As the first of the baby boomer generation turns 65 this year and promises to live longer and more actively than previous generations, implants and their components – including the fasteners that hold them together – must be built to last longer than ever before.

Avdel has introduced NeoSpeed, its versatile Speed Fastening system that is said to be capable of best-in-class assembly times and stronger joint performance than conventional breakstem rivets.

PennEngineering demonstrated its variety of fastening technologies at Design & Manufacturing MidWest 2010 in Chicago last month. Included was its micro-fastener product line for thin sheet materials such as in handheld device applications.

SPIROL International has introduced the Model HM manual heat insert driver. The unit is said to be capable of installing virtually any type of heat/ultrasonic style insert into plastic assemblies. The Model HM is also said to eliminate the dependency on the operator to control the factors of time, temperature and pressure to ensure perfect flow of the plastic for optimal retention and performance of the insert.

The Nyplate anti-seize dry film lubricant for external and internal threaded parts from Nylok Corp. is said to eliminate galling and cold welding and provides easy disassembly even in aggressive industrial environments and after heat exposure up to 700°C.

Jergens, Inc. has announced handwheels to suit a wide variety of applications √¢‚Ǩ”from replacement parts to original equipment. Jergens offers several models that vary in material type, specifications and features.

Micro Plastics has announced locking spacers designed to eliminate screws, nuts, and lock washers in the mounting of P.C. boards on a metal chassis, or stacking in multiple tiers. Locking clips provide a mechanically secure, reusable connection in pre-drilled or punched holes while saving assembly time.

The Hucklok blind rivet fastener, a structural rivet from Alcoa Fastening Systems, offers a quarter-inch grip range, allowing the product to join assemblies from 1/8 to 7/8 in. thick. The fastener's footprint, or "bulb", spreads the load over a broad area. The wider grip range is due to the shear ring. After the maximum clamp has been achieved from minimum to maximum grip, the shear ring breaks free from the pin and settles into the appropriate catch groove. The clamp is consistent through the grip range.

Heyco Products has introduced the Heyco-TITE liquid-tight cord grips with multi-hole/conductor sealing glands. The cord grips are suitable for multiple cables and wires in various electrical applications, including metric, NPT and PG threads or Snap-in mounting in straight thru configurations.

RUD has introduced the Starpoint line of adjustable eyebolts. For fitting without tools and for inspection of the compatibility of bolt thread and tapped hole, the eyebolt can be engaged with a tempered key. Engage key into hexagon socket screw (fitting and removal is possible by hand) then disengage key. In case of fitting with key tighten by hand.