Introduction to plastic fasteners
Plastic Fasteners in Automotive Applications
Plastic fasteners are widely used in automotive manufacturing for their versatility, lightweight properties, and ease of installation. They play a critical role in connecting and securing various components, contributing to the overall performance and durability of vehicles. Below is an overview of their types, materials, and applications.
Types of Plastic Fasteners
Plastic fasteners are categorized based on their application areas in vehicles:
1. Body Fasteners
– Includes nuts, blocking pieces, and other components used in vehicle body assembly.
2. Interior Fasteners
– Comprises standard plastic parts for securing interior components such as panels, trim, and upholstery.
3. Chassis and Engine Fasteners
– Primarily consists of pipe clamps and other fasteners designed to withstand high stress and temperature.
4. Electrical Fasteners
– Includes wiring harness clips, cable guards, and strain relief clips for securing electrical systems.
Key Features and Benefits
Lightweight: Reduces overall vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency.
Durability: Resistant to corrosion, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Ease of Installation: Simplifies assembly processes, reducing production time and costs.
Versatility: Available in various forms to meet diverse automotive needs.
Common Materials
The most commonly used materials for plastic fasteners include:
Nylon 6 and Nylon 66: Known for their high strength, temperature resistance, and impact performance.
Polyoxymethylene (POM): Offers excellent wear resistance and self-lubricating properties.
Material selection is based on key performance indicators such as:
1. High and low-temperature resistance.
2. Impact strength.
3. Tensile strength.
4. Product lifespan and ease of installation.
Applications in Automotive Systems
1. Plastic Sleeves
Use: Silent hinge assembly.
Features: Resistant to dirt, chemicals, and climate variations.
Specifications: Complies with DIN h6-H7 standards; bearing clearance is 1% of the shaft diameter.
2. Plastic Gears
Use: Gear systems in various automotive components.
Features: Made from self-lubricating POM, eliminating the need for additional lubrication.
Temperature Resistance: Suitable for environments up to 95°C.
3. Plastic Strain Relief Clips
Use: Securing power cables and wiring harnesses.
Features:
Simplifies installation, reducing production costs.
Designed with bullet-shaped or streamlined heads for easy use in tight spaces.
Fire-retardant and compliant with UL standards.
Made from heat-stable nylon, withstanding temperatures up to 105°C.
4. Plastic Dampers
Use: Controlling the movement of flaps, doors, and distribution boxes.
Features:
Silent operation with self-lubricating materials.
Maintenance-free and available in 8 torque options.
Improves over traditional silicone dampers with easier installation.
5. Plastic Grease Caps
Use: Protecting lubrication points.
Features:
Available in yellow and red for easy identification.
Complies with DIN71412 and NEN2435 standards.
Resistant to dirt and environmental factors.
Conclusion
Plastic fasteners are essential components in modern automotive design, offering a combination of lightweight construction, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their widespread use in body, interior, chassis, engine, and electrical systems highlights their versatility and importance in vehicle manufacturing. By leveraging advanced materials like nylon and POM, plastic fasteners meet the demanding performance requirements of the automotive industry while contributing to improved efficiency and sustainability.