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
K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

Aerospace

K3Metrology secures UKI2S advanced manufacturing support

13 May 2026

K3Metrology, a UK spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), has secured a £2.75 million seed investment led by the UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), to commercialise a new generation of large-scale measurement technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce delays in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

Aerospace

European air passenger traffic expands +3.8% in March

13 May 2026

European airport trade body ACI EUROPE today released its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026.

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

Aerospace Defence Security

SMD selects D-RisQ to advance autonomous systems

13 May 2026

Malvern based D-RisQ Ltd has been selected by SMD to accelerate development of their autonomy programme.

Stansted Airport

Aerospace

Stansted Airport's passenger numbers boosted by Easter getaway

12 May 2026

A bumper Easter getaway helped London Stansted record its busiest ever April as the airport welcomed more than 2.6m passengers during the month.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Chapman Freeborn launches Next Flight Out

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn launches Next Flight Out

12 May 2026

Expanding its time-critical logistics portfolio, Chapman Freeborn OBC is launching Next Flight Out (NFO), a new premium service designed to complement its established on-board courier expertise and provide clients with greater flexibility for urgent international shipments.

Red Hat to enhance EUROCONTROL air traffic management system

Aerospace

Red Hat to enhance EUROCONTROL air traffic management system

11 May 2026

Red Hat today announced it is helping EUROCONTROL deliver a unified digital platform to enhance organisational resilience and accelerate innovation in air traffic management, replacing 25-year-old legacy systems using Red Hat OpenShift.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard