Fasteners play a crucial role in many industries, including space and aerospace. They are prominent in the manufacture and assembly of all aircraft and spacecraft; both in primary and secondary structural areas as well as pressurized, non-pressurized, and load-transferring applications. Their use contributes to a significant amount of structural weight, strength, and overall craft integrity.
When selecting a fastener for a space or an aerospace application there are a lot of variables that need to be taken into consideration. A flawed fastener can cost an entire mission… and potentially a lot more.
Typically, the fasteners selected must be comprised of materials and finishes that offer performance enhancing characteristics including:
- High tensile, shear, and fatigue strength
- High strength-to-weight ratio (optimize performance and lift while minimizing both energy and fuel costs)
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- High oxidation resistance
- Superior performance in extreme conditions (including low and/or high temperatures, low/high pressures, and more)
- Self-sealing and self-locking capabilities (to prevent fluid or pressure leaks or loosening during operation)
- High immunity to wear and vibration
- And more
What types of fasteners are used in the space and aerospace industries?
The space and aerospace industries use a wide variety of standard and specialty fasteners made from high-performing alloys which can withstand high pressure and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Common fasteners used in aerospace applications include:
- Anchors
- Cap Head Screws
- Collars
- Cotter Pins
- Hex Bolts
- Hex Cap Screws
- Hex Nuts
- Locking Bolts
- Pins
- Rivets
- Screws
- Security Screws Studs
- Turnlock Fasteners
- Washers
- And more
What are the most common materials used to create space and aerospace fasteners?
Some materials are used more than others for space and aerospace applications. Those selected are chosen because they are lightweight yet strong and incredibly durable.
Alloys such as:
- Aluminium
- Steel
- Titanium
- Superalloys (such as H-11, Hastalloy®, Iconel®, Monel®, and more)
- And more
| Material | Attractive Properties |
| Aluminium | Approximately 30% of all aluminium is used in the manufacture of space and aerospace components. It is strong, lightweight, and rather inexpensive when compared to other alloys. Aluminium also exhibits high tensile strength, as well as both corrosion and stress cracking resistance. |
| Steel | Steel is the #1 alloy used in aerospace fasteners. It maintains it mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, is resistant to high temperature oxidation, is resistant to corrosion, and performs in unpredictable pressure conditions. It is also strong, dense, conductive, and aesthetically attractive. |
| Titanium | Titanium is one of the most used alloys in this industry, behind steel, due to the fact that it offers superior strength-to-weight ratio which helps the craft reduce its weight, making it more fuel efficient, without sacrificing safety or performance. Titanium also exhibits high tensile strength even at increasing temperatures, it is extremely resistant to sea water and galvanic corrosion, though it does have moderate ductility and low work hardening rate. |
| Super Alloys | Super alloys are complex, high-performance alloys, formulated specifically for extreme environments and projects. Typically, these alloys are challenging to produce and are more expensive than other alloys. They exhibit high mechanical strength, stability, oxidation resistance, creep resistance, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance at high temperatures. |
What finishes are utilized in the space and aerospace industries?
Even when made with industry-specific alloys, a fastener for the space and aerospace industry also needs proper finishing to protect the fastener as well as offer additional resistances.
Specialist Finishes such as:
- Nickel
- Silver
- And more
| Finish | Attractive Properties |
| Nickel | Offers effective corrosion resistance as well as good wear resistance and galling prevention |
| Silver | Offers excellent anti-galling properties, high lubricity, a wide operating temperature range, good corrosion resistance, and exceptional conductivity. |
How can Pure Tech Components Ltd help the space and aerospace industry?
Pure Tech Components Ltd are the premier UK distributor for UC Components, Inc. who have been the world leader in clean-critical hardware since 1974.
We can offer:
- Plated & Vented Screws: Contaminate-free, tight-tolerance, lightweight yet high strength extreme condition fasteners available in a variety of vacuum compatible finishes.
- Specialty Vented Washers: Resistant to corrosion and oxidation, vented washers provide thermal and electrical isolation, and inhibit loosening, while allowing a wider fastener contact area.
- Plated Hex Nuts: Available in a variety of vacuum compatible finishes, such as Nickel and Silver. Manufactured with precision and tested for quality. We also offer vented acorn nuts available in the same array of finishes.
- Baked & Cleaned O-Rings: Manufactured from top quality fluoroelastomer materials, critical in order to achieve a tight seal and to protect from hazardous conditions or extreme temperatures, as well as reduce surface molecular contamination and volatile organic contamination.
We also offer numerous finish options, specialised venting designs, complete custom product development, and Class 100/ISO Class 5 Cleanroom cleaning & packaging. Please feel free to visit our website to view our products on offer, request a quote, or contact us for more assistance or additional information. If you do not see the fastener, material, or O-ring that you need listed in our standard products, please contact us, as we are normally able to acquire or manufacture just about any fastener or O-ring you need.