Pre-locked fasteners

Thread-locking solutions developed by Soprima Industrie

Pre-coating is a technique developed thirty years ago for car manufacturers. In the 80s, fasteners were secured using liquid adhesives, but their removal posed numerous problems on assembly lines. The pre-coating solution came to the fore, thanks to its ease of use and favorable economics.

Pre-coating is now used in all industries. Our fleet of special machines enables us to produce small series (1000 parts) as well as very large series (1 million parts) on a very wide range of applications: screws from M1 to M20, nuts from M5 to M30, pins, studs, fittings, plugs, inserts, etc. special parts.

Locking by bonding function

Numerous thread-locking techniques exist, but the most widespread consists of applying a drop of threadlocker (anaerobic glue) to the thread or tapping of threaded bolting components: screws, nuts, studs, threaded rods, plugs, etc.

This threadlocker solution is effective in bonding the 2 parts of the assembly, but it is costly to implement and subject to variations in results. Liquid threadlocker has therefore been replaced in many applications by an adhesive pre-coated on the threads.

The technique consists in pre-coating the threaded fastener with a microencapsulated adhesive that activates only during assembly. During screwing, the adhesive released by the bursting of the microcapsules mixes with the hardener and bonds the threaded elements together like a conventional threadlocker.

The advantages of locking by bonding

Pre-locked fasteners replace conventional locking solutions thanks to their incomparable technical and economic performance:

  • Superior performance : unrivalled vibration resistance
  • Easy design : replaces standard fasteners without redesigning the assembly
  • Rapid assembly : no need for washers or glue
  • Technical control : the amount of product applied to the assembly is always the same
  • Uncompromising quality: no possibility of forgetting the locking process
  • Significantly lower assembly costs : high productivity in the workshop or on site
  • Elimination of health and safety problems associated with liquid glues

Features and products

The pre-coating products we use come from our long-standing partnerships with leading manufacturers.

Suppliers Product Color Functions
Logo Soprifix SO21B Dark blue High strenght
SO22R Orange High strenght
3M2510 Orange High strenght and sealing
3M2353 Dark blue High strenght
Logo Precote Precote 30 Yellow Average strenght
Precote 80 Pink High strenght
Precote 85 Turquoise High strenght

Reusable locking function or Nylon locking

Reusable locking is obtained by pre-coating the thread with a polyamide plastic. When screwed in, the plastic layer applied to the thread is compressed. The radial tension created by the elastic deformation of the product causes locking by increasing friction. The locking function can be repositioned, as the deformation of the polyamide is partially reversible, making it possible to screw and unscrew the part several times. The locking function is active immediately after screwing, but unscrewing torques are lower than those obtained by gluing.

To achieve the reusable locking function, we cold-apply a polyamide resin around the entire circumference of the thread. The locking torque can be adapted to the requirements of the application.

Polyamide deposition is particularly suitable for adjusting screws, which can be repositioned several times. This technique is also used for the temporary positioning of pre-assembled screws awaiting tightening. Reusable locking prevents the screw from being lost during conveying or transport, while enabling the final screwing operation.

This type of locking, also known as “Nylon Locking”, is also suitable for parts that need to be regularly dismantled for maintenance or equipment reconfiguration.

The advantages of reusable locking

  • Can be reused several times

  • Good resistance to shock and vibration

  • Adjustable torque depending on application

  • Adjustable patch position and width

  • Eliminates additional locking parts: self-locking nut, lock washer, pin, etc.

  • Locking with or without tension in the assembly

  • No polymerization: locking and sealing are immediate

  • Good resistance to chemicals (alcohols, petroleum, diesel, oils, kerosene, etc.)

Features and products

The pre-coating products we use are derived from our long-standing partnerships with leading manufacturers.

SupplierProducts ColorFunctions
Precote 10-1GreenLow strength + reusable locking 

Quality

All our sites are ISO 9001 certified, and our quality systems meet the specific requirements of the automotive and aerospace industries.

Certifications

Our products are approved to numerous automotive standards :

  • Renault CDC 39.02.010
  • PSA B14.12.35
  • Volvo STD 1262.2
  • Ford WX 201

Discover our sealing function