TR Fastenings recently supplied plastic fasteners to the UK car manufacturer Ariel Motors for its latest Atom sports car, to help take weight out of the structure to enhance its world-famous performance.
Plastic fasteners are often the optimal solution for when a fastener has to be versatile, light and yet strong. This is especially true in the automotive sector, where the latest trend is for light-weighting - a lighter car uses less fuel, is more economic and more environmentally friendly.
“The Atom is designed with an open structure based on frames,” explains Kevin Roger, TR Fastenings’ plastic products sales manager. “Therefore the use of plastic cable ties is a neat and subtle way of hiding the wiring harness throughout the body of the car. Additionally, where a part was needed near the engine, a stainless steel tie was required, which we could also provide.”
Kevin adds: “The Atom is just one example of how we are currently approaching our clients and asking to see their processes to see if we can improve them and provide some production benefit. Also, plastic fasteners have the advantage of being multi-functional. Why use a nut, bolt and a washer, when you could use a two-piece plastic rivet that takes less time to apply? That is where the innovation is.”
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.
