To achieve optimum aerodynamic function, airplanes and spacecraft require fasteners or screws that lie flush with the surface of the metal. Existing shallow head style fasteners have poor torque transfer and are easily damaged during installation or replacement. Early attempts to make a more robust driver surface for the screws required thicker materials and added unwanted weight. Hence, a design solution for this problem has eluded aerospace designers for decades.

Creare engineers responded to a government solicitation to design a lightweight, high-torque fastener that would meet aerospace specs. Our design provides extremely high torque capability with minimal depth. The design also efficiently compensates for paint buildup without degrading torque performance, allows installation of fasteners at odd angles without high stress concentration, and extends tool life and resistance to tensile fatigue fracture when used with high-load pulse tools. Additionally, acoustic and radar return is minimized by our unique design.

The Phillips Company licensed Creare’s design for commercial sale as the MOTORQ® high performance drive system, and in 2001, we were awarded a patent for the recess pattern.

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