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The ForceMate System provides an alternative to shrink
or press fit bushing installation methods. Use of the
system results in consistent high interference bushing
installation and enhanced fatigue performance (whether
needed or not), at reduced installation cost.
Reduced installation cost:
Eliminates the need for cryogenic liquids and significantly
reduces installation flow-time while decreasing the safety
risk for the technician.
High resistance to rotation
and pushout:
The high interference fit provides for greater resistance
to rotation or pushout than other bushing installation
techniques.
Increased resistance to corrosion:
Initial clearance fit insures that corrosion protection
coatings (e.g. cadmium plating) remain intact. Since no
cryogenic materials are required, the risk of moisture
becoming trapped between the bore of the hole and the
bushing is eliminated, reducing the risk of corrosion.
Significant life improvement:
Beneficial residual compressive stresses are created around
the hole and the bushing is installed with a high interference
fit.
The bushing is initially placed in the hole as clearance
fit, and then using an oversized tapered mandrel, the
lubricated ForceMate bushing is cold expanded into the
hole. The resulting interference fit of the bushing, coupled
with simultaneous cold working of the metal surrounding
the hole, produces a fatigue life improvement of, typically,
3:1 or better.
The ForceMate system is comprised of integrated technology
and tooling, including ForceMate inserts, mandrels, nosecaps,
gages, support assemblies, cutting tools, puller units,
special fixtures, and training. Successful implementation
and process effectiveness are assured through use of the
complete FTI ForceMate system.
BlueCoat™ is an epoxy coating that can be applied
on ForceMate bushings to prevent fretting. Used in conjunction
with ForceMate, BlueCoat minimizes and prevents fatigue
cracking, fretting and corrosion in your bushing installation
applications.
Step 1. Slip pre-lubricated bushing onto mandrel
Step 2. Place mandrel
into hole
Step 3. Place mandrel
into hydraulic puller, with nosecap flush against structure
Step 4. Activate puller
Step 5. Ream bushing
to required final diameter (optional)
ForceMate uses all the same PowerPak and puller units
as other cold expansion processes. The durable tooling,
such as nosecap and mandrel are specially designed for
ForceMate installations. A split sleeve is not required
for the ForceMate process, as the inside of the bushing
is pre-lubricated to ensure even radial expansion and
to reduce the amount of pull force required. Typically
the ForceMate process uses a tang mandrel, in place of
a threaded mandrel to provide easy tool removal.
The ForceMate tooling system
includes:
Cutting Tools
Mandrel
Chuck Assembly
PowerPak
Combination Gage Mandrel Gage
Nosecap
Jaw
Puller
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