Fastener + Fixing Magazine #108 by Fastener + Fixing Magazine

In this issueâ&#x20AC;Ś Testing, inspection + packing Lightweight technology Made in Germany fastenerandfixing.com | Issue 108 November 2017

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CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

10-38

Financial reports, acquisitions and trade duty news

EXHIBITIONS 78-86 Confusion over Chinese fastener shows Fastener Fair France 2018 arrives in Paris BUDMA 2018 gaining momentum

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS fischer UK building up for growth

88-98

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY 100-116

NME open day huge success Using improved process knowledge to extend tool life Greenkote pushes environmental credentials of TD anti-corrosion coating

COVER STORY

40-41

MADE IN GERMANY

42-54

Ambrovit: A relentless passion

The completion of ‘Evotion’ Everything from one source GRASS 2.0 SCHNORR: Modernising for growth A single source for high-quality fastener products

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS Perfection in production

119-122

TECHNICAL 124-126 The case for structural blind fasteners in automotive applications

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

128-142

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

144-161

Optimas makes tracks at new Hitachi Rail manufacturing facility Aluminium – endless benefits, versatile use

INSIGHT 56-76

The rise of TOBSTEEL Morgans partners with UNIFIX NORMA Group’s testing process for joining technology solutions A right royal relocation Another record breaking meeting for BIAFD BIAFD: ‘Women in the Industry’

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

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EDITORIAL Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Where did that go? As a bi-monthly magazine the year inevitably gets broken down into six issues – resulting in the months seemingly flying by. Even so, it only feels like yesterday that I was enjoying the summer weather in Germany, whilst visiting companies for our special Made in Germany feature.

uring the trip, I visited several companies and gained a unique perspective on the current situation in the German fastener market. One of the most impressive developments was at GESIPA® as it nears the completion of its Evotion Project. An in-depth tour of the Thal site highlighted how big a project it has been for the company, as well as the strong position it is in to continue the expansion of both its rivet and tool production in the future. Other visits included R+FK Schulte to find out the latest developments – based on its policy of trust and reliability, as well as an insight into SCHNORR GmbH and how it is modernising its operations. I also had the opportunity to find out more about Robert GRASS GmbH & Co KG a German producer of special nuts in big dimensions – and how it has gone through a significant period of investment. The final article in the Made In Germany feature includes HEICO Group’s ability to provide the highest standards of fastener production. Ambrovit Srl, and its relentless passion and commitment to investing in growth, is the focus of our Cover Story. The Italian enterprise has dedicated itself to continuously developing both its product ranges and target markets, and this commitment is undoubtedly paying off. We also have a special report from the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors’ meeting in October and its initiative to focus on ‘Women in the industry’ – including interviews with leading figures within the industry. In the Manufacturing Technology section we have an article concentrating on NME National Machinery GmbH and its Open House in September, as well as excellent articles on the latest developments in inspection, packing and testing machinery. On top of this, Peter Golla, team leader of the NORMA test lab in Maintal, Germany, focuses on the process of product testing at NORMA and how it is influenced by current trends; Graham Musgrove, product engineer at Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings, looks at the case for structural blind fasteners in automotive applications; and Nord-Lock Group gives it advice on how to join aluminium parts with bolted joints.

Stay informed online

To make sure you are kept up to date with the latest developments in the fastener and fixing industry visit the new version of fastenerandfixing.com – which provides even more news and insight into the market. You can even create your own bespoke homepage to ensure you are receiving news that is tailored to your business.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@fastenerandfixing.com Editorial Assistant Lucinda Evetts lucinda.evetts@fastenerandfixing.com Sales Manager Mac Rahman mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Manager Europe Peter Townsend peter.townsend@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Peter Makin peter.makin@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Production Assistant Dreene Khan dreene.khan@fastenerandfixing.com Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade–only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade. Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Ltd. Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

European Parliament and Council agree AD methodology The long-standing log jam between the European Parliament and the Council appears to have been cleared, opening the way for a new regulation on EU anti-dumping methodology.

he European Parliament and Council have reached agreement on a Commission proposal for new anti-dumping methodology. The key development is over new methodology for calculating dumping margins from third countries, in situations where there is deemed to be significant market distortions or pervasive state influence on the economy. The long-term stumbling block has revolved around the market economy status of P.R. China – something that China has claimed as right since the 15 year anniversary of its WTO accession protocol in December 2016.

In a report in China Daily, on 13th October, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson, Gao Feng, said the European Union’s newly reached consensus lacks the legal basis of WTO rules and will have a negative effect as the WTO does not have the dumping related articles on labour and environment. He described the EU’s proposals as blurring the disparities between market and non-market economies. The new methodology would authorise EU trade defence investigators to make comparisons with an appropriate representative country. Additionally, it would encourage investigators to take into account social and environmental issues in making this choice. This suggests the comparison in an anti-dumping case could actually prove more stringent than previously. Article 1 of the draft regulation provides other choices to determine normal value – undistorted international prices, costs or benchmarks or domestic costs of the exporting country established as not distorted. The new rules will only apply to cases initiated after the legislation enters into force and ensures a transition period during current anti-dumping measures and ongoing investigations would remain subject to the existing legislation. The Commission says that in determining distortions, several criteria will be considered, such as state policies and influence, the widespread presence of state-owned enterprises, discrimination in favour of domestic companies and the lack of independence of the financial sector. The Commission may draft reports for countries or sectors where it will identify distortions and the evidence collected in these reports will be available for future investigations and may also be used by EU industry bodies in making a case for trade defence measures.

The European Parliament will vote on the proposed regulation in its November plenary session. If approved the legislation is expected to enter force by the end of this year.” The EU Commission describes the solution as “country-neutral” and in full compliance with the EU’s WTO obligations. The new methodology will not make reference to the contentious “analogue country” system, which China rejects as no longer applicable to it and which has previously been criticised by the European Fastener Distributors’ Association for its lack of transparency. International labour and environment standards will, however, be taken into account – something that the European Parliament has been adamant in demanding. The European Parliament will vote on the proposed regulation in its November plenary session. If approved the legislation is expected to enter force by the end of this year. Discussion on the wider modernisation of EU trade defence instruments are ongoing but negotiations could continue for some time.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Bossard continues strong growth Bossard Group reported third quarter sales of CHF 194.6 million, up 12.4% on the same quarter 2016. Year to date sales grew 14.1% to CHF 589.7 million (€505.2 million).

ccelerated growth was particularly pronounced in Europe, where sales rose 12.5% in Q3, bringing nine month year-on-year sales to CHF 334.6 million, a 9.1% increase on the same period in 2016. Bossard said its third quarter performance “confirms the satisfying demand trend, which is clearly on the upswing since the second half of 2016”. It also sees the performance reflecting “its targeted acquisition policy, which has systematically expanded and strengthened its market position in Europe”. Bossard’s American business posted an 11.1% increase in sales to CHF 52 million, which the Group says was in no small part due to the acquisition of Arnold Industries. Nine month American sales were CHF 166.3 million, up 24.8% on same period 2016. It notes that the base effect of the Arnold Industries acquisition, and strong 2016 third quarter sales to a US electric vehicle manufacturer, mean growth momentum in the third quarter this year was not as strong as in the first half 2017. However, Bossard expects to benefit from the launch of a new electric car model and has seen a positive performance from its second largest US customer, in the agricultural technology sector.

Third quarter Asian sales grew 13.8% to CHF 31.3 million, where Bossard reports it has made significant progress, gaining market share. Nine month sales were up 15.3% to CHF 88.8 million. Bossard says investments made in previous years to expand capacities are paying off, with sales growing in the double-digit percentage range in nearly all countries. Bossard said the performance of the group bodes well for the fourth quarter 2017. CEO David Dean commented: “We assume that demand will continue to be strong in both Europe and Asia. We expect a continued positive development in America as well, although the growth rate will fall short of the other markets due to the base effect described.” David continued: “This confidence stems from the continued good order flow that many of our customers report as well as various indicators important to Bossard, such as the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), which points to continued growth in nearly all the market regions. For fiscal year 2017, we anticipate overall sales to total CHF 780 million, compared to last year’s CHF 695 million.”

Bulten looks forward to growth Bulten AB net sales for the third quarter 2017 reached SEK 630 million (approximately €65 million), an increase of 5% over the same period 2016. Net sales for the nine months to September 2017 reached SEK 2.116 billion (2016: SEK 2.002 billion), an increase of 5.7% on the same period last year.

or the nine months year to date, operating earnings (EBIT) were SEK 155 million (2016: SEK 148 million), corresponding to an operating margin of 7.3% (2016: 7.4%). Earnings after tax were SEK 112 million (2016: SEK 109 million). Order bookings amounted to SEK 2.176 billion, an increase of 10.3% on the same period last year. CEO Tommy Andersson commented: “Bulten had a successful third quarter with the signing of two new significant contracts. One of the contracts is one of Bulten’s largest FSP contracts ever and the other is a breakthrough in an important strategic market – both are expected to be of great importance to future growth. During the quarter we saw strong order bookings, up 14.7% and a net sales up 5%, both on the same period last year.” He added that growth and profitability were hampered by slightly lower volumes due to customers’ model changes and profitability had also been negatively impacted by higher global market prices for steel and other metals, as well as currency effects. Underlying profitability is good considering this was the third quarter, which has fewer production days.”

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

To meet increased demand Bulten decided to invest approximately SEK 177 million in an additional plant in Poland for production and distribution of fasteners. It has also decided to invest around SEK 45 million in a new heat treatment line in Hallstahammar to “provide the company and the unit with increased capacity and flexibility”. Speaking about the implications of development of electric cars, Tommy Andersson noted: “Fasteners must be adapted for the new materials and designs being developed for electric cars and we are at the leading edge when it comes to supplying vehicle manufacturers with the latest technology. Our reference contracts show that the value for fasteners in electric vehicles today is clearly higher than in vehicles based on conventional technology.” Bulten also reported that it was preparing to change its CEO by 2019 as Tommy Andersson has informed the board of his intention to retire.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

ParkOhio buys Heads & All Threads Founded in 1986, Heads & All Threads (HAT) is described in the announcement as a leading European supplier of supply chain management services with operations in the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, and India. The company specialises in developing vendor managed inventory programs of fasteners, machined parts, and other class C components to many end markets, including construction, automotive and various EMS markets.

dward F. Crawford, chairman and chief executive officer at ParkOhio said: “The strategic acquisition of Heads & All Threads, with annual revenues of approximately US$35 million (€29.7 million), will immediately be accretive to earnings. HAT has an impressive history of sales growth and will strengthen our market position for supply chain management services.” Originating in 1907 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, ParkOhio operates from around 125 locations in 20 countries, employing 6,000 people. It generated annual revenues in 2016 of US$1.3 billion. ParkOhio’s Supply Technologies segment specialises in Total Supply Management™ with the single goal of giving “any manufacturer of any size a greater ability to build its products, better, smarter and fastener than ever before”. Supply Technologies operates from thirty locations in North America, ten in Europe and nine in Asia. The segment includes the RB&W branded

cold forming production facilities in Ohio, USA, and Ontario, Canada. RB&W has offices in the UK and Shanghai, and representation in Mexico, Germany, and South Korea. The Supply Technologies segment accounted for 39% of ParkOhio sales in 2016 (approximately US$500 million) and employs 1,300 people worldwide. ParkOhio’s Assembly Components, which accounted for 42% of 2016 sales, manufactures highly engineered components, notably in aluminium but also moulded rubber and plastic, for major OEM assemblies, destined for automotive, agricultural and materials handling machinery, engines and industrial equipment. The Engineered Products segment operates a diverse range of manufacturing businesses, including induction heating and melting systems, tube and pipe threading and bending, and forged and machined components.

Bufab YTD net sales increase 10% Bufab Group has reported Quarter 3 interim results, showing net sales for the quarter had risen 10% to SEK 735 million. Nine month sales also rose by the same percentage, reaching SEK 2.373 billion.

rganic sales growth for both the quarter and year to date was 6%. Operating profit for the quarter rose to SEK 68 million (2016: SEK 66 million), with an operating margin of 9.3% (down on 9.8% in same quarter 2016). For the nine months operating profit rose to SEK 235 million (2016: SEK 219 million) with the operating margin at 9.9% (2016: 10.2%). Order intake increased 12% in the quarter and was higher than net sales. President and CEO Jörgen Rosengren commented: “Bufab reported growth of 10% and strong order intake in the third quarter. Organic growth was solid as a result of continued favourable underlying demand and higher market shares. While an increase was noted in operating profit, the operating margin declined compared with the preceding year.” International net sales increase by 13% in the quarter, of which organic growth accounted for 8%. “Underlying demand was strong and we grew our market share in most markets,” said Rosengren. “The gross margin was in-line with the preceding year, while the operating margin was negatively impacted by higher operating expenses. We are continuing to expand and strengthen the sales organisation in the segment. These initiatives are important for Bufab in the long-term, but we are nonetheless dissatisfied with the cost trend in the segment during the year.” Swedish sales rose by 4%, driven entirely by organic growth, so was slightly lower than earlier in the year. Gross margin for the quarter deteriorated compared with the preceding year. “The decline is the result of rising purchasing prices in recent quarters, which have now impacted our income statement,” explained Rosengren. “This in turn is the result of higher prices for raw materials. We are continuing to work to offset these cost increases by raising the prices for

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

customers, but the results to date have been insufficient. We have intensified efforts during the quarter in light of the margin trend and the risk of further increases in raw material prices.” Concluding, he said: “Overall for the third quarter, Bufab reported strong growth and increased operating profit but somewhat weaker margins. Strong order intake in the two most recent quarters, and positive signals from customers and industry, provide a basis for optimism ahead of the remainder of 2017. In the years ahead, we intend to grow organically with healthy margins and to make additional value-generating acquisitions. For example, Bufab has now opened a subsidiary in Mexico to leverage growth opportunities in the country. Our ambition is to be the leading player in our industry by 2020. To reflect this ambition, Bufab’s management and board of directors has decided to raise the Group’s target for average annual growth to 10%.” (SEK 100 ≈ €10.30 at interbank)

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Sumeeko acquiring Max Mothes Alex Chen, managing director of Taiwanese automotive parts and fastener manufacturer – Sumeeko Industries Co Ltd, revealed to Fastener + Fixing Magazine, during a visit to Taiwan, that the company is in the process of acquiring Max Mothes GmbH, based in Neuss, Germany, and with it, Italian hot and cold forger VSP Fasteners SpA.

ounded in 1918 in Düsseldorf, Max Mothes is now headquartered in Neuss, to which it relocated fully at the end of 2013. In 2011 the company was purchased from insolvency by investment partnership Schuering & Andreas, having reported 2010 sales of around €42 million. Schuering & Andreas are turnaround specialists, with a track record of acquiring German Mittelstand companies either in distress or lacking family management succession. Max Mothes has a major warehousing, logistics and packing centre in Neuss, with an inventory of 90,000 standard parts and more than 100,000 customised articles. Alongside is an established production operation, primarily machining bolts up to 150mm diameter, for which the company is reputed to hold the largest European stock of blanks, and customer specials. Max Mothes’ manufacturing competence was strengthened in 2012 with investment in state of the art CNC machining centres. The company has another German automotive branch in the Munich Airport Business Park. Outside of Germany it has locations in Turkey, Austria, Belgium, Italy and China. It supplies a diverse range of automotive, energy

Alex Chen, managing director at Sumeeko

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Sumeeko’s latest plant in Pingtung

sector and engineering customers, as well as selling to fastener distributors. Max Mothes employs around 200 people. In August this year Max Mothes announced it had acquired VSP Fasteners, based in Brugherio, Italy, which now trades as Max Mothes Srl. A family company established in the late 1970s, VSP was acquired in 2013 by Italian private equity fund, Arcadia SGR. The company manufactures high-tensile fasteners from M12 to M80 using both cold and hot forming technologies. More than 80% of production is exported, mainly to Germany and northern Europe, although the company also established a sales presence in North America. Alex Chen provided only limited details of the purchase agreement, implying it had been reached in September, and that he expected it to complete in January 2018, once regulatory obligations are met. Sumeeko was founded in Kaohsiung, initially as a trader but quickly establishing its own manufacturing operation. In 2001 it set-up a plant in Suzhou, China, and more recently has established a new 16,500m2 production facility in Pingtung, south of Kaohsiung city. The new plant manufactures both male and female parts, through cold forming, stamping and threading/machining. It recently commissioned its first in-house heat treatment line, in order to meeting automotive quality requirements. Sumeeko production facilities are ISO/TS 16949 accredited and more than 70% of its sales are now to automotive tier 1 and 2, including General Motors, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Toyota and Tesla. Across its three manufacturing plants Sumeeko employs close to 400 people. It has a warehouse in Harrison, Michigan, to support US automotive customers, to which 56% of Taiwanese production is destined. Around 20% of sales currently go to Europe. Sumeeko made an initial public offering in 2012, with its stock listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Taiwanese sales in 2013 reached US$30 million, growing progressively to close to US$40 million in 2016. Describing Sumeeko’s key capabilities as delivering substantial cost reductions on automotive and special parts without compromise to quality, Alex Chen said the Max Mothes acquisition would more than double the company’s turnover.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NORM Somun approved as design centre In August 2016 an amendment to the Turkish Design Centres law 5746 came into force. Since it matched NORM Group’s new product implementation and tooling design activities, conducted in the NORM Somun engineering services department, the Group started work on this subject.

he application NORM made, having completed its preparations in April 2017, was successfully presented to the Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology on 22 nd May 2017. As a result NORM was entitled to receive the Design Centre Certificate. The NORM Somun Design Center has a total of 15 staff including 12 from the engineering services department and 3 from the process development department. With this team, NORM aims to bring value added products into its product range and especially make cold forming tooling design processes more effective by implementing design projects in parallel with NORM Group’s R&D vision. In this context, NORM plans to increase R&D activities in its female parts product groups by further developing cooperation, which has been continuing increasingly with the NORM Cıvata R&D centre. In doing so, NORM intends bringing company patented products and beneficial models. It also aims to increase the number of collaborations with universities and the number of state-funded projects and thus to make the group more competitive in the target sectors and product groups in the coming years. www.normcivata.com.tr

Bulten invests in a further plant in Poland Bulten AB has decided to invest around PLN 80.5 million (approximately €19 million) in a new strategically important production and logistics plant in Poland to meet future volumes.

et-up, which is conditional upon obtaining the required permits, will start in 2017 and production is expected to start in the first half of 2019. Tommy Andersson, president and CEO of Bulten, commented: “We are now taking another step towards becoming the industry’s most cost-effective fastener manufacturer and continue to strengthen Bulten’s position in the market.” The additional plant will be built in Radziechowy-Wieprz, in the Katowice Special Economic Zone, about 30km from the existing production plant in Bielsko–Biala. The total investment amounts to approximately PLN 80.5 million, of which about PLN 9.5 million is for around 78,000m2 of land and PLN 71 million for the building. The investment is within the existing credit agreement. With this investment, Bulten can move from the current logistics centre in Wilkowice to the new building and thus get an efficient production flow to handle future growth.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

EFDA sets dates for triennial conference The European Fastener Distributors Association (EFDA) has announced that it will hold its next three-yearly conference on 14th – 15th June 2018 at the Mainport Hotel, Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

he conference will welcome members of all of EFDA’s constituent associations – the FDS in Germany; NEVIB in the Netherlands; BIAFD in the UK and Ireland; PRISMEFIX in France; ADEFI in Spain; UDIB in Italy; and MEFDA – the organisation for fastener distributors in countries where there is currently no national association. The conference schedule and speakers will be announced via the national associations in the New Year. EFDA held its fifth and most recent conference, which was very well supported, in Berlin in April 2015. A strong speaker line-up including presentations from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; the European Commission’s Directorate General – Trade; the European Industrial Fastener Institute; the National Fastener Distributors Association of the United States; the Taiwan Fastener Traders Association; and Brussels legal practice, Jones-Day. (Our report for the Berlin conference can be found at www.fastenerandfixing.com/insight/strong-speaker-line-up-forefda-conference/) EFDA president, Dr Volker Lederer, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming EFDA members in Rotterdam next June, when they can again look forward to an information packed agenda and the equally important opportunity to network with colleagues from throughout Europe and the world.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

PennEngineering increases Irish presence PennEngineering has increased its presence in Ireland with the development of a new, 80,000 square foot (7,400m2) facility located in Galway on the west coast.

he development highlights PennEngineering’s commitment to its European customers and expanding its production capabilities. The new facility will become the primary manufacturing site for all PEM clinch products sold in Europe. In addition to the existing on-site manufacturing facilities, the site has a Research and Development Centre and an Application Engineering Centre, offering full custom fastener and installation design and test capabilities. The new facility will make the Galway site a ‘centre-of-excellence’ focusing on developing innovative solutions for the European market. The announcement was welcomed by An Tánaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, who emphasised the importance to the Irish Government of expanding the manufacturing sector and driving regional development. Speaking at the official opening, Minister of State Sean Kyne said: “I am delighted to see PennEngineering establish this ‘centre of excellence’ in Galway. It is a sure sign of the success of the company, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and it is a tribute to the commitment and dedication of the team here in Galway. As Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I am particularly heartened to learn that the new facility has been built to the highest environmental considerations with the very latest sustainability and ecological technologies.”

Liam Foy, sales and marketing director EMEA at PennEngineering, commented: “The new facility expands our capabilities for our customer base; they see our ability to serve them globally but with a strong regional focus as a key benefit to their business. In the last 12 months we have launched four new products and have moved our entire core product to ‘lead-free’. The fact our products are ‘Made in Europe’ ensures we are close to our customer supply chain.” The expansion will bring the total footprint of PennEngineering operations in Galway to in excess of 200,000 square foot (18,600m2) – employing 200 local people. It will support PennEngineering’s growing markets in Europe, ranging from industrial, electronics, medical, energy and aviation sectors, as well as using new product innovations to expand in the automotive electronics, electrification and lightweight segments.

Pinstructure shares best practice in Parliamentary Review UK-based Pinstructure Ltd recently appeared alongside UK Prime Minister Theresa May in the 2016/17 Parliamentary Review. Established by former minister The Rt Hon David Curry in 2010, The Parliamentary Review’s September release is now a key fixture in the political calendar.

instructure featured alongside the Prime Minister and a small number of outstanding organisations in a document that looks back on the year in industry and Westminster. The main aim of the Review is to showcase best practice as a learning tool to the public and private sector. Across all policy areas, The Parliamentary Review is sent to over half a million leading policymakers. The articles in the Review act as both a blueprint for success and a template for reform. The Prime Minister commented that “this year’s Parliamentary Review follows a significant year in British politics” and this is reflected in the articles from leading journalists and best practice representatives alike. The PM’s former cabinet colleague, Sir Eric Pickles, who was recently appointed chairman of the Review, said: “It has

never been more important for government to hear the views of business and the public sector in a constructive forum. It is also a vital time to share best practice and progress.” The Parliamentary Review’s Director Daniel Yossman concurred, adding: “Pinstructure and other hardworking organisations from across the country have come together to make this year’s Review possible. Sharing knowledge and insight with both peers and government is essential work and I am delighted that this year’s Review will reach every corner of the British economy. It’s always a real joy to hear from policymakers who tell me that something they have read in the Review has had an effect on their thinking. It is my belief that innovation is contagious, if only it is given the platform to spread. It is the Review’s purpose to provide this platform and I am confident we are fulfilling it.” www.pinstructure.com

An e-copy of The Parliamentary Review can be viewed here: www.theparliamentaryreview.co.uk/editions/manufacturing-services/metals-materials-and-fabrication

20 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

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Lueg-Stanztechnik invests in the future

New role for Charles Ainsworth and new MD for Montrose

After 25 years Charles Ainsworth is standing down as managing director of The Montrose Group. Liam Wheeler, the current financial director, will take over in this role.

Lueg-Stanztechnik e.K has been owned by the founding family, Lueg, for 51 years and is being continued by the second generation.

ueg-Stanztechnik has produced German-made stainless steel and special alloys fasteners since 1966, manufacturing stamped and bent parts and fasteners, including washers, according to DIN / ISO standards, customer drawings or samples. The company manufactures stamping parts for various branches and customers in more than 30 countries worldwide. This year Lueg-Stanztechnik took on its first production trainee from outside the family. The young man was educated for three years in the company and in external education institutions. He has become familiar with the special tailor-made machines and with new high-end automatic punching presses. The company has now laid the foundation for the next generation of highly trained and dedicated employees, able to operate the existing machinery as well as being capable of taking on future requirements. Lueg-Stanztechnik is expanding its cooperation with various partners for the manufacture of laser cut and water jet parts. So it is able to offer small and micro series, prototypes and parts with special contours up to 20mm thickness. Turned parts supplement the product range. Sabine Lueg, owner of Lueg-Stanztechnik, said: “Since 1966 our owner managed family business has stood for precision, flexibility and reliability. Maximum quality standards and individual solutions contribute to our international success. Our own punching shop and our own tool shop provide sustainable value creation. We guarantee short lead times with our stock of prime material and finished parts. Small batches, large batches, prototypes – our team fulfills customer desires quickly and flexibly.” Sabine adds: “Due to our specialisation in special alloys and special procedures and our flexible and individual production – based on customer requests – Lueg-Stanztechnik is your partner for complex projects.” Lueg-Stanztechnik has been certified according to ISO 9001:2015 since October 2016.

harles Ainsworth established Montrose Fasteners in 1991 by management buyout. Operating from a small warehouse on the Slough Trading Estate, it employed six people. Today the Montrose Group employs more than seventy staff and has a turnover in excess of GB£10 million. The group has expanded by strong organic growth and by acquisition. In addition to its main facility in High Wycombe, Montrose operates from Bedford and has recently acquired Thunderbolts Group Ltd in Southampton. During its 25 years Montrose has developed an enviable reputation as experts in stock management systems for a wide spectrum of quality and service critical market sectors. It also specialises in stainless steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous materials. Charles sold the business in December 2016 to the Bufab Group – the Swedish headquartered, global supplier chain partner for fasteners and C-parts, with operations in twenty-six countries around the world. Writing to thank Montrose employees for their many years of loyalty and commitment, Charles said: ‘’Since December, when we sold Montrose to Bufab, we have been getting to know our new owners. At the time there were several other interested parties wanting to acquire Montrose, but I am pleased to say that the choice was a good one. Bufab shares many of our values and they want us to succeed. I am pleased to say they continue to demonstrate their support and commitment to Montrose and its staff. I am therefore confident Montrose remains in good hands.’’ Charles will be taking on a new role as director of business development, leading Bufab’s efforts to acquire other businesses in the United Kingdom.

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PERSPECTIVE by Phil Matten, executive editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry “All that glisters is not gold”, Shakespeare wrote in The Merchant of Venice. If you know the rest of the quote, the Prince of Morocco finds that “many a man his life has sold” only to find that “gilded tombs do worms enfold”.

or at least a decade there has been apparently systemic and systematic falsification of specifications within Kobe Steel – including on wire rod destined for fasteners and automotive parts. Unimaginable – except it comes hard on the heels of ‘dieselgate’ and other examples of fraudulent compliance. While there is seemingly no evidence, so far at least, that the Kobe materials involved represent a significant risk in application, they are by definition not what they were purported to be and should have been. The revelation has clearly triggered a collective shudder amongst OEMs – evidenced by the fastener supply chain being bombarded for confirmation that products were not manufactured from Kobe steel. Is that simply the necessity of being seen to act or will confidence in quality systems be undermined? Given it has taken a decade to uncover evidently widespread fraud at Kobe, it’s an uneasy and difficult to dismiss question. It’s also difficult to credit that senior managers in an organisation exposed as having practiced this kind of systemic fraud could be unaware of what has gone on for so long. Whether that extended in this case to instigating or encouraging wrongdoing may never be told, and is hopefully beyond credibility. However, for those with an absolute responsibility to define the quality culture of their organisation, ignorance over the long-term is surely culpable. Which raises the question of the magnitude of pressures on operational managers to practice this kind of deceit. Relentless cost down pressure from the supply chain? Fear of criticism or more serious consequences from management above? From time to time I encounter fastener suppliers blithely importing from a factory they have never visited, let alone audited. When challenged how they can be sure the product will be safe, they often cite its website as evidence of quality. It seems bizarre, when we are now so cynical about bankers and

politicians, that cynicism should evaporate in the face of shaving a few cents off the price of a fastener. Naivety? Perhaps, or maybe just the overwhelming commercial pressures facing smaller businesses trying to survive in a highly competitive industry. It is no excuse, but rarely are those fastener destined for quality, safety or even reputational critical applications. When something like the Kobe scandal happens, however, OEMs immediately turn on the fastener supply chain to ensure unimpeachable quality and to reconfirm its controls. That is onerous, costly, and understandably frustrating for organisations that possess a genuine and deep-rooted commitment to delivering quality assurance. It seems, however, to be the unavoidable price of ensuring the reliability of critical components – and of affirming what differentiates the really competent practitioners in our industry. The deepest frustration, surely though, remains the continued and persistent failure by fastener consumers to recognise they are engineered products that deserve to be valued and not treated as commodities. Is that naivety too? Probably, but one of these days something will happen to ram home that thought, and Shakespeare’s vision of worms writhing in a casket of gold, might just prove prophetic.

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by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

McCreight succeeds Harris as IFI managing director The Industrial Fasteners Institute named Kenneth McCreight to succeed Rob Harris as managing director. McCreight becomes the IFI’s seventh managing director in the 86 year history of the trade association of North American fastener manufacturers and suppliers of materials, machinery, equipment and/or engineered services. Harris has been managing director since December 1995 and will retire.

cCreight is coming from the Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network (MAGNET). Previously, as vice-president of the National Tooling & Machining Association, he was an industry advocate for manufacturing organizations. While with Cuyahoga Community College and North Central State College of Ohio he was involved in developing workforce and economic development initiatives. “Virtually all my professional life has been dedicated to the service of others, and this will be a capstone in my career,” the IFI announcement quoted McCreight. “Throughout the process of working with the recruiter and the search committee, it was quite clear to me that IFI is a high-quality organisation with a culture of teamwork and collaboration, and a community of members that cares a lot about the organization and its mission.” Harris commented: “Early this year, when I announced my intention to retire, it was important to me and the board of directors that we establish a process

that would allow for the selection of a worthy and capable leader, and a smooth transition so that IFI could continue its important work without missing a beat. I think we have succeeded in that goal. I love the IFI’s mission and its membership, and I feel confident that I am leaving this incredible organisation in good hands.” Founded in 1931, the IFI currently lists 64 manufacturing members with 26 subsidiaries; four aerospace distribution affiliates and 43 supplier associate members. The next IFI meeting will be 3rd – 7 th March 2018 at Amelia Island, South Carolina. IndFast.org

September FDI stays strong The Fastener Distributor Index for September dipped slightly to 61.5 “with sales trends remaining very strong,” writes David Manthey, R.W. Baird analyst.

avid continues: “In the September survey, 57% of respondents indicated sales were ‘better’ relative to seasonal expectations, versus August levels of 70% but still well above 2016 average levels.” September’s sales index was 77.3, “suggesting selling conditions remain very healthy overall”. “Sales this year in September were better… [year-on-year] by 12%,” one distributor noted. However, pricing was again “a solid tailwind for the third consecutive month as 71% of distributors saw prices rise year-on-year”, Manthey writes. This produced an FDI pricing index of 83.9 – surpassing last month’s 78.8 reading and reaching levels not seen in over two years. About 54% of respondents reported inventory levels were “relatively in-line with expectations, while 36% see inventory levels as too low”. Hiring sentiment decelerated slightly, with 25% of respondents indicating employment was higher in September relative to seasonal expectations versus 30% in August, while 64% saw hiring levels as in-line with seasonal expectations.

26 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

“Of note, hiring for several respondents may have been placed on hold amid last month’s hurricanes as at least one respondent indicated operations were disrupted for several days due to the recent storms.” September’s Forward-Looking Indicator accelerated to 66.9 vs 59.9 in August, marking a YTD high. “The Forward-Looking Indicator averaged 49.7 during 2016, but has averaged 61.6 year-to-date in 2017. Given solidly expansionary FDI and ForwardLooking Indicator readings, market conditions appear likely to remain in growth mode in the coming months.” The outlook over the next six months remains positive, with 64% of respondents expecting higher activity levels over the next six months, up from 45% in August. “In addition, zero respondents anticipate lower activity levels over the next six months – the first time since late 2013 and just the second time in survey history that it has occurred.” The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors, conducted with the FCH Sourcing Network and the National Fastener Distributors Association. fdisurvey.com

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

LISI Group acquiring US-based Termax

Hurricanes miss fastener companies

LISI Automotive, a subsidiary of LISI Group, has agreed to acquire 51% of the share capital of Termax LLC – a US manufacturer of metal and plastic fastening systems for automotive interiors.

Fastener companies in the Houston and Florida hurricane paths reported more damage to employee homes than to the businesses. Here is a sampling of responses from Hurricanes Harvey in Texas and Irma in Florida.

ISI Group said Termax “has grown significantly since inception in 1971 and continues to show good momentum”. Termax operates a 120,000 square foot (approximately 11,000m2) production and development facility in Lake Zurich, Illinois, along with a 39,600 square foot (3,600m2) facility in Suzhou (China) and a distribution platform in Santiago de Querétaro (Mexico). The company employs over 400 people and generated revenues of around US$74 million (€62.7 million) in 2016. “With Termax, LISI Automotive is strengthening its world leadership in clip-fastening solutions,” stated François Liotard, managing director of LISI Automotive. “We will be present not only in Europe and Asia, but from now on also in North America. There are numerous synergy opportunities between our two companies, from a technical as well as a sales standpoint. These will enable us to bring to a wider customer base the best development and production capabilities to offer innovative solutions in the areas of weight reduction, electrification and autonomous vehicle equipment.” The transaction is a two-step structured acquisition: The initial step involves the sale by Termax shareholders of 51% of the share capital to LISI Automotive. Upon closing, Termax will be consolidated within LISI Group. As a second step, by fiscal year 2021, the current shareholders have committed to selling their remaining shares to LISI Automotive.

POSCO opens fastener wire plant in Indiana South Korea-based POSCO – the fifth largest steel manufacturer in the world – has opened its second US facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

anielle Grady of the Jeffersonville News & Tribune writes: “The plant, which creates steel wire for fasteners, nuts and bolts for the automotive industry, currently has heat treatment, drawing and picking, and coating capabilities for steel.” Officials broke ground on the 86,000 square foot plant in April. Eventually the facility is expected to have 136,000 square (12,600m2) feet of manufacturing and professional space for 60 workers “who will earn an average wage of US$30.10 an hour”. To attract POSCO, the city approved a US$7.6 million 10 year tax abatement on real estate property and a US$11 million 5 year tax abatement on personal property for the company, according to the News & Tribune. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation also offered the company US$550,000 in conditional tax credits and up to US$50,000 in training grants.

28 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Naples, Florida, was particularly hard hit by Hurricane Irma, but Distributors Link Magazine and Aluminum Fasteners Supply Company remained dry. Link publisher Leo Coar had evacuated to Virginia and sales and marketing director, Tracey Lumia, to West Palm Beach. They remained away for nearly two weeks because their homes and the Link office didn’t have power.

“We dodged quite the bullet here in Tampa,” Joanne Bialas, vice-president for sales and marketing at International Fasteners Inc based in Tampa. “We had to close early on that Friday and remained closed on Monday but no damage was recorded to our building.”

Aerospace fastener supplier KLX Inc reported the company’s operations were “modestly” impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma that hit Texas and Florida. The Aerospace Solutions Group segment’s Miami headquarters and distribution facility sustained “minimal damage” and resumed normal operations on 18th September after having been shut down on 8th September. Operations at the company’s Energy Services Group segment, which is headquartered in Houston, were also down for about one week. “While it is too early to estimate the financial impact these storms may have had on our business, we do not expect it to have a material impact on our financial results for the third quarter,” stated CEO Amin Khoury. Southwestern Fastener Association executive director, John Elsner, reported he hadn’t heard of any major damage to fastener business operations, though some employee homes were flooded. Tifco Industries Inc vice-president, Aron Austin, noted the Houston facility is “very high and we never expect a flood to impact our facility. We never lost power or had to engage our generators.” Tifco did close for two business days because “most of our employees could not get to work or were dealing with their own storm issues,” Austin said. “By Saturday of that week and because of the tremendous effort by Tifco’s internal staff we were current with all orders,” he declared. “Our outlook for business continues to be very positive and our annual growth continues,” Austin added. “Since we are a national company the business loss was minimal considering our entire market area.”

“One in 10 employees had flooded homes,” The Nut Place general manager, Vernon Achgill, reported. “Missed three days, and lost productivity in several others,” Achgill added. But beyond the distributorship, Achgill noted “many customers are slow to get ramped back up, but they will.” Founded in 1973, The Nut Place opened in a 30,000 square foot building in 2010.

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS Alexander Ostashov, editor, Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and…Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

Sixth Wire-Fasteners conference in St. Petersburg The situation on the Russian hardware market was discussed, as has become traditional, at the Wire-Fasteners conference held on 27th September in St. Petersburg.

he general director of the Prommetiz Association, Boris Yarantzev, presented the dynamics of the main trends in the hardware market. Viktor Tarnavsky, the head of the analytical department of IIS ‘Metal Supply and Sales’, focused on the impact of current economic and industry conditions on the hardware market. Marina Kholopova, senior manager at MMK-Metiz Group, provided the results of marketing research on the Russian hardware market. She showed the characteristics of individual segments of the hardware market in her speech and noted an increase in the share of new hardware production to 19% of the Russian hardware market.

Other speakers exploring the challenges facing the fasteners market included: Vitaly Belsky, head of the management of foreign economic relations and sales at Rechitsa Hardware Plant, Nikolay Prokhorov, director of the Alfa Ars Group of Companies, and Anton Zaitzev, head of the SACMA Group Russian office. Timur Galiakhmetov, director of technical development at BelZAN, also informed the conference about the development of fastener production from the corrosion resistant nitrogen containing steel 05X16H5AB. For the first time the production of springs was also discussed at the conference. Conference participants learnt about the prospects and near future plans of key Russian hardware producers.

MMK-Metiz to broaden fastener production to substitute imports On 1st October Magnitogorsk Hardware Calibration Plant celebrated its 75th anniversary. The jubilee year was marked by the beginning of the implementation of a large-scale investment programme planned up to 2020.

leg Shiryaev, director of OJSC MMK-Metiz Magnitogorsk Hardware Calibration Plant, commented: “The goal of the investment programme is to modernise the plant in order to reduce production costs, improve quality and expand the product line, as well as increase the EBITDA up to 2.3 million rubles (€34,000) a year. The project is unique in its complexity – it impacts all spheres of the plant’s life. In fact, we are creating a new enterprise, concentrated on one industrial site, rather than two as it was before.” The investment programme was approved by the management of MMK Group and the governor of the Chelyabinsk Region. On 14th July 2017, MMK-Metiz and the regional government signed a ‘Special Investment Contract’ in which the Region guarantees the stability of tax and regulatory conditions and provides incentive measures. The main investments will be directed to the production of fasteners, high-carbon wire and ropes, and calibrated rolled products. In the fasteners production, it is necessary to expand the output of import substituting products with the use of various types of modern coatings. The most popular

30 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

intensively developing types of fasteners were selected for the investment – those in greatest demand in construction, bridge and machine building, chemical and other industries. The investments in wire and ropes production will allow the plant to broaden its product assortment for the mining and construction industries, and for the production of lifting equipment. Capital investment to realise the investment programme will amount to 3.8 billion rubles (€56 million). During the implementation of the ‘Special Investment Contract’ the plant will manufacture products worth more than 39 billion rubles and create 220 high-level job positions.

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More than 10 new aluminium bridges will appear soon The Russian Aluminium Association announced at the conference ‘Modern solutions for the use of aluminium in bridge construction’ – on 8th September – that ten new aluminium bridges will appear soon across Russia.

epresentatives of aluminium companies – Sespel, Arconic Russia, LPG Segal, GS Reserve, UC RUSAL, KraMZ, design organisations and scientific institutes, as well as the German company PML, took part in the conference. As noted by the members of the conference, Russia is currently experiencing active development of road construction and adjustments in transport infrastructure, including the construction of new roads and railways, which face natural and artificial obstacles on their way. Members of the event, therefore, believe demand for aluminium bridges will grow. In the immediate future two pedestrian aluminium bridges will appear in Moscow’s Losiny Ostrov Natural Park. Two more bridges will be constructed in Krasnoyarsk in 2018. Besides Moscow and Krasnoyarsk, construction of aluminium bridges is planned in the historical part of Vladimir, on Kamchatka, in the regions of the North Caucasus. During the work, it was noted that in addition to the construction of new bridges, the replacement of obsolete old bridges with modern aluminium bridges could be widespread.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

Severstal-Metiz supplies fasteners for World Cup stadiums The Orel steel rolling plant (OSPAZ), which belongs to Severstal-Metiz, has shipped fasteners for installation in the Ekaterinburg Arena, one of the stadiums for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

he hexagonal head M20 bolts, and nuts of a higher class of durability, are intended for assembly of the grandstands for the FIFA World Cup. This is not the first delivery of Orel fasteners to the Ekaterinburg Arena, which is the largest sporting construction project in Ekaterinburg. In 2009 OSPAZ commissioned new equipment to manufacture large diameter bolts and nuts to meet the demand for the large fasteners required for building sports structures for FIFA 2018. “Participation in such an important nationwide project as building stadiums for the World Cup is an indicator of the high-level of trust in our company. Customers know that we can solve assigned tasks and provide high-quality of products,” the director of the Orel steel rolling plant Aleksey Erenichev considers. OSPAZ manufactured fasteners have also been installed in other sports construction projects for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. These include the ‘Luzhniki’ and ‘Spartak’ stadiums in Moscow and also stadiums in St. Petersburg, Sochi, Krasnodar, Rostov and Volgograd.

BSW expands export destinations to 117 countries This year, the Belarus Steel Works (BSW) has expanded its export geography with two further countries, taking the total to 117. For the first time in its history the factory delivered goods to the West African Republics of Benin and Togo.

n the first eight months of 2017 BSW exported goods to 51 countries, of which the largest is Russia, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Egypt, Italy and the USA. The Belarus Steel Works shipped more than 1.2 million tonnes of goods, representing more than 85% of its total production, and increasing its export value by 29.5% over the same period 2016.

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ASIAN NEWS

China applies anti-pollution steel cuts early Chinese steel output fell by 3.7% month-on-month in September, as mills began reducing production to meet government measures to combat air pollution during the winter period.

angshan, one of China’s top steelmaking cities, required production cuts from mid October. A key target is the highly polluting sintering process that prepares iron ore for blast furnaces. Further restrictions on steel production, particularly in northern provinces and around Beijing, are expected to bite during November, lasting until March 2018. Clear signals of Beijing’s commitment to cutting air pollution through steel production restrictions have driven up steel prices on Chinese futures markets. The impact on key raw materials, particularly iron ore, has been mixed. Iron ore prices had fallen to below US$60/tonne in response to expectations of reduced demand, as a result of Chinese production cuts, but recovered somewhat on the recognition that Chinese mills were likely to require higher grade, less polluting, imported ore to respond to the government clampdown.

Steel analysts MEPS International Ltd reported in its September International Steel Review, that steel prices around the world have been on an upward trend since July, with its global products steel price index at its highest since September 2014. MEPS expects the global average selling figure to decline marginally in Quarter 4 2017, with stronger European prices more than offset by weaker conditions in North America and Asia. CuSteel’s Chinese Wire Rod Price Index has risen from around CNY 3,600/tonne (€466/tonne) in June to hit CNY 4,600/tonne (€596/tonne) in early September. Since then the graph has tracked at between CNY 4,400 and CNY 4,500/tonne. The wire rod line has run consistently higher than CuSteel’s composite index for all steel products.

CISA forecasts 3.5% growth in Chinese steel output

Taiwan eight month fastener production up 2.65%

Despite reductions in low grade output already achieved, and anticipated cutbacks to combat winter air pollution, the Chinese Iron and Steel Association (CISA) expects Chinese crude steel output to reach 840 million tonnes this year, increasing from 808 million tonnes last year.

Taiwan fastener production for the first eight months of 2017 increased 2.65% year-on-year, to 1.057 million tonnes.

utput from CISA members, all of which have annual capacity exceeding one million tonnes, increased 6.8% in the first seven months of 2017, Reuters reported. Smaller steel mills recorded a 2% drop in production. Qu Xiuli, CISA vice-president, said China’s steel sector is upgrading and industry concentration is rising. The report also noted that export prices for steel products during the first seven months 2017 increased 43% compared with the same period 2016, to US$686/tonne. According to CISA net profits of Chinese steelmakers increased 390% in the first seven months of the year. Mr Xiuli forecast industry profits in excess of CNY 100 billion in the full year.

nformation provided by the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute shows output value increased by 9.87% to US$2.78 million, reflecting increased raw material and production costs during the year to date. The average value per kilo for Taiwanese fasteners during the first eight months 2017 was US$2.63, compared with US$2.472 for the whole of 2016. The average has persistently increased year to date, rising from US$2.531/kg in January to US$2.763/kg in August. China Steel Corporation, the main raw material supplier to Taiwan fastener makers, announced in August that it would further increase wire rod prices for delivery to domestic customers in Q4 2017 by TW$1,200/tonne (around €33.75). 2016 Taiwan fastener production fell 2.39% compared with 2015, to 1.54 million tonnes and value fell 6.72% to US$3.796 billion. Taiwan’s peak year over the last ten was in 2014, when output reached 1.595 million tonnes, worth US$4.25 billion.

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BBI increases H1 2017 profits Fastener World Magazine reports that Brighton-Best International (BBI) saw first half 2017 revenues reach TW$5.505 billion (€157.2 million). Earnings after tax increased to TW$382 million.

urrently BBI has 31 operations in six countries, including 21 locations in the United States – mainly supplying carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel fasteners. Fastener World says BBI, which is already the United State’s largest online fastener distributor, anticipates further growth in its network through future acquisitions to facilitate diversification of its product portfolio. Ta Chen International Inc holds more than 45% of BBI’s shares.

ASIAN NEWS

New Linkwell plant now operational Linkwell Industry Co Ltd celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. One of its milestones is the completion of its Vietnam plant, Viet-Screw Company, which became operational at the beginning of August.

aiwan-based Linkwell has overseas manufacturing operations in Malaysia and Indonesia – both locations mainly producing stainless steel screws; Vietnam – mainly producing carbon steel screws; and Pinghu, China, where it produces hexagon bolts, carriage bolts and machine screws. It is also involved in the joint venture of Jing Fong Industry Co Ltd/Thailock Fastener Co Ltd (Thailand) producing locking nuts (mostly nylon locking nuts and welding nuts). Fastener World Magazine reports that Linkwell has also invested in Sunny Hill, Taiwan, which produces carbon steel screws (mostly small screws such as self-drilling screws, self-tapping screws, chipboard screws) at a monthly capacity of 500 to 600 tonnes. Around 85% of Linkwell sales are to the United States and Europe, with the balance to Japan, Latin America, the Middle East and Oceania. Fastener World says, Linkwell has been through a four decade journey and has consistently made great efforts to achieve stable development in anticipation of improving quality and gearing toward the offering of higher value added products. It has been working hard to the goal of providing good product quality, competitive prices, and better service, to create mutual benefits and success with clients.

Viet-Screw Company became operational in August

Henn Yann completes relocation

Established in 1970, Henn Yann Enterprise Co Ltd specialises in plastic injection moulding. This year it invested TW$100 million (€2.8 million) to establish a new 3,300m2 production facility in Kaohsiung, completing the relocation and installation of its equipment during the summer.

enn Yann’s major products are nylon rings, notably for nylon insert self-locking nuts, which account for 80% of output, and semi-finished components. 40% of output goes to the Taiwanese domestic market, including to San Shing Fastech Corp and Boltun Corporation. International sales are made via Taiwanese traders and direct to major global clients, says Fastener World Magazine. Investment at the new plant includes automated equipment, a quick mould change system, optical sorting machines, and optical measuring instruments from Japan – replacing traditional vernier calipers. The new plant’s production is almost completely automated. In the future it will gradually gear toward the trends of all products being barcoded, increased traceability, and Industry 4.0. Henn Yann’s now aims to further penetrate worldwide markets. It is currently actively extending its global reach into India, eastern Europe, northern Europe and Russia.

China argues for less stringent AD on SMEs In a proposal to the World Trade Organisation, China set out an argument for small/medium enterprises to have more time to submit information to investigating authorities in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases.

mmediate reactions from other WTO member countries appear to have been suspicious that the proposal is too wide ranging, in particular defining larger companies as small/medium enterprises. Several WTO delegations argued instead to find ways for existing rules to be applied more effectively. In a different submission the EU argued for a tighter regime to force countries to notify subsidies to the WTO. The EU said non-notification of subsidies should automatically result in countervailing action. While there was support for improved notification, other WTO members were reticent to see penalties this stringent.

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BRAZILIAN NEWS Sérgio Milatias, editor, Revista do Parafuso, www.revistadoparafuso.com.br

Government announces resumption of auctions during Wind Power event During Brazil Windpower in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian government announced that two auctions would commence in December involving reserves for energy generation and transmission.

eld 29 th – 31 st August 2017, the conference and trade fair Brazil Windpower heard the best information about the scheduling of two auctions in this sector. On 15th December there will be an auction for energy transmission and then, on 19 th December, another involving reserves. According to Ivan Reszecki – one of the advisors of the Brazilian Wind Energy Association (ABEEólica) and the CEO of Metaltork – the market has suffered a great deal from the cancellations by the former Brazilian federal government two years ago. Now these are being resumed. “The expansion on wind energy production has been following a large evolutionary processes, in which we have been able to make the same equipment increasingly efficient, in order to produce more with

less,” said Robinson Bittencourt Lara and Klaus Gradike, applications engineers from Dörken MKS – the surface treatment industry specialist exhibiting at the event. In Brazil some wind towers in operation are now 37 metres high and able to generate more than 3 megawatts each. According to ABEEólica, Brazil already has 468 wind power plants and an installed capacity of 12 gigawatts (GW). This compares in 2011 with capacity of only 1.5GW, so an eight times growth. With new auctions and many new investments, the Association estimates capacity could reach 17.4GW by 2020, attracting many investors and companies from other parts of the world. That scenario opens more business opportunities for many, including the fastener industry.

Hot and cold forging topic for SENAFOR conference

Schwer + Kopka names SouthWind sales agent in Argentina and Brazil

The international SENAFOR conference was staged at a new venue and there was additional time during the coffee break to promote networking.

he 37 th SENAFOR, held as usual in Porto Alegre city, Rio Grande do Sul state, opened in October – a month, by the way, in which there are many technologies events in Brazil. With hopeful eyes on economy recovery, something that is already a reality, this edition reflected some changes. Beside the traditional way of offering lectures and booths for exhibitors, the times for coffee breaks and lunches were increased to give more opportunities for networking among visitors. Among the speakers was J. Graef, CEO of SouthWind, who showed the new technologies in Nedschroef forming presses. Graef exhibited systems that promise the elimination of the conventional way to form fasteners, as well as automotive and other parts. Amongst many other speakers, Dr Gerard Arfmann, from the German company CPM GmbH, discussed Finite Element Method (FEM) software. CPM develops and produces software, such as eesy-form, eesy-2-form and eesy-DieOpt, widely used in the Brazilian forging industries to produce fasteners and auto parts. Also, after some years, SENAFOR saw the return of French company Transvalor, represented in Brazil by Oswaldo Ravanini, which prospecting new customers in South America for FEM software called Forge.

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Schwer + Kopka GmbH, the German supplier of equipment and monitoring systems for process and data acquisition used in cold and hot forge industries, has selected SouthWind International as its sales partner in South America’s biggest industrial countries.

he importance of Argentina and Brazil is demonstrated by the fact that together they will produce more than 3 million cars this year. Schwer + Kopka’s systems are used globally in cold and hot forming presses, in rolling mills, in vertical presses in sheet and forging, and in the network monitoring of production areas and systems for Industry 4.0.

Fastener failure leads to Mercedes-Benz van recall At the end of August Mercedes-Benz began one recall to repair problems involving 307 units of its Vito Van (model 111), manufactured in Argentina.

ccording to the automaker, the point to be repaired is located in the air circulation system, where one bolt has not been properly installed and may break loose.

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COVER STORY

Ambrovit:

A relentless passion

Continuously investing in growth is something all companies look to achieve, but few manage it as successfully as Ambrovit SpA – with the Italian enterprise committed to the endless evolution of its product ranges and target markets, whilst always focusing on customers’ requirements.

elebrating its 20 th anniversary in 2017, Ambrovit has grown to be one of the most significant companies in the sector, thanks to its strategy of investing in growth. A key factor was the expansion of its automated warehouse to 44,000 pallet spaces in 2016, doubling its size and enabling the company to continue its drive to offer ever more innovative products and provide customers with a very high-quality service. With the doubling of the warehouse, and installation of 8 Mlog trasloelevators and a 5,000 pallet mini-load system, Ambrovit can now process 5,000 order lines per day and ship within 24/48 hours. “It is important as a business you are able to be flexible, so it is easier to follow the needs of the market and customers,” comments Ambrovit. “Doubling the warehouse ensures that we are able to satisfy customers’ orders quickly and effectively, as well as giving us the opportunity to further expand our enriched catalogue of products in the future.”

Catalogue of riches

Ambrovit has grown its product range based on the experience within the company, and now offers a catalogue containing a range of over 10,000 products including hex lag screws, drywall screws, carpentry screws, chipboard screws, self-drilling screws, concrete screws, as well as a wide range of nuts, washers and bolts. They are available in various sizes ranging from 2mm to 30mm in diameter and 4mm to 600mm in length. The products are also available in different finishes and galvanic treatments and have CE Marking, with Ambrovit investing in further certifications to guarantee good quality products. “We look to keep our catalogue constantly updated and we are always adding new products,” states the company. “This year we have increased our stocks of screws for carpentry, metric screws, as well as nuts, self-tapping screws and self-threading screws.”

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Another key development for Ambrovit is yellow Cr3 coating treatment, which enables the company to comply with the latest European regulations.

Guaranteed and certified quality

Ambrovit is always looking to innovate, which it does by using the experience and knowledge within its R&D department to create new products for specific applications, as well as by anticipating the requirements of various sectors. A recent example is the company obtaining a European Technical Assessment for its AMBFAST Europe Screws (ETA – 16/0381). “We are particularly proud of receiving the ETA as it is a ‘specification’ more than a ‘certification’, and it is a positive technical evaluation of the quality of our products,” mentions Ambrovit. “An important factor in all the products that we supply is that they are of the very highest quality, which the ETA underlines.” To ensure this high-quality, the company has an in-house testing laboratory, which is equipped with the latest generation quality control instruments. The company is also certified for its quality management system conforming with UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 standard. Plus, periodic surveillance audits, carried out by TUV on all manufacturing processes, also guarantee conformity to all of the requisites laid down by international directives.

As part of the quality control procedure that applies to incoming products, Ambrovit also carries out various tests in its laboratory in collaboration with the University of Trento. For the Russian market, Ambrovit also possesses GOST-R conformity certification, which testifies to conformity, safety, and other essential requirements.

Packaging and logistics

For Ambrovit, packaging also plays a fundamental role. The packing of pieces into boxes is carried out in-house to guarantee quality standards also in this area. All products in the catalogue are packed in micro-corrugated cardboard boxes printed with labels to identify their contents, in conformity with the standards laid down by regulatory norms in force. Alternatively, they are bulk delivered in bigger 20kg cardboard boxes, in polypropylene bags or in recyclable plastic bags up to a maximum of 1kg. Here too, there is no lack of innovation – with a personalised service enabling customised labels with logos, graphical designs and descriptions to customers’ specifications.

Targeting the future

Ambrovit’s plan for the future is to continue on its path of growth, focusing on the constant improvement of its structures, strategies and products. “We consider that the greatest challenge we will face in the future is to be increasingly reliable and available to our customers,” states Ambrovit. “We are very satisfied with the current situation, but we will continue to work to find every new opportunity for improvement.” Thanks to its commercial network of distributors and agents, working in a variety of countries, Ambrovit has been able to establish a presence throughout Europe, including eastern Europe, and it is continuing to evaluate the new markets that show interest in the company and products. Its network of efficient international shippers also means that the company can cover outside of Europe, with each shipment monitored from dispatch to delivery, ensuring that products reach customers on time. “All the markets are evolving, demanding quality, high performance products that are ever more helpful in the multiple phases of work in all the sectors of use,” points out the company. “It is important that whilst we are constantly looking to the future, we are also aware that we are currently living through times of rapid change and we need to ensure we are delivering the products and service our customers need.” It is thanks to this foresight, as well as its vast experience of guaranteeing customers an immediate supply of more than 10,000 items – delivered at the times specified and at competitive prices, that Ambrovit has been able to establish itself as a trusted supplier within the fastener and fixing market and will continue to look to become a byword for fastening systems. www.ambrovit.com

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

MADE IN GERMANY

The completion of ‘Evotion’

In 2016 GESIPA® launched its Evotion Project, which involved the biggest construction project in the business’ 62 year history. Editor Will Lowry visited the company’s Thal/Thuringia site in mid-September to see how the €15 million project was developing.

ESIPA describes ‘Evotion’ as the combination of the terms ‘evolution’ and ‘motion’, which has been supplemented by a huge proportion of ‘emotion’ whilst the project has progressed. “We started the Evotion Project because we were growing very quickly both with the rivet business and tool business,” explains Patrick Schickedanz, head of global production at GESIPA. “Both production sites in Thal and Mörfelden-Walldorf were full, we had run out of space for any new machines. We needed to expand for the future.” GESIPA decided to build a new production hall and automatic warehouse at its Thal site, enabling it to bring together the complete rivet production in one location – as well as the knowledge and quantities for the whole of Europe. “The Thal site was already the biggest production plant at GESIPA regarding quantity produced. Now, with the new extension, the production floor space has been doubled” mentions Juliane Wehrle, project engineer for the Evotion Project at GESIPA. “Plus, the new automatic high bay warehouse, which is 22m high and situated next to logistics, will create further space as the stock from the current warehouse is moved across.”

The process of bringing the rivet machines from the Walldorf site has already started, with GESIPA introducing the machines step-by-step according to products and process. “Every time you move a machine you need to make sure it is set back up correctly and working efficiently before starting production again. By bringing the machines in stages, we can guarantee that every machine is producing the high-quality we demand,” points out Juliane. Once the rivet production has fully moved to the Thal site, GESIPA can expand the production of its setting tools at its Walldorf site, as well as increase its capability to develop and build its own production machinery. “All of GESIPA’s tools, which are used worldwide, have been produced in the Walldorf plant since the 1960s,” mentions Patrick. “However, increasing sales numbers and a wider range of tools meant we had reached our space limits. The space created by moving the rivet production to Thal will allow us to continue to increase sales and expand our tools range even further.” Patrick continues: “Also, some of the products we are currently developing cannot be produced on standard machinery, which is why we develop our own specially designed machines. The additional space at Walldorf means we can continue to produce both innovative products and machinery.” GESIPA decided to build a new production hall and automatic warehouse at its Thal site

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Increasing automation

The new extension has doubled the production floor space at the Thal site

The new automatic high bay warehouse is 22m high and situated next to logistics

Increasing the automation of both the rivet and tool production processes is a key topic for GESIPA moving forward. “We will continue to focus on standard quantity production with high automation, as well as bespoke production for special product lines according to customer demands,” points out Patrick. “Being a manufacturer in Germany gives us many advantages such as being able to react very quickly to customers’ needs across Europe, as well as the unique and enviable reputation ‘Made in Germany’ quality has around the world. However, producing in Germany means there is a very high salary cost for the employees, which is why automating our processes is important to enable us to reduce production costs.” Patrick adds: “We also believe that being able to produce a report on every production step will become essential – especially for safety parts in the automotive sector. We need to be able to control the whole value chain through the entire production process, up to the setting process with our tools, which are already process controlled. This means we can provide customers with all the information they need, as well as use this data to optimise and streamline the production process on an ongoing basis.”

Increasing the automation of both the rivet and tool production processes is a key topic for GESIPA moving forward.” FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 43

MADE IN GERMANY

It is only through our new products and innovations that we can enter new fields, which we are not able to currently serve…” GESIPA innovation

GESIPA’s ability to design its own machinery and its commitment to innovations gives it a key advantage in competitive markets. “It is only through our new products and innovations that we can enter new fields, which we are not able to currently serve,” explains Patrick. “The fact we can develop our own machinery and production processes, together with the new products we are always creating, means we can create new opportunities for customers who potentially were using a screw or bolt previously. Also, as we can develop the production process, we can introduce new products to the market very quickly.” Patrick adds: “A key area where we are seeing an opportunity is lightweighting – especially in automotive sector where different materials are used in the car body. By using rivets customers can fix these different materials together without any problems. We also have special products that can go into plastic parts or soft parts, with an adjustable tightening force to a very narrow basis. This is only possible because of our production process control, which helps ensure the components we are fastening together are not damaged or suffering from any cracks. Our ability to control the tightening force, means we can adjust a rivet almost like a user would control the torque force on a fastener.”

Building know-how

Along with the investment in the new extension and automatic warehouse, an important project for GESIPA is to build and retain its vast know-how and experience. “It is vital we pass on the experience and knowledge to the next generation, but learning this ‘know-how’ is a long process. That is why we have set up the GESIPA Academy, which is for new, as well as existing, employees,” mentions Juliane. “We have a dedicated building, which includes each machine from production. Employees can use the Academy to learn about every machine and understand how to produce the products effectively and efficiently – instilling best practice across all employees and enabling them to learn new ideas.”

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Juliane adds: “We have a set of different modules for employees to complete – with a practical exercise at the end to show they fully understand the machines. Once they have finished a module they can use those skills on the production line. This gives us the flexibility to move employees around to different parts of the production process as demand requires.”

Working with customers

With customers situated around the world, GESIPA has dedicated business units that are customised according to the demands of the markets. “The requirements for US customers is different to a European customer,” explains Patrick. “That is why we have business units that are specialised to customer segments and markets. We work with the customers to understand their needs and we are their partner in developing new products or projects. We can create the perfect solution that is also cost-effective, as well as making processes more efficient. For customers that are active worldwide with multiple sites, we ensure there is a single point of contact and pride ourselves on delivering the same service worldwide.” This strategy has seen GESIPA have a successful 2017 especially in China, India, the USA and Turkey. “India and Turkey are relatively new markets for us, but we have been active in China for 15 years,” explains Patrick. “It has taken us a long time to establish ourselves in the Chinese market, as it is very price competitive, but we are definitely seeing the benefits now. We often find our tools range ‘opens the door’ to a market as it is a strong brand, which is known for reliability and quality. Customers then see a value in our quality and that helps us with the rivet side of the business – resulting in us providing the whole process as a complete fastening solution.”

Post ‘Evotion’

“As we approach the end of the Evotion Project it is nice to see everything coming together. It has been a big challenge because it has involved a lot of changes,” says Juliane. “We will be supplying the whole of Europe with the products produced at both sites, so it is vital everything is optimised. Through the Evotion Project we have streamlined the production flow through the entire process for both sites, with the final goal to create smart factories that are in-line with Industry 4.0.” www.gesipa.com

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T +49 (0) 6105 962 0 F +49 (0) 6105 962 287 info@gesipa.com www.gesipa.com

MADE IN GERMANY

Everything from one source For more than 80 years, R+FK Schulte KG has been producing a wide range of DIN/ISO washers, as well as a broad production range of special parts according to customers’ specifications – all based on the company’s policy of trust and reliability.

key factor in R+FK’s success is its high production quality – with all its products produced with a ‘Made in Germany’ guarantee. “Rather than ‘Made in Germany’ we like to say ‘Made in Plettenberg’,” mentions Peter Schlütter, sales manager at R+FK Schulte, with a smile. “As a family-owned company we have been headquartered in Plettenberg since we were established in 1938 and we are very proud of our heritage. Our focus has always been on high-end stamping technology ‘Made in Plettenberg’ to ensure perfect results during each production process.” Today, the company has more than 140 employees and processes more than 30,000 tonnes of flat steel annually. Recently, R+FK Schulte has made several strategic investments to enable it to continue to provide customers with the reliability that it is renowned. “The last two years have been very positive and there have been a lot of developments at the company,” explains Peter. “Our philosophy was to stay in the DIN and ISO markets with standards, as well as offer special parts, and this has been very successful for us. There has been an increase in demand for both standard and special parts, with customers taking advantage of the opportunity to buy from a trusted supplier. The split is now 50% standard parts and 50% special parts.” Peter continues: “Last time the magazine visited in 2015, we had just installed the 800 tonne press machine. It was definitely the right decision, with the new capacity and the possibility to stamp part thickness up to 12mm leading to lots of interest from customers.”

R+FK Schulte has been headquartered in Plettenberg since 1938

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R+FK Schulte is able to produce from a thickness range of 0.05mm – 12mm, with an outer diameter range of 3mm – 250mm, which is all produced on state of the art machinery. These parts can be based on drawings in small, medium and large-scale series. The company can also handle all materials suitable for stamping, including steel, high-alloy and spring steels, stainless steel, brass, aluminium, copper, as well as bi-metal bronze. “The market is like a cake, the size always stays the same, it is just how big a slice you can get,” says Peter. “Once you get a slice, you need to make sure you keep it. We have increased our business in northern Europe and in the neighbouring countries such as France, Switzerland and Poland. We supply mainly Europe, we do have some customers with operations globally, but we supply them through the European operations.”

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R+FK Schulte KG | Herscheider Str. 73 | 58840 Plettenberg | Phone +49 (0) 2391 9192-0 | www.rfks.com

MADE IN GERMANY Along with the reliability and quality of the products, R+FK Schulte is committed to creating a close relationship with customers and ensuring there is trust between both parties. “Keeping a close relationship with customers is something everyone talks about, but it is another thing to deliver it,” mentions Peter. “Whilst we are always looking to attract new customers, we are also very conscious that we need to continue to deliver a reliable service to our existing customers. Being able to deliver your products when you say you will is essential. Price is obviously an important factor, but reliability and service is just as important. We won’t offer a short delivery time just to win an order. Sometimes our leads are longer than usual, but we make our customers aware of the situation.” Peter continues: “Every company will at some point have a delay or a problem in production. When it happens to us we try and inform the customer ahead of the delivery date, so they have a chance to react. This kind of service level is very easy, but not every company does it. They don’t want to admit to potential problems, but taking responsibility for it and trying to resolve the issue is a real service. Whether it is positive or negative information it is important you keep in contact with your customers. It is better than no information.” A recent example of R+FK’s close communication with its customers involved the changes in material prices. “The raw material price changes at the beginning of the year had a big impact, especially for us as a stamping company where almost 50% of the material is scrap due to the production processes,” explains Peter. “We realised there could be a potential bottleneck within the supply chain, so we were proactive and spoke to our customers and informed them about this risk and they appreciated the foresight. We made customers aware of the potential price increases and that delivery times could potentially be impacted due to less material being available – especially the material for high strength washers. We spoke to our customers and agreed frame contracts, where they let us know their needs for the whole year, so we could ensure we had the right stock of material.” Peter concludes: “We will continue our strategy to grow and offer a reliable service to customers. Whilst at the same time looking at our production processes and delivery service to see where we can optimise the overall process. We will also keep the close relationship we have with our customers and make sure they are always aware of the current situation, whether positive or negative. That is the only way to keep your customers’ trust. That is ‘Made in Plettenberg’… that is R+FK Schulte.” www.rfks.com

R+FK Schulte has the knowledge of the tools to ensure quality and reliability of the products

Other recent investments by the company include a new 160 tonne stamping machine to help with capacity; a new bag/box packing line that has helped optimise the warehouse and made the packing process more efficient; an additional optical sorting machine for 100% control and to meet customers’ demands for 50ppm; as well as investment in the tool shop to enable the company to continue to produce its own tooling and machinery. “When we talk about ‘Made in Plettenberg’ we do not only talk about the parts we produce, but also the tooling we use for the machines, which are made in-house,” points out Peter. “We have always had our own tool shop since we were founded in 1938 and we will continue to have one for the future. You need to have a lot of knowledge of the tools to ensure quality and reliability of the products. Also, it means the control of the whole process is in our own hands, which is very important.” Another advantage of the tool shop is R+FK Schulte can react quickly to customers’ questions and requests. “Our knowledge and experience means we can answer customers’ question precisely and we can also support customers’ with drawings, by suggesting ideas and potential tolerances for producing the part,” adds Peter. “Being flexibile is vital if you are going to attract and keep customers. Our tool shop means we can be innovative and work on new tools and technologies to stamp parts that five years ago wasn’t possible. If you can help a customer change from a turned part to a stamped part they can make significant cost reductions. The number of customers coming to us and asking for stamped parts instead of turned, cold forged or hot forged is definitely increasing.” For R+FK Schulte its daily challenge is the constant development of its technology expertise – this is how the company succeeds in handling even the most complex orders and to fulfil each demand. “For DIN and standard parts it is very difficult to say your products are a better quality than your competitors, because they should all meet a set standard,” states Peter. “However, sometimes the required standards, whether it be dimensions, surface treatments, etc, are not always met by some companies. That is why at R+FK Schulte we always guarantee the right quality to the standards – 100% every time.” By using an active quality management system R+FK Schulte can also continuously improve the quality of production processes and end products – enabling it to achieve the highest possible customer satisfaction. The company also follows the specifications of DIN EN ISO 9001:2009, DIN EN ISO 14001:2009, as well as ISO/TS 16949:2009.

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SPAX – Always well connected.

Safety, quality and reliability since 1967. 1967 – 2017

Handymen and craftsmen all around the world trust in the quality of our screws branded as SPAX. Multiple innovative details guarantee both maximum safety and cost-effectiveness when using SPAX. “Made in Germany” has always been one of the key quality features. Until today, SPAX are manufactured exclusively at the company’s plant in Ennepetal, Germany, from where they are delivered to customers around the world.

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MADE IN GERMANY

GRASS 2.0 Founded in 1921, Robert GRASS GmbH & Co KG – a German producer of special nuts in big dimensions and almost all types of turning parts – has recently gone through a significant period of investment and development, after being acquired at the beginning of 2017.

reviously a third-generation family business, GRASS was acquired by Christoph Schulte – an experienced fastener professional with over 15 years industry knowledge – as there was no next generation of the family to carry on the business. “It was a big decision to acquire the company, but I could see GRASS was a great opportunity. It has always had a good reputation for service and the quality of its products, but it wasn’t really growing. I could see potential to develop and flourish and after speaking with Mr Grass I knew it was the right decision.” To meet Christoph’s plans for the future, it was necessary to introduce a completely new business structure. Robert Grass GmbH & Co KG now consists of two business units: Grass Befestigungstechnik (fasteners) and Grass Stahlservice (a steel service supplying hot and cold rolled flat steel material to industrial customers – with steel expert Micha Franke recently added to the team in October). “Firstly, I installed a new competence team for Befestigungstechnik’s management including Michael Petereit, production manager, Dieter Beine, technical project manager, and Marius Menze, sales manager,” mentions Christoph. “We then started brainstorming on a new strategy for GRASS Befestigungstechnik and focused on what our product range will be for the future.” The final decision was to continue to focus on the nut business, but extend the range and the type of nuts available for special industries. “We decided we did not want to try and be a big nut manufacture with large quantities. Instead, we would focus on producing quality nuts for niche areas and work closely with our customers. This includes small quantity nuts made from bars, as well as medium sized quantity nuts made from blanks, which get mechanical treatment.” Christoph continues: “On the one hand our customers are B2B end users, such as crane manufacturers with the highest quality requirements, as well as the steel construction, wind power, agriculture, power station building and machinery sectors. On the other hand we also work with more and more wholesalers for fasteners with established Kanban supply systems. We want to be a more efficient business, which is more active in the market. That is why we also decided to increase the production for special machined parts that can be turned, milled or drilled, which the company already had a lot of experience in providing.” In addition to a wider nut range and special machined parts, GRASS will continue to produce other niche products such as the swivel for the hooks on cranes (1 tonne up to 40 tonne load capacity), which it has been producing since 1975. Also, the business will look to globally source special fasteners for customers – such as special cold formed nuts, stainless

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steel washers, etc. “This means anything GRASS cannot produce internally, it can still provide a solution to customers,” adds Christoph. Once the new management team had decided on a strategy and product range, it needed to focus on the production floor. “There was a lot we had to do on the production side,” explains Christoph. “We had to restructure the production process completely. Previously the machines were split between two halls, and old conventional machines were still producing good products, which was simply not cost-effective.” New CNC turning and milling machines have been introduced, which guarantee the same quality products are produced but more efficiently and effectively. “We have kept a couple of the old conventional machines to work on any small batch orders requested by customers,” says Christoph. “However, the majority of products will be produced on the new equipment.” The new production layout into one hall has enabled GRASS to improve the production flow throughout the entire process. The other halls have also been reorganised so that one is focused on solely logistics and stock, and the other is for re-working such as washing, grinding, marking and testing parts. “It is a lot more structured now,” mentions Christoph. “We have created one fluent optimised line throughout production from start to end. Plus, whilst introducing the new machines and changes, we have still been producing products and serving customers to the high service levels they are accustomed.”

In addition to the production floor, the offices have also been refurbished. “The offices were previously three separate rooms,” mentions Christoph. “We decided to knock down the walls and create two larger rooms, which would bring the office team together and make it easier to work. We have also introduced a completely new network and software system. We have even improved the outside of the premises, including re-laying the tarmac in the car park and painting the exterior of the building, as well as adding a new sign.” Just as important as re-structuring the physical aspect of the business was making certain that the employees were kept up to date on the change of the business strategy. “It was crucial for us to discuss why we are making the changes with the employees and how they will benefit the company. It is not easy to change a business strategy, it takes time. You also need to make sure the customers understand what the new strategy is going forward and how they will benefit. A big help was the previous owner stayed with us until the end of September 2017, as part of the changeover process, as a consultant. He offered a lot of advice and know-how regarding the products, customers, machinery and employees. Our employees can see the re-development, they can see the machines and they are excited about the future. They know we are all in this together and every employee is vital in the business.”

GRASS products GRASS produces special and standard nuts with the highest levels of precision in round, square-head, hexagon and octagon dimension range M24 – M150. The company is DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 certified.

GRASS 2.0

With the internal structure of GRASS updated, the next step was to look at new business opportunities. “The company was reactive rather than proactive,” explains Christoph. “It has been sleeping and we are looking to wake it up and raise the profile by entering new markets. Previously GRASS was focused on predominately the Germany market, but we are now looking to branch out into other markets across Europe.” Christoph continues: “There are a lot of suppliers in the market, so you need to earn the trust of the customers and ensure you offering the right price and the right package – whilst continuing to offer good quality products. That is why we offer a personal service and work with customers on drawings and technical support to help improve products. We want to be a reliable partner that can be flexible and react quickly to the needs of the customers. The experience and quality GRASS has gathered over the past 90+ years, plus the new structure and management team, enables us to be the right partner for customers in the future.”

According to customer preference, the nuts can be individually annealed and surface coated. All products are identified with the RG manufacturing marking, along with the hardness class and traceability number. Materials available include ASTM A 193/194, free cutting steels, hardened and tempered steels in accordance to C45R, 42CrMo4+QT, 34CRNiMo6 – 30CNiMo8, temperature resistant, heat and ageing resistant steels, rust and acid resistant steels, brass and bronze, etc.

Turning, milling and processing

The portfolio also includes the turning of steel parts with diameter up to 4mm to 800mm from bar and chuck rotation parts with 350mm and 650mm lengths. Materials available include free-cutting steel, structural steel, alloy steel, case-hardened, as well as annealed steels, brass, copper and aluminium.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

MADE IN GERMANY

SCHNORR: Modernising for growth

SCHNORR GmbH recently moved into a new administration building and production hall in Sindelfingen, Germany – enabling the pioneer in disc spring applications to take the next step in its development.

osting a combined €6 million the new administration building and production hall are on the same site SCHNORR® has been based since the mid 1950s. “The focus was the production hall,” explains Benjamin Buchfink, marketing coordinator at SCHNORR GmbH. “It was vital to help the company modernise and also streamline the production processes. The new production hall is a lot bigger and we have been able to add some new equipment and machines – including new heat treatment and phosphating lines. This has enabled us to improve the efficiency of the overall production and we still have some space to develop further and introduce new machinery in the future.” SCHNORR manufactures around 1,000 tonnes of finished products, which corresponds to 140 million parts – including a wide standard range of disc springs, as well as numerous special sizes and customised solutions. Other products include safety washers, load washers, as well as stamped, moulded and fine-blanked parts. SCHNORR also produces automotive parts – supplying automotive tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers – and has been certified in accordance with ISO/TS 16949:2009. Benjamin points out: “We strive to be our customers’ preferred development partner, especially in the automotive sector, and we have recently introduced key account managers so we can work closely with customers to supply the solutions they need.”

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100 years of quality

Since it was established over 100 years ago, the quality of its products has been a cornerstone of SCHNORR’s development. “As a German manufacturer, the reputation for quality is always very important and we are renowned for our manufacturing capability,” states Benjamin. “Providing high-quality products, and guaranteeing engineering competence, is becoming more important in order to comply with the increasing demands of customers regarding precision and reliability. At SCHNORR we look to become a partner of choice for customers and create products and services that add value.”

To be among the best, SCHNORR is committed to continuously developing its skills and capabilities. This applies not only to the technical equipment and the optimisation of its processes but also to its staff’s qualifications and additional skills. “The basis for our constant growth is the commitment, the knowledge, and the passion, of our employees, which our customers around the globe have come to greatly appreciate,” explains Benjamin. “The entire SCHNORR team is committed to the most important corporate objective – customer satisfaction, which we provide in a highly motivated and performance orientated manner.” A key factor in ensuring customer satisfaction, and the highest quality products, is the transfer of the knowledge and the expertise throughout the organisation – especially in the tool making shop, where product knowledge is essential to meet the stringent quality demands. “Ensuring the knowledge transfer is crucial,” says Benjamin. “That is why for the last 50 years SCHNORR has run an apprenticeship system, fostering the expertise and knowledge of our products and passing it on to the next generation.” Current apprenticeship roles include industrial management assistant, warehouse logistics specialist, mechatronic technician, industrial mechanic and toolmaker.

Safety to the max

Reaching new markets

Headquartered in Germany, SCNHORR supplies customers around the world and has subsidiaries in the USA, Spain, Mexico, Italy, France, South Korea and China. “Our subsidiaries let us be closer to our customers,” adds Benjamin. “We can react quickly to customers’ needs and ensure we are providing the products they need when they need them.” SCHNORR also has more than 25 sales partners, in specific locations all over the world, that have territorial exclusivity. “This year we have experienced good sales in Europe, as well as in the USA,” reports Benjamin. “Asia is always difficult because the local businesses can sometimes be focused too much on cost. However, we have European customers that have operations in Asia and we supply them.” To reach even further, SCHNORR has also launched a new version of its website, which includes a lot more technical information. “We needed to modernise the website and make it responsive to different platforms,” mentions Benjamin. “We also wanted to improve our knowledge transfer with our customers and provide them with all the necessary details on our products and capabilities.” Other new features on the website include a product finder where users can adjust the inner or outer diameters of the products they require. The product finder then suggests products that meet this specific criterion. “You need to be competitive in the market and be open to new opportunities,” Benjamin concludes. “With our new website, production hall, and administration building, we are in a position to grow as a business. We can use our experience and product quality to enter new markets and take advantage of new opportunities, whilst continuing to satisfy our existing customers and deliver quality products and a high delivery service.” www.schnorr.de

SCHNORR® products are always the first choice when metal is being used to meet requirements of movement, cushioning and securing through force and form. Original SCHNORR® safety washers: • Highly vibration-resistant • Patented technology • Extensive range Original SCHNORR® disc springs: • Various applications • Best price-performance ratio • Customized solutions

Please contact us. Together we will find your tailor-made solution.

Schnorr GmbH Stuttgarter Str. 37 71069 Sindelfingen, Germany Phone: +49 7031 302-0 Fax: +49 7031 382-600 mail@schnorr.de www.schnorr.de

MADE IN GERMANY

A single source for high-quality fastener products HEICO Group, based in Ense in Westphalia, Germany, has been at the forefront of fastener technology since its inception well over 100 years ago. With over a dozen subsidiaries and employing over 430 people, the Group is well placed to provide the highest standards of fastener production.

he family owned business has a long tradition of forming metal – initially by producing upholstery and furniture nails, before expanding into cold forming of industrial fasteners. In recent years, an innovation drive has seen the company launch the highly successful HEICO-LOCK® wedge lock washers range. HEICO prides itself on offering a single source for high-quality fastener products from the development of customer specific parts to tempering and surface finishing, as well as quality testing and logistics. This is supported by a process of continued capital investment in its already extensive machine plant, which is highlighted by the recent introduction of an in-house induction hardening operation, as well as setting up its own in-house testing lab providing support in the development of new and innovative bolted connections. Together with undertaking detailed testing options on behalf of customers. In addition to this investment the Group is committed to a policy of continual process improvement and the highest manufacturing standards, demonstrated by its ISO/TS 16949 certification – the internationally recognised Quality Management System specification for the automotive supply chain. As Jan Bernd Heimann, company director of HEICO Group, explains quality is key: “Our continual commitment to ensuring the highest standards of quality is integral to what we do and full compliance with ISO/TS 16949 ensures we set the very highest standards when it comes to production quality and quality control. Indeed, I think it is this commitment to the highest quality that differentiates German fastener manufacturers from the competition.”

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Jan Bernd Heimann continues on the competition theme: “There is no doubt that one of the main challenges for the German fastener market, and indeed the wider German economy, is the rising number of competitors from outside the country. But the important thing is to treat this increasing competition as a challenge that must be met and this can only be done by adhering to the highest quality standards.” The automotive industry is an important market for HEICO’s cold forged parts and the company’s in-house tool design facility provides the necessary expertise for dealing with complex part geometries. The use of segment tools and warm forming processes enable the most complex geometries to be formed using modern multistage presses – capable of up to 6 stage forming of wire diameters from 2mm – 16mm. Drilling, threading and rolling processes, as well as turning and milling operations, are also available. For HEICO new product innovation is also key with the HEICO-LOCK® wedge locking system being developed by the company to counter the effects of dynamic loads and high vibration causing loosening of bolted joints by self-rotation. The system forms the basis of further innovations in the HEICO-LOCK range including the HEICO-LOCK® ring lock washers that have an outer plastic ring that ensures the individual washers are permanently held in the correct position; and the one piece HEICO-LOCK® wedge lock nut that combines the HEICO-LOCK system with a flanged nut – providing a reliable, faster and cost-optimised bolt security solution. Delivering anti-vibration security for HV sets according to DIN EN 14399-4 and DIN EN 14399-8, the HEICO-LOCK® HLK-washers have a chamfered internal diameter that ensures optimal surface contact with the increased under head radius of HV bolts and also has German Institute for Structural Engineering (DIBt) approval. The new HEICO-LOCK® combi-washers have an inner locking ring with inset tabs that grip onto the bolt thread. With easy mounting and permanent connection, the system provides real flexibility as it can be combined with all commercially available bolts. HEICO’s bolt security expertise has also seen the development of the HEICO-TEC® tension nut for use with large bolted joints. With HEICO-TEC no electric, hydraulic or pneumatic tools are needed for installation, just a conventional torque wrench. It meets all the requirements of ISO 898-2 and can replace any hex nut from the same strength class. “With quality and innovation at the heart of its business HEICO Group continues to fly the flag for ‘Made in Germany’.” www.heico-group.com

MULTI-MONTI ®-plus – The new MULTI-MONTI ® with the big Plus

The secure screw-in anchor for fast and solid connections Optimized concrete thread with full threaded variations for highest demands Two embedment depths for more flexibility Settable by means of power-tools and immediately loadbearing HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG Dr.-Kurt-Steim-Straße 28, D-78713 Schramberg Tel.: +49 (0)74 22 / 9 89-0, Fax: +49 (0) 74 22 / 9 89-200 E-Mail: info@heco-schrauben.de, Internet: www.heco-schrauben.com

Made in Europe 12-point Flange Bolts HEICO-LOCK® COMBI-WASHERS FLEXIBLE. FAST. INNOVATIVE. The efficient combined securing system for highly loaded bolted connections 

Easy assembling and permanent connection thanks to the inset tabs 

Can be combined with all commercially available bolts 

Also available in small purchase quantities 



WWW.HEICO-GROUP.COM

• plain • phosphated • bright zinc plated • thick film passivated • zinc nickel plated • zinc flake coated

Flexible use for various different types of bolts

Can be supplied completely pre-assembled on request



Can be re-used several times



Available from M8 to M16

GRAEWE GmbH & Co KG Am Kalkbruch 2 57413 Finnentrop / Germany

tel +49 2721 514-0 info@graewe.de www. graewe.de

INSIGHT

The rise of TOBSTEEL Founded in 2004, TOBSTEEL GmbH has experienced a meteoric rise from a two-man operation to a thriving business with a 9,000m2 warehouse capacity. Editor Will Lowry visited the company’s headquarters in Öhringen, Germany, to find out more about this expert in stainless steel and special materials.

lexander Gebert, sales director at TOBSTEEL, is very open when it comes to how the company was founded: “It was crucial we differentiated ourselves. There are a lot of stainless steel suppliers in the market, in fact there are a lot in the local area of Germany. We needed something to make us unique, which is why we decided to focus on a small assortment of products but in large quantities. This was our only chance to grow in the market.” TOBSTEEL focused on stainless steel fasteners, screws, as well as DIN and standard parts – targeting predominately customers in the façade and window frame, aluminium profile, wooden construction, bridge and tunnel construction, solar and offshore, as well as membrane construction markets. “Initially we started with products in A2 and A4, which was similar to a lot of companies in the market,” mentions Alexander. “However, we realised there was an opportunity for specialist materials that are stronger than A4, such as 1.4571, 1.4462 and 1.4529. These special materials, which are used in extreme everyday applications, require special knowledge, as well as very high and reliable quality. The products have to withstand extreme conditions such as a challenging climate, the huge forces experienced in buildings, and special hygiene requirements. That is why the selected material and quality must be just right. It’s a huge responsibility as a company to ensure you are providing products that reliably meet the necessary standards.” To guarantee it is providing the perfect solution, TOBSTEEL works closely with its customers on what they need from the products and then it suggests the right class of material. “Quality is very important, as is the trust of the customer,” states Alexander. “We work with multinational companies that have the highest requirements for products and service. At TOBSTEEL we have the knowledge and experience within the company to understand the materials and approvals to provide products that meet these exacting standards.” TOBSTEEL recently worked with a customer where its knowledge of the the DIBt national technical approval (No. Z-30.3-6) for ‘Products, fasteners and structural components made of stainless steels’, which was introduced in 2014 and gives a clear breakdown of the corrosion resistant classes, helped a customer on a critical application.

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“The customer was unaware that the national technical approval (No. Z-30.3-6) states that for applications in a splash water zone with very high chloride content, companies now requires Class IV corrosion resistance. Where exposure of SO² is very high in a road tunnel, corrosion resistance Class V is required and also that load bearing parts in swimming pool atmospheres have to be fixed with materials in CRC 5 (corrosion resistant class),” explains Alexander. “We were able to work with the customer and advised them to use the correct Class of material for the application.”

At TOBSTEEL we have the knowledge and experience within the company to understand the materials and approvals to provide products that meet these exacting standards.”

Alexander adds: “Quality is an important factor in the market, customers need to be confident the products they are receiving meet all the necessary requirements and tests. That is why we also recently added a material analyser machine to our quality department, to add an additional check on the different materials used in our products – to guarantee the highest standards.” In addition to ensuring the quality of the products, TOBSTEEL also focuses on providing an efficient and effective delivery service. “It is always the situation that a customer needs a product urgently and it is our job to make sure the products are where they need to be. Our customers do not want to be waiting on products, they need them on-site and we ensure delivery. In fact, we can deliver products straight to the construction sites if necessary – helping to shorten the delivery times. Plus, we select the right suppliers for the shortest deliveries for our customers.” Another key factor in TOBSTEEL’s success is its blend of a young and energetic team, with experience and knowledge of the industry. “At TOBSTEEL we have a lot of passion in what we do and we want to always keep our customers happy,” says Alexander. “They depend on us and we want them to feel safe with us.” Having established itself within the sector, what is the next step for the company? “If you had asked me ten years ago if we would be sat in a new building, with 74 employees and a 9,000m² warehouse, I wouldn’t have believed it. We have always been ambitious and we have developed a lot in the last 13 years. We are growing with our customers – who are involved in a lot of projects for the future – and we are looking to continue to grow. Our customers trust us and we can offer them the flexibility they need, but also importantly we are a dependable partner for the future.”

In addition to ensuring the quality of the products, TOBSTEEL also focuses on providing an efficient and effective delivery service

Special materials TOBSTEEL can provide a variety of special materials including: A5 (1.4571 – AISI 316Ti): A5 steels are more resistant to corrosion because they are alloyed with titanium (>5xC to max 0.8%) for stabilisation. They also belong to resistance Class III. They are used in inadequate constructions and constructions with moderate levels of chlorides and sulphur dioxide. 1.4462 (AISI 318 LN) Duplex: Steels of 1.4462 grade belong to the stainless austenitic-ferritic high grade steels. The ferritic high grade steels, known as chromium steels, are steels with a chromium content between 12% – 18% and a very low carbon content (<0.2%). These steels combine the greater strength of ferritic chromium steels with the corrosion resistance of austenitic chromium nickel steels. Belonging to resistance Class IV, steel grade 1.4462 offers particular good resistance to pitting and intergranular corrosion. This high corrosion protection, coupled with the favourable mechanical properties, means that it can be used for a huge number of purposes. 1.4529 HCR (High Corrosion Resistant): This is the highest of stainless austenitic high grade steels and therefore offers particularly good resistance to chlorine-induced stress corrosion (in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3506) and to local signs of corrosion such as pitting or crevice corrosion. The 1.4529 steel grade therefore also belongs to the highest resistant Class V.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 57

INSIGHT

Morgans partners with UNIFIX UK-based Morgans Builders Merchants recently agreed a partnership with UNIFIX to adopt its new Trade bag range across not only its head office in Oswestry, but across all five of its UK branches. Here Editor Will Lowry speaks to Owner Martin Cap about the benefits of becoming a UNIFIX supplier. Morgans Builders Merchants has been established for over 60 years – providing building, agricultural and DIY supplies. What made you decide to stock the UNIFIX brand?

“The focus of Morgans has always been and always will be on customer service. Over the years our motto has become ‘a family business you can trust’. We pride ourselves on our interaction with our customers and as a result we have customers that have been with us for decades. Also, all new customers are made to feel like they’ve been working with us for years. As such, we’ve developed brand loyalty and strength, which has taken the business forward. We actually stocked the UNIFIX brand years ago but for one reason or another it dwindled. However, recently I picked up the phone to Tony Williams, sales director at Owlett-Jaton – who I’ve known for over 30 years, and we had some productive discussions. We were already using a reputable company as our supplier, but we were really impressed with the UNIFIX products and loved the recently introduced Trade, Retail and Ironmongery bag ranges – with the possibility for the different bags to be linked together and displayed in a variety of different layouts. As a result, all our branches in Aberystwyth, Deeside, Newtown, Oswestry, and Ruthin, have been fully kitted out with the brand. We are pleased to be doing business again with UNIFIX and the service so far has been very efficient.”

Morgans Builders Merchants’ head office in Oswestry

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UNIFIX offered an easy and efficient stock cleansing option and even helped with the transition to the new brand.”

Trade • Retail • Ironmongery YOUR SHOP CAN LOOK AS GOOD AS THIS, TOO! We offer a stock cleansing service. Contact us today for further details

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Quote Ref: UNIFIXTRI for credit note to be validated. * Credit note will be released upon payment of respective invoice/s.

Contact your local sales office for further details.

www.hexstone.co.uk Ask for a copy of the brochure today

INSIGHT How was the transition to the UNIFIX range? What products are you currently stocking?

“It happened in a flash to be honest. The decisions were made between myself and Tony and shortly afterwards the team was liaising with us about dates to rebrand and kit out the branches. UNIFIX offered an easy and efficient stock cleansing option and even helped with the transition to the new brand. Each branch took a couple of days and we were kept abreast of progress the whole way through. It has been a very smooth transition and headache-free. We have always prided ourselves on our product knowledge base and invest a lot in staff training to ensure they know everything about the products we supply. Through the UNIFIX range we have expanded our assortment and we now have a complete range of screws, nails and bolts in store – with access to a wide selection of products from stock.”

…UNIFIX offers us a ‘one stop shop’ with a guaranteed continuity of stock, as well as a next day delivery, which is great customer service for us that we can in turn pass on to our customers.”

What benefits have you seen since moving to the UNIFIX range? What do you make of the new packaging?

“In essence, UNIFIX offers us a ‘one stop shop’ with a guaranteed continuity of stock as well as a next day delivery, which is great customer service for us that we can in turn pass on to our customers. The entire UNIFIX branded range gives us a bigger and better product selection than ever before, enabling us to provide our customers with all the products they need. The new UNIFIX bags and merchandising displays have certainly made a big impact. The uniformity of the different merchandising units and bags looks great and the first thing you see is the products and then the UNIFIX logo, which makes it quick and easy for the customers to find the products they need. Builders and joiners are no longer requiring 25kg boxes as they are deemed wasteful. 1kg re-sealable bags are what they want, which is why we are so happy with our partnership with UNIFIX.”

What are Morgans Builders Merchants’ plans for the future?

“As a business, we are always reviewing our locations. The Oswestry head office branch has moved three times to cater for growth and maximise on footfall. The Newtown branch is relocating in the next year to larger premises too, whilst we see large developments at Aberystwyth, so it is an exciting time for us. By implementing the new UNIFIX bag range we have the flexibility to use different formats and configurations for the merchandisers, which means we can quickly reorganise and adapt the layout as and when necessary. We like to think our customers know they can trust us and that we care about what we offer as a service and stand for. There seems to be a sense of positive change coming in the market with more people spending, we just need consumer confidence to grow now. With BREXIT coming, it would be impossible to comment going forward but we are feeling positive for the future. Partnering with UNIFIX will help us to continue to grow over the next few years. Finally, the key to our development, and core in what we do, has been offering good quality stock at the right prices to the market, which we can guarantee with UNIFIX.”

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INSIGHT

NORMA Group’s testing process for joining technology solutions Here Peter Golla, team leader of the test lab in Maintal, Germany, describes the process of product testing at NORMA Group and how it is influenced by current trends.

roduct testing is a very dynamic field. This includes both the testing that is performed when developing new products, as well as in-production quality testing of existing products that are already manufactured in series. As the applications in which joining technology solutions are used are constantly evolving, testing requirements for the products and the testing methods themselves are also changing. For example, higher emission standards in the automotive industry lead to smaller engines that are combined with turbochargers – hence rising temperatures in the exhaust gas system. Therefore, the temperature that a clamp in the exhaust gas system needs to withstand increases. Consequently, the temperature that the clamp is exposed to during product testing also needs to be adjusted. NORMA Group’s joining solutions are used in many applications, such as cars, trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, agricultural machines, ships, buildings or infrastructure projects – such as the Gotthard Base Tunnel. With 35,000 products delivered to more than 10,000 customers in over 100 countries, the requirements for each product can vary considerably. Sometimes, we even need to test the same product in different ways, to fulfil the requirements of different customers, applications or national regulations. For example, China has different regulations on which substances may be disposed of via wastewater than the US. If you are testing the corrosion resistance of a coupling for wastewater pipes, you need to take this into account. In theory, you could look at all regulations and requirements for each product and then test for the maximum

requirement for each parameter. However, this makes testing lengthy and expensive, and might increase material and production costs. For this reason, products are usually tested to precisely fulfil the respective requirements of each country, application and customer. Apart from the application, it is always important to consider the assembly instructions specified by the customer in product development and testing. For example, when you install a connector in a very narrow space, you need to allow for some bending of the material during the installation process to slip the connector onto the pipe endings. At NORMA Group, testing usually follows a three step process: 1) Clamping force and assembly: Connectors need to stay securely fastened, even under high-pressure, changing temperatures, mechanical stress, etc. Joining technology solutions, small as they sometimes may be, can have a big impact, as they are ‘function-critical’. If only one product breaks or leaks, the function of the entire system can be affected. Just think about a car where a fuel line comes loose or a skyscraper where a wastewater pipe starts leaking. At the same time, we cannot fasten the clamp or coupling with too much force onto the connection as we would risk damaging the hoses or pipes. If a pipe coupling exerts too much force onto the pipe endings, they could eventually start leaking or break. Clamping force or tensile strength can be tested with a 1-channel, 4-channel or 8-channel test device, for example, depending on the specification (e.g. DIN) for each product, which prescribes the clamping force test method.

8-channel measurement device for the analysis of clamping force distribution

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INSIGHT 2) Temperature testing: Once we have optimised the clamping force, we look at how the product behaves in regard to differences in temperature. The temperature the product itself reaches can range from -40°C (-40°F) up to 900°C (1,652°F). The temperatures generated to perform these tests are obviously higher, e.g the hot gas testing facility can generate up to 1,200°C (2,192°F) to test V-profile clamps, which are used in the exhaust gas system of vehicles.

A clamp tested on a hot gas tester

Corrosion resistance testing in a salt spray chamber

3) Lifecycle testing: In the last stage, we look at the product’s longevity in realistic application conditions, up to the level of the module in which the product is used. This is to make sure that each product lasts a lifetime, i.e. provides a secure connection as long as the application it is integrated into is used without the need for replacement. Usually, lifecycle testing comprises complex and time-consuming PVT tests, i.e. combinations of different pressures, vibrations and temperatures.

Depending on the product and on regulations and customer requirements, other parameters are also tested for. Often, we look at corrosion resistance, flame resistance, seal, pull-off force or twisting torque. With twelve test facilities in Asia, Europe and the Americas, NORMA Group’s philosophy is to develop and test products where they are manufactured. This speeds up the process, brings it closer to the customer and makes it more transparent. Regularly customers visit NORMA’s labs to have a look at the testing facilities. Apart from the yearly calibration of all machines used in the labs, NORMA Group also cooperates with external partners to ensure valid testing methods and data. It helps to ensure its customers’ trust in its testing facilities and methods. Customers need to be certain that a product tested by NORMA Group will reliably fulfil their requirements in the long-term. In-production testing for continuous and quick quality checks right on

With twelve test facilities in Asia, Europe and the Americas, NORMA Group’s philosophy is to develop and test products where they are manufactured.” Test samples assembled in the PVT tester

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INSIGHT the shop floor are also crucial for ensuring the quality of every single product, because every single product will eventually be used in some application and therefore needs to be absolutely reliable. NORMA Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test labs around the world can exchange data in real time by remote access to the data logging systems. Digital platforms make the data instantly accessible to any user around the world with an access permission and login. An engineer in Germany can program an experimental set-up in China via remote access, for example. Through the digital sharing of data, the test labs are becoming increasingly interconnected. This makes it easier for the test engineers to exchange knowledge and to implement the same standards in all labs globally. Overall, the trend seems to be that test methods and network methods are increasingly merging. Apart from data sharing and interconnectedness, we see a trend in testing towards increasingly big sample sizes in order to boost statistical power. Some decades ago we tested a couple of material test samples. Today, we are able to test thousands of test samples. More specimens mean more data. That is why in the modern test labs of today, you need to consider data logging, storage and server capacities, besides the actual testing facilities and methods. In addition to implementing the same data logging methods, NORMA Group has launched further initiatives to ensure the same standards of quality and reliability in all test labs worldwide. For some standard tests, machines from the same manufacturers are used. This includes leakage, burst pressure, tensile and pull-off force tests. In contrast, for the complex and product specific lifecycle testing, NORMA Group often needs to construct the machines individually. This is why training the

All colleagues who become test engineers at NORMA Group undergo a comprehensive in-house training to make them familiar with standards, procedures and processes

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test engineers is very important. All colleagues who become test engineers at NORMA Group undergo a comprehensive in-house training to make them familiar with standards, procedures and processes. For some testing methods, there can be a significant variance, which arises from the person conducting the tests. Even if the machines are standardised, the person carrying out the test can have an impact on the results. For example, a left-handed engineer might insert the specimen into the machine in a different way than a right-handed engineer. This is obviously a factor that falsifies the data and there are industry-wide initiatives to eliminate this possible source of error. Training the engineers is one effective measure. In addition, the in-house training helps the test engineers build a network amongst each other to exchange their knowledge and share ideas. About 350 employees work in NORMA Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Research & Development (R&D) organisation globally, which includes the test engineers. Every year, NORMA Group invests approximately 5% of the turnover generated by its Engineered Joining Technology business in modern test capacities, as well as in developing new technologies, products and solutions. In 2016, the company invested several million Euros in expanding the test labs, especially in increasing the capacities and capabilities for tests performed on plastic products, for which we see an increasing demand. Our employees in R&D, the test labs, and in product engineering, are constantly working on developing new solutions and optimising existing systems. www.normagroup.com

INSIGHT

A right royal relocation It’s not often a family business invests GB£4 million to radically increase its capacity and growth potential. It’s rarer still to have a senior member of the British Royal family formally mark the occasion. Directors and employees at A. Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd have just enjoyed that honour.

is Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, officially opened the new 100,000 square feet (9,250m2) warehouse and manufacturing operations in Cradley Heath on Thursday 21st September. Sales Director Ian Dunnaker introduced the Duke to the company’s products before explaining the company’s 92 year timeline. Group Managing Director Guy Perry, then led His Royal Highness on a tour of the new warehouse and manufacturing facilities. Speaking with Fastener + Fixing Magazine, Guy Perry revealed that the decision to commit the GB£4 million (approximately €4.5 million) investment came literally days after the UK’s referendum decision to leave the European Union. “Everything was ready to sign, and we had two days to make probably the most critical decision in the company’s history.” Ian Dunnaker explained: “If we had said no to the move we would have accepted we would not be able to grow. Our previous premises were already bursting at the seams.” “We said we cannot think negatively, we must be positive,” said Guy Perry. “Since the move, which went so smoothly that our customers really did not notice, we have experienced 20% sales growth, as the additional space has enabled us to expand our ranges and achieve far greater efficiency in supporting our customers.”

In the foreground (left to right): Chris Perry, His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent and Guy Perry

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“We retain our previous 40,000 square feet premises, which are literally next door, but they were really no good for us in their current condition,” explained Ian Dunnaker. “If we continue on our planned growth trajectory of a further 20% growth in each of the next two years, we will be looking at knocking the old building down and rebuilding it into something substantial and modern.”

Ian Dunnaker showing His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent the company timeline Established in 1925 by Arthur Perry, the company is now managed by the third and fourth generations of the Perry and Dunnaker families. It serves more than 2,500 trade customers and turns over in excess of GB£12 million. Key markets include equestrian, building, garden and country stores, and architectural ironmongery sectors, but the major increase in capacity is already enabling it to extend ranges and penetrate new market areas. During 2017 A. Perry debuted at Fastener Fair Stuttgart and also Spoga in Cologne, Germany, to which it will return next year with two stands, in the equestrian and garden sections. Speaking after His Royal Highness had unveiled a commemorative plaque, Guy Perry said: “When Arthur Perry established A. Perry & Co in 1925 he had a clear vision to make the highest quality, best value products he could. Even though today we have expanded and diversified into more than 30,000 products that vision remains true. We are committed to ensuring the best quality products in the market.” He went on to thank the directors and the loyal and long-standing employees who “ensure A. Perry remains a family run, independent operation”.

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INSIGHT

Another record breaking meeting for BIAFD The British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors held its Autumn 2017 General Meeting at the splendid Hallmark Welcombe Hotel, Stratford upon Avon, on 5th October, and established a new record for attendance.

lose to ninety delegates were present from fifty-five companies and organisations to hear a keynote presentation from Dr Liesel von Metz of TGD Solutions, which outlined the critical importance of developing a modern fastener quality assurance system for the rolling stock MRO sector – a project in which BIAFD has been closely involved for more than a year.

Dr Liesel von Metz of TGD Solutions outlined the critical importance of developing a modern fastener quality assurance system for the rolling stock MRO sector

The Anochrome Group then looked at new developments in the coating sector, including the potential for a more economic black aesthetic finish, and developments in zinc diffusion systems, which offers advances in corrosion and impact resistance over galvanised coatings, and zinc nickel coatings, which are increasingly the preferred option for automotive applications.

David Jackson, chairman of the BIAFD stainless steel fastener group and managing director at Icon Fasteners/STF explored the significance of nickel in corrosion resistant fasteners and the implications of global nickel supply and demand on stainless steel fastener costs. Members were also updated on market and supply chain issues relating to other key market sectors. BIAFD chairman and Trifast Europe managing director, Geoff Budd, said: “BIAFD is committed to keeping its members better informed, but our meetings are just as much about networking and developing contacts in an environment where the fastener industry can look at the issues we all face in supporting crucial UK and Irish industries, from automotive to construction.” Glyn Brown, managing director at Archerdale Ltd, attending for the first time commented: “Thank you for organising such a superb gathering of the fastener world in one room. We met old, and made a good number of new, friends and contacts.” The meeting achieved another significant record through an initiative led by Sally Matthews, managing director of Performance Fasteners Ltd, to recognise the role of women in the UK and Irish fastener industries. As a result BIAFD welcomed twenty women delegates, three times more than any previous meeting. BIAFD’s next General Meeting will take place on Thursday 26th April 2018, when the implications of BREXIT for fastener distributors will be top of the agenda. www.biafd.org

Twenty women delegates attended the BIAFD meeting, three times more than any previous meeting

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BIAFD: ‘Women in the Industry’ As part of the BIAFD initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’, Fastener + Fixing Magazine invited attendees to describe their experience of working within the fastener and fixing sector.

Sally Matthews

Jackie Hillcoat

What have been the key points of your career?

Performance Fasteners Ltd Managing Director

“I have worked in the fastener industry since I left school, building up my experience and knowledge within the industry through various roles. In 2009, I became managing director of Performance Fasteners Ltd – a manufacturer of special fasteners, socket screws, turned parts, and engineering components for specific requirements. As a team we use our unique knowledge base, skill set, and technical expertise, to ensure we are providing customers with a flexible service and professional solutions.”

As a long-term attendee to BIAFD meetings, and key driver of the initiative, why did BIAFD decide to encourage women in the industry to attend?

“There are usually only three or four ladies at most that attend the meeting and I felt there was a lack of understanding about what the BIAFD has to offer, as well as maybe a misconceived perception that the association isn’t for women. I therefore suggested we focused on an invitation for ladies to come and join us for lunch and the meeting in the hope it would appeal.”

What feedback have you had from the attendees?

“The unanimous opinion was that it had been a roaring success enjoyed by all. I am quietly confident we will see an increase in the number of female attendees in the future to further enhance BIAFD.”

The unanimous opinion was that it had been a roaring success enjoyed by all. I am quietly confident we will see an increase in the number of female attendees in the future to further enhance BIAFD.”

Optimas Solutions Category manager male threaded fasteners “I have worked in procurement all of my working life, taking on multiple roles throughout my career. My current role is category manager for male threaded fasteners at Optimas Solutions. I ensure that as a business, we purchase within a defined and consistent strategy. As part of that, I work closely with our chosen strategic supplier partners to continuously develop our service offering. Working with a diverse supply base, including prestigious companies worldwide, and being a part of these customer’s development over the years, has made my career interesting and challenging.”

How has the company and market developed since you started?

“Optimas has changed beyond all recognition since I started with the business. We were buying and selling standard fasteners in the seventies with one shared computer. We had a wide customer base and even a physical trade counter. Optimas is now a global provider of supply chain solutions, engineering support and highly engineered fasteners and C-class components. As a business, we can support OEM manufacturers or tier 1 suppliers throughout any stage of the production cycle, helping to deliver efficient and innovative solutions to enhance finished products and operations. We have a varied customer base, encompassing industries such as automotive, commercial vehicles, locomotives, high-tech, medical, garden machinery, off-highway, power generation, powertrain and recreational vehicles. Our main aim is to provide our customers with one integrated source for all fastener concerns. Ultimately, we are a full service provider for everything related to fasteners and their delivery.”

What opportunities do you see for the future?

“BREXIT is an unknown challenge, as well as an opportunity. Optimas is looking to broaden its product range and customer base and we see BREXIT as a great opportunity. Nuts and bolts have changed little over the years, but with a desire for lighter weight vehicles, who knows, this may be the opportunity to change to something completely different. Fundamentally, we always aim to keep pace with the innovations of our customers, no matter what the industry. The primary advantage of Optimas is that we can take on any supply chain and consolidate it into one point of contact, tailored to the customer’s requirements. From specification to point of use on the production line, we can do it all. We also offer a global portfolio of components, as well as the capability to originate and test components to prove performance. There is also an extensive fastener technical knowledge inherent in the business, so we can provide engineering support and guidance to overcome application challenges, for example during prototyping. Our service is a blend of efficient supply, technical knowledge and fast response; which delivers cost savings and efficiency improvements to our customers.”

What did you think of BIAFD’s initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’?

“It’s a great initiative, we are observing more and more women entering the manufacturing and industrial workforce, which can only be a positive for all.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

INSIGHT Jessica Auld

Arpel Ltd, Rivco Ltd, Kamtech Fasteners Ltd Marketing manager What have been the key points of your career?

“I studied marketing at Aston University and started off my career in an internal marketing role in a finance company – looking after brands that dealt with car finance and personal loans. After just under two years I moved into an in-house agency role for a leisure company, as a marketing account executive. In this role I looked after seven horse race courses, a hotel, golf club and restaurant. I was responsible for handling all of the marketing and digital campaign work for these areas of the business. After a busy two and half years in this job I moved to my present role. I now work for Arpel, Rivco and Kamtech Fasteners, as marketing manager. I deal with all external and internal marketing campaigns for the three businesses. To better understand the industry I started by working on the sales desk, which helped build my product and market knowledge as the industry was very alien to me. Today, my role in marketing the three companies entails the planning and creation of all marketing activity such as adverts, editorial, and customer e-shots. I also manage and maintain three company websites including one e-commerce site and I have most recently been working on the branding and roll out of ARK branded products.”

How has the company and market developed since you started?

Carly Pearson

Martyn Price Ltd Purchasing manager & sales executive What have been the key points of your career?

“I started with Martyn Price in May 2006 in a sales administration role, before becoming purchasing assistant. In 2008, I became the main buyer for the company. To support my purchasing role, in 2012 I started my degree, which I completed in 2015. Now I have a dual role in the company, I am the buyer but I am also heavily involved in the sales side. My role on the purchasing side includes monitoring stock levels and sourcing accordingly, sending out RFQs to the UK/ Far East/Europe for both stock enquiries and day-to-day trading enquiries, as well as negotiating with suppliers, placing purchase orders, supplier maintenance, stock maintenance, etc. My role on the sales side involves reacting to sales enquiries, sourcing items that we don’t have on the shelf, processing sales orders, maintaining good customer relationships and actively seeking new business opportunities.”

How has the company and market developed since you started?

“I have experienced a lot in the three years I have been here. First there was the change of Arpel Ltd to a key player in the market with a successful e-commerce platform. Then there was the start-up of Kamtech Fasteners, as well as the recent launch of ARK. I have also been part of a team that has experienced over 20% year-on-year growth for the past three years. As a group we now have Arpel, Rivco and Kamtech – all specialists in rivets, structural rivets, rivet nuts and associated tooling. All three companies are distributors of ARK manufactured rivets and rivet nuts and also have their own unique USPs. Arpel is the largest UK stockist of FAR fasteners and tooling and has a relationship with the supplier spanning over 25 years. Rivco is a main supplier of HUCK® fasteners and tooling products and has developed a unique understanding of this brand over 18 years. Rivco also delivers the complete HUCK fastener and tooling solutions service. Kamtech Fasteners, a new company of two years, has developed quickly into a valuable part of the group of companies. It proactively sells ARK branded rivets and rivet nuts to the industries distributors.”

“As a distributor of fasteners and fixings we are continuously developing. We hold a wide variety of stock and offer a next working day delivery service to mainland UK on all stock items. You need to be constantly developing to ensure you are providing the products and service that your customers need. Where we are different is that we will source items that are outside our standard stock holding range. We also have the ability to cut, screw, re-plate, as well as supply products made to drawing. Since I have joined Martyn Price, the systems and structures that we use within the company have been modernised. We have totally redeveloped our computer system and we have changed the way we do things to make processes slicker and more efficient. The product range has also expanded, for example the introduction of threaded rods to our core product range.”

What opportunities do you see for the future?

“Brand development is a key part of my role here and I expect it to grow going forward. I see opportunities to develop additional customer service options/solutions for all companies as it is central to our USPs. I see Arpel, Rivco and Kamtech maintaining and strengthening their positions as providers of niche products and services within the fastener industry.”

What did you think of BIAFD’s initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’?

“Before the recent BIAFD meeting, I have attended one other meeting where I was maybe, the second or third woman in the room. Consequently, I think it is a great initiative to focus on women in the fastener industry as in my short time in the fastener world, I have realised women are the back bone of the industry. A lot of sales teams and accounts departments are made up entirely of women and there are also many women in senior roles across the industry. We have a majority of women working in key roles within Arpel, Rivco and Kamtech and I have returned from the meeting with an encouraging message that we should all look to attend the BIAFD meetings to uphold the fair representation going forward.”

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“Going forward we will continue to work closely with our customers and provide a first class service. There is uncertainty around BREXIT, which could potentially cause challenges, but there will also be opportunities. I don’t think anyone really knows, but it will be interesting to see what happens.”

What did you think of BIAFD’s initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’?

“I think it’s a great idea. I speak to women every single day on the telephone, probably on par with the number of men I speak with. However, at events such as BIAFD I find that women are very under represented. There is usually only myself and 2 or 3 other women at the BIAFD meetings. It was good to see a shift in the ratio at the recent meeting. Nowhere near 50 / 50 still, but a great improvement on the usual.”

INSIGHT Glenda Roberts

TR Fastenings Ltd Group sales director What have been the key points of your career?

“I originally started in fast moving consumables with two American corporations. However, I could see with the advent of computerisation that things were going to change and that they were not going to need 450 sales people on the road. I therefore moved into industrial sales in 1982 and within five years I had risen to sales director. In 1990 I joined TR Fastenings Ltd as sales director for the Telford manufacturing site. I could see from joining TR that the company was growing and it just felt the right thing to do. TR had a fresh approach and were at the early stages of vendor managed inventory, which was new at the time. A key point was around 2000 when our customer base was drifting towards low cost countries abroad and leaving the UK. We decided to set up a global team and catch the business that was moving abroad. I put a team together and worked extensively out in China, as well as eastern Europe, and was instrumental in the opening of our Hungarian operation. What we found when we went to these countries was that a lot of the senior people that we dealt with in the UK or in Europe had gone out and were running the plants. This meant that straight away we had a relationship. They liked what TR did for them in the UK and they wanted to recreate that in China, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, wherever it maybe. Our business has grown substantially on the back of it, and following the global multinationals has probably become the key driving force of our business today – especially with the automotive market. At the time, setting up businesses around the world was difficult. I was travelling on my own, and whilst I enjoyed trailblazing and setting up something new, it took a long time to get the momentum in the different markets. But once the ball was rolling you could make it a success. The key was having a good team with knowledgeable people.”

How has the company and market developed since you started?

“A key development was in 2007, which is when TR Fastenings started to have a stronger automotive strategy, as we could see that automotive was going to be the fastest market coming out of recession. Focusing on the automotive sector enabled us to upscale the way we operated and put us in a different league – as we could provide the products and importantly the service. The demands of the automotive customers are a lot more stringent and they require a lot more service. By working at this level for the automotive sector our other customers benefited. Another big change has been globalisation. Thanks to our decision to follow our customer base and set-up operation around the world, we could take advantage of opportunities. We now have three global account directors and strategic business managers that work with our locations around the world to ensure the same service is delivered. We have got to the stage where we are supplying some global companies over 45 sites, which means everyone has to work to the same blueprint. To do this you have got to have good people on the ground servicing them locally; good people in the middle that have all the skills sets to make the business ‘lie down’; and the global account directors and strategic account managers to work closely with the customers – so that we properly represent what that clients need, wherever they are in the world. We have won quite a lot of business awards through this approach, which we jealously guard. I must point out that we don’t just focus on the ‘big’ companies, we have business models to support different sectors and sizes of companies. We take a logical approach and we are not just interested in the ‘big players’, we have a nice spread. The final difference is legislation – the amount of paperwork and legislation now compared to when I first started with TR is almost night and day. I think because of product recalls and warranties, and the way the world is going, if you don’t have the necessary paperwork in place you are not able to deal with the big companies.

The final difference is legislation – the amount of paperwork and legislation now compared to when I first started with TR is almost night and day. I think because of product recalls and warranties, and the way the world is going, if you don’t have the necessary paperwork in place you are not able to deal with the big companies.” 74

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

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INSIGHT You need to be able to ensure you have the right certifications – such as ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001. Customers now expect these as standard. You also need be aware and prepared for topics such as conflict minerals and the bribery act, plus the requirements for non-disclosure agreements. Being able to provide all this information immediately elevates you above the competition. Our attitude is that if new legislation is on the horizon then we will embrace it early and be ahead of the game – to take the pain away from customers. We have done this successfully with REACH and RoSH2. In fact, we had customers coming to us saying that they had a RoSH manager and they would need to work with us and we were able to tell them our products were already certified. This underlines our philosophy of being a leader not a follower.”

Finally, as well as continuing to see purchasing managers in companies, we are focusing on engineers and designers. We recently restructured our whole website to target engineers – so that we can get involved in projects at the beginning. Previously you would deal with the commodity managers who would send you a drawing. Now they want you involved in their design centres, and they want the early involvement. You could be dealing with an engineering group that is in Germany, designing a product that goes into North America. Because we are in both these areas we have engineers that can work with the different continents, which is a huge benefit. We are always trying to see what can keep us ahead of the game. Customers will always need fastenings and it is about catching that next wave.”

What opportunities do you see for the future?

What did you think of BIAFD’s initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’?

“I think technology will play a big role in the future. It has already made enormous difference to our life for the better. Everybody now has got a laptop, a mobile phone or a tablet, but 17 years ago it was a lot more difficult. I remember being in China and having to use a dial-up line for my laptop, which made it very tough. Now you have Skype that enables you to keep in touch with the office easily and you can talk face-to-face with customers or colleagues on the other side of the world. Other interesting technologies include 3D printing – where we are doing a lot of prototyping – as well as liquid metal moulding, which we are exploring with the aim of helping us to shorten lead times. Another opportunity is e-mobility, we have done a huge amount on electric vehicles and we are trying to understand how the market is going to change and what fasteners will be used for the future – such as in composites and new materials. We can then look at what is missing in our portfolio and how we can fill that gap.

“I hadn’t been to a meeting before, so I hadn’t realised how male dominated it was, so I think BIAFD was trailblazing really. There were some quite strong ladies that attended, a lot that I knew within the industry but had never had the pleasure to meet. It was quite nice to see the numbers of people there. In years gone by I would go to seminars and found myself being the only woman in the room, which I quite liked because you stood out from the crowd. But I am seeing more women attending meetings within the industry, which can only be a good thing. I hadn’t expected the turnout that BIAFD managed to achieve. I think they did a great job in getting everyone there and I think a telling point will be the next meeting. Most of the people I spoke to said that they would be back. I am planning on attending the next one, so that shows how much I enjoyed it.”

Nicola Mallin

Righton Fasteners, part of Hexstone Group General manager What have been the key points of your career?

“When I joined Righton in 2000 my main aim was to become the manager and I worked towards this goal. A key point was in 2006, when I successfully relocated Righton Fasteners from Bristol to Birmingham into a new purpose-built warehouse space – designing the layout of the warehouse and racking facilities, whilst introducing barcoding to streamline the warehouse functions. In 2010 my goal was achieved when I took over as service centre manager from my predecessor Ken Graham. I continued with this role through the acquisition of Righton Fasteners by Hexstone Group in 2016, when I then became general manager. I am now responsible for the sustainable performance and growth strategy, whilst improving the quality of service provided to customers.”

How has the company and market developed since you started?

“Since I started with Righton we have always looked to develop and grow as a business. Obviously, becoming a division of Hexstone Group, the UK’s leading independently owned wholesaler of industrial fasteners, enabled us to provide a wider range of products off the shelf. We are now able to offer customers A2 and A4 stainless steel, brass, carbon steel and plastic fasteners, along with higher grade alloy socket and hexagon fasteners in 10.9, 12.9 and 14.9 or source special items to drawings.”

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What opportunities do you see for the future?

“As a business you need to always be thinking about what challenges you may come up against or try to predict what opportunities we could get involved in. BREXIT is the main obstacle that we are all currently talking about. With all the thought and planning in the world, you never know until it’s there in front of you. It’s how you grab those opportunities or deal with the challenges that count.”

What did you think of BIAFD’s initiative to focus on ‘Women in the Industry’?

“Very refreshing is my personal opinion. Being involved with the BIAFD meetings since 2009 and one of the only long-standing women to attend both the day and evening event. It’s a long time overdue. Within my daily working life, I do not communicate much with the other distribution members of BIAFD and it’s a great opportunity twice a year to do so. Let alone having the opportunity to chat and get to know successful female members in the industry. When I first joined the fastener industry, and knowing where I wanted my career to go, it became apparent that this was a male dominated industry. Not that this worried me, in fact it made me more determined to succeed. This meeting celebrates, encourages and inspires women in business. Showing women can succeed in anything that they put their minds to. And that was proven by the calibre of ladies that attended. I can’t wait for the next meeting.”

EXHIBITIONS

Confusion over Chinese fastener shows Every June for the last seven years there has been a major fastener industry exhibition in Shanghai. For 2018, however, the picture is confusing, with four competing fastener events scheduled between June and October. Potential exhibitors and visitors need to exercise some caution.

n its seventh edition in June 2017 the Fastener Expo Shanghai boasted more than 800 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors, making it one of the three big fastener shows worldwide. Acquired in 2015 by UK exhibition group ITE Group Plc it is now clearly under attack on a number of fronts, having apparently lost key employees to its competitors. Significantly, the China Fastener Industry Association (CFIA) and Shanghai Fastener Industry Association (SFIA) have withdrawn their support from the event and are backing the new International Fastener Show China, scheduled for October 2018. WFexpos, another new organiser, has launched World Fastener Expos, at the beginning of June 2018. The fourth fastener event in Shanghai next year is co-located with the wire® & Tube events organised by Messe Düsseldorf. It will be the second edition of Fastener Shanghai (Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show), which is organised by the experienced Chinafastener.info

Here are details of the four shows:

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2018

Dates: 20 th – 22 nd June 2018 Organiser: Shanghai ITE Ebseek Exhibition Co Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Qingpu District, Shanghai Web: shen.fastenerexpo.cn

International Fastener Show China Dates: 21 st – 23rd October 2018 Organiser: Afastener Exhibition Co Ltd Venue: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre Web: en.afastener.com

World Fastener Expos

Fastener Shanghai (Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show)

he eighth edition of the major Shanghai fastener show moves to a new venue for 2018. An exhibitor list is published on the website but it is unclear how many bookings are so far confirmed. The event is no longer supported by the China Fastener Industry Association, which previously held its own conference and social events alongside the show.

Dates: 4th – 6th June 2018 Organiser: WF Expos/Shanghai Jin Ya Exhibitions Company Venue: Shanghai World Expo & Convention Centre Web: wfexpos.com

he organisers are also understood to comprise former employees of ITE/Shanghai Ebseek. The website expects 800+ exhibitors occupying 43,000m2 space, attracting 28,000 visitors. Currently there is not an exhibitor list. WF Expos has begun promoting the event globally, including contacting fastener associations.

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new organisation reportedly set-up by a previous manager at ITE/Shanghai Ebseek in conjunction with the Shanghai Fastener Industry Association. For its inaugural event in 2018, Afastener claims 34,000m2 space hosting 700 exhibitors. There is currently no exhibitor list on the website. Afastener is promoting the event heavily across the world, including issuing invitations to trade associations and advertising in trade publications.

Dates: 26th – 29 th September 2018 Organiser: Chinafastener.info (Golden Spider) and Messe Düsseldorf Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center Web: fastenertradeshow.info

his, the second edition, will run alongside the established Messe Düsseldorf wire® and Tube China. The combined event expects around 1,700 exhibitors and more than 46,000 visitors. Chinafastener.info’s latest fastener event in Suzhou (26th – 28 th October 2017) was its seventeenth, with fastener shows also staged in Guangzhou and Cheng Du.

EXHIBITIONS

The DIY Boulevard at EISENWARENMESSE fully booked After an excellent premiere in 2016, the DIY Boulevard is entering its second round at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne from 4th – 7th March 2018. Once again, in cooperation with the manufacturers association – Herstellerverband Haus & Garten, e.V., Koelnmesse is offering DIY suppliers a presentation area in the centre of Hall 5.1 and can already announce that it is fully booked.

atja Caspary, vice-president of organisers Koelnmesse, explains: “The premiere of the DIY Boulevard was a total success. The concept is very much in-line with the suppliers’ demands. Due to the high demand we are not only fully booked, but have also been able to extend the Boulevard by 235m.” Top players from the building, home and garden sector including ABUS, BURG-WÄCHTER, fischer, Hailo-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co KG, Hettich Group, Alfred Schellenberg GmbH and tesa SE were already convinced by this format at the previous event and will be exhibiting on the DIY Boulevard once again in 2018. Newcomers include exhibitors such as Alpina Farben, SPAX and MEM Bauchemie GmbH. “Innovations by the metre’ and ‘Shelf competence’ are aspects that occupy the DIY sector and bring it forward. The DIY Boulevard gives the exhibitors the opportunity to present their competence and innovations in an authentic POS environment. The Boulevard is not only flanked by the Networking Area this year, which is used by the exhibiting suppliers for discussion purposes – the trend is moving in the direction of a combination between shelves on the Boulevard and facing the actual stand area. The pioneers here in 2016 were Conacord Voigt GmbH & Co KG and Hettich Group. At the next event, more big players will again be showing their competence both on and alongside the DIY Boulevard.” www.eisenwarenmesse.com

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WORK HARD! ROCK HARD! EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Cologne 4 – 7 MARCH 2018

Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany, Tel. +49 1806 277 766, eisenwaren@visitor.koelnmesse.de

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EXHIBITIONS

Fastener Fair USA offers unique opportunities for exhibitors Bringing together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and end users, Fastener Fair USA will take place from 11th – 12th April 2018 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

astener Fair USA offers a first-hand look at the latest solutions and technology available in the marketplace, as well as networking opportunities, and top-notch educational programmes developed and delivered by industry experts. For exhibitors, Fastener Fair USA is an exciting platform to meet with new and current customers, find distributors, identify engineering opportunities and network with fastener and fixing industry professionals throughout the entire supply chain – all in the USA. Exhibitors from around the world are expected to participate. The main product categories that exhibitors represent include industrial fasteners and fixings, construction fixings, assembly and installation systems, fastener manufacturing technology, storage, distribution, and factory equipment, as well as fastener production machinery, tooling and dies, and supplies.

Why exhibit at Fastener Fair USA?

The US market for industrial fasteners continues to be strong so manufacturers have a need to discover the latest in fastener, fixing and joining solutions for their product design initiatives. Fastener Fair USA is a platform for manufacturers to find the technology they seek as the exhibition provides sales, marketing, and networking opportunities for the full fastener supply chain – including OEMs, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, design engineers, and purchasers. Exhibit sales have been strong to date and surpassed expectations with show management already expanding the floor space from 25,000 net square feet (approximately 2,300m2) to 40,000 net square feet (approximately 3,700m2), as more companies reserve space. Some of the companies committing to exhibit include Intools, Carlos Salvi SpA, Brighton Best International, Rotor Clip, Dorken MKS-System, TR Fastening, SACMA Group, Buckeye Fasteners, Vogelsang Fastener Solutions, Aluminum Fastener Supply Co, Wrentham Tool, Tramec-Continental-Aero, Lindstrom Fasteners, Easylink Industrial Company, and the Phillips Screw Company.

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Convenient location

The show will take place in Cleveland, Ohio, in the heart of the Midwest manufacturing region. Organisers point out that offering a show in the Midwest is not only cost-effective for exhibitors, but attractive for attendees. “We have received so much positive feedback about the convenient location of the show,” said Jessica Boweak, exhibition manager for Fastener Fair USA. “We want to make the event as accessible as possible for automotive, aerospace, construction, and other industrial design engineers and purchasers, so Cleveland makes a lot of sense.”

Educational draw

Fastener Fair USA will offer attendees a unique opportunity to get the latest industry information, forecasts, and technical education with keynote sessions and breakouts, led by industry experts. This strong educational offering will be a large draw for mechanical engineers, product designers, purchasers, and R&D personnel – giving direct access to the right people from the automotive, aerospace, agriculture and construction equipment, home appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, wind power, oil and gas, power transmission/hydraulic/pneumatic, and on-and-off highway industrial sectors.

Networking

“Connecting and collaborating with other industry professionals are two of the best parts of face-to-face events. Knowing how important networking opportunities are for the fastener and fixing industry, the Welcome Reception on 11th April will take place at the world renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

FFND_210x297_en.pdf

20/10/2017

16:57

EXHIBITIONS

Fastener Fair France 2018 arrives in Paris Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will host Fastener Fair France from 28th – 29th November 2018. The exhibition is the latest in a series of trade shows specialising in fastener and fixing technologies.

ocating the exhibition in Paris will bring the very latest in fastener and fixing products and solutions to one of the major manufacturing regions in France. Companies exhibiting at Fastener Fair France will feature products and services in the following sectors: Industrial fasteners and fixings, construction fixings, assembly and installation systems, fastener manufacturing technology, storage, distribution, factory equipment and information, as well as communication and services. Providing participating companies with an international business platform, the exhibition hopes to attract visiting managers, engineers and buyers from targeted markets. These are expected to include machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing, transport technologies, furniture, consumer goods production and high-tech industries. Specialist distributors of fastener and fixing products are also expected to attend.

• Fastener Tooling Manufacture • Hard Metal Machining • Precision Engineering

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles hosts many international events. Currently undergoing an ambitious renovation scheme, the venue is aiming to become one of the ultimate state of the art exhibition and conference complexes in Europe. Ideally situated in central Paris, with excellent transport links, car parking facilities and a wide range of hotels and other amenities, it is the perfect location for Fastener Fair France. “This event in Paris will provide a great opportunity for fastener and fixing suppliers to present their capabilities and increase brand awareness in one of Europe’s major markets,” says Olivia Griscelli, exhibition director for Fastener Fair France. “Our fastener exhibitions play an important role in helping companies make new contacts, strengthen links with existing customers and develop their businesses.” More information on Fastener Fair France 2018, including details on exhibitor and visitor participation, will be available on the show website.

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Celebrating 45 years of Fastener tooling manufacture to the global industry with a portfolio of products and services

Tel: +44 (0)121 772 0817 Fax: +44 (0)121 773 9342

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EXHIBITIONS

Stand booking in full flow for Fastener Fair Turkey Organisers of Fastener Fair Turkey – taking place at the IFM – Istanbul Expo Centre, Istanbul, from 1st – 3rd March 2018 – have announced that Hall 9 of the show is already 98% booked, with Hall 10 also filling up fast.

he fourth edition of Fastener Fair Turkey will bring together producers, wholesalers, resellers/distributors, end users of fastener systems for both industrial and construction applications, as well as suppliers of fastener manufacturing equipment and materials, to find out the latest developments in the fastener and fixing sector. For the first time Fastener Fair Turkey will be held on three days including a Saturday, which organisers explain should increase the number of visitors from the Asian side of Turkey. The 2018 show has already reached the same size as the last edition, with more than 150 exhibitors already confirming their presence at the show – including companies from Turkey, France, Germany, South Korea, Italy, India, Israel, Spain, Japan, USA, China and Taiwan. The 2016 edition attracted over 1,700 visitors from 39 countries, representing the automotive sector, construction/civil engineering, hardware, mechanical engineering, electrical products/domestic appliances, agricultural/off highway machinery, distribution, furniture manufacturing, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, and the aerospace industry. Of those companies exhibiting at Fastener Fair Turkey 2016, 65% are returning for the 2018 show. “This positive response both from past exhibitors and new companies indicates the popularity of this established event in Istanbul,” comments Olivia Griscelli, exhibition director at organisers Mack Brooks Fuarcilik AS. “Fastener Fair Turkey is a great opportunity to boost brand awareness in a market that is growing in importance within the fastener and fixing industry.” Olivia continues: “The show enables exhibitors to have face-to-face contact with new customers, as well as nurture relationships with existing companies. It is also a great opportunity to introduce new products and technologies into the Turkish market.” Further information on Fastener Fair Turkey 2018, including a full exhibitor list and how to book a stand, is available on the show website.

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BUDMA 2018 is gaining momentum The first deadline for submitting applications for BUDMA 2018 – the international construction and architecture fair – has now ended. An increase in exhibitors of more than 40% have already applied at this stage compared to the last edition of the fair, with both market leaders and new companies joining the list.

UDMA will take place from 30 th January – 2nd February 2018 in Poznań, Poland. “We will soon be pleased to present the first comprehensive list of exhibitors for next year’s BUDMA Fair. Of course, we are still in talks with many companies, so the list will be updated regularly, “ emphasises Dariusz Muślewski, director of the BUDMA fair. “Taking into consideration the good business climate in the industry and the interest in presenting its offer during the fair, I expect more than 800 manufacturers and distributors of building materials to exhibit during the show.” BUDMA will include a variety of areas focusing on key construction markets, including manufacturers of roofing and accessories; recognised brands and new manufacturers of windows, doors, gates and fences; the latest trends and design solutions for flooring and parquet; as well as mounting systems and new technological solutions. Also at BUDMA 2018 will be the Design4Senses zone, which is based on the unusual presentation of the exhibitors’ offerings. Design4Senses is dedicated to transport customers into an unusual world full of sensory experiences. Four dedicated spaces are available: VisualStudio, TouchPoint, AudioZone and AromaSpot. BUDMA will also include a wide range of events dedicated to the four main trade fair groups: Merchants, contractors, architects and designers, as well as investors. Next year’s BUDMA will be accompanied by the KOMINKI fair, INTERMASZ and INFRATEC, presenting the latest proposals in the field of fireplaces, construction machinery and equipment, as well as technologies for infrastructure construction.

info@blumorgana.it

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

fischer UK building up for growth Since his appointment in 2014, Justin White, fischer UK managing director, has presided over exceptional sales growth – and he is building up, quite literally, for more.

ischer UK is based at Wallingford, Oxfordshire, in a purpose-built 2,100m2 office and warehouse facility, which currently holds around GB£2 million (€2.3 million) of fischer innovative product. Sales, technical support and distribution operation availability is a key metric – and fischer UK currently achieves an impressive 98% fill rate delivering to distribution customers throughout the United Kingdom and when required direct to site on their behalf. UK inventory is supported by three day availability from fischer’s headquarters in Germany’s Black Forest. “We’re heading for sales growth in excess of 50% from 2014 to the end of 2017,” Justin White (pictured) told Fastener + Fixing Magazine. “I’m pleased with that performance and I doubt any of our competitors can compare with it, but I believe there are still opportunities in the market where we can gain so much more. With all the things we have to launch over the next two years we can probably double the sales in the organisation over a six year period.”

fischer has 65 people in the UK, including a 30 strong external sales team and 25 experts in Wallingford dedicated to technical and commercial support. Around a third of UK sales are of less technical general fixings via fischer’s national accounts. Most of the other two-thirds is supplied via technical fixings distributors from which, through a process of customer categorisation, the company has identified around ninety premier accounts. These accounts, some long-standing and successful fischer distributors – others identified as major growth prospects, now enjoy a range of support benefits, ranging from priority product launches, priority sales and technical support, to enhanced delivery services for larger orders and Facetime and Skype contact with the technical department. “It’s a great advantage with phones and tablets now,” says Justin White, “that the customer can call us from the site and literally use the camera to show our technical specialists the application or issue.” The latest benefit is a 2017 trial of what fischer calls the ‘Buy Pad’, a tablet provided to premier distributors preloaded with a range of fischer related Apps including a flip-page price list/catalogue, as well as fischer website and social media links.

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“We are clear that the closer we work with our technical distributors the greater their loyalty and the greater our mutual success,” says Justin White. “That’s why we have invested immensely in the customer base over the last 2 – 3 years. Once we know the ‘Buy Pad’ is a success we can look at rolling it out to more customers and also expanding its capabilities.” fischer UK now has a specific commercial team focused on developing sales with a wide spectrum of fixing distributors keen to supply fischer products, although the process is carefully targeted geographically to complement the established technical distributor coverage. “This is the fastest growing part of the business,” says Justin White, “and has really opened up new sales channels over the last three years.” Supporting fischer UK’s sales activity is a marketing department, headed by Dan Czerwinski, that is now absolutely ‘customer centric’ ensuring, says White, that promotional activity really is responsive to the needs of fischer distributors, including high levels of point of sale visibility. “We’re also way out in front of other fixing suppliers to distribution in terms of our social media relationships with customers and have one person dedicated to this area of support.” One of the latest investments has been in a state of the art phone system at Wallingford, which as well as ensuring rapid routing of callers includes a phone back facility if there is an unavoidable delay in response. A new fischer UK website was launched at the end of September 2017 – providing even more comprehensive and accessible product and technical information. Next year, the phone system, website and social media activity will all be coordinated into a new CRM system aimed at ensuring no opportunity for growth is overlooked. “We’re at the forefront of activity in the fischer group,” says Justin White, “which is absolutely right in a UK market with some of the highest adoption rates in online communication and e-commerce in the world.” What’s next? fischer UK soon hopes to take the advantages of video for monitoring progress on-site to a literally new level with a high definition video drone. “Having the ability to overfly construction sites will give us a great advantage in monitoring the stages of progress and knowing when to mobilise our technical teams,” says White, “as well as providing us great material for promotional purposes.” Talking about reaching a new level, Justin White is checking daily now for confirmation fischer UK has obtained planning permission for a major expansion at the Wallingford site, in the shape of a second, higher level warehouse building. “For us it is an exciting time, embracing new technology and expanding the business,” concludes Justin White. “Our aim is to be the most customer friendly, easiest to use fixings supplier in the marketplace – and at the moment I am convinced we are making really good progress.” www.fischer.co.uk

FAZ II M6 Anchor Bolt The Power anchor for highest demands

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

ETA amendments for VS-Handyplug®

Tecfi SpA has recently amended the European Technical Assessment of its VS-Handyplug® (ETA – 13/0135 according to ETAG 020), to include it in category ‘d’, related to aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC).

erated autoclaved concrete is becoming more and more common as a base material in construction, thanks to its high thermal insulation capacity and its very light weight, which is why Tecfi believes it is answering a real market need. Moreover, this amendment includes four additional base materials in categories ‘b’ and ‘c’, increasing the number of masonry units that the anchor is assessed by to 11 different varieties, which includes bricks coming from Germany, Austria and northern Europe. These new base materials have been added to concrete, solid masonry and perforated masonry, which are already included in the first publication of the ETA. The special patented geometries, and the quality of the materials, guarantee a fully radial expansion in solid materials, a multiple expansion in perforated masonry and an expansion through knotting in hollow materials. Through its versatility and positive performance, the VS-Handyplug® can be a good option in many construction circumstances, above all when different base materials are available on the jobsite. Ideal for ventilated façades and curtain walls, it can also be used for fixing frames, windows, doors, steel and aluminium substructures, and much more. The VS-Handyplug range consists of two nylon anchors, with and without collar, available in diameters 8mm and 10mm. The large cylinder collar version

was studied to ensure a good stress distribution and to avoid any contact between the screw and the plate to be fixed – excluding the risk of galvanic corrosion. These anchors can be combined with four different screws – available in zinc plated carbon steel and A4-70 stainless steel (AISI 316 guarantees a very high resistance to the corrosion) – including 6-lobe recess flat countersunk head screws, 6-lobe recess hexagonal washer head screws, 6-lobe recess mushroom head screws (not available in A4-70 stainless steel), and socket recess dual thread screws. The 10mm diameter anchor is also certified fire resistant for up to 90 minutes according to the EOTA Technical Report TR020 – ‘Evaluation of anchorages in concrete concerning resistance to fire’. Tecfi also offers the VZ-Handyplug, a universal nylon plug suitable for lighter applications in many base materials, in combination with a very wide variety of screws. This range is now available in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm diameters with various lengths. www.tecfi.it

Hilti continues positive trend – sales and result up In the first eight months of 2017, Hilti Group increased sales (+7.5%) and operating result (+16.2%), driven mainly by its extended product portfolio and the consistent expansion of sales capacities around the globe.

ommenting on the company’s intermediate figures, CEO Christoph Loos said: “2017 has been a promising business year to date. The strategic investments made over the past few years are bearing fruit while the largely solid construction market also contributes positively to our business. We are particularly pleased with the fact that we have generated growth in all regions. Looking ahead, we do not anticipate any major changes in the next few months, which strengthens our confidence to be able to continue the growth trend in both sales and operating result.” Compared to the corresponding previous year period, overall sales in Swiss Francs were up 7.5% to CHF 3.279 billion (€2.88 billion). In local currencies, sales grew by 7.4%. On a regional basis, Hilti North America managed to increase sales further in the wake of a consistently dynamic construction sector (+6.1% in local currencies). Showing a plus of 8.5%, Europe also pursued its upward trend. In the eastern Europe/Middle East/Africa region sales were up 10.9%, with the main impetus coming from Russia.

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In Asia/Pacific, sales grew by 3%. Latin America’s growth (+10.7%) is beginning to indicate a recovery. As a result of the positive sales figures and further productivity gains, Hilti managed to improve return on sales (ROS) to 13.1% and return on capital employed (ROCE) to 22.8%. Despite continued investments, operating result (CHF 428 million, +16.2%) and net income (CHF 319 million, +10.4%) were clearly above the corresponding figures of last year. Head count was up 7.7% to 26,064. The company’s R&D spend grew by 6.7% to CHF 191 million. According to Christoph Loos, the company is set to pursue its growth course in a focused and efficient way: “We will continue to invest in products and sales to expand our digital offering in particular and to gain new customers. Furthermore, we expect that the recent acquisition of the Norwegian Oglaend System Group will have a positive effect on our business and our position in the offshore market.”

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The Rosett rocks!

SENCO EMEA states that with its EXPANDET Rosett nylon anchor the installation of kitchen cabinets, radiators and shelve systems on drywall is both easy and safe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; utilising the principle of deforming by creating a knot on the back of the board or drywall in order to achieve high load capacities of up to 85kg on two layers of drywall.

he Rosett has been produced since the 1970s in the EXPANDET production facility in Denmark and consists of two different materials, which are moulded together to give the product its strength and uniqueness. The high-quality nylon ensures flexibility, which combined with the fibreglass reinforced threaded tip provides the strength needed to absorb high loads. In addition, the Rosett plug follows the contours of the wall and maintains its holding power across the whole surface of the created knot. EXPANDET Rosett is normally delivered with a zinc plated screw with a choice of countersunk, panhead, as well as screw with hook, eye or 90 degrees angle. Hex head and Pozi drives are also available, with both panhead and countersunk versions available as extra long screws.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

INDEX – extensive list of products INDEX Fixing Systems manufactures and controls the production process for a wide range of its products, which it says is the only way to guarantee maximum quality and an optimum service – leading to an extensive list of products that have received assessments and certification to the highest standards.

NDEX Fixing Systems’ wide range includes chemical anchors, in various modalities for different base materials, including cracked, non-cracked, reinforced concrete and brick. These anchors are indicated for heavy loads and to absorb vibrations Due to the distances between the edge of the material and the anchors being smaller they do not generate pressure inside. The entire range of chemical anchors has an extensive list of certifications and homologations, among which include MOPURE, a pure epoxy with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 14/0156) for cracked and non-cracked concrete, with Seismic Category C1 and ICC ES homologations; MOVISE, a vinylester without styrene

with ETA Option 7 (ETA – 13/0971) for use in concrete and hollow brick, also approved for fire resistance; and MOPOLY, a polyester anchor with ETA Option 7 (ETA – 13/0752) for concrete uses. In relation to metal anchors, the MT-Anchor family is characterised by having an expansive clip. While applying torque to the anchor, the clip expands due to the cone shaped of the bolt, making high pressure on the inner side of the hole, which creates the necessary friction between the clip and the base material. These anchors are certified for seismic applications categories C1 and C2 (MTP and MTP-A4), fire resistance and include a European Technical Approval. Within the sanitation channel, INDEX Fixing Systems has a wide variety of solutions for installation systems, in order to cover the most specific needs of the market, including light and heavy-duty metal clamps, strut channel framing systems and attachment systems among others. INDEX Fixing Systems is also committed to getting maximum quality products, by undergoing strict tests to get certifications and assessments from independent laboratories and the main official bodies. www.indexfix.com

Viteria Ratto: Road to ETA Due to many requests received from its customers, Viteria Ratto has begun the journey it hopes will lead it to obtain a European Technical Assessment for its innovative fixing systems, which can be used in both cracked and non-cracked concrete.

fter manufacturing its concrete screws for many years, which allow for high loading capacity applications in concrete, the company found itself constantly making changes to get the best possible performance. This eventually led to the conclusion that it is now time to certify these internationally recognised products for their quality and service. This process represents a starting point for the company, with Viteria Ratto also setting itself the goal of investing resources in studying and designing new products using its dedicated, qualified people in research and development. www.viteriaratto.com

94 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

The CompleTe Range of fixing SySTemS

G&B Fissaggi UK warehouse

Unit 16 Riverside Court - Don Road - Sheffield - S9 2TJ (UK) tel. 0114 242 0074 - fax 0114 242 0075 uksales@gebfissaggi.com www.gebfissaggi.com - info@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia

G&B G&B G&B G&B

Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland Fissaggi Ibérica Fissaggi Benelux Fissaggi France

Achill-Anzeige-D-1951-A5-FFM-2-2017 28.02.17 14:55 Seite 1

Quality since 1951:

classic • system • automotive

DIN 912 / 931 / 933 ... 8.8 / 10.9 / 12.9 from M1.4 to M56 ! ISO 4014 / ISO 4017 ................8.8 / 10.9 DIN 960 / DIN 961 ...........................10.9 ISO 10642 - DIN 7991..............8.8 / 10.9 DIN 7984.................................8.8 / 10.9

ISO 7380-1 / ISO 7380-2...................10.9 ISO 7380-1 (with six lobes drive).......10.9 DIN 6921...........................................8.8 DIN 6912...........................................8.8

Achilles Seibert GmbH · Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 · D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg · Fon: +49 4193 89 55 Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99 · sales@achill-fasteners.com · www.achill-fasteners.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

ACTON’s new wood screws Whilst wood framework construction housing is still relatively new in France and central Europe, ACTON S.A.S sees an exciting future for wood screws, especially with the increasing demand in a lot of new industrial and commercial constructions, which are built with wood façades or laminated wood structures.

ith distributors facing stiff competition from general DIY stores for wood screws, it is vitally important to stand out and offer screws that are high technology and provide quick and efficient installation, which is why ACTON has developed a new range of wood screws. The new wood screw range is available from 2.5mm x 12mm to 16mm x 200mm, with installation recommended for outside applications like cladding, deck board fastening and for fixing inside moist rooms (kitchen or bathroom). Also in this range, ACTON offers standard screws with regular thread, but always with double angle countersunk head, as well as more technical screws for fixing on steel, soft or hard and exotic wood. ACTON points out that these screws have many new characteristics such as the drill segment to limit the heating; the double thread for a better cladding; and also the cutting point to avoid the wood splitting.

Furthermore, a range of bimetal screws is now available to fix wood directly on steel frame (girders of pipes). These high technology items are built with a stainless steel body and a hard carbon steel drilling point. The high performance of the bimetal screws makes the installation of cladding more efficient and quicker. In order to match with the professional needs, ACTON has adapted its packaging, and now offers a complete range of wood screws in plastics pails. With the aim of creating a visual impact on the customers. The company has also decided to create new attractive stickers to put on the pails, in order to inform on the point of sales but also to generate self-sales, without the intervention of the seller. “At ACTON we guarantee a premium service to the resellers and wholesalers everywhere in France with 24 hours – 48 hours shipping, and everywhere in Europe within 48 hours – 96 hours.” www.acton.fr

Your manufacturer of certified fixings and screws

pgb-Europe, headquartered in Belgium, opened end 2016 its wood screw factory (PHC Fasteners ltd) in Vietnam. In this brand new 20 000 sqm industrial complex we are producing our CE-marked drywall screws and wood screws (carbon steel). With 85 heading and threading machines and a production capacity of 500T/month we are pleased to present you our attractive possibilities.

PHC Fasteners ltd, Binh Duong, Vietnam

pgb-Polska, the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe, is manufacturer of high quality nylon, steel and chemical anchors, developed under the brand name “SMART”. Beginning 2017 we moved to a brand new 8 000 sqm factory dedicated to the constant development, automated production and packing of our ETA assessed anchors. A strong logistic organization ensures prompt deliveries according to our customer’s needs.

pgb-Europe nv | logistics centre Gontrode Heirweg 170 | 9090 Melle, Belgium T: +32 (0)9 272 70 70 | F: +32 (0)9 272 70 99 www.pgb-europe.com | info@pgb-europe.com

pgb-Polska sp. z o.o. | production plant ul. Fryderyka Wilhelma Redena 3 | 41-807 Zabrze, Poland T: +48 (32) 330 26 10 | F: +48 (32) 330 26 20 www.pgb-polska.com | biuro@pgb-polska.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Recent ETAs for fixings Following an agreement with the European Organisation of Technical Assessments, here is a list of recent ETAs published in the last two months on the EOTA website.

t is important to note that existing ETAs may be amended or withdrawn so this list should not be considered definitive. Since 1 st July 2013, as a result of the Construction Products Regulation, new ETAs are known as European Technical Assessments. European Technical Approvals published before 1 st July 2013 will act as the new assessment until their expiry date. For further information and a full list of valid ETAs visit EOTA’s website. www.eota.eu

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA – 05/0111

SPIT EPOMAX

Société Spit

ETA – 07/0144

fischer Ceiling anchor FDN

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 09/0187

BTI drop-in anchor BE

BTI Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 10/0320

Knauf Termo Plus M

Knauf SIA

ETA – 11/0132

Team Pro Injection system TP E SD for concrete

TEAM PRO INTERNATIONAL FZCO

ETA – 12/0299

Parco® Bolzenanker

Mfi Metall & Fastening Industrie GmbH

ETA – 16/0515

HVU2

Hilti AG

ETA – 17/0177

RDI ANCHOR

REX FASTENING SYSTEMS (H.K.) Ltd

ETA – 17/0325

CMH ANCHOR

Construction Anchors Co Ltd

ETA – 17/0349

Fixpoint Injection system SV Vinylester-Pro, SV Vinylester-Pro Nordic for masonry

Fixpoint

ETA – 17/0373

Ripple Poly FIX, P FIX FG, P FIX SG

Ripple Construction Products Pvt Ltd

ETA – 17/0377

Fix Master Injection System FIT-Pe 270, FIT-Px 270, FIT-Pt 270

Ferrometal Oy COVENTRY GROUP LIMITED

ETA – 17/0381

KONP4C

ETA – 17/0382

KONV4C, KONV4C Summer for rebar connection

COVENTRY GROUP LIMITED

ETA – 17/0383

KONV4C,KONV4C Summer

COVENTRY GROUP LIMITED

ETA – 17/0445

Fix Master Injection system Fit-Ve 200 for rebar connection

Ferrometal Oy

ETA – 17/0474

OUTIFIX TXPE chemical anchor

OUTIFIX

ETA – 17/0515

Injection System Nobex NCE

NOBEX Srl

ETA – 17/0537

MIT BOND 30 PLUS – MIT BOND 40 PLUS

Mungo Srl

ETA – 17/0539

GOLD MIT GREEN, MIT SP 400 GREEN,MIT SP 300 GREEN

Mungo Srl

ETA – 17/0540

BREMICK VINYLESTER STYRENE FREE bonded anchor for rebar connections

Bremick PTY Ltd Australia

ETA – 17/0541

Bremick EPOXY bonded anchor for post-installed rebar connections Bremick PTY Ltd Australia

ETA – 17/0542

BREMICK POLYESTER STYRENE FREE CHEMICAL ANCHOR

Bremick PTY Ltd Australia

ETA – 17/0544

weberanc 505 ASF for concrete

SODAMCO-WEBER (Sodamco Holding S.A.L and its subsidiaries in Middle East)

ETA – 17/0560

Bucha Quimica Epoxi Acrílato ETA-PECOL

Pecol – Sistemas de Fixacao S.A

ETA – 17/0590

ResAC-16

S&P Clever Reinforcement Company AG

ETA – 17/0591

RC390 BLUE

Reynchemie NV

ETA – 17/0613

Sika® Unitherm® Steel S-60

Sika Deutschland GmbH

ETA – 17/0637

Sika AnchorFix®-1 Q

Sika Services AG

ETA – 17/0643

BREMICK Vinylester Styrene Free

Bremick Fasteners Pty Limited Australia Anchor Fasteners Industrial Co Ltd

ETA – 17/0645

Anchor Fasteners Industrial anchor type ADA

ETA – 17/0653

ZETACHEM EPX 30 / 41

ZENI BULLONERIA Srl

ETA – 17/0658

MOPUR3 for rebar connections

Index – Técnicas Expansivas S.L

ETA – 17/0659

MOPUR3

Index – Técnicas Expansivas S.L

ETA – 17/0693

Sika AnchorFix®-3030 for rebar connection

Sika Services AG

ETA – 17/0694

Sika AnchorFix®-3030

Sika Services AG

ETA – 17/0721

ResiFIX PYSF,PYSF Change,PYSF Express,PYSF Tropical

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 17/0722

HOFMANN EA

Selectron Eletrokimya San ve Tic Ltd Sti Taktfest Srl

ETA – 17/0762

DAUER EA-SF,DAUER EA-SF BL,DAUER EA-SF EX,DAUER EA-SF TR

ETA – 17/0776

ChemMatesTM VSF+

Ideal Fasteners PTY Ltd

ETA – 17/0799

SELENA EV II Bonded anchor

SELENA FM S.A

ETA – 17/0800

SELENA EV I Bonded anchor

SELENA FM S.A

ETA – 17/0805

ResiFIX PY, ResiFIX PY Express,ResiFIX PY Tropical

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA – 16/0936

W-KRI, W-KRI MET, W-KRI DS, W-KRI DSM and W-KRI DSW

METAL-1 Sp. z.o.o.

ETAG 020 Plastic Anchors (all parts) ETA – 17/0125

KALM Rahmendübel RDK

KALM Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 17/0348

Würth Frame Anchor W-FRA and W-FRA-H

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

98 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

1 1

T® KEEP-NUTION CERTIFICA 615 ETA-15/0

KEEP-NUT® PRESS IN SELF-ANCHORING THREADED INSERTS

FOR INFO: export@specialinsert.it - www.specialinsert.it

1 12 12 2 1 3 1 2 3 2 3 2 4 2 43 3 4 3 5 43 45 5 4 6 5 4 6 5 6 5 7 6 5 7 6 7

ADVANTAGES

Cylindrical hole easy to be drilled, also executable work in progress with standard tools.

Quick assembly by pressure.

No needs for resins or adhesives.

Allows an internal assembly without any external dimensions, facilitating the handling and storage of the panels.

No tensile force on the receiving material when the insert is not pulled-out.

On use, the elastic crowns are solicited by an axial force, acting radially against the hole walls due to the bending and pressure, avoiding the leakage of the system.

The “not through” threading of the internal bush, assures fastening without the extraction effect due to the possible exceeding length of the screw.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

NME open day huge success NME National Machinery Europe GmbH recently opened its doors for an Open House show on 13th – 14th September, with the event attracting many customers to the new demonstration centre and repair and rebuild assembly shop.

T NME’s Open House car show and reception, outside of its new facility

National Machinery’s LeanFX10M5 in the demonstration centre

One of several new rebuild bays located within NME’s new repair and rebuild assembly shop

100 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

he new demonstration centre featured a complete production line comprising of a turntable and a wire drawer from Drawing Technology Inc, in-line with a National LeanFX, as well as products from other partner companies. Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd, presented its 2 die 3 blow coldformer model NP81. Visitors could also take a look at a SMART threader NGP20 and a SMART NP14 pointer. The demonstrations were capped off with the Q5000 high-speed inspection system with 8 laser technology presented by Mectron Engineering. All machines on display featured a process monitoring system. The NGP20 threader additionally comprised a new and continuously improving monitoring system with the name ‘DMA’. This system ensures automatic and highly repeatable die match on the machine without the need to stop the machine. Another key area of the Open House show was a range of technical seminars offered by National Machinery and other invited companies associated with the metal forming industry. The seminars covered technical developments of each company. Since NME National Machinery Europe GmbH not only sells new machinery, but also supports its customers with spare parts procurement, customer service, machine overhauls, retrofit kits, fast repair service, and on-site service and training, all visitors had the opportunity to take a closer look at the relevant procedures in its rebuild and repair facilities. A number of guided tours through various locations demonstrated the advantages of the scope of services National Machinery offers. An essential part of the Nuremberg facility in Germany is the spare parts storage. This department is comprised of two different significant storage areas, one for large parts and another for small parts. About 65% of the stored parts are reserved for current FORMAX® products and the rest support traditional cold formers. In addition, spare parts shipments are received twice each week from National USA. This puts NME National Machinery in the position to procure all spare parts at short notice, thus ensuring continuous production of customer’s machines. Quick response repair of machine components or assemblies is every-day work at National Machinery, and an important service for customers. National Machinery can repair parts and components of customer’s machines when they cannot wait for, or do not need, new parts. Each year, National Machinery performs more than 200 in-house component repairs, from heading slides to transfers and feed-boxes. During the Open House, the various in-process machine overhauls received a lot of attention. Customers could get a first-hand impression of why National Machinery’s resources and methods are leading in the field of machine rebuilds. Not only for all visiting customers, but also for the participating partner companies and employees, the first Open House at National Machinery in Nuremberg, proved to be a huge success. “We would like to thank all companies for their participation. Since the programme offered was met with so much interest from customers, you can expect to hear about other events in the future,” commented National Machinery. For all customers who were not able to attend because of scheduling problems, NME National Machinery is still offering the opportunity to arrange a date to visit the new demonstration centre. www.nationalmachinery.com

SMART MACHINERY IS NOW OWNED BY

N AT I O N A L M A C H I N E R Y

ADVANTAGES

• “Auto-setup” Control Screen Adjustments • Patented Direct Drive Technology • Patented Linear motor Introduction, Vertical stroke, and Blank grip • Sales, Service & Parts Available from National Machinery Global Service Centers

SMART

HIN ER

NP Pointing Machine Points, chamfers, sharp points, length reductions and different shapes.

www.smartmachinery.com ∙•∙ Tel (+39) 0131 89 4989 www.nationalmachinery.com ∙•∙ Tel (+1) 419 447 5211

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Using improved process knowledge to extend tool life

Dr-Ing Gabriel McBain, simufact engineering GmbH, Dr-Ing Thomas Terzyk, PROKOS Produktions Kontroll System GmbH & Bernhard Tönnesmann, Möhling GmbH & Co KG Using process simulation and calibrated process monitoring with force measurements can help optimise initial tool set-up in cold forming applications.

EM simulation programs currently constitute a powerful and widely used instrument for the design of processing stages, the optimisation of material flows and forecasting of die wear. They are used as standard in many cold and hot forming plants for the design and configurations of dies. Process monitoring systems are installed on virtually all cold forming machines (headers, thread rollers, etc) to prevent overloading of the machine or dies, to detect quality defects in the component or to allow unmanned operation of the plant. When used in conjunction with the latest machines, process monitoring systems can also intervene in production (e.g by controlling the die match of thread rollers), in order to return the rolling process to stable production conditions whenever systematic deviations take place. Both tools have evolved enormously in recent years thanks to more powerful computers and algorithms, which have refined the calculation and monitoring methods used, while considerably increasing their ease of use and significantly improving the results obtained. Industrial cold forming applications can be easily simulated with the current commercial metal forming simulation software, a widely accepted instrument in the cold forming industry. Process monitoring systems are also frequently applied by the majority of cold forming shops. But even as these two technologies are the state of the art, large

variations of die life still occur. This can either be a short die life, particularly for new products – or large variations of the achieved die life e.g between different operators or plants. This article describes how improved process knowledge drawn from process simulations can be used together with calibrated force measurements by means of process monitoring systems to prevent tool overloading and to increase die life. A cold forming application was therefore simulated, and the optimal press force predicted in order to achieve complete die filling without overloading the tools. This optimal press force was used to set-up the dies and press stroke with the help of the process monitoring system, which has been calibrated beforehand. Force measurements can be used to effectively reverse engineer the press elasticity effects of the cold forming press. As the increasing accuracy of simulation models, and the ability to calculate forming-force curves in advance, begins to fulfil the desire of operators of forming systems to be able to verify the results of simulations while operating the machine. The two worlds concerned, those of simulation and process monitoring, are tending to merge.

Process monitoring systems are installed on virtually all cold forming machines (headers, thread rollers, etc) to prevent overloading of the machine or dies, to detect quality defects in the component or to allow unmanned operation of the plant.” 102 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Soon, it will be far easier to download the design data corresponding to dies directly to production thanks to the increased networking of individual departments within a company (Industry 4.0). This will make results and information from various parts of the operation directly available to the machine operator. The objective is to supply simulated forming-force curves to the machine operator via their process monitoring system on the production line. They can then use this information, whenever new dies are to be used, to adjust the machine or carry out the necessary set-up tasks. They will be able to see, even before the first component is pressed, how the force curves of individual forming operations must be in order to ensure trouble-free production, along with details of the range within which these forces must lie, and the process related scatter that can be expected. Incorrect die set-up can then immediately be detected by comparing the simulated and actual force readings respectively at the start of production. This will increase the machine operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understanding of the effects of sometimes even small tool set-up changes on the resulting die loads the corresponding signalling procedures. Those responsible for designing dies will then be aware at an early stage of where and to what actual extent deviations between the FEM simulation, die configuration and forming-force reading are likely to occur. The process monitoring systems employed in forming technology largely make use of process generated force readings. The total load of a machine is normally measured at the frame. Stage related forces are detected by corresponding piezoelectric sensors on the punch (of multi-blow headers) or die side (of multiple station presses or bolt makers). Vario sensors are preferred, on grounds of their high reliability and the effective protection of the sensor that a drill hole provides. They are inserted into the hole in a similar way to an anchor bolt, and then tensioned. The forming forces deform the hole (and the sensor) proportional to the amount of forming force present, and the sensor generates a proportional electrical signal. The signal from the sensor is transferred to the charge amplifiers in the process monitoring system, thereby enabling it to track the forming process.

Marposs Monitoring Solutions for SMART forming

Tool protection

Quality control

Production management

Set up aide Machine protection Productivity increase

Process optimisation

ÂŠCarlo Salvi

Big Data analysis

X7 Process monitoring system on a multi-station header

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY A network connection and the use of the uniquely named tool number or name as a reference enables the target force curves to be loaded into the process monitoring device. This link makes a process monitoring system available that for the first time provides a bridge between tool development and process monitoring The forming process subjected to experimental research was modelled numerically with the simulation program Simufact.forming 13.0, using the finite element method. The axial symmetry of the process permits simplification to an axial symmetric 2D model. It is apparent that die and machine elasticity taken into account results in an increase in force which starts at a smaller crank angle. During the back-stroke, the force unloading likewise takes place over a crank angle of almost 10°, while this relief is not taken into account with the rigid model. ©simufact

©Prokos

These sensor holes, now drilled by machine manufacturers by default in new headers, achieve a compromise between closeness to the process on one hand and proper protection of sensors and cables on the other. Precise calibration of the sensors at these measuring points is possible only within certain limitations. It is for these reasons, and on measuring technology grounds, that there is a preference for step related force readings from the measuring points that are as close as possible to the point where force is applied, and which are mechanically separate from neighbouring stages. The adjusting wedges of a machine or the pressure elements just in front are therefore considered to be useful measuring points where multiple die presses or bolt makers are concerned. Given the above considerations, the wedge and pressure elements are chosen as measuring points for the application described.

Measured forming-force curves ©Prokos The force is measured with so-called TriFleX sensors on both sides of the wedges, shown in double envelope curves. These curves correspond to the simulated curve progressions expected. The absolute forces, along with the progression of measured and simulated forces, show a good match. As with the simulation model, the modelling of machine and die elasticity is decisive for this good match. Componenets

Componenets

Dieholder

Ejector

Ejector-Punchslide

Workpiece

Punchholder

DieST1

Dieholder

Punch

Workpiece LowerDie-ST2 ST2-HollowPunch

©simufact

Simulation models of phase 1 and phase 2

The optimum die adjustment range and corresponding forming-force curves can be calculated by means of the FEM simulation carried out before production starts. The simulated force curves can then be imported into the process monitoring system. This provides the user with a target force curve, displayed on screen, which is already close to the die’s optimum adjustment setting. This target force curve can be displayed via the Brankamp X7 process monitoring system at any time to enable current production status to be compared to the simulated force curves.

104 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Simulated forming-force curves. Such a high correspondence between simulation and measurement is only possible because the elasticity of the machine was included in the simulation The elasticity properties considered here are usually not modelled in the majority of simulations carried out. Using the simulation model with rigidly fixed dies and ejectors as a basis, this simulation model was extended to include spring mounted dies and ejectors. Spring elasticity was adjusted until a satisfactory match in the time response between the simulated and measured forces was achieved. This project shows how the joint use of process integrated force measurement and numerical process simulation can be used to increase the accuracy of that process simulation, as expressed in a good match between simulated force curves and the actual process. Even if the simulation model would not take tool and machine elasticity effects into account, readings for the characteristic factors of the actual forces measured in the process can at least still be predicted, and used to specify target values for machine adjustment purposes. The force curves obtained by the simulation can be used for process integrated force measurement during adjustment of the machine in order to optimise the machine settings, during real processing, with the help of the simulation and to ensure, on the basis of the ongoing monitoring of processing force during production, that this optimised process control is actually maintained. Knowledge of an optimised process configuration designed to minimise the loads on the dies, its early configuration at the initial setup stage of production, and the continuous monitoring maintained even under the rough conditions of day-to-day operations, are all essential for maximising the operational life of the dies. www.marposs.com

InspectIng From every Angle

Linear GS Fastener Inspection Models XLT:

LVD:

LV:

LM:

Production rate:

500 to 1,000 ppm, based on fasteners M8-1.25 x 25 mm in length.

Nuts from 250 to 500 ppm. Rivnuts from 500 to 1,000 ppm.

600 to 1,200 ppm, based on fasteners M2-0.4 x 10 mm in length.

Dual-Belt, Large Conveyor

Dual-Belt Conveyor

Single, Flat Belt Conveyor

Split Belt Conveyor

insPected Product tyPes: Ferrous and non-ferrous based fasteners, including nuts, weld nuts, rivnuts, washers, clips, non-collared studs and headed bolts.

Ph: 00-1-248-655-2570 | www.lineargs.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Three methods for 360º thread damage inspection Lazpiur S.A, one of the leading players in the fastener inspection market, continues improving its machine family and developing new features.

n addition to all the inspection stations already included in its inspection machines – such as vision systems, eddy current, mechanical inspection – Lazpiur now offers additional possibilities for 360º thread damage inspection. One of the traditional thread damage inspection stations from Lazpiur combines lateral inspection vision system with a 360º servo-controlled rotation. In this way, different images are obtained to check the thread. Lazpiur has twelve years experience in this method and, in that time, has improved this inspecting method – both the electromechanical rotation and the required inspection algorithms. Following customer demands, Lazpiur has developed two additional methods for 360º thread damage inspection, also fully integrated in the company’s inspection machines family. Lazpiur´s multiview 360º inspection station is a clear example. The piece does not stop when going through this inspection station. Images from different angles are taken, providing 360º scrutiny of the thread. The same vision algorithms are applied, allowing the inspection for thread damage without slowing the machine speed. However, sometimes the customer’s requirement is not for speed but absolute certainty the thread of the fastener is free of even a minimal defect. For this, Lazpiur has developed and integrated into its machine a third inspecting method, so the screw is controlled servo-mechanically, checking also the thread´s torque and height. These three methods provide a wide option to the customer for 360º thread damage inspection. All three can be combined in the same machine. Lazpiur, present in Europe, America and Asia, says it will continue its partnership with its customers, developing new features to integrate into its inspection machines, to maintain its position as a market leader for these kind of solutions. www.lazpiur.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Sources for quality solutions Dimac Srl and Angor-Intools are dedicated to bringing a high-level of reliable inspection, sorting and packaging equipment to a variety of industries, each with its own unique challenges.

iming to excel at providing the most advanced technology to meet global fasteners OEMs’ demand, both companies have developed their own fully automatic systems, as well as controls and software, making them perfect partners for product makers looking for unique solutions for special needs. “We make every endeavor to serve our customers with the highest quality of service,” says Massimo Agrati, Dimac general manager. “Offering complete solutions. That’s our advantage.”

100% testing and sorting

With a worldwide installations network, Dimac develops and markets high-speed 100% measuring and sorting fastener inspection systems, covering the total Quality Process Management with eight special series. The equipment enables precise measurement of high volume parts and components before they are introduced into production. “Our installations are custom-based on careful studies of our customers’ product, production lines and possible problem areas,” Massimo continues. “Everything we do is geared towards increasing their productivity, decreasing their maintenance costs and boosting their overall profit.” Dimac fastener inspection systems are easy to set-up, run and maintain. They guarantee high performances, easy lineups and changeovers. Intuitive software makes it simple to create, store and retrieve sophisticated inspection plans. “We aim to lead the way toward zero defect quality,” explains Massimo. “This is why we provide an all rounder, 360° service. Remote and customer assistance via internet connection, on-site support, as well as prompt and efficient servicing, are must-have concepts for us.”

Increasing packaging efficiency

Angor-Intools has a proven history of creating cutting edge, unique, material handling equipment – helping to revolutionise the automated packaging industry. “Our systems are highly engineered and rugged,” Andrew Dreger of Angor-Intools comments. “While at the same time providing maximum operational flexibility.” Angor-Intools uses high-speed automated handling and packaging line solutions to box parts in any configuration and quantity according to customers’ requirements. Belt loaders and conveyors are custom designed, capable of handling oily, dry or hot materials and even very small parts (such as small metal chips, screws, nuts) while magnetic ones represent the answer for problematic materials that wear or jam a conventional belt. The AVBC-BOX is a next generation automatic boxing machine developed in cooperation with Dimac. Setup is rapid and easy: 1. AVBC-BOX is connected to a Dimac 100% inspection and sorting machine. 2. The operator adjusts the conveyor belt and places the boxes or the bags containers ready to be fed under the parts loading chute. 3. Gravity will roll boxes/bags filled with parts to the downloading position. 4. The operator puts the key selector on the automatic position. 5. AVBC-BOX packing machine runs the cycle mode under the control of the master Dimac sorting machine. Sensors prevent any collision and, in case of problems with the conveyor belt or the boxes positioning, alarms will indicate where the anomaly comes, making troubleshooting very simple. AVBC-BOX can be customised to pack high volumes of fasteners in boxes or bags, speeding up the factory automation and logistic. The recent Las Vegas International Fastener Expo confirmed both companies’ international reputation of reliability. During three very successful show days, Dimac and Angor-Intools co-hosted a pleasantly crowded booth, holding a series of workshops to enable attendees to experience the added value of their very latest technologies and innovations. www.dimacsrl.com

Angor-Intools’ AVBC-BOX and bulk loader connected to Dimac’s MCV1

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Dimac on-the-go insights, designed to connect Dimac Srl states that the new MCVx Remote is the best way to manage its 100% inspection and sorting machines directly on a customer’s network. The original high performance of this software – first launched in 2015 – has recently been integrated in a smart, business intelligence solution.

nhancing the machine/computer/user interaction, MCVx Remote helps the quality process management; unlocking the full potential of Dimac MCVx vision software and allowing control and process, in real time, of inspection plans remotely. Powered by Dimac secure platform, MCVx Remote integrates and connects customers’ existing inspection and sorting systems, aiming to keep lines up and running, boost supply chain productivity and grow bottom line revenues. Dimac points out that it is very easy and fast to set-up, users simply: Access the inspection machines over the network from the MCV folder on their Notebook. Select the Dimac machine on which they want to work. The main program window displays a real time running image at the selected machine. Activate the wizard procedure to load, edit, set-up and test specific part programs and inspection tools. When edited, save the job by pressing OK… and it is done.

In common with all Dimac software and applications, MCVx Remote is a plug and play and multilingual package, compatible with popular operating systems. Dimac Remote Support: Is a new facility, connecting swiftly with the Dimac Technical Service staff to troubleshoot and get real time online help. Dimac Smart Apps: Will be launched soon and will enable monitoring of the entire inspection cycle via phone or email anytime and everywhere, simultaneously tracking patterns and trends through a reliable reporting system. Also, Dimac’s R&D in providing 4.0 solutions in automation, inspection and connectivity is proving profitable for customers in terms of return of investment, reducing costs and times, and improving accessibility. Massimo Agrati, general manager at Dimac, comments: “We are investing in new releases to enhance efficiency across several fastener industry applications.” www.dimacsrl.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

New SMS HDG line on stream at MMK

A new hot dip galvanising line from SMS group has increased Russian steelmaker MMKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual capacity of galvanised steel by 360,000 tonnes.

JSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) commissioned the new continuous hot dip galvanising line in July 2017. The line was completely supplied by SMS group and is designed to process 360,000 tonnes of galvanised cold strip per year. With this line, MMK has enhanced its production capacity of galvanised steel by almost 20% to reach an annual output of more than two million tonnes. The line serves for hot dip galvanising of cold rolled, thin, low carbon steel strips. Most of the resulting products are employed in the construction and packaging industries. The facility was established in Magnitogorsk in the southern Ural Mountains on the site of rolling mill No. 11. SMS supplied the complete line from one source, including mechanical equipment, process and furnace technologies, as well as electrical and automation systems. SMS had already supplied to MMK a hot dip galvanising line and a universal annealing and hot dip galvanising line, which were both put on stream in 2012 with good results.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Combining experience and advanced technology A new series of bag packaging systems from Automated Packaging Systems combine 50 years’ experience with advanced technology to achieve maximum productivity.

utomated Packaging Systems has launched the Autobag® 500™ and Autobag® 550™ baggers. Both are versatile machines with high-speed productivity that are not only suitable for a wide range of packaging applications, but also deliver the company’s most reliable, efficient and cost-effective solutions yet. Features include a speed cycle of 45 bags per minute; next-bag-out printing to prevent product queuing and reduce waste; multi-position unwind with tension control, which simplifies changeovers; and an AutoTouch™ control screen for ease of use, as well as network integration to facilitate central monitoring. The culmination of more than 50 years’ experience combined with the latest technology, the baggers are the most advanced to be brought to market from Automated Packaging Systems. The series also includes a newly designed bag sealer area which, combined with improved temperature control and optional seal-flatteners, ensures consistent, high-quality seals. Steve Dougan, European product manager for Automated Packaging Systems, explains: “It’s still recognisably an Autobag but under the skin there’s been a major overhaul. We’ve kept the features critical to success, such as the seal flatteners, and the bags aren’t changing, so there’s no stock issues.” Steve continues: “The Autobag 500 is on a slightly smaller footprint, has been solidly engineered to ensure it upholds the reliability legacy, and is based on the same platform as the proven Autobag 850S. We believe this will have a real impact on the market and change how our customers operate. The new series brings together decades of experience in both producing packaging solutions and understanding the needs of our customers, with the implementation of advanced technology to bring more efficient packing systems that can speed up processes whilst capturing data that customers can analyse to improve operations.” The Autobag 500 series offers easier and faster loading, even for bulky and hard to handle items. Featuring an innovative adjustable pass-through, which automatically opens the bag much wider than traditional systems, to enable access, and with no light curtains and less guarding, they offer unrestricted access to the pre-opened bag without compromising operator safety.

New REGG i600 3.0 with packing unit The new i600 3.0 from REGG Inspection Srl features 30% less floor space and 50% higher accuracy.

ased in Gorgonzola, Milan, REGG Inspection manufactures high-quality inspection systems. The new i600 3.0 introduces a new hardness detection module, which is composed of two fork shaped coils working in continuous mode. The system can detect both hardened and non-hardened material. This inspection machine also has an integrated packing unit, with the new system automatically unloading the good parts into boxes made up of plastic or cardboard. These pieces are evenly distributed inside the boxes and counted with zero error.

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The next-bag-out printing feature is achieved by positioning an advanced thermal transfer imprinter directly over the next bag to be loaded. This ensures accuracy and efficiency in applications that require frequent product and label changeovers – preventing product queuing and eliminating a separate labelling operation. Steve concludes: “The Autobag 550 bagger is a technologically advanced, automatic filing and sealing machine designed for reliability, ﬂexibility and optimising packaging throughput. Capable of cycling at speeds up to 45 bags per minute, this system was designed to maximise machine uptime while lowering total cost of ownership.”

4.0

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

SAFED laboratory convinces industry leaders The SAFED laboratory that opened last year in Mödling, Austria, has spurred the interest of numerous businesses within the European heat treatment industry.

he test plant is already contributing to the continued advancement of thermal processes, says Dr Herwig Altena, head of development and applications engineering at AICHELIN Holding, a subsidiary of the Berndorf Group and one of the worldwide leaders for the production of industrial furnace plants. “We are very happy about the numerous enquiries and the exciting and informative experiments that we are now conducting together with our customers. This way, we can test processes individually under real life conditions and work on solutions tailored to our customers’ needs,” says Dr Altena. Visitors to the laboratory are mostly European companies and leaders of the screw, fastenings, and coin industry. In most cases, they come with very clear ideas but want to gain valuable knowledge before making a definitive decision to buy; or they want to test critical

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precision adjustments and clarify detailed issues in practice. AICHELIN also benefits from these manifold tests. The company can enhance its profound know-how and will thus be able to use the added value gained in product development and process optimisation to the advantage of its customers. The test plant is a cast link belt furnace, which is ideally suited for bright annealing, hardening under protective gas atmosphere, carburisation or case-hardening, artificial aging, as well as tempering. At temperatures of up to 1,100ยบC, steel components can be treated under any desired composition of protective gas atmosphere. The gas supply panels of the SAFED plant enable the supply of nitrogen, endogas, hydrogen, propane, natural gas and air. At a maximum loading of 30kg per running metre, the cycle time is between 7.5 minutes and 60 minutes. The plant also has a rapid cooling device, enabling cooling down to under 100ยบC within 2 minutes. When working with thin-walled components such as razor blades, customers are also able to use gas cooling in order to reach their desired results. Since 1936, the traditional Swiss brand SAFED has specialised in the development and production of heat treatment plants for metal and non-metal serial parts in a large number of industry sectors. In 2007, SAFED became part of AICHELIN group, one of the leading international companies for high-quality industrial plants for thermal and thermo-chemical heat treatment of metallic components. As of 2013, SAFED plants are planned, constructed and manufactured at the Austrian site of AICHELIN Ges.m.b.H.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Greenkote pushes environmental credentials of TD anti-corrosion coating Corrosion, particularly on iron and steel components and structures, represents a very significant cost to society. As a result, corrosion resistant coatings have become vital in helping to mitigate the impact of corrosion in many industries. Today, the issues and concerns extend well beyond corrosion.

s users seek improved corrosion protection, they are now also looking for metal coatings that can provide enhanced properties such as resistance to wear and galling, better thickness uniformity, stronger surface adhesion, greater affordability, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steel – all while being eco-friendly. The traditional zinc-based process often consumes significant volumes of water and produces highly toxic wastewater for processing and disposal. European directives such as RoHS, EEE and ELV give a clue to the kind of regulations that could be just around the corner. Across industry in general, EU guidelines form a reference for regulators to set permit conditions under the Industrial Emissions Directive, all regulated industries are expected to achieve compliance with their Associated Emission Levels (AEL) rules within strict timeframes. Permits for all installations will require updating by early 2018. Zinc thermal diffusion coating (TD) represents a newer, more technically advanced version of an older process called diffusion coating or sherardising, invented in the early 1900s by Sherard Cowper-Coles. In the original diffusion coating process, finished metal components were placed into an enclosed cylindrical drum containing a filler medium, typically sand, to which zinc dust was added. The drum was sealed, mechanically rotated, and placed into a kiln to heat the mixture to approach the melting point of zinc (419ºC). At this temperature, the zinc dust vapourised and diffused into the steel parts, building a layer of zinc-iron intermetallics across all exposed surfaces. Improved production techniques mean consistent and predictable zinc TD coatings – in the range of 10µm to 50µm – can now be applied with a combination of very good uniformity and density, even on parts with complex geometries. With better drum and retort design, parts of many shapes and sizes, from a few millimetres to several metres in length, can be coated with zinc TD. Finely tuned control of the temperature profile, coating material charge, retort rotation and process times can efficiently process many different ferrous materials in wrought, cast, or powder metal formats. Further innovations in equipment design have removed the need for sand or other filler media, so batch size is maximised and coating inclusions are minimised. Specialised zinc alloy chemistries have also been developed to accelerate the reaction, promote full density, and enhance corrosion resistance of the coating by generating a more robust alloyed surface oxide layer. Modern zinc TD processing can provide excellent corrosion resistance for steel, in part because zinc iron intermetallic structures intrinsically have better corrosion resistance than pure zinc or metallic zinc layers. However, the advantages of a TD coating go well beyond basic corrosion resistance. Since the coating is integrally diffused into the surface of the part and provides a true metallurgical bond, coated parts can withstand deformation and still maintain corrosion protection. In addition, the Zn-Fe intermetallic structure is inherently harder than traditional metallic zinc coatings, in the range of HRC 40, which provides enhanced wear and abrasion resistance and makes the coated part significantly more damage tolerant in the field.

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As the surface coating reacts fully with the steel surface metallurgically, the coating is thermally stable up to the range of 600°C. Because the coating is created by continued evaporation of zinc in close proximity, even complex surface geometries can be uniformly coated, including recesses and fine internal diameters. The TD process also allows assembled components, such as chains or hinges to be effectively coated while fully assembled. In addition, the zinc TD coating surface features a unique, natural microroughness that enhances the adhesion of subsequent surface layers. Paints or other organic and inorganic layers can be applied to the TD surface with little or no special surface preparation. For the same reason, zinc TD surfaces are well suited for rubber overmoulding and other subsequent bonding applications. In contrast to most of the other zinc coating processes, zinc TD is inherently clean and environmentally benign. The process uses no solvents, acids, or complex gases and requires very little process water except for post-cleaning and even that water can be cleaned and reused. The process does not involve any dangerous chemicals and contains no heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Cd, or Co, which are experiencing increased regulatory scrutiny. The only process waste is a minimal amount of zinc oxide (ZnO) dust, which can be collected and recycled or sold as a raw material to other industries. Commenting on the future importance of the green agenda, Mark Gore, Greenkote chief executive officer, said: “As environmental performance moves up the agenda as a metric in the platings and coatings industry, so companies like Greenkote, which can offer a unique combination of high performance, both from an engineering and environmental perspective, will get stronger. Our technology is in use right across the engineering spectrum, from automotive car parts through to specialist bolt manufacturers working in some of the most challenging engineering environments around the world, where peak performance is essential.”

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Perfection in production 10 questions manufacturers and distributors should ask during ERP selection

Implementing ERP software is a necessity for mid-sized businesses. The problem is that small and mid-sized businesses, in particular, are often overwhelmed by the abundance and diversity of available solutions.

early all ERP systems come with classic functions such as CRM, accounting, purchasing and sales and allow for basic configuration. However, a large product catalogue alone does not guarantee an effective industry specific enterprise software. Which functions are most relevant for efficient production processes? And what other key criteria can help manufacturers and distributors build confidence in the ERP selection process? abas Software has compiled a checklist of 10 questions manufacturers and distributors should ask before making a decision.

Question 1: Does the software suit our production processes?

Individual production, serial production, variant production: Different types of manufacturing place unique demands on your ERP system. For example, when producing unique pieces or small batches, materials management must keep up with growing parts lists and be able to react flexibly to accommodate customer wishes. Because of this, small batch production benefits from an ERP system that enables strategic production planning that takes into account numerous unknowns and dynamically implements countermeasures in cases of deviation between the plans and the current situation. In serial manufacturing, on the other hand, the challenge is achieving the greatest possible process standardisation and automation, while purchasing raw materials and components at low prices. Here, ERP systems that optimise process speed through automatic ordering and production, and that easily offer meaningful vendor and price comparisons, are at the head of the pack. The complexity of customer specific serial production requires professional ERP support, particularly for minimising processing and set-up times and for variant management. Depending on the company and product portfolio, individual requirements make it difficult to select the right ERP system. Does the ‘extended workbench’ play a role? Will supply chains need to be connected via interfaces? How relevant is integrated QM? Regardless of the type of production, all manufacturing companies have something in common. The more industry experience the ERP vendor has, the higher the efficiency gains, and the smoother the software implementation. The costs of the ERP solution are reduced significantly if all of the production specific functions are already included in the standard range of functions, eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly customisation.

Based on your order data, a draft plan is created by comparing the backward scheduling of processes to unlimited resources. However, traditional PPC systems are reaching their limits. With increasing time pressure and lean warehousing, system disturbances, rush jobs, supplier delays, and employee downtime, all leading to massive problems. In cases where PPC can’t handle all of these parameters, the more agile APS takes over the detailed planning. Production events can be taken into account immediately, and the work sequence is adjusted automatically. Your planner has a full overview of all processes and immediately detects any bottlenecks, depicted visually on the control panel. In practical terms, within a matter of seconds, possible alternatives are played out in ‘what if’ simulations, and different scenarios are compared. In doing so, APS looks at a number of sources, including personnel data, machine maintenance schedules, and capacities for a scheduled shift. All changes and production progress are confirmed and communicated in real time to all involved departments such as purchasing, sales, scheduling, and warehousing. The movement toward smart factories will continue to increase the demands on the flexibility of production processes. Integrated APS solutions support your production management, minimise slack time, while optimising inventory and machinery and personnel utilisation.

Question 2: Does the ERP system offer Advanced Planning?

Are your processes complex, with a variety of work steps and variations? Do you struggle with shortages or long set-up times? Then your company software should also provide an APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) in addition to a PPC (Production Planning and Control).

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 119

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS Question 3: Does the software optimise our logistics?

Is your company an automotive supplier? If so, you rely on effective ERP support to an even greater degree than other production companies. Since the automotive industry’s requirements on the entire supply chain are enormously high, uncompromising customer orientation and state of the art technology are mandatory. Standard ERP solutions, even traditional product suites in the industry, are far from adequate in these respects. The ERP software needs to master manufacturer specific logistics processes, such as Audi’s ‘string of pearls’ scheduling system or VW’s New Logistics Concept (NLK), and enable electronic data exchange via EDI. The Just in Time (JIT) concept in automobile manufacturing challenges suppliers to produce with a lead time of just a few days while adhering to delivery dates. The worst case scenario – a single delayed truck can bring the production line to a standstill. The consequences are expensive extra trips or high contractual penalties. Smooth material flow with the lowest possible capital commitment from the warehouse is therefore of utmost importance. All divisions, from purchasing to warehousing, are closely interlinked in order to detect bottlenecks as early as possible. External partners along the entire value added chain are also integrated via portals – this is the only way to determine in real time where certain parts or containers are currently located. Huge amounts of data must be exchanged quickly, correctly and securely, despite corporate and system restrictions. These challenging tasks and sometimes contradictory objectives cannot be achieved without highly specialised IT solutions for the supply industry. An industry specific ERP system contributes significantly to ensuring the competitiveness of automotive suppliers in increasingly volatile markets.

…globalisation is here to stay among mid-sized enterprises…” Question 4: Does the ERP system support our product over its entire lifetime?

Ever shorter innovation cycles require efficient documentation and management of all data in the product life cycle. Expenditures for joint use and synchronisation (for example, CAD data for global teams) are increasing, as is the demand for powerful tools that enable effective collaboration during product development. The solution: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) encompasses all product data, from the first idea, to design and manufacturing, to service and disposal. Modern ERP solutions seamlessly integrate the product lifecycle into production planning and control. If, for example, CAD data from design drawings is stored, the system automatically generates item and parts lists. All product changes and versions are fully traceable.

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Because of this, PLM is much more than just a tool for central product data management in the technical development division. Practice shows that integrating the technical product level in the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) along with the business processes (ERP) permanently increases efficiency in product development. Both areas are growing even more intertwined, which benefits manufacturing companies. Full transparency of product data and product experiences helps reduce time to market for new products, optimise the product portfolio, reduce production costs, enhance product quality, and improve service documentation.

Question 5: Does the software help us make better decisions?

By 2020, an estimated 50 million devices will be networked in the Internet of Things (IoT) worldwide. The decisive competitive advantage, even for mid-sized enterprises, will be not just to manage these exponentially growing volumes of data, but also to use them strategically. Only when you can generate added value for your process optimisation and management of big data does the flood of information become ‘data gold’. Excel sheets are no longer sufficient for this purpose. Modern ERP systems provide professional analysis tools that strategically filter, evaluate, and prepare the collected data. Rather than manually gathering data from a variety of sources, integrated business intelligence solutions enable simple, fast, and up to date reporting at the push of a button. Sophisticated dashboards display your evaluations and metrics transparently and clearly – an enormous advantage compared to presentation in table form. Whether you are working on liquidity planning, procurement and processing times, forecasts, or customer and product segmentation, you can identify opportunities and risks at an early stage, analyse trends and outliers, and optimise processes in a timely manner. When selecting a BI tool, consider both its integration into your ERP dashboard as well as mobile access to your reports. Intuitive user interfaces that enable users without programming skills to prepare individual queries (self-service-BI) have proven themselves in the market.

Question 6: Will the ERP system grow with us?

For some time now, manufacturing companies have no longer operated only in local markets – globalisation is here to stay among mid-sized enterprises – procurement and sales are internationally oriented, and production locations or international partners are, in some cases, integrated into the corporate network. Often, the IT landscape within the company lags behind in terms of internationalisation. Are your project management teams distributed across the globe or is a merger pending? Do you have a production facility in China or are you planning a sales office in the United States? It is all the more important that you assess ERP software – and the vendor – for scaling potential. How easily can the new teams or subsidiaries be integrated into the system? Does the vendor have an international presence, and do they know the requirements of different markets? Does the product portfolio include not only client solutions, but true multi-site functions? Is the ERP system available indifferent languages, and does it handle multiple currencies? Multi-site enabled ERP systems simplify management within even the most complex organisations by controlling the flow of materials and value – centrally and transparently – throughout the company. Automated workflows between factories reduce the effort needed for coordination, and also accelerate processes. The big advantage: Common information, such as master data, but also inventories,

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS orders, and production plans, is available to all locations in real time. With material shortages or utilisation peaks, redistribution between subsidiary or sister companies ensures on-time delivery.

Question 7: Is the software available to everyone, including external partners?

In many manufacturing companies, data is exchanged continuously with customers and suppliers. To ensure a high degree of process automation and to avoid system failure or complex synchronisation, external partners can be easily integrated into the ERP system. ERP software has an open architecture, appropriate interfaces, and robust connectors. In this context, privacy and controlled access to information also play an important role. In manufacturing companies, specialty applications must be integrated in order to acquire operational data, machine time and working hours, APS for deal planning, or PLM for product lifecycle management. Enquire with vendors not only about their technology, but also about their strategies. Does the software offer you important ‘best of breed’ special features, in other words, the best currently on the market? Which software partners does it collaborate with, and what does the middleware look like? Are hassle-free upgrades possible? Does the portfolio contain all of the industry specific extras that you need and which ones are currently being planned?

Question 8: Does the ERP system mobilise the production processes?

According to polls, IT technicians attach growing importance to the use of mobile devices in everyday business. In turn, the demand for mobile accessibility has reached enterprise software – check whether the ERP system offers mobile applications. Modern work on mobile devices is more than just synchronising appointment calendars. Sophisticated Apps let users manage processes from nearly every business division via smartphone, tablet, or scanner solution from home offices, while commuting or while visiting customers. The advantages are obvious – the entire database is synchronised in real time and is currently available in the ERP system to all users. Inconvenient data updates at the end of stressful workdays are eliminated, paper waste is reduced, and data quality increases. A mobile strategy is important, meaning that users should analyse precisely which processes within the company are suitable for mobile access, and whether these processes are supported by the vendor. Traditional areas like mobile shopping, sales, warehousing, and service are not the only manufacturing functions that can benefit from mobilisation. Innovative shop floor applications can significantly optimise production processes. Only in this way can data from personnel and operations be incorporated directly into detailed planning via mobile devices. Make sure that scanner solutions are designed for the efficient use of industrial devices in production. Successful mobile applications are limited to essential information, and can be easily operated with one finger.

Question 9: Is the software also available in the cloud?

Sooner or later, anyone considering ERP applications will ask themselves: Cloud or non-cloud? Although mobile Apps can be used through an on-site server, mobile access can only reach its full potential when it is integrated with the cloud. In particular, small and mid-sized businesses benefit greatly from operating ERP software in the provider’s cloud. Investment in expensive technical

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infrastructure is eliminated, and the use of ‘software as a service’ (SaaS) with flexible rental models increases liquidity. Important processes such as data synchronisation, software updates, and backups are controlled automatically and monitored by the provider – significantly simplifying the end user’s work. Another aspect is pertinent in the manufacturing industry. Communication between intelligent workpieces and machines (M2M communication) leads to a rapid increase in data volume. A wide range of partners must be networked via a technological platform that enables data exchange between IT systems. There seems to be no alternative to the cloud working as a switchboard operator for Industry 4.0. Important: Do not compromise performance and data security. Make sure that the cloud provider works with offsite local, certified high performance data processing centers. Redundant data storage and 24/7 support are also necessary. In addition, ensure that the system complies with federal data privacy guidelines, such as those applicable to processing personal data.

Question 10: Does the ERP vendor also bring enthusiasm and ideas to the table?

Did you answer ‘yes’ to the first 9 questions? Congratulations, the software is a good fit. But how does the situation with the vendor look? Before you make a final decision, it is worthwhile to take a look behind the scenes. Was the software vendor’s vision convincing, and do you trust that the vendor will provide you with skilled support along the path to digital transformation – not just now, but also in the future? For manufacturing companies, the vendor’s expertise and industry know-how plays an important role. Only someone who understands smart factories and related concepts can provide you with the necessary processes within the ERP system. You should also inform yourself about the roadmap and the modernisation cycle. To what extent and in which divisions are investments planned for further development of the ERP system? What specialists, experts, and partners are on board? Sustainable vendors boast a high release rate and guarantee that both the scope of functionality and the technologies implemented in your ERP system are always state of the art.

Conclusion

Technological innovation, growth and competitive advantage. For manufacturing and distribution operations of all sizes and industries, achieving these goals requires strong enterprise software. Above all, industry appropriate ERP solutions are a decisive factor for handling increasing data volumes and optimising efficiency in production. Faster, cheaper, and more customer oriented manufacturing is a strategic imperative. With this in mind, don’t wait too long to make an ERP implementation decision, but still take time to examine important selection criteria and get to know qualified vendors. Only software that is well suited to your business, industry and team culture can guarantee the success you desire.

About abas ERP

abas software is an innovator of ERP solutions for mid-sized business that aspire to be the leader in its industry. It uses its 35 years of experience to deliver exactly what customers need – software that is agile, intuitive, mobile, sustainable for the long-term, and that works wherever needed – in the cloud, on premise or as a hybrid ERP solution. abas’ unique ERP software maximises flexibility while allowing for easy upgrades. Want to know more? Visit www.abas-erp.com or email info@abas-erp.com

TECHNICAL

The case for structural blind fasteners in automotive applications By Graham Musgrove, product engineer, Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings The call for lightweighting has led to significant advancements in how we design and construct vehicles. Technology gains have resulted in new and exciting possibilities, but they have also created unique problem sets. The move toward increased aluminium usage in vehicles is one example.

hile it is widely accepted that aluminium improves fuel economy and agility, it also poses joint design challenges. The lessons learned while fastening steel bodies do not translate to the new aluminium joints, since aluminium behaves differently than steel. Based on this fact, even accepted practices like welding must be rethought. Fortunately, proven technologies already exist to replace, and even improve upon, now incompatible practices. Enter structural blind fasteners. They have been used in many critical joint applications for decades, including widespread usage in aerospace, proving their reliability. The availability of carbon steel, aluminium, and stainless steel variations make structural blind fasteners a viable option for joining a multitude of materials, including aluminium. Also, the installation of structural blind fasteners does not require the extensive training required for other joining technologies, and their captive subcomponents eliminate the ‘squeak-and-rattle’ caused by other types of fasteners. You may ask ‘why try something new, when I know and trust adhesives or welding?’ This article will explore the benefits and drawbacks of these technologies, and compare them to the benefits of structural blind fastening.

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Adhesives

For manufacturers who must join dissimilar materials, adhesives are an attractive option – with application usually simple and straightforward. These adhesives form consistent bonds between both similar and dissimilar materials, while only nominally adding to the weight of the structure. Additionally, adhesives can be applied along the perimeter of a joint to lend additional strength and provide a measure of protection from contaminants. One can choose from a broad selection of adhesive products for use in a number of applications. However, these options must be carefully evaluated, as many can be costly. Also, bonding times can be extensive, and if the adhesive is not applied consistently and cured properly, the resulting bond could be unreliable. When adhesives are used, a careful review of each joint must be performed. Adhesives can also be susceptible to degradation based on atmospheric conditions or contact with corrosive elements, raising long-term durability concerns for many applications. Lastly, the environmental impact of adhesives cannot be ignored. The disposal of residues from the application and cleaning up of adhesives can present problems, as can the recycling of end of life vehicles in which adhesives were used.

Structural blind fasteners offer similar benefits to those of non-structural blind fasteners, while also providing a distinct advantage – quantifiable and predictable shear and tensile strength.” Welding

Welding is another widely accepted process for joining metals, having been used in various forms since the Bronze Age. The twentieth and twenty-first centuries have seen a growth in new welding technologies, many in response to lightweighting objectives and the introduction of new materials. The growing use of aluminium in the automotive industry has presented two major challenges for welding technology – electrical conductivity and surface preparation. The high thermal conductivity of aluminium means heat must be applied four times faster than with steel in order to raise the temperature the same amount. While high current must be used to generate sufficient heat to reach melting temperatures, this heat must be carefully controlled because aluminium exhibits low strength at high temperatures. For this reason, heavy or loaded parts must be supported during and after welding. Even after cooling, these heat-affected zones are often very brittle. In addition, welding differing aluminium alloys, or aluminium to other materials, adds another challenge. Each alloy has its own specific melting point, requiring different levels and speeds of heat application. Welding aluminium can also create complex and unpredictable microstructures in the heat-affected zones. Where welds on steel show a colour change at the melting point, aluminium does not. In fact, aluminium gives no visual indication that the area next to the weld could melt, which may result in welds that are larger than desired. Cracks in aluminium welds are another significant challenge. Not only are aluminium welds prone to developing cracks at the outset, they will also naturally age harden over time, further increasing the probability of cracking. The high coefficient of thermal expansion exhibited by aluminium means that it expands two times as much as steel, so if the part is constrained by fastening or part design, this could also lead to cracking at the joint. When aluminium is to be joined, pre-heating and slow cooling parts having different cross-sectional thicknesses, which can help prevent this cracking from occurring. Surface preparation is another area where the practice for aluminium differs from that of steel. Naturally occurring oxidation in the form of aluminium oxide must be removed from the surface prior to welding. Aluminium oxide has a higher melting point than that of the base metal, so if heat is applied when present, the resulting weld could be weaker or wider than expected. Inert gas or flux are typically used to prevent oxidation from forming after the surface has been prepared. However, either of these oxidation treatments could cause weld imperfections. In addition, the presence of flux could also lead to future corrosion issues.

Structural blind fasteners

A third method of joining utilised by automotive manufacturers is blind fasteners. Blind fasteners are used to join dissimilar materials such as aluminium to steel, or aluminium to carbon fibre. Current applications for these fasteners include window regulators, door handles, and trim. Blind fasteners are low cost, easy to install, and easy to inspect. There are two major classes of blind fasteners – structural and non-structural. Today, the majority of blind fasteners in use are non-structural ‘pop’ type rivets, which limits their application to light-duty type joints, since non-structural blind rivets are not load-bearing. Structural blind fasteners offer similar benefits to those of non-structural blind fasteners, while also providing a distinct advantage – quantifiable and predictable shear and tensile strength. Unlike ‘pop’ type rivets, structural blind rivets retain their mandrel after installation. This retention of the mandrel is made possible by the interaction of the mandrel and mandrel sleeve during the installation process. The presence of the mandrel accounts for a 60% – 80% increase in load carrying ability in shear and tensile over conventional non-structural blind fasteners. Structural blind fasteners can be differentiated from non-structural not only by their overall increased level of strength, but also by the fact that their published shear values will be higher than their tensile values. Structural blind fasteners install quickly (often in under one second), by a single operator from one side of the material. Operator training is simple, and does not require any sort of certification. Also, special training is not a requirement for inspection, since the visual inspection of structural blind fasteners is based solely on the position of the mandrel break location relative to the sleeve.

Many sleeves contain undercut filets, a notch that allows for correct seating of the fastener even in the presence of burrs

Mandrel retention lends structural strength throughout the joint

The visible side of installed fastener allows for visual inspection of flush pin break

Figure 1: Cutaway of an installed structural blind fastener showing both a retained mandrel and a flush break

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 125

TECHNICAL

The growing usage of aluminium and other exotic materials presents unique challenges in joint design. Understanding how different joining technologies function from the perspective of weight, cost, productivity, and reliability is crucial.” Many attributes make structural blind fasteners ideal for fastening dissimilar materials. These fasteners are available in a variety of materials, diameters, head styles, coatings, and structural strengths. They join material through either hole fill or surface bearing. Hole filling blind fasteners ensure holes remain correctly aligned after installation, preventing ‘sheet creep’, while surface bearing blind fasteners may be used with thin or brittle material or where high tear out loads are required. These surface bearing fasteners may also be used in situations with slotted holes on the blind side of the application. Installation of structural blind fasteners is both safe and simple. No fumes are emitted in the installation process, no heat is used, and surfaces do not have to be cleaned or pre-treated. The availability of material and coating options for structural blind fasteners virtually eliminates concerns about surface oxidation. Some structural blind fasteners even include undercut filets on the sleeves, ensuring they seat properly and require no grinding or deburring of the hole surface. Installed structural blind fasteners remain tight up to their minimum mechanical values, creating tight, vibration resistant joints that are less susceptible to cracking. These versatile fasteners can also be used in conjunction with adhesives to ensure that a joint remains tight until the adhesives cure, while also contributing additional supportive strength to the joint. Finally, the installed cost of structural blind fasteners tends to be lower than that of other joining options, with savings on time, labour, and complicated inspection processes – resulting in overall savings and higher output.

Moving forward

The automotive industry is under continued pressure to do more with less – less weight, less cost, and less time. The growing usage of aluminium and other exotic materials presents unique challenges in joint design. Understanding how different joining technologies function from the perspective of weight, cost, productivity, and reliability is crucial. While adhesives and welding are often the joining technologies of choice when trying to address weight concerns, structural blind fasteners should also be given strong consideration. Structural blind fasteners may add minimal weight to the system when compared to adhesives or welds, but despite this, structural blind fasteners offer a viable, if not superior, alternative to other technologies. Structural blind fasteners create strong, tight joints between various materials, and the wide selection of fastener options offers unique characteristics and performance, allowing joint designers to zero in on the solution that works best for each application. Easy installation procedures make it easier to secure and train operators, while quick visual inspection guidelines help ensure that each joint is fastened properly, every time.

The automotive industry is under continued pressure to do more with less – less weight, less cost, and less time

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Aluminium Endless benefits, versatile use

Aluminium is lightweight, strong, recyclable and the most abundant metal on Earth – but there’s a lot to keep in mind when you use it. Here Nord-Lock Group gives us its best advice on how to join aluminium parts with bolted joints.

luminium has dominated the aerospace industry for over half a century. In the last 10 years, other industries have also started turning to this miracle metal. According to David Harris from ALFED, the federation representing the aluminium industry in the UK, the reason for this is its many benefits: “Aluminium is light, strong, and easily fabricated into extrusions and other casts. It has good corrosion resistance, and can be joined by welding, adhesive bonding and mechanical methods. It can be anodised and painted to give a wide range of attractive finishes that improve appearance, and further enhance corrosion resistance. Aluminium is also a good conductor of electricity – better than copper by volume, and a quarter of the price. It’s a good conductor of heat. And, crucially, at the end of its very long life, it’s recyclable again and again – with no loss of quality.” Despite this long list, the money men of the automotive industry favour aluminium for one simple reason: It’s lightweight. Considerable weight savings lead to both improved energy efficiency and a more appealing product. Ford, for instance, claims that its F-150 pickup truck with its aluminium body is 700lb (about 318 kilos) lighter than other car models.

Joining aluminium parts together

There are several suitable ways to join aluminium parts – welding, soldering, gluing and nailing, as well as bolted connections – which are best used when the joint needs to be opened regularly (e.g to perform maintenance). So what is the best method to join aluminium parts together using bolts and nuts? “It’s hard to give clear advice, as it very much depends on the aluminium used,” starts Frida Cullin Persson, project manager at Nord-Lock Group, who has a background in material science. “Both steel bolts and stainless steel bolts can be used together with aluminium; however, we recommend that you check with your supplier about the type of aluminium you’re using, and the environment you’re using it in. Get guidance on how to avoid galvanic corrosion as well.”

Aluminium use in different industries Transport:

The lightweight nature of aluminium reduces overall weight (and therefore fuel consumption) of cars, trucks and trains. Especially important in aerospace.

Mechanical:

All sorts of applications due to its strength and ease of machining.

Construction:

Widely used for windows, façades and roofs. Its good resistance to corrosion results in low maintenance costs.

Electronics:

Similar conductivity to copper but with less weight.

Packaging:

Both flexible applications such as menu trays, food containers and plain foil, and rigid applications such as food and drink cans and aerosol cans.

Sports equipment: Lightweight, easy to shape into different parts.

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Using aluminium bolts instead of steel is rare. It’s more common to use standardised steel fasteners (for example, steel bolts Class 8.8), since they’re stronger and less expensive. Frida adds: “Aluminium bolts can be a good choice when the joint is exposed to temperature variations. Using bolts made of the same material as the clamped parts decreases the risk of having increased stresses in components, or dropped clamp load due to different thermal expansions.”

Things to keep in mind

Since aluminium deforms easily and does not support high pressures, users should consider reducing the load when clamping aluminium parts together with steel fasteners. Alternatively, placing a washer underneath the bolt head can help distribute the load over a larger area, which permits a higher clamp load. One possible solution for this is the Nord-Lock wedge-locking SP washer, with an enlarged outer diameter. “We recommend using the SP washers together with flanged fasteners, which are common in lower property classes,” explains Frida. When using a threaded hole in aluminium, it’s also important to remember that the minimal threaded engagement length is longer for aluminium than for steel. A threaded insert might be necessary to increase the thread strength of the hole, particularly when the joint is often retightened. www.nord-lock.com

Did you know? Pure aluminium is rarely used for industrial purposes. Instead, it’s usually mixed with copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc to create aluminium alloys.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

NORMA Group recognised as Supplier of the Year by Ahlsell NORMA Group has been named Supplier of the Year by Ahlsell Norway AS, a leading distributor of water management solutions. The award recognised NORMA Group’s distribution services in Sweden for its outstanding customer support and marketing activities within the Norwegian market.

rank Stümpel, vice-president EMEA distribution services at NORMA Group, said: “The award shows that our constant efforts to provide high-quality solutions and custom-fit service meet our partners’ demands. We are proud to receive this honour by our partner Ahlsell.” NORMA Group has been supplying DCS Rapid pipe couplings, ABA Original worm drive hose clamps and RSGU pipe retaining clips, as well as other products to Ahlsell Norway since 2014. “The strong and established partnership with NORMA Group

helps us to succeed in the competitive Scandinavian market,” said Dan Halldin, product manager soil and drain at Ahlsell Norway. “We thank NORMA Group in Sweden for the trusting collaboration and celebrate the common success of our two companies.” Ahlsell is the leading distributor of installation products, tools and supplies for water management, as well as cable and road safety markets across Scandinavia. The company recognises outstanding suppliers for excellent performance in the areas of sales support, customer service and delivery reliability. www.normagroup.com

tesa® set to support electronic device manufacturers With smartphone shipments worldwide projected to reach over 1.71 billion by 2020, tesa® UK is continuing to create and innovate the latest technology required to support electronic device manufacturers.

ix years ago, much was made of the statistic that more people worldwide owned a mobile phone than a toothbrush. Since then, the smartphone, which was initially perceived as something of an ostentatious gadget, has developed into an essential upgrade and the device is now owned by over 81% of the UK population. By next year it is expected a third of the world’s population will own one, an estimated total of almost 2.53 billion users. The demand placed on manufacturers therefore is set to remain significant, especially when considering the impact of other rapidly emerging technologies such as tablets, which themselves achieved the sale of 122 million units within two years of commercial availability. tesa® has been a world leading exponent of adhesive tape development for 75 years and is currently at the forefront of developing and producing adhesive solutions for use in electronic devices. The company is uniquely positioned to support manufacturers in satisfying consumer demand, both for device innovation and functionality, and already provides solutions that firmly secure tiny electronic components in place, such as window/lens mounting, earpiece meshing and LCD cushioning. The company is continuously striving to produce products that answer the needs of 21st century electronics manufacturers, exemplified by tesa wire harnessing and heat/voltage shielding double-sided tapes that are now common place under the bonnets of next generation electric and hybrid automotive vehicles. Without bright, flat, high-resolution screens, today’s smartphones, televisions, digital cameras and navigation systems would be unthinkable. Light management adhesive tapes not only hold the display and background lighting securely in place but also increase brightness, ensure sharply defined areas of light and absorb disruptive glare. Heat must be dissipated from inside the appliance and state of the art adhesive tapes from tesa play a key role in this process. The thinner the tape inside a device of this nature, the better its thermal conductivity, and tesa says it produces the world’s thinnest double-sided tape. At just 5µm (1µm = 1/1000mm) thick, it consists of a 2µm thick backing and, on each side, a 1.5µm coating of an acrylate adhesive mass developed by tesa. As a comparison, a single strand of human hair is about 50µm thick.

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Jeremy Smith, trade marketing manager at tesa, comments: “tesa products are based on a unique, future orientated technology and have been developed for extremely demanding bonds. We can not only offer solutions for all known applications but are now able to develop a portfolio of products for application areas where no adhesive bonding solutions have previously been available.” The value benefits of adhesive tapes include consistent performance, greater efficiency during the assembly process, optimum protection during production and high durability/negligible weight addition compared to mechanical means of affixing components. tesa continues to anticipate future requirements and develop the state of the art adhesive technology needed to support all contemporary electronic manufacturers.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Optimas makes tracks at new Hitachi Rail manufacturing facility Hitachi Rail Europe has recently worked with premium component supplier and logistics expert, Optimas OE Solutions LLC, in order to help simplify component and supply chain requirements at its Newton Aycliffe based train manufacturing facility. The new UK factory is the first of its kind outside of Japan, and is aimed squarely at supporting the European market, an effort that has been aided by Optimas expertise.

ynergising the component and logistical demands of a facility designed to manufacture high performance trains is not a simple task. Peter Mould, application engineer at Optimas, explains: “We were able to secure the contract initially as we could offer fasteners at competitive prices. We then worked closely with the Hitachi Rail team to rationalise the number of duplicated parts and simplify the numbering system. We liaised with Hitachi Rail engineers early on, so we could define a clear plan of action, removing any blueprint or component duplicates and selecting preferred vendors.” A push towards standardisation also enabled a reduced bill of materials, as less unique components were required. “By standardising component choice for Hitachi Rail we were able to offer simplified supplier management,” Peter continues, “but that was not the only benefit of local knowledge. Working with Hitachi design engineers we were able to enact EU component standards across the facility instead of Japanese equivalents, which simplified logistical demands and ensured the fasteners were specialised for applications in the UK.” With a clear component policy defined in conjunction with Hitachi Rail, Optimas turned its attention to increasing the efficiency of transporting fasteners from storage to the state of the art production line. Optimas supported the Hitachi Rail team to develop a Kanban system on-site, providing a lean manufacturing inventory control framework. The system aims to increase the efficiency of production processes, by ensuring an optimum number of parts are available on the line at any one time. However, it is not a fastener policy that was meant to stand still, Peter concludes: “Our dedicated Optimas team continues to work closely with Hitachi Rail to constantly review parts and the supply chain. We update the policy at the start of every new project, meaning that we keep the bill of materials in review for every new model, so we can maximise overall cost-effectiveness and efficiency. By being dynamic, we can move on the same path of expansion as Hitachi Rail as it grows in the European market.” Subsequently, Optimas has been awarded additional parts by Hitachi Rail, which are currently being implemented as part of the Kanban system. The clear implementation path defined by both businesses has meant expanding the fastener framework and ensuring customer success.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Improving process and material performance Henkel and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently discussed their close cooperation in the development of groundbreaking new treatment processes applied to the latest version of the Alfa Romeo Giulia – after sharing the podium at SURCAR 2017, the international meeting on automotive body finishing that took place in Cannes, France, in June. FCA and Henkel talked about how they have worked together for almost three years to develop and tailor Henkel materials and systems for FCA’s specific needs.

eight reduction in car bodies is causing significant changes to the processes applied in body and paint shops. Lighter car bodies manufactured from mixed steel and lighter metals such as aluminium are requiring new approaches to surface treatments. The new processes are providing car makers not only with the opportunity to use lighter metal structures, but they are themselves using materials that are lighter than previous generations of treatment products. Processes and procedures are changing significantly as new materials and application technologies are launched. At SURCAR, Roberto Selvestrel from FCA materials engineering paint and Manfred Holzmueller, sales director transplant OEM Business at Henkel, discussed results achieved by using new metal treatment systems applied to the new Giulia – created through close cooperation between body engineering, process and materials engineering, and the process material supplier. They shed light on a holistic approach involving state of the art multi-metal pre-treatment technology as well as acoustic, structural, sealing and coating technologies in the body and paint shop. The new Giulia has a body that is 90kg lighter than a comparable all steel body. This was achieved by the use of light metals in combination with new process materials and application technologies. To reduce weight, and improve performance, FCA is using aluminium to account for 45% of car body weight. It has adopted a groundbreaking acoustic package to enhance passenger comfort while saving more weight.

Pre-treatment processes

The BONDERITE® two-step metal pre-treatment process was developed by Henkel for multi-metal bodies with very high aluminium contents (up to 80%), providing superior corrosion performance while reducing investment and processing costs. The dip coating process uses zinc phosphate in the first step to treat the steel, followed by aluminium treatment in the post rinse. “Aluminium can be eaten up by the acids normally used to phosphate steel, so there is a need to find a balance in the treatment process,” says Holzmueller. “Corrosion performance is equal to tricationic Zn-phosphate, but the BONDERITE process generates 30% – 50% less sludge, consumes fewer chemicals, and creates less surface roughness that demands rework. Lower operating temperature also saves energy.”

Keeping the noise out

The Alfa Romeo Giulia also benefits from Henkel TEROSON® high expansion pillar fillers. These are mouldings made from a special foamable elastomer that are inserted into cavities in the car body – in the A-pillars for example – during assembly in the body shop. When the body passes through the e-coat oven, the high temperatures cause the mouldings to expand to up to ten times their original volume, completely filling and sealing the cavity. This prevents any air entering into the cavity while the vehicle is in motion, and eliminates any wind noise that would otherwise result. A second TEROSON product applied to the car body, TEROSON® AL7154, is a liquid spray-applied acrylic waterborne sound deadener (LASD) developed by Henkel to reduce noise generation in the passenger compartment, caused by vibration of the body shell. During extensive tests at FCA, this product showed

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by far the highest loss factor (a measure of the damping properties) of all candidate materials. The total weight of TEROSON AL7154 on the Giulia is over 10% less than standard bitumen pads that would have provided a lower level of acoustic insulation. A further advantage of this new LASD is that it can be applied robotically, without the need for any human intervention at all. This has important implications, not only in terms of costs, but also in terms of health and safety. The Alfa Romeo Giulia was the first new car to benefit from the use of TEROSON AL7154. Two other vehicles made by FCA on the same line in Cassino, Italy – the company’s first SUV, the Stelvio, as well as the existing Giulietta (in a running change) – have also since adopted the product. Also developed for fully robotic application on the Giulia is TEROSON® PV3414, a new interior and exterior seam sealer concept that replaces two different sealers – one for exterior seams, one for interiors, and both applied manually. It enables higher application speed, better sealing, better appearance, less dripping and significantly less manual touch-up work. Alfa Romeo is also the first adopter of this system, which is based on a PVC plastisol. According to Manfred Holzmueller: “The new Cassino paint shop is providing FCA with a step change in quality for its vehicles. The company now uses the most modern paint shop technology for the production of high class vehicles. We believe that the innovative spirit at Henkel is clearly on show in the new Giulia. We are facilitating weight reduction through the use of lighter metals, and we are helping our customer cut costs and improve sustainability by using fully automated application systems and reducing waste by avoiding sludge and overspray in the processes.” Furthermore, we are reducing the need for cleaning and maintenance. FCA has taken a major step forward with the simultaneous implementation of numerous new technologies and processes for the new Alfa Romeo Giulia. Very close and intensive cooperation between our two companies was essential, and I am happy that it has resulted in such a beautiful new car.”

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

The end of lug wear?

In many industries, lug wear is simply accepted as an unavoidable fact of life. But does it need to be? Could the Expander System offer a viable solution?

ny machine with moving pivots will eventually experience lug wear. The most common are applications subjected to heavy loads and vibrations, such as mining and construction equipment. Other common applications include industrial presses, wind turbines and moveable bridges. Any moving pivot in just about any application will experience lug wear at some point – the higher the demands, the faster the onset. When it happens, it will lead to a loss of precision and control. There are three main reasons why lug wear is inevitable when using conventional straight pins: 1. Lugs are typically made from softer material than the pin, causing them to deform when the two come into contact. 2. There is no pressure distribution in the lugs. This is due to the play between the lug holes and the pin, which is needed to mount the pin. When the pin is loaded, all pressure from the pin is forced onto thin lines in the lug holes. 3. The play enables the living force applied to the pin to hit the lug holes with full power as the equipment’s moving direction changes.

The most common solution to lug wear is to repair the lugs with welding and line boring. The first step of this is to unload the pivot and dismount the pin. Then the line boring equipment needs to be lined up and ‘mounted’ to the equipment. The worn lugs are rebored, filled up with weld, and finally rebored with a fine cut to the original diameter and tolerance. After removing the line boring equipment and repainting the lugs, a new replacement pin is installed. This whole process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the size and complexity of the installation. During this time, the machine is inoperable. Despite the time and costs, this method is generally accepted as unavoidable. “It’s just something everybody does because everybody else does it, and they’re not even aware that there is another way,” says Jonny Wiberg, development & research engineer, Expander. “Repairs are just accepted, and people don’t even look for another solution.”

136 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

…the Expander System can potentially eliminate lug wear once and for all.”

Over the years, engineers have searched for better solutions to the lug wear problem. None of the previous attempts have proven universally effective. One option is to use a pin that fits as tightly as possible into the lug’s holes, practically eliminating the play between the two, and ensuring the best possible pressure distribution for a straight pin. Not only does this make the pivot expensive and the pin difficult to mount; over time, the lug hole will expand anyway. Using the temperature method, the pin is frozen and then allowed to get warmer and expand once installed, creating a perfect press fit in the lugs. Tolerances of both pin and lugs need to be exceptionally tight – down to some hundredth of a millimetre, or tolerance Grade 6. This significantly increases the cost of the pivot. Pivots with frozen axles are often considered maintenance-free, but they are impossible to maintain, as the axle can’t be removed. Another solution is to improve the strength of the lugs with bushings. However, this will only prolong the onset of lug wear, and will not eliminate the problem completely, as the bushings Expander System – when installed, need to be replaced several times during the sleeves of the Expander System pin expand radially, filling the lug the equipment’s lifetime. to create an exact fit None of these solutions will completely remove the need for costly and time-consuming lug repairs. In contrast, the Expander System can potentially eliminate lug wear once and for all. It works by using a pin with tapered ends and expanding sleeves on each side. When it is installed, the sleeves expand radially, so that they fill the lug to create an exact press fit.

As the sleeves of the Expander System expand into the lug, they can take up unevenness or deformation, eliminating the need for welding and line boring. This significantly reduces the time needed for installation as well as the machine downtime. The most time-consuming process for installing the Expander System is the dismantling and removal of the original pin – a process that is also necessary before welding and line boring. In a recent example, the Swedish Expander company was asked to do a cost comparison for a 70mm axle. Considering the cost of the expansion bolt, the cost of pin removal and installation, plus the income loss from downtime, the total cost of the Expander System solution was calculated at around €500. A conventional pin was around a third of the purchase price, while the costs of removal and installation remained the same. The time needed for line boring, in addition to the time taken for the transportation of line boring equipment, and the loss of income from significantly higher downtime, all contributed to a total cost estimation of over €2,300. Using the Expander System will not eliminate the need for boring, but for the welding process. It will eliminate the lug wear problem for the lifetime of that pivot. Using conventional pins, lug wear would inevitably return and the repair procedure would need to be repeated. In a typical application, this happens three to four times during a machine’s lifetime or every 3,000 or 4,000 hours. This means that the cost savings can amount to thousands of euros – for each machine.

Getting over 6,000 extra operating hours Lug wear is a widespread problem for machinery pivots. It has cost users of machinery lots of money through the years – for repairs as well as for downtime. This is something that the Expander System can put an end to.

he Expander System will in most cases cost more than a traditional straight pin. But when all costs are fully calculated, including the time and costs associated with welding and line boring, and the loss of production due to downtime, the Expander System will prove to be significantly more cost-effective. The full extent of savings depends on many different variables, but it is fair to say that the higher the frequency of lug wear and the higher the costs of downtime, the greater the potential savings. For Swedish construction machine supplier Maskinia AB, every minute of downtime for machine repairs means lost income. This is why it has been using the Expander System since 1999.

Recently, an excavator was brought in for repairs after 3,700 hours of operation. Using the Expander System, the boom mounting axle was replaced in just 6 hours. By contrast, the repair would have taken 3 – 4 days if it was replaced by a traditional pin, using the common method of welding and line boring. Lars Malmén, aftermarket manager at Maskinia, says: “The Expander System admittedly costs more than a traditional axle, but if you include repair time and stoppages with loss of income, the difference is clearly to the advantage of the Expander System. If you add the fact that Expander offers a 10 year function warranty, you can count on at least 10,000 problem-free operating hours – compared with the 3,700 that is regarded as normal for a traditional pin.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 137

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Securing the maintenance hatch for offshore wind energy plants KVT-Fastening points out that in many new offshore wind energy plants, the maintenance hatches now consist of composite materials secured with bigHead® fasteners. Until now, steel constructions with traditional retaining screws had been used.

he disadvantage of retaining screws was that two people were always required to open and close the hatch – one inside and one outside. This not only involved an increased security risk, it also meant the associated additional costs. However, the new solution can be operated by a single service technician – with no risk and more easily from the interior maintenance chamber. This is made possible thanks to bigHead fasteners, made of salt water resistant 316 stainless steel, being fitted to the outer skin of the gondola, with the winding projecting to the inside. The bigHead fasteners also have a colour-coded protection layer to protect against lightning strikes. The solution has been developed in conjunction by the gondola supplier and bigHead. Serial use was preceded by an intensive test phase with a number of models. These were tested under the extreme conditions prevalent on offshore wind power plants and continuously improved until the final version was produced. The current version has now been successfully in use for three years. The bigHead fastener was produced specially for offshore wind energy plants in Verwood, UK. Every batch is subject to random sample testing and all test results are documented in accordance with the quality management system applied by the manufacturer in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 to ensure seamless traceability.

Over 400 standard variants available

As well as a number of customer-specific solutions, there are over 400 standard variants of bigHead fasteners available from KVT-Fastening. Customers from vehicle construction, shipbuilding and mechanical engineering, plus the furniture industry and other sectors, can choose from a wide selection of these alternatives to conventional connection technologies. The fasteners can not only be integrated ‘invisibly’ into a range of plastic components and compound materials. The bore holes used in conventional connectors, which can impede the rigidity of the component, are not required. The bigHead fasteners are either embedded into the surface of the compound material or bonded to it using a variety of gluing methods.

SPRINGS - HIGH PERFORMANCE

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A leading manufacturer of high performance springs and stampings – www.lesjoforsab.com

OUR TECHNICAL APPROVALS FOR YOUR SAFETY! Experience & professionalism since 1966

Bonfatti Filettature offers a wide range ready for your warehouse, including:

• Production of high-strength bolts: 10.9 – 8.8 – 5.6 • Partially or fully threaded rod / threaded rod grade • 8.8 Clamping bolts • M4 to M100 – Rolled threads and metric trapezoidal

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Bonfatti Filettature s.r.l. Via De Nicola, 42 - 41100 Modena, Italy Tel: +39 059 251604 Fax: +39 059 254226 email: info@bonfattifilettature.it www.b o nf attif ilettature .it

Schäfer + Peters GmbH ● Zeilbaumweg 32 ● DE-74613 Öhringen Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0 ● info@schaefer-peters.com ● www.schaefer-peters.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

TR Fastenings passes VDA 6.3 audit TR Kuhlmann, the German business of global fastenings manufacturer and distributor TR Fastenings Ltd, has successfully completed an audit by leading vehicle parts provider Kongsberg Automotive.

he audit, the first automotive appraisal in TR Kuhlmann’s history, assessed the firm against the German VDA 6.3 standard, which looks at the quality of specific products and components. TR Kuhlmann achieved an ‘A’ ranking with a score of 96% in recognition of its excellence in manufacturing, distribution and consultancy capabilities when supplying to tier 1 and 2 automotive businesses.

Full service provider to tier 1 automotive suppliers

TR is a full service provider to the automotive industry, supplying over 50 billion fastener components to over 5,000 companies globally, largely tier 1 businesses supplying major automotive OEMs. After being introduced to TR Kuhlmann and issuing initial RFQs, Kongsberg Automotive became interested in taking the firm on as a supplier and organised the audit, which took place in April 2017. Now the audit has been passed with such a high score, the two companies are working towards a potential partnership.

The importance of VDA 6.3 in the automotive industry

The success of TR Kuhlmann follows a move by the wider TR group to work towards adopting VDA 6.3 standards throughout its automotive operations. In recent years, TR has noticed an increased focus amongst its global automotive customers on the German VDA 6.3 standard. In response, TR Kuhlmann has invested in specific training for its supplier quality managers, resulting in them being fully certified to assess products and suppliers against VDA requirements. Peter Henning, director at TR Kuhlmann, comments: “The shift in focus towards VDA 6.3 as a preferred standard for automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers has been noticeable in recent months, and having received the invitation to undertake the Kongsberg Automotive audit, we were thrilled to be able to rise to the challenge and show our capabilities and strengths in this sector. We are delighted with the high score we achieved and are now looking forward to the exciting prospect of working further with Kongsberg Automotive in the coming months and years.”

Connect with engineers FastFixTechnology.com provides technical information and news on application-specific fastening components and solutions for engineers across all industries. To target users contact info@fastfixtechnology.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Fastening safety solutions for heavy vibrations

Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd is an Asian manufacturer of disc springs – offering solutions for heavy vibration applications for power equipment, wind turbines, hydro generators, machine tools, off-highway vehicles, hydraulic brakes and the automotive industry.

ala Precision has over three decades of experience in springs design, manufacturing, and application engineering, supplying a complete range of springs and fastening solutions. Its product range includes disc springs as per DIN 2093, Belleville washers as per DIN 6796, bearing series disc springs, serrated washers, Gallock – wedge lock washers, slotted spring pins as per ISO 8752 and coil springs. The company’s manufacturing facilities are located near Mumbai in India. Over 70% of its products are exported to more than 25 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Gala Precision also has an office in Germany and a warehouse and office in China. The plants are audited and approved by global companies including ABB Group, Alstom GE, Robert Bosch GmbH, Brembo SpA, Case, Delphi Automotive, Dana Inc, Emerson, John Deere, Tata, Knorr-Bremse, Rane TRW, Schneider, Siemens and Valeo.

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“We are a preferred partner for leading global fastener distributors as we offer a ‘one stop solution’ for springs and fastening washers,” explains Gala Precision. “Our products are inspected and approved for various tests including fatigue, vibration (Junker), as well as clamp load – using premier testing institutes and laboratories such as Siegen, Aachen University & IMA Dresden in Germany, UKAS in the UK, plus ARAI in India.” Gala Precision states that its expertise lies in processing a variety of raw materials such as chrome vanadium steel 50CrV4 and 51CrV4, work hardened stainless steel 301, 304 and 316, Inconel 718 and X750, precipitation hardened steel such as 17/7 PH and other varieties of spring steels. Gala Precision also has in-house specialisation and partnerships in surface treatments including mechanical zinc plating (Cr6 free), phosphating, zinc flake coating (such as GEOMET®, Dacromate, Delta®-Tone and Magni), zinc silicate, blackodising, as well as powder and epoxy coating with salt spray life up to 720 hours. “We have complete in-house inspection and testing facilities such as counter profile measurement, optical inspection, automatic sorting systems and coating thickness measurement, plus load and fatigue testing,” mentions Gala Precison. “Our manufacturing facilities are also ISO/TS 16949 certified.” www.galagroup.com

The Quality Pin Manufacturer Coiled Spring Pins

A wide range of SPIROL® Coiled Spring Pins to ISO 8748, 8750, 8751, DIN 7343, ASME B18.8.2 and other standards available in heavy, standard, and light duties, in various materials and ﬁnishes.

Slotted Spring Pins

ISO 8752, non interlocking ASME 18.8.4M Type B and Inch ASME B18.8.2 Slotted Pins available in steel and stainless steel. ISO 13337 light duty Slotted Pins are available to order.

Solid Pins

Straight Pins, Headed Pins, Knurled Pins, and Headed Knurled Pins in steel and stainless steel. Other materials available to order. Samples available upon request.

Providing manufacturing and application engineering expertise since 1948.

SPIROL INDUSTRIES LTD.

17 Princewood Road, Corby, Northants NN17 4ET Tel. +44 (0) 1536 444800 • Fax. +44 (0) 1536 203415 www.SPIROL.co.uk/s/ff-pin/

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4/29/16 4:47 PM

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METRIC & IMPERIAL

SPECIAL FASTENERS Huge Range of Metric & Imperial Blanks Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9; R, S, T, V, SAE8 UK’s largest stocks of BSF & BSW Special Head Shapes Most Materials including Exotics Excellent Prices & Delivery

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

From experience comes innovation For more than 60 years, customer satisfaction has been a primary purpose for OBER® SpA. Its know-how, and significant investment in industrial automation research, has enabled the company to become an expert in the production and selling of professional pneumatic and electronic tools, as well as pneumatic motors and automation tools.

BER’s experience enables it to propose innovative solutions within the sale of industrial automation, as well as provide a service level that meets the demands of modern companies. The company’s lines of advanced products and reliable pre and after sales service have enabled it to achieve a prominent position in the Italian market of industrial automation, with business expanding more and more throughout Europe.

Research and development

Over the years, OBER has focused significantly on the activities of research and development, collaborating with external experts, important Italian and foreign partners, as well as Italian universities and research institutions, which has led to the company receiving approvals for several patents.

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144 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

The most recent example is BTR 170 REBEL, which OBER says brings a new level of interconnectivity, portability, quality, and control, in all sectors where precision and traceability are essential. The BTR 170 REBEL is a stable, silent and highly productive, using cordless power. With the code name ‘REBEL’, this multi-functional electro-hydraulic riveter features a core that contains all the commands and all the energy a user needs, thanks to a rechargeable 14.4 volt lithium battery, and ‘heavy-duty’ electronics, which OBER explains enables the user to apply stainless steel rivets with a level of quality, control and precision unattainable with other traditional tools – while enjoying total freedom of movement. The BTR 170 REBEL comes with an electro-hydraulic system patented by OBER, which uses silent, long-lasting brushless motors. OBER points out that the BTR 170 REBEL was designed and made to perfectly perform its specific function, thus ensuring top performance in application sectors such as the manufacture of industrial kitchen equipment, trains, automobiles, boats, and wind turbines, as well as in the farming equipment production industry and in precision engineering projects, such as mechanical and medical devices. In addition, OBER has made use of high performing lithium battery technology to make the BTR 170 REBEL incredibly light, reliable and durable. The 14.4 volt lithium battery has an extremely low auto-discharge time, meaning the tool can be used without having to recharge it before each application. In addition, there is no memory effect – charging it only partially won’t change its capacity. Always on hand energy and practicality complete the features of this innovative, multifunctional tool, which charges in just 30 minutes. Another unique feature of the BTR 170 REBEL is the ability to trace and save all data related to each rivet applied – which is becoming an indispensable feature for Industry 4.0. Last but not least, the BTR 170 REBEL has an ergonomic shape, and its perfect balance and practical soft-grip handle ensure a firm grasp of the tool, meaning each application is safe and secure. www.ober.it

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BÜLTE GmbH - Kunststofferzeugnisse D 59348 Lüdinghausen - Germany Te l : ( + 4 9 ) 0 2 5 9 1 / 9 1 9 4 - 0 Fax : (+ 49) 02591 / 5977 bulte@bulte.com - www.bulte.com

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

SENCO provides smart solutions With a growing economy and a lack of skilled workers it is time to work smarter. SENCO’s innovative Smart Series offers simple and smart solutions varying from entry level automation to high load fastening systems embedded in fully automated production lines.

or instance, the Smart BoardFixer is the ideal tool to improve ergonomics in production environments with set distances, 75mm or 150mm, from the site of the panel. Walking along the panel the Smart BoardFixer fastens at set increments nails or staples. The system avoids climbing onto or stretching across a sheet/panel. Then there is the Smart BoardMaster, which is equipped with a programmable PLC for short and long staple spacing including a quick change between the two. The spacing can be set freely from 30mm with increments of 5mm. A laser line for optical staple guiding ensures optimal positioning of the staples. With the telescopic arm great operating comfort is achieved. The Smart BoardMaster can be operated directly on the work surface and manoeuvred easily or run over a fixed track for straight line fastening. Next, the Senco Smart Bridge has been developed for entry level automation of nailing, stapling and screwing of wooden prefabricated panels. The highly flexible Smart Bridge will help manufacturers increase capacity and quality without adding manpower with a return on investment within a year. The modular design of the Senco Smart Bridge makes it easy to install into any production line and will be up and running within hours.

SENCO DuraSpin ExTPro

SENCO High Load tools are a range of nailers and staplers with high load fastener capability to meet the highest demands of modern, automated timber framing technology. The High Load tools are designed for permanent installation on automated production lines for high volume productions. Using SENCO High Load Tools enables a higher production, less refilling, less down time and more profit. The SENCO DuraSpin ExTPro is the professional’s choice for demanding screw fastening applications. It provides an intelligent solution with ergonomic design for flooring and ceiling applications. No more kneeling on the ground. Just fasten different floors and ceilings by guiding the DuraSpin ExTPro along the elements in an upright position. The ExTPro is designed to transform any of the current SENCO DuraSpin collated screw systems, corded and cordless, into stand up systems for fast, easy and comfortable screwing. www.senco.eu

WinTech Setting Process Monitoring GESIPA® is able to provide special setting tools that can be used for monitoring and storing results during the production of critical workpieces or in automated setting processes.

inTech Setting Process Monitoring is ideally suited for challenging setting processes when joining safety relevant workpieces, e.g in the automotive, aviation industry, heating industries or in access engineering. WinTech Setting Process Monitoring analyses the setting process based on stroke and force sensors via an integrated electronic system. By means of special software up to three windows can be defined for analysis. The results of the setting process are shown by a coloured LED installed in the tool base – the data can also be stored and retrieved for further use. The WinTech Setting Process Monitoring function is possible with the proven blind riveting tool TAURUS® C. Using WinTech Setting Process Monitoring delivers a number of benefits for the user. This technology delivers high process safety by documenting each individual setting process. Thus any resulting costs for possible discrepancies in quality can be avoided.

146 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

TAURUS® C

Setting process monitoring via WinTech technology can be used for both setting blind rivets and blind rivet nuts. For setting blind rivets the TAURUS C can be equipped with the WinTech Setting Process Monitoring function. The pneumatic setting tool with integrated setting process monitoring is specially suited for the production of critical workpieces. For setting blind rivet nuts GESIPA can fit the FireFox® 2 C or the FireRex® with the required multi-window technology. Due to its special design the FireRex is able to set blind rivet nuts at any desired angle in industrial production processes. It can easily be integrated in existing robot applications, production systems or in linear slide assemblies. www.gesipa.com

PRECISION TECH INDUSTRIAL LIMITED

CLINCHING FASTENER SPECIALIST PRECISION TECH INDUSTRIAL LIMITED (GRAND METAL) is a professional producer in clinching fasteners and equipped with imported auto-lathes, cold forming machine, automatic optical sorting machine. We also have a complete laboratory for mechanical and performance such as torque testing, pull/push-out testing, Salt Spray Testing. Grand Metal has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification and now is on getting ISO/TS 16949 certification.

The most intensive search for quality and our constant improvement make Bralo Riveting Tools distinguished for the safety and ergonomIics. t: +86-139-2920-4841 zhuyb@grandametal.com They are designed to meet thee:needs of the most demanding of w: www.grandametal.com applications and to use in assembly lines.

LIGHTWEIGHT and ergonomic Designed for PROFESSIONAL use HIGH riveting force and noiseless

www.bralo.com ISO 9001 ISO TS 16949 ISO 14001

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

AK rivet nut a real all-rounder UK-based fastening solutions specialist, Arpel Ltd, is an approved distributor of ARK branded rivets, rivet nuts and associated tooling. Arpel is currently promoting the ARK high strength AK Series rivet nut, which complements its comprehensive availability of ARK branded rivet nut and inserts product range.

icola Boden, sales manager, explains: “The AK Series rivet nut features a knurled body, large diameter and a low profile head. This is ideal for punched or drilled holes, which will allow for a flush finish. Countersink drilling or dimpling of the material during installation can be eliminated in most circumstances using these inserts, which makes them a very popular fastener. They are also favoured due to their all-round high strength characteristics. Nicola continues: “The AK Series is available in a range of sizes and are ex stock. We are happy to quote on this range and advise on suitable applications. Arpel also has a range of tools and tool services to suit our variety of customers’ needs.” Arpel is also promoting the new ARK product catalogue developed to showcase the complete range of ARK rivet and rivet nut products. It is available for PDF download on the company website and in printed hard copy format. “To request your copy of the new ARK catalogue please contact us.” www.arpel.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Augmented reality to complement torque technology

STAHLWILLE Eduard Wille GmbH & Co KG, the German torque tool and handtools specialist, is introducing computerisation to handtool technology.

ogether with oculavis GmbH, a firm based in Aachen, Gerany, the enterprise has developed a prototype of a smart visor that will safely guide an end user through a wide range of different joints. The system is capable of reducing the learning phase to a minimum and accelerating the fastener tightening process. At the same time, it ensures a much improved safety level in the case of safety critical fasteners. Many years ago, STAHLWILLE started work on using smart glasses to execute bolt tightening processes in assembly work, while simultaneously monitoring quality. Now that the patent has been issued, work can begin in earnest on developing the application. The system premiered at EMO Hannover – the metalworking trade fair, where STAHLWILLE and oculavis presented a prototype use of the application. The visor and torque wrench use a wireless interface to communicate with the customer’s production planning and control system. In the visor, the assembly worker sees the complete tightening sequence and the position of the next fastener to be tightened with any additional information required. At the same time, the radio linked torque wrench from STAHLWILLE is automatically set for the current fastener type. After the worker has completed the task, the fastener tightening action is evaluated and documented. A system of this kind really comes into its own in the case of safety critical fastener tightening and complex tightening sequences – such as those encountered in the automotive and aerospace industries.

150 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Here it is absolutely essential to adhere strictly to the prescribed assembly sequence and to tighten the fastener to exactly the required tightening parameters. In addition, these smart glasses enable induction time to be reduced and work processes to be accelerated because the worker is provided with exactly the right information as needed even if he or she has no direct experience with the fastener in question. To enable the AR visor to guide the user through the tightening sequence, it is first necessary to program all the required joints and fastener types in a model that displays not only the location of each fastener in a three-dimensional workspace but also the tightening parameters. Once the system has been correctly set up, the worker can use the AR visor freely to work through the tightening sequence as programmed. In presenting this development, STAHLWILLE has shown how state of the art torque technology can be integrated in tomorrow’s production environments with the aid of an AR visor and, at the same time, boost efficiency and enhance safety. The company is in the process of developing the system further. It should one day be possible for a worker to set up the tightening sequences using a physical master workpiece, store the fastener positions using the smart glasses and define the tightening parameters, so that the data is available instantly when work has to be carried out later on an identical workpiece.

Standard But co

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

Email:

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Tel: +44 (0) 117-972 8560 Fax: +44 (0) 117-972 8570 sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Pick up ARK at Kamtech Kamtech Fasteners Ltd is a UK-based distributor specialising in the supply of ARK branded rivets, rivet nuts and associated tooling, providing a responsive service to customers – including the local facility for customers to collect from on a daily basis.

ales Director Kam Johal highlights one of the key benefits of buying ARK branded rivets and rivet nuts: “Customers are really responsive to our ARK branded boxes, as the boxes are alleviating the resource needed to re-box and re-label products, which makes delivery to customers faster and easier. Our flexible next day delivery and same day collection options only compliment this USP further.” Kamtech Fasteners is currently highlighting the full range of ARK branded rivet nuts. Kam explains: “We offer a very comprehensive range of rivet nut products, of which we are able to advise customers on the required tooling solution to suit installation.” Kamtech offers both open and closed ended rivet nut styles, with the options of a wide range of head and body styles, in many sizes, and all materials. The base metal products offered are aluminium, steel zinc plated CR3, A2 stainless steel, plus the new A4 stainless steel range of rivet nut products launched in early 2017. “Our brand new ARK catalogue highlights the very comprehensive range of rivet nut styles available from stock and can be provided in a PDF download or a printed colour format,” says Kam. “The catalogue showcases all of our ARK branded products, and provides readers with comprehensive technical details and descriptions for the range of styles our fasteners provide.” www.kamtechfasteners.co.uk

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Wave springs provide great flexibility in tight spaces Wave springs can be the perfect solution when spring space is limited. A wave spring provides the same effect as a spiral or compression spring but with half of the spring height. Now Lesjöfors Group has invested in developing the concept.

ave springs have been on the market for quite some time. The spring product has the same force as a spiral or compression springs, but only need half the spring height. This provides greater flexibility in the project and the option for smaller and more compact spring areas. One example of usage is in mechanical seals. In 2016, the Lesjöfors company Stece Fjädrar launched a large investment plan to further develop the technical capacity and expertise in wave springs to meet the increased customer demand. “Together with our sister company Lesjöfors A/S in Tinglev, Denmark, we’ve started a project with a German company who manufactures hydraulic motors,” says Michael Arvidsson, MD at Stece Fjädrar. Thanks to an increased demand from customers, and belief in the huge potential that wave springs can provide customer projects, the decision was made to invest in a new WAFIOS SNA 22 machine. The new equipment extends dimension variations from the current minimum of 47mm down to 20mm diameter, which matches many requests. The new machine was scheduled to be operational the end of September 2017, which means wave springs from 20mm to 250mm can be manufactured. www.lesjoforsab.com

Kyocera to acquire Ryobi power tool business Kyocera Corporation has agreed to acquire the majority of shares of a company to be established from the split of Ryobi Limited’s power tool business. The acquisition is expected to complete in January 2018. Through the acquisition, Kyocera aims to promote diversification and further expansion of its cutting tool business.

yocera has continually been expanding sales in its cutting tool business on a global basis, having entered the market more than 40 years ago. Kyocera has been focusing its efforts on diversifying and expanding sales of products from its core of indexable tools to solid carbide tools, woodworking tools, as well as power tools for the construction industry. In particular, Kyocera has recently strengthened its power tool business in the US and European markets through targeted acquisitions such as the acquisition of the Unimerco Group in Europe (now Kyocera Unimerco A/S) in 2011 and the acquisition of SENCO Holdings Inc in August this year (now Kyocera SENCO Industrial Tools Inc). By acquiring the power tool business from Ryobi, which has a strong market position in Japan and Asia encompassing a wide range of products with highly advanced technologies, Kyocera aims to take advantage of synergies with its relevant group companies in order to expand sales globally.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

It’s time to torque ISO 6789-2:2017 Having been named as the first laboratory in the world to be accredited to perform calibrations on hand torque tools to the newly revised EN ISO 6789-2:2017 standard, here, Neill Brodey, managing director at Norbar Torque Tools, takes the opportunity to outline the key changes, and what they mean for manufacturers and tool users alike.

he EN ISO 6789:2003 standard divided requirements into three sections: Design conformance testing; quality conformance testing and recalibration. The intention was to allow different groups of users to identify the relevant clauses for their needs. Coming into play earlier this year, the 2017 edition takes this logic even further and divides the standard into two distinct parts. As a result, the type of documentation supplied with tools has changed. With new requirements for design and quality control, Part 1 relates to the manufacturer and conformance, whereas Part 2 focuses more closely on the calibration of torque tools. In essence, the key changes have been made to protect the word ‘calibration’, which is often used too casually. Calibration is defined by ISO as: “A set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the relationship between values of quantities indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring system… and the corresponding values realised by the standards.” While most of the requirements from the 2003 edition are carried into Part 1, there are new design requirements at work of which manufacturers need to be aware. These include the introduction of new maximum torque values for hexagonal output drives, which is of particular interest for torque screwdriver manufacturers. Additionally, changes have been made to certain quality conformance requirements. For example, the time to attain the last 20% of the torque application during testing has now been more tightly defined according to the size of the torque tool. Manufacturers will also now need to state that the tools adhere to the new requirements of Part 1 by supplying a ‘Declaration of Conformance’ with the tool, as opposed to a ‘Calibration Certificate’. Part 2 of the standard now covers the traceable calibration of the tool, and the requirements of the calibration equipment. This includes highlighting the steps that need to be taken to distinguish uncertainty factors that may cause the calibration values to vary from calibration to calibration for that particular torque tool. Therefore, should a manufacturer also wish to produce a certificate of calibration, they must issue it in accordance with Part 2 of the new ISO 6789 standard. For a new torque tool model that has not yet been seen by the laboratory, calibration to this standard takes around 60 minutes.

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However, the good news is that what this all means for the tool user is quite simple. Those who were previously content with buying a new torque tool and putting it into service on the basis of the ‘Calibration Certificate’ supplied by the manufacturer, can still do so. However, in its place, there will be a ‘Declaration of Conformance’. The declaration does come with a date of issue, but retesting should take place within 12 months, or 5,000 use cycles of the tool being put into use, rather than the date of the ‘Declaration of Conformance’. In addition, for those working in environments with stricter quality control processes that require a traceable ‘Calibration Certificate’ issued by an accredited laboratory, it will be necessary to request that the tool be tested to Part 2 of the standard as well. This will provide the tool user with both a ‘Declaration of Conformance’ and a ‘Calibration Certificate’. While the change may take a little getting used to, the update to ISO 6789 will help to provide more clarity in the long run, with two distinct parts and separate documentation to match. The 2017 edition is now published and should be used in place of the old 2003 edition – the Euro Norm overlap, during which either edition may be used, ends in February 2018.

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The professional brand for fixings and fasteners Fastening technology for everyday use. High-quality, time-saving application in construction and installation. That is what the products of the Don Quichotte brand stand for. The short-term delivery of our products and the direct, uncomplicated processing of orders make Don Quichotte a strong and reliable brand for users in the trade.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Fixi continues digitalisation process Well known nationally and internationally in the production of fastening systems, Fixi Srl continues its way towards digitalisation in 2017.

ith the aim to become increasingly efficient and modern, over recent months the company has updated its website with the addition of two new sections dedicated to blind rivets and threaded inserts. In addition to downloadable PDFs, browsers are also provided with an online fully illustrated catalogue where they can search for the required product. The website will be completed during 2017 with the release of other catalogues for fastening systems. The online catalogue is already an immediate and intuitive tool to find any kind of fastener, but there are new features still to come. To provide added value for customers, it is now possible to create a technical data sheet for blind rivets and threaded inserts directly from the website. A useful tool for engineers and technical departments needing a technical document instantly. A new, quick research system also facilitates the browsing of the extensive Fixi catalogues. “Please visit our website to discover the wide range of Fixi fasteners – blind rivets, threaded inserts, self-clinching fasteners, welding studs, fasteners for plastic materials and wire inserts.” www.fixi.it

CONTROLRIV: Indispensable for keeping work under control Rivit Srl’s CONTROLRIV is a system that helps monitor rivet nut and blind rivet assembling operations.

he system is connected to the riveting tools and, according to the predetermined settings made by the operator, the work of the tool is monitored in real time in order to avoid mistakes and deactivations. The results are improved productivity, higher standard of work and reduced waste. The system features a display, easy-to-understand procedures and a PC interaction program to set-up and control activities in a few steps. Monitoring of the assembling operations develops by the study of the curves, through piece and batch counters, and work lists. Work monitoring is supported by stored batch data and by all check activities, either with positive or negative results. For working phases, visual and sound alerts have been designed to highlight correct or wrong applications, particularly the lack of air in the latter case. The system features a pneumatic valve that turns compressed air on and off, to safely secure the system; best distinguish the working phases from the configuration ones; and prevent further errors in the event of a wrong application result. The basic model works with tools for rivet nuts RIV938, RIV939, RIV941, RIV949 and RIV916B, and with tools for blind rivets RIV503, RIV504, RIV505, RIV508, RIV511B and RIV300. www.rivit.it

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

TIMco launches new ADDAX X6 range TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of screws, fixings and fasteners, has announced the launch of a new range of high-quality ADDAX X6 products. The addition of the X6 comes after increased customer demand for high-quality impact driver bits and associated products.

he range includes a selection of impact Pozi, Philips and hex lobe driver bits. It also includes adaptors and quick release chucks as well as magnetic bit and screw holders. The X6 range is made from high-quality steel and has been specifically designed to combat the extreme pressures exerted by impact drivers. The new driver bits use the latest technologies and metallurgy research, resulting in a metal composition that can offer maximum durability and break resistance. The X6 impact sockets are also hardened and tempered for maximum strength and come in a phosphate finish for greater corrosion resistance. The sockets are ideal for use in air impact wrenches and impact drivers. TIMco has dedicated a significant amount of time and research into ensuring the X6 range is consistently accurate and safe to use. One example is a sliding sleeve feature designed to ensure that the driver head will

always install the screw at a 90-degree angle, which guarantees a flush finish and protects finger injuries from sharp screw threads. Simon Midwood, managing director of TIMco, comments: “The extension of the ADDAX driver bit range illustrates the quality, strength and depth of the products TIMco now offers. Our ADDAX range has had extensive research invested into perfecting the technology behind the performance to ensure our customers have the highest quality products on the market.” TIMco is headquartered in Nantwich, Cheshire, and is one of the UK’s largest and most experienced importers and wholesalers of screws, fixings, fasteners, nails and power tools accessories. A family company, TIMco was founded in 1972, starting off in a small unit in Chester city centre. Now the company has up to 111 members of staff from offices in the UK, Ireland and Taiwan.

New Hilti diamond coring tool brings speed and safety Hilti has launched the powerful DD 30-W diamond coring tool to provide a much faster, quieter and virtually vibration-free alternative to hammer drilling.

ue to its quiet performance and speed, Hilti anticipates that the new tool will be used when there’s a need to tackle serial anchor holes in heavily reinforced concrete, especially in noise sensitive environments. The DD 30-W is up to five times faster than conventional hammer drilling and, because it’s impact free, it creates much less vibration, which also makes it ideal for drilling in brittle materials like marble, tile and natural stone.

160 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 108 NOVEMBER 2017

Weighting 7.6kg, the DD 30-W features Hilti TopSpin technology creating an eccentric rotation of the core bit into a backward and forward motion to deliver 8,700 revolutions per minute with its powerful 1,450W motor. This technology minimises the contact force and results in the fastest possible drilling speed through rebar. Capable of drilling to depths of up to 60cm, the tool’s quick-lock keyless chuck system makes changing core bits, ranging from 8mm – 35mm diameter, both quick and easy. It can be used both handheld and on a fixed drill stand. The DD 30-W has an A-weighted emission sound pressure level of 87dB (A), which makes it ideal for use in locations sensitive to noise such as city centres, hospitals and inhabited buildings. When used in conjunction with the new Hilti DD-WMS 100 Water Management System, the equipment has the potential to ensure an almost 100% clean jobsite with full day’s uninterrupted water supply. Maximiliano Moreira, Hilti product manager for diamond systems in northern Europe, commented: “We wanted to create an alternative to hammer drilling for cases in which construction professionals have to drill a considerable number of holes or for when they are struggling with heavily reinforced concrete. We also wanted to develop a tool that leaves minimal mess and has very low noise and vibration levels for use in sensitive environments like hospitals or inhabited buildings. The result is Hilti DD 30-W.”

Wiha simplifies bit selection Bit selection has never been so easy and quick – with the Wiha bit concept a quick glance at the screw is enough.

he subdivision of the Wiha bit range into just three colour-coded categories is set to radically simplify selection. All Wiha bits are now also perfectly suitable both for normal screwdriving tasks and impact screwdrivers. Thanks to its extremely simple classification, based on the screw shape to be fastened, the new bit concept ensures the right bit is identified in the shortest time. A glance at the screw, another at the concept’s new colour and symbol code, and the bit is located in seconds. Easy concept, easy instructions. If the user has screws with a 90 degree angle at the screw head, which tend to lie flat against the material, the new blue T bits are the ones to go for. For screws with angles of more than 90 degrees, in other words with more of a countersunk shape, the yellow Y bits are the answer.

If the user wants to fasten both types of screws, the red all-rounders, the TY bits are the right choice. The question as to whether they should be fastened manually or with impact screwdriver is redundant. Thanks to the extended torsion zones of the new bits, new bit technology patented by Wiha Tools GmbH enables an improved lifespan – 120 times longer – compared to previous Wiha standard bits. This saves time and money and not just in terms of shorter bit changing times. Smoother workflows and simple task changes from normal to impact fastening are also made possible. Searching for dropped bits will also be made easier. For better detection, special UV coatings on the bits’ blue, yellow and red colours illuminate fluorescently when an appropriate light, such as the Wiha torch, is shone upon them. This new comprehensive bit concept programme was based on results from market and user surveys conducted by Wiha. According to these evaluations, both trade and users wanted to see a more simplified bit selection in “today’s strongly differentiated and often confusing market”.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Abbey Clamps...................................................... 15

Etanco....................................................................... 5

Lusavouga SA...................................................... 67

Achilles Seibert...................................................95

Evergreen International Corp.....................79

Marposs...............................................................103

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation....155

Acton..................................................................... 147

Fareast Metal International Co. Ltd.......129

MEKR’S.................................................................140

Sheh Kai Precision Co......................................96

Advance Spares Ltd........................................133

Fastbolt.................................................................... 2

Merlin Business Software Ltd.................... 121

Shin Chun Enterprise Co. Ltd.....................149

Albert Pasvahl...................................................... 9

Fastener + Fixing Magazine.......................153

Mitos........................................................................ 37

Sipa..........................................................................65

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners.........................162

Fastener Fair India...........................................83

Mustad....................................................................69

Smith-Bullough................................................143

Ambrovit...........................................................1, 13

FastFixSearch.com........................................... 21

Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd..... 117

Spax.........................................................................49

Arpel......................................................................148

FastFixTechnology.com................................ 141

National Machinery....................................... 101

Specialinsert........................................................99

Astrotech Steels Private Limited..............145

fischer UK Ltd......................................................89

ND Industries......................................................29

Spirol Industries Ltd.......................................143

Atotech...................................................................23

Fixi Srl.....................................................................99

Ningbo Londex....................................................25

Star Fasteners...................................................127

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd..................... 151

Fong Prean Industrial Co. Ltd...................... 85

Nord Lock............................................................164

Staytite.................................................................127

Bendfast Ltd.......................................................162

G & B Fissaggi Srl...............................................95

Norm Civata........................................................... 4

Tecfi SpA................................................................. 91

Berardi Bullonerie............................................. 31

Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd........143

NORMA Group.....................................................63

Tecno Impianti.................................................. 115

Berdan Bolt.........................................................123

Gesipa Blindniettechnik GmbH...................45

OBER SpA................................................................11

Test GmbH........................................................... 114

Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San.................. 151

Graewe GmbH & Co. KG................................... 55

Omnitechnik........................................................ 75

The Insert Company.......................................157

Bonfatti Filettature Srl..................................139

GWI......................................................................... 113

Peter Schröder.................................................... 31

Titibi........................................................................95

Bossong SpA......................................................... 87

Hafren Fasteners Ltd.....................................159

PGB Europe...........................................................97

Top Screw Metal Corp Ltd..............................92

Bralo............................................................... 15, 147

Harrison Silverdale........................................133

Pinstructure........................................................ 15

Trojan Special Fasteners.............................. 131

Bülte GmbH........................................................145

Heco Schrauben................................................. 55

Precision Tech Industrial Limited............ 147

UBK........................................................................129

Carlo Salvi...........................................................107

Heico Fasteners.................................................. 55

Precision Technology Supplies..................139

Unifix..................................................................17,59

Cetin Civata.........................................................33

Hugo Benzing...................................................... 37

R+FK Schulte........................................................ 47

Verpa Senco.............................................................7

Chavesbao............................................................... 3

Index Fixing Systems....................................... 19

Rexlen Corp........................................................ 161

Vipa SpA................................................................. 61

China Fastener Group Co Ltd....................... 77

Infinix Tools.......................................................... 35

Reyher..................................................................... 31

Viteria Ratto.........................................................39

Ching Chan Optical Technology Co. Ltd.... 118

Inoxdadi.................................................................39

Rivco...................................................................... 151

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc..........................155

Colombo Special Fasteners........................... 73

Johan Smit.......................................................... 121

Rivit Srl.................................................................163

Wan Iuan Enterprise Co. Ltd....................... 115

Construction Anchors Co Ltd.......................93

Jubliee Clips.......................................................127

Roseter Info Trade Co. Ltd.............................99

West Special Fasteners.................................129

SD Products........................................................ 131

CTR Carbide Dies Ltd.......................................84

K&H Auto Parts................................................158

Rotor Clip............................................................135

Win Fasteners Manufactory....................... 131

Dell’Era Ermanno & Figlio Srl......................39

Kamtech...............................................................152

SACMA Group.....................................................111

WPI Services...................................................... 110

Dimac....................................................................109

Kingwin Precision Co. Ltd............................ 113

Saima Corporation.........................................154

WTI Fasteners Ltd...........................................133

Don Quichotte B.V............................................157

Lazpiur.................................................................106

Saspi Talleres....................................................... 81

Zago Manufacturing Inc................................ 37

DS Fasteners......................................................145

Lederer............................................................22, 24

Schäfer+Peters.................................................139

EFC International.............................................. 27

Lesjöfors..............................................................138

Schnorr GmbH.................................................... 53

Eisenwarenmesse..............................................80

Linear GS.............................................................105

Schwer + Kopka GmbH.................................. 113

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rivit.it it FASTENERS&TOOLS FOR SHEET METAL ASSEMBLY Visit www.rivit.it from PC, tablet and mobile and surf the productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catalog. You will find full range lines of products dedicated to the fastening of sheet metal, product details, videos, sector information. Rivit Industry Division is production and distribution of fasteners and tools for the industrial sectors: automotive, industrial body shop, households appliances, light carpentry, electronics.

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