???aural:Bildanfang??????Großansicht des Bildes???The "Duckhead" model is based on a principle found in nature. Numerous filigree steel hooks can attach to the loops on a punched fleece tape at any angle. © Josef Mair/TU München???aural:Bildende???

Steel hooks join the fight against gravity
Researchers working under Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hartmut Hoffmann from the Department of Metal Forming and Casting (utg) at the TU Munich have developed spring steel Velcro fasteners. The chemically-resistant fasteners, called "Metaklett" can hold a weight of up to 35 t/m2 even at 800°C. In the vertical, the fasteners are capable of holding 7 t/m2. Like traditional Velcro fasteners on children's shoes, this new innovation can be easily detached and reattached without tools.

The group of TU researchers developed two separate systems - a snap fastener called "Flamingo" and a hook-loop system named "Duckhead". Both are comprised of two pieces of 0.2 mm thick tape - one with hooks, and the other with loops or holes. The Duckhead model is based on common polyester Velcro fasteners. The numerous steel hooks can attach to the loops in the punched fleece strip at any angle. The Flamingo model is more stable with wider hook components that snap into the openings in the punched tape.

When pressed, the elasticity of the material allows the hooks to bend and slide into the holes, similar to the plastic clasps used on rucksack straps. However, the fasteners must be placed parallel or vertically to one another so that they can snap into position. As a third alternative, the researchers also developed the "Hybrid" model which combines a steel hook tape with polyester fleece so that fabric can be fastened in a strong, reversible manner.

Contact: josef.mair@utg.de

More information: www.metaklett.de