Why Fastener Redesign Is Often Necessary for Manufacturers
by Steve Adkins Director of Engineering Optimas
Fasteners play a critical role in holding together structures ranging from automotive products to wind turbines. There are times when fasteners don’t meet performance standards and require redesigning. But redesigning fasteners is a com- plex process that requires a thorough understanding of the current design’s performance expectations, operating conditions, and potential design flaws.
In manufacturing, fasteners play a critical role in connecting fabricated metal parts that eventually become a product. On occasion, designers have to redesign or swap out fastener technology for new product designs, and as such it is important to know when and how to go about doing so. While manufacturers may not directly affect fastener design, certainly their parts must assemble seamlessly with fasteners. Their input on fastener redesign can be critical.