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How Do Automotive Fasteners Play a Role in Automotive Design?
Cars are complex pieces of engineering, combining the latest advances in technology with the classic principles of manufacturing. While engines and suspension systems tend to get a lot of attention, automotive fasteners play a role that's just as important. Without them, modern automotive design wouldn't be possible.
How Fasteners Impact Automotive Design
Fasteners, such as bolts, clips and rivets, hold a car together. A mechanic would have to spend days welding parts together if they couldn't use fasteners. When each type of fastener is used in the right way, the result is a better and more reliable vehicle.
Structural Integrity
The biggest function fasteners play in a car is structural integrity. Quality fasteners hold components together and prevent a car from falling apart as it goes down the road. Not only do the fasteners keep different parts together, they brace those parts so they don't get warped or twisted.
This also becomes a safety matter. Not having fasteners placed in the right spots could lead to dangerous situations for anyone in the car. Imagine if a seatbelt wasn't installed with the correct fastener and became loose when pulled. The person in that seat would be at risk of being thrown forward all because of a fastener problem.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Control
As cars move, they are subjected to a lot of vibration and friction. This can make the ride uncomfortable and noisy. By using fasteners in automotive design, you can secure parts properly to reduce the noise, vibration and harshness that comes from the act of driving. There are even special fasteners that are made to dampen vibrations near sensitive items such as the engine.
Aesthetic Appeal
Fasteners are functional tools, but they can also play a role in the look of a car. Aside from holding the exterior panels in the right place to give the right look, fasteners can also be a part of the look. Consider sports cars that have exposed rivets or bolts arranged in a stylish way. Fasteners also make sure exterior panels stay aligned in the right way to keep the exterior lines looking like they should.
Maintenance and Repair
Lastly, fasteners make it possible to maintain and repair a car easily. It would be extremely difficult to repair a car if every component was welded together. With fasteners in a well-designed car, a mechanic can easily unscrew or unclip the parts that need to be worked on and fasten everything again when the work is done. This adds to the longevity of the car since a problem can be easily fixed.
Get the Right Fasteners for Your Automotive Design Needs
Without fasteners, most automotive design ideas would be a lot harder to achieve. They keep cars structurally sound, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Even though you don't always see them, automotive fasteners are doing a lot of work to make sure every vehicle runs as it should and lasts for a long time. Make sure you have the fasteners you need by shopping with ROGO Fastener.
Sources:
- https://www.fictiv.com/articles/types-of-automotive-fasteners-explained#:~:text=Fasteners%20are%20the%20unsung%20heroes,cars%2C%20trucks%20and%20SUVs%20together.
- https://www.enginelabs.com/engine-tech/critical-torque-fast-facts-about-high-performance-fasteners/
- https://www.kinfast.com/news/fasteners-play-such-a-big-role-in-the-automotive-industry.html
- https://www.tulsibrass.com/fastening-it-all-together-different-types-of-automotive-fasteners/
- https://sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/noise-vibration-and-harshness