Small bush - big impact

This is where the MEBUX Light Weight threaded bush from IMS Verbindungstechnik can help. The bush is self-tapping, which does away with the threading process entirely and reduces assembly time as a result. The bush expands when a screw is driven in to prevent the screw being unscrewed again. It can also be used later as a connecting element in a component.

The MEBUX Light Weight bush has been developed by IMS Verbindungstechnik based in Neuenstein, Germany specially for use with composites.

“You only have to drill one hole for assembly and can then screw the bush directly into the workpiece. The bush is self-tapping, which saves time and effort because you no longer have to cut a thread, for example,” explained Pascal Fischer, IMS product manager. “The bush can also be machined reliably without the need for special tools. What is more, the special form also ensures that the MEBUX LW expands in the workpiece when a screw is driven in.”

Company production manager, Sascha Haberhauer added: “This results in very high reverse torque, which prevents the bush becoming detached from the component when the screw is unscrewed again. Expansion also means that no adhesives are needed and the bush can also withstand permanent stresses, such as frequent screwing in and out. The collar also ensures that the bush is firmly fixed in place.”

The MEBUX LW can be driven into the component flush with its surface to enable spacer-free installation.

“The bush can also be fitted subsequently into a complete CFRC or GFRC component as a fixing element. This means it does not have to be inserted into the workpiece during lamination,” said Fischer. “Lamination is a good cue: Delamination is considered a real problem with composite materials in particular.”

Haberhauer concluded: “This refers to the way in which a component made of composite materials is damaged if the composite material fractures into separate layers or fibres de-bond when a screw is driven in. The special geometry of our bush prevents delamination during assembly and stops the component getting damaged.”

The Development Agency for Lightweighting Baden-Württemberg presents this innovation in the July 2019 edition of the ThinKing. Leichtbau BW uses this label to showcase excellent lightweight technology products or services from Baden-Württemberg every month.

www.leichtbau-bw.de/en