PECM Issue 19 2016 | Page 92

Effective bolt security with the Heico-Lock® range of anti-vibration products. T he security of bolted joints is critical, understanding the causes of bolted joint failure is the only way to resolve an issue and for this you have to go back to the basic forces at work. Preload is the most fundamental aspect in bolted joint design, it is the force that makes a bolted joint work and able to withstand working loads. It is a fact that 80% of all bolted joint failures are related to incorrect preload, so maintaining this force is paramount. Heico Fasteners innovative range of anti-vibration washer products are designed to do just that and the company’s successful philosophy of continual product development has seen the introduction of 3 systems that use wedge-locking technology to provide ultimate bolted joint security. The original Heico-Lock® washer uses the proven principle of wedge shaped cams on the inside of the washers and radial teeth on the outside which results in increased clamping force being applied during periods of vibration or dynamic load. The external radial teeth embed into the mating surfaces when tightened while the internal cams react to any movement in the joint by moving across each other and, as the height of these cams is greater than the pitch of the bolt thread, the increase in the height of these moving cams increases the clamping force on the joint, thus causing the bolt to self-lock. The ‘Ring-Lock’ system uses the same wedge locking technology but also incorporates a blue polyamide ring that holds the Heico Wedge Lock Nut 2 individual washers together permanently. This makes the ‘Ring-Lock’ easier to install and remove and ensures that when the washers are re-used that they cannot be assembled incorrectly, perfect for applications where bolted joints are serviced or removed on a regular basis. The polyamide ring also works as a visual indicator that the system is being used on the joint making it ideal for inspection purposes. 2015 saw the launch of the Heico-Lock® Wedge Lock Nut that uses the same proven locking ability of the original Heico-Lock® Washer combined with the ease of use of a flanged nut. This one piece design provides the customer with ease of use, effective bolt security and a reduction of assembly time and effort all in one. The original Heico-Lock® washer The Heico Wedge Lock Nut is supplied pre-assembled with the nut and washer combined in a captive and rotary way and uses the same preload force, rather than friction, to positively lock the bolt in place. The one piece design eliminates the risk of misuse as the 2 component parts are fixed permanently in the correct position. The design makes the wedge lock nut perfect for use in hard to reach locations and also offers considerable reduction in assembly time and effort. As well as being easy, safe and fast to use (even for non-specialist users) the nut is totally re-usable without any loss of function. The Heico-Lock® range of products offer a variety of innovative solutions to the age old problem of bolt security so why not contact the Heico team today to discuss your requirements further. Heico ‘Ring-Lock’ System Tel: 01268 745421 t E-mail: [email protected] t www.heico-lock.co.uk 92 PECM Issue 19