Uncoated Nutplates Delay 737 Production

Jason Sandefur

Fasteners have figured into another setback at Boeing, though it’s not the 787 Dreamliner this time. Boeing said it was forced to delay deliveries of new 737s and may have to repair nearly 400 planes because of a potential corrosion problem with nutplates, the Associated Press reports.

About 30% of the nutplates, which are used to attach wiring and other parts to the fusalage, were uncoated and now need to be replaced on nearly four hundred 737s delivered after August 2007.

The nutplates — reportedly made by one of three Boeing-approved suppliers to Witchita, KS-based Sprit Aerosystems — lack a cadmium coating that would help prevent corrosion on adjoining aluminum parts, according to Boeing spokeswoman Vicki Ray. Each 737 contains 3,000 to 4,000 nutplates.

“We’re replacing them as we find them,” said Ray. “Also to be addressed is the in-service fleet, and we’re still working on a plan for that.”

Boeing said the issue does not pose an immediate flight safety risk.

The news comes on the heels of confirmation that 3% of the fasteners in its new 787 were incorrectly installed, forcing further delays. �2008 FastenerNews.com