The Captec brand name stands for captive pre-assembled fasteners or screw-sleeve combinations that are joined in a subsequent assembly operation and inserted into the respective application as a single element. This is the company's response to the automotive industry's demand for short process times. The systems are based on standard elements from Arnold's portfolio, which are adapted accordingly with regard to tolerances.

Two variants

In this variant, the screw and sleeve are stamped directly together without an additional element. (Image: Arnold)

Two different variants are available for customer applications: Variant one comprises elements consisting of a screw and sleeve, which are connected to each other with an additional element. The use of a plastic ring as an additional element allows a high degree of flexibility and enables the assembly to be dismantled in the event of repairs. In a second, cost-efficient variant, the screw and sleeve are directly stamped together - without an additional element.

Wherever clamping parts or add-on parts made of plastic are used, pre-assembled connection systems can significantly simplify handling and shorten processes. Various applications already exist, for example for heat shields in the engine compartment, cylinder covers, oil pans, sensors or housings for electronic modules. Pre-assembled connection systems also make the assembly process for overhead bolting much easier.

In addition to efficient assembly, the use of captive connection systems is associated with further advantages, according to the company, such as a reduction in the variety of parts, the supplier base and small parts management, as well as a reduction in overall connection costs. Prefabricated assemblies have the advantage that they can be installed into a larger component as a single unit during final assembly - and therefore much more quickly and easily than many individual parts. In order to achieve this with process reliability, the individual parts must also be precisely matched to each other with a view to the future application. Annedore Bose-Mund/as