At the Fastening and Assembly Solutions Exhibition on 31 October 2007 PEM was showing samples of its new Spinning Clinch Bolt captive screw, which is available both with axial float and with jacking feature. These fasteners typically cost around 4p each, which is considerably less than other types of captive fastener. They will therefore be of interest to machine builders that are seeking ways to comply with the new Machinery Directive that comes into force at the end of 2009*.
PEM's Type SCB Spinning Clinch Bolt is a one-piece threaded fastener that installs by simply pressing it into a properly sized hole - which can be drilled or, ideally, punched. The controlled clinching action permanently captivates the screw in the panel, yet the captive screw can still spin freely in the sheet. This allows quick attachment of mating hardware, eliminating much of the need for loose fasteners, such as screws and retaining clips or washers, or expensive multi-component fastener assemblies.
A PDF datasheet for the SCB captive screws (retained fasteners) can be downloaded from www.pemnet.com/fastening_products/pdf/scbdata.pdf.
* A new Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, will come into force on 29 December 2009 and supersede the existing Machinery Directive. The new Directive states that fixing systems on fixed guards must remain attached to the guards or machinery when the guards are removed. Follow the link to request a copy of the MachineBuilding.net Guide to the New Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
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