17 Smith: “How does the actual process work at ARP?” “For each new design, we produce a number of prototype parts using different design aspects and sometimes different methods. We inspect and test after each process, choose the best design and method of manufacture, and then freeze the design and write the manufacturing specification.” Smith: “You have mentioned the importance of fatigue resistance. Is there a difference in the procedures for strength and fatigue testing between aerospace and the specialty racing industry?” “Yes. While the ultimate tensile strength testing is the same, fatigue testing is different. Aerospace fasteners are fatigue tested to the relevant specification of fluctuating tension load and number of cycles typically 130,000 cycles with the high tension load at 50% of the UTS and the low load at 10% of the high load. If all of the test samples last 85,000 cycles (per AMS 5842-D), the lot is accepted. Even though racing fasteners are not continuously subjected to their maximum design load, at 18,000 rpm, 100,000 cycles takes just 5 minutes, thirty-four seconds. Except for drag racing, measured in seconds, no race lasts just 5 minutes. Therefore we consider this Aerospace Standard to be inadequate. At ARP, we fatigue test to elevated loads (10% above aerospace requirements) and to a minimum cycle life that exceeds 350,000 cycles. The majority of samples are routinely tested to one million cycles. During material development...and in the case of extremely critical new designs, we test to destruction. Thread rolling is the last mechanical operation in our manufacturing process. For each production run the thread rolling machine is shut down after a few parts. These parts are inspected for dimensional accuracy and thread quality, and are physically tested for both strength and fatigue before the run is continued. Random samples are inspected and tested throughout the run. Extremely critical components are individually inspected for dimensional integrity.” Smith: “What about out-sourcing?” “Economics often dictate that many processes in the manufacture of aerospace fasteners are farmed out. In the early days, ARP began as an out-source thread rolling shop. Over the years, however, we have found, through experience, that the only way to maintain the quality we require is to keep everything in-house. From heading through machining, grinding, heat-treat, thread rolling, and shot-peening to black oxide treatment we perform every operation in house on our own equipment with our own employees.” Smith: “Gary, One of the things that I am hearing is that every aspect of the manufacture of racing engine fasteners is more expensive than that of similar aerospace items.” “True, but the bottom line is that we have to look at the cost aspect of the very best fastener versus the cost aspect of a blown engine and a lost race. In the end, the manufacturing of fasteners for racing comes down to a matter of attitude; a refusal to accept published standards and procedures as the best that can be done and most of all a determination to learn and to make still better products.” Fatigue, tensile and hardness testing are key quality control checks. FASTENER TECH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg4MDk=