July 14, 2016 – A new screw design has been unveiled that its manufacturer believes offers aerospace manufacturers a new means of reducing aircraft weight. The LoMas Screw, developed by Click Bond, is made from A286-grade stainless steel screw, which is claimed to be up to 50% lighter than common steel alternatives and up to 17% lighter than those made of titanium.
The clever part of the design is that it is hollow, a design accomplished through a proprietary deep-drawn manufacturing process. The screw features a unique captive washer that reduces parts count and minimizes the risk of foreign object debris. The screw is also a dual-drive design, allowing for both internal NAS 1800 and external hex head capabilities, with alternative drive mechanisms expected to be available in the near future.
The LoMas Screw is initially available in 10-32 thread in 15 lengths ranging from 0.25-2in, with a variety of coatings, with other inch and metric sizes to follow.