Alcoa's Huck 360(TM) Fastener Successfully Completes 20,000-Mile Test
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WASHINGTON - Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its Huck 360(TM) 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.
