Motorsport Industry – The Benefits of Motorsport Fasteners

• January 11th, 2024
• Categories: Uncategorised

The motorsport industry demands precision, safety, and high performance. Critical components like fasteners keep these aerodynamic vehicles intact in high-stakes environments. 

Motorsport fasteners are important for keeping all parts together even at high speeds, extreme pressures exerted by the vehicle’s structure, constant vibrations that can loosen ordinary fasteners, and intense temperatures generated by high-speed racing. Motorsport fasteners also allow for fast assembly and reassembly, supporting easy repairs and maintenance.

If ordinary fasteners are used, they are more likely to fail, which can cause accidents or damage to the vehicle. This article will explore the advantages of specialty fasteners in motorsport applications.

The Advantages of Using Motorsport Fasteners

There are many reasons to use motorsport fasteners, and it doesn’t only include their durability. So, why should you incorporate them?

• Lightweight construction. Often made from light alloys such as titanium or high-strength aluminium, this can reduce the vehicle’s overall weight. Motorsport fasteners improve acceleration, handling, and fuel efficiency. 
• Resistance to vibration and fatigue. Designed to prevent fatigue or vibration-induced loosening, all components will stay in place.
• Corrosion-resistance. Coated with corrosion-resistant materials, this is critical to avoid corrosion from track chemicals, weather conditions, and other corrosive elements such as fuel, oil etc.
• Fast installations. Easy to assemble and disassemble, this allows for quick and easy maintenance or adjustments at pit stops. 
• Customisations options. Available in various configurations and lengths, motorsport fasteners can be customised by teams looking for a specific result. 
• Reliable and safe. Motorsport fasteners undergo strict testing to be safe for the track. They are reliable under extreme conditions, supporting the vehicle and the driver.
• Aerodynamic considerations. These fasteners are used in body panels and aero components, designed with aerodynamics in mind. Flush-mounted and streamlined pins reduce aerodynamic drag on the track and improve performance!

Types of Motorsport Fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners offer resistance to corrosion and are suitable for racing environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, and weather conditions is common. These stainless steel fasteners are often used for body panels, securing exhaust components, and fastening critical engine parts.

Nylon insert locknuts

With an anti-vibration design, nylon insert lock nuts–also known as Nyloc nuts–have a nylon collar that can resist loosening from vibrations. This is essential for components under constant movement during races, such as suspension systems, chassis components, and areas where vibration resistance is needed.

Titanium bar and screws

Titanium has a high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning titanium screws and titanium rods don’t contribute significantly to vehicle weight. These are commonly used in the suspension system, where minimising weight is essential for improving vehicle handling and responsiveness. 

Titanium alloys

Offering a balance of durability, strength, and corrosion resistance, these are suitable for high-stress applications such as engine parts, exhaust systems, and critical structural components.

Motorsport Fasteners – Types on Offer

For high performance on the track, motorsport fasteners are critical, and the motorsport fastener market has many products designed for high-speed racing. So, what kind of fasteners can you choose from?

Nas Fasteners

NAS (National Aerospace Standards) fasteners are made from high-quality materials and manufactured to handle all motorsport applications. NAS fasteners are reliable and high-performing as they adhere to aerospace regulations.

MS Fasteners

MS (Military Standard Fasteners) meet the demands of the military, constructed to withstand extreme conditions and for secure components in high-performance vehicles.

AN Fasteners

AN (Army-Navy) fasteners are standardised hardware components used in motorsports. Designed to meet the specifications of the military, these fasteners are strong, reliable, and used in critical areas of race cars.

Avibank Ball Lok Pins

Avibank Ball Lok Pins are quick-release fasteners used in motorsports to secure components. These pins feature a spring-loaded ball that engages with a locking mechanism, offering a secure fastening solution.

Avibank Latches

Avibank latches secure hatches, panels, and other removable components. They can assist in motorsport environments by allowing fast access and maintenance during pit stops.

Avibank Lanyards

Avibank Lanyards can be attached to pins to ensure they stay tethered to the vehicle. This reduces the risk of detachment during high-speed racing.

Click Bond Fasteners

As innovative bonding solutions, Click Bond Fasteners attach various components without traditional mechanical fasteners. These adhesive-based fasteners are lightweight and reliable and improve the aerodynamics of racing vehicles.

Want to learn more about fasteners and tooling to support your current or future project? Have a read of the versatility of Grip Lok Ties, a comprehensive guide. 

The Applications of Motorsport Fasteners

Structural integrity

Fasteners assemble the chassis parts, connecting components such as the frame, roll cage, and suspension mounts. These connections are essential to the safety of the vehicle.

Aerodynamics

Fasteners from materials like titanium can be attached to lightweight body panels and aerodynamic components, including the body panels and aero components. This includes the hood, fenders, and wings. Reducing the weight of the vehicle contributes to aerodynamic performance. 

Suspension system

Motorsport fasteners are used to secure various suspension components of the suspension system, such as control arms, struts, shocks, and sway bars, with fastening suspension systems. This provides stability, precise handling, and safe tire contact with the road.

Power Train

Fasteners secure the transmission and engine to the chassis. Robust connections to engine mounts support the extreme forces generated by powerful engines.

Engine components

Supporting components such as the block, cylinder heads, ancillary systems, and high-strength fasteners are critical to withstand extreme forces and vibrations.

Exhaust systems

With high-temperature resistance, stainless steel and titanium fasteners connect these important compartments. This includes the mufflers, pipes, and headers.

Wheel assemblies

Fasteners secure wheel hubs, brake callipers, and rotors. This is essential for the driver’s safety and the vehicle’s overall braking, keeping wheels attached and providing a faster pit stop.  

Fuel and fluid systems

Fasteners secure fuel and fluid lines, preventing leaks and consistently delivering fluids to the engine and brakes.

Electrical components

Including the electronics wiring, fasteners secure electrical components, wiring harnesses, and electrical control units. These systems are essential for vehicle functioning.

If you’re an engineer interested in the field of aviation, check out aircraft cable management systems, safety in flight. Learn about commercial aircraft as complex machines and how much the wiring plays an important role in passenger safety. 

Applied Fasteners and Tooling – Choose Aerospace Fasteners

At Applied Fasteners and Tooling, we have everything you need for aerospace applications, including honeycomb fasteners, Hi Lok fasteners, AN fasteners, MS fasteners, Grip Lock Ties, Avibank Ball Lock Pins, Click Bond Fasteners, Adhesives and Equipment and a range of aircraft tools for your upcoming project.

We supply quality fasteners and assembly tooling consumables worldwide to the space, defence, industrial platforms, and aerospace industries.

Registered and AS9120 Qualified in 2014, we supply the aerospace and defence industries with specialised products and trustworthy technical support.

Our services cover application engineering support, product development and training, product testing, program management, and repair and maintenance support.

Contact us today, and we can help you push the boundaries of what is possible.