Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Defence

WDS releases ultra-low head shoulder bolt

Leeds based WDS Components Limited has released an ultra-low head shoulder bolt, designed to conserve space when a compact footprint is required.

Image courtesy WDS

The Leeds based supplier and manufacturer of standard parts and components has developed the new shoulder bolt for applications such as electronics manufacture. Made from high grade 316 stainless steel, the ultra-low head shoulder bolts are sufficiently durable to be used across industries, with sizes ranging from M3 to M6.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The design of the bolt includes a broad, threadless ‘shoulder’ that allows the fastener to rotate, pivot, or slide. Meanwhile, the thread, tightened against a nut or female threaded insert, holds the bolt’s position. The threadless shoulder is machined to a very close tolerance of just 0.025mm, enabling precision location as well as movement with minimal play for smooth and efficient function. When used in high speed applications, vibration is also minimised as a result of the exacting tolerance. This also reduces long-term wear for lasting performance.

Adding to WDS’ existing range of shoulder bolts, the new ultra-low head design reduces physical height in installation and creates a more compact footprint for space-constrained designs. To further reduce assembly height, the bolts can also be installed by insertion into counter-sunk holes. Ideal for electronics assembly, the bolts can also be used to retain bushes, axles, joints and shafts, as well as linear slides, in applications such as punch and die mechanisms, linkages, and motion systems.

Manufactured from 316 stainless steel, the ultra-low head shoulder bolts are highly resistant to corrosion and are able to withstand aggressive chemical washdown as well as saline exposure. This makes them ideal for use in clean in place applications, such as food & beverage production, as well as marine environments. The bolts are also manufactured to BS468-7 and ISO7379 standards.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The ultra-low head shoulder bolts are available in over thirty metric size lengths, with threads extending from M3 to M6, while the thread-free shoulder length ranges from 4mm to 20mm. The head includes allen key fitting. Full specification details are available on wdscomponents.com, including free to download CAD drawings covering all major file types, as well as 3D images that can be viewed with non-specialist software.

The new bolts, under part code WDS 887, are available in stock and can be purchased in high volume as well as single unit orders. The bolts are also within WDS’ stock guarantee offer that provides a 10% discount on any outstanding order volume that cannot be fulfilled. Same-day despatch can also be applied for UK and worldwide orders.

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

Aerospace

AGS Airports appoints transformation design partners

15 April 2026

AGS Airports has appointed professional services firm WSP and architectural practice Pascall + Watson as its design partners for the next stage of its £350 million AGS Reimagined transformation programme, across Glasgow and Southampton airports.

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

Aerospace

Heathrow handles over quarter of UK trade by value in 2025

15 April 2026

Heathrow handled £293 billion worth of goods in 2025, according to the latest Government trade data, which is more than a quarter of all UK trade by value.

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn appoints Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India

15 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has appointed Danish Cutleriwala as Country Manager India, to lead the company's operations in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation and logistics markets.

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

Aerospace Security

NPAS receives first two aircraft for FRP

15 April 2026

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has reached a major milestone in its National Fleet Replacement Programme (FRP) with the arrival of the first two H135 T3H aircraft at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ALTEN opens office in Belfast

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ALTEN opens office in Belfast

14 April 2026

ALTEN has announced the opening of its newest UK office in Belfast, marking a significant strategic expansion into Northern Ireland.

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

Aerospace Space Events

Viasat AERA enters Boeing technical evaluation process

14 April 2026

During the Aircraft Interior Expo (AIX) today, Viasat announced it has entered Boeing’s technical evaluation process to assess and qualify Viasat AERA, the company’s next-gen electronically steered antenna (ESA) terminal, across all current Boeing commercial airplane programmes.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner