When specifying fasteners for engineering projects, understanding the differences between ASTM, ISO, SAE, and JIS standards is critical. These four organizations govern the majority of fastener specifications used worldwide, but each has distinct origins, measurement systems, applications, and grading methods. Here’s what engineers need to know to navigate these standards
At CFI, we typically engineer custom screws, nuts and bolts for any application, however, our expertise doesn’t end there. Today we will be going over a component called brass inserts. We’ll answer basic questions like what they are, what they do, why they’re often made of brass. In addition, we’ll
Threaded inserts are utilized to strengthen and add threads to all kinds of materials, from plastics, to composites, to woods. But, how are they utilized in the automotive sector? Inserts have found their way into cars, trucks and SUVs for a wide range of uses, from interior components, to the
When we work with our partners, we see them go through some of the same engineering struggles again and again when they’re considering fasteners. One of the most common challenges manufacturers face is deciding between off-the-shelf fasteners or custom options tailored to their specific project needs. Designing a new product
When it comes to mechanical fastening, engineers often focus on bolt strength—after all, it’s doing the heavy lifting, right? But there’s more to the story. In a bolted joint, the relationship between bolt grade and nut grade plays a critical role in the strength, safety, and serviceability of the assembly.
Choosing the right bolt means knowing how it fails and when it bends too far to bounce back When designing or specifying fasteners, strength is everything, but not all strength is created equal. Two key properties – yield strength and tensile strength – tell very different stories about how a
Extreme temperature environments create unique challenges for fastener selection. Whether designing for automotive underhood components experiencing 300°F heat cycles, aerospace systems operating at cryogenic temperatures below -300°F, or industrial equipment exposed to furnace conditions exceeding 2,000°F, proper material selection is critical for safety, reliability, and performance. Here’s what engineers need
At CFI, we a majority of the people that we deal with are engineers. However, we do deal with “civilians” on a regular basis as well. That’s why we’ve put together a nice glossary of fastener terms for you to reference. Many of these are physics terms that are important
If you’re “Gold Rush” fan and by all accounts, several of our CFI employees are, you may have noticed something in the October 20th episode. Even in the Alaskan bush, even with 20 ton heavy equipment, it’s all about having quality components. One broken bolt cost mine boss Parker Schnabel
Every year since 1911, there’s a little tradition from our neighboring state that has no less than 1 in every 1,000 Americans gathering into one location the Sunday before Memorial Day – the Indianapolis 500. So while the rest of the country sees open wheel race cars hurtling through the
