WDS Components Ltd has released a new range of loss preventing captive fasteners that speed up manufacturing assembly and make marine and working at height applications easier to manage.
The fasteners span a wide range of thread diameters and increase operational safety by preventing the removal and loss of machine safety guards. Made from highly durable 316 stainless steel, WDS say the captive fasteners can be used across all application environments.
The captive fastener design has been developed specifically by WDS in response to customer demand to prevent unintentional fastener removal or loss. The captive fastener is screwed into the host, for example an electrical component or machine guard, and the design features an unthreaded shank length between the fastener head and thread. This means that even when the fastener is unscrewed from the main frame, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a machine, the thread prevents the fastener from falling out of its intended position in the host.
The fastener can only be removed from the host by unscrewing it, and if the host doesn’t include a pre-cut thread, the user can add one to suit the appropriate fastener size. This design means that the fastener doesn’t require an additional washer, flange or nut to secure it. The fasteners are tightened by an allen key, with additional head styles available in future according to demand.
A primary benefit of these captive fasteners is their ease of use for manufacturing processes, as well as the ability to ensure fastener retention. This is particularly useful for electronics assembly when using small size fasteners which are easily dropped and lost. The captive fasteners can also be used for automated or manual assembly processes.
Available in thread diameters ranging from M3 up to M12, with the larger sizes also suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications, such as motors and fans, the fasteners also have 27 shank lengths available.
The fasteners are manufactured from 316 stainless steel, making them suitable for marine applications as well as clean environment installations such as food and beverage production facilities, as they can undergo a chemical washdown and remain corrosion free.
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.
