Blind bolt trims aircraft weight

Oct. 7, 2004
Titanium Maxibolts Plus, a blind bolt from Textron Fastening Systems Troy, Mich.

Titanium Maxibolts Plus, a blind bolt from Textron Fastening Systems, Troy, Mich. (www.textronfasteningsystems.com), will let Airbus engineers attach flightcritical assemblies — including the vertical tail, wings, and wing slats — using a strong, lightweight fastener that saves over 18 lb on the vertical tail alone. The aerospace bolts come in three different sizes, all of which can be installed with a robot or a standard Textron hand tool. The bolt's relatively large diameter distribute the joint's load over a wider area on the blind side. This gives a firmer grip and reduces the number of fasteners. The bolts can be used on metal and composites, another reason Airbus will be using them on the A380.

The bolts install in 2 sec, and a common groove on the pulling serration lets each bolt be interchanged using a common pulling head. Bolts lock positively, break flush to the material with no deburring, and can handle a 7° backside slope.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 31, 2025
Unlike passive products - made of simple carbon springs - the bionic prostheses developed by Revival Bionics are propulsive, equipped with a motor and an artificial Achilles tendon...
March 31, 2025
Electric drives are a key technology for the performance of machines, robots, and power tools. Download this guide for an introduction to high-quality mechatronic drive systems...
March 31, 2025
Discover the world of maxon drive technology: motors, gearheads, sensors, controllers, and accessories. Configure your drive system online, including all relevant product and ...
March 31, 2025
Share current page XSun designs and manufactures a drone that is both energy-independent and can make its own decisions, for fully-automated missions. The company needed reliable...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!