Mil-Spec Fasteners
Nationwide Aerospace Parts Distributor
Sesco Industries is a nationwide aerospace parts distributor, which includes mil-spec fasteners. Are you looking for mil-spec fasteners for aerospace applications? Request a quote today.
Request a Quote!
When you reach out, we can go over the parameters of these mil-spec fasteners with you and how they may align with your needs. We are one of the few manufacturers around making military set screws. Upon request, full certifications are provided at no charge. These certifications assure our customers to bid on our aerospace parts without hesitation. We are fully approved by the Defense Logistics Agency of Philadelphia, PA to be on the QSLM list.
What are Mil-Spec Fasteners?
Mil-spec fasteners is short for military specification fasteners. In general, mil-spec fasteners are hardware components, like bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and rivets. These components are manufactured and tested to meet rigorous standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). These standards ensure the fasteners can perform reliably under extreme conditions, such as high stress, temperature, vibration, or corrosive environments.
Key Characteristics
- Standardized Specifications: These fasteners are governed by specifications like MIL-DTL, military standard, or national aerospace standard.
- Applications: The most common applications for mil-spec fasteners are in the aerospace industry and as military equipment, such as vehicles, aircraft, weapons. They are also used for some critical industrial or high-performance commercial applications.
- Material and Strength Requirements: Mil-spec fasteners are made from high-grade materials, like stainless steel, alloy steel, and titanium. These fasteners must meet specific tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance standards in order to pass.
- Dimensional Precision: Tight tolerances for dimensions and thread forms to ensure interchangeability and reliability.
- Traceability and Certification: These fasteners often include full documentation, such as material certifications, lot traceability, and test reports. It is essential for defense and aerospace contracts.
In short, mil-spec fasteners are crucial components where failure is not an option. They are more expensive than your commercial-grade equivalents, but essential in mission-critical applications. Turn to Sesco Industries for reliable mil-spec fasteners.
4 Reasons Why Mil-Spec Fasteners Are Critical in Aerospace
The use of these fasteners is crucial in the aerospace industry. Here are four key reasons for why they are critical.
- Interchangeability: Due to the ease of interchangeability, these fasteners maintain consistency across aircraft platforms.
- Fatigue and Corrosion Resistance: This aspect is especially important in high-altitude and marine environments.
- Weight Optimization: Many mil-spec fasteners are designed to be strong but lightweight.
- Traceability: This is crucial for quality control and safety certifications, such as FAA and DoD.
Common Aerospace Applications Using Mil-Spec Fasteners
Mil-spec fasteners are used extensively in aerospace applications due to their precision, strength, and reliability under extreme conditions. Here is a breakdown of where and why they are used in aerospace systems.
Aircraft Structures
- Use with airframe assembly, such as fuselage, wings, and tail.
- Skin panel attachment.
- Bulkheads, ribs, and spars.
Engines and Propulsion Systems
- Exhaust components.
- Turbine casings.
- Engine mounts.
- Fasteners must endure high temperatures, vibration, and thermal expansion.
Landing Gear
- Use in high-load, high-stress areas.
- Requires fasteners with exceptional fatigue resistance.
- Often uses titanium bolts and shear pins to reduce weight and increase strength.
Control Surfaces and Actuation Systems
- Ailerons, elevators, rudders, flaps.
- Must allow for precise motion while withstanding aerodynamic forces.
Avionics and Electronic Bays
- Mounting of circuit boards, sensors, and control units.
- Requires EMI shielding, vibration resistance, and sometimes non-magnetic properties to operate.
- Stainless steel and cadmium-plated fasteners are often used.
Satellite and Spacecraft Structures
- Requires low outgassing, temperature stability, and mass efficiency.
- Materials like titanium or Inconel are preferred.
Fuel and Hydraulic Systems
- Must prevent leaks under pressure and thermal cycling.
- Fasteners used with sealing washers and O-ring grooves.