Keywords
Citation
(2000), "AdhFAST - fastener to revolutionise adhesive use", Assembly Automation, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2000.03320baf.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
AdhFAST - fastener to revolutionise adhesive use
AdhFAST™ - fastener to revolutionise adhesive use
Keywords: Fasteners, Adhesives, TWI
TWI has just filed a patent on its latest joining system - AdhFAST™. This novel, three-in-one fastener (see Plate 1), allows adhesive to be injected through the middle of the device whilst retaining the joint and controlling bondline thickness.
Plate 1
This significant advance in joining allows structures to be assembled dry, checked for tolerance and then injected with adhesive at the final stage. This ensures a simplified process with increased quality assurance. Adhesive dispensing can be metered with minimal wastage, making the process cleaner with resultant health and safety and economic benefits.
The use of the process gives the advantages of adhesives combined with the benefits and confidence associated with fastener technology. Many industrial sectors such as aerospace, building and construction, marine, oil and gas and transport could benefit from AdhFAST™ in terms of improved performance and cost savings.
The fasteners can be made from any suitable material including metals and plastics. Size and design are limited only by the imagination and can be tailored to meet a wide variety of applications. The system is flexible enough to be used with most adhesives, including those for bridge repair, underwater bonding and panel assembly. Adhesive injection can be carried out as an automated process or manually, making it ideal for both high and low volume production.
Plate 2 Computer graphic
showing cross section of an AdhFAST TM assembled system
AdhFAST™ solves all those manufacturing problems associated with access, alignment and fit-up (see Plate 2).
For further information, please contact Ewen Kellar or Paul Burling TWI. Tel: +44 (0) 1223 891162; Fax: +44 (0) 1223 892588; E-mail: ejkellar@twi.co.uk or pmburling@twi.co.uk