Align DFC Problem URGENT

[Sao]

Please read the following skylines just posted on their facebook page

TREX 700DFC - URGENT FROM ALIGN Regarding Align's recently released 700DFC rotor upgrade assembly, there has been an instance reported customer where a loosely tightened bolt on the pitch link assembly caused high frequency vibration, resulting in material fatigue and bolt breakage from where the thread start. Due to the concern that this breakage can lead to unforeseen safety issue, Align has modified the grip linkage arm design of both 700DFC and 600DFC rotor upgrade assembly. In addition, the bolt has been replaced with one made from CNC'ed high carbon steel material for improved rigidity and strength, effectively avoids bolt breakage issue. Caution: Please do not fly before the 700 DFC new parts have replaced. We deeply apologized for all the inconvenience caused. For customers who have already purchased the first version of Align 700DFC head upgrade set, please bring the main blade grip arm and the screw to where you purchased or the local distributors to exchange the newly designed screws and grips. This replacement process will be start on 2012/01/21. If you have any question, please contact with your distributors or mail to align@ms.align.com.tw

Looks like the use of the usual Align 'monkey metal' cheesium bolts has bitten them on the arse.

[kylelnsn]

Please read the following skylines just posted on their facebook page



Looks like the use of the usual Align 'monkey metal' cheesium bolts has bitten them on the arse.

Lol....

[tonystevens]

Not sure you can fully blame the align bolt in this case they are stating that a 'loosly tightened bolt' was the cause of the incident.
If you dont tighten something properly what do you expect?

[ChrisB]

Old news

[Sao]

Not sure you can blame the align bolt in this case they are stating that a 'loosly tightened bolt' was the cause of the incident.
If you dont tighten something properly what do you expect?

I think you can partly blame the bolt

In addition, the bolt has been replaced with one made from CNC'ed high carbon steel material for improved rigidity and strength, effectively avoids bolt breakage issue

[tonystevens]

is it just one isolated incident, seems strange that align would act on this if it were, especially if it was loose?

[sacko]

Course its a 'loose bolt', who are they trying to kid lol.

At least they are rectifying the problem for free though

[ChrisB]

Loose bolt causing this,my arse,design flaw more like it with a botched fix.

[Supa Koopa]

Course its a 'loose bolt', who are they trying to kid lol.

At least they are rectifying the problem for free though

It's probably cheaper this way than paying for the numerous claims of "loose bolt causes death/serious injury".....!

Go on Align, anything else you would like us to test for you?

[Paulo uk]

Anyone know if the compass 7hv head fits a trex 700?


Paul

[ChrisB]

It's probably cheaper this way than paying for the numerous claims of "loose bolt causes death/serious injury".....!

Go on Align, anything else you would like us to test for you?

Must be bad I wonder how many people have had the old tail grip to hub bolts snap,they never recalled those.

[rapidgaz]

Why is it align get slated yet other manufacturers no 1 says s**t about them. What new stuff comes out and does not suffer with problems.?


Sent from my iPhone using Internet.

[Zeeflyboy]

Because people love to hate Align....

The most successful companies often seem to engender hatred for some reason. Go figure.

This particular instance does smell of fundamental design flaw however. They wouldn't do a recall because someone forgot to tighten a screw in my humble opinion. This "fix" is a work around that just beefs up the screw by chugging the material and embedding the shoulder but doesn't address the core design issue which is the lack of flex causing stress not he bolt.

[Gixxer]

I think they've done a good job of addressing and rectifying the problem in a very short timeframe.

Well done to them I say. (assuming the problem is indeed rectified)

[J-S-Q]

Anyone know if the compass 7hv head fits a trex 700?


Paul

I don't know but there is a thread on Helifreak from a guy who had the bolts on the blade grips snap in just the same way as this report from Align. It does seem like there is a huge amount of force on these bolts and they protrude from the grip quite a lot, making them quite vulnerable. I don't really like this design that much apart from the fact that it gives you a very low rotor disc.