You can’t build an airplane without fasteners. A typical commercial airliner has hundreds of thousands of individual parts. Fasteners are responsible for holding these parts together and, thus, maintaining the airplane’s structural integrity. In this post, we’re going to reveal some surprising facts about aerospace fasteners.
#1) Resistant to Corrosion
A common feature of most aerospace fasteners is resistance to corrosion. Aerospace fasteners, of course, are used in airplanes, helicopters, satellites and other aerospace-related applications. Because they are regularly exposed to moisture, they must be designed with corrosion resistance in mind.
#2) Airplanes Use Same Type of Bolts Used By the Army and Navy
You might be surprised to learn that many airplanes use the same type of bolts as the U.S. Army and Navy. Known as “AN bolts,” they follow the same strict standards as those used by these branches of the military. AN bolts are manufactured with specific tolerances, materials, sizes and other specifications.
#3) The National Aerospace Standards Committee Publishes Bolt Standards
In addition to AN bolts, there are NAS bolts available for use in the aerospace industry. NAS bolts are characterized by manufacturing specifications set by the National Aerospace Standards Committee (NAS). Both AN and NAS bolts follow strict standards. NAS bolts, however, are typically stronger than their AN counterparts.
#4) Available in Kits
You don’t have to purchase aerospace fasteners individually. Whether you’re looking for bolts, nuts, washers or any other type of aerospace fastener, you may want to opt for an aerospace kit. Available for sale here at Monroe, aerospace kits are designed to save you time and money.
#5) Locking Washers Are Used to Resistant Vibrations
Locking washers are commonly used in conjunction with aerospace fasteners to resist vibrations. Airplanes and other types of aircraft produce vibrations. Over time, vibrations can cause fasteners to loosen. Fortunately, there are washers available to protect fasteners from loosening due to vibrations. Known as locking washers, they are designed to create tension while subsequently securing fasteners in place.
#6) Rivets Instead of Threaded Fasteners
When most people think of aerospace fasteners, they envision threaded fasteners. But there’s another common type of aerospace fastener: rivets. Rivets are often preferred, in fact. There are many different types of rivets, but nearly all of them function as permanent fasteners. Bolts, in comparison, are temporary fasteners. Blind rivets can also be installed while having access to only one side of the parts, whereas bolts often require access to both sides of the parts.
