Global Fastener News

PRODUCT NEWS: Textron Introduces

John Wolz

More than 50,000 airbags are stolen in the U.S. each year, but new intelligent airbag fasteners will be capable of outsmarting potential thieves.
Textron Fastening Systems introduced a line of intelligent fasteners with embedded chips remotely controlled by intelligent tools.\
The chips activate the fastening mechanism and network with the intelligent tool that remotely manages and controls the assembly and disassembly process. The microprocessors also self-diagnose and document each process.
�Our intelligent fastening technology represents the future of fastening, an all-new way to design, assemble and service products,� said Rick Clayton, president of the fastener division of Textron Inc. �The entry of this technology platform into manufacturing processes will advance the speed, flexibility, flow and cost savings that modern production systems require,� Clayton predicted. �Intelligent fastening technology will provide our customers with an unprecedented capability to design for assembly and disassembly, as well as security, by integrating the mechanics of fastening processes into the component.�
TFS applications engineers are exploring use of the intelligent fastening technology for each of the company�s primary markets, which include automotive, aerospace, electronics and construction.
The most advanced of these applications is a tamperproof fastening system for automotive airbag modules. The system�s intelligent fasteners are integrated into the vehicle�s power and data system and have secure, encrypted codes that respond only to remote instructions entered by authorized service technicians.
Future automotive applications include lighting systems, internal and exterior trim, entertainment systems, molded body components, and such accessories as roof racks and spare tires, according to Clayton. �Intelligent fastening technology has the potential to be the fastening protocol for all automotive subassemblies,� he noted.
TFS is bringing intelligent fastening technology to market through an application development partnership with TZ Inc., which has licensed worldwide industrial applications to TFS.
TZ is a leader in the development of intelligent fastening and assembly enabling technology. The company�s core activity is licensing its intellectual property and operating software, as well as providing application engineering and technology development services to global manufacturers. TZ is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.
Headquartered in Troy, MI, TFS has nearly 11,000 employees worldwide and supplies value-added fastening products, systems and services to customers in nearly 200 countries. Web: textronfasteningsystems.com
Product News
Alcoa Fastening Systems commercial products group unit in Carmel, IN , introduced the Nes external and internal thread restorer systems. The Nes Restorer tool �re-grooves� threads by working from the undamaged portion through the damaged portion with hardened high- speed steel blades. Web: recoil.com.au

Beacon Fasteners & Components Inc. is adding thread-cutting screws to its inventory, president Robert Wegner announced. Beacon is starting with 155 sizes and will eventually stock more than 1,000. Beacon now stocks 370 million screws. Web: beaconfasteners.com

Boker�s Inc. published a new catalog of washers, including 17,000 flat sizes and 2,000 materials. Web: bokers.com

Carpenter Technology Corp. is now offering 302HQ-SFQ, which Carpenter describes as a more price-competitive heading alloy that can be considered for less demanding cold forming operations requiring less severe upset and extrusion. Web: cartech.com

Chandler Products published a brochure for custom-engineered cold-headed fasteners. The brochure includes product descriptions, engineering data and company information. Web: chandlerproduts.com

Continental-Aero expanded its product line to include Grades 5 and 8 finished hex nuts, president Marty Schneider announced. Web: continental-aero.com

ESNA Industrial, a MacLean-Fogg company, added metric serrated flange Whiz Lock screws and nuts to its inventory and expanded inch series. The Whiz Lock one-piece design was patented by MacLean-Fogg in the 1960s. Web: maclean-fogg.com �2003 FastenerNews.com