First the bad news: Unfortunately, designers regularly have to face technical limitations. On the one hand, it is often not known that connection solutions using direct screwing can be implemented reliably in materials with a high carbon fiber content. On the other hand, it is considered to be very difficult. The good news: These assumptions are unfounded, and the facts tell a different story. Both short and long fiber-reinforced materials with carbon fibers are absolutely feasible in terms of joining technology. Two companies that should know – and above all can provide technically valid proof – are the closely associated companies Baier & Michels and LEHVOSS. They effectively eliminate the fear of subjects such as electrochemical corrosion, surface wear during the screwing-in process, creep resistance or joint strength after climate change tests. Even those fears of the most stubborn critics.
One thing is clear: direct screwing of high-strength carbon fiber thermoplastics is complex.
- It requires a broad range of expertise - from material selection to design and production.
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Due to the special characteristics of the material composite, it requires more consulting to ensure the optimum design of the screw connection.
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It requires advanced screw knowledge in order to meet the specific requirements of carbon fiber thermoplastics in terms of strength, rigidity and temperature resistance.
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It requires precise consideration of the carbon fiber content - because the proportion and orientation of the carbon fibers influence the mechanical properties of the screw connection and must be taken into account.
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It requires the need for testing to validate the performance of the fitting, as it is common with fittings.
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It requires expertise in handling either short or long fiber materials - because depending on the type of carbon fibers (and polymers) used, the properties and load-bearing capacity of the fittings differ.
In short: What matters is the combination/overall expertise of in-depth understanding of materials, customized screw solutions, joint testing and effective collaboration that ensures success in the development of direct plastic screw connections in high-strength carbon fiber thermoplastics. As in many cases, a multidisciplinary team and a holistic approach are required to achieve the best possible results.
"So test therefore, who join forever ... "
Why climate change tests are so important for direct fittings.
Climate change tests are carried out according to the motto "Gain knowledge at an early stage to demonstrate performance to customers". They make a decisive contribution to obtaining reliable performance data, determining the long-term performance and reliability of fittings, using materials more efficiently, reliably meeting norms and standards and identifying weak points at an early stage. In short: they contribute to the development of a high-quality/extremely efficient/tested product that is convincing from all points of view and forms the basis for successful, long-term customer relationships.
This technically valid verification, including climate change tests, enables designers to better understand external influences, optimize products and ultimately deliver high-quality solutions that meet the requirements and expectations of the market.
Conclusion: The future belongs to plastic direct screwing – if you have the right partners at your side.
Direct fastening in high-strength carbon fiber thermoplastics stands above all for dismantlability and spare parts service - and thus for circular economy, sustainability and reduction of the carbon footprint of a product. Concerns about corrosion effects caused by the conditions of use, and in particular by the contact between steel and carbon fiber, are a thing of the past - at least if you work together with partners in terms of material development, screw technology and test procedures who are able to a) provide technically valid verification at every stage of development and b) efficiently carry out product fine-tuning. Baier & Michels (in person as Maxim Ort), CAX Solutions (in person as Kristina Essbach) and LEHVOSS (in person as Eric Folz) are such partners. All three stand for established process reliability and solutions in terms of direct fastening in high-strength carbon fiber thermoplastics. Let them inspire, advise and support you. Enabling you to give free rein to your design ideas.
