BUMAX supplies the CERN Particle Accelerators in Switzerland with high strength screws and fasteners capable of withstanding both extreme heat and near absolute zero temperatures.
Scientists at the CERN particle accelerator required high-strength fasteners, with a low magnetic permeability and low cobalt content for their various vacuum chambers and bellows modules. Additionally, the fasteners need to withstand near absolute zero temperatures, down to 1.9 degrees Kelvin (minus 271°C), as well as high temperatures during bake-out (300°C).
The BUMAX solution
BUMAX has provided high-quality fasteners to CERN since 1996. BUMAX® 109 is used for all BUMAX® fasteners at CERN, and 130,000 pieces per year on average have been supplied between 2016 and 2018.
BUMAX® 109 fasteners withstand cryogenic temperatures of 1.9 Kelvin (minus 271°C) and also retain their properties during bake-out temperatures of up to 300°C. Crucially, the non-magnetic nature of BUMAX® 109 ensures that the BUMAX® fasteners do not interfere with the movement of particles and magnetic field in the accelerator.
BUMAX customer collaboration
BUMAX has collaborated with CERN to successfully trial the use of silver coating on BUMAX® products to reduce galling. Since these trials with CERN, BUMAX has started to offer silver coating to other customers with the norm CERN 507.
As the fasteners can cope with both cryogenic and high temperatures, BUMAX® 109 avoids significant replacement and maintenance costs for CERN.
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and retains its original physical properties in the process. This recyclability reduces the use of virgin material and lifecycle carbon emissions.
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.
