ForceTec is a totally unique method of installing an innovative and cost effective rivetless nut plate. Unlike conventional riveted or swaged-in nut plates, the ForceTec system radially expands a retainer into a hole. The retainer is designed to be permanent, and only the nut itself requires replacement.

ForceTec rivetless nut plate system is widely used as an alternative to traditional riveted nut plates. ForceTec’s simple installation makes it a cost effective option, significantly reducing labor and maintenance costs over the life of the aircraft. ForceTec eliminates the need for satellite holes and rivets, which are required for most nut plate installations. Instead, ForceTec is fastened to the structure by radially expanding the ForceTec nut plate barrel into the hole. The expansion creates high interference between the barrel and the structure that allows the nut plate to resist torque and pushout. ForceTec installations exceed the requirements of MIL-N-25027 for torque and pushout. In addition, cold expansion of the retainers into the hole imparts compressive residual stresses into the surrounding material, increasing the fatigue performance of the hole.

Some of the benefits include:

• Eliminates nut plate rivet holes
• Reduces production and manufacturing time
• Improves fatigue life of structure
• Exceeds MIL-N-25027 requirements for torque and pushout.
• Simple, quick installation.

Sealed version for a secured seal

ForceTec is available in a sealed version, ideal for use in fuel tanks and other areas exposed to fluids. A sealed dome nut fits tightly over the nut plate barrel for a secure seal. The sealed nut plates are available in stainless steel for use in aluminum structure, and titanium for use in titanium structure. If specified, ForceTec nut plates can be wet installed with primer and are compatible with external sealants. ForceTec sealed nut plates have been thoroughly tested for torque and pushout, pressurized leaks, elevated temperature, and installation time to ensure safety, quality and cost effectiveness.

FTI has also added a complete line of Metric ForceTec Rivetless Nut Plates for metric fasteners.

The ForceTec Process


Step 1. Slide split sleeve over tapered mandrel insert

Step 2. Insert retainer into hole

Step 3. Insert mandrel through retainer

Step 4. Hold nosecap flush against structure and activate puller

Step 5. Remove and discard sleeve

Step 6. Install nut

The ForceTec System
The ForceTec tooling system uses the same puller and PowerPak as our Split Sleeve Cold Expansion system. There are, however, variations in the mandrels, sleeves, nose caps, and other durable tooling.

The ForceTec tooling system includes:
Cutting Tools
Mandrel
Split Sleeves
Combination Gage
Mandrel Gage
Nosecap
Puller
Power Pack