Textron Fastening Systems Introduces Remote Fastening Technology; Intelligent Controller Activates Electronic Chips Embedded In Fasteners

TROY, Mich.--Oct. 1, 20035, 2003--Textron Fastening Systems, a business unit of Textron Inc. , today introduced a line of intelligent fasteners with embedded microprocessors remotely controlled by intelligent tools.

This proprietary science is driven by application software that controls, manages, diagnoses, and documents a network of electronic chips in fasteners as parts are assembled and disassembled.

"Our intelligent fastening technology represents the future of fastening, an all new way to design, assemble and service products," said Rick Clayton, president of Textron Fastening Systems. "It extends the portfolio of fastening and assembly solutions we can provide our global customers.

"The entry of this technology platform into manufacturing processes will advance the speed, flexibility, flow, and cost savings that modern production systems require. Intelligent fastening technology will provide our customers with an unprecedented capability to design for assembly and disassembly, as well as security, by integrating the mechanics of fastening processes into the component."

"Our global presence, technology resources, and sales and marketing network give us the wherewithal to establish this technology as an industry standard within a few years," said Seshu Seshasai, Ph.D., executive vice president of technology for Textron Fastening Systems.

The company's applications engineers are exploring use of the intelligent fastening technology for each of the company's primary markets, which include automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction.

The most advanced of these applications is a tamper-proof fastening system for automotive airbag modules. The system's intelligent fasteners are integrated into the vehicle's power and data system, and have secure, encrypted codes that respond only to remote instructions entered by authorized service technicians.

"More than 50,000 airbags are stolen in the U. S. each year, making it the number one automotive theft problem, but intelligent airbag fasteners will be capable of outsmarting potential thieves," Seshasai said.

Future automotive applications include lighting systems, internal and exterior trim, entertainment systems, molded body components, and such accessories as roof racks and spare tires, according to Clayton. "Intelligent fastening technology has the potential to be the fastening protocol for all automotive sub-assemblies," he noted.

Textron Fastening Systems is bringing intelligent fastening technology to market through an application development partnership with TZ Inc., which has licensed worldwide industrial applications to Textron Fastening Systems.

TZ Inc. is a leader in the development of intelligent fastening and assembly enabling technology. The company's core activity is licensing its intellectual property and operating software, as well as providing application engineering and technology development services to global manufacturers. TZ is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

Headquartered in Troy, Mich., Textron Fastening Systems is the leading provider of engineered fastening systems, state-of-the-art assembly technology, and inventory management and application engineering services. With nearly 11,000 employees worldwide, Textron Fastening Systems supplies value-added fastening products, systems, and services to customers in nearly 200 countries.

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