Adhesive Bonded Fasteners: The “No Holes” Solution to Composite Fastening Problems

The structural integrity of advanced composite materials can be compromised by the metallic fasteners commonly associated with the the traditional methods of fastening. Riveted nutplates, bolts, and potted fasteners, require that holes first be drilled into the composite material before fastener attachment can be made. The latest generation of adhesives has provided the means for eliminating these holes. A comparison of penetrating versus non-penetrating methods of fastening, demonstrates that adhesive bonded fasteners eliminate composite damaging holes and yet provide traditional threaded attachment points.