Harrison Silverdale is known for its range of fasteners used in plastic mouldings and sheet metal applications and is now being increasingly asked by clients to help in the development stage of new projects. Its design capability, industry knowledge and stock management expertise means it can help bring a project from concept, through design and prototyping to serial production.
Recently a large plastic moulding company who is a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry approached Harrison Silverdale to supply components for a spring mechanism which would be part of the rear folding seat assembly in a luxury SUV vehicle. The parts required for the mechanism included, large hinge pins in stainless steel, retaining E Clips, a thread forming screw, a plastic moulding (manufactured by the client) and a large torsion spring.
It was the torsion spring which posed some initial problems with the design of the assembly. There was some doubt over the size and torsional strength required for the spring to perform correctly and provide sufficient load. Both the client and the OEM design engineer had little experience in this area. Harrison Silverdale was able to share CAD models with the client and perform simulation studies. These results helped the spring manufacturers technical team to calculate the forces required and propose three possible variants. After producing a small sample batch of each size tests were carried out to choose and approve the final design.
Although all the parts except the E rings were non standard and a long way from Harrison Silverdale’s usual product range, the company was able to supply sample quantities of all the parts required for the assembly and assist with specifying the components for design freeze and stock manage the parts for serial production.
www.harrisonsilverdale.co.uk
fasteners@harrisonsilverdale.co.uk
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.
