The automotive sector is an ever evolving and innovative industry. There are new, safer and eco-friendly developments introduced seemingly every day. As more vehicles adapt and implement the latest technology, more high-quality parts and reliable materials are needed such as the hook and loop fastener.
The well established hook and loop fastener is a less obvious technology that, whilst not a new idea in itself, can be used in the modern cars of today. Although initially it might be hard to spot, this fastening solution can be found in a number of places within the vehicle such as seating, floor mats, door panels, as well as cable management.
For seating applications the low profile nature of hook and loop tape contributes to a sleek and secure design. As a quick and easy fastening solution, it also helps reduce manufacturing processes. It can also be used as a simple fastening solution to keep floor mats in place, removing the need for clunky clips.
For door panels, attaching the insulating materials used in automotive manufacturing, hook and look assists with noise reduction and ensures easy assembly. Also offering easy access to the boot compartments without any loose items such as warning triangles and tools rattling around. Modern vehicles also contain a myriad of cables and can lead to electrical problems unless managed cleanly. This is an easy issue to avoid by using hook and loop ties, providing a secure but quickly accessible solution.
Hook and loop is also used as a straightforward aftermarket solution within the automotive modding community. This simple but effective technology has been used in cars for space saving and organisation, as well as some interior DIY projects, such as mounting additional sat nav devices and screen systems.
As a trusted manufacturer of automotive hook and loop, HALCO has supplied products to some of the worlds’ best known car brands, with fasteners meeting many industry fire retardant specification requirements including FAR 25.853.
German engineering demands the highest quality, which is why BMW recently partnered with HALCO to supply hook and loop for its cars. It’s important to find a manufacturer that can meet very specific requirements, in this case designing a bespoke solution for the pioneering automotive brand. Tesla has also worked with HALCO on its revolutionary Model T and Model S electric car, utilising a hook and loop in their seating systems and vehicle insulation.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
