Fasteners in the Automotive Industry: Innovations and Trends
There are thousands of fasteners used in the manufacturing and assembly of a single automotive vehicle. Some fasteners are applied manually by technicians while others are installed with pinpoint accuracy by automated robotics, equipment, and machinery. Here is a list of some of the most recent innovations and trends concerning automotive fasteners. Composite Material Fastening The automotive industry is constantly on the lookout for lightweight, durable, strong, impact and fatigue-resistant materials. This never-ending pursuit is all about fuel efficiency. Lightweight composite materials mean lighter vehicle frames, better gas mileage, and thermal management. Joining composite material does not come without challenges. The fibrous and laminate nature of such materials makes traditional mechanical fastening difficult without fatiguing or cracking the composite. Until recently, adhesive has been the go-to for the joining of composites but recent advancements in Bossard’s fast...