FEATURE DRIVES & CONTROLS
LIGHTENING THE LOAD in the automotive sector
As part of an ongoing programme to increase its services and products and, in particular, to help existing and new customers to achieve the weight reduction requirements and high torque demands of the automotive industry, TR Fastenings came to an agreement with Phillips Screw Company early last year whereby it could manufacture, under licence, Phillips’ complete range of industrial drive systems
A
lready well known for its engineering and manufacturing capabilities, TR
Fastenings already owned the Pozidriv trademark for the UK, Pozi in the EU, and also the MAThread and Torx licences. Therefore, according to Geoff Budd, managing director at TR Fastenings, “It was a natural progression to manufacture the famous Phillips Drive Systems.” Since 1933 the Phillips Screw Company
has been the leader in the development of high performance fasteners for the automotive sector. Beginning with the 1936 Cadillac (the first car to use the original Phillips screw and screw driver in production), today the Phillips Screw Company is still striving for greater efficiency with the introduction of a range of new drive systems, including the MORTORQ Super high strength internal drive. This system provides the lowest head height possible while reducing overall weight. Furthermore, in transmission applications the MORTORQ Super drive has provided unparalleled tool life, yielding a six time increase that has resulted in fewer line stoppages for tool changes and greater productivity. Other new
innovations include Phillips’ new External MORTORQ Super bolt, originally designed for the aerospace industry, but which is quickly gaining applications in the automotive market. The reduced head height and weight of the External MORTORQ Super bolt provides superior torque transfer that is optimised in the removal direction to ensure ease of service in the aftermarket (the bolt head design is also compatible with common hex and bi-hex sockets) and at end of vehicle life recycling. Because not every fastener is easy to
reach, Phillips has introduced the new HEXSTIX system to provide a better
22 APRIL 2014 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
alternative to the six lobe drive systems widely in use. The six lobe systems have fair torque transfer capability but provide a wobbly fit and require a magnet to keep the screw on the end of the tool. The new HEXSTIX system provides a stable fit that doesn’t wobble and the screw (even stainless material) will stick on the tool tip making
installation in hard to
reach or recessed areas a simple task. This makes the assembly line run smoothly and the geometry of the HEXSTIX recess is compatible with common six lobe tools for aftermarket service with existing consumer and service shop tools. Additionally, a patented tamper resistant recess has been developed by Phillips. Initially to secure vital aerospace equipment, this new three winged recess drive provides new levels of security.
Above: TR’s application engineers are working closely with its automotive tier 1 customers - providing technical advice and support on the use of Phillips’ Drive Systems in numerous
automotive applications
Left: Phillips’ Drive Systems have up to 25% less material in the head, giving it the advantage of both weight reduction and less material used
BENEFITS AND APPLICATIONS In addition to manufacturing the Phillips’ Drive Systems at its factories in the Far East, TR’s application engineers are working closely with its automotive tier 1 customers at their design and engineering centres across Europe, Asia and the US, providing technical advice and support on their use in numerous automotive applications, including car seats, cockpit modules, powertrain, door and instrument panels, steering systems, chassis and transmissions, as well as engines and brakes. Chris Black, global automotive sales
manager at TR Fastenings Automotive, commented, “Phillips’ Drive Systems appeals to our customers requiring more sophisticated engineered applications. These fasteners have up to 25% less material in the head, giving it the advantage of both weight reduction and less material used - very much a value added product.”
TR Fastenings
www.trfastenings.com T: 01825 747 200
Enter 211 / ELECTRICALENGINEERING
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