Mission-critical equipment has a bolted solution: wedge-locking washers from Nord-Lock

Whether crossing harsh terrain, breaking the sound barrier, or submerging deep into the ocean, equipment for critical missions requires components that ensure mechanical integrity. That includes the fundamental bolting of transports, aeroplanes, and submarines. Nord-Lock’s washers are market-leading solutions for securing those and other fastened connections, preventing loosening even under the most extreme vibrations or dynamic loads . Yet Nord-Lock aims to provide something more than just a product – a partner for when safety and reliability are non-negotiable.

In that vein, the company has now increased the availability of its Nord-Lock® Black Washers. Made from steel in sizes M6 to M24 , the line of secure-locking washers has proven popular with organisations looking to save time and labour by skipping a painting step or two. Manufacturers of original equipment can increase production efficiency, while operations supporting critical and potentially dangerous missions can decrease repair work.

The washers feature high-quality corrosion protection, with a minimum of 1,000 hours of salt spray testing. They’re also cleared to withstand a temperature of -50°C to 200°C. And, of course, they utilise Nord-Lock’s definitive wedge-locking technology.

 
An established and leading product

Manufacturers of critical applications have relied on the original Nord-Lock® washers since 1982. Produced as two identical washers paired together, the inner sides have cams facing each other, while the outer sides have serrations for gripping. As a bolt with the washers in place is tightened, the cams lock into each other. The geometry of the cam design implements a wedge-locking effect to keep the bolt from vibrating loose. Much like with a stretched spring, the preload tension created during tightening prevents any unintentional loosening.

Nord-Lock produces a range of securing washer designs that utilise this technology. Each line was developed to meet the specific needs of critical applications. Nord-Lock® Wheel Nuts, for example, keep heavy vehicles operating efficiently in all terrains. The Nord-Lock® X-Series (NLX) washers, meanwhile, incorporate a conical shape that keeps the bolted connection in place even if the material expands or retracts due to extreme temperature changes.

All of Nord-Lock’s washers are rigorously tested throughout the entire production process to ensure they’re made to the highest quality standards. They’ve been approved by independent institutes and certification authorities – such as CE, DNV, and TUV.

 
Expert support for applications being deployed

In addition to its standard range of products, Nord-Lock offers customised solutions. Customers can order washers with coating to withstand certain environmental conditions, non-standard thickness to fit existing vehicle designs, an ideal colour to match surrounding terrain, and more.

The company’s experienced engineers are also available to advise and assist in unique applications or special material requirements. Nord-Lock’s worldwide technical centres even support development, design, and final testing. Moreover, its international distribution network enables global availability of its products, with dependable and speedy delivery to nearly any geographical location. And Nord-Lock can provide customers with its NATO Stock Numbers and NCAGE Codes to further support procurement and streamline logistics.

The results are optimal bolting solutions with support to suit the needs of whatever technologies and applications are being deployed or developed. That combination helps defend the mechanical integrity of machines operating in the harshest environments, which ultimately can safeguard mission-critical equipment, and – above all else – people.