High strength non-destructive fasteners | the world of composites

        CAMX 2023: Rotaloc fasteners are available in a variety of substrate types, threads, sizes and materials for high strength, non-destructive bonding to fiber reinforced composites and thermoset/thermoform plastics. #camx        Rotaloc International (Littleton, Colorado, USA) adhesive fasteners are designed for use with fiber reinforced composite (FRP) materials, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and thermoset/thermoform plastics. According to Rotaloc, bonded fasteners can be bonded or molded during the lamination process. The base plate with glued fasteners distributes the load over a large area. The perforation allows the resin or adhesive to flow through, creating a strong mechanical bond. Adhesive-mounted fasteners are a high-strength, non-destructive fastening solution for composite materials that is reported to reduce costs, waste, and production time.        Rotaloc manufactures adhesive fasteners in a wide variety of plate styles, threads, sizes and materials. Available thread options include male stud (M1), unthreaded stud (M4), female nut (F1), female collar (F2), and plain wire ring (M7). Each product is available in a variety of thread types, materials, insert styles and sizes, according to the company. Rotaloc said it also offers in-house design and engineering services to tailor custom fasteners to specific projects.        Because different conditions require different material properties, Rotaloc manufactures fasteners in a variety of materials, from galvanized carbon steel to stainless steel and brass. The coating and surface treatment is claimed to give bonded fasteners enhanced corrosion resistance for more extreme conditions. Some of the surface treatments offered by Rotaloc include powder coating, electroplating, nickel plating, trivalent zinc plating, hot dip galvanizing and passivation. Rotaloc also offers heat treatment as well as electroplating and finishing according to the manufacturer's requirements.        Rotaloc adhesive fasteners are used in many industries. For example, manufacturers in the marine industry use fasteners to install insulating panels, dashboards, windows, cables, wires, piping, and to attach fiberglass hulls or other composite panels. In transit, they are used to install internal wiring, panels, insulation, lighting fixtures, printed circuit boards, and other mechanical components. Outdoor use includes fluid tanks, fenders, side skirts, rear air diffuser, front air dam, hood/trunk mounts or body kits. Rotaloc says the same fastener can have countless different uses, from architectural cladding to under-sink installation on granite countertops, wind turbines and honeycomb panels.        Rotaloc International will showcase the new technology at CAMX 2023 in Atlanta this October. Plan to meet their team or register here!       The desire to improve aircraft operating efficiency continues to drive the use of polymer matrix composites in jet engines.        Boeing and Airbus produce up to 1 million pounds of cured and uncured carbon fiber prepreg waste each year during the production of the 787 and A350 XWB aircraft. If you include the entire supply chain for these aircraft, the total comes to about 4 million pounds a year. As the automotive industry prepares to consume (and discard) more carbon fiber than ever before, composite recycling has become an absolute must. The technology is there, but the market is not. However.       The high levels of secrecy and secrecy that keep this lucrative composite application off the radar has also contributed to the current shale oil boom.