As the aerospace industry shifts towards greener practices and strives for heightened operational efficiency, the role of every component, down to the smallest wire thread insert, becomes critically important. These tiny yet vital components ensure the integrity and reliability of mechanical joints that must endure extreme conditions whilst meeting rigorous environmental standards.
This guide delves into the specific aerospace specifications that govern the application and quality of wire thread inserts. Compliance with these stringent standards ensures that parts meet high performance thresholds whilst contributing to the sustainability and efficiency goals of modern aerospace design. By adhering to these specifications, engineers can guarantee the safety, performance and durability of aircraft components, ensuring they perform optimally in their high-demand roles.
Aerospace specifications: the importance of compliance
Aerospace engineering requires tight tolerances and world-leading quality standards to maximise efficiency whilst maintaining the safety of aircraft. As such, components used in this field must meet rigorous specifications to guarantee safety, performance and durability. These specifications are typically set by various standardising bodies, ensuring that parts are universally compatible and perform as expected under harsh conditions. Compliance with these specifications is not just about adhering to standards; it's about guaranteeing the quality and reliability necessary in high-performance aerospace applications.
- AS (Aerospace Standard): This designation is used for standards specific to aerospace technologies, developed by SAE International. AS standards cover a wide range of aerospace components including wire thread inserts.
- AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications): Also managed by SAE International, AMS standards focus on materials used in aerospace and aviation, including their processes and treatments.
- NAS (National Aerospace Standards): Developed by the Aerospace Industries Association, NAS standards are often more specific, covering detailed requirements for aerospace manufacturing processes and products.
General specifications for wire thread inserts in aerospace
A-A-59158: Tools for inserting and extracting wire thread inserts
Specifies tools designed for the insertion and extraction of wire thread inserts, providing essential equipment for maintenance and assembly operations in various applications.
AS7245: CRES procurement specification
Covers procurement specifications for corrosion-resistant steel (CRES) wire thread inserts, ideal for applications requiring durability and resistance to corrosive environments.
AS7246: Heat resistant alloy (Inconel) procurement specification
Specifies the requirements for wire thread inserts made from Inconel, an alloy known for its excellent resistance to corrosion and heat, making it suitable for high-temperature and harsh environments.
NAS1130: Tangless specification
Describes tangless wire thread inserts which provide a permanent, wear-resistant thread in materials and eliminate the need for a tang in insert installation, thereby simplifying the threading process.
NASM122076-122275: Free running, coarse thread specification
Outlines specifications for free running wire thread inserts with coarse threads, offering general-purpose solutions for enhancing thread strength and durability.
NASM124651-124850: Free running, fine thread specification
Defines free running wire thread inserts with fine threads, ideal for applications requiring precise thread engagement and high load distribution.
NASM21209: Self-locking, coarse and fine thread specification
Specifies self-locking wire thread inserts with both coarse and fine threads, designed to prevent loosening under vibration or stress, ensuring secure and reliable thread engagement.
Surface treatment and coating specifications for wire thread inserts in aerospace
AMS-QQ-P-416: Plating, cadmium (Electrodeposited)
This specification covers the requirements for wire thread inserts with electrodeposited cadmium. It is commonly used for its excellent corrosion resistance properties, particularly in marine environments and its ability to provide galvanic protection to high-strength steels.
AMS2410: Plating, silver, nickel strike, high bake
This standard details a plating process where a silver layer is deposited over a nickel strike, followed by a high bake to enhance adhesion and durability. This method is particularly beneficial for components requiring excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
AMS2411: Plating, silver for high temperature applications
Specifies requirements for silver plating designed to withstand high temperatures. This plating is ideal for joints and components that must maintain integrity and performance when exposed to elevated temperatures.
AMS2412: Plating, silver, copper strike, low bake
Describes a silver plating process that includes an underlying copper strike with a low bake procedure. The copper provides excellent adhesion for the silver plating, making it suitable for electrical conductivity applications where temperatures are moderately elevated.
AMS-C-26074: Plating, electroless nickel
This specification outlines the requirements for electroless nickel plating, which provides uniform thickness and increased corrosion resistance across the entire surface of parts, including internal surfaces and complex shapes.
AMS2700: Passivation of CRES (Corrosion Resistant Steel)
Covers the requirements for passivation treatments for stainless steel or corrosion-resistant steels to enhance their corrosion resistance by removing free iron and other contaminants from the surface.
AS5272: Lubricant, solid film, heat cured, corrosion inhibiting procurement specification
Specifies the use of a solid film lubricant that is heat cured and offers corrosion inhibition. This type of lubricant is typically used in components requiring reduced friction and increased resistance to environmental factors.
KATO® Wire Thread Inserts by Advanex: precision engineering for aerospace
KATO® Wire Thread Inserts are engineered to meet the stringent demands of the aerospace industry. Known for their precision and quality, our inserts enhance the performance, reliability, and durability of aerospace components to meet a range of requirements. KATO® inserts are designed to provide superior strength and wear resistance, ensuring that each joint maintains integrity under the extreme conditions of aerospace applications.
Why KATO® wire thread inserts stand out
- Superior fastening performance: KATO® inserts improve load distribution and reduce stress concentration, which are critical in high-vibration and high-load aerospace environments.
- Enhanced durability: By evenly distributing load and stress, our inserts significantly extend the lifespan of threaded assemblies, preventing common failures like strip-out and pull-out in softer materials.
- Innovation in design: Offering both Tanged and Tangless® options, our inserts cater to a variety of installation preferences and requirements, with Tangless® versions eliminating foreign object debris (FOD), a critical concern in aerospace operations.
Compliance with aerospace standards
At Advanex, we understand the importance of compliance with aerospace standards to ensure safety, interoperability and quality in aerospace engineering. Our KATO® wire thread inserts are manufactured to conform to all of the above aerospace specifications. Each product is meticulously tested to meet these rigorous standards, ensuring that they suit the specific needs of any aerospace design.
Enhance your aircraft design and guarantee compliance with KATO® Advanex
Whether you are looking to optimise the performance of a commercial airliner or enhance the reliability of military aircraft, KATO® Advanex has the right wire thread insert solution. Our commitment to quality and precision makes us a trusted partner in the aerospace industry, where every detail counts.
To find out more about our products or to get additional pricing information, contact a member of our team today.
