​ONTOOL’s alternative to rivet nuts 04 December 2014

ONTOOL has announced THERMDRILL® – an alternative method to producing solid and wobble free bushings even in thin walled materials.

Addressing the problem metal workers face when using rivet nuts for connections with dynamic load or vibrations, ONTOOL says its THERMDRILL® is a cost-effective alternative, providing wobble free bushings, starting with a wall thickness of 1mm, which can save up to 50% of working time and 90% of material costs in comparison to rivet nuts, depending on the application.

Applicable on almost every pillar drill press (ca. 1.5kW motor capacity, speed range 1,500rpm – 3,000rpm) the THERMDRILL starts to generate friction heat once the rotating drill is pressed onto the material. ONTOOL explains that due to THERMDRILL’s special geometry, metallic materials such as aluminium, brass, copper, steel, stainless steel and many other alloys turn ‘plastic’. Meaning that within seconds the so-called thermal drill is ‘drilling’ chipless through the wall thickness. While doing this it is forming a bushing from the displaced material that is three times more than the original material thickness and gives enough space for the threads.

“Without additional material the final bushing is made with a thread former. In only two steps the THERMDRILL threaded bushing is made out of one piece with no twist, is wobble free, and has enormous resistance to dynamic load.”

Tools are available direct from ONTOOL or through authorised dealers all over the word. The standard product range starts from metric M3 to M20. Metric-fine, pipe thread, UNC, UNF and customised tools are also available on request.

 

Claire Aldridge Deputy Editor t: +44 (0) 1727 743 889

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.