HEICO Group is introducing three new innovations – HEICO-TEC® expansion bolts for rotating flange and coupling bolt connections, HEICO-LOCK® reaction washers for reaction-free assembly of large bolted joints, as well as the HEICO-ONE safety washer to its comprehensive portfolio of tensioning technology and bolt security solutions.
Launched earlier this year, HEICO-TEC® expansion bolts include three base types: Suitable for non-threaded boreholes, threaded blind boreholes and through-holes. This means the product line is engineered to meet specific application needs and can be tailored to individual customer requirements. A wide range of customisation options are also available, including options for the HEICO-TEC® tensioning element, an option for using elastic HEICO-TEC® reaction nuts to ensure optimal joint longevity, as well as additional option to protect bolted joints against self-loosening.
The HEICO-TEC® expansion bolts offer an ideal solution for connecting large drive flanges or couplings, replacing the traditional fitted bolts found in gearboxes and shafts used in wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines, gas turbines and other drive systems. They feature a unique conical design which enables precise alignment of components and adaptation to boreholes through radial expansion, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming reworking of boreholes and fitted bolts.
As well as the expansion bolts, HEICO is also introducing the new HEICO-LOCK® reaction washers that, like all products in the
HEICO-LOCK® range, are based on the proven wedge-locking principle. The HEICO-LOCK® reaction washers provide secure bolt locking but also allow large, bolted joints to be tightened quickly and safely by using conventional high torque wrenches, without the need for reaction arms.
HEICO’s reaction washers consist of a two washer system with radial ribs on the outer surfaces and opposing wedge-shaped
inner surfaces. The gear-like contour of the larger washer at the bottom enables safe, reaction arm-free tightening with commonly available powered torque tools, which prevents potentially damaging bending during the tightening process. The Group also offers compatible dual sockets, which are adaptable to torque tools from nearly all leading manufacturers.
To facilitate the use of HEICO-LOCK® reaction washers in through-bolt connections, without the need for time-consuming countering or holding on the passive side, HEICO has also developed a friction-based back-up washer featuring wave-like locking ribs on both sides. The HEICO-ONE safety washer complements the reaction washers by being placed on the passive side between the nut or bolt head and the bearing surface, preventing the passive-side bolt or nut from rotating during tightening on the active side, while also protecting the bolted joint against self-loosening.
“With the launch of these new products, we are expanding HEICO Group’s already comprehensive portfolio, providing our customers with innovative, tailored solutions and optimisation potential,” explains Sven Heggemann, sales engineer at HEICO Group. “We are confident this expansion will not only offer substantial value to our existing customers but will also significantly drive growth in new markets and customer segments.”
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