Dear readers,
I know from my own long-term experience that nowadays the importance of mechanical joining of parts using threaded or non-threaded joinings is generally underestimated.
The essence of this unhealthy phenomenon lies in the idea that fasteners are mass-produced, so they are easily available and, above all, cheap. Yes, it's true, but it doesn't change their meaning. It is enough to recall the fatal crashes of various structures, rotating machines and equipments, means of transport, etc. due to incorrectly applied screw connections or as a result of the absence of knowledge about the behaviour of bolted joints during assembly and in operating conditions. In this context, it is important to remember the genesis of the basic geometric element of the screw - the thread. Contrary to historians' opinions, it does not appear to be the product of the human intelligence. Characteristic detail of the screw – thread or rather the spiral is namely an autochtonous geometric element, i.e. it has existed in nature since time immemorial. Even according to New Scientist are beetles creatures in whose bodies a mechanism is working on the principle of screw and nut. This mechanism was first discovered in the beetle Trigonopterus oblongus (Biological screw in a beetle’s leg). Further evidence for the existence of a spiral without human intervention provide for example galaxies. And we could continue with a snail shed, various kinds of climbing plants, DNA structure etc.
However, human intelligence was successful because it was able to use this geometric element to its advantage. It would be a shame not to take such an opportunity. The result is currently perhaps the most widespread structural element - the screw. The industrial revolution (Guttenberg, Watt, Ford etc.) wouldn´t have been possible without screws and friction because all the machines would disintegrate into individual parts of which they were assembled. The screws enabled the rapid development of road, aerospace and rail transport too. Therefore, they deserve to be on the UNESCO list, which the author is currently trying to do. The current problem that hinders the inclusion process is the inconsistent opinion of experts on the relevant date. It would be beneficial if Fastener Europe Magazine readers also joined the discussion. The basic question is: when to celebrate Screw Day?
Sigh of the screw: “I am very old, help me to remember, when I my birthday hold”
Jozef Dominik
www.ferodom.sk
