Q: I have a robotic application where I need a fastener that is both lightweight and strong. Also, the style of the fastener needs to provide a wide clamping area in a low clearance area. Any suggestions?
A: A material you might consider is Titanium, grade 5. The most common fastener grade is Titanium grade 2 with an ultimate tensile strength of 70 ksi. However for higher strength Grade 5 is about 2 x’s stronger at nearly 140ksi. This will have one of the best strength to weight ratios.
For the style of the fastener, many users with tight special applications use Titanium button head socket cap screws as they combine the low clearance installation capabilities of a socket driver with the wider clamping area of a pan shaped head.