SNAPLOC® conquers the Rocky Mountains 02 September 2019

The Canadian train Rocky Mountaineer is one of the most popular journeys worldwide. While sitting in special constructed single‑level or bi‑level glass‑domed coach, the travellers enjoy an optimal combination of nostalgia, nature and luxury train.

Due to safety reasons, the Rocky Mountaineer has an extra waggon with spare parts. For example in case of soiling or possible damage of the seats, a quick replacement can be realised. So, the journey does not have to be interrupted for a longer time. Another important aspect is the luxury seat design. An invisible installation of fasteners is also required in order to keep the smooth seat surface.

Böllhoff has been involved in the seat development and construction with the company Probatec AG from the very beginning, and as such the solution - SNAPLOC® – the decoupling plug-in connection was found.

SNAPLOC® is a two-part system – consisting of ball stud and coupling – for quick assembly. The ball stud cuts a thread into the plastic underpart of the seat. As the counterpart, the coupling is mounted by simply being pushed into the seat attachment frame. Inside the coupling a ball socket is formed, in which the ball stud can snap into.

Push-on to assemble, pull-off to remove: simple assembly and disassembly of SNAPLOC facilitates significantly the seat replacement. But that is not all. SNAPLOC also decouples any noise or vibration which might occur while driving with the train. In each seat, five SNAPLOC systems with a diameter of 10mm are used.

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.