What makes Spiralock unique is a 30-degree "wedge" ramp cut at the root of the female thread (while traditional fasteners use 60-degree thread). Under clamp load, the crests of the threads on any standard male bolt are drawn tightly against Spiralock's wedge ramp. This not only eliminates sideways motion that causes vibrational loosening but also distributes the threaded joint's load throughout all engaged threads, a claim supported by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology research study. The load percentage on the first engaged thread is significantly lower than traditional thread forms, which further reduces possible bolt failure and improves product performance.

"We're using the Spiralock self-locking fastener to help alleviate our concerns regarding a system's critical precision alignment," says Hines. "With its shock and vibration resistance, we're preventing screws from backing out and preserving critical alignment for enhanced reliability."


Manufacturers of ultra-precision devices and instruments who face product reliability problems or whose components are used in larger OEM systems turn to Spiralock, whose self-locking fasteners are able to withstand micro-vibrations and restrict minor but noticeable torsional loads.

By using the Spiralock self-locking thread form, manufacturers can achieve increased productivity, durability, more cost-effective and repeatable manufacturing processes, as well as the ability to retro-manufacture thousands of inventory parts that could end up as very costly scrap.

Production changeovers to Spiralock fasteners are typically quick and seamless, usually requiring just an exchange of traditional nuts, wire inserts or simply drilling out and re-tapping existing parts stock that have unreliable standard tapped holes.

The Future of Medical Device Performance

As the reliability of medical equipment, devices, and implants becomes increasingly important and tolerances become stricter, innovative technologies like Spiralock's self-locking fasteners are becoming more widespread in medical applications.

Because of their vibration-resistant, reliable locking features Spiralock fasteners hold various components together in artificial limbs, heart pumps and MRI machines and are also being considered for cardiovascular devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, as well as for dental and orthopedic surgical instruments and CT scanning applications.

For more info on Spiralock Corp. technology and products, visit www.spiralock.com; email slinfo(at)spiralock.com; call (800) 521-2688; fax (248) 543-1403; or write to them at Madison Tech Center, PO Box 71629, Madison Heights, MI 48071

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