Introduction to Fastener Technology

Part 1
Instructor Notes
Overview
This module, Introduction to Fastener Technology, is one of a series of modules designed to
present subject matter of interest to engineering and technology students. It covers topics ranging
from history of the fasteners and types of fasteners to in depth description of threaded fasteners.
The goal is to provide understanding between permanent and temporary fastening, introduce
students to threaded fastening terminology and in depth basic concept of threaded fasteners such
as bolts, studs, and screws.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion students will be able to
Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of fastening: permanent and
temporary
Demonstrate an understanding of thread terminology such as external and external thread,
and pitch
Demonstrate an understanding of thread drawings terminology such as detailed,
schematic, and simplified representations
Demonstrate an understanding of bolt terminology and application.
Demonstrate an understanding of stud terminology and application.
Demonstrate an understanding of screw terminology and application.
(Slide 2)
Introduction of Fasteners

Definition

History of Fasteners

Impact of Aerospace in the Fasteners Industry

o Image of various fasteners

(Slide 3)
Definition

Fasteners comes from the word fasten, which mean to attach firmly or securely in
place. A fastener is a connecting device or material that attaches objects together.

Fastening methods include welding, riveting, use of other adhesives, bolts, studs, and
screws. Detailed information on each of these types is found later in this outline.

Fasteners have been used for decades and played an important role in our daily life.
Such simple example includes our lunch box; they kept together the sides of an
opening of flexible material, by attaching a lid to the container.

Considering how small fasteners are, their performance however, plays a fundamental
role in every product imaginary. Improper specified and designed fasteners could lead
a product recall and influence other performance issues, such as liability, product
efficiency and warranty.
o Image of engine case bolt on a Lycoming IO-320

(Slide 4)
History of Fasteners

Rugg & Barnes of Marion, Connecticut is the pioneer of the North American fastener
industry in 1840. Soon after, other fastener companies sprang up, and with it, come
the problem of screw thread inconsistency. In 1884, William Sellers was then
proposed an American standard of screw threads, bolt heads, and nuts. His proposal
was then accepted, and the fasteners industry grew.

(Slide 5)

The North American fastener industry had grown about 450 fasteners companies by
1969, producing two billion fasteners a year. Sadly, only 250 fasteners companies
remained by 1984. This was caused by major invasion of foreign fasteners at
significantly lower prices.

(Slide 6)

To survive, the fasteners industry is then directed its attention to highly engineered,
value-added fasteners and formed parts that incorporated the fastening function to
reduce assembly, labor and inventory costs. Moreover, some companies then looked
for fresh and innovative markets within the fastener industry. Aerospace industry was
set as a target.

(Slide 7)
Impact of Aerospace on the Fasteners Industry

Nowadays, the U.S is using over 200 billion industrial fasteners every year, where the
aerospace/defense industry is responsible for about 14% of consumption.

According to Ken Long, industry analyst at the Freedonia Group, some growth is
anticipated in the long-term outlook of fastener industry. Several trends are expected in
the future, including:
o The fastener industry will concentrate more on the total life cycle cost, which
includes installation costs, warranty terms, and fastener service life.
o The production of stronger and higher-performance plastics will help spur sales of
plastic fasteners, many of which can be categorized as specialty products.
o Re-surging of aerospace production will increase sales of aerospace-grade
fasteners.
o As specialized equipment manufacture rise, demand for application-specific
standard fasteners will grow.