Application Technology

Precision engineering component distributor Accu has collaborated with Tandem Ventures, an organisation which specialises in science, technology and conservation innovations, and Whale Wise, a charity dedicated to advancing marine mammal conservation, to provide specialised fasteners used within drone technology designed to monitor whales in their natural environment.

Marine conservation is renowned for being physically challenging for both the conservationist and their equipment. Tandem Ventures was therefore looking for robust and reliable fasteners to be used within WHASER – a drone conservation system which uses highly advanced technology with cutting edge LiDAR capabilities. This would enable it to take to the skies and measure humpback whales with scientific accuracy. Accu’s engineers played a critical role in refining the WHASER system by selecting specific fasteners designed to improve the drone’s flight time, ease of assembly and resistance to the harsh Icelandic environment and sea sprays. 

The project involved the supply of a number of Accu fasteners, including Polyfix self-tapping screws, which eliminated the need for embedded nuts, this simplified the assembly process and reduced the overall weight of WHASER. Manufactured from A2 stainless steel they also provided superb corrosion resistance for use in the demanding marine environment. 

In addition, a crucial design upgrade to WHASER meant replacing traditional but heavy stainless steel bolts with Accu’s high performance PEEK (semicrystalline thermoplastic and high purity polymer bolts) which offer significant weight saving advantages. This weight reduction directly contributed to increased drone flight times and enhanced operational efficiency for Whale Wise. 

Sam Rogers, conservation engineer from Tandem Ventures explains: “The challenge was to compactify the device into its smallest possible form, the smaller it is, the lighter its weight – every gram saved increases the drone’s flight time. Accu’s self-tapping screws reduced the part count and the PEEK fasteners were six times lighter than the alternatives, resulting in a featherweight invention to help conservation.” 

Using Accu’s precision engineered fasteners not only streamlined WHASER’s construction but also aligned with its sustainability goals. By reducing weight, the project minimised material use and improved energy efficiency, which are key considerations for modern drone technology.