Solvay Advanced Polymers To Supply Performance Plastic For New Sealed Rivetless Nut Plate

Alpharetta, GA - Textron Fastening Systems, Inc., an aerospace fastening technology company, announced that the newly introduced sealed version of its Cherry® Rivetless Nut Plate employs a washer made from Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C. high-performance plastic Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA).

Introduced just three years ago, the Cherry® Rivetless Nut Plate has revolutionized aircraft assembly by eliminating the rivets used to hold conventional nut plates in place, according to Textron. Designed to drive out costs and streamline workflow, the Cherry® Rivetless Nut Plate is said to be becoming a staple in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. However, nearly as soon as it was introduced, customers began requesting a sealed version for wet areas such as fuel systems and windshields. That's when Textron turned to Solvay Advanced Polymers.

"When we looked at creating this part in a sealed version," explained Steve Karno, Director of Marketing for Textron Fastening System's aerospace business, "we only focused on the most advanced technology available." Solvay Advanced Polymers worked with the design team at Textron Fastening systems to identify the best high-performance plastic for the washer component. "We were in need of a thermoplastic material that has a high melting point and excellent compressive strength," commented Scott Cohen, Senior Project Engineer. "Also of great concern was chemical resistance and mold-ability and we were able to achieve all of our goals with Amodel."

The washer component in the Sealed Cherry® Rivetless Nut Plate is used for load bearing as well as to provide a seal between the nut and retainer components. The assembly has passed all qualification requirements and will soon be commercially available.

"We think it speaks volumes about our product when a company as recognized in the aerospace industry as Textron Fastening Systems chooses Solvay Advanced Polymers," explained Jason Ross, Business Manager for Solvay Advanced Polymers. "Especially when you're working on a technology as universally adopted as its Cherry® Rivetless Nut Plate. We constantly strive to understand and adapt solutions to the applications and markets in which are customers operate."

SOURCE: Textron Fastening Systems and Solvay Advanced Polymers