Fastener Innovation Technology

Fastener Innovation Technology (FIT) manufactures specialized fasteners for aerospace and military customers. The company was established in 1979 and has prototyped, tested and made fasteners ever since. It operates from Rancho Dominguez, California, and is part of the Avantus Aerospace Group of Companies.

Products

• Screws, bolts, nuts, shear pins and quick-release assemblies
• Quarter-turn fasteners and stressed panel fasteners
• Captive screws, inserts and swage nuts, and receptacle assemblies
• Build-to-print specials, from single-piece threaded bolts to multi-piece assemblies

Materials and processes

• Materials: PH13-8, Inconel 718, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-6V-2Sn, H-11, 8740, A286, 300 series and PH17-4
• Primary operations: hot forging, warm heading and cold heading
• Secondary operations: thread rolling, fillet rolling, centerless grinding, EDM, turning, broaching and assembly
• A sinker EDM department makes fasteners with multiple slots

Quality and testing

A full-service laboratory and inspection team handles chemical and physical analysis, metallography and mechanical testing, which the company says lets it move parts through the shop quickly. Its engineering and quality departments cover fastener development, prototyping, non-destructive testing, reusability, torque and salt spray testing.

Certifications and approvals

• AS9100D and Nadcap NDT certified, as stated on the company website
• Customer approvals listed on the website include Aerospatiale, BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter and Bombardier

History

FIT started in Gardena, California, moved to a larger site in 1985 and later relocated to its current home on South Susana Road in Rancho Dominguez. The company passed through ownership by Emhart and Stanley Black and Decker, and later CSPS Holdings, before joining Avantus Aerospace, which describes itself as a supplier of C-class and composite parts for aerospace and defense.