Fastening Products Group
When you don’t want something to move, contact RL Hudson. From simple clips, to re-usable and permanent fasteners, to mechanical latching systems, let RL Hudson’s knowledge and experience “close the door” on fastening problems. Whether your application calls for a custom-designed fastener or one made to your print, our material experts and design engineers understand what it takes to meet your most demanding fastener requirements.
LATCHES are often used for securely, but temporarily, preventing motion between two or more components in an assembly. A latch also provides for quick connection and quick release, usually without tools. Plastic latches are lightweight and corrosion-proof, while metal latches are suitable for higher loads. Simple, rugged molded rubber latches are often specified for vibration and sound damping and when misalignment is a problem.
CATCHES are closely related in function, but are generally designed to engage automatically when two components are brought together.
FASTENING PRODUCT
APPLICATIONS
RL Hudson serves
these markets:
Appliances
Agricultural & Heavy Equipment
Vehicles & Engines
Marine
Outdoor Power Equipment
Recreational Vehicles
PLASTIC FASTENERS may be permanent or re-usable and are available in a wide range of materials that includes polyethylene, nylon (polyamide), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), polycarbonate, and acetal. The design possibilities are limitless! Plastic fasteners are lightweight, corrosion-proof, easily and permanently colored, chemical resistant, electrically insulating, and non-magnetic. With the proper choice of materials, plastic fasteners can be used at temperatures up to 450 °F.
STRAPS reduce, but may not prevent, motion between two components. They are often used where temporary fastening, flexibility, quick adjustment, shock absorption, and/or extended length are required. Rubber straps, which may incorporate woven fabric to limit extension, are used where stretching is required or constant tension must be maintained. Inexpensive plastic straps (usually flexible PVC) may be used for light-duty applications, while woven fabric straps are suited to demanding applications. Straps often end in hooks, loops, rings, or clips, with length adjustment being provided by metal or plastic snaps, buckles, or D-rings.
THREADED FASTENERS Metal screws and bolts have a very long history of use, and for many applications they are the best choice, but non-metallic threaded fasteners offer compelling advantages. They are corrosion-proof, electrically and thermally insulating, non-magnetic, chemical resistant, and, size for size, lighter than metal. They may be injection molded or machined from materials that include nylon, polycarbonate, acetal, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyester, often reinforced by glass fiber. For high temperatures or high loads, choose polyaryletherketone (PAEK) resin reinforced with long-carbon fibers, pultruded thermosetting vinyl ester/glass, Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI), liquid crystal polymer, or one of several other high-performance materials.
HOSE CLAMPS have moved beyond metal when maximum clamping force is not required. Where cost, ease of installation and removal, and rust and corrosion resistance are important, injection molded nylon (polyamide) or acetal hose clamps should be considered. They are available with panel mount projections that allow them to both secure the connection and hold the hose in position.
LET US HELP RL Hudson supplies bearing and anti-friction products to some of the largest and most demanding manufacturing companies in the world. If we can be of service to you, please let us know. You can reach us at 1-800-722-6766.
