Application Technology

Lightening the load of an aircraft by just 1,000lbs (454kg) can save 1% of fuel costs according to the EU’s Clean Sky initiative. With fuel prices rising and increasing pressure to meet emissions targets, aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers are looking to slash the weight of their aircraft to achieve greater efficiency.

Many airlines are saving millions on their operating costs by investing in lightweight materials to reduce weight, save fuel and reduce carbon emissions. With an installed weight typically up to 50% lighter than an equivalent breakstem rivet, Avdel® NeoSpeed® is a versatile, multigrip blind rivet perfectly suited to many aerospace fastening applications.

STANLEY Engineered Fastening, a division of Stanley Black & Decker, points out that the unique splined rivet combines high strength with low weight to make it the strongest speed riveting system in the world. According to STANLEY Engineered Fastening, NeoSpeed installation is also four times faster than a regular breakstem rivet and is the more efficient system after only 10 rivets are placed. The labour saving NeoSpeed rivet cartridge also eliminates the need to reload podded rivets into their mandrel.

Typical applications include seating and overhead storage, where strength and performance is key, and onboard electronics cabinets – where the risk of short circuit from loose mandrels is eliminated. NeoSpeed also has three times greater hole size tolerance than standard breakstem rivets, which make them ideal for use in catering trolleys to make them noise and rattle free.

NeoSpeed is available in 3.2mm to 4.8mm (1/8 inch to 3/16 inch) aluminium alloy, steel, and stainless steel A4, with mushroom and countersunk head styles.

STANLEY Engineered Fastening comments: “We are the world leader of innovative fastener and tooling solutions for aerospace applications. With the broadest portfolio of fastening systems in the industry, customers are guaranteed the best solution for their application every time.”