WASHINGTON–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its Huck 360TM fastener
successfully completed a rigorous 20,000-mile durability test.
The fastener, which attaches the front and rear spring suspension
brackets on a vehicle’s frame, was tested by AM General LLC using
standard military durability testing procedures, which are far more
rigorous than testing for commercial vehicles.
AM General drove their vehicle on a test track for 600 miles per week
until the vehicle reached 20,000 miles without any loosening of the
fasteners or signs of wear.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for our latest fastener, the Huck
360,” said David Dobson, president, Alcoa Defense. “We are thrilled that
AM General has selected it for testing. It is an extremely demanding
application that is perfect for showcasing the long-term durability of
the Huck 360.”
Requiring only a standard wrench or socket for installation and removal,
the Huck 360 provides a convenient fastening solution for vehicle
applications. Ensuring excellent long-term vibration resistance and
durability, the Huck 360 offers a higher clamp load and five times the
fatigue strength of conventional lock nuts and bolting systems.
Additionally, the Huck 360 eliminates the need for special tooling and
patches, adhesives or lock washers to prevent loosening.
“After considering several Alcoa proprietary fastening technologies, the
Huck 360 was selected for testing because it can be easily removed and
replaced in the field,” said Alcoa Fastening Systems Sales Program
Manager Brian Mondello.
Following successful completion of the 20,000-mile test, the fasteners
are currently undergoing additional testing to determine how long the
Huck 360 fastener can be used before it reaches the end of its service
life.
AUSA Annual Meeting attendees can learn more about the Huck 360 by
visiting Alcoa Defense at booth 4131.
About Alcoa Defense
Alcoa Defense partners with industry leaders to design systems and
materials that increase the speed, reach, agility and survivability of
military platforms. In addition to delivering lightweight, innovative
solutions in multiple product forms, Alcoa Defense manufactures
subassemblies, prototypes and complete aluminum structures that original
equipment manufacturers can integrate into their platforms for land, air
and sea. More information can be found at AlcoaDefense.com.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum
industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31
countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.
About AM General:
AM General designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports
special-purpose vehicles for military, commercial and consumer
customers. Best known today for its famous HMMWV (HUMVEE®), AM General
has a legacy of more than six decades of experience meeting the changing
needs of the defense and automotive industries, from the Willys Jeep to
the HUMMER® H1 and H2 vehicles, and beyond to the JLTV. AM General has a
workforce of 2,500 employees at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan,
and Ohio and a strong base of more than 1,500 suppliers across 43
states. More information can be found at www.amgeneral.com.