed into when an internal mandrel is drawn, providing a tight, secure fit with the formation of a second head.
Lockbolts: Offering a strong, vibration-resistant fastening solution, these bolts were also not intentionally developed for aircraft while still being commonly used in structural applications. Their design allows them to maintain a secure hold under extreme conditions, reducing the risk of loosening over time.
When you need fasteners, AI NSN Parts has a wide variety that are suitable for even the most demanding applications. We invite you to browse our selection of over 2 billion in-stock items, all while keeping in mind that our online RFQ forms are readily available for you to request quotes on items of interest. If you would like to learn more about how we can serve you, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team; we are available 24/7x365 and happy to assist at any point in the procurement process.
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