Automotive

One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face when assembling metal parts is achieving a secure joint while maintaining cost efficiency and production speed. POWERLOK^® II™ screws from CELO offer a reliable solution for assembling components subjected to high-levels of vibration.

In many applications, extra locking elements – such as locking patches, adhesive patches, or washers – are used to prevent loosening. However, these solutions add complexity and cost to the assembly process. But what about other challenges, such as temperature fluctuations? How can you ensure a secure joint under high operating temperatures? 

POWERLOK^® II™ screws are a proven solution for assembling components exposed to severe vibration conditions and expansion/contraction cycles in all-metal tapped holes, particularly in automotive and other high-volume assembly applications. They provide an ideal solution for situations requiring high vibration resistance and consistent performance, even after repeated assembly and disassembly – with a unique design that provides a reliable locking function regardless of the fastened material or operating temperature.  

With excellent resistance to vibration-induced loosening, POWERLOK^® II™ eliminates the need for additional locking elements and complies with IFI 524 regulations for screw loosening resistance.  The screws can reach Class 10.9 mechanical properties, offering high strength properties suitable for a wide range of demanding applications.

POWERLOK^® II™ screws achieve enhanced locking action through the combination of a Dual Angle™ thread form and a TRILOBULAR^® thread body section. The innovative Dual-Angle™ thread form combines a 30° thread overlapping with a standard 60° thread. This design interferes with the root of the nut thread, eliminating tolerance gaps. The centralisation of the POWERLOK^® II^™ screw lobes in the nut member allows the crest on the fastener thread to flex elastically under clamp load, simulating the live action of a spring washer along the entire screw length.

Key features of the POWERLOK^® II™ screws include a full length locking action which ensures immediate and continuous locking along the entire screw, ensuring that clamping force is maintained so the screw provides vibration resistance in-line with IFI 524 regulation standards. To enhance assembly efficiency, POWERLOK^® II™ screws can also feature a specialised thread point design that prevents cross-threading during insertion. This makes them an ideal choice for semi-automatic and robotic assembly lines, ensuring a smooth installation.

By eliminating the need for additional locking elements, POWERLOK^® II™ also offers cost-savings. The special design of these screws allows repeated insertions and removals without compromising performance, even at high operating temperatures. POWERLOK^® II™ threads on double-end studs can also replace inconsistent locking nuts, enabling reliable fastening with standard nuts or Class 2B (6H) tapped holes. Additionally, POWERLOK^® II™ contain no harmful chemicals, making these screws fully PFOS compliant.

“At CELO, we customise POWERLOK^® II™ screws to fit your specific installation requirements. Our screws can be configured with various recess types, thread points, coatings, and cleanliness levels – all based on your specifications,” CELO proudly states.