Product category:
Adhesives, threadlockers and other consumables
News Release from: Henkel Loctite Adhesives | Subject: Self-curing threadlockers
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 06 March 2001
Hovercraft's fasteners locked in place
securely
When faced with the severe thread-loosening vibration generated by the Wildcat hovercraft he was building, MJE Managing Director Mick Holdaway, remembered the power of Loctite liquid threadlockers
M.J.Enterprise is used to dealing with engineering challenges The company worked on the 'Sky Rider' human catapult, which is also known as 'The Ultimate Bungee Jump'
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 6 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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This throws people 160 feet in the air, rocketing them skywards at speeds exceeding 60 mph in just two seconds.
So, when faced with the severe thread-loosening vibration generated by the Wildcat hovercraft he was building, MJE Managing Director Mick Holdaway, remembered the power of Loctite liquid threadlockers.
These were used to lock the 50mm bolts on the Sky Rider structure, which has to cope with the demands of a 9g acceleration.
With the obvious safety implications, Mick had to be sure its fasteners were 100% secure.
The Wildcat hovercraft demands the same security; it is used for both entertainment and competition where strength and reliability are equally important.
In the past there have been problems with shock and vibration shearing the craft's drive frame.
Now, every threaded fastener used in the hovercraft's structure is locked with a Loctite liquid threadlocker.
This is applied directly from the bottle or applicator onto the thread engagement area, providing a quick and clean solution.
Assembly causes the adhesive to flow into the voids between mating threads completely filling them.
Deprived of air, the threadlocker rapidly cures into a tough, insoluble plastic.
Fasteners will then be locked, preventing loosening due to the constant shocks and vibration caused in this high speed vehicle.
When the hovercraft needs to be dismantled for repair or maintenance, the joint can be loosened using normal hand tools.
The strength and integrity of the structure is a significant factor in the success of the Wildcat project, practical proof that Loctite self- curing threadlockers can resist even the intense vibration found in this unusual application.
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