For years, welding was seen as the only way to ensure the integrity of joints in demanding load-bearing or high-vibration structures. So, companies manufacturing heavy-duty equipment or fabricating large, metal structures continued to employ the universally accepted process of welding joints together.
Structural HuckBolts are offered in a wide range of sizes (up to 1-3/8 inches) and materials.
However, today there are options. One alternative to welding is direct-tension installed, swaged lockbolts — such as Howmet Fastening Systems‘ HuckBolts. These uniquely engineered fasteners are now being used in a number of products and structures where welding was once the only option.
HuckBolts have been proven in demanding applications, such as truck suspensions and chassis, railroad track crossings, and heavy defense vehicles.
A HuckBolt is a two-piece fastener that consists of a hardened metal pin and a metal collar that swages into the grooves of the pin, forming a specific, measured clamp force to hold assembled parts together. The fasteners are installed using a direct tension technique, in which the pin is pulled and the collar is simultaneously swaged into the locking grooves of the pin, deforming the collar into the grooves.
Based on their design and unique direct tension installation, HuckBolts deliver a consistent clamp for a strong, stable, and vibration-resistant joint.
Welding process is often time consuming, particularly in situations where in-depth inspection procedures are required. The heat generated by welding can often reduce the strength of the metals being joined, and damage critical surface coatings. In addition, welding dissimilar metals or pieces of varying sizes can be a challenge.
HuckBolts can be effectively used with virtually any metal, and dissimilar metals with dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion present no problems. Varying piece sizes in a joint are readily accommodated, and surface finishes are not harmed. And most importantly, HuckBolts are proven to hold up over years of service in demanding high-stress, high-vibration environments.
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Filed Under: Screws • nuts • bolts • rivets