Fastener + Fixing Magazine #139

Building the future together

The Berardi Group is a living heritage, an evolving process which we develop day by day, to shape a better future Our know-how, innovative spirit, and attention for human relationships combine to create a business model that meets modern needs, without forgetting where it all began.

Our wide assortment and logistics services are our best products!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Will Lowry, content director, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

It’s almost here

With so many challenges currently impacting every business within the fastener and fixing industry, it is nice to have something to look forward to, and Fastener Fair Global is certainly the highlight on my calendar – with it just over two months away.

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Managing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@verulammedia.com

Content Director

Will Lowry will.lowry@verulammedia.com

Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@verulammedia.com

Assistant Editor Rebecca England rebecca.england@verulammedia.com

Sales Director

Mac Rahman mac.rahman@verulammedia.com

T

aking place from 21 st – 23rd March, once again at Messe Stuttgart in Germany, Fastener Fair Global will bring together the whole industry, with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with both exhibitors and visitors. As an official media partner, we have an extensive preview of some of the products and companies that visitors can expect to see during the show, including a full exhibitor list –making it easier for you to plan what promises to be a busy three days.

One of the main highlights at the show will be the Route to Fastener Innovation competition – which once again will be hosted by Fastener + Fixing Magazine. The competition is a first-hand opportunity to assess new products and services that exhibitors have brought to the market since the last show. To find out more, read the special feature in this issue and remember to take a note of the stand numbers or look out for the distinctive Route to Fastener Innovation competition logo on participants’ stands during the show.

For this issue, our Cover Story is focused on pgb-Europe, a leading supplier and producer of fasteners, anchors, and tools, and

how it is strongly committed to digitisation and maximising its customer service.

Within our Insight section we have an exclusive interview with EFDA President Andreas Bertaggia – who talks about how 2022 progressed for EFDA, and its members, as well as what they will be concentrating on for 2023. Plus, we have a very interesting article from Brazilian manufacturer Hassmann and how it plans to continue to grow internationally through targeted investments.

Business Development Manager – Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@verulammedia.com

Business Development Manager – Europe Chantal Ridings chantal.ridings@verulammedia.com

Production & Design Manager Lee Duskwick lee.duskwick@verulammedia.com

To go alongside this we also have pieces from our regular contributors, including Barbara Sorgato, secretary general at the European Consortium of Anchor Producers, discussing the ‘Smart CE Marking’ initiative and how its goal is the digitalisation of DoPs in the CPR; Jason Bader, from The Distribution Team, highlights how even fastener distributors have to handle ‘the curse of ego’; and Peter Standring, technical secretary at Industrial Metalforming Technologies, tries to use his ‘crystal ball’ to look at the future of global aerospace.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I look forward to chatting to everybody at Fastener Fair Global, if you see me, make sure you say hello!

@fastenerfixing

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EU provisional agreement on CBAM –scope includes fasteners

The European Parliament, Council and Commission have provisionally agreed plans for the introduction of an EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The agreement will need to be confirmed by EU member states and the European Parliament.

Part of the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ environmental strategy, CBAM will require importers to purchase CBAM certificates to pay the difference between the carbon cost in the country of production and price of carbon allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System.

According to a European Parliament: “CBAM will cover iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers and electricity, as proposed by the Commission, and extended to hydrogen, indirect emissions under certain conditions, certain precursors, as well as to some downstream products such as screws and bolts and similar articles of iron or steel.”

A transition period with a simplified CBAM is planned to commence as of 1 st October 2023 –requiring importers to start reporting on carbon content of imports. From then onwards the full CBAM will be phased in gradually in parallel to the phasing out of free allowances until fully operational by 2026.

Bulten streamlines its operations

As part of Bulten’s strategy to maintain a strong operational platform, the company has reviewed its global distribution chain. This has prompted a decision to close one of the two logistics centres in Sweden and a manufacturing plant in the UK.

iming to bring about more efficient logistics in order to reduce lead times, and streamline processes, while also reducing costs and environmental impact, Bulten has been reviewing its global distribution chain. The company has decided that utilising capacity in warehouses close to production units to a greater extent, will enable a more efficient supply chain. Accordingly, significant investments have been made in a new warehouse near Bulten’s factory in Germany, and in a new surface treatment plant and a logistics centre in Poland. The streamlining will involve the closure of Bulten’s logistics centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The goods flow that previously passed through Bulten’s logistics centre in Gothenburg will now be handled by the centre in Hallstahammar, Sweden, and by the above mentioned logistics centres in Germany and Poland. Ten employees will be affected and

trade union negotiations have been initiated. The closure is planned for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2023.

“Streamlining the distribution chain will allow better transportation flows and thereby also reduce environmental impact. It will also help us reduce costs and capital tied up,” says Anders Nyström, president and CEO of Bulten.

Closure of manufacturing plant in the UK

Another step in Bulten streamlining its operation and improving profitability, includes the closure of its manufacturing plant in Pembroke, UK. The closure means that 50 jobs are at risk of redundancy.

The closing down process was announced in December, and the plan is to complete the process during the second quarter of 2023. Total restructuring costs amount to approximately SEK11 million (€979,000), of which SEK9 million was reserved for 2022. There will be additional

investments totalling about SEK12 million in connection with the closure. These primarily relate to relocation of equipment and production to Bulten’s other manufacturing plants, along with a few new recruitments.

“It is unfortunately difficult to achieve profitability with the mix of products made in Pembroke, and also volumes are relatively low. By moving the parts of production that have long-term potential to our other plants, we can achieve better efficiency and thereby higher profitability. This is in line with our strategy, which includes better utilisation of our production network,” explains Anders Nyström.

The operation in Pembroke became part of Bulten Group in 2020 with the acquisition of PSM International. Fifty people are currently employed at the plant, manufacturing and purchasing fasteners for different industrial segments. Bulten’s other operations in the UK will not be affected by the closure of the Pembroke plant.

TR Fastenings opens new facility in Hungary

TR Fastenings Hungary, part of Trifast Plc Group, is celebrating the opening of its new purpose-built facility in Budapest in response to years of rising demand in the region.

Located in the southern suburb of Szigetszentmiklós, TR Fastenings Hungary Kft is a fastener and Cat C supplier to international OEMs and their subcontractors, not just in Hungary but also in the countries that border it. The new 3,500m 2 facility has 9.5 metre eaves in its warehouse and is a high capacity distribution facility designed to support TR’s future European growth strategy.

TR Hungary was first established in 2000 and has grown considerably in that time through rising demand from large multinational household brands, many of which TR supplies to elsewhere in the world. Hungary has historically been a lower cost production region, but a highly skilled available workforce made the country ideal for this kind of strategic investment. Hungary has a central location in Europe with seven countries on its border, which is perfect for distribution hubs.

A region growing in opportunity

“Hungary has been a real success story for TR. Local infrastructure has been enhanced with a second airport and recently enhanced road networks. We located to a fast growing industrial park, near one of our largest customers, NCR, just 600 metres away from us. Over time, we have built a portfolio of multinational customers that expect the same excellent service that they receive from TR globally. This includes technical and engineering support, as well as logistics services,” says Glenda Roberts, global projects and marketing director at Trifast Plc.

Glenda adds: “We’re servicing major customers in each of the countries surrounding the TR Hungary operation and, inevitably, we have had to expand again. It took several years, because of the growth in Hungary, to locate a new facility close to the existing site but we are very confident in the investment. We were keen to retain trained staff, many of whom are also multilingual, so we ensured we did not move too far away. Product knowledge and an understanding of the level of service our multinational customers expect was a key staff retention factor, but we wanted to go further. The new facility is a showpiece

“I’m very proud of what the TR Hungary team has achieved. Moving an entire facility in a month to a new location was no mean feat and now that we are established, we look forward to focusing on customer and staff development and growing our business in Central Europe,” adds Andrew Nuttall, European managing director at TR Fastenings.

“We were working with a blank canvas and it enabled us to incorporate the environmental and sustainable features and benefits for a modern workplace. The facility is in a green area, with fields to the exterior, on a purpose-built estate with excellent transport links. Every feature was thoroughly researched from the solar panels on the roof to the triple glazing. Automatic shutters on the warehouse roof windows assist in cost-effective temperature control, while electric charging units have been installed to encourage the use of electric and hybrid vehicles, including company vehicles,” concludes Andrew Nuttall.

Bossard makes Canadian fastener distribution acquisition

In a deal intended to expand its Canadian market presence, Bossard Group has acquired the Canadian distribution business of US fastener solution maker, PennEngineering®, for an undisclosed amount.

Based in Concord, Ontario, PENN Engineered Fasteners Corporation (PEF) was founded in 1970 and acquired by PennEngineering® in 2017. The company, which supplies various industrial sectors – such as automotive, energy, agriculture, and appliances – with innovative fastening solutions, generates annual sales of around US$25 million (€23.25 million) and has 30 employees.

Bossard, with its global focus on creating value for its customers through engineering services and innovative logistic solutions, intends to significantly expand its market presence in Canada as a supplier of high-quality fastening solutions and is convinced that, through this acquisition, it will be able to unlock additional growth in this strategic market, right in the industrial epicentre of Canada.

Bossard and PennEngineering® already have an established, successful, long-term relationship, which covers a total of 22 countries in North America, Europe and Asia.

David Jones, Bossard’s CEO America, commented: “With the acquisition of PEF, we are in a great position to continue our profitable growth strategy in the context of our Strategy 200. Building on our previous investments in Canada by adding PEF’s capability, we will be able to expand our services in this key market.”

modern workplace, where people have a great working environment and where customer and staff training sessions and customer site visits can also be held.”

NORMA appoints interim CEO

As of 1 st January 2023, Miguel Ángel López Borrego is the new interim CEO, following NORMA Group’s supervisory board deciding to appoint him to the role until the position of CEO has been permanently filled, after previous CEO Dr Michael Schneider stepped down by mutual consent.

Chairman of the supervisory board, Günter Hauptmann, said the group was extremely pleased to have Mr Borrego fill the CEO role during this transitional period to ensure continuity of the company’s management, adding: “He is exceptionally well positioned to leverage his deep insight into NORMA Group’s business model and the challenges it currently faces, enabling him to guide the company through the current turbulent economic environment in an organised and competent manner.”

Mr Borrego has been a member of the NORMA Group supervisory board since March 2021 and as CEO of Siemens SA in Madrid, he was head of Siemens’ Spanish operations and has many years of management experience in the automotive, general industrial equipment and new energy sectors.

During the transition phase, Mr Borrego will continue to implement ongoing improvement measures in the company together with other management board members, though his role on the supervisory board will be suspended. Mr Borrego said he will be working together with colleagues to “stabilise profitability, compensate for inflation driven cost increases and enhance plant productivity.” Adding: “With its diversified business model and strong order book, NORMA Group is in an excellent position to take advantage of growth opportunities, even in challenging times.”

Wire specialist completes MBO

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of round, flat and profile wire

Alloy Wire International’s (AWI) senior management team, comprising managing director Tom Mander, technical director Andrew Du Plessis and finance director Adam Shaw, have purchased the business from the current owners, cementing the Black Country firm’s long-term future.

The deal will see all 33 members of staff become shareholders in the business, reinforcing a company-wide commitment to each other and its 6,000 strong global customer base. The trio have also pressed the button on a near GB£1 million investment drive that will see new wet drawing and single hole dry drawing machines arrive during the course of the year, along with an annealing line spooler and several hundred tonnes of raw material.

“This is another major milestone in the history of AWI and gives us the platform to capitalise on recent growth and massive export opportunities,” explained Tom Mander. “The new owners have over 45 years’ combined experience of working here, so it was a natural progression for us to step forward and take the business on, with previous Managing Director Mark Venables moving to chairman for the next five years and R&D Director Angus Hogarth taking a consultancy role.”

Tom continued: “There’s something very special about this business and this MBO ensures we maintain and cultivate this for the next 75 years. We will continue to focus on our USPs, which include delivering the fastest industry lead times, world class manufacturing quality and an expanding range of exotic alloys. It goes without saying that the technical expertise AWI is known for will continue to be a cornerstone of our approach.”

has completed a management buyout, as it looks to target GB£15 million annual sales for the first time in its 77 year history.

Picture from left to right: Mark Venables, Tom Mander, Adam Shaw and Andrew Du Plessis

Hall 1, Stand 712

Bufab CFO says farewell

Marcus Söderberg, chief financial officer at Bufab Group, has decided to leave the company to take up a new position outside the group. He will continue in his post during his notice period until May 2023. A recruitment process to find his successor has already begun.

Commenting on the decision, Erik Lundén, president and CEO at Bufab, said: “I regret that Marcus has chosen to leave Bufab, but would like to take this opportunity to extend him a warm thank you for good co-operation and a valuable contribution to Bufab’s fine development in recent years. I wish him the best of luck in the future.”

During his time as chief financial officer, Lundén said that Söderberg had played an important role in the company’s development and had also made a strong contribution to the development of the group’s finance function.

In his parting statement, Söderberg said: “I am happy and grateful to have had the privilege of contributing to, and developing myself, during some of Bufab’s most successful years. After nine years in various financial roles in the group, the last five years as CFO, I have now, with mixed feelings, decided to move on to another role outside the group. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all Bufab employees, board members and shareholders for a fantastic collaboration and exchange during my time in the company.”

Atlas Copco acquires two UK compressed air distributors

Atlas Copco has acquired Precision Pneumatics Ltd and Wearside Pneumatics Ltd, two compressed air distributors and service providers in the UK

Precision Pneumatics Ltd was founded in 1991 and is based near Liverpool, with Wearside Pneumatics Ltd founded in 1974 and based near Newcastle upon Tyne. Both companies are privately owned by the same owners and provide compressed air solutions to companies in all types of manufacturing industries, such as general manufacturing, electronics, automotive supply chain, food & beverage, and metal fabrication

“Both companies have strong sales and service coverage in highly dense industrial areas of the UK,” said Vagner Rego, business area president compressor technique at Atlas Copco. “The acquisitions will further increase our direct service and sales presence in those key areas and provide growth opportunities.”

The acquired businesses will become part of the Service division within the Compressor Technique business area.

bigHead invests to increase bonding productivity

In a deal worth GB£1 million (€1.1 million), bigHead has recently installed new, state of the art machinery at its facility in Dorset, UK, which will help improve the quality of the technology it uses to make its bonding fasteners for composites.

bigHead explains that the new equipment, which was custom-made by Expert Technologies Group, will help reduce the time spent on extra machining and secondary operations, as well as leading to a 30% - 40% increase in productivity.

Indeed, the company considers long-term investment as its best strategy, adding that the new machines give it a platform to scale the business, as the company meets growing demand for composite panel fasteners beyond Europe, from Asia and the USA.

Continuing growth at SKAKO

SKAKO reported that earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) in Q3 of 2022 were DKK 9.1 million, which is 106.5% more than Q2 2022. The 2022 overall EBIT was DKK 20 million (€2.68 million) at time of going to press.

Following its quarterly report for Q3 of 2022, SKAKO announced that the period had been “the best quarter for a long time”. In fact, the entire FY22 was good for the company, with SKAKO saying it had “not seen anything like this for many years”.

Contributing to the growth were both SKAKO Concrete and SKAKO Vibration, particularly the concrete and recycling segments, which are both expanding. The company’s order backlog, meanwhile, of DDK 212 million, is historically high, some 102% higher than the order backlog in 2021.

In a joint statement, Lionel Girieud, managing director at SKAKO Vibration, and Steffen Kremmer, managing director at SKAKO Concrete, said: “Our employees are really doing a great job ensuring growth across the board. We are particularly delighted about the large order backlog. So, we are expecting a continued positive development in the upcoming months despite the Ukrainian war and energy crises.”

Upper management changes at Qonnect

Qonnect has recently implemented leadership changes, which have been ‘in the works’ for some time now, but were only finalised with the October promotion of Daan Schrijen to managing director.

Daan Schrijen has expanded his function from operational management to the managing director role, effectively concluding the transition of Founder Jan Aarts, from active management as CEO to an advisory level. Daan has been active at Jan’s side with Qonnect since 2014, sharing his experience and carrying this to the current level today.

Qonnect has also recently taken on a new corporate identity and will be introducing new product groups and partnerships in the near future. As new managing director, Daan will oversee and manage the company in these new ventures, as well as navigating it through the challenges of the modern world.

At the same time, Qonnect’s focus will remain, as ever, on being a dependable stock partner – delivering high service and quality, as well as original industry design, while remaining a flexible and highly responsive partner.

Lesjöfors acquires Dutch spring distributor

Lesjöfors, via Alcomex, has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares in Amatec BV, a Dutch spring distributor.

Amatec distributes stock springs and customised springs with a focus on the Dutch market. The company has high technical competence and is able to support its customers throughout the entire sourcing process, from product design to final product.

With the acquisition, Alcomex, and the Lesjöfors group, strengthens the distribution capabilities of stock springs, in line with its ambition to build the leading spring, wire and flat strip component group.

Ola Tengroth, president at Lesjöfors, comments: “Amatec has a strong position within the Dutch spring market and through this transaction, we take a step further to accelerate our stock spring business in Europe.”

Accelerating the reduction of CO 2 emissions

Sustainability is at the heart of Henkel’s corporate strategy and pioneering spirit, which is why it is transforming its UK head office to use renewable energy – helping to create a more sustainable office, as well as reduce energy costs.

As a leader in sustainability, Henkel is continuously looking at ways it can reduce its impact on the environment across the whole supply chain. From sourcing ingredients, to manufacturing and logistics, through to energy sources.

The project to bring renewable energy to the UK head office, led by Victoria Hampstead, HSC country manager UKI, saw the installation of nearly 300 solar panels on one building, which has generated 96,000kWh of electricity in its first year.

“Renewable energy is a major driver in the fight against climate change. For Henkel, the switch to non-carbon energy sources is one of the main levers in our efforts to become a ‘climate positive’ company by 2040,” explains Victoria. “In July 2021, the pandemic restrictions were being removed but most Henkel colleagues were still working from home. We therefore used the

opportunity to install solar panels on our UK head office building without disrupting our operations or teams.”

Since the panels have been added, the UK head office has saved 23 tonnes of CO 2 emissions. “At the start of the project, it was estimated that Henkel would recoup the investment in five years,” points out Victoria. “However, with the dramatic increase in electricity costs, the panels will pay back as soon as 18 months. Savings for the forthcoming year are expected to be approximately GB£70,000.”

Following the success of this project, Victoria is leading an initiative to consider the feasibility of extending solar energy projects to other Henkel sites in the UK and Ireland. “I hope to build on the success of the UK head office renewable energy project, and also look at other sustainability initiatives to support Henkel’s 2030+ sustainability strategy.”

Hall 1, Stand 1136

New distribution partner with 4,000 targets

Starrett, a precision measuring tool and saw blade manufacturer, has announced a new partnership with Owlett-Jaton. The new distribution partnership, which started on 1 st November 2022, introduces a range of Starrett power tool accessories to Owlett-Jaton’s 4,000 customers.

The top selling and well-known Fast Cut and Cordless Smooth Cut hole saws, for example, from Starrett’s Bi-metal range, are now available, as well as its jigsaw and power hacksaw blades, both of which use Starrett’s patented, Bi-metal Unique™ technology.

Further saw blades offered include the company’s 3x power reciprocating blades, launched in 2021, when they set a new level for performance and value on the market –with a line that includes blades for cutting wood, metal, multiple materials and heavyduty cutting.

Tom Pettit, Starrett UK sales manager, said: “I am really excited to have Owlett-Jaton onboard as a wholesale partner. They have the sales team and customer base to support our aggressive growth plan in the UK.”

Tony Williams, sales director at OwlettJaton, commented: “Starrett is a great addition to our existing list of market leading brands. Owlett-Jaton is recognised within the trade as offering a complete wholesale solution, with low minimum

order levels and free next day delivery. Customers can order multiple items in small quantities, all from one supplier. The introduction of over 130 Starrett

lines complements our existing cutting blade offering and will provide new opportunities and existing customer growth into 2023.”

Gripple celebrates manufacturing awards win

Gripple, the UK-based manufacturer of suspension solutions for the construction industry, is celebrating five wins at the prestigious TMMX Awards (The Manufacturer MX Awards) in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

ripple beat off strong competition from manufacturers across the UK to win: Manufacturer of the year, Young Manufacturer of the Year, International Trade, Operational Excellence, and Leadership and Strategy, after being shortlisted in 10 out of 11 categories.

Gordon Macrae, special projects manager at Gripple, explains: “This was a fantastic night for Gripple and for manufacturing in South Yorkshire. The TMMX Awards are the most prestigious manufacturing awards in the country, so it is a real honour for us to win five categories. The entry process and judging criteria are, quite rightly, rigorous and the judges really do put you to the test when they visit, but we are so pleased with the feedback we received and will use this to continually improve our operations.”

He added: “The TMMX awards are an opportunity to showcase the passion for excellence we have across our business, which is driven by Gripple being an employee-owned business.”

The winners were announced at The Manufacturer MX Awards ceremony and gala dinner, which took place on Thursday 17 th November at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool. The evening was held at the end of Digital Manufacturing Week and attended by 900 people from the manufacturing industry.

Würth donates €420,700 to UNICEF

Würth Group has made a donation of €420,700 to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – towards an aid programme that supports schools in Bolivia affected by climate change, in order to give children access to high-quality education.

his is the fifth time the Würth Group has handed a donation cheque to UNICEF following the company’s fundraising, RW WORKOUT Week. The donation will support the UNICEF programme for resilient schools in Bolivia. Resilient schools are schools which, despite adverse circumstances such as natural disasters and the effects of climate change, continue to offer children and adolescents the opportunity to receive education.

In resilient schools there is a focus on the transfer of knowledge, one subject being that of climate change. This enables pupils to engage and interact with communities and authorities on climate change and risk management in the event of natural disasters. In addition to providing access to education, resilient schools make an important contribution to community empowerment and resilience in particularly vulnerable communities.

The Würth donation will benefit 700 children and adolescents in eight schools out of a total of 45 institutions enrolled in the overall project. The schools will be equipped with solar panels, groundwater pumps and Internet connection, plus 70 teachers will be trained on climate change. The programme also establishes a network of teachers to exchange best practices on natural disaster risk management.

“Every child should have access to education regardless of their social background. Access to an education that does not exclude anybody and offers equal opportunities to all. Children have a right to learn. Only in this way can they understand the world, shape the future and participate in social and political life. With our donation we make a contribution towards this,” said Carmen Würth.

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

STAFDA’s Guthrie: Teach

‘why’ instead of just training

Director of strategic sourcing for DXP Enterprises, Allan Guthrie pointed out that one of his pet peeves is the word ‘training’. “I believe our industry over uses the word.”

“What are we trying to do when we ‘train’ someone? Are we presenting them with the performance specifications of a tool, with the hope that they can increase sales? Teach them the nuances of a business process so they can perform their job more efficiently?” Guthrie asked.

“Why don’t we educate them?” asked Guthrie. The difference between ‘training’ and ‘education’ is the ‘why’: “Why does it matter, why are we doing it this way, why does it impact the customer?”

“If we can explain ‘why’ the performance specifications of the tool matters – and how that could benefit the customer – that would probably increase sales,” Guthrie explained. “But, just knowing the torque specifications of a drill without knowing ‘why’ it matters will get you nowhere.”

He adds: “Typically, folks will seek out their supervisor or team leader and ask for direction because we trained them just to follow the process and not to think. Now if we would have educated them, explained why each step of the process was important and what effect it has on the next, we would have empowered them to make an educated decision.”

Guthrie also added that the 2022 words replacing ‘pandemic’, ‘social distancing’, ‘masks’ and ‘shut-downs’ are ‘supply chain disruption’, ‘raw material shortages’, ‘high fuel prices’, ‘surcharges’, ‘rising interest rates’, ‘inflation’ and ‘inventory shortages’.

“I think Covid-19 taught us all to become better planners, we’re identifying what our customers’ critical needs are – ensuring we have sufficient safety stock, even researching alternate items that could be used as replacements if the need arises.”

Especially in the past year, open and honest communication between suppliers and distributors has made it “easier for us to inform our customers, look at other options and stay ahead of potential stock-out situations”.

Guthrie said that comes when suppliers “share the good news (we have it in stock) and the bad (we don’t have a clue when we’ll get it)”.

Another 2022 issue has been price increases. “These increases are coming from raw material providers to the manufacturer, manufacturers to distribution, and distribution to the end user. We all are trying to keep our pricing updated, keep our customers informed and not lose any money in the process,” Guthrie said. “I believe the pandemic has sharpened our business processes, made us better communicators, and if you stayed on top of your orders, brought us all closer to our customers.”

FDI decline continued in October

The October seasonally adjusted Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) declined further versus the previous month, coming in at 44.3 (September was 47.6).

Analysts David Manthey (CFA) and Quinn Fredrickson from R.W. Baird commented: “This represents another contractionary reading, indicating market conditions continued to deteriorate.

Demand commentary again skewed pessimistically, with comments ranging from ‘slight slowing’ to ‘noticeable declines’, and there were very few positive comments about demand. On the positive side, stainless steel pricing seems to be stabilising and many respondents noted improvement in supplier lead times and overseas transit times.

Looking ahead, the Forward Looking Index registered a sub-50 index value, reading 42.4, suggesting

Allan Guthrie, president of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA), urged members in his 2022 State of the Industry address to “educate” your employees rather than “train” them.

further declines in the FDI could be likely. Ultimately, similar to the overall macro backdrop and the industrial economy specifically, fastener market demand conditions continue to soften.

The seasonally adjusted October FDI (44.3) registered a second consecutive month of contractionary readings as demand softened further and sentiment continued to deteriorate according to respondents. This is the third time in four months that the index was sub-50 following a 25 month streak of expansion. Sales and supplier delivery indexes were weaker month-onmonth, offsetting improvement registered in employment and customer inventory levels. Just 14% of respondents saw sales above seasonal expectations, while 54% indicated sales were worse. Pricing was mostly stable versus last month, as respondents indicated commodity prices (in particular stainless steel) have stabilised.

Overall, October saw fairly broad-based softening among respondents. While October was soft, respondents anticipate further weakening in November. The FLI registered just a 42.2 reading, which was both contractionary (<50) and at an accelerating rate (decreased month-on-month).

“Relative to last month, higher respondent and customer inventory levels month-on-month is read as a bearish sign

for future demand as it could indicate customer de-stocking ahead.”

The six month outlook was mostly unchanged, with just 11% of respondents anticipating activity levels will be higher six months from now (October) – September was 9%. Conversely, 46% expect lower activity levels (September was 43%) versus an average of just 13% over the past two years.

“We view this as an indicator that many respondents anticipate a recession occurring in 2023. Lastly, 43% expect similar trends. Key outlook themes from participants included improving supplier lead times/overseas transit times, customer de-stocking, slowing demand and general macroeconomic angst.”

The FDI employment index came in at 53.6 for October, improving from 47.8 last month. The majority of participants indicated they were at levels of employment that are seasonally normal/appropriate (64%), while 21% said employment levels were too high and 14% said they were too low. The October jobs report similarly painted a slightly better than expected job picture. 261,000 jobs were added versus economist expectations for +195,000. Forward-looking commentary again skewed more bearish as recession fears continue to build. General economic fears are beginning to translate into reduced customer orders and careful monitoring of cost.

“Commercial customers are scaling back, anticipating slowing from their customers. Aerospace is still growing from the slowdown that Covid-19 created, however, they seem to be watching their cost more closely.”

Another respondent said: “Slight slowing from customers, feeling like everyone is a little hesitant and fearful of an economic slowdown.” Inventory de-stocking is also playing a role in lower demand: “The expected drop in sales is finally here and probably will be for the next 4 – 6 months until inventory levels out.”

Supply chains seem to be freeing up for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. “Some lead times getting better. Also finding transit times from overseas are getting better into the west coast.” Echoing this, one respondent said: “Supplier lead times are still longer than pre-Covid but coming down.”

Stainless steel costs seem more stable now than any time in recent memory. Automotive is down from earlier in the year but apparently there is still enough pent-up demand. Most other industrial sectors are noticeably down and regularly scheduled shipments are slowing.”

The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors conducted by the FCH Sourcing Network, the National Fastener Distributors Association and Baird.

Fastenal eCommerce sales top US$1 billion

By Jason Sandefur, GlobalFastenerNews.com

LFastenal Co reached US$1 billion (€943.6 million) in eCommerce revenue within a calendar year, hitting the milestone two full months before 2022 ended. aunched more than 20 years ago, eCommerce historically represented a small share of the overall business until five years ago, when Fastenal announced a strategy that positioned eCommerce as a critical component of the company’s ‘high-tech, high-touch service model’.

“While many retailers and distributors were racing to move their offline business online in pursuit of a lower cost to serve, Fastenal took a very different approach – using its eCommerce platform to identify opportunities to migrate customer spend from a transactional (and, for the customer, higher-cost) online environment to a more strategic and efficient environment, anchored by the company’s Onsite and FMI (Fastenal Managed Inventory) programs,” explained Kirk Talmontas, vice-president of eCommerce for Fastenal.

This focus has accelerated Fastenal’s eCommerce revenue growth, going from US$245 million (5.5% of total company sales) in 2017 to US$1 billion (17.4% of total company year-to-date sales) in October 2022.

“We don’t often think of eCommerce as our primary go-to-market strategy, but it’s become a vital part of our ‘digital footprint’ – the technology we provide to streamline and illuminate the supply chain,” stated CEO Dan Florness. “Thanks to the hard work of the entire Blue Team, we’re taking eCommerce in new directions in our industry and finding new ways to create value for our customers.”

The achievement comes amid Fastenal’s success with its FAST Solutions program, surpassing 100,000 active FMI Technology devices within customer sites and 1,000 Onsite Partnership programs. In the third quarter of 2022, Fastenal reported fastener sales rose 18.2% to US$614.5 million (34.1% of overall sales), including a 15.1% increase in fastener sales during September.

Overall Q3 sales increased 16% to US$1.8 billion. Fastenal estimated adverse weather that impacted the southeastern of the USA reduced its quarterly growth by 10 to 30 basis points.

Sales during the first nine months of 2022 climbed 18% to US$5.3 billion, with operating income up 22.3% to US$1.12 billion and net income rising 21.3% to US$841.4 million.

Taiwan’s historic global fastener exports

Fastener World has given a breakdown of Taiwan’s global fastener export value and volume data for the past 20 years – combining it with significant events around the world that impacted the global economy.

Year 2002 2003

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Volume (kg) 1,081,053,010 1,148,896,509 1,266,224,387 1,148,305,845 1,208,756,429 1,174,269,915 1,125,513,687

Growth 7.53% 6.28% 10.21% -9.31% 5.26% -2.85% -4.15%

Value (US$) 1,437,441,040 1,682,714,604 2,191,895,688 2,316,331,654 2,438,393,759 2,755,747,624 2,954,669,915

Value growth 4.96% 17.06% 30.26% 5.68% 5.27% 13.01% 7.22%

Big events

Euro becomes physical currency

Iraq war SARS epidemic EU eastward expansion

Indian Ocean tsunami

Inflation due to high oil price

US Subprime mortgage crisis outbreak Economic recession

Financial crisis US and Japan quantitative easing

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Volume (kg) 816,653,088 1,206,369,710 1,347,746,764 1,278,585,161 1,371,098,506 1,501,697,033 1,470,992,279

Growth -27.44% 47.72% 11.72% -5.13% 7.24% 9.53% -2.04%

Value (US$) 1,927,175,716 3,066,814,297 3,808,037,696 3,586,618,369 3,679,741,858 4,048,948,068 3,880,596,255 Value growth -34.78% 59.14% 24.17% -5.81% 2.6% 10.03% -4.16%

Big events

EU AD tax on Chinese fasteners introduced European debt crisis

Arab Spring Japanese earthquake

US 2nd quantitative easing

Japan quantitative and qualitative easing

Annexation of Crimea by Russia

Euros zone quantitative easing

Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Q1-Q3, 2022

Volume (kg) 1,435,750,086 1,498,070,256 1,595,705,450 1,479,292,223 1,363,249,857 1,610,697,606 1,248,941,656 Growth -2.4% 4.34% 6.52% -7.3% -7.84% 18.15% 4.37%

Value (US$) 3,610,883,236 4,090,303,303 4,638,685,129 4,316,380,032 3,969,114,428 5,319,398,407 4,744,636,991 Value growth -6.95% 13.28% 13.41% -6.95% -8.05% 34.02% 23.81%

Big events

BREXIT referendum Trump becomes US president USA vs China trade war

From analysing Table One it is possible to see patterns between Taiwan’s export values, and volumes, and when significant events have impacted the global economy. For instance, whilst Taiwan’s fastener export remained on a growth track during the first part of the global economic recession, from 2005 to 2007, in 2009 Taiwanese exports dropped by 34% due to the debt crisis breaking out in Europe, which was one of Taiwan’s top export markets. However, the Taiwanese fastener industry was highly resilient and made a comeback with a rebound of nearly 60% growth in 2010. The loss and gain added up to an additional growth of 30% and Taiwan was able to regain what it had initially lost from 2009 – in part due to the EU AD tax on Chinese fasteners announced in 2009 starting to take effect.

The next crisis that followed was when many Asian countries experienced a double-digit export drop in 2015. Again, Taiwanese

Covid-19 outbreak

Biden assumed office; EU announced AD investigation

EU AD tax on Chinese fasteners introduced Russia-Ukraine war European energy crisis

fastener exports were resilient, with it only experiencing a relatively small drop of 4%.

In 2018, the USA imposed a tax tariff on China of 25%, which resulted in Taiwan’s fastener export value making a double-digit growth of 13%. Then at the start of 2022, the EU imposed duties of up to 86.5% on Chinese fasteners, which Taiwan was again able to benefit from, with Taiwanese fastener exports achieving explosive overseas sales within this two year period. This in spite of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted everybody around the world significantly.

In fact, 2022 has been such a success that it saw a 23.81% increase in value in the first three quarters of 2022 when compared to the first three quarters of 2021, which in itself was a record year overall at US$5.3 billion (€4.95 billion).

Table One: Taiwan’s historic global fastener

The value of the Taiwanese fastener industry

A key factor throughout the last twenty years has been the Taiwanese fastener industries resilience, which has acted almost as a protective shield for the sector. A big part of this is the competitive edge that the Taiwanese fastener people provide – through their unity, division of work, and helping each other. These three pillars have helped build up a strong fastener supply chain in Taiwan.

In the face of cross-nation challenges and disruption of supply chains, which have been serious enough to shake up the global industry structure, the Taiwanese fastener industry has been able to continue to forge collaborations and redeploy capacity were appropriate in order to ‘weather the storm’ of each crisis and still achieve record breaking results, such as exports in 2021.

From looking at Figure One and Figure Two it is clear that both Taiwan’s fastener export volumes and values have shown steady growth over the last twenty years – with the only significant drops being the result of the financial crisis in Europe in 2009 and the global lockdowns in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The challenges will keep coming

Looking at the current climate, there looks to be a start of a global recession.

Figure One: Taiwan’s fastener export value in the past 20 years

Global export value (USD) 6,000,000,000 5,000,000,000 4,000,000,000 3,000,000,000 2,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 0

Figure Two: Taiwan’s fastener export volume in the past 20 years

Global export volume (KG) 1,800,000,000 1,600,000,000 1,400,000,000 1,200,000,000 1,000,000,000 800,000,000 600,000,000 400,000,000 200,000,000 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Q1-32022

In the past, the large economies of the USA and Europe have resorted to quantitative easing to boost the economies, by keeping down interest rates and providing financial support to help businesses with their cash flow and operation – thereby spurring investment and revitalising each economy. However, this global recession is currently the opposite story. The US continues to raise

interest rates and the Russia-Ukraine War is causing a material price hike that forms an ever-greater stress on companies in Europe.

Whilst these challenges will continue to impact the Taiwanese fastener market, as it has proven over the last 40 years, it has the experience and resilience to not only manage the situation, but come out of it stronger.

Bi-Mirth upgrades with eco-friendly manufacturing procedures

With

environmental protection greatly increasing, Bi-Mirth

For instance, in terms of electroplating, Bi-Mirth now uses ecofriendly formulas from different brands and ensures that excellent performance remains unchanged. In addition, a new eco-friendly resin-based coating is going to be used.

Bi-Mirth has also adopted new electroplating facilities and replaced old electroplating lines with longer ones (equipment total length extended from 5 feet to 6 feet), which also means that the company’s production capacity has taken a giant leap forward. “Domestic electroplating demand surged starting last year,” mentions Bi-Mirth. “Thanks to our own upgraded electroplating lines to process wood screws ,and increase screw manufacturing capacity, customers can rest assured we can meet their needs.”

Bi-Mirth pointed out that the main challenges faced by the Taiwanese fastener industry in the second half of 2022 included European and US customers sourcing more locally; price competition from Southeast Asian counterparts; and foreign exchange losses caused by the appreciated New Taiwan Dollar.

In terms of price competition, the average price of Taiwanese steel wire rod is comparatively higher than other countries, and the prices

of other related raw materials for surface treatment and packaging are also hiking. In addition, shipping costs from Taiwan are still relatively high. For example, Kaohsiung Port to New York Port rose from US$1,500 in 2019 to US$26,500 in 2021, which then has gradually decreased to US$6,000 – US$7,000 in 2022, but still remains at a high level.

Another challenge is that more European and US industrial customers are starting to source more locally because of the current political atmosphere in Taiwan causing many uncertainties for foreign buyers. This will cause greater impact on all Taiwanese suppliers in obtaining orders. In facing all of these challenges, Bi-Mirth continues to maintain and increase sales in the US.

“US customers are facing problems like logistics, turnover, inflation, labour and procurement costs, and still do not have enough time to digest their existing inventory, so our strategy is to maintain steady growth and remain cautious,” explains Bi-Mirth. “We are also working with a US customer to develop a new type of long screws for drilling and tapping 25mm iron plates to cope with climate change. Due to the drastic increase in volumes shipped, we’ve also introduced a new logistics management system (using QR code) and shelves into our factory.”

global awareness of

has upgraded its processes and products in order to achieve better environmental protection and create a greener screw production for its customers around the world.

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

Brazil Windpower 2022

Held in October 2022, the wind energy sector celebrated the return of Brazil Windpower – the annual trade show and congress dedicated to services and products involving the entire supply chain for the Brazilian wind energy sector.

Focusing on processes involving construction, as well as structural maintenance, in addition to equipment used in capturing, managing and transmitting electricity by wind strength, the show was held in São Paulo City.

Compared with the previous edition in 2019, when the local installed capacity was around 14.34 gigawatts (GW), the wind energy capacity within Brazil is now around 24 GW, including both commercial and test use – according to the Brazil Windpower website.

In terms of fasteners and relevant products, essential for fixing everything from the bases of the towers to the wind turbines and blades, the main players in this segment have shown great enthusiasm, which made it surprising that there were so few of them in such a promising event –with two debuting fairs, the Ecofix Arruelas and Brasimpar, attracting more than 6,200 visitors during the three days of the show.

Böllhoff Brazil starts new nuts production

The Brazilian subsidiary of Böllhoff Group has started production of high resistance pressable nuts to meet demands of the automotive, agricultural and electric energy sectors.

Specialised in fastening technology and assembly systems, Böllhoff Brazil has announced that the new local production is composed of the KAPTI NUT® – with the new line enabling the fixing of pre-drilled thin metal sheets, resulting in the creation of a threaded fastening element for the application of a third component.

The clamping system is specially designed to suit multiple drilling of strip and thin sheet metal and can be applied to materials such as steel, alluminium and stainless steel.

“The investment to that production line aims to benefit the local and export market, with faster service, competitive prices and the

Max Del founder passes

Just three months after the untimely death of Anderson Luiz Biason, CEO at Max Del, there has been another family loss, this time with Américo Maximiliano Biason, Anderson’s father, passing away.

The founder of Max Del, ‘seu Américo’ –as he was affectionately known –passed away on 29 th November 2022 in Mauá Town, SP, where the fastener manufacturer’s industrial plant and headquartered have been based since 1977.

offer of a product manufactured with the global quality standard of the Böllhoff Group,” highlights Flavio Silva, CEO of Böllhoff Brazil. “These are highly resistant pressable nuts, which can be applied via a mechanical process or through automation possibilities – adding more practicality and increasing the productivity of our customers.”

Brazil is one of the key markets for Böllhoff Group. Currently, the local unit has sold an average of more than 620 million fasteners per year, with around 30% exported to France, Germany, USA, Italy, Poland, Mexico, Japan, Argentina, Chile and Colombia. The Brazilian production supplies customers within the construction, aerospace, machinery and equipment industries.

New Ciser operations in Asia-Pacific

As part of its market strategy to expand globally, Ciser, the fastener manufacturer giant from Brazil, has expanded its activities within the Asian market by opening a new office in China – further underlining its position as a relevant supplier within the Asia-Pacific region.

Ciser inaugurated the new and modern offices in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. The event was attended by executives from some of Ciser’s major customers, such as WEG, Marcopolo, Progeral and Karl Mayer, in addition to Henry Osvald, president of BraCham (the Brazilian Companies in China for Industry, Commerce and Technology Association), and Susan Zou, a Chinese government representative. The new Chinese company will be known as Ciser Fasteners Jiangsu Ltda.

“We want to expand our share in the Asian market, not just in China, and to consolidate the Ciser name in the Asia and Pacific regions as a whole”, said Renato Fiore, sales director at Ciser.

Maximising customer service and digitisation

A leading supplier and producer of fasteners, anchors and tools, pgb-Europe is a European player strongly committed to digitisation and a thorough service to its customers.

For three generations, pgb-Europe NV has been selling all kinds of fasteners for the construction sector – from small screws to European certified construction bolts and nylon plugs, to seismic-tested anchors. With a range of around 30,000 items continuously available from stock, the family business offers a solution for just about every fastening challenge.

Founded in 1956, pgb-Europe has grown into an international player, with its head office in Melle, Belgium; a production facility in Poland; sales organisations in France and the Netherlands; and a sourcing hub in Shanghai, China. A total of 150 employees work for the family business, with the management team consisting of

the managing directors Frederik Pennoit, Johannes Heye and Vincent Pennoit, as well as CEO’s Marc and Luc Pennoit pgb-Europe focuses on three sales channels – retail, industry and export. Over the years, the company has built up very strong coverage in the Benelux countries and now it is expanding to other European countries – with a special focus on the French market. The production plant for plastic anchors, pgb-Polska, is also active on the eastern European market.

“A series of investments over recent years has been leading to a complete product range and private label solutions for our customers,” explains pgb-Europe. “At the beginning of 2023 we will also finish the installation of a completely new fully automatic packaging line for boxes.”

Digitising processes

Automation and digitisation are key to all of pgb-Europe’s processes, as well as guaranteeing it can continue to meet the increasing performance requirements from the market, which is why it will go on investing in the future. “Even for commodity products, such as fasteners and fixings, everybody wants the product they ordered yesterday. Beside a correct price and quality, speed and accuracy are very important for customer satisfaction,” points out pgb-Europe. “Digitisation can play a key role in maximising customer service and at pgb we already have a number of initiatives. We work paperless as much as possible, which starts with our incoming orders and price requests that are digitally managed. Within our different premises, we also use the same SAP ERP system, which takes away a lot of manual jobs – including PDFs being processed via an AI system that converts it to an import-ready file.”

pgb-Europe’s warehouse also features a high level of automation, with over 800 incoming containers and 15,000 tonnes of goods shipped out every year. “It is very important that all the processes are well streamlined. Goods are stored in our high-bay pallet warehouse with automatic cranes and multiple AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) fulfilling our internal transport. Instructions are given on screen and the whole warehouse is using scanners to read the barcode locations for drop-off or pick-up zones. This dramatically reduces the chance of errors as each step is traceable – meaning the entire product chain can be mapped.”

From left to right: Vincent Pennoit, Johannes Heye, Luc Pennoit, Frederik Pennoit and Marc Pennoit

Standardisation is also very important to optimise efficiency. For many years pgb-Europe has established a standardised line of box packaging, which is a great service for customers because they know the next time they order the same product, it will arrive in the same box. Finally, a detailed follow-up of all deliveries is possible through an extensive dispatch note, linked to the box number.

24/7 online access

Through its web shop pgb-Europe is able to provide customers with 24/7 access to its online product catalogue. Easy navigation also helps users to quickly find the product and technical specifications they need. In addition, registered customers can enjoy all kinds of commercial conveniences, such as online ordering and checking available stock. They can also make lists with favourite articles, link their own article codes, as well as check the order history, etc. It is also possible to set authorisation levels to different users within organisations. For example, someone can prepare the order, but they have no authorisation to place it without permission. This gives customers’ control over the buying process.

Manual ordering can be time consuming, especially with big product families such as fasteners. That is why pgb-Europe has developed an upload tool that can import txt files very quickly. Another option is the pgb-ScanApp, which is a free to download App that enables customers to quickly fill

their basket by means of scanning EAN codes. “This tool is seamlessly integrated with our web shop, which means one can shift easily from the small cellphone screen to their laptop or PC to finalise or check the order before sending,” explains the company. “Our web shop is a very important sales channel extension and is a non-stop project – with a major update of the web shop being published very soon.”

Alongside its web shop, pgb-Europe also offers a number of other digital connection possibilities. “More and more customers use fully or partly EDI integration, and currently we are deploying a PunchOut catalogue as well. This allows customers to send the order directly to their ERP system. In this way we are able to make our customers’ ordering process even more efficient,” mentions pgb-Europe.

Family team ethos

Although as a business pgb-Europe is very digitally focused, it also attaches great importance to its people. “Technology is here to assist us, but it is thanks to our dedicated team that we are able to achieve our goals. Long-lasting relationships are vital,” states the company. “Our representatives are the main points of contact and internally two people are designated as contact persons for a specific customer. We always try to be as transparent as possible and communicate in an open way to give our customers the tools to work with their customers.”

That is also why the business has invested in a Product Information System (PIM) to capture and centralise all product-related information – such as descriptions, image and video material, area of application, etc. “This is not only relevant for us, it is especially interesting for our customers. The demand for reliable data is big. Our (retail) customers want to offer a better service themselves and rely on our data to develop their online web shops. Because we can provide this, we also offer them great added value,” concludes pgb-Europe.

www.pgb-europe.com

pgb-Europe will be present at Fastener Fair Global 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany. At its spacious stand it will proudly showcase the vast range of product possibilities the company has to offer – with its experienced team of representatives willing to guide visitors through the extensive services the company can provide.

“We sincerely look forward to meeting you soon in Stuttgart!”

INSIGHT

take a look into the workings of fastener companies

EFDA and 2023

Fastener + Fixing Magazine last published an article from the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) back in May 2022 – regarding the association’s conference in Madrid, Spain. With that in mind, we spoke to EFDA President Andreas Bertaggia about what the association, and its members, have been focused on since the conference and what they will be concentrating on for 2023.

planned Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

“Our members from all over Europe were very happy to finally meet in Madrid after the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, we have been able to continue our work online and with in-person meetings, most recently at Fastener Fair Italy in Milan in December. The issues that have been challenging EFDA and its member associations, and affiliated companies, are many: How secure are the procurement markets? How do we deal with increasing supply chain regulation? And how do we adjust to more sustainability?

As for 2023, I believe that supply chain regulations and compliance requirement, as well as Environmental, Social and Governance factors (ESG) – especially sustainability – will be big factors for European fastener distributors. For instance, many regulations originate in Brussels, such as the planned EU Directive on Corporate Social Due Diligence, the planned EU Force Labour Ban Regulation and the

Laws also come from the nation states that are formally only applicable to local companies, but – as always with cross-border business – they also have an impact on our members in other countries through the supply chain. One example is the German Supply Chain Act, which came into force on 1 st January 2023. Similar laws already exist in other EU member states.

EFDA and its member associations are committed to ensuring that the requirements of the legislation are appropriate for the small and medium-sized structure of its trading companies. The laws must stand up to the test of practice. It must not be the case that smaller trading companies have to give up because they can no longer cope with the bureaucratic requirements. It is therefore a question of a fair balance between the overriding interests of the public and feasibility in the company. This is what we stand up for as the voice of the European fastener distributors in Europe. Of course, we keep our members informed about the progress of the legislative process and provide them with information for the implementation.”

How did the second half of 2022 progress for the association and its members after the Madrid conference? What topics do you believe will be the main focus for the fastener industry in 2023?

EFDA’s

“This disproportionately high anti-dumping duty of 86.5% hit the industry at a time when it had already faced multiple challenges, such as unreliable delivery times, as well as high container and raw material prices. Now, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties are added to the mix, as well as the legislative requirements already mentioned. The outlook for the industry is anything but certain.

With regard to the anti-dumping duties per se, a particular challenge for our members is dealing with imports from Chinese companies, to which the lower duty level of 39.6% applies. European importers must be extremely careful to ensure that the imported goods are also subject to the lower duty rate. In practice, this can be more difficult than one might think. If mistakes are made here, the importer will end up paying the high duty rate of 86.5% for the imported goods.

For the industry, it can mean that this case of ‘internal circumvention’ within China leads to the high duty level being extended to all imports from China. A similar situation applies to circumvention via third countries. EFDA informs its members about what to consider when importing fasteners from China and also educates in Asia about the risk of circumvention.”

S ome European fastener manufacturers have looked to increase their capabilities when it comes to the products involved in the anti-dumping duties. Has this helped EFDA’s members? Where have

“Diversification in supply sources is certainly called for – due to many reasons. That is why, in addition to the People’s Republic of China, supply markets, particularly in Asia, continue to be important. For instance, Taiwan has always played an important role as a supplier of fasteners.

At the same time, it is still valid that there is no adequate supply of standard parts in the EU at all. At least according to our perception, this has not changed after the imposition of the anti-dumping duties. EFDA had repeatedly pointed out to the European Commission during the anti-dumping investigation that EU manufacturers will not produce sufficient quantities of standard parts. We have been proved right.”

It has almost been a year since the anti-dumping duties were applied to certain iron China. How has this impacted

members and the European fastener market a year on?

they looked to source these products if not within Europe?

EFDA and its member associations are committed to ensuring that the requirements of the legislation are appropriate for the small and medium-sized structure of its trading companies.”

“The anti-dumping duties are and remain wrong. The level of the general duty of 86.5% is completely unrealistic, harmful and also legally contestable. As already mentioned, the lower duty rate of 39.6%, which is to be applied to imports from some Chinese manufacturers, also leads to considerable difficulties in practice. We still see hardly any benefit in these duties for anyone, but considerable damage for many companies in Europe, especially our customers. We can look forward to the duties being declared illegal one day. One possibility is a determination by the WTO.”

“EFDA will again be present with its own stand at the upcoming trade fair in Stuttgart. The point is to have a contact person on-site for a personal discussion, also on the part of the association. In times of online meetings, face-to-face meetings are more important than ever.

We are also using Fastener Fair Global to gain new members. In addition to national member associations, companies can also become members of EFDA directly if there is no national association for fastener distribution in their country to represent their interests. These companies become members of the so-called MEFDA group, where we already have companies from Finland to Portugal, and from Hungary to Belgium.

The MEFDA group meets regularly and exchanges information on current topics in the fastener business. The companies receive important information from EFDA. We hope that many European fastener distributors will visit us in Stuttgart in March.”

the legislative processes at European level, its national members at national level. They all inform their members about the new challenges and developments so that they can adapt to the changes.

However, ESG compliance already plays a major role for almost all fastener distributors in Europe. Although SMEs are often exempted by the legislator, even the smaller companies are active in this field because in many cases a strong customer dictates what compliance is required – and EFDA members are prepared for that.

Of course, ESG compliance causes a lot of administrative costs, efforts, and complexity, that nobody likes from a company point of view. However, many European fastener distributors have also realised that ESG compliance can create a competitive advantage, in the home market, in Europe, but also in global markets. The EU has the most ESG regulations to comply with compared to other regions. We assume that Europe is and will remain the leader here, while governments in other parts of the world will sooner or later follow the same or a similar path. For this reason, it is worth being at the forefront right from the start.

“Rising energy costs and the associated uncertainties are playing a major role for fastener distributors pretty much everywhere in Europe. We hear that many companies are taking a close look at the issue and where they can make savings.

Within EFDA, we regularly exchange views on the current challenges of our industry in various committees and groups. Of course, energy demand plays an important role in this, especially as manufacturers are hit harder than retailers by rising energy costs, which they pass on to retailers or end customers in the supply chain, which in turn fuels inflation.”

“Sustainability is a big issue and is steadily gaining importance for the fastener industry and the economy as a whole. The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements for companies also continue to increase and become more comprehensive – at European and national level. As already mentioned, EFDA is involved in

Another major factor is geopolitical situation, which is more uncertain that it has been for a long time. Taiwan is a particular focus. Should the international tensions have a negative impact on Taiwan or even lead to a slump in the Taiwanese market, this would have disastrous consequences for the fastener industry.

Another unknown is the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine. We can only hope that this will come to an end soon and that stability all over the world will return.

A further challenge for our members is the difficult labour market situation. This affects basically all of Europe, some countries more, some less. The problem is that there are too few or too few qualified workers. Accordingly, the salary expectations of many applicants are rising immeasurably. With the shortage of labour, personnel costs in fastener distribution companies are rising, which has a negative impact on margins. We still expect great pressure here in 2023.

Finally, digitalisation will change the industry even faster than before, making it even stronger and indispensable. We can observe that most companies are analysing and defining their digitisation strategies. Many companies have already done a lot and have made big investments to keep up with the pace.

Throughout all this, EFDA will be active on behalf of its members and provide them with comprehensive information.”

www.efda-fastenerdistributors.org

W hat is EFDA’s approach regarding the anti-dumping duties? Is it still looking to overturn the decision?

E FDA will have a stand at the upcoming Fastener Fair Global show in Stuttgart, Germany. What are the association’s plans for the show?

A big factor over recent months has been the huge increases in energy prices. How have EFDA’s members been impacted? As an association how have you looked to support members with information, etc?

W hat do you see as being the big trends for the fastener industry in 2023 and beyond? How can your members benefit from these trends?

…many European fastener distributors have also realised that ESG compliance can create a competitive advantage, in the home market, in Europe, but also in global markets.”

In memory of Giulio Gandioli

Inoxdadi has announced that General Manager Giulio Gandioli passed away at the end of July 2022. Giulio lived his profession more as a passion than as a job, managing to be recognised as a gentleman both by the staff of Inoxdadi and by a very large audience of customers, suppliers, colleagues and competitors.

Born in Soncino, a small medieval village in the province of Cremona, Italy, in 1948, Giulio had a sister, Elvira, and a brother, Roberto. After completing his education, achieving a diploma as an industrial technician, Giulio quickly became a commercial director at the offices of an important multinational in the chemical sector, which was operating in Crema, Italy, at the time.

Always looking for new and more exciting challenges, he founded Inoxdadi Srl with a partner in 1973, with the company initially dealing with the production and marketing of turned nuts in stainless steel. At the beginning of the 1980s, with the need for larger volumes and the introduction of new production techniques, Inoxdadi decided to purchase innovative machinery for the cold moulding of dies. Shortly thereafter, the growing market demand led Inoxdadi to be a pioneer also in the direct importation of finished products.

In the 2000s, with the vision of Giulio, the company decided to concentrate all its resources on the production and marketing of niche nuts, which involved special processes and the use of very sophisticated and high performance materials – especially in terms of mechanical resistance, temperature and corrosion.

Through Giulio’s experience and knowledge, Inoxdadi has become a real point of reference in the fastener sector and a leading a supplier in the energy, automotive, nuclear, aerospace and construction fields. His punctuality and professionalism, as well as his capacity for objective judgment, made Inoxdadi a safe and performing ‘port’ in the immense ‘sea of bolts and nuts’.

Giulio leaves a well-organised company that can count on skills established over decades of production, as well as a first rate fleet of machines and highly qualified professionals – who have always been the key in the company’s ability to offer its customers the highest quality products and service for the last 50 years.

Going forward, Andrea and Silvia, Giulio’s children – who have long been employed at the company in the production and administrative departments – will continue their father’s work.

The same philosophy of continuous research and innovation in the field of materials can still be found today in the company’s extensive catalogue of special alloys for the most varied applications.

His punctuality and professionalism, as well as his capacity for objective judgment, made Inoxdadi a safe and performing ‘port’ in the immense ‘sea of bolts and nuts’.”

Hassmann expanding

At the beginning of this year Brazilian manufacturer Hassmann will start the construction of a new 10,000m 2 facility to expand its production plant, which will enable it to continue to produce high performance industrial fasteners for customers around the world.

With a current site of over 40,000m 2 , and more than 400 employees, Hassmann S.A currently has a production capacity of 2,000 tonnes per month. Through continuous investments to increase production, the company is looking to grow this capacity even further. “In the last twelve months we have invested approximately US$10 million,” explains Diego Jezler, business developer at Hassmann. “This includes a new 800kg/h heat treatment line, two new combined 5-stage presses, two new CNC lathes and an automatic line for applying phosphate – in a galvanic plant we previously purchased.”

This production capability has led to Hassmann being able to manufacture parts according to international standards, as well as special parts according to customer drawings. Its product family is very diverse and includes hexagonal, flanged, french, weld, six-lobe, internal hexagon screws, as well as studs, rivets, pins and U-bolts, among others. In the nut segment it can offer hexagonal and flanged – with mechanical lock and nylon rings – as well as weld nuts.

However, what sets Hassmann apart in the market is its ability to manufacture special parts based on customer requirements, especially when it comes to the more diverse applications – such as engine screws, suspension screws, axles, brake system screws, seat belts, etc – all of which are extremely critical applications where there can be no failures or errors. “We are able to produce these high performance

fasteners thanks to the quality assurance we are able to provide customers,” points out Diego. “Through our internal controls we can carry out numerous tests during every product process, including dimensional controls and visual inspections. Everything is standardised and through our modern, state of the art equipment we are able to maintain process stability, which has seen us achieve ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification.”

Excellence through experience

Hassmann’s vast array of capabilities and knowledge is thanks to its long history. After the second World War, in 1950, Austrian Engineer Karl Hassmann moved to São Paulo, Brazil, in search of better living conditions – having obtained a work contract from Vass Ernest, his brother-in-law’s company, who was already a resident in Brazil.

On a bus Journey in 1952 Karl met Elka Lagemann, a Brazilian teacher who struck up a conversation with Karl as she was also fluent in Germany. After several more meetings the two got married in São Paulo. In August 1955, Karl and Elka returned to Rio Grande do Sul, to live in Elka’s hometown, Imigrante, and in October of that year they founded Hassmann e Lagemann LTDA, along with three other shareholders.

Hassmann’s vast array of capabilities and knowledge is thanks to its long history.”

At the beginning of its activity, Hassmann was nothing more than a simple workshop, where small repairs, equipment maintenance, as well as the manufacture of spare parts for local industries, among other activities, were carried out. In the following years, the company began to manufacture metallic mechanisms for windows and doors. Only in 1960 did the production of fasteners begin. The reason was the search for a serial product, which obeyed international standards, combined with the needs of Brazil – until then, a country with little industrialisation. In just five years, Hassmann was able to attract several large customers. From this point the company has evolved from generation to generation, with the business remaining 100% family owned – with the second generation currently in management and the third actively participating in decisions.

A range of logistical services

Today, Hassmann offers much more than just an in-depth family of fasteners, the company can also supply a range of logistical services and solutions through two warehouses in Imigrante, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and another in Tampa, Florida, USA –including the ability to manage stock levels for customers, with weekly or daily deliveries. Hassmann can also store all parts for customers, helping eliminate certain management costs; ensuring delivery on demand; and eliminating any risk of missing parts.

We already export to every continent and are currently in a phase of internationalisation...”

the best and most modern solutions in fasteners and in order to provide a differentiated service every day,” explains Diego. “We already export to every continent and are currently in a phase of internationalisation as a business. For instance, we already have a representative within the UK. This internationalisation is also underlined in our long-term planning, in which we are even considering taking part of our operation abroad to be ever closer to our customers. This idea is still in the early planning stages, but it shows how we are looking forward and how we can offer our high performance fasteners to the most diverse markets – meeting every need and expectation.”

To add to this, Hassmann also has a technical division, including an in-house laboratory, which focuses on the needs of the fastener industry – with the ability to use forming simulation software to help customers develop new products. The company’s export team can also handle all the procedures for customers, delivering parts to anywhere in the world.

“We are very proud to sell fasteners and the in-depth line of screws, nuts, pins, rivets and special parts we can provide – all manufactured 100% in-house,” states Diego. “We are also a very flexible company when it comes to batch sizes and we value the quality of our products. That’s why we always invest in state of the art equipment, whether for production or control, which over the years has brought us a very good reputation for quality and reliability. In addition, we have verticalised our structure, which means we are able to produce all of our forming dies in our own tool shop. We also have heat treatment and surface treatment processes in-house and therefore can be more competitive in terms of prices. Finally, we have always maintained a high stock of raw materials (an average of 8,000 tonnes), which guarantees our customers safe delivery, eliminating any risk of line stoppages.”

The secret to success

Hassmann believes that the planned new facility, as well as further investments in its industrial park, in addition to technologies and products, are important for the future of the company. “Those who are not aware of market trends are left behind and lose their competitiveness. That’s why every year we try to invest a good part of our profit, so that we can offer our customers

Hassmann’s internationalisation is also underlined by its sales to Europe already increasing 10% over the last 12 months – a direct result of the European market looking for new sources after the introduction of anti-dumping duties on certain fasteners from China. “We managed to be very competitive in special parts, even though sea freight remains expensive after the Covid-19 pandemic. Another interesting point is that we are suppliers of many multinational companies here in Brazil, and we have several part numbers developed, approved and in stock. For those customers who have plants in Europe, this could be an excellent opportunity for immediate supply from Brazil. We have been exporting our products to different countries for over 25 years and we will continue to develop globally as a business – with a focus on high performance fasteners and first-class service.”

www.hassmann.com.br

Growermetal dedicates itself to R&D

Inside Growermetal’s headquarters in the north of Italy challenges are pretty common. Since it was first established in 1950, the fastener manufacturer has always been looking for the highest quality, which has led to it constantly seeking innovative technologies and the selection of the finest material and designs for its safety washers.

lthough recent years have represented quite a concern, even for a well-established enterprise such as Growermetal, the company’s know-how and completely in-house production has sustained it during this most challenging period. The company also found a new balance and rearranged its organisation, in line with the general difficult economic phase.

“After the positive trend registered in 2021, with a growth of 6.6% according to Italian Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Italian GDP returned to prepandemic levels in the first few months of 2022,” explains Paolo Cattaneo, CEO at Growermetal SpA. “A recovery that proved the Italian economy to be resilient, even if it now registers a slowdown caused by the Ukraine crisis and the rise in raw material and energy prices.”

Paolo continues: “These two aspects, the Ukrainian war and energy prices, represent the most critical factors for the short and mediumterm perspective of the Italian economy. In spite of this perspective, in the first quarter of 2022 the export of Italian products registered a positive result, with a growth of 20.7%.”

Even with the many changes within the market, between 2020 and 2022, Growermetal still puts great attention on its R&D department and in production systems – exploring new possibilities for its business through innovative technologies.

Research & development

Whilst Growermetal looks to continue its R&D, according to ISTAT insights – published in September 2022 – there was an international reduction of investments in R&D in 2020, with a drop of 4.7% compared to 2019. The largest part of this decline depended on companies (-6.8%) with Italian small and medium-sized enterprises reducing their research funding respectively by 26.5% and 17.5%.

Growermetal’s commitment to R&D was underlined even during the first period of the pandemic emergency, with the company maintaining its focus toward technological innovation by becoming one of the founders and partners of a new research centre based on the concept of open innovation –the Joint Research Center MATT (Metal And Transformation Technologies).

This project of the University Politecnico of Milan was created in partnership with many individuals, universities and companies from the area between Milan, Bergamo and Brescia – with the aim of developing innovative research while sharing technical know-how, tools and infrastructures.

“JRC MATT is just one of the many projects of the last three years,” highlights Paolo. “Research is a key factor in many different aspects of Growermetal, as proven by the resources spent on funding studies, tests and machinery of our R&D laboratory.

…Growermetal still puts great attention on its R&D department and in production systems.”

The company is constantly committed in providing cutting edge technologies and testing tools, in order to guarantee a reliable and efficient service in every department, but also to create products according to international standards.”

Even with the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, Growmetal reacted positively, supported by its team of experienced professionals and specialists, by also achieving the quality system certification according to the EN 9100:2018 standard for the aerospace industry in April 2021, which is in addition to its other certifications – ISO 9001, ISO 14001, IATF 16949 and EN 9100 certified manufacturing process, which is completely managed and developed in-house.

In-house processes and benefits

The vertical productive model continues to be one of the pillars of Growermetal even in the post-emergency period, as the connection between the departments allows the business to offer many benefits. Among these advantages, customers can count on a single contact for the whole management of their needs. In fact, the company services range from the tool shop, equipped with CAM-CAD-CAE applications and technologies, to different surface treatments, including heat treatments, mechanical zinc plating and zinc flake coating.

“To integrate the production and create more competitive products, we put our quality control laboratories at customer services, in order to provide washers according to international technical, quality and safety standards,” points out Paolo. “Through tests and exams, merged together with continuous monitoring during every phase of the process, the team is able to check the products – ensuring reliable, precise and durable washer performance during the application.”

In synergy with the productive departments, the R&D laboratories also work on the development of customised solutions according to customers’ requirements. Plus, through its fully automatic warehouse, Growermetal optimises the products management and storage for a fast and easy delivery – as flexibility is taken into great account within the company.

Made in Italy

All these benefits have contributed to the creation of long-lasting relationships, which are at the base of Growermetal’s vision of ‘Made in Italy’. A label that is commonly used as a synonym of the finest quality and one that the company aims to spread and enhance through experience, research and innovation.

“For the Italian economy, 2021 revealed itself to be a year of great dynamism for exports, which rose by 13.3% after a 13.4% drop in 2020, as shown by Eurostat data reported in the ‘Relevant Factors Influencing Public Debt Developments in Italy’, published in May 2022 by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance,” points out Paolo.

Growermetal has kept up with these trends, strengthening its presence in the European and international markets with partnerships that constitute an essential part of a company’s success. Part of this good response lies in the presence of the company’s Brazilian and American sales branches, which have reinforced the presence of Growermetal in these areas and helped the company in maintaining its reputation as a leading fastener company with a range of safety washers, railway washers and blanked parts – successfully used worldwide in a great number of fields of application.

Range, innovation and Grower SpheraTech®

Growermetal’s remarkable achievements don’t just refer to R&D and optimising processes and services, it also applies to its product family, with a constantly expanding safety washers range. “With more than 4,500 standard products and 2,500 safety washers according to customers’ drawings, we are able to address railway, automotive, power generation, construction, transportation, electromechanic, oil and gas, industrial, agricultural machines and aerospace requirements,” mentions Paolo.

Alongside the launch of Grower TenKeep® in 2019, the family washer range has also seen the introduction of many new products, such as sealing push-in caps, special shaped blanked and bended parts, high thickness and precision flat washers and metallic parts with glued or moulded EPDM inserts.

Among the latest products created, Growermetal’s R&D department has also developed Grower SpheraTech®, an innovative preassembled set that was launched last September at the InnoTrans trade fair, and was presented also during the IZB trade fair in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The Grower SpheraTech® design consists of an inseparable preassembled set composed of a spherical top washer and a conical seat washer, which Growemetal reports guarantees many benefits in terms of application and performance. “First of all, it constitutes a safer bolted connection on uneven or non-parallel bearing surfaces, with a maximum angle of 3 degrees,” highlights Paolo. “This characteristic, together with the two different versions and the many sizes available, makes the locking technology of Grower SpheraTech® suitable for several mechanical applications, including railway, automotive and industrial machinery applications.”

“Secondly, the particular design of the set, and the coatings available, make it a reliable bolted connection for an excellent locking. Finally, it provides a single inseparable set instead of two different pieces, so that the top washer and the seat washer are permanently connected to one another. This is a great advantage in eliminating the risk of incorrect mounting and guarantees a safe application – while making the assembly particularly practical, quick, and easy, even in areas that are difficult to reach.”

Paolo concludes: “While the company is preparing for the next trade fairs in 2023, the promotion of our new products will be the occasion to spread and share our values, together with our shortterm and long-term objectives. A programme that relies on quality, sustainability, and research, to expand the possibilities of the safety washer sector through new solutions.”

Growermetal’s

R&D department has also developed Grower SpheraTech ® , an innovative preassembled set…”

A leading fastener entrepreneur passes away

Cesare Comotti, a leading figure within the Italian fastener and fixing market, recently passed away. Known by many as simply ‘Mr Cesare’ he was known for his far-sighted entrepreneurship and his ability to establish and grow several companies in the screws and bolts manufacturing and trading sector.

tarting in the early 1960s, with his brother and father, Cesare Comotti created a woodscrew manufacturing business in Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi to the south-west of Milan, Italy. After the first few years, this business set off on a path of steady growth that saw it become one of the leading Italian manufacturing companies in the sector by the 1990s.

In 1997, still with his vision towards the future, he broke away from this company to establish a new business – Ambrovit SpA in Garlasco – which was focused on the import and distribution of screws and bolts, but with a clear focus on customers’ requirements and providing a fully comprehensive service.

Since its foundation, Ambrovit has experienced significant growth – culminating in the building a new fully automated and computerised goods storage facility in 2009. The company, under the prudent management of Cesare Comotti, has

continued its development, growth and investment. In 2016 the plant was expanded and in 2021 Ambrovit decided to double the fully automated warehouse – with construction work currently underway to further improve management efficiency, distribution effectiveness and easier logistics management.

Thanks to Cesare Comotti’s long-term and modern vision, as well as his commitment to investments and growth, Ambrovit today is recognised as a European leader in the fastener products sector.

Throughout his career, Cesare Comotti always cared about his companies and the people who worked with him – making sure to keep in mind the human aspect and building good relationships, rather than just the purely economic aspects of business. He will be remembered by everyone as a man of deep culture, strong humanity and concrete foresight, who was loved and esteemed. He also always had a good and fair word for every person who approached him.

www.ambrovit.it

He will be remembered by everyone as a man of deep culture, strong humanity and concrete foresight, who was loved and esteemed.”

FASTENER FAIR GLOBAL PREVIEW

A PREVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONal exhibition for the fastener and fixing

Fastener Fair Global returns to Stuttgart

industry

Fastener Fair Global 2023, the 9 th international exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry, will take place from 21 st – 23rd March in halls 1, 3, 5 and 7 at Messe Stuttgart Exhibition Centre in Germany. The event is a meeting place for leading international organisations in the fastener and fixing sector and an opportunity for exchanging competencies and views on current technological developments.

xhibitors at Fastener Fair Global present products and services from a variety of sectors including fastener manufacturing technology, industrial fasteners and fixings, construction fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage, distribution, factory equipment, as well as information, communication and services.

The show provides an excellent platform to establish new contacts and build successful business relationships between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, engineers and other industry professionals from various production and manufacturing sectors –looking for fastening technologies.

Some 835 companies have confirmed their participation at Fastener Fair Global 2023, covering 22,000m 2 of the exhibition ground. International firms from 42 countries are participating in the show, representing SMEs and large multinational enterprises mainly from Germany, Italy, China, Taiwan, India, Turkey, the Netherlands, the UK, Spain and France.

Exhibitors include Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co, Alexander Paal GmbH, Ambrovit SpA, Böllhoff GmbH, CHAVESBAO, Eurobolt BV, F REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG, Fastbolt Schraubengroßhandels GmbH, INDEX Fixing Systems, INOXMARE Srl, Lederer GmbH, Norm Fasteners, Obel Civata San ve Tic A.S, SACMA LIMBIATE SpA, Schäfer + Peters GmbH, Tecfi SpA, WASI GmbH and Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co KG, to name just a few.

Ahead of the event, Liljana Goszdziewski, portfolio director for the European Fastener Fairs, comments: “After four years since the last edition, it is rewarding and exciting to be able to welcome the international fastener and fixing industry at Fastener Fair Global 2023. The high turnout of exhibiting companies confirmed at the event reflects how keen the sector is to get together face-to-face and participate in the show to allow plenty of business networking activities and enable new sales and learning opportunities in a fast growing market.”

A positive outlook of a growing sector

Fastener Fair Global provides a marketplace with a unique showcase and networking platform in one of the world’s leading industrial economies. The global industrial fasteners market size was valued at US$88.43 billion (€83.28 million) in 2021 and is predicted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030.

The market is expected to be driven by population growth; high investment in the construction sector; and rising demand for industrial fasteners in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Moreover, the industrial machinery segment is set to expand at a CAGR of 5% from

2022 to 2030. The rapid growth of heavy machine driven industries, including textiles, food and beverage, and chemicals, is expected to propel the demand for industrial machinery, thus driving the need for industrial fasteners over the forecast period.

Over 12,000 senior managers, engineers, and buyers, visited the last edition of Fastener Fair Global. The mix of visitors to the show represented the diversity of markets served by the fastener and fixing industry. Most visitors were producers, wholesalers, or distributors, playing a vital role in the supply chain to resellers and the manufacturing sector.

The vast majority of visitors at Fastener Fair Global 2019 achieved their business goals by attending the event, with 91% of visitors claiming to be highly satisfied with the show. As a result, three in five visitors would recommend Fastener Fair Global to their colleagues and business partners.

Fastener Fair Global is organised by Mack-Brooks Exhibitions Ltd, part of RX. It belongs to the highly successful worldwide series of Fastener Fair exhibitions for the fastener and fixings industry. These include the portfolio flagship event, Fastener Fair Global, as well as Fastener Fair Italy, Fastener Fair India, Fastener Fair Mexico and Fastener Fair USA.

Across the following pages we have a full exhibitor list of the participants, as well as a selection of previews from exhibitors on what they have planned for the show: www.fastenerfairglobal.com

3 STAR RIVETS MANUFACTURE 5 3176

310 EXPRESS COMPANY 7 4320

4FASTENING GMBH 7 4101

A.S.F. FISCHER BV 3 1656

A.V. FASTENER ( P) LTD 7 4244

AADI SHREE FASTENER INDUSTRIES 5 2770

ABHI METALS 7 3854

ACCROPOLY METAL INDUSTRIES PRIVATE LTD 7 3850

ACHILLES SEIBERT GMBH 1 412

ACTON 3 2040

AERO FASTENERS PVT LTD 3 1923

AFS. CO LTD 7 4139

AFIM SRL 3 1670

AGARWAL BOLTS LTD. 5 3302

AGARWAL FASTENERS PVT. LTD 3 2496

AGTOS GESELLSCHAFT FÜR TECHNISCHE

OBERFLÄCHENSYSTE 5 2910

AIMREACH ENTERPRISES CO. LTD. 5 3031

AIMY GMBH 5 3320

ALBERT PASVAHL GMBH & CO 1 412

ALEX SCREW INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2949

ALEXANDER P A A L GMBH 3 2224

ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO., LTD. 5 2804

ALFRED EBINGHAUS GMBH & CO. KG 1 485

ALL GAIN INDUSTRY 5 2738

ALLFA DÜBEL GMBH 1 1374

ALLOY & STAINLESS FASTENERS 1 1387

ALTRIMEX PACKAGING EQUIPMENT BV 1 1252

AMAZON SERVICES LTD TA EUROPA FASTENINGS 7 3846

AMBROVIT S.P.A. 1 812

ANANKA FASTENERS 7 3828

ANB BAĞLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN. TIC. LTD. ŞTI 3 2090

ANCHOR FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2868

ANGELRAY CO. LTD. 5 3376

ANHUI GOODLINK FASTENER CO.,LTD 5 3155

ANHUI NINGGUO DONGBO FASTENER CO. LTD. 1 284

ANSHIKA FASTENERS PVT. LTD. 1 1397

AOZHAN INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD. 5 3208

A-PLUS SCREWS INC. 5 3108

ARCHITA SRL 1 1356

ARILJEMETAL DOO 5 2904

ARK GROUP OF COMPANIES LIMITED 1 1184

ARM FASTENERS PRIVATE LIMITED 7 4317

ARMA BAGLANTI SISTEMLERI SANAYI VE

TICARET A.S 1 1320

ARRAS CONSTRUCTION FURNITURE OÜ 1 746

ARSER S.R.L. 3 2018

AS SYSTEM D.O.O. 1 710

ASIL CIVATA SAN. VE TIC. A.S. 1 881

ASP PRIVATE LIMITED 7 4436

A-STAINLESS INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. 5 2855

ATLANTIC MAN S.R.L. 1 380

ATLAS DISTRIBUTION SERVICES, LTD. 7 4243

ATOTECH DEUTSCHLAND GMBH 1 956

AWAFAST SRL 7 3852

AZTEC INTERNATIONAL S.A. 1 1428

B.S.SHAKTI STEEL PVT. LTD. 1 312

B.SAMA LTD 7 4440

BAER VERTRIEBS GMBH 1 466

BANGKOK TOOLS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 7 3843

BARTOLUCCI S.A.S. DI BARTOLUCCI

GIORGIO & C. 1 1156

BE BEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SP.ZO.O 7 3648

BEIJING JINZHAOBO HIGH STRENGTH

FASTENER CO.,LTD 5 3157

BELENUS 7 3632

BENERI S.P.A. 3 2224

BERDAN CIVATA SOMUN MAK. YED. PARCA IML. SAN VE LA 1 730

BEST QUALITY FASTENERS 7 3845

BETTER FASTENERS(SHANGHAI ) CO. LTD 5 3154

BEVER GMBH 3 1684

BHANSALI COMPONENT & FASTENERS 3 1678

BHANSALI PRECISION 3 1512

BHAVYA INDUSTRIES 7 4254

BIAT GMBH & CO.KG 7 4312

BI-MIRTH CORP 5 3124

BIRIKIM KIMYA MÜH. ENERJI. MAD. MAK. INS. NAK. ITH 3 1985

BIRLIK BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN. VE TIC. LTD. STI 3 2066

BODEGRAVEN METAAL NV 1 522

BÖLLHOFF GMBH 1 756

BOLT BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI TIC. SAN. A.S. 1 446

BOLTUN CORPORATION 5 2945

BONTEMPI VIBO SPA 1 652

BORGH B.V 3 1934

BOSS PRECISION WORKS CO. LTD. 5 2889

BOSSONG SPA 1 346

BPC SRL 1 510

BRALO S.A. 1 822

BRASSLAND 1 770

BRIGHTON BEST INTERNATIONAL UK 1 336

BRILLIANT ENGINEERING CO. LTD. 5 2962

BRK INDUSTRIES 7 4252

BRUGOLA OEB INDUSTRIALE SPA 3 1950

BRUNE GMBH 1 246

BSC CORPORATION LTD 5 3159

BTS BEFESTIGUNGSELEMENTE-TECHNIK GMBH 3 1804

BULLONERIA BELLICINI S.R.L. 1 1242

BÜLTE GMBH KUNSTSTOFFERZEUGNISSE 3 2400

CANATEX INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2982

CAPITAL BOLTS AND HARDWARES 7 3841

CARBODIES SAS DI ANGELO E PAOLO

REDAELLI & C. 1 1084

CARLO SALVI S.P.A. 3 2244

CEIA S.P.A. 1 1267

ÇETIN CIVATA SAN. VE TIC. A.Ş. 1 536

CHANDAN STEEL LTD 3 1884

CHANG YI BOLT CO. LTD. 5 2888

CHANGSHU CITY STANDARD PARTS FACTORY CO.,LTD. 5 3263

CHANGZHOU CANTY ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 5 3025

CHANGZHOU WUJIN DAZHONG STANDARD PARTS CO., LTD. 5 3170

CHANNG CHIN INDUSTRY CORP. 5 3056

CHAVESBAO (CHAVES BILBAO S.L.) 1 1012

CHEMFIX PRODUCTS LTD 1 704

CHEMITOOL - HARDWARE AND TOOLS 1 722

CHEMOFAST ANCHORING GMBH 1 422

CHI NING CO., LTD. 7 3640

CHIAN YUNG CORPORATION 5 3048

CHIN LIH HSING PRECISION ENTERPRISE CO. LTD 5 3050

CHITE ENTERPRISES CO. LTD. 1 846

CHONG CHENG FASTENER CORP. 5 3042

CHU WU INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 3062

CHUM YUAN CO. LTD. 5 2870

CHUN YU WORKS & CO. LTD. 5 3149

CLEVTEC A DIVISION OF CLEVEDON FASTENERS LTD 1 1369

COLDMATIC FORGE / KALOTI 1 1380

COLOMBO GIOVANNI & FIGLI S.R.L. 1 1146

CONEX METALS ( INTL) 3 2044

CONTI SNC 1 884

CORBETTA ERMANNO SRL 3 1925

CO-WEALTH ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 3074

CPC FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. 5 2867

CRESCENT MANUFACTURING 7 4258

DAIJIN BOLT IND. CO., LTD. 7 4337

DAR YU ENTERPRISE CO. 5 2877

DAVID DORFMÜLLER SÖHNE GMBH & CO KG 1 1046

DE HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO. LTD 5 3144

DECH LIFE GMBH 1 1274

DECOLETAJE Y TORNILLERIA S.A. ( DYTSA ) 1 1104

DEFREMM S.P.A 3 1550

DEGA DEMİR VE GALVANİZ SANAYİ A.Ş. 1 1120

DEGOMETAL 1 320

DEJOND N.V. 1 875

DELLERA ERMANNO & FIGLIO SRL 1 1146

DEMIRKAYA OTOMAT OTOMOTIV MAKINE SAN. VE TIC. LTD. 1 294

DESIRABLE ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 2887

DIAGER SAS 1 1312

DIMAC SRL 1 585

DINSTOCK [ MIDLANDS ] LTD. 1 366

DIV GROUP LTD 1 1074

DOISTUA 1 575 DOMAX SP. Z.O.O. 1 1270

DON QUICHOTTE B.V. 1 1130

DONGGUAN GRAND METAL COMPANY LTD 5 3183

DONGGUAN MAOZHONG PRECISION HARDWARE CO., LTD. 5 3089

DÖRKEN COATINGS GMBH & CO. KG 1 1056

DR.-ING.MAX SCHLÖTTER GMBH & CO.KG 7 3550

DRAGON IRON FACTORY CO. LTD. 5 3378

DRA-GOON FASTENERS INC. 5 3044

DREMEC BEFESTIGUNGSELEMENTE GMBH 1 256

DROMET SPÓLKA Z OGRANICZONA

ODPOWIEDZIALNOSCIA SP. 1 552

DURA FASTENERS CO. LTD. 5 3104

DUROC, NV 1 522

DYSHINE INDUSTRY CO.,LTD 5 3175

E.CO. S.R.L. 1 1266

E.W. MENN GMBH & CO. KG 3 2370

EAGLE METALWARE CO.,LTD 5 3289

EAST BRIGHTNESS HARDWARE CO. LTD 5 2870

ECM DATENSYSTEME GMBH 3 2378

EDITORIALE U.P.I.V.E.B SRL 1 546

EGYPT BOLT 7 4364

EOT EIBACH OBERFLÄCHENTECHNIK GMBH 1 1375

ERICH ULRICH GMBH & CO. KG

SCHRAUBENFABRIK 1 485

ESKA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH 1 784

ESPYTES 3 2278

ETTINGER GMBH 1 128

EUROBOLT BV 3 1604

EUROFAST (VAN ROIJ FASTENERS EUROPE BV) 1 484

EUROFIX POLSKA SP. Z.O.O. 1 584

EUROFIX SRL FASTENING SYSTEMS 1 584

EUROTEC GMBH 5 2704

EVEREON INDUSTRIES INC. 5 3030

EVEREST METAL INDUSTRIES 7 4152

EVERFAST DIS TICARET A.S 3 1657

EXCEL COMPONENTS MFG CO. LTD. 5 3066

EXPODAR 1 1343

EZEL CIVATA SANAYI VE TICARET A.Ş. 1 910

F&E INTERNATIONAL INC. 7 3830

F&E INTERNATIONAL INC. 7 4410

F. & A. CARLON CLEMENTE GMBH 7 4304

F. REYHER NCHFG. GMBH & CO. KG 1 1112

F.R.L. SRL 1 1146

FACHVERBAND WERKZEUGINDUSTRIE E. V. 7 4304

FAR S.R.L. 1 831

FAST-ASIA SCREWS CO. LTD 5 3077

FASTBOLT SCHRAUBENGROSSHANDELS GMBH 3 2004

FASTDEV SRL 3 1965

FASTEN FIX CO.,LIMITED 5 3268

FASTENER 2000 GMBH 1 904

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE 7 3874

FASTENEX, S.L. 1 798

FASTER SRL 7 4112

FASTMATEC 2020, S.L. 7 3660

FASTO INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD 5 2820

FEAT GROUP S.P.A. 3 1690

FENG YI TITANIUM FASTENERS 5 2882

FERDINAND GROSS GMBH & CO. KG 3 2144

FIMINOX S.P.A. 3 1756

FINE THREAD FORM INDUSTRIES 7 4121

FIXI SRL 1 270

FLAIG + HOMMEL GMBH

VERBINDUNGSELEMENTE 3 1612

FM METAL FASTENERS GROUP SPA 1 510

FONG PREAN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2863

FONTEC SCREWS CO. LTD. 5 2862

FORGE FIT INDIA 7 3849

FRANCIS KIRK GROUP - PHILIDAS 1 188

FRATOM FASTECH CO. LTD. 5 2970

FRIEDRICH BATTENFELD

KLEINEISENWARENFABRIK 1 421

FRIGERIOETTORE SPA 1 1146

FRONTEC CO., LTD. 7 4336

FU HUI SCREW INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 3125

FUCOM FASTENERS INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. 7 3523

FÜRNISS GMBH 1 1257

FWU KUANG ENTERPRISES CO. LTD. 5 3058

G & B FISSAGGI SRL 1 771

GALA PRECISION ENGINEERING PVT. LTD. 3 1979

GANPATI ENGINEERS AND MANUFACTURERS 7 3827

GARDETTE GROUP 3 2336

GARTON LIMITED 1 1430

GB MECCANICA S.N.C. DI GROSSO & C. 1 1394

GBMT STEEL SERVICES LLC 5 2755

GDPA FASTENERS 1 366

GEBO FASTENERS B.V. 3 1784

GEBO PRES VE BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI

SAN VE TIC LTD ST 3 1820

GEBUVOLCO 1 430

GECKO FASTENER GMBH 1 256

GEEKAY WIRES LTD 3 2256

GEMSONS PRECISION ENGINEERING PVT. LTD 7 4116

GEORGSMARIENHÜTTE HOLDING GMBH 7 3530

GIACOMO MARTINELLI SRL 1 785

GIOVANNI ANCESCHI S.R.L. 1 236

GOEBEL GROUP 7 4130

GOFAST CO., LTD. 5 3043

GOOD USE HARDWARE CO. LTD. 5 2979

GREEN TREE ENTERPRISE 3 2434

GRIS GROUP 1 1188

GROWERMETAL S.P.A. 3 2208

GÜDE GMBH 1 1120

GUJARAT FASTENERS 7 3416

GÜLDNER GMBH & CO. KG

(SONDERSCHRAUBEN GÜLDNER GMB 3 1912

GÜNDENIZ AHG BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI

SAN.VE DIS TIC. 1 630

GURU KIRPA UDYOG 7 3834

GW KABELBINDER-TECHNIK GMBH 1 420

GWI GMBH 7 3650

H.S. AUTOMAZIONI S.R.L. 1 774

HAFREN SECURITY FASTENERS 3 2290

HAIYAN BOOMING FASTENER CO., LTD. 5 2907

HAIYAN GETE HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 3163

HAIYAN HONGMAO HARDWARE PRODUCTS CO.,LTD. 5 3006

HAIYAN JIAMEI HARDWARE

MANUFACTURING AND TECH. CO.,LTD. 5 3310

HAIYAN JINNIU FASTENERS CO., LTD 5 2843

HAIYAN LONGCHENG STANDARD PARTS CO.,LTD 5 3007

HAIYAN LONGSHENG HARDWARE CO. LTD. 5 2775

HAIYAN LONGWEI IMPORT&EXPORT CO.,LTD. 5 2921

HAIYAN SICHEN METAL PRODUCTS CO.,LTD. 5 2844

HAIYAN TIANQI STANDARD PARTS CO.,LTD. 5 3009

HAIYAN WEISHI FASTENERS CO., LTD 5 3026

HALFMANN SCHRAUBEN GMBH 1 1322

HAMIDI EXPORTS 7 3636

HANDAN AOJIA FASTENERS

MANUFACTURING CO., LTD 5 3088

HANDAN HAOSHENG FASTENER CO., LTD. 5 3156

HANGZHOU RUNXIANG NAIL INDUSTRY CO., LTD 5 2906

HANGZHOU XINCHI FASTENING PIECE CO LTD 5 2810

HANS SCHRIEVER GMBH & CO. KG 1 1120

HANSUNG BOLT CO., LTD. 7 4137

HANYANG FASTENER INDUSTRY INC. 5 2838

HAO MOU NUTS MFG. CO. LTD. 5 3145

HAPARE GMBH 3 2224

HARDITALIA S.R.L. 1 688

HARITON MACHINERY CO. INC. 1 1381

HCL FASTENERS LTD 1 1385

HEADER PLAN CO. INC. 5 3108

HEICO GROUP 1 1222

HEINZ SOYER BOLZENSCHWEISSTECHNIK GMBH 7 4416

HELLER TOOLS GMBH 7 4304

HELMUT STEINFELS GMBH & CO. KG 3 1790

HERMANN LOHMANN GMBH & CO. KG 3 2220

HEROSLAM S.A.L 1 266

HICCOM GMBH 5 2782

HICCOM GMBH 5 2990

HICCOM TECHNOLOGIE EUROPE GMBH 7 4343

HIERRO CONSULENCIA S.L. 1 1331

HIP TAIWAN LTD. 7 3868

HIZ BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN. VE TIC. A.S. 1 461

HJZ - ZANDVOORT DRAADINDUSTRIE BV 1 988

HOENDERDAAL FASTENERS B.V. 3 1908

HOME SOON ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 3045

HONSEL DISTRIBUTION GMBH & CO. KG 1 1157

HS MONTAGETECHNIK GMBH 3 1984

HSIEN SUN INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 2857

HSIN HO MFG. CO. LTD. 5 2871

HSIN JUI HARDWARE ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 3055

HSIUNG JEN INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2976

HUADE HOLDINGS LTD ( VIETNAM ) 5 3204

HUANG JING INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2954

HUGO BENZING GMBH & CO KG 3 1970

HUIXING INDUSTRY (QINGDAO) CO.,LTD 5 3283

HUNAN LIANGANG FASTENERS CO.,LTD 5 3249

HWA HSING SCREW INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 3131

HWALLY PRODUCTS CO. LTD. 5 3050

HYODONG MACHINE CO., LTD. 7 4236

IBG PRÜFCOMPUTER GMBH 1 820

IMANPACK PACKAGING & ECO SOLUTION SPA 1 1336

IMS VERBINDUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG 1 862

INDEX FIXING SYSTEMS ( TÉCNICAS EXPANSIVAS S.L.) 1 912

INDONESIA MIDDLE AND SMALL

ENTERPRISES ASSOCIATION 7 3804

INDUCTOHEAT EUROPE GMBH 7 3442

INDUSTRIAL RECENSE S.L. 1 262

INGRAMATIC S.P.A. 1 774

INOX VITI DI CATTINORI BRUNO & C. S.N.C. 1 212

INOXDADI S.R.L. 1 646

INOXMARE SRL 3 2024

INSTITUT DR. FOERSTER GMBH & CO KG 7 3848

INSTITUT FÜR UMFORMTECHNIK DER

MITTELSTÄNDISCHEN WIRTSCHAFT 3 2378

INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL SPRINGS 3 1500

ISB BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN. TIC. LTD. STI 1 1230

ITALVITINOX S.R.L. 3 1664

ITT BULGARIA EOOD 3 2460

IVOSTUD GMBH 7 3500

IVR SRL 1 475

J.C. GRAND CORPORATION 5 2958

JAIN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 7 3602

JAU YEOU INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 2936

JEVEKA BV 1 1323

JI LI DENG FASTENERS CO. LTD. 5 2977

JIANGMEN EUROFIX GMBH 3 1881

JIANGSU AWD FASTENER CO., LTD. 5 3162

JIANGSU HOMER HARDWARE

MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD. 5 3021

JIANGSU JINSHA FASTENERS CO.,LTD. 5 3150

JIANGSU YAGU STANDARD PARTS CO. LTD. 5 2748

JIANGSU YONGYI FASTENER CO., LTD 5 3158

JIANGXI KAIXU AUTOMOBILE FITTING CO. LTD 7 4142

JIANXING ASSOCIATION OF FASTENERS INP. & EXP. COMP 7 3813

JIASHAN EAST-UNITED HARDWARE&PLASTIC CO. LTD 7 3516

JIASHAN LONGSHENG METAL PRODUCT CO. LTD 5 3338

JIASHAN TENGYUAN METAL PRODUCTS CO. LTD 5 2745

JIASHAN WEIYUE FASTENER CO. LTD 7 4232

JIASHAN YONGXIN FASTENER CO. LTD 7 3436

JIASHAN YULIN HARDWARE CO. LTD

BETON GROUP LIMITE 7 3541

JIASHAN YY-FAST CO.,LTD 5 3279

JIAXING ALLYWIN MFG CO. LTD. 5 2774

JIAXING BROTHER STANDARD PART CO. LTD 5 3250

JIAXING CHENGFENG METAL PRODUCTS CO. LTD 5 2742

JIAXING CHINAFAR STANDARD PARTS CO.,LTD 5 3209

JIAXING CITY QUNBANG HARDWARE CO. LTD 5 3336

JIAXING GOODWAY HARDWARE CO. LTD. 7 3838

JIAXING HAISHENG HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. 5 2926

JIAXING HONGXIN TRADING CO. LTD. 5 3340

JIAXING JIANSHENG HARDWARE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD 5 3082

JIAXING KINFAST HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 2810

JIAXING RELIA HARDWARE CO.,LTD. 5 3232

JIAXING UNION HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 3288

JIAXING VICTOR SCREW CO. LTD. 7 4221

JIAXING VODA FASTENER CO.,LTD. 5 3020

JIAXING WUFONG FASTENER CO.,LTD. 5 2849

JIAXING XINGXIN TRADE CO.,LTD. 5 3004

JIAXING XINYOU FASTENER CO. LTD. 7 3818

JIAXING ZHENGYING HARDWARE CO., LTD 5 3027

JIAXING ZHONGDA IMPORT&EXPORT CO.,LTD 5 2922

JIEXI DAHUA FASTENERS CO.,LTD 5 3243

JINJIANG TAGONG XINGYU IMPORT AND EXPORT CO.,LTD. 5 3236

JOH. NEP. JERGER GMBH & CO. KG 1 456

JOKER INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2963

JÖRG VOGELSANG GMBH & CO. KG 3 2170

JOSEPH DRESSELHAUS GMBH & CO. KG 1 1362

JOYSTART AUTOMOTIVE PARTS CO.,LTD. 5 3012

JR PRECISION FASTENERS 7 3835

JUS FASTENER 5 2556

K. TICHO INDUSTRIES CO. LTD. 5 2970

KADIMI TOOL MANUFACTURING CO.PVT.LTD 1 674

KAI SHYUN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 2974

KAISER & WALTERMANN GMBH 7 4169

KAIZEN METALS INDIA 5 2580

KALE BAGLANTI TEKNOLOJILERI SAN. VE TIC. A.S 3 1936

KALELILER CIVATA SAN. VE TIC. A.S. 1 574

KAM-04 LTD 1 130

KAO WEIN PRECISION CO. LTD. 5 2978

KAPSON INDIA 5 2768

KARL SCHILT GMBH + CO. KG 1 485

KATSUHANA FASTENERS CORP. 5 2967

KCS ENTERPRISE COMPANY LIMITED 5 3063

KEBA DIS TICARET LTD.STI. 3 1957

KELLER & KALMBACH GMBH 3 2012

KEY-USE INDUSTRIAL WORKS CO. LTD. 5 3032

KOREA FEDERATION OF FASTENERS

INDUSTRY COOPERATIVES 7 4239

KHEIRON CORP. 5 2942

KIESEL GMBH 7 4117

KING S.P.A. 3 1944

KINGFUDA PRECISION CO. LTD. 5 2886

KIRCHHOFF WITTE GMBH 7 4304

KISTLER INSTRUMENTE GMBH 1 804

KLIMAS SP. Z O.O. 3 1650

KOBOUT BV 3 2102

KOELNER RAWLPLUG IP SP. Z O.O. 1 718

KOHLHAGE FASTENERS GMBH & CO KG 1 1122

KOLB KS FASTENERS GMBH 3 2078

KONAK CIVATA SAN. VE. TIC. LTD. STI 1 1174

KOT UNIONTEK CO. LTD. 5 3137

KOVA FASTENERS PVT. LTD. 7 3418

KOVINOCROM D.O.O. 1 481

KPF CO. LTD. 7 4322

KPS YEDEK PARCA INS. SAN. VE TIC. LTD. STI 1 1108

KRUMM & ANDRÉ GMBH & CO. KG 3 2224

KUO HSIAN FASTENER ENTERPRISE CO. LTD 5 2769

KWANTEX RESEARCH INC. 5 3120

L. ROBINSON & CO. LTD - JUBILEE CLIPS 1 108

LANCASTER FASTENER CO LTD 3 2118

LEDERER GMBH 3 2104

LEONIX FASTENERS SRL 3 1964

LIANHE CHUANGLI HARDWARE

TECHNOLOGY JIANGSU CO.,LTD. 5 3239

LIH TA FASTENERS CO. LTD. 5 3037

LINIT EXPORTS PRIVATE LIMITED 3 1924

LINKFAST TECHNICAL CO. LTD. 7 3812

LISHUI CHAOTAI FASTENER CO., LTD 5 3270

LOBTEX CO., LTD. 1 562

LOCKSURE INC. 5 3059

LOGIN BV D.O.O. 7 4362

LONG HWA SCREW WORKS CO. LTD. 5 3136

LONG I INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 3076

LOYAL & BIRCH CO. LTD. 5 2854

LÜCK SCHRAUBEN GMBH 1 547

LÜCK WERKSTOFFPRÜFUNG GMBH 1 547

LUDWIG KUENZEL NAGELFABRIK EK 1 1432

LUSAN FIJACIONES Y ANCLAJES S.L. 1 588

LÜSEBRINK GMBH

( WILHELM LÜSEBRINK GMBH ) 1 946

MAC PRECISION HARDWARE COMPANY 5 2778

MAGNI EUROPE. INC. THE 3 1870

MAJOR INDUSTRIES LTD. 1 1370

MANASSERO & C. SRL 1 1067

MANGAL INDUSTRIES LTD 3 1956

MAO CHUAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 5 2937

MARCOPOL SP. Z O.O. 1 566

MAREFIX S.L. 1 767

MARER SRL 1 1308

MARPOSS GMBH 3 2196

MASTER UNITED CORP. 5 2957

MASTERPIECE HARDWARE INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD 5 2986

MATRIX 3D CONCEPT 3 2270

MC BOLT SRL 1 510

MECAVIT SRL 3 1510

MECCANICHE MORANDI SRL 1 684

MECTRON INSPECTION SYSTEMS 1 1384

MEIWENTI 1 799

MEKRS S.R.O. 7 3521

MELLER TOOLS 1 116

METAFORGE ENGINEERING ( I ) PVT. LTD 1 470

METAL-FLEX 1 811

METALL + FASTENING INDUSTRIE GMBH 1 847

METALVIT S.R.L. 1 894

METLOK PRECOAT SERVICES PRIVATE LTD 7 3847

MEXMASH LLC 7 3858

MI.ME.AF. SPA 1 652

MIANXUAN FASTENERS CO. LTD. 5 2911

MICROMETAL SRL 7 3410

MICTEC SAS 7 4262

MIDAS UNION CO. LTD. 5 2876

MIKALOR 1 504

MILANI ENRICO SRL 1 342

MILFAST METALWORKS CO.,LTD 5 3269

MINSAVIT SRL 3 2412

MITA FASTENERS PVT. LTD. 7 3822

MITAS CIVATA SAN. VE TIC. A.S. 1 885

MITTER FASTENERS 5 2762

MKM FASTENERS INDUSTRY LLC 1 1342

MKT METALL-KUNSTSTOFF- TECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG 1 222

MOHINDRA FASTENERS LIMITED 1 642

MÖHLING GMBH & CO. KG 1 274

MOLLFAM SRL 1 280

MONCHHI DREAM KFT 5 2720

MOTOMA INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS 5 3356

MOTSON FASTENERS 7 3826

MURAT CIVATA BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI

SAN VE TIC A.S 1 630

MURRAY CORPORATION 7 3829

N.S. INTERNATIONAL 7 3837

NAKASHIMADA ENGINEERING WORKS LTD 1 1384

NANTONG ROMAX HARDWARE CO.,LTD. 5 3166

NANTONG SKYFIX HARDWARE CO.,LTD. 5 2848

NANTONG TECHLORD FASTENER CO.,LTD. 5 2925

NATIONAL MACHINERY LLC 1 1384

NAVGRAH FASTNERS PVT. LTD. 3 2366

NAYNA ENTERPRISE 7 4442

NCG TOOLS INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 3130

NEARYZ RESOURCES ( BEIJING) LIMITED 7 3660

NEDU BAĞLANTIELEMANLARI SANAYI VE

TICARET A.Ş 3 2212

NEELKAMAL ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD. 7 3866

NEOBOSS GMBH 7 4304

NES BV 3 2190

NESTOYA SRL 3 1663

NET CIVATA VE VIDA SAN AS 3 1990

NEW BEST INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD 5 3190

NEW DEXIN STAINLESS STEEL ( ZHEJIANG) CO.,LTD 5 3380

NEW ISLAND TRADING CO LTD 7 3504

NEXO INDUSTRIES PVT. LTD. 7 3520

NINGBO ACEI SCREW PLUG INC 5 3188

NINGBO BRIGHTFAST MACHINERY INDUSTRY TRADE CO.,LTD 5 3187

NINGBO DONGXIN HIGH-STRENGTH NUT CO.,LTD 5 3220

NINGBO FLYER HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 3278

NINGBO GEOBO HARDWARE CO., LTD 5 2820

NINGBO HAIXIN HARDWARE CO LTD 5 2776

NINGBO IFAR HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 3087

NINGBO JINDING FASTENING PIECE CO., LTD 5 3174

NINGBO LIFT PRO CO. LTD 7 3537

NINGBO MERLO IMP. & EXP. CO. LTD. 7 4342

NINGBO METALS & WIRE ROPE FITTINGS CO. LTD 5 2744

NINGBO WESTERN FITTING CO.LTD 5 3224

NINGBO ZHISHANG SPECIAL FASTENERS CO. LTD 5 2750

NINGBO NANJUBAOGE

FASTENER MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD 5 3274

NIPPON FASTENER TRADING CORP. LTD. 3 2152

NIPPON GILOGIK CO. LTD. 5 2810

NITTO SEIKO CO., LTD. 7 3542

NNDI BV 1 1071

NOBEX SRL 1 1246

NOF METAL COATINGS EUROPE S.A. 3 1738

NORD-LOCK GMBH 3 2204

NORM FASTENERS 3 2212

NORM FASTENERS 3 1938

NORMA GROUP HOLDING GMBH 1 712

NORMTEC MONTAGE- UND

BEFESTIGUNGSTECHNIK GMBH 3 1638

NOVA FASTENER CO. LTD. 5 2969

NRM MÜHENDISLIK MAKINA A.Ş. 3 2212

NUFAST LIMITED 1 356

NUOVA RIVETTERIA BOLOGNESE S.R.L. 1 788

NYLOK LLC 7 4144

OBEL CIVATA SAN. VE TIC. A.S 1 936

OBER SPA 7 3604

OCTRADE GMBH 7 4200

OCVED S.R.O. 1 1363

OFCO INDUSTRIAL CORP. 5 3148

OMCD SPA 1 688

OMEGA CIVATA SAN TIC A.S. 3 1644

OMER SPA 1 1432

OPTIMAS OE SOLUTIONS LTD 7 4104

ORIENTAL MULTIPLE VIETNAM CO. LTD. 1 666

ORNIT BLIND RIVETS LTD 1 308

OTICS FASTENER CO. LTD. 5 2779

OTTO ROTH GMBH & CO KG 3 1744

P.J.I. NV 7 4150

PANELFISA PANEL FIJACIONES S COOP 3 1918

PANZERI SPA 3 1996

PASOTTI HOLDING 7 3844

PATTA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 1 1452

PEAKSIGHT (SHANGHAI) TECHNOLOGIES CO. LTD 1 462

PECOL SISTEMAS DE FIXAÇÃO S.A. 1 1208

PETER SCHRÖDER GMBH 1 412

PGB EUROPE NV 1 836

PGB-POLSKA SP. Z O.O. 1 836

PGM PRÜFGEMEINSCHAFT MAUERBOHRER E.V 7 4304

PILONI SRL 1 1146

PINNACLE FASTENER 7 3824

PLOGSTIES GMBH 3 1990

POOJA FORGE LIMITED 1 242

POWELL

PRECISE

PRECISION

PRECISION

PRECISO

PRESSVIT SRL 1 1366

PRIMEST CO. LTD 5 2758

PRINZ VERBINDUNGSELEMENTE GMBH 3 1778

PRIWOTEC GMBH 1 1180

PRK TECHNOLOGIES GMBH 1 218

PRO POWER CO. LTD. 5 2590

PROFIROLL TECHNOLOGIES GMBH 1 1236

PROFIX AG 1 180

PROJAHN PRÄZISIONSWERKZEUGE GMBH 3 1610

PRO-PATH INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 7 3440

PRZEDSIEBIORSTWO HANDLOWE HAMAR

SP.J. B. I H. GRZE 1 656

PSE PRECISION SPRING EUROPA S.P.A. 3 2356

PT OZ FASTENER 7 4352

PT. SHYE CHANG BATAM INDONESIA 5 3104

PÜHL GMBH & CO.KG 1 622

QINGDAO EASY-FIX INTERNATIONAL

TRADING CO.,LTD. 5 3244

QINGDAO XINHUA HARDWARE PRODUCTS CO.,LTD 5 3266

QONNECT B.V. 1 1136

QUANTISERV 7 3622

R.F. INDIA RIDVAN FASTENERS INDIA PVT LTD 1 409

R.S. SERVICE SRL 3 2428

R+FK SCHULTE KG 3 2070

RAACO GERMANY HANDELS GMBH 7 4230

RAAJRATNA VENTURES LTD. 3 1596

RACHNA FASTENERS 7 3522

RADOLID THIEL GMBH 1 863

RAJESHWARI LALIT INDUSTRIES 3 2296

RAMSAYS CORPORATION PRIVATE LTD 7 3512

RAPITECH SRL 1 1146

RATNAVEER METALS LIMITED 3 2320

RBH TECHNIK GMBH 7 3833

RBM INDUSTRIES 5 2536

REC SOLUTIONS IN FASTENING TECHNOLOGY 1 408

REGG INSPECTION S.R.L. 3 2240

REHOBOT ROTEX AB 1 966

REINHARDT GMBH 1 1166

REMACHES FACTORY SRL 1 1030

REMACHES TUDELA S. L. 1 1030

REMYSTAHL GMBH & CO. KG 1 662

RENETSAF CO. LTD. 5 3078

RIPORTI GALVANICI GROUP S.R.L. 1 766

RIU PRECISION HARDWARE FASTENER CO. LTD 5 2875

RIVIT S.R.L. 3 1702

RIZHAO ZHONGJI RIGGING CO. LTD 5 2749

RODEX FASTENERS CORP. 5 3104

ROHMANN GMBH 1 362

ROHTAS FASTNERS PVT. LTD 1 474

ROLLING TOOLS SRL 1 467

ROLLWALZTECHNIK ABELE + HÖLTICH GMBH 1 1346 ROSVAL S.R.L. 3 1642

ROTEC B.V. 1 156

ROTHSTEIN METALLFÖRDERGURTE GMBH & CO. KG 1 374

ROTOR CLIP S.R.O. 1 974

ROTSAN OTOMOTIV İNŞAAT KUNDURA

SANAYI TICARET LIMITED ŞTI 1 388

ROYAL BALAJI ENGINEERING PVT LTD 7 4146

ROYAL INDUSTRIAL SERVICE 7 4120

RSK METALLBEARBEITUNG GMBH 1 208

RUIAN CHAOYANG STANDARD PARTS CO., LTD 5 3150

RUMUL RUSSENBERGER PRÜFMASCHINEN AG 1 1263

S&T FASTENING INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2859

S.C. MECANICA SIGHETU S.A. 1 1367

SAARSTAHL AG 7 4212

SACMA LIMBIATE SPA 1 774

SAILUK RIVET CO. LTD 7 3536

SAMI KIRAÇ CIVATA SAN VE TIC LTD STI 1 1142

SAMIL FASTENER CO., LTD. 7 4136

SAMJIN JEONGGONG CO., LTD. 7 4138

SANLIN METALS PRODUCTS CO. LTD. 5 2702

SANMA FASTENER ( ZHEJIANG) CO.,LTD 5 3083

SARA ENERJİ İNŞAAT TİC SAN A.Ş 1 866

SARIV SRL 1 1308

SAVIGNY SAS 7 4113

SCELL-IT ASIA LTD 5 3205

SCHÄFER + PETERS GMBH 3 1624

SCHMID SCHRAUBEN HAINFELD GMBH 3 1762

SCHNORR GMBH 3 1864

SCHÜRMANN & HILLEKE GMBH & CO. KG 1 581

SCORTA S.R.L. 1 236

SCREWTECH INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 2858

SD PRODUCTS LTD 1 1352

SEAIN INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 7 4238

SEEGER-ORBIS GMBH 7 4266

SELECTRON ELEKTROKIMYA SAN. VE TIC. LTD. STI 1 810

SEN CHANG INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2948

SERİN CIVATA SAN VE TİC LTD ŞTİ 1 789

SERTEL VIDA METAL A.Ş. 1 1256

SHAANXI SINWA INT'L TRADING CO.,LTD 5 3250

SHANDONG TENGLONG IMPORT AND EXPORT CO., LTD. 5 3221

SHANGHAI FASTENMAN METAL PRODUCT CO,. LTD 5 3168

SHANGHAI FAST-FIX RIVET CORP. 1 457

SHANGHAI FINEFIX INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO.,LTD 5 3233

SHANGHAI JINGYANG IMP&EXP CO.,LTD 5 3270

SHANGHAI NAHUAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. 5 3276

SHANGHAI SEA SONG CO., LTD. 5 3182

SHANGHAI TANDL IMP AND EXP CO. LTD. 1 636

SHANGHAI TENGRI METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD 7 3836

SHANGHAI YUEDA NAILS CO., LTD. 5 3312

SHANGRAO CITY YI WEN FASTENER CO., LTD 5 3177

SHEH FUNG SCREWS CO. LTD. 1 430

SHEH KAI PRECISION CO. LTD. 5 2709

SHEN CHOU FASTENERS INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD 5 2869

SHENG LONG INDUSTRY CO. 5 3057

SHENZHEN MANJUN PRECISION TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD 7 3600

SHEREX FASTENING SOLUTIONS 1 874

SHIN CHUN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 3036

SHIN GUANG YIN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 7 4231

SHRAVYA FASTENERS SOLUTIONS LLP 5 2510

SIANG SYUAN FU ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 5 3002

SIM CO., LTD. 7 4338

SIMPLEX ENGINEERING COMPANY 1 898

SINARD SA 1 1243

SINGHANIA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED 7 3856

SISTEM MAKINA INDUSTRIAL FURNACES 3 1662

SKAKO VIBRATION 1 594

SMART MACHINERY SRL 1 1384

SMARTFIX TECNOLOGIA E INNOVACION S.L 1 1289

SMK MEISTER GMBH & CO. KG 1 1321

SOM FASTENERS 1 856

SOON PORT INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD. 5 3069

SPALEK BESCHLAGTECHNIK GMBH & CO KG 1 1284

SPEC PRODUCTS CORP. 5 3070

SPEED BOLT SRL 1 510

SPIROL LIMITED 1 162

SRUBENA UNIA SP. Z O.O. 1 563

SSF INDUSTRIAL CO.,LIMITED 5 3225

STAFA GROUP 3 2036

STANDING INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2975

STATE ENTERPRISES 7 3859

STEEL STONE CO. LTD. 1 1331

STREICHER MASCHINENBAU GMBH 3 1971

SUCHI FASTENERS PVT LTD 7 3548

SUN BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI PRES METAL

MAKINA SAN. TIC. LTD. STI. 1 1143

SUN THROUGH INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 3068

SUNSHINE FASTENERS PVT LTD 3 1679

SUNTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 7 4339

SUPER DPD CO. LTD. 5 2942

SUPER ENGINEERS 7 4220

SUPER NUT INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 3054

SUPERFIX FASTENERS 7 4330

SUZHOU JINYUANFASTENER CO.,LTD 5 3237

SUZHOU JUNGU PRECISION MOULD CO.,LTD 5 3277

SUZHOU RUIBO MACHINERY AND ELECTRONICS CO.LTD 5 3257

SUZHOU WASHEN IMPORT & EXPORT CO. LTD 5 2759

SUZHOU WUSHI HARDWARE CO., LTD CO., LTD 5 3275

SUZHOU YNK FASTENER CO.,LTD. 5 2920

SYNERGY STEELS LIMITED 1 1480

SZATYINA KFT. 3 1978

SZU I INDUSTRIES CO. LTD 5 3104

T & Y HARDWARE INDUSTRY CO. LTD. 5 2757

T.S.F. NAVARRA DE TÉCNICAS DE SOLDADURA Y FIJACIÓN 1 1066

TAISHAN DONYI HARDWARE CO.,LTD. 5 3259

TAIWAN CMC CO. LTD. 5 2883

TAIWAN FASTENER TRADING ASSOCIATION ( TFTA ) 5 3143

TAIWAN INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS INSTITUTE ( T.I.F.I ) 5 2968

TAIWAN PRECISION FASTENER CO. LTD. 5 3142

TAIWAN SHAN YIN INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD 5 2943

TAKA CO. LTD. 1 1220

TANCO CONSULTING & TRADING JSC 7 3839

TASKAZAN SOMUN CIVATA BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI LTD. STI 1 823

TECFI SPA 1 512

TECHNIKA ZAMOCOWAN AMEX SP. J. DARIUSZ KROT MAREK 3 1578

TECHNOMECH IMPEX 7 4141

TECKENTRUP GMBH + CO. KG 1 556

TECMA

MASCHINENHANDELSGESELLSCHAFT MBH 3 2362

TECNO IMPIANTI SRL 3 2050

TEKELIOGLU CIVATA SAN. TIC. LTD. STI. 1 567

TEKFİX DIŞ TİC. LTD. ŞTİ. 1 488

TEKNOFORM BAĞLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN. VE TIC.A.Ş. 3 1812

TELFORM KELEPÇE VE YAY SAN. TIC. A.S 1 1353

TEMBO GLOBAL INDUSTRIES LTD 7 4149

TEMEL TEL METAL SAN VE TİC LTD ŞTİ 1 1347

TEST GMBH 1 1263

TEUDELOFF GMBH & CO. KG 1 152

THE INSERT COMPANY ( UK ) LTD 1 1167

TIANJIN JIMKOO INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO., LTD 5 3258

TIBBETTS GROUP LTD 3 2140

TIGHTWELL FORGINGS LIMITED 7 4247

TITGEMEYER GMBH & CO. KG 1 330

TITIBI DI MORANDINI ERMANNO & C. S.N.C. 3 1534

TKO SERT METAL KALIP VE MAKINE SAN. TIC. LTD. STI. 1 1262

T-LOCK S.R.L. 1 895

TOBSTEEL GMBH 1 922

TOCSAN TÜRKISTAN OTOMOTIV CIVATA

SAN VE TIC A.S 1 1357

TOGE DÜBEL GMBH & CO. KG 1 530

TOOLING INTERNATIONAL LTD 1 152

TOP KRAFT SK A.S. 7 3620

TORK BAGLANTI ELEMANLARI SAN.TIC.LTD.STI 1 1170

TORNILLERIA ORUESAGASTI S.A. 1 1010

TORNIPLASA S.L.L 1 281

TOX-DÜBEL-TECHNIK GMBH 7 3630

TR FASTENINGS LTD 1 612

TRAFILERIE PICHIERRI S.R.L. 1 970

TRIOFAST BV 5 2540

TRUHLÁR A SPOL. S.R.O. 7 3840

TRUTEK FASTENERS POLSKA SP. Z O.O. 1 736

TS VERBINDUNGSTEILE GMBH 3 2078

TTAPDRIVE AS 1 888

TWEER & LOESENBECK GMBH & CO KG 3 2284

UGC UGUR GÜRBÜZ CIVATA A.S. 1 830

UGIVIS SAS 1 984

UMA SPRING PVT LTD 7 4122

UMETA METALLWARENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG 1 210

3 UNBRAKO / DEEPAK FASTENERS LTD 3 2262

UNIRIV KFT. 3 1584

UNISTRONG INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 1 356

UNIVERSAL PRECISION SCREWS 3 2478

UNIVERSAL PUNCH CORP. 1 880

USH GERMANY GMBH 1 1312

UT.P.F. SRL 3 2450

UTP UNITED-TURNED-PARTS GMBH & CO. KG 1 1288

UYSAL MAKİNA SANAYİ İTH. İHR. VE TİC. A.Ş 3 2212

VALENTA ZT S.R.O. 3 1665

VAROSA - VARILLA ROSCADA S.A. 1 252

VERBINDUNGSELEMENTE ENGEL GMBH 3 1712

VERTEX PRECISION INDUSTRIAL CORP. 5 2733

VERTIGO FORMING SOLUTIONS INC. 5 2712

VICTORY FASTENERS 7 4246

VIDEX MACHINE ENGINEERING LTD. 1 1200

VILUX VITERIE S.P.A. 3 2410

VINAVIT CORP 1 356

VIPA S.P.A. 1 1408

VIRAJ PROFILES LTD 3 2084

VIS VIDASAN VIDA SAN. VE TIC. LTD. ŞTI. 3 1776

VISION SRL 1 384

VITERIA RATTO SAS 1 452

VITERIA SMEL SRL 3 2384

VOGTLAND-KARTONAGEN GMBH 3 1528

VOV FASTENER 7 3642

VPH INTERNATIONAL OÜ 1 112

WA TAI INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2966

WAFIOS UMFORMTECHNIK GMBH 3 2370

WALTER LUMBERG GMBH & CO. KG 3 1890

WAN IUAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 5 3137

WASHERS S.R.L. 1 1395

WASI GMBH 3 2056

WATTSON FASTENER GROUP INC. 5 3067

WEDO TOOLS GMBH 5 2520

WEDO TOOLS GMBH 5 2820

WEI IN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 2856

WEIGHPACK 1 930

WELL-UNION METAL SDN BHD 7 4149

WENZHOU JINSHENG FASTENER CO.,LTD. 5 3170

WENZHOU QIANGBANG INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD 5 2820

WERDA GMBH & CO. KG 1 134

WESE CO . LTD 1 794

WILLI HAHN GMBH 3 1990

WIN POWMAX CORP. 5 3079

WINCHESTER EUROPE SERVICE V. PARBST & SON 3 1879

WINDFAST INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 5 3189

WIRE RINGS 1 1070

WJH WERKZEUGTECHNIK GMBH 1 1285

WRENTHAM TOOL GROUP 1 980

WULFRUN SPECIALISED FASTENERS 7 4242

WÜRTH INDUSTRIE SERVICE GMBH & CO. KG 1 618

WUXI MAYSHEE DEVELOPING COMPANY LTD 5 3167

WUXI S-FIX FASTENER CO., LTD 5 3267

WYSER INTERNATIONAL CORP. 5 3109

YAGMUR VIDA SANAYI VE TICARET

ITHALAT IHRACAT LTD 1 1330

YANG YI TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. 5 2983

YICISCREW CO. LTD. 5 2866

YKK STOCKO FASTENERS GMBH 3 2178

YOANG MING INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. 5 2955

YOUR CHOICE FASTENERS & TOOLS CO. LTD 5 3049

YOW CHERN CO. LTD. 5 2931

YUO CHUN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 5 2956

YUXING FASTENER (JIAXING) CO., LTD. 5 3230

YUYAO HUTSON METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD 5 3255

YUYAO JINGTAO HARDWARE CO,. LTD. 5 2845

YUYAO MEIGESI FASTENER CO., LTD 5 3238

YUYAO SELLTOP PLASTIC HARDWARE CO.,LTD 5 3178

YUYAO XINTAI HARDWARE CO., LTD 5 2820

YUYAO YUANXIN HARDWARE FACTORY 5 2777

ZARRI S.R.L. 3 1750

ZATAS CORPORATION LTD. 7 3832

ZB MOHR + FRIEDRICH GMBH 7 4222

ZHAPU TECHNOLOGY (JIANGSU ) CO.,LTD 5 3248

ZHEJIANG ANSHENG AUTOMOBILE PARTS CO., LTD 5 3230

ZHEJIANG CHAOBOER HARDWARE CO. LTD. 7 3540

ZHEJIANG FUXIN HARDWARE CORP. 5 3086

ZHEJIANG JUNYUE STANDARD PART CO., LTD 5 3242

ZHEJIANG KAISHENG HARDWARE CO., LTD 5 3254

ZHEJIANG KUNHOU AUTO PARTS CO., LTD. 5 3169

ZHEJIANG NEWSHENGDA FASTENER CO.,LTD 5 3008

ZHEJIANG RUILI AUTO PARTS CO.,LTD 5 3287

ZHEJIANG XINCHUN FASTENING PIECE CP. LTD 7 4344

ZHEJIANG YICHEN HARDWARE CORP. 5 3022

ZHESHANG DEVELOPMENT GROUP (ZHEJIANG)

NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOG CO., LTD 5 2842

ZYH YIN ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. 1 604

Schäfer + Peters GmbH | Zeilbaumweg 32 | DE-74613 Öhringen | Germany Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0 | Fax +49 (0) 7941 6094-700 | info@schaefer-peters.com | www.schaefer-peters.com

Fastbolt – fasteners for distributors

Fastener Fair Global has grown to become one of the main occasions for Fastbolt to get together with partners, customers and suppliers. After four years without the event, Fastbolt is excited to welcome visitors again to its stand in Stuttgart, Germany.

ince its foundation in 1982, Fastbolt has been importing industrial fasteners on a large-scale and selling them to European distributors exclusively as a range specialist. This clear and reliable positioning provides a confident base for a close and trustful cooperation with customers.

Warehouse and distribution locations in Germany, UK, and Portugal, as well as a trading company and quality laboratory in China, ensure both close proximity to Fastbolt’s customers, as well as a permanent presence in the ever changing and growing Asian supply markets.

The company’s efficient and flexible material flow allows the delivery of the renowned Fastbolt quality in standardised and harmonised FB packaging, offering a fast and reliable delivery service for individual parcels up to full truck loads to distributor customers all over Europe. Alongside standard delivery from stock, customers can also take advantage of individual boxing and labelling on request through in-house packaging lines or from direct container shipments –always relying on Fastbolt’s expertise.

Fastbolt’s in-house developed eCommerce solution FBonline also enables customers all over Europe at any time to check ‘real time’ stock availability, as well as individual customer and quantity-based dynamic prices. Added to a wide range of additional information and services, as well as technical support, FBonline provides a multilingual user interface, enabling customers to enquire digitally, negotiate prices directly with the system, place orders online, keep track of order statuses, and deliveries, and to view packing lists, delivery notes and invoices at any time.

“Fitted to the individual purchasing processes of fastener distributors in Europe, FBonline can be adapted flexibly and offers connectivity to customer ERP systems, EDI processes and allows full operation with customer part numbers,” explains Ekkehard Beermann, managing director at Fastbolt Group. “The platform is already proving very popular, with FBonline being used by over 1,000 European fastener buyers daily.”

www.fastbolt.com

A trusted partner in secure wedge-locking washers

Nord-Lock Group is renowned for its performance track record in delivery and quality of the original Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers, used to prevent bolts and nuts from spontaneous loosening. At Fastener Fair Global, Nord-Lock will present a series of additional fastening innovations.

vailable in sizes M30 – M100, Nord-Lock’s first innovation on display in Stuttgart will be the Superbolt NXT, which it says is up to 30% faster to install than any other multi-jackbolt tensioner – as it has fewer, stronger jackbolts. NXT has an extremely accurate preload range of ±10%, providing the same security as previous tensioners while reducing installation and removal time. Laser markings clearly indicate the optimal tightening sequence and a knurling layer adds sturdy, no-slip grip for safe use in cold environments or when using gloves.

Also, in a positive development for bolted joint security in European steel construction, Nord-Lock Group and PEINER Umformtechnik are now collaborating to provide a maintenance free structural bolting assembly consisting of a PEINER HV bolt and nut according to EN 14399-4/-8, as well as a pair of Nord-Lock Steel Construction (SC) wedge-locking washers according to ETA – 20/0010.

Bringing the internet to bolts

Nord-Lock also has a growing range of load-sensing, internet connected bolts that provide digital preload monitoring and cutting-edge structural maintenance. Built-in sensors automatically measure and communicate preload values, allowing for seamless remote monitoring during installation and throughout the lifetime of the application.

“Nord-Lock Group has tightened and secured billions of bolted connections in millions of applications all over the world. Our services focus on life cycle profitability, design, production, training and installation support. If you have an engineering challenge, we will provide you with a solution that maximises the productivity, safety and reliability of your application.” www.nord-lock.com

Hall 3, Stand 2004

Hall 3, Stand 2204

National demonstrates direct drive technology

National Machinery LLC will be showcasing direct drive technology through live demonstrations of the SMART NG-S threader at Fastener Fair Global, further highlighting the efficiency to be gained from using a SMART machine.

lso available on the stand will be information regarding two new offerings from National for the small screw market, which will help customers looking to reshore those types of fasteners. The first is the LEAN Header & Threader, which is a combined double stroke header with integrated threader that can produce a small screw efficiently within a small footprint. The other new offering is the FXH Lightning machine, which is a FORMAX® double stroke header that runs extremely fast and is available in two different sizes. National’s Customer Support Group will also be available to review options to rebuild existing machines, as well as highlight a new capability to look up spare parts online. www.nationalmachinery.com

Improving thread rolling operations

With more than 80 years of experience, HEROSLAM offers a complete range of high performance thread rolling tools including flat, cylindrical and planetary dies.

EROSLAM thread rolling dies are manufactured in-house from beginning to end, including heat treatment and coatings.

1, Stand 266

HEROSLAM has a wide product line of thread rolling tools and its aftersales service includes special coatings made inhouse for longer tool life, as well as a tool regrinding service.

Specialties of HEROSLAM include flat and cylindrical thread rolling dies for aerospace fasteners; flat and cylindrical thread rolling dies for hard to roll parts such as titanium, inconel, etc; planetary thread rolling dies for nails; thread rolling dies for special applications – such as knurling, grooving, straightening, etc; MAThread® / MATpoint® licensed dies; lap free dies, ogival dies, hose clamp screw dies, paint-scraper screw dies; as well as special thread forms upon customer request.

A LTOBSTEEL: More than standard

Established in 2004, TOBSTEEL GmbH is a specialist for high corrosion resistant fasteners in Europe, with an extremely high stock of special materials for every corrosion resistance class.

ocated in Öhringen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, TOBSTEEL is not only an important supplier of quality products but also specialises in knowing exactly which materials and corrosion resistance classes (CRC) its customers need. With 12,500m² of storage space and an automatic small parts warehouse – with 15,000 bin locations – fasteners in standard materials A2, A4 and A5 (1.4571), as well as highly corrosion resistant special materials D6 (1.4462 DUPLEX) and A8 (1.4529 HCR) are stored.

1.4410 Super Duplex is also available and can be procured on demand. This also includes DIN 125, 127, 912, 931/933, 934, 976, 980, 985, 1587, 9021, 7991 (ISO 10642), as well as more than 25,000 other standard and special articles, which are shipped directly from stock all over the world.

TOBSTEEL also provides suitable fasteners for each of the five corrosion resistance classes (CRC I to V) – whether for solar thermal systems, wind power plants, water purification plants, pool technologies, tunnel constructions, bridge drainages or ventilation engineering. All articles are checked thoroughly and provide reliable quality. The highly corrosion resistant materials are also checked twice internally.

When it comes to surface finishes, individual machining or drawing parts according to customer requirements – TOBSTEEL also makes this possible. “Thanks to the comprehensive knowledge and experience of employees, we provide our customers with competent advice and support in the implementation of large industrial projects – and thus offer far more than just the standard. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in Stuttgart.”

www.tobsteel.com

Hall

Hall

NORMA presents new innovations

Visitors to this year’s Fastener Fair Global will be able to discover new innovations at NORMA Group’s stand, including the NORMA Telescopic Fittings, the Fuel Line Repair kit, as well as NORMA MARLIN® Compression Fittings.

omplementing NORMA’s range of plastic compression fittings, NORMA Telescopic Fittings help speed up the process of repairing damaged pipes and save material consumption at the same time. Also available, the NORMA MARLIN® series includes all common standards and diameters; is drinking water certified; and offers the highest comfort and safety up to 16 bar. The MARLIN® also features QuickTight Technology, which NORMA points out helps to speed up water pipe installations by up to 50%.

As part of NORMA’s quick and easy solutions, it can also supply the Fuel Line Repair kit, a ‘one stop solution’ to repair defective fuel lines quickly and effectively – with the company mentioning that a damaged fuel line can be repaired in under five minutes.

Finally, for all professionals who like to have the right hose clamp at hand at any time, NORMA will also present its latest range of assortment boxes, including the new assortment of the best seller NORMA TORRO® WF worm drive hose clamp with spring insert.

Hall 1, Stand 712

“At Fastener Fair Global we will be at your service,” states NORMA Group. “Don’t hesitate to tell us about the challenges you face in your daily work. Our portfolio of over 40,000 products guarantees that you will find what you are looking for, no matter how complex your application requirements.”

Keeping

Excellent fasteners for the mobility of the future.

Visit us at Fastener Fair Global - March 21-23 - Hall 3, Stand 1950

Brugola OEB is the world’s leading manufacturer of the highest-quality bolts and special fasteners since 1926. Over the years, we have guaranteed excellent performance. Thanks to our innovative and pioneering spirit, we are yet ready for the energy transition in the automotive industry As always, we are shaping the future!

Lissone - Plymouth www.brugola.com

Facing future challenges and opportunities

With its flagship products, innovative projects, and a wide range of washers for many sectors, Italian-based Growermetal is getting ready to face the new year’s challenges and opportunities – starting with Fastener Fair Global.

Growermetal believes that with its overview on the main trends and news of the market, Fastener Fair Global represents a ‘melting pot’ for the companies of the sector, addressing manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers of fastener and fixing technologies.

That is why at the show it will be displaying its washer family, with solutions for many sectors such as automotive, aerospace, railway, energy production, transport and many other industrial fields. Among the flagship products at the exhibition there will also be the inseparable set of Grower SpheraTech®, made of a spherical washer preassembled with a conical seat washer, as well as the unique design of Grower TenKeep®, a safety washer characterised by two surfaces with knurls of different geometries.

After the return to trade fairs and the launch of a series of new products in 2022, Growermetal plans to continue developing in 2023. “Our R&D team will launch an exclusive product during 2023. As producers of washers our aim is to boost safety in every sector through exclusive designs and flawless performance. This new product will expand the potential of our technologies,” comments Paolo Cattaneo, CEO of Growermetal. “Our expansion plans involve not only our products but also our headquarters, which is part of a general project focused on innovation that also involves our manufacturing process and structure. We can’t reveal too much as everything is still top secret, but we’ll present a preview during the fair.”

www.growermetal.com

Quality HV sets for secure connections

Polish-based Koelner Rawlplug will be showcasing its HV assemblies, available in M12 – M36, on its stand, as well as taking current and potential customers on a ‘mini tour’ of its new investments and modernisation projects.

Hall 1, Stand 718

oelner Rawlplug’s EN 14399 set is one of the fastest developing products in the company’s sales portfolio. By utilising its experience in the automotive industry, the company has implemented the same standards and quality in the steel construction field for this project. “Our automotive industry know-how, especially in the area of friction coefficient tests, made it possible to develop a lubricating coating on the nut, which provides high repeatability of the clamping force rate,” explains Mirosław Osetek, senior quality manager at Koelner Rawlplug. With 65 years of experience, Koelner Rawlplug is one of the leading manufacturers of fasteners and fixings in Europe, with a state of the art machine park, combined with a clear strategy of continuous development. Its experienced team will be on hand at the show to ‘guide’ visitors and outline the full traceability and reliability of its manufactured parts. The company uses an individually tailored ERP system to monitor the production process in ‘real time’, as well as trace and record its full history. Full identifiability of every production batch is maintained, along with features such as the heat number and a record of the heat treatment process. To complement its offer, Koelner Rawlplug provides active technical support in the challenges related to the design and assembly of steel structures. Well equipped in-house laboratories, together with a team of dedicated engineers, make it possible to confirm process and product compliance, as well as to carry out advanced research and development work. www.klfs.pl

A set of firsts for Qonnect

Hall 1, Stand 1136

Fastener Fair Global 2023 will mark a lot of firsts for Qonnect – including it being the first fair the company will attend; the first time it will showcase its recently released corporate identity; as well as the first exhibition for Daan Schrijen in his new role as managing director.

n addition to these firsts, the show will also be the first time Qonnect has been able to introduce to visitors its new Q-Tool N12XL – an entrant to the Route to Fastener Innovation competition, the already very successful Q-Tool R64XL, as well as a new Q-Tool in the XL range, the Q-Tool L64XL. Also exclusively introduced at the show will be the Q-V-Power multigrip structural rivet – an extension to Qonnects Q-Rivet range. The Q-V-Power has a high vibration resistance and is designed to deform aesthetically, making it a rivet that does not need extensive refinishing.

www.qonnect-fasteners.com

Güde focuses on Lean logistics

With an emphasis on added services, Lean logistics, and high-quality products, German-based washer manufacturer Güde is able to produce safety washers, wire bended parts, as well as screw and fastening devices.

sing custom-made machines and tooling, Güde’s production facility ships up to 140 pallets of products every day to wholesalers and distributors worldwide. “We are constantly making sure we have all the latest technology available,” comments Lutz Güde, managing director at Güde GmbH. “This means we can offer full customisation to our customers, in terms of products, quantities, as well as packaging, which we need to stay ‘one step ahead’ of our competitors. Added services have also never been more important and we are proud of our ability to adapt to each customer’s individual requirements.”

As part of this customised service, Güde offers personalised labelling in quantities specified by customers, as well as the ability to apply customer specific labels to the packaging. This enables the production line to be more streamlined as it avoids multiple unnecessary packaging processes, which in turn reduces total procurement costs.

As part of a long-term strategy, Güde recently opened a new facility in Mikołów, Poland, in order to increase its production capacity; be even more efficient as a supplier; and to be able to act quickly according to the market requirements. With these capacity expansions, Güde is pleased to support customers and help make a special contribution to energy transition, which includes large solar parks, new electricity highways and expansions in the railway sector.

New developments at Inoxdadi

Inoxdadi has a host of new developments to discuss with visitors at Fastener Fair Global, including new directors, a new corporate video, expansion of its product ranges, as well as investments in green energy.

isitors to Inoxdadi’s stand will be able to meet both Mr Andrea Gandioli and Mrs Silvia Gandioli, who have been named as new directors of the company. They will be present on the stand during the event to speak to customers and suppliers.

Hall 1, Stand 646

During the show Inoxdadi will also have its new corporate video playing, which will allow visitors to take a virtual tour inside the company and see the entire production process – starting from the raw material department, all the way through the various production processes, before reaching quality inspection and the final packaging process.

Alongside the video, the company will also present the recent expansion of its range of products, regarding several kind of special alloys, titanium and ASTM grades, with the inclusion in the catalogue/stock of different standards (DIN, ISO, etc) and dimensions.

Finally, Inoxdadi’s recent investment in terms of green energy will also be illustrated, with the completion of a solar energy production plant for both production sites. This investment will contribute in part to the company’s electricity needs in terms of costs and environment.

“From the very first edition, we have always been at the Stuttgart show, where we say ‘hello’ and meet new and old friends, as well as customers and suppliers,” mentions Inoxdadi. “After the bad period associated with Covid-19 it will be nice to finally be able to embrace again and host visitors at our stand.” www.inoxdadi.com

BT-20

TRANSPARENT MANDREL COLLECTOR

PROFESSIONAL BATTERY RIVETER

SAFE HOLDER

BRALO RELIABILITY & RESISTANCE

LED LIGHTS

High speed for the most demanding applications.

From Ø2,4 mm Standard rivets to Ø6,5 mm Hardlock, G-BRA, Hardgrip, Structural rivets and Ø7,8 mm S-Trebol rivets.

Remaches set to challenge visitors

Remaches Group, a production and distribution group of engineered fasteners and tools, will be exhibiting at Fastener Fair Global.

Both Remaches Factory, from Italy, and Remaches Tudela, from Spain, will be present at the show. “Through our two production plants, which always respect sustainability, we are able to create the most varied and demanding product ranges on the market,” states Remaches Group. “This means we can offer a wide portfolio of certified high-quality products for the industrial fasteners and fixing category, including blind and structural rivets, lockbolts, rivetnuts, bolts and riveting tools, alongside an efficient and flexible service – meaning we can satisfy the most varied market requirements in terms of performance, range and price.”

Hall 1, Stand 1030

The quality of Remaches products is also guaranteed by its effective control system and the Group’s excellent customer service, which can be verified through the international clients the group serves throughout Europe. “By visiting our stand, visitors will be able to get to know our qualified team, appreciate our products, try our riveting tools and even participate in some challenges – all whilst receiving valuable information and having fun,” mentions Remaches Group.

Live demonstrations in Stuttgart

Sherex Fastening Solutions will be highlighting a wide range of products, with demonstrations, at Fastener Fair Global, including its new innovative round body rivet nut, Optisert®, and Hand Tool Calibration Unit.

The Optisert® will be on display for attendees to see and install, so they can experience its superior strength and performance over typical, standard round body rivet nuts. Sherex explains its Optisert® is the proprietary combination of an engineered knurled body and underhead wedge design. This gives the rivet nut superior grip to avoid it from easily spinning in the base material. Sherex points out that its strength to avoid spinning out is almost as great as using a hexagonal rivet nut.

“The spin-out performance of an M6 Optisert® in 3mm thick aluminium has been tested at 18.52Nm. Similar wedged, round body rivet nuts installed in aluminium material have a spin-out test of 12.8Nm – meaning Optisert® offers a 44% performance improvement,” explains Sherex.

Hall 1, Stand 874

The patent pending closed-end design also provides a sealed option that does not compromise the biting effect of the wedges, delivering superior performance to other round body, closed-end rivet nuts in the market.

Sherex will also have its new Hand Tool Calibration Unit on hand for live demonstrations at the show. “When installing fasteners with spinspin or spin-pull tooling, its imperative operators know the installation force of their tools for a correct install,” mentions Sherex. “The Calibration Unit instantly shows installers the setting force of their tools so they can feel confident in their installations. The tool also allows for data exports for historical analysis of the tool; can graph the recommended force settings of different styles of rivet nuts; and is ergonomically designed for any workstation – making it the ultimate installation companion.”

www.sherex.com

A partner in steel and cold forging

GWI Werkzeug und Stahl Vertriebs GmbH and GWI Service GmbH are inviting all visitors to their stand at Fastener Fair Global, so that they can get the latest news and updates on services available, as well as see the progress the companies have made regarding product developments.

Visitors to the GWI stand will be able to find a variety of tools; a team of ‘first responders’ who will be able to discuss all matters connected to cold forming; as well as a machine on display that has been completely overhauled and serviced by the GWI Service team.

Hall 7, Stand 3650

GWI will also be able to provide information on all of the products it provides, including tools and accessories for cold forming, drive tools, steel wire for cold heading, stainless steel wire for cold heading, thread rolling dies – flat, rolling and planetary, thread rolling machines, optical sorting machines, multi-stationary cold forming machines, as well as retrofit machines.

“We will be happy to take your appointment requests and meet you at Fastener Fair Global for good discussions and even better benefits for your production,” comments GWI.

Experienced in small parts

E.CO has more than 60 years of experience in small parts production, which has resulted in a range of 3,000 catalogue items and the ability to meet customers’ specific requirements.

ince 1954, E.CO Srl has produced high-quality fasteners and spare parts used in various fields such as automotive. As well as this, the company produces and distributes fasteners and spare parts, alongside personalised assorted boxes, patented storage systems and economical repair kits, which can be customisable by digital or silk-screen printing according to customer specifications.

Based in Turin, Italy, E.CO has a vehicle fleet of eight injection moulding machines working with Industry 4.0 processes and is also certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.

We are the specialist in high-quality fasteners made from stainless high-grade steel and special materials. We are used to extreme conditions and face the toughest challenges on a daily basis. We never lose sight of our aim to give the customer just what they want. And we always offer that little bit extra.

6073-0

Tension bolt completes HEICO-TEC® product range

With the market launch of the HEICO-TEC® tension bolt, the German company HEICO is expanding on its existing assortment of tensioning products. From this point, the manufacturer can offer its customers an even greater variety of products in the field of pre-tensioning technology.

HEICO-TEC® tensioning devices are used wherever bolted joints reach dimensions that make simple pre-tensioning difficult or even impossible. From a nominal size of >M24, the torque required for preloading can no longer be applied by hand. Hydraulic or pneumatic tools are then often used, a time-consuming and expensive solution.

With its HEICO-TEC® tensioning components, HEICO Group says it is offering a clever alternative for pre-tensioning large bolted joints easily, fast and reliably. The special design of the tensioning parts makes this possible.

Both HEICO-TEC® tension nuts and the new tension bolts are based on the same functional principle, in which the preload force of a large main thread is distributed over many smaller pressure bolts. Instead of tightening a large nut or bolt with a high preload force, when using tensioning components, the significantly smaller pressure bolts are tightened one after the other in order to achieve the same preload force – making a manual torque wrench is sufficient for tightening.

Tensioning devices are used in many industries, such as in wind turbines, in hydropower applications, in tunneling and mining, as well as in large and heavy machine constructions. Wherever large bolt connections are required, tensioning devices ensure reliable pretensioning with easy and comfortable handling. However, the structural conditions do not always allow the installation of tension nuts. The advantage of the new tension bolt, which will complete the HEICO-TEC® product range, are particularly evident when the installation dimensions are limited. The head and shank of the tension bolt are made from one piece, which allows a significantly slimmer design compared to the tension nut.

The most critical point of every bolt is the transition zone from thread to shank. Therefore, bolts that are tested for fracture must not fail in the transition area between head and shank. This is why the HEICO engineers paid close attention to this critical area and precisely designed this transition accordingly. Despite the smaller head of the bolt, the HEICO-TEC® tension bolts achieve their full load capacity.

As standard, HEICO will offer the new tension bolts in strength Class 8.8 as a replacement for hexagon socket bolts [Allen], sizes M20 – M100. Custom tension bolts can also be designed on customer request.

www.heico-group.com

RIV998 and RIV938

IV998, the hydro pneumatic tool for rivet nuts, was designed to place Rivsert female rivet nuts from M3 to M12, in aluminium and steel (stainless steel up to M10) and Rivbolt male rivet nuts, from M4 to M8. The tool works in two phases (deformation and unscrewing of the rivet nut) like similar competitor tools. However, Rivit has upgraded its tool to perform the two operations with one sole trigger. The tool also features an automatic screwing device – with the rivet nut simply placed on the tie rod in order to be screwed.

The RIV998 also comes in a plastic case with tie rods and heads from M3 to M12. This is a very practical solution for any carpentry and subcontractor worker, who can thus use one tool for different sizes of rivet nuts – they just need to match the corresponding tie rod and use the manual stroke adjustment.

When it comes to the RIV938, Rivit has designed that to place Rivsert female rivet nuts from M3 to M10, as well as Rivbolt male rivet nuts from M4 to M10 – particularly for use in mass production and industrial processing.

Like the RIV998, the tool features a sole trigger mechanism for both deformation and unscrewing of the rivet nut, allowing shorter

installation time.

The RIV938 is also equipped with automatic stroke adjustment, which allows the operator to have control over the correct fastening of the rivet nut at any time. In other words, the operator does not have to worry about adjusting the stroke of the tool as the thicknesses vary, as it is the tool itself that modifies the stroke automatically, thus obtaining the optimal result.

Furthermore, with RIV938 users can be sure that no piece will be damaged, not even at the end of the job. If a rivet nut were to be pulled twice by mistake, the tool recognises the error and does not deform the rivet nut the second time, thus avoiding unnecessary expenses and waste of time.

The automatic unscrewing function is also intended to avoid a defective rivet nut, or a screw that remains inside the rivet nut, compromising the installation work by slowing it down or even damaging the processing.

“Whilst both tools look similar at first sight, the two models are designed for different specific needs,” concludes Rivit. “However, where both the RIV998 and RIV938 are identical is that they are both low-cost, high-performance tools available under the Rivit brand.”

Rivit reports that its comprehensive range of tools for rivet nuts is able to satisfy any working requirements, with its two best-selling models, RIV998 and RIV938, prime examples of tools that have been designed to meet specific needs.

Four companies to design and to manufacture cutting edge machineries.

Loading, Forming, Threading and Machining solutions.

Commitment to Quality, Modularity, Excellence, Reliability, Customer Centricity, Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Team Working and Employees Engagement are the core values that have been defining Sacma since 1939, world leader manufacturer of multi-station cold forming machines for high-precision metal components and fasteners. In the last 15 years we have been dedicating our efforts in extending our product portfolio through strategic acquisitions and product innovation. The result is what Sacma Group is today: an industrial ecosystem for the fastener and cold forming industry, that is able to offer cutting-edge technologies from process design through 3D simulation, multi-station cold forming equipment (SACMA), flat-die thread rollers (INGRAMATIC) all the way to dedicated CNC machines for secondary operations after forming and threading (HS-ASPE). Anything that goes in between these steps requires stable, high-efficiency loading and moving systems: for this Sacma Group supplies reliable solutions through its controlled company TECNO LIFT

1 Group, 5 interconnected Production Sites within 100Km range, 300 Employees worldwide, 5 Foreign Branches with local after sales staff (USA, China, Taiwan, Germany, Brazil), 24 Agencies, 84 years of history, 24/7 onsite and remote service: Excellence for our customers

Kobout more than fasteners

Established in 1979, Kobout – based in Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, the Netherlands – has used reliability, honesty, partnerships, and loyalty, to develop as a business – which has seen it still working with both customers and suppliers it met at the very beginning.

ver the last 43 years of activity in the world of fasteners, Kobout has always been clear that as a business it does not just focus on the commercial aspect of how much money it can make. “Whether it is for our colleagues, customers or suppliers, we believe that business is more than just fasteners and making sales. That is why over the last decade we have invested heavily in hiring highly skilled employees, adding two additional warehouses, as well as a new elevator system and new offices,” explains Jan-Arie de Jong, head of the purchasing department at Kobout.

The company also launched a new Warehouse Management System at the beginning of 2022, which initially created some issues, but by the middle of 2022 was fully operational and puts Kobout in a strong position for the future. “Even though we took a few years to develop the WMS and train our personnel, we still hit a couple of hurdles when it went ‘live’, which resulted in everybody having to put in the extra effort to make sure we were still delivering

products to customers when they needed them,” mentions Jan-Arie. “However, with the new WMS we are now able to double our order lines and provide an even better service to our customers.”

Other investments by Kobout include a new laboratory/ R&D centre, as well as individual investments in departments – including its value added logistics and services department.

“It’s amazing how quickly the VAL/VAS department has grown, with customers very interested in the Kanban, RFID, and other logistics services we can offer, as well as the private label service, assembly and packaging, and various kinds of labels we can supply,” explains Jan-Arie. “Another popular department is metalworking, where we can offer cutting, bending, drilling and a variety of other processes, which has received a lot of interest from customers.”

Jan-Arie concludes: “With 13,300m 2 of warehouse and approximately 25,000 stock items, mostly in our ‘Blue Line Boxes’, we will continue to meet the needs of customers, whilst ensuring that the partnerships that we develop make our day-to-day business more than ‘just fasteners’.”

Full range of innovations on display

As always SACMA Group will welcome all players of the fastener world to its stand at Fastener Fair Global, which is dedicated to its four brands SACMA, Ingramatic, HS Aspe and Tecno Lift.

The leitmotiv of SACMA Group is to innovate steadily and provide the most reliable range of machines that help make customers more competitive in a continuously evolving market. That is why at the show SACMA will be introducing the new generation of wire feeder driven by torque motors named S-Feed 2.0, as well as new features for large parts formers sizes 4, 5 and 6, which have been designed to extend the limit of the standard warm and cold forming machines and will all be available within 2023.

SACMA will also introduce its new Industry 4.0 App, which has been implemented with different levels to fit better the needs of customers – according to their ERP system and production organisation. Three packages are available: Industry 4.0 BASIC, ADVANCED and FULL ADVANCED.

At Fastener Fair Global the Ingramatic division will also give a better understanding about its undisputable capacity to design modular machines, with the introduction of two new modular units that can be integrated into machines – the assembly unit for bushing and ferrules, and the rotary thread rolling station for multi shape parts. The rotary thread rolling station is already available with three different sizes: RR12, RR16 and RR20, which have the maximum capacity for rolling M12, M16 and M20 respectively.

The brand HS ASPE is the division of the group providing secondary operation machines to run pre-formed parts with a range of technologies, which consists of tapping machines, combined machines, transfer machines and multi spindle turning machines. During the show, HS ASPE will display the new generation of automatic tapping machine, model T10-S, running parts up to M10. The T10-S is based on the reversible spindle architecture, mechanically driven by lead screws. Internal threads, within the range M2 to M10, can be executed with standard taps in both cutting and forming.

Precision in operation is achieved by means of the structural rigidity of the frame and the very fine design and engineering of the positioning/clamping devices. Orthogonality and concentricity, as well as the other dimensional/geometrical features, are lifelong guaranteed.

Finally, Tecno Lift is the division of the group in charge of the design and the manufacturing of all ancillaries for the SACMA Group machines to load, feed and convey parts. A demo machine will be equipped with Tecno Lift solutions, which are available for other application or existing machines already installed at customers.

www.sacmagroup.com

Self-tapping thread inserts from stock

BAER Vertriebs GmbH will be exhibiting its threading tools, taps and dies at this year’s Fastener Fair Global, as well as the thread standards and sizes directly available from stock.

For instance, BAER’s range of BaerCoil wire thread inserts range – for thread reinforcement and thread repair –is particularly extensive, with it including thread repair sets, various insertion tools and taps for thread inserts.

BAER will also be showcasing a selection of other products, including the type ‘NoTang’ without tang, which the company says makes the thread inserts even faster and safer to install. These wire thread inserts are in stock in AISI 304, AISI 316, CuSn6 and Inconel X750.

“Through our BaerFix self-tapping thread inserts we have one of the largest ranges on the market, which is quickly available in large stock, as well as being flexible in all special designs,” mentions BAER.

The company also offers self-tapping thread inserts in combination with insertion tools and as thread repair sets and assortments. They are available in versions with cutting slot and with cutting holes – open and closed. New materials include stainless steel 1.4305 (AISI 303) and stainless steel 1.4571 (AISI 316Ti).

The HS ASPE T10-S

‘One stop shop’ for standard and special fasteners

Berdan Cıvata’s processes are all carried out in-house, from raw material to final product dispatch, with a commitment to quality, sustainability, traceability, reliability and integrity during every stage.

Established in 1979 in a small 150m² workshop with five employees, by Yunus and Hasan Şemsi, Berdan today continues its activities with 450 employees, of which 80 are engineers in a 49,000m² fully integrated factory.

The company’s facilities include hot and cold forging, machining, roll threading, tooling, AMS 2750 accredited heat treatment, surface treatment (hot dipped galvanisation, electro galvanisation, zinc flake coating, teflon/xylan coating, zinc phosphatising, black oxide, etc), as well as an R&D centre and ISO EN/IEC 17025 accredited test laboratory.

This laboratory houses a 750 tonne capacity tensile test device, which Berdan explains is Europe’s strongest tensile test device – patented by the company. Berdan is also able to implement over twenty different quality control tests in this laboratory, including torque friction test, micro hardness, chemical analysis, Charpy impact test, and magnetic particle test.

Berdan’s production range starts with M16 (⅝ inches) diameter and 30mm length and goes up to M155 (6 inches) diameter and 18,000mm length – according to international standards (DIN, ISO, EN, BS, ASTM, etc) and customised technical drawings. www.berdancivata.com

ENGEL to showcase E-Jet® X

As part of its E-Jet® family, originally launched in 2013, Verbindungselemente ENGEL GmbH will be showcasing the E-Jet® X timber construction screw at this year’s Fastener Fair Global.

Launched in 2021, the E-Jet® X timber construction screw combines a number of useful properties for structural timber engineering and the fastening of on-roof insulation systems, paired with the highest quality standards. In addition, the screw has an European Technical Assessment, as well as CE Marking, making the E-Jet® X suitable for the most demanding design requirements.

Available in both countersunk and wafer head designs, with a diameter range of 6mm – 8mm, and a maximum length of 400mm, the new timber construction screw offers maximum flexibility.

“We look forward to expanding our family of brands little by little, in order to be a reliable and strong partner for our worldwide distributors – especially fasteners specialised for wood construction,” explains ENGEL.

Fasteners for flat roofing and cladding

Fasteners play a critical role in the overall quality and safety of flat roof and cladding systems, despite being a relatively small part of the overall construction. That is why Eurofast offers a wide range of fastening solutions, complemented with a full service package.

Every fastening project is unique and comes with different needs in terms of products and services.

Alongside being the manufacturer of the Eurofast® brand, Eurofast is also able to offer a full service technical consultancy for mechanically fastening the building envelope. “At Eurofast we strive to unburden our customers as much as possible in their process of finding the best suitable mechanical fastening solution for their specific situation. This ensures that every building envelope is fastened to the highest possible standard,” states Eurofast. “We look forward to showcasing our wide range of fastening solutions for mechanically fastening flat roof and cladding constructions of both industrial and commercial buildings at this year’s Fastener Fair Global.”

Bespoke fastener designs

Based in the UK, Europa Fastenings has been trading for almost 30 years – specialising in SEMs/combination screws, non-standard fasteners and pressed parts, as well as bespoke fastener designs for a truly end-to-end service.

Europa works in partnership with an established, trusted global network of factories that give it the flexibility and agility to manufacture most types of fasteners at the best price and lead times, as well as ensuring the use of the best material for any project – meeting any specific country of origin requirements.

Europa explains: “Quality is at the heart of everything we do and we pride ourselves on providing the right solution, the first time. We test and check every product for quality on arrival at our facility and offer plating and patching services where required.”

The company supplies components into many industries and applications, including automotive and motorsport, rail, construction, renewable energy, electrical, medical, as well as marine.

Latest machinery investments

Everfast will be showcasing its latest machinery investments at Fastener Fair Global, which are enabling the thread forming screw manufacturer to continue offering highquality products and a rapid delivery time.

ased in Istanbul, Turkey, Everfast Dis Ticaret A.S underlines that it provides a high-quality product range – with customer satisfaction paramount. One of the main advantages the company highlights is its flexibility – giving customers the ability to buy at a manufacturer’s price with a wholesaler service.

“After such a long time, Fastener Fair Global is a great chance for us to meet our customers all across Europe. We expect an increase in demand from current and possible customers and we will be in Stuttgart full of energy and enthusiasm to present our approach, production quality and wide service alternatives to visitors.”

A passion for fasteners

Arras Construction Furniture has a passion for fasteners, which it believes has enabled it to become one of the leading fastener manufacturers in the sector. In 2022, the company continued to make significant investments, which has taken its production to an even higher level.

Arras’ investments include a new production plant, as well as numerous technical innovations that ensure high efficiency and quality production. For instance, the different departments of the company are all equipped with highly innovative IT systems, which are all synchronised – meaning information can move between all departments quickly. The cutting-edge IT systems also help not only to plan production, but also monitor the production process – providing a complete overview of what is going on in the business.

“Our top quality products and attractive packaging have given us the opportunity to play a big part in various European markets, including Scandinavia, the Baltic states, as well as Iceland – which is well known for its harsh climatic conditions and underlines the quality we are able to provide,” explains Arras. “We want to be customers’ first choice in fasteners, which is why we ensure our professional office and sales team are always easily reachable – guaranteeing a first class service. We do our best to be flexible and to fulfil our partners needs and therefore help them to be the best in their market.”

A ‘greener’ product in any colour

raaco develops and produces robust and durable storage solutions for the industrial and professional market, continuously focusing on how to use recyclable material when developing innovative, intelligent, and long-lasting products, such as its PA inserts – available in different sizes and with lids.

The new private label packaging concept, raaco PA inserts, are made of 72% recycled granules, are sturdy and weather resistant, and can be made in bespoke colours. It’s also possible to add customers labels with logo, product name, barcode, etc, on the inserts – enabling a complete packaging solution, which fits exactly into a product concept.

raaco Germany Handels GmbH also offers a wide range of storage and transport solutions for PA inserts, such as assortment boxes in different sizes, portable units with space for several assortment boxes, and an ergonomic and mobile solution in the form of a trolley – meaning they are flexible and can be arranged according to customers’ needs and are also very easily reorganised and changed if needed.

Meeting demanding requirements

Established more than 70 years ago, DOISTUA is a washer manufacturer located in the industrial area of Basque Country, in the north of Spain, and is able to deliver products to customers in more than 20 European countries, as well as several customers in North America and Asia.

OISTUA’s strong position and prestige in the metal fasteners sector enables it to supply a variety of markets, including the automotive sector and its auxiliary industry. The company is also able to supply products to customers in the railway industry, agricultural machinery, renewable energy, domestic appliance manufacturing, public civil engineering, as well as providing the distribution sector.

Thanks to its manufacturing capabilities, DOISTUA is able to manufacture washers under international standards (contact conical washers according to NF 25-511 among others) and is specialised in the production of non-standard washers or specials, including customer drawings and based on applicable automotive standards that are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, buses and trucks.

DOISTUA’s management system is also certified according to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, allowing it to fulfil the most demanding requirements of its customers.

Who will win the Route to Fastener Innovation competition 2023?

Fastener + Fixing Magazine will once again host the Route to Fastener Innovation competition, with its editorial team reviewing the products and services that have been entered into the competition – awarding the ‘Top 3’ with the accolade of being Fastener Technology Innovators. Innovations that were entered into the Route to Fastener Competition were accepted on the following criteria:

1. The product must have been introduced to the market for the first time within the last 24 months leading up to the Fastener Fair.

2. The product must demonstrate significant and identifiable technical design, material or performance differences from other products already on the market.

3. The product must provide tangible and identifiable advantages for the end user or consumer – for example in efficiency, productivity, safety, strength, durability, and cost reduction.

4. The product may be an improvement or upgrade on an existing line but must clearly meet all three of the above conditions.

5. Entries must not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other company.

To find out more about the innovations that have been entered read on – remember to take a note of the stand numbers or look out

for the distinctive Route to Fastener Innovation competition 2023 logo on participants’ stands.

On the second day of the show at 14:00 there will be a special presentation to the winners on the Fastener + Fixing Magazine stand – hall 7, stand 3874.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

A maintenance free bolting assembly

In a positive development for bolted joint security in European steel construction, Nord-Lock Group and PEINER Umformtechnik are now collaborating to provide a maintenance free structural bolting assembly –consisting of a PEINER HV bolt and nut according to EN 14399-4/-8, as well as a pair of Nord-Lock Steel Construction (SC) wedge-locking washers according to ETA - 20/0010.

The essential idea behind bolting assemblies is that the components come from one manufacturer. This manufacturer is responsible for the components, as well as for the friction coefficients (torque preload ratio). Replacing the commonly used flat washers of the standardised bolting assembly with the more secure Nord-Lock SC washers turns this basic idea on its head. But why should users replace the commonly used flat washer with Nord-Lock SC washers?

The self-loosening of bolted connections and the resulting problems that can occur are often underestimated points out Nord-Lock. If flexing, vibration, shock loading or thermal movements are possible during the lifetime of the joint, they must be considered when specifying the category of bolted joint to be used. If the wrong criteria are used for the conditions that the bolted connection will experience, the fastener, or the whole assembly may fail.

Practical experience often shows that lower initial preloads caused by poor friction conditions in the bolting assembly or higher preload losses due to settlements can have a critical influence on the load bearing capacity of the bolted connection.

Countless tests by PEINER and Nord-Lock on the torque-preload behaviour, settlements, behaviour under dynamic loads, etc, led to a secure bolted joint and the attainment of an official building approval by the highest German building authority, the DIBt. Following the constraints of EN 1090-2, the maintenance free bolting assembly was created. www.nord-lock.com

One of the many attractions of Fastener Fair Global will be the first-hand opportunity to assess new products and services that exhibitors have brought to the market through the Route to Fastener Innovation competition.

Hosted by

The Q-Tool N12XL battery tool

New double blow header model with threading unit

Dutch-based Qonnect highlights that the tool’s design distinguishes itself through a combination of special properties. First off, all sizes and materials, from M3 to M12, can be processed, including stainless steel.

Exchanging the mandrel is also made easy and toolless, using the quick release mechanism. The 10mm stroke is digitally set, using the display.

This digital display on the back of the N12XL offers operation status and modes. Information on the display will report and save all counted inserts set and feedback the mechanism status. The tool action can also be set to automatic or manual (pull and release) and features an emergency mandrel reverse function.

Qonnect points out that the platform of this tool is designed to offer an ergonomic balance and total weight, optimising it for sustainable workplace usage. For instance, by adding a soft grip to the handle, the tool will ‘rest’ nicely in the user’s hand. A chassis hook is also mounted on the top, presenting the option to fix the tool on stretched cables – placing the tool next to the application but not straining operators unnecessary. In addition, the optimised gearbox helps minimise noise.

Being a versatile machine, the N12XL can process all possible blind rivet nuts, with push buttons controlling the stroke setting in 0.1mm steps. Its innovative automatic installation option also eliminates the use of the trigger. The user just pushes the tool onto the insert, the tool then winds on, installs, and winds off – fully automatically.

www.qonnect.com

SACMA Group has a wide range of combined headers that are available to produce fasteners from M4 to M24. These machines are suitable to run fasteners and special automotive screws and bolts by producing the finished parts directly from wire. They are used for high productivity requirements; consolidation of production methods; floor space utilisation; and workflow in the fasteners manufacturing process – thanks to them having the forming, pointing and thread rolling ‘all in one’ machine.

The new KSP12-R is for fasteners from M3 to M8 with a maximum shaft length of 60mm and combines typical SACMA solutions, proven by thousands of machines – with the most advanced mechatronic technology available in the market. It consists of a one piece main frame – cast perlitic iron, normalised, natural aged for at least 12 months, high precision machined – which SACMA reports is a guarantee of rigidity and stability for all the machine life.

Other developments include major set-up adjustments are now motorised for a quick and friendly changeover, such as S-feed wire feeder driven by torque motor, motorised wire stock gauge and DKO, and the threading starter driven by torque motor – with self-learning function borrowed from Ingramatic rollers.

The quality management is facilitated by two gates interfaced with the load monitoring system and discharging NC parts respectively after the header and after the roller. An optional sophisticated load control system protects the machine against overloads and monitors the forming and rolling processes. Scraps separators in different sizes are also available when producing self-tapping screws.

“All these features make the KSP12-R the best value for customers’ investments, especially when running parts traditionally by a line of connected machines,” explains SACMA.

The Q-Tool N12XL is a battery tool that includes a powerful 20V battery, brushless motor and an impressive setting force of 25,000N –introducing a unique and versatile way of processing blind rivet nuts.

Well known as a leader in the designing and manufacturing of combined headers, SACMA Group has introduced the KSP12-R, a new combined header model with an integrated threading station ‘all in one’.

Hall 1, Stand 1136

Hall 1, Stand 774

Optisert® - the new standard in rivet nuts

Sherex explains that what’s unique about Optisert® is the proprietary combination of an engineered knurled body and underhead diamond wedge design, which gives the rivet nut superior grip and helps avoid it from easily spinning in the base material. In fact, Optisert®’s strength and grip in avoiding it from spinning out is almost as great as using a full body hexagonal rivet nut.

“The spin-out performance of an M6 Optisert®, in 3mm thick aluminium, has been tested at 18.52Nm,” reports Sherex. “Similar wedged, round body rivet nuts installed in aluminium material have a spin-out test of 12.8Nm –meaning Optisert® provides a 44% performance improvement.”

The patent-pending closed-end design of the Optisert® also provides a sealed option that does not compromise the biting effect of the wedges, delivering superior performance to other round-body, closed-end rivet nuts in the market. Both the open end and closed-end sealed Optisert®’s are proven to meet Class 8 and Grade 5 thread proof load.

“The reason behind the development of Optisert® was to have a superior round body rivet nut for softer materials like composite, plastic and aluminium,” mentions Sherex. “As more manufacturers look for light weighting solutions, Optisert® provides an increase in spin-out performance in those materials compared to any other rivet nut on the market.”

Sherex adds: “Providing a closed-end sealed option keeps viscous materials and dust out, while not sacrificing performance – as the wedges and knurls are still able to bite into the base material. There are currently a few wedge head, knurled rivet nuts on the market, but Optisert® beats them in performance testing, including spin-out. There are currently no other closed-end sealed options, as part of a standard catalogue line, that provides the performance Optisert® does. That is why we believe there is no better performing round body rivet nut on the market today than Optisert® – the new standard in rivet nuts.”

www.sherex.com

New all-purpose sealing plug for wet areas

TOX has introduced Aqua Stop Pro – a new all-purpose sealing plug that can be used in wet areas and provides a realistic alternative to using sealants, such as silicone, which have proven time-consuming and not permanently effective.

Applications such as shelves, shower partitions, towel rails in the bathroom, wall cupboards, and shelves in the kitchen, are often exposed to splashing water. To protect the building material – especially gypsum plasterboard and gypsum fibreboard – against moisture, mould growth and thus against structural damage, and to protect the occupants against damage to their health, it is necessary to seal the fastening following ETAG 022 and DIN 18534 properly.

With the new Aqua Stop Pro from TOX, fastening and sealing can be done in one operation – helping save time and costs and creating security for the craftsman against warranty claims. In addition, thanks to the special geometry and material properties, the all-purpose sealing plug can be used in solid building materials, hollow building materials and panel building materials. Plus, the Aqua Stop Pro is made of special HD polypropylene, which offers unchanged material properties and thus safety even in contact with water.

The Aqua Stop Pro works like an expansion dowel in solid stone and concrete. The optimised geometry spreads several times in the borehole. In hollow building materials, and the panel building materials frequently used in wet areas, the dowel reliably knots in the cavity or behind the panel building materials.

The dowel is set in the pre-insertion assembly. The collar protects the tile during installation and guarantees the optimum fit of the dowel. The double sealing lip seals between the dowel and the building material – without any sealant such as silicone. The eight-fold wedge rotation locks on the dowel body – preventing it from turning in the drill hole and making it easier to screw in the screw. The head geometry, with the PZ-drive mount, enables optimum power transmission when screwing in.

The pan head screw is made of stainless steel, which TOX points out guarantees lasting safety and avoids unwanted rust noses. The partial thread also seals against moisture in the shaft area.

Sherex Fastening Solutions highlights that its new, innovative round body rivet nut, Optisert®, offers superior strength, performance,and increased spin-out performance over typical, standard round body rivet nuts.

Hall 1, Stand 874

Hall 7, Stand 3630

Combining flat dies, rotary stations and washer assembly

Ingramatic,

Amember of SACMA Group, Ingramatic has introduced the combined thread and profile rolling machine model RP620-R1-RR12, W40/TR6 size inspired by the I-Thread concept, with a R1 washer assembly unit, a RR12 rotary profiling/threading station and the RP620 standard flat dies station for rolling special parts with combined shapes.

The new ‘all in one’ machine features the new R1 washer assembly unit, which has been updated with the integration of servomotors and a new design to manage better the changeover time and the quality of the assembly. After assembly, the parts are delivered to the feeding rails of the RR12 station.

The RR12 rotary station is equipped with a GR3 size roller and sector to run special shapes or threads. The station is installed on a dedicated frame before the standard flat dies thread roller. It is possible to by-pass the rotary station in activating the motorised adjustment in height of the unit from the touch screen panel. This touch screen panel also allows the operator to set-up the rotary station easily with the electronic handwheel. After the first rolling operation made on the rotary station, the parts are oriented to the feeding rails of the flat dies threading machine.

The RP620 flat dies station is equipped with the latest technologies available, such as an innovative tool holder, as well as an introduction system driven by servomotors for an ultra precise introduction of the blanks into the dies. The flat dies station is designed to run special and sophisticated parts after heat treatment from M6 to M16. This station

also features a lot of innovations, such as the double starter unit with its exclusive self-learning adjustment.

“This combined threader can produce finished parts like fasteners and screws for many industries, and is the best solution for high productivity requirements, consolidation of production methods, floor space utilisation and work flow in the fasteners manufacturing process,” highlights Ingramatic.

New power tool for hollow wall anchors

Scell-it reports that the quick setting powered action of this tool means setting is performed effortlessly and accurately, in an instant, with one squeeze of the trigger. This helps save time and effort compared to more conventional methods such as using hand grip tools or screwing the anchor in manually.

Hall 1, Stand 774 Hall 5, Stand 3205

The E-007 sets anchors with a screw, whilst the E-007-T uses a built-in mandrel to set anchors without a screw – including Jack nuts and Spyder nuts. Both can set a range of M4 to M8, and a setting adjustment dial on the back of the tools allow for the perfect setting of stroke adjustment from 4mm to 40mm. This means a wide range of diameter and lengths of anchor can be accommodated.

Rechargeable in just 30 minutes, the 18V – 2.0 Ah battery is compatible with the rest of the Scell-it ELEMENT battery tools range, allowing a craftsman to be equipped with quality hollow wall anchoring and riveting tools –with a lower investment.

The E-007 is also an ergonomic, compact and lightweight designed tool at just under 1.4kg, and is just 210mm tall, meaning effortless setting even in the tightest of places. It’s equipped with a high performance brushless motor to increase the tool life, improve performance and reduce noise pollution. Additionally, three LEDs on the head of the tool ensure visibility in the darkest working areas, for more precision.

The E-007 is exclusive to the Scell-it brand and is part of their new economical range of tools – the E-00 series – that lower the entry level price for battery powered setting tools.

a leader in the designer and manufacture of thread rolling machines, has looked to create an ‘all in one’ unique and modular machine that will allow the assembly of washer and deformation of multi-shape parts when loading the blanks only once.

Innovative solution to pipe repairs

Any fluid transport system is only as good as its connecting parts – with a leaking pipe having the potential to cause massive damage that could become costly and time consuming. With the innovative NORMA Telescopic Compression Fittings, users need less effort and time, as well as less material to fix a broken pipe. It is also no longer necessary to create enough distance between two joiners to flex a new pipe in. The user simply removes the broken section and installs the NORMA Telescopic Compression Fitting by connecting one end to the pipe and extending the other so it fits to the other pipe end.

NORMA Telescopic Compression Fittings are made of polypropylene with telescopic function for the repair or replacement of high and low density polyethylene tubing, from diameters 25mm to 50mm with a maximum service pressure of PN 12.5.

The NORMA Telescopic Compression Fittings are UV stabilised to ensure they will continue to perform, even in harsh sunlight conditions and are the ideal connection for repairing and tapping into metric PE pipe. These ends are also interchangeable with the NORMA PN10 Compression Fittings.

“Rapid installation, durable UV resistant materials, and tight no-loss seals, distinguish NORMA products for sustainable installations in industrial and agricultural or landscaping applications,” states NORMA Group. “Users need to note that this does not include hot water applications. The NORMA Telescopic Fittings are also not certified as compliant with international sanitary regulations for transport of potable water or liquid foods.”

NORMA Group has introduced a new range of Telescopic Compression Fittings that is says is an innovative solution that can help users speed up the process of repairing a broken pipe –compared to traditional pipe repairing methods.

Providing safe locking on non-parallel surfaces

Developed by Growermetal’s R&D department, the Grower SpheraTech® is based on the combination of a spherical top washer and a conical seat washer. This inseparable set guarantees a safe locking function on non-parallel surfaces – avoiding damages or breakages of the bolted joint connection caused by the bending of the head or the shank of the screw.

Grower SpheraTech® is manufactured by Growermetal in two standard versions –TYPA A for hard bearing surfaces (> 200 Hv), and standard holes, and TYPE B for soft bearing surfaces and enlarged or slotted holes. The Grower SpheraTech® is a smart solution, as it provides one inseparable set instead of two different pieces – ensuring that the top washer and the seat washer are loosely preassembled and permanently connected to each other. As the parts are inseparable, during the application there is no risk of incorrect mounting, making assemble easy, quick and safe, especially in areas that are difficult to reach. With two different versions and many sizes available, the Grower SpheraTech® locking technology is suitable for several mechanical applications and fields, including railway, automotive and industrial machinery. It can also be used in screw connections for the clamping of two or more surfaces that are not lying parallel to one another or clamping of uneven surfaces – with a maximum angle of inclination of 3 degrees.

“Through its particular design, the coatings available, and the preassembling between the spherical top washer and the conical seat washer, Grower SpheraTech® is a reliable bolted connection and locking,” states Paolo Cattaneo, CEO of Growermetal. www.growermetal.com

Innovative solution for SPC Control and data collection in production

Optical measurements on the SPC-EVO are performed by high resolution >5 Mpixel GigE digital cameras with special telecentric lenses and coaxial light rings. The frame structure on wheels allows this unit to be placed in the most accessible location in the factory. It can be equipped with an optional rechargeable battery pack and therefore does not need a nearby electrical outlet to operate.

The operator’s task is to fill the interchangeable blister from 5 to 15 pieces (or more), insert the blister into the SPC-EVO and press the Cycle Start button to allow the machine to automatically load and check piece by piece in sequence. The innovative Dimac SPCx software can perform any type of measurement and characteristic by means of part profile analysis and on the surface of the pieces with direct light illumination.

The mobile station has been conceived as an innovative solution for SPC checks and data collection in the production environment,

next to stamping/blanking machines. “Conventional manual measurements in manufacturing are slow and inaccurate, varying from person to person depending on how they are held, squeezed and interpreted,” explains Massimo Agrati, CEO at Dimac Srl.

“The SPC-EVO concept has been subject to a validation process of eight months, directly at the factory of a Dimac customer, where the machine was installed in the production environment next to existing conventional manual SPC control stations. The comparison between the conventional method and the innovative SPC-EVO method has highlighted the main advantages of the Dimac solution.”

These advantages include the fact the SPC-EVO unit can support the SPC control process for a pool of 4 to 5 presses/ machines nearby and the SPC checks can be performed by unskilled personnel – with the measurement accuracy improved to be within ±5μm. It is also no longer necessary to go to the metrological room to carry out complex measurements, which, when added together with the other time saving advantages,

leads to approximately 30% to 50% of overall time being saved when compared to the conventional manual method.

The system also allows the operators to increase the number of controllable pieces for each SPC cycle, improving the consistency of the collected data and the quality control management.

“Other advantages include the fact that the SPC data collected is objective, free from human errors, available in ‘real time’ and accessible through the company network to be processed with the company ERP system,” concludes Massimo.

SPC-EVO, a a very compact glass turntable system with interchangeable blister magazine for parts, is the latest patented generation of inspection equipment from Dimac dedicated to stamped fasteners and fine blanked components.

Hall 3, Stand 2208

Hall 1, Stand 585

New milling tip introduced to carpentry screws

Hall 3, Stand 1650

D

eveloped by Klimas’ experts, the new milling tip of the timber construction screws significantly speeds up installation, reduces screwing resistance and at the same time ensures reliable durability. The milling tip has also been given a new shape, which Klimas reports reduces the screwing resistance by 20%. Tests carried out before the innovation also showed that the new tip shape reduces screwdriving time by 40% for the same resistance. The time savings depend on the type of joint and the timber used, whilst screws with the milling tip also work well in glued timber, such as Cross Laminated Timber.

The timber construction screws have also been equipped with a double thread, which enables the wood to be caught more quickly during the first screwing stage of the fastener. This innovation is particularly valuable for joints where tightening the screw is difficult. The use of the double thread of the screws means that the effect is achieved

“Being well aware of the properties of wood, we have equipped the threads of our screws with added millings that help to cut through wood structures when screwing in,” explains Klimas. “The wax coating is also a great help when working with our timber construction screws, thanks to which the screwing torque is significantly reduced. This means that installation becomes quicker and easier and the working time of battery powered tools is increased.”

Klimas’ policy is always to listen to contractors when working on design innovations. As a result, the company has designed its timber construction screws in such a way that they are characterised by high strength parameters, such as pull-out strength and shear strength.

“All these parameters make the updated design of the screws even better suited to the needs of users.”

HEICO-TEC®

The best value to secure and tighten bolted joints

High capacity automatic tapping machines

Hall 1, Stand 774

Amember of SACMA Group, HS Automazioni Srl is a designer and manufacturer of a wide range of automatic machines, under the brand name HS ASPE, and is particularly focused on tapping of internal threads and secondary machining intended for manufacturers of fasteners and special parts – obtained by cold forming.

The new T20-HC is an automatic high capacity tapping machine that consists of two independent working stations and four units driven by lead screws within the range M6 to M20, which can be executed using standard taps in both technologies, cutting and forming, with an output rate up to 160 pieces/minute.

The machine is supplied with standard equipment, such as machine frame in electro-welded sheet metal, as well as pneumatic equipment and hydraulic equipment – including air treatment and variable flow pump, coolant system with adequate tank, two oil-pumps, level sensor, automatic chips conveyor, safety cabinet including internal lighting by led lamps, and electric cabinet.

The machine cycle is controlled by PLC Siemens S7 TIA-Portal, including control boards managed by two touch screen panels for programming of the machine’s parameters, such as the spindle’s speed, axis control on working strokes, work pieces counting, anomaly warnings, etc.

All workpieces are loaded into the machine by means of workpiece elevators or hoppers supplied on request by sister company Tecno Lift, which feed the workpieces into vibrating tanks that transport the workpiece into the machine to be processed automatically.

“These automatic tapping machines for high production are the result of all our experience gained over the years,” explains HS Automazioni. “The quality of the thread is mechanically guaranteed by the Lead Screw, the only mechanical system that can guarantee 100% thread quality. On request, the machine can also be equipped by a system controlling the integrity of the tap after each stroke or a sophisticated device monitoring each tap through sensors installed into the tap holders to control the torque and the load on each tapping operation. Finally, the machines are made to realise all types of pitch, including Metric, Metric Fine, UNC, UNF, BSW, G, Rp, Rc or any special pitch.”

www.sacmagroup.com

750 tonne capacity tensile testing device

Turkish manufacturer Berdan Civata has introduced a new tensile testing device that is capable of carrying out a tensile test up to 750 tonnes – enabling it to apply a tensile test on a M72 bolt, as a full body.

Hall 1, Stand 730

Initially Berdan designed a tensile testing device that was capable of tensile testing up to 500 tonnes – with the company recording that when the tensile test was applied to a M72 bolt, Grade 10.9, the recorded ‘breaking point’ was at 430 tonnes.

However, with the wingspans of onshore and offshore wind turbines, and therefore the diameters of the required fasteners, continuously increasing. There was demand for a more sophisticated 750 tonne capacity tensile testing device, which Berdan went on to design, manufacture and is now in use.

“The most remarkable advantage of our innovative device is its ability to apply tensile testing to a fastener’s full body,” states Berdan. “Tensile tests applied to fasteners that shafts are reduced, only provide information about the strength of the internal structure of the tested material. However, there are a lot of processes in bolt manufacturing. During the manufacturing process a fault can occur

on an item’s surface, which can

are

reduction

shaft,

In this case the test will not indicate the real performance of the item in the application area and this can lead to fatal accidents. That is why we developed this larger tensile testing device, so that the full body of fasteners can be tested and customers can be confident in the results provided.”

Due to the increase of secondary operations needed to face modern requirements, particularly for special parts, HS Automazioni has developed automatic tapping machines, based on a reversible spindle system, together with CNC flexible machines.

lead to fractures. When tensile tests

applied to items where shafts are reduced, faults occurring on the items’ surfaces will remain unnoticed. This is because with a

of the item’s

faults on the item’s surface are removed.

The next generation of super epoxy resin

The recent addition of E-Plus, a bi-component styrene-free pure epoxy resin, to Bossong’s already impressive portfolio is a prime example of the innovative approach the Italian-based manufacturer has taken to its products and services over the last sixty years.

Bossong states that the E-Plus is the next generation of super epoxy resin and is the newest version of its original Epox from the 1990s. “It is a short name that encapsulates thirty years of research and development in the chemical anchor sector, essential enough not to require anything else except for the ‘plus’, which is a hint at its above expectations performance, like all the other products offered by us over the last 60 years,” explains Bossong.

Features of the new E-Plus include a 100 year service life, which is twice the standard 50 years and makes the resin ideal for major projects. Another key advantage includes applicability in flooded holes tested underwater; the resin’s fire resistance – up to a maximum of R24; as well as its natural ability to penetrate into holes and hollow materials thanks to the successful combination of fluidity and adherence – reaching up to 2.5 metres of extrusion with no expansion or shrinking. The E-Plus is also suitable for use with masonry, wood, and concrete, in a range of temperatures up to 50°C, with strong grip on smooth surfaces such as core holes.

Bossong highlights that the E-Plus has also obtained numerous certifications, ensuring excellent results in terms of the environment – as it is part of Bossong’s range of products that have qualified according to the LEED protocol concerning the certification of VOC content (Volatile Organic Compounds) and obtained the highest qualification level, i.e. A+ rating, of the French regulation.

“The resin has also obtained EOTA approval for concrete bonding in accordance with EAD 330499-01-0601 and EAD 330087-01-0601,” points out Bossong. “Its aseismic performance is especially notable as it is double that of the current product and has obtained the highest Category C2 rating for M12 and M24. It is the jewel in the crown of this new 3:1 formula – capable of reacting efficiently to significant earth movements, just as the certified aseismic rebar rods with 12mm to 32mm diameter.”

A distinctive characteristic of the new E-Plus is that it has been created to meet the needs of the construction sector while also respecting the environment – offering safety and maximising structural consolidation, which have been distinctive characters of all Bossong products. “E-Plus is the latest step in a journey that started

decades ago,” explains Bossong. “Between the 1960s and the 1970s we specialised first in the production of rivets and riveting machines for concrete anchoring, then mechanical anchors and plugs. The shift to chemical anchors was made by Chemist Luciano Taddei, founder of Bossong SpA Italia, and marked a decisive change of direction. The formulation and filling of these bi-component chemical anchors to fix metal elements in concrete and masonry structures with epoxy, polyester, and vinylester resins, led to the company’s worldwide success.”

At the start of the new millennium, the recently established EOTA certification body approved the products on a European and International scale, but at the same time forced the company to align to increasingly higher standards and face competition on a wider scale. Bossong took on the new challenges by focusing on research and innovation, aware that each investment was a step towards market leadership. “The strength of our anchors has been achieved thanks to sixty years of experience and a strive for innovation and the highest level of competencies,” states Bossong proudly.

E-Plus, just like the Epoxy21 before it, was developed following the earthquake that devastated L’Aquila in 2009 and was one of the first products in the world to obtain the Category C2 aseismic certification for fixing standard threaded rods, which Bossong underlines is tangible proof of its success in this approach. “This move opened new opportunities for the company in the world of qualified constructions, as well as a chance to operate in the art and cultural heritage sector,” reports Bossong.

Patented anti-vibration rivet

Gecko Fasteners has entered its GRF – a patented shock proofed rivet – into the Route to Fastener Innovation competition, which the company says enables it to serve customers better.

ithout changing any exterior design, the Gecko anti-vibration rivet has a special buckle inside the rivet to prevent loosening caused by long-term use. The design of the anti-vibration rivet was developed by Gecko’s R&D team and was based on feedback from customers.

“Rivets are one of the most significant fasteners that have ever been invented to use in industry, with hundreds of millions used in markets around the world,” states Gecko Fasteners. “However, there is a downside to this widely known product. Rivets have the potential risk of becoming loose over time. In some cases, this kind of loosening can cause a fatal failure or danger. That is why we looked to invent a solution in the form of the anti-vibration rivet.”

Gecko sells over 180 million rivets each year and is continuously developing new functions and designs to improve and bolster its portfolio. “We keep innovating, by increasing functionality, eliminating defective design and providing better products through continuous improvement, which allow our customers to feel more confident and safer when using our product,” concludes Gecko. www.gecko-fastener.com

Hall

The HEADLESS blind rivet nut

HONSEL has launched the HEADLESS blind rivet nut, which combines cost reduction and optimal installation options in applications – with the blind rivet nut having a protrusion of 0mm when inserted in smooth bore, without countersinking.

By omitting the countersinking process, HONSEL Distribution GmbH & Co KG believes the HEADLESS blind rivet nut offers the potential for enormous savings. Due to there being no protrusion, components can be mounted without interfering edges and can slide over one another without obstruction. The HONSEL HEADLESS blind rivet nut is made of steel and is available in sizes M6, M8 and M10 –all available from stock. Production is carried out with high-quality corrosion protection (zinc-nickel) with 720 hour salt spray test resistance.

The HEADLESS blind rivet nut can be used in existing and new applications and provides identical tensile and shear values to standard blind rivet nuts. Installation is straight forward, with the option to use all HONSEL standard tools – whether a manual riveting tool, pneumatic/ hydraulic setting devices or Rivdom cordless riveters. Only an adapted mouthpiece is required.

SilverMate Next Generation

Gebuvolco

For instance, short screws have a smaller pitch in order to achieve a higher pullout value. The longer screws, from 60mm to 200mm, have a step-by-step increasing pitch, so that they can be screwed in faster. “Today’s screw tops are getting stronger and faster screw-in saves a lot of time,” explains Gebuvolco.

Hall 1, Stand 430

The SilverMate Next Generation screws are also focused on four unique selling points that Gebuvolco highlights make them equal or better than the best known screw brands. Firstly, with a low starting pressure, the SilverMate Next Generation screw goes into wood from the very first revolutions. Screws with a type 17 milling point, for instance, do require much more pressure.

Next, SilverMate Next Generation screws are produced so they are less likely to break at high screw load, with diameters 4mm, 4.5mm and 5mm substantially reinforced. Gebuvolco also points out that SilverMate Next Generation screws are noticeably lighter than almost all other brands on the market. The screw-in resistance is 25% – 30% lower, especially with the longer sizes in 5mm and 6mm diameter.

Finally, SilverMate Next Generation screws have a low splitting risk, when the screw is used near the head end of a plank or batten, due to the special milling thread at the tip.

The TOBI® drive system

Through technical developments, the TOBI® drive system provides consumers with several advantages, including saving resources, saving money and standing out from competitors through improved functionality – opening up new markets.

ue to the special geometry between the drive tool and the bit, the TOBI® drive system provides a firm hold of the screw by the bit, axial alignment, as well as a ten times larger contact area. With this combination of features, overhead installations, screwing into components parts with inaccessible locations, and automated screwing processes, are all supported.

During insertion of the drive tool (bit) into the screw head, the system aligns itself axially, which is a big advantage in robotic screw driving systems – where the screw or nut thread should not be damaged. The converging surfaces also ensure that the screws will not

Hall 1, Stand 1120

fall out of the bit, helping to simplify overhead working. Furthermore, no additional spigot is required below the bit for axial alignment of the screw – since the load on the screw tool is reduced significantly,

The load between the TOBI® screw head profile and the bit, which is far larger than other systems, is also reduced. This special design and ability to increase tool life can also help to reduce costs.

Due to the slightly larger opening of the drive profile, the respective internal six-lobe (TX) bits also fit in screws with TOBI® drive system. This means, the TOBI® screws can be dismantled or screwed back in with using commercially available bits – meaning it is not a mandatory requirement to have a TOBI® bit when using TOBI® screws.

states its SilverMate Next Generation screws are unique in the market, as they have their own optimum pitch and specific characteristics for each length and diameter, which are applied lightly or heavily.

The professional battery riveting tool

The BT-20 battery riveter has capacity for Standard, Versagrip, Hardrip, Hardlock, G-bra, Structural and S-Trevol rivets, from 2.4mm to 7.8mm, making it ideal for assembly lines and professional environments, as well as for those applications where portability and performance are a must.

“At BRALO we look for the ideal solution and with the BT-20 riveting machine we offer versatility. The tool is designed for the most demanding industries, which require high durability of the riveting tool and reliability in their parts,” states BRALO.

The BT-20 combines this portability and reliability, thus adapting to the needs of customers. It also offers high speed and power, making it ideal for high level professional work. The riveter also has a high durability, reliable design and is well balanced – featuring an ergonomic design that provides greater comfort for the professional.

Key features of the BT-20 include a work pressure of 19,600N and a stroke of 25mm. The tool also has a powerful 2.5 Ah li-ion battery – and optional 4.0 Ah – a long-lasting brushless motor, an LED light for better visibility and a transparent mandrel collector for quick emptying.

To add to this, it comes with more than 40 nosepieces to cover all customer needs – retaining nozzles, long nozzles, facade nozzles, etc – as well as an optional 145mm kit for difficult to access jobs.

www.bralo.com

Image processing-based AI for fastener recognition

Norm Fasteners has partnered with Kalybe.AI to develop a mobile App, powered by an image processing-based AI algorithm, that can be used to identify standard fasteners.

Standard fasteners, such as DIN 931 or ISO 15071, that are used regularly in industries and general DIY jobs can be confusing to identify considering the variety of standards – not forgetting the tailor-made fasteners also available in the market. In addition, to make a clear identification it might be necessary to use a caliper or similar tools to measure the fastener features, such as shaft diameter, length, etc. All this information is needed if you are looking to replace or buy new fasteners.

For the classification process, Norm Fasteners has developed, alongside Kalybe.AI, a mobile App that can be used to identify a standard fastener. If the specific fastener does not conform to any standards, the App can make recommendations in relation to the similarity found by the App – thanks to the patent-pending deep learning algorithm based on image processing.

Another feature of the mobile App is that the dimensions of fasteners can also be measured. “Whilst image processing with a mobile phone camera alone is a very challenging task – in addition to camera specifications varying from brand to brand, even model to model – the environment is also dynamic in terms of light, brightness, background, etc,” explains Norm Fasteners. “Therefore, calibration is one of the most important steps affecting the degree of success in terms of both standard determination and feature extraction. By using a coin (with a known diameter) an image can be taken by the mobile phone camera and a calibration can be made – i.e dimension of a single pixel can be obtained. Based on this calibration,

fastener features can be extracted to be used to identify the standard and feature dimensions.”

Norm Fasteners points out that a deep learning algorithm used for the App was trained with fasteners from different standards. In addition, with more training the accuracy is expected to be increased.

BRALO presents the new BT-20 professional battery riveting tool, which is able to set a wide range of rivets and is designed for the most demanding applications in the market.

Kwantex introduces the new TTX® Drive

Kwantex recently developed the improved six lobe TTX® Drive with TTX® bit, which features a unique sharp hook design, no cam-out, stronger torque transfer and offers at least four times longer bit life than Kwantex’s regular TX bit.

Previously, when users were fastening woodscrews, they would sometimes encounter problems resulting from certain drive designs – for instance the bit not fitting well within the drive, which could cause unexpected wobbling, drive abrasion, bit slippage or even breakage.

Hall 5, Stand 3120

The specially developed sharp hook design of the TTX® Drive and TTX® bit is able to transfer higher torque, therefore users can confidently fasten screws without the worry of unexpected wobbling or bit slippage. In fact, Kwantex mentions that users can even fasten using only one hand, which is both time and force saving, as well as making it easier for inexperienced users to finish installations easily and quickly.

The TTX® Drive system is not only applicable to woodscrews, it is also suitable for screws used for penetrating construction steel and machine screws for steel structure and industrial assembly. “The application range of the TTX® Drive is quite comprehensive, with the system helping users achieve tighter fastening and increasing the contact surface between the drive and the TTX® bit – helping reduce stress accumulation and optimising torque transfer,” explains Kwantex.

“We are confident that the new TTX® Drive system will definitely be a game changing one in the industry,” states Kwantex. “Our goal is to provide the best performance system that is affordable to everyone, which is why we have made sure the TTX® bit fits almost all six-lobe drives and all six-lobe bits can fit the TTX® Drive.”

www.kwantex.com.tw

EXHIBITIONS

PREVIEWS AND REPORTS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS

Fastener Fair Italy 2022 wraps up

The third edition of Fastener Fair Italy, the biennial international event dedicated to fastener and fixing products, systems, and services, has ended at Fiera Milano City with 2,384 trade visitors, from 48 countries, attending the show, as well as 205 exhibitors from 18 countries participating – with a solid representation of companies from Italy, China, Germany and Turkey.

Fastener Fair Italy’s visitor mix reflected the diversity of markets in which the fastener and fixing industry operates. Visitors came from a variety of sectors, including metal products (29%), distribution (28%), automotive (22%), construction (18%) and mechanical engineering (13%). The top visiting countries were Italy, Germany, Turkey, the UK, France and Spain.

The support obtained from the industrial sector, in addition to the significant presence of visitors and exhibitors, highlighted the importance of the show as a meeting hub for national and international professionals in one of the leading European industrial economies. As a result, the exhibition again established its role as a platform to present technologies and innovations; launch new products; promote corporate marketing activities; and meet customers, suppliers and business partners.

Organised by Mack-Brooks Exhibitions – Part of RX in collaboration with partners – a total of 10 conference sessions and exhibitor presentations were an essential part of this show edition. They contributed to intensifying the visitor experience with relevant discussions for the entire industrial supply chain.

“We can safely say that Fastener Fair Italy has been a success. It was the first major post pandemic face-to-face event dedicated to the

fastener and fixing sector in Italy. There’s nothing better than meeting in person to build lasting relationships, connect with industry peers and discover the latest innovations. The show allowed the entire sector to come together through relevant meetings rich in topical and fundamentally essential content. The sector is buoyant, and our show is the proof of this,” comments Liljana Goszdziewski, portfolio director for the European Fastener Fairs.

Fastener Fair Italy is part of a series of commercial events organised by Mack-Brooks Exhibitions – part of RX focused on the fastener and fixing industry, including Fastener Fair Global the flagship event of the Fastener Fair brand, which will take place in Germany in 2023, as well as Fastener Fair India, Fastener Fair Mexico and Fastener Fair USA.

The next edition of Fastener Fair Italy has been confirmed to once again take place in Milan in autumn 2024, from 29 th – 30 th October. www.fastenerfairitaly.com

FASTENER POLAND® –A feeling of industry revival

The 5th edition of FASTENER POLAND®, the international trade fair for fastener and fixing technology, took place in October – once again at EXPO Kraków – with organisers reporting it a great success.

Co-located with the affiliated 13th international trade fair for powder and bulk solids technologies, and the 13th international trade fair for suppliers of maintenance products and services, this year’s event was attended by 2,306 people, 24% of whom came from abroad –mostly from the Czech Republic, Germany and Romania.

As many as 65% of exhibitors came from abroad, including China, the Czech Republic, Estonia, India, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, the USA, Hungary and Italy – with many expressing satisfaction with their decision to participate in the event due to the Polish market being very attractive to them.

One such participant was Joel Alexandersson from Swedish company REHOBOT Rotex AB, who said this year’s edition of FASTENER POLAND® had been very successful for him, with many valuable new Polish business contacts made: “We had a few customers from Poland before, but now we see that the country is still a growing market for us.” He added that production, which until now had taken place in East Asia is moving to this region, where the company’s parts are suited to the type of production process in Poland.

Similarly, Ayza Akmut, from Turkish company ISB Fasteners, was pleased to have attended FASTENER POLAND® where ISB had many meetings with visitors with whom future follow-up is likely: “We gained a lot of knowledge and contacts at the fair. We often send emails presenting our services to other companies, but they don’t open them because they don’t know us at all. That’s why trade fairs are so important to us. Here they can see us, get to know us, see who we are. This makes us successful. We will definitely be at the next edition, because this one was very fruitful for us.”

Domestic companies also used the fair to expand their contact base. Tomasz Karwowski of DROMET commented: “Personal contacts have been significantly reduced over the past two years. We rarely met face-to-face, whereas at the show, thanks to the fact that the restrictions have been reduced or removed altogether, we can meet and refresh our relations. With some clients we had the opportunity to get to know each other or meet for the first time, and I think this is very, very positive. Many of us have been waiting a long time for the opportunity to organise a trade fair and exhibit.”

Noticeable growth

The last two years, which have been difficult for many industries due to the Covid-19 pandemic and broken supply chains, have, paradoxically, improved the situation for Polish companies in the fastener industry. European manufacturers, faced with a lack of product availability from Asia, sought suppliers located closer to their plants. This benefited Polish companies, which were able to offer high-quality goods at affordable prices. According to Marek Łangalis of Olfor: “Over the past two years, the transportation system has shifted, breaking down completely from China and Taiwan and making the Polish market the biggest winner in Europe. We increased exports by 30% year-on-year for two years and, theoretically, the time of the Covid-19 pandemic was the time when all Polish manufacturers had their machines set for three shifts, working so hard that the products sold were still hot! That said, a number of challenges still lie ahead for the industry. The big challenge for importers will be to find new suppliers, for manufacturers it will be to fill a gap in the European market.”

www.fastenerpoland.pl

Bilbao to host +Industry 2023

From 6th to 8 th June 2023, the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) will be holding the third edition of +Industry, with exhibition space dedicated to sectors linked to industrial supplies and hardware.

As part of this event, companies from the locksmithing, hardware and security, fasteners, cutting tools, industrial supplies, and industrial electricity and lighting sectors, will present their products, services and innovations in a wide variety of ways. They will also spotlight their latest developments in hand tools, portable power tools and woodworking tools, as well as related services.

The event will be attended by professionals from sectors such as industrial suppliers, groups and procurement centres, co-operatives, retail hardware stores and large DIY superstores. Visiting professionals from large industrial factories are also expected, including technical directors in addition to maintenance, quality and production managers, as well as other end users and installers.

As with its previous two editions, +Industry will run in parallel with other events under its brand, including: ADDIT3D - international trade fair on additive manufacturing and 3D printing; BeDIGITAL –transforming industry; Maintenance - international trade fair for industrial maintenance; Pumps&Valves – trade show for pump and valve systems, and equipment for industrial processing; and Subcontración – an international exhibition of manufacturing processes and equipment.

“The synergies across all sectors, together with visitor profiles, make this industrial showcase extremely attractive for these sectors and will transform the BEC into one of the main meeting points

dedicated to advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in southern Europe,” commented the show organisers.

Alongside the exhibition, the event will also feature conferences, live demonstrations and innovation workshops. Complementary networking tools to enhance participants’ commercial impact and generate new business opportunities will enable visitors to pre-arrange B2B meetings to extract the most from their visit to +Industry 2023 and its satellite shows.

bauma 2022 exceeds expectations

When the dust settled after seven full days of October’s bauma 2022 construction machinery exhibition, more than 495,000 visitors, from over 200 countries, had passed through the doors to see some of the 3,200 exhibitors – from some 60 countries – who had participated at the show.

The top 10 exhibiting countries, in order of exhibitor numbers, were: Germany, Italy, Turkey, the UK, the Netherlands, France, the USA, Austria, Spain and China. Seen as one of the world’s leading trade fairs for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment, the proportion of international visitors was around 65%.

Stefan Rummel, CEO at Messe München – responsible for the event, said the show had again “stoked enthusiasm and fascination” after the world fundamentally changed following the last bauma and that the show had demonstrated it remains a powerhouse of the construction equipment industry. The show’s success was further illustrated in comments by various attendees. Domenic Ruccolo, CSO of Wirtgen Group and also senior vice-president of sales, marketing and product support for global construction equipment at John Deere, said: “The Wirtgen Group’s joint trade show appearance with John Deere was a resounding success,” adding that interest in the company’s products had been “overwhelming” and this year’s participation in the event had been “the most successful in the history of the Wirtgen Group”. Similarly enthused, Steffen Günther, board of directors member at Liebherr, commented that bauma had proven “very successful” for the company with outstanding conversations and audience enthusiasm, so much so that he said the company is already looking forward to the next show in 2025. Finally, Fred Cordes, chairman of Zeppelin Cat’s management

board, thought that bauma had been long overdue “…as demonstrated by the overwhelming rush of visitors to our booth and the extraordinary interest in Cat construction machinery and Zeppelin services”.

In terms of sales success at the show, Alexander Greschner, chief sales officer at Wacker Neuson Group, said that from the very first day the company had been able to achieve sales success on the same level as 2019, and Alexander Schwörer, owner of PERI, was similarly positive, announcing that his company had signed “a number of very attractive contracts right at the trade fair”, with bauma 2022 more than having exceeded PERI’s expectations.

Following these comments, co-CEOs of Messe München, Stefan Rummel and Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, said that bauma had sent a strong signal to the trade fair sector in these challenging times, and that industries absolutely need such in-person events where everyone can experience products for themselves and hold personal conversations.

The next bauma will be held in Munich, Germany, from 7 th – 13 th April 2025.

Outstanding attendance for Las Vegas fastener expo

The International Fastener Expo (IFE), North America’s largest B2B expo focused on the fastener industry, hosted its annual event in October at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas and it proved a resounding success.

As if to prove events are making a strong rebound, IFE 2022, with a number of new features, attracted over 3,500 attendees, representing 36 countries from around the world, for the three-day event. Show Director Morgan Wilson said the event had reached “pretty close to pre-Covid numbers”. The expo floor itself featured 450 exhibitors, including 30 making their debut.

This year’s show provided attendees with even more opportunities than previous iterations to network and learn, including an inaugural keynote speech from Dirk Beveridge, founder of UnleashWD and executive producer of We Supply America, who presented: ‘INNOVATE! How to create relevancy in the age of disruption’. Additional educational sessions were presented on the session stage throughout the show, offering attendees strategic, forward-thinking solutions and insightful knowledge on topics that included e-commerce, inflation, 3D printing, productivity and the next-gen workforce.

IFE’s annual golf tournament kicked off the event with record breaking attendance of more than 145 players across 36 teams, who took to the beautiful Bali Hai Golf Club for some friendly competition and excellent

networking opportunities. The show’s special events continued with a Welcome Reception at Mandalay Bay’s Daylight Pool, sponsored by Parker Fasteners and B&D Cold Headed Products, at which 1,000 attendees came together for an evening of conversation, open bar, IFE’s ‘signature cigar-rolling cabana’, accompanied by lively music and dancing.

Another new feature of IFE 2022 was the event App, IFE Match, which helped to bring attendees and exhibitors together in a new, smart way. Participants connected with their peers, discovered business opportunities, explored educational sessions, and built their itinerary, all from their mobile devices, both pre-event and during the entire show –with over 350 meetings arranged using the App.

The Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year awards were also a feature that rounded off the show, with a packed audience celebrating this year’s award inductees, who were: Andy Cohn of Duncan Bolt; Tim Malone of Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing; Rick Rudolph of Rick Rudolph Associates LLC; and Joseph Voltrauer of Volt Industrial Plastics Inc. As for Young Fastener Professional of the Year, this accolade went to Bryan Wheeler of Star Stainless.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

news and information dedicated to construction fixing products

Digital declaration of performances for EAD

Here Barbara Sorgato, secretary general at the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), discusses the ‘Smart CE Marking’ initiative – started by the association CPE (Construction Products Europe) in 2015 – and how its goal is the digitalisation of Declaration of Performances in the Construction Products Regulation.

Every market and sector in recent years has experienced a transformation triggered by the increasing access to data and software applications, with the construction sector also experiencing this process. A key part of this digital environment development is the Building Information Model (BIM), which led to a complex structure of interrelated European and ISO standards.

Whilst data templates for some products covered by harmonised standards have already been produced, through sectoral associations or European projects, the work on the EADs was only started in 2019, when ECAP experts volunteered in delivering the first three drafts of data templates, in the framework of a CPE pilot project on anchors.

What is a data template?

A data template is a common data structure describing the characteristics and properties of an object (usually a product), according to a source of information. When a data template is completed with information, the output is called a data sheet. In practice, a data sheet includes the performance and the technical characteristics of the object. With an information exchange format, data sheets can be shared and used by different IT tools or digital environments.

On the 13th December, during a meeting of the EOTA-CPE project: ‘Smart CE Marking on products covered by EADs’, manufacturers of three different associations and TABs (Technical Assessment Bodies) involved in the issuing of EADs on post-installed fasteners, started a common work to finalise the three data templates.

These data templates are created for main EADs on anchors, which were derived from ETAGs, and for which several ETAs have been issued:

EAD 330196-01-0604: Plastic anchors for fixing of external thermal insulation composite systems with rendering.

EAD 330232-01-0601: Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete.

EAD 330499-00-0601: Bonded fasteners for use in concrete.

The goal of the pilot project is to deliver, within 2023, the three data templates, tested on ETAs issued for the three EADs. The very next goal is to implement the pilot project on ‘Smart CE Marking’ for other EAD products and sectors.

Which format is used for the data templates?

The main challenge of digitalisation in construction is interoperability. Software applications must be able to exchange information, but it is not possible unless standardised data structures and exchange formats for digital information are provided.

That’s why the data templates follow a machine readable format given in a CEN document: CWA (CEN Workshop Agreement) 17316:2018. This document is based on two ISO standards, EN ISO 23386 and EN ISO 23387. Together they provide the framework for

What is the content of the data templates?

The data templates should contain all mandatory characteristics in the EADs and further information that needs to be in the DoP (and in the future DoC – Declaration of Conformity) because both are related to the performance of the product.

This is a challenge as EADs contain several mixed, interrelated bits of information. EADs were originally not conceived for DoPs and nor is data given in the ETAs. This has created a lot of troubles for the manufacturers since the CPR has been published. Manufacturers are requested to fulfil the CPR legal requirements, amongst which is the correct formulation of the DoP according to Annex III of the CPR, which until now was not always properly done. Digitalisation forces us to harmonise data, so, whilst it forces manufacturers to face and solve the correct formulation of DoPs (and, hopefully, it suggests TABs to draft EADs in a more DoP friendly way), it can be seen as a chance to finally solve this point.

Not only DoPs

EPDs – Environmental Product Declaration – can also be delivered as product data sheets. The rules to digitise them are available in ISO 22057, which contains the necessary guidance. The benefit of this initiative is the interoperability, so if in future EPDs information is integrated in the CPR, product data templates will also be integrated.

The potential benefits of product data templates need to also be unleashed in relation to other policies and initiatives, such as Building Logbooks, Level(s), substance declaration, etc, which will facilitate their market implementation if harmonised European data templates are developed.

Will digitalisation of DoPs work in practice for SMEs?

Digitalisation will only work in practice if it can be easily implemented by companies of any size without a deep IT knowledge and while the manufacturer keeps the ownership of the information. Approaches, such as databases for which an entry fee is requested, failed to be relevant in the market and probably will not have the implementation of standardised, open approaches. This is one of the reasons why ECAP is engaged in the project. Digitalisation in construction cannot be allowed to become a paradise for big software houses at the expenses of SMEs.

It is worth noting that when it comes to the information giving in data templates, it is the manufacturers who own the information and are liable for it, as is the case for the DoPs. That is why all data should be considered as an asset with real value and the only way for SMEs to get the benefits from the delivery of information is by controlling the digitalisation of product information in interoperable formats within product data sheets.

www.ecap-sme.org

That is why all data should be considered as an asset with real value...”

100 years and holding

With a 100 year anchor service life, and a double shelf life, the new JCP Ultra-Bond 100 epoxy resin is the latest addition to the JCP range and is now the highest strength resin the company offers customers.

JCP Construction Products (JCP), a supplier of specialist construction fixings from OwlettJaton, offers a comprehensive range of products, including an impressive selection of chemical anchors.

Available in a 585ml tube, Ultra-Bond 100 is a formulation derived from pure epoxy with very high bond strength. It is used principally to anchor rebar, threaded studs and internally threaded sockets into concrete. Used for high performance structural applications where loading is critical, it is also ideal for rotary hammer drilled dry and wet holes. The two component chemical anchoring injection system, in a 1:1 ratio, can achieve high loads in cracked and non-cracked concrete.

ETA Option 1 approved, it is suitable for high loads featuring large diameters and deep embedment. Longer working times also make it ideal for large holes and high temperatures. It is also approved for use under seismic actions C1 and C2. Offering high durability and resistance to chemicals, Ultra-Bond 100 is a low-emitting material and qualified to be categorised as LEED v4 and v4.1 Beta according to ISO 16000, EN 16516, ISO 11890-2 and ASTM D2369 testing standards.

Why Ultra-Bond 100?

Sustainability has grown considerably in the construction sector, with more attention paid to building practices and the materials chosen. Increasing pressures to develop buildings with longer lifespans have led to more sustainable decision-making. Due to changes in society, nowadays developers are looking to construct buildings with a lifespan of 100 years or more when traditionally this would have been much lower. Offering a 100 year anchor service life, Ultra-Bond 100 supports this approach and helps work towards a green economy.

CHEMICAL ANCHORS FEATURE

In addition, Ultra-Bond 100 offers a storage life of 24 months from the date of manufacture, double that of a standard resin, reducing the likelihood of wasted material due to the chemicals expiring.

The complete chemical anchor offering

JCP supplies a comprehensive range of resins, all backed with full technical specifications. Although applying for an ETA is voluntary, as a leading supplier JCP often deems this vital, irrespective of how complex, time-consuming and costly the process may be. With recent changes in regulations, and an increased awareness concerning the impact of fire on construction fixings, an ETA can assist in determining the correct selection.

JCP’s pure epoxy or vinylester resins both hold an ETA Option 1 certification and are designed for use in dry and wet holes in cracked and non-cracked concrete. They both offer very high load capacities and are also WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved.

In contrast to mechanical anchors, chemical anchors are sensitive to some environmental factors, such as temperature. For applications in low temperatures, the JCP Vinylester Fast Cure Winter Grade resin cures at temperatures as low as -10°C.

JCP’s Epoxy Acrylate resin has an ETA Option 7 certification, making it ideal for use in non-cracked concrete. Whilst it offers a lower load capacity than the vinylester, it delivers a higher capacity than the JCP general-purpose ETA Option 7 certified polyester resin (available with and without styrene). Available to download from the JCP website, a free resin calculator helps to calculate the volume of resin required for a project based on the number of holes, anchor diameters and embedment depth.

www.jcpfixings.co.uk

Chemical anchor for cold temperatures

To keep users working during cold days, pgb-Europe has developed a special winter edition of its chemical anchor – S-IRW – which is a vinylester based chemical anchor that is approved for cracked concrete and seismic applications (ETA – 14/0141).

gb-Europe underlines that the S-IRW has a faster curing time compared to other chemical anchors, which makes it very useful when working in cold circumstances – with the product even being tested for use down to -26°C .

In addition to being ideal for cold temperatures, the S-IRW chemical anchor can also be used in wet circumstances and can be directly installed in flooded bore holes without removing the water.

pgb-Europe NV explains that the chemical mortar is developed in a way that it cures fast and there is little to no sag when inserting it. Therefore, the application is easy and safe, even when working in overhead applications. The S-IRW chemical anchor also has an A+ notification for low odour and therefore can be used indoors without any problems.

www.pgb-europe.com

Seismic approved anchors

G&B Fissaggi is an Italian manufacturer of construction fixings that has been able to expand rapidly within the European market thanks to its commitment to supplying products of the highest quality with certified performance – with the company achieving Category C2 seismic certification for a selection of its chemical anchors.

During 2022 the company announced that its chemical anchor GEBOFIX PRO SISMIK VE-SF CE 1, which is one of its leading styrene-free vinylester anchors, had obtained the Category C2 seismic zone certification for M12 – M20 threaded bars. This is in addition to it already being CE Option 1 certified for cracked concrete and receiving Seismic Category C1 for M10 – M24 bars.

G&B Fissaggi highlights that the GEBOFIX PRO SISMIK VE-SF CE 1 provides maximum safety for structural applications and very high performance even in critical areas. The anchor is also approved for use in submerged holes, complies with LEED requirements, has a category A+ for low-emission components (VOC) and is certified for fire resistance R120.

Available in 300ml, 345ml and 410ml formats, the anchor is also available in a winter formulation, Gebofix PRO SISMIK Nordic, for application on cracked concrete till -20°C, which is supplied in 410ml and 300ml cartridges. Moreover, both anchors are ETA certified for masonry, use category c,w/d, and are approved for application in submerged holes.

Other products from G&B Fissaggi that have achieved seismic certification are the chemical anchor XTR Extreme Hybrid CE certified Option 1 for cracked concrete, which has achieved the seismic Category C1 certification for M8 – M16 threaded rods and the seismic Category C2 approval for M12 – M16 threaded rods. There is also the EPO PLUS RE 3:1 anchor, which is certified ETA Option 1 for structural fixings and received Seismic Category C2 approval for M12 – M20 threaded rods.

Alongside G&B Fissaggi’s commitment to the highest quality products, the company has also ensured it has a flexible production’s program, which has seen it become a leading manufacturer of nylon fixing systems, as well as steel and chemical anchors, for many fields, such as ironmongery, hardware, construction building, engineering industry, electric, thermo-hydraulic and self-service stores.

The company has also established commercial offices in Germany, the UK (with a warehouse in Sheffield), Spain, Belgium and France –guaranteeing it can supply its products and first class services to customers across Europe.

www.gebfissaggi.com

CHEMICAL ANCHORS FEATURE

Making post-installed rebar connection quicker

A new injection mortar product, the RebarConnect FIS RC II, which not only makes post-installed rebar connections quicker, but also safer and more efficient, is being launched by fischer Group.

Reinforcing bars embedded in mortar are increasingly used in new builds, as well as during renovations and conversions of existing buildings. Indeed, postinstalled rebar connections are invaluable in everyday construction, whether for connecting new walls, columns and stairs, closing existing floor openings, or creating floor plates, concrete covers or foundation extensions –with heavy-duty chemical fixings frequently used for such applications.

fischer’s new ETA-compliant RebarConnect FIS RC II vinylester hybrid mortar provides concrete construction specialists with a secure and efficient solution for post-installed rebar connections. Its European Technical Assessment (ETA) covers applications using 8mm to 32mm diameter reinforcing bars that are embedded at depths of up to 2m. Short processing and curing times enable quick work progress in drill holes created either with hollow or hammer drills.

The anchor substrate can function at temperatures between -10°C and +40°C and, according to the ETA, this makes it suited to a wide range of applications. FIS RC II has also been approved for post-installed rebar connections with a service life of 100 years and

in such applications the injection mortar’s ETA enables its use in designs requiring fire resistance up to class R 180. The new substrate is available in container/shuttle cartridge sizes of 360ml and 825ml, which are suited for use with battery-operated dispensers, FIS DB S Pro and FIS DB SL Pro.

Alongside the RebarConnect FIS RC II, fischer also offers access to a reliable and safe programme for designing post-installed rebar connections – available with the REBAR-FIX module from the fischer FiXperience software suite. Depending on on-site options and requirements, the REBAR-FIX programme enables verification in line with various standards and guidelines. The company’s technical field service and technical hotline are also available in case users have any queries and the fischer Academy offers e-learning training on post-installed rebar connections through live online and in-person seminars. The programme contains regular training sessions that, on completion, allow participants to obtain certification from the German Institute for Structural Engineering – German companies and tradespeople require this certification in order to be allowed to execute post-installed rebar connections.

Heavy-duty anchor certification

UK Technical Assessment (UKTA) certification has been given to EJOT UK’s LEIBIG Superplus BLS range of self-undercutting, heavy-duty anchors – providing assurance to users, such as engineers, designers, and architects, that these products fully comply with the post-Brexit standards protocol.

EJOT UK worked with the British Board of Agrément to complete the independent assessment of the product, checking its performance data against British and European standards.

Providing an independently assessed performance approval to complement the product’s long-held European Technical Assessment (ETA), the UKTA will become increasingly important in specification decisions in projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales, as the UK adopts stand-alone standards. The company says this assessment future-proofs the Superplus BLS anchor by demonstrating its suitability for continued specification and use in light of the transition from CE Marking to the UKCA Mark. The anchor is widely used in nuclear power plants due to its extended seismic approvals, including those beyond the ETA.

With the company continually assessing its portfolio against evolving global standards, Brian Mack, technical business development manager at EJOT UK, said: “With the widespread specification of LIEBIG Superplus BLS anchors in safety critical applications throughout the UK, we wanted to take early action

confidence when designing concrete applications.”

Superplus BLS is part of a wide range of LIEBIG and EJOT anchoring solutions that also includes advanced chemical-based systems, concrete screws and through-bolts for concrete and solid base applications.

Rapierstar supports Universal Products

Rapierstar’s supply chain reliability and excellent stock availability is helping Universal Products, one of Ireland’s largest window and door hardware distributors, to grow its online service and cement its position as the country’s go-to supplier for the highest quality hardware brands.

Universal Products, serving customers since 1993, operates from a 15,000 square feet headquarters and distribution centre in Dublin and supplies window and door fabricators across the whole of Ireland. It has partnered with Rapierstar as its primary window fastener supplier for more than 18 years, offering the complete range of StarPVCU fasteners, which are available to customers with next day delivery.

Rapierstar has supported Universal Products with its state of the art online ordering platform, by supplying detailed technical information on each of the window and door screws available. Universal Products’ growing customer care team works in tandem with the new platform, enabling customers to make full use of the user friendly, dedicated portal to order and manage transactions online.

Ted O’Sullivan, managing director of Universal Products, commented: “These are exciting times for our business with the evolution of our online service, which we developed to meet the needs of our customers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many customers, however, have decided that being able to source their window and door hardware products through our online portal is something they actually prefer compared with more traditional ways of doing business with us – and so it has become an integral part of our business.”

He continues: “The key to the success of our online platform is excellent product availability, which is why we only work with supply chain partners that we can depend on. Rapierstar is one of those suppliers. Our customers have access to superior quality window screws in the shortest lead times and specialist technical support when needed.”

Paul McAuley, Rapierstar’s technical consultant for Ireland and Scotland, added: “Universal Products has responded quickly to a changing market and created an online service that works extremely well for many fabricators. We look forward to working with them as they develop further and grow and continue to support a diverse range of window and door manufacturers across Ireland to maximise their productivity and the end-user customer satisfaction.”

Rapierstar’s StarPVCU range of window screws available from Universal Products is used by fabricators of all the major PVCu profile systems including Eurocell, Profile 22, Veka, Kömmerling and Liniar. The range includes both standard coated carbon steel and enhanced performance stainless steel screws, with detailed guidance on using the right type of fasteners for the different window styles available in its Recommended Fixings Manuals (RFMs), which are free to download on the Rapierstar website.

to achieve UKTA certification and give specifiers complete

High demand spawns latest distance mounting solution

Following on from the success of its ResiTHERM® 16 distance mounting system, launched earlier this year for ETICS insulated façades, CELO Fixings Technology has announced its new ResiTHERM® 12 system.

Created in response to high demand for the earlier product, the ResiTHERM® 12 system differs from ResiTHERM® 16 in the diameter of the M12 threaded rod located in the insulation and wall. Its smaller drill hole diameter in solid building materials also helps shorten installation time. Available soon, ResiTHERM® 12 is also driving rainproof – with both products are ETA approved.

As for ResiTHERM® 16, its thermal separation module enables effective thermal separation when mounting heavy loads, such as canopies, awnings, French balconies, air conditioning units or satellite dishes onto the external insulation without thermal bridges, which is increasingly relevant with rising gas and heating costs. In addition, the product maintains its energy efficiency regardless of whether the insulated façades are made of concrete, solid or perforated bricks, aerated concrete or sand-lime bricks. The system enables users to bridge insulation thicknesses of up to 300mm on concrete, or 250mm on perforated brick masonry, and the glass-fibre-reinforced black separating module, made of polyamide, provides necessary stability.

ResiTHERM® 16 also displays driving rain tightness, based on DIN EN 1027 standards, which is an important property relevant during heavy rain events. Its pre-mounted sealing ring, made of high-quality, weather-resistant EPDM, also ensures a proven seal up to gale force 11 – when standard grain size of plaster, up to a deflection of 3mm, is involved.

As the anchor rod with the glass-fibre – reinforced thermal separation module self-cuts through the plaster into the insulation material, sealing is automatic; it also cleanly seals the drill hole through the EPDM sealing. At the same time, its combination with chemical mortar ensures a perfect setting process and subsequent sealing is no longer necessary, all helping to cut installation time.

According to the Beaufort scale, gale force 11 corresponds to a hurricane-strength storm with an average wind speed between 103km/h and 117km/h, at a height 10 metres above open ground. Even when tested under these conditions, no water penetration at the attachment point of the ResiTHERM® 16 was detected.

Putting Ukraine back together, screw by screw

According to current estimates, around 130,000 homes, 2,400 schools and 400 businesses have so far been partially or completely destroyed during Russia’s unjustifiable war on Ukraine. With a desire to help the crisis-ridden region, Austrian screw manufacturer TENZ is donating 7.2 million screws to Ukraine to help build the country back up again.

This cross-border project began in the spring of 2022, when a campaign was launched and an amount of US$0.50 was donated for each box of screws sold by TENZ. By the end of the project, some 7.2 million screws had been donated to help in the construction of buildings, schools and businesses, as soon as is possible. The entire TENZ team had a hand in preparing the company’s wood screws for donation to a region where forestry and wood play an important role in building and where the screws will be put to significant use.

With a view to making the lives of craftsmen easier, TENZ founder, Gerhard Hubmann, invented the Low Energy Screw for wood of the kind being sent to Ukraine. It requires up to 50% less energy and effort to screw in, with its patented TENZ Stairs along the thread reducing screwing resistance and saving power and energy with every screw set. Other advantages the company points out for the screw include up to 10 times longer service life of application tools; wood fibre remaining intact instead of being milled or drilled; and up to twice as many screws being able to be placed with one battery charge.

Helping handle the donation logistics has been the Federal Agency for Technical Relief Germany (THW), which helps global communities in emergencies and disasters with technology and know-how. THW’s area of operation ranges from assistance in natural disasters to ongoing support in Ukraine, where emergency repairs have already begun in co-operation with local partner organisations, and where the screws are already being used. The involvement of THW has guaranteed that TENZ’s donated screws are actually reaching the people who need support.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Cathodic corrosion protection mechanisms

By Kalyan Dhakane, EFFCO Finishes & Technologies Pvt Ltd, and P. P. Deshpande, department of metallurgy and material science, College of Engineering, University of Pune, India

EFFCO Finishes and Technologies Pvt Ltd recently introduced a non-toxic and environmentally friendly coating formulation under the trade name ECOMET Corundum. After being applied to steel bolts, the coating displayed no corrosion for 0.5mm and 1mm scratch tests, but did corrode within 1 to 2 days after a 1.5mm scratch test. With that in mind, EFFCO looked to analyse the reasons this corrosion happened within the scratched region.

Corrosion studies

To conduct the test, M10 hex bolts coated with ECOMET Corundum, applied with dip spin method, were used as samples, with the cut made in the bolts with a 500 micron width.

When it came to analysing the bolts, scanning electron microscopy, using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM, SIGMA IV Carl Zeiss U.K.), was conducted at 3000 X to examine morphology of the coating. X- Ray diffraction (Bruker AXS DS Advance, Germany) was also carried out to study the composition of the compound formation at the scratch.

A corrosion cell – having a three electrode geometry of coated steel bolt as working electrode, platinum as counter electrode and saturated calomel electrode (SCE; pH Products, Hyderabad, India) as a reference electrode – was used. The cell related to Gamry reference system 1000 (Wilmington, USA) for electrochemical measurements.

Corrosion performance of the coated samples was assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy over frequency range 100 KHz to 0.1 Hz – using amplitude signal 10 mV rms (ASTM G106 and ASTM 2005b). For all the electrochemical experiments, 3.5 wt % NaCl aqueous solution was used. All measurements were carried out five times to obtain good reproducibility of the results, reported below:

Results and discussion

Scanning electron microscopic image of the 0.5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm to 2mm cut sectioned ECOMET Corundum samples are shown in Figures One, Two and Three respectively:

IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE FASTENER MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Low carbon steels corrode in most atmospheric environments, especially when the relative humidity exceeds 60%. Whilst there are effective coatings used to prevent corrosion, some can contain environmental hazardous pigments.

EFFCO Finishes and Technologies Pvt Ltd recently introduced a non-toxic and environmentally friendly coating formulation under the trade name ECOMET Corundum.”

HS-ASPE - Secondary Operation Machines For Fasteners

New Automatic Combined Machine Model DT20-M

Drilling and Tapping Combined Machines are used to execute complementary operations in addition to tapping. Operations like drilling, boring, facing, chamfering are performed sequentially or in overlapping by exploiting the single positioning/clamping of the part under process. That way the output rate is strongly increased. To obtain a better production yield, it is possible to install 2 (DT20-M), 3, or 4 (DT12-M) working units.

Modularity is at the core of the machine with the two working stations which is enabling two autonomous working areas. The Flexibility is maximized with the possibility to work two geometrically different parts in completely independent processes.

Precision in operation is achieved using a structurally rigid design of frame, along with the engineered and innovative design of the positioning/clamping devices. Orthogonality and concentricity in conjunction with other dimensional/geometrical features, are lifetime guaranteed.

Ask for more information to : sales@hsautomazioni.it

Colour

Table One: Semi quantitative analysis of the ECOMET Corundum 0.5mm cut sample

Colour Compound name Formula Wt.%

Iron FE 32.4% Zinc Zn 27.5% Corundum Al2O3 40.1% Hematite Fe2O3 10.6%

Table Three: Semi quantitative analysis of the ECOMET Corundum 1.5mm to 2mm cut sample

Electro chemical investigation

Table Four (below) contains results of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic investigations just after immersion and open circuit potential measurements in 3.5 % NaCl.

0.5mm cut 161. 5 162. 5 -982.5 -987.5 1mm cut 79. 12 72. 19 -955.6 -960.7 1.5mm – 2mm cut 38. 75 22. 93 - 823.4 -884.3

Table Four: Impedance parameters

It reveals a decrease in impedance values of the coating with increase in the size of the cut section. This underlines the corrosion tendency of the coated bolt as a function of the scratch size. A negative shift in open circuit potential confirms cathodic protection of the bolt steel.

Corrosion protection mechanism

It is suggested that corundum coating functions by three mechanisms – barrier protection, galvanic protection and the formation of corrosion inhibiting products. The coating, being a barrier, precludes water and oxygen from reaching the metal substrate.

The aluminium oxide imparts dielectric properties to the coating, opposes the passage of corrosive species and improves the barrier action. The barrier mechanism is effective as long as the coating is intact. When the scratch is made, at the cut edges, zinc corrodes preferentially – providing sacrificial protection to the steel.

Table Two: Semi quantitative analysis of the ECOMET Corundum 1mm cut sample

The resulting product then fills the cavities in the coating and inhibits further corrosion. As the exchange current density of zinc dissolution (10 - 7 A/cm 2) is lower than that of the steel (10 - 6 A/cm 2), it begins to corrodes first in case of the damage of the coating and it corrodes more slowly than the steel, and thereby protectsthe steel for a longer period. This is the basis of galvanic protection of steel.

It should be noted that zinc is sufficient in surface layer on the bolt to provide electrical contact up to the certain scratch size only. As the scratch size increases beyond critical value, zinc is not adequate to impart sacrificial protection to the base steel (Table Three).

The underlying steel gets exposed due to increased scratch size. Since aluminium is in oxide form, it works as a cathode with respect to the steel. Hence, steel begins to corrode and thereby leads to the formation of an iron oxide i.e. red rust. With that in mind, the coating thickness should be increased to impart corrosion protection to the bolt if the scratch size is 1.5mm to 2mm.

Zinc flake systems for components with difficult geometry

Back in October, Dörken broadcast a three part network series called ‘Zinc flake system coating process for bolts with internal drive’ via an online seminar.

Experts from different industries held presentations on the coating of components with difficult geometries, in this case bolts with internal drives. The goal was to transfer the knowledge that such components can also be coated with a zinc flake system in a reliable way for series production. Experts from Dörken, as well as from renowned companies from the fields of bolt production and plant engineering, could be heard as speakers.

Over 60 people from Europe, and the USA, came together digitally to watch the insightful presentations. Among them were representatives of coating companies, bolt manufacturers and automotive OEMs. The presentations given as part of this series include:

1. Bolt knowledge and the technology internal drive – Michael Stähler (Dörken) and Robert Kupczyk (Camcar Innovations): In this presentation, Michael Stähler was describing the properties and benefits of internal drives. He also talked about tolerances of the system and tools for assembly and measurement tools for internal recess. Robert Kupczyk gave an overview of internal drive systems (INBUS, TORX, TORX PLUS, Triple square) and their history.

2. Parameters and adjustment for standard coating lines – Martin Grün (Dörken): In this online seminar Martin Grün spoke about tests before and after coating, surface pretreatment, standard dip spin processes and coating parameters. An outlook and alternative processes were also topics.

3. State of the art: Presentation of current concepts of different coating line manufacturers – Janis Barth (WMV), Bruno Forster (Forplan) and Lars Hayen (Sidasa): For this presentation Janis Barth focused on the classic coating process, influences and limits,

as well as specific improvements for coating screws with internal drives. The disadvantages of existing coating machine systems were one of the topics Bruno Forster talked about. He also shared his knowledge about planetary systems, as well as examples of installed coating lines and specific design features. Last but not least, Lars Hayen gave insights on how to get better results on recess fill – such as the right basket selection, the right curing and a viscosity check.

“We are very pleased that the event series was so well received,” says Tobias Kleyer, team lead of the Dörken Coatings Academy and organiser of the events. “The great feedback shows us that there is a huge interest in this topic. We are sure that we were able to show the decision makers, in an informative and entertaining way, that zinc flake solutions are also ideal for bolts with internal drives.”

Process monitoring vital to cold forming

Marposs Group believes that process monitoring will continue to play an integral part in the digitisation of the forming sector in 2023, with the group’s Schwer + Kopka and Brankamp product lines perfectly placed to provide solutions for monitoring and data acquisition, and evaluation.

Marposs underlines that uniform industry standards, such as OPC-UA or MQTT, enable it to work together with customers on the implementation of the ‘digital factory’. “The monitoring devices of the Schwer + Kopka and Brankamp lines represent an important data source and communication vehicle – bringing machines closer to upper level management systems,” highlights Joachim Krüger, head of sales forming division at Marposs. “When analysing the stored process data, new algorithms are used to gain knowledge about the process, the machine condition and the products’ quality. The interaction between the analysis of process data on the one side and the data of the production on the other side constitutes an essential step towards the implementation of preventive maintenance, the increase of tool life and the achievement of reproducible processes. All of this, together with quality assurance, represents the most important benefits for our customers.”

In 2022 even more solutions were added to the Group’s capabilities, including the new SK4.10 and SK5.12 series of devices from Schwer + Kopka, which Joachim points out have established themselves with enthusiasm among customers. Another new solution is the first version of the Brankamp M3 monitoring device, which was successfully presented at wire® 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

In order to focus even more on the design and development of new products and solutions, on one side, and on the needs of its customers, on the other, as of January 2023 the sales and after sales activities for both brands will be combined together in the sales territory of Marposs GmbH and Marposs AG – for the German speaking regions.

“This will result in a significantly increased service capacity and only one highly professional contact person for the needs of our customers in the field of forming technology,” explains Joachim. “This enables the projects and the technical requirements to be handled in a more targeted manner with machine manufacturers and customers. However, when it comes to innovations, the customer is and remains the most important source of information, which is why we are looking forward to this new constellation and new challenges.”

Hans-Jörg Minas, engineer in the department product and application engineering at Dörken

Non-contact gauging system measures high/low threads

General Inspection LLC recently added a new high/low thread measuring algorithm to its 3D fastener gauging system, VisionLab, which the company states has the most comprehensive thread measurement capabilities.

reg Nygaard, vice-president sales and marketing at General Inspection, comments: “By popular demand, we’ve added a tool to our VisionLab system to make measuring high/low threads as simple as a press of a button – allowing manufacturers and distributors to measure all critical part features, including high/low threads in less than five seconds.”

In addition to threads, VisionLab measures all profile features, including GD&T characteristics. An optional ‘end view’ inspection measures and detects defects on both ends of parts, including features such as recesses, inner/outer diameters, through holes and counterbores. Optional surface control is used to detect visual detects, such as bad plating, thread patch presence/quality, as well as measuring knurl width, gap and height. Optional slewing optics automatically tilt for an enhanced view into the radius of the threads to measure root radii and pitch diameter. Optional upper tooling and bit kit are also available for uneven parts or parts with a recess drive.

For time savings, traceability, and removing error, the VisionLab also creates customised, thorough reports with graphs and data charts, which can also be uploaded to 3rd party SPC packages.

New test centre for high purity cleaning applications

Ecoclean’s new High Purity Test Centre was officially inaugurated at its German production site in Dettingen unter Teck at the end of November 2022 – complimenting the company’s 15 existing technology centres in the high purity sector.

coclean explains that the facilities and conditions at the new High Purity Test Centre have been created to carry out cleaning trials on high-tech components with the highest cleanliness requirements.

In line with changing and sector specific requirements in industrial parts cleaning, Ecoclean has also added new products and services to its portfolio. These include cleaning machines and systems specially designed for so-called high purity cleaning applications, where extremely high cleanliness requirements for metallic and optical components must be reliably met. Such components are needed, for example, by equipment manufacturers supplying the semiconductor industry, in precision optics, as well as in laser, measurement, analysis and high vacuum applications.

The new test centre comprises a total of five cleaning systems, which are outfitted specifically for high purity cleaning tasks. These systems cover all the technologies, media and processes needed for wet-chemical parts cleaning, such as ultrasonics, injection flood

washing, plasma cleaning, pulsed pressure cleaning (PPC) and Ultrasonics Plus.

For customers who manufacture precision parts for high purity applications, the ability to perform cleaning trials in Ecoclean’s Test Centre offers several advantages:

As a rule, new parts require extensive process validation procedures and cleaning trials. These would put a strain on in-house cleaning systems, which are invariably already validated and operated at full capacity.

The cleaning processes and process parameters, for example washing mechanics, chemistry, water qualities, cycle times and cleaning results, can be designed and optimised for the respective component independently of any company processes that might already exist.

In addition, tests and feasibility studies on the cleanability of new precision components can be performed without having to interfere with validated production processes.

Videx prepares for Fastener Fair Global

Videx, celebrating its 50 th anniversary in 2023, is looking forward to Fastener Fair Global in March and plans to disuss with visitors the latest developments at the company.

Videx will use Fastener Fair Global as an opportunity to display new products and videos of machinery lines and processes, including hot forging lines from bar/coils, B7 and weld stud lines, dual and single spindle planetary thread rollers for multiple operations, threaded rod and bundling lines, long stroke cold formers, as well as a variety of other products.

“The post Covid-19 recovery is changing the industry across the world in a number of ways,” explains Yair Wiesenfeld from Videx Machine Engineering. “There is a call for more ‘local’ manufacturing rather than import; the lack of experienced operators is forcing companies to automate processes and purchase new and effective lines; and the cost of energy has led companies to work more with energy efficient equipment. At Fastener Fair Global we will be able to underline to all visitors how we at Videx can provide solutions to meet all of these needs and more.”

Hall 1, Stand 1200

Videx’s commitment to providing solutions to its customers is further underlined by the company looking to triple its engineering force. “Our engineers are already concentrating on further automation of processes and introducing fully automatic lines that can be serviced remotely. With the addition of even more engineers, we are confident we can continue to develop new solutions for our customers.”

HFS Telford makes historic investment

Howmet Fastening Systems (HFS) Telford has made the single biggest machinery investment in its 36 year history – with the installation of a SACMA 670AL header cold forging machine, for large diameter lockbolts, due to be completed in early 2023.

After recognising the growing interest in large diameter lockbolt technology, as a compelling alternative to welding and screws, UK-based HFS Telford believes the investment will unlock unprecedented capability and capacity, enabling its factory to supply key markets where large diameter fasteners are required. The new machine will also enable the Telford factory to bring not only a wider range of large diameter lockbolts to market, but also more rapidly and responsively than ever before.

Manufactured by SACMA, the 670AL is a high-speed 33mm six station header with the capability of making parts at up to 80 pieces per minute in lockbolt diameters between 12mm (approximately ½ inch) and 30mm (approximately 1¼ inch). The machine will be used to produce the company’s Huck® lockbolt pins and collars, a range of two-piece, vibration proof fasteners typically used in safety critical applications in a variety of industries.

While many industries are facing uncertainty, thanks to its bright outlook HFS has continued delivering solid performance and sustainable growth. Jonathan Craven, director of HFS Telford Operations, explains: “Our goal is to support companies in solving their fastening problems and saving them money, especially in the current economic conditions. We have seen growing interest in our Huck® lockbolt technology as an alternative to welding, studs, as well as nuts and bolts. For instance, our DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) approved range of Grade 10.9 lockbolts offer maintenance free, vibration resistance joints for the full service life of the joint. Other benefits that lockbolts bring to the table include exceptionally fast and easy installations and an installed dynamic performance, offering up to five times greater fatigue life than conventional HV bolts.”

Manassero joins forces with National Machinery

Starting from January 2023 Manassero has been appointed as the new National Machinery exclusive agent for Spain and Portugal.

Active since 1990, Italian-based Manassero supplies both new and used quality fastener machines. In its two warehouses, it has a total space of 3,000m2 and over 200 used machines –with a new SMART thread roller soon to be on display. “This will allow a first approach with SMART technology for all our visitors,” explains Marco Manassero, owner at Manassero & C Srl. “A more detailed look is always possible for the interested parties as Tortona, where SMART is based, is just over one hour driving distance, so absolutely convenient.”

Hall 1, Stand 1067

Marco continues: “National Machinery has always been the leading company in cold and warm forming machines and was one of the first manufacturers to introduce linear feed, quick change and so many other innovative features, which competitors have tried to adopt over the years.”

National Machinery offers a wide range of machines and capabilities, including a whole line of FORMAX® headers up to 7 dies, featuring up to 34mm cut-off and also with extra long kickout strokes; as well as ball and roller headers, microformers, SMART thread rollers and pointers, plus rebuilding services.

Manassero has an extensive knowledge particularly of the European market and, with National, may now offer many more solutions on new machines, as well as being able to trade back used machines against the purchase of a new machine. “We can also offer a replacement machine while waiting for the delivery of a new National,” mentions Marco. “Plus, we provide advice on rebuilding, ways of shipping, tooling, machine evaluation and so many other aspects involved in cold forming. Language won’t be an obstacle as in addition to Italian we speak fluent English, Spanish, German, French and Russian.”

In addition to being an agent for National Machinery, Manassero also represents Nakashimada and RMG in several European countries.

TESTING

INSIGHT INTO TESTING METHODS FOR THE FASTENER SECTOR

The testing of materials – part two

By Cesare Certini, owner of CERMAC Srl

As mentioned in the previous article, the testing of materials has to be performed with machines and equipment that ensure high-quality – using cutting edge technology. Such testing machines apply increasing stress to the material under test until it fails, simultaneously measuring the applied force and, depending on the type of test, other physical properties.

A prime example are tensile testing machines, with the UNI EN ISO 6892 standard providing two different methods for performing tensile tests on metallic materials at room temperature: Method A and Method B. Method A is normally used to reduce test speed variations in the determination phase of parameters sensitive to the test speed itself. This method can reduce uncertainties in test results. Furthermore, Method A has two declinations:

A1 = speed control is based on extensometer measurement.

A2 = speed control is based on the crosshead separation of the testing machine.

The A1 method eliminates the influence of the testing machine compliance and should allow the strain rate to be controlled very precisely. However, in the case of serrated yielding, it would not be possible to control the strain rate. In these specific cases, the A2 method is advisable.

It is important not to introduce discontinuities in the stress/strain curve, so as not to distort the test results. Therefore, any change in speed must be applied gradually without jerking, because speed influences the result and this must always be taken into account.

Method B foresees the application of load control up to the yielding, at which point it is impossible to control the loading rate, and then switching to strain control as described in Method A2. The B method, by its very nature, can introduce distortions into the graph and therefore should not be used when determining the parameters precisely at the change of control.

The standard states what the speeds must be for each phase of the test, for both Method A and Method B: ‘The loading rate range is between 2 Mpa/s and 60 Mpa/s, while the strain rate range is, depending on the test phase, between 0.00007 and 0.008 in s-1. It is important to point out that the speed, once set, must be kept stable and constant.’

In conclusion, which speed should be applied and which method should be used between A and B? The answer is given by the standard EN 6892-1, which states that it is at the discretion of the producer or the test laboratory – provided that the method applied meets the reference standard requirements.

The tensile testing machines produced by CERMAC are technologically advanced and allow the best performance in terms of test precision and control. These machines are able to apply both Method A and Method B, in compliance with the speed ranges requested by the standard.

Through a 1kHz PID control algorithm and 24-bit measurement resolution, maximum control accuracy is also ensured by obtaining the highest accuracy of test speed, avoiding any discontinuity that could affect the results. This is possible with both electromechanically and electro-hydraulically controlled machines. In this case, digital servo valves and double acting actuators units are used. CERMAC machines also comply with the requirements of the relevant reference standards.

The role of extensometers

By Alan Thomas, marketing department, ZwickRoell Ltd

Strain measurement devices play a key role in the testing of a variety of materials, with one such item being the extensometer – a strain measuring device that can be used to measure the extension of a test specimen under load.

The extension of a material is a physical deformation that occurs when it is subjected to a load such as the pulling force associated with tensile testing. In addition to strain caused by tensile loads, extensometers also help determine compressive deformation or deflection under different types of load applications, including cyclic tests, compression tests and flexure tests.

Extensometers measure strain directly on the specimen. This eliminates measurement influences from other testing components and increases accuracy. Strain measurement is required in the determination of characteristic values of a material. The tensile modulus, Young’s modulus, yield point, strain at break, r-value, and Poisson’s ratio, are typical values determined with an extensometer. This information is essential when comparing materials and helps manufacturers determine whether they can withstand the loads to which they are subjected when used for their intended purpose.

Extensometers can be used in a wide variety of industries and an even wider range of materials. Examples include metals, plastics, fibre-reinforced composites, elastomers, films, textiles, ropes, paper and wood.

Types and categories of extensometers

To understand how an extensometer works, it is important to know that there are essentially two types of extensometers – contact and non-contact or optical extensometers.

Contact extensometers can be further categorised into clip-on and sensor arm extensometers. Non-contact optical extensometers include video and laser-based instruments.

Sensor arm extensometers are attached directly to the specimen via knife edges mounted on the sensor arms. Strain is measured through evaluation of the change in angle or travel distance of the sensor arms. Sensor arm extensometer technology is proven and easy to understand. They are known for providing a high level of modularity, offering flexibility for different test tasks and adaptability from a manual to a fully automated system.

Clip-on extensometers are a cost-effective solution for standard test tasks with low specimen throughput. They are directly attached to the specimen. The measurement value transmission from the specimen to the sensor is short and stiff, by which a high level of accuracy is attained. These extensometers, however, lack in flexibility; from a design perspective, most of them have a set initial gauge length and a short travel distance.

Optical extensometers are camera-based and therefore measure without making contact. Markings on the specimen identify the initial gauge length, either by being placed directly on the specimen or via virtual gauge marks applied with the use of software. The gauge marks are tracked by an image-to-image comparison throughout the test and the travel distance or strain measurement is recorded. Since the camera captures a large part of the specimen, additional evaluation options are available, including 2D DIC (digital image correlation), measurements on several measuring points or automatic determination of the break location, which prevents specimen rejection.

Optical extensometers (video extensometers and laser extensometers) measure without contact and therefore have no influence on the determination of the characteristic values of a material. An additional advantage provided by strain measurement devices featuring non-contact measurement is that they can be used right up to break without risk of damage, even with specimens that are critical in this respect.

Choosing the right extensometer

In materials and component testing the range of applications where extensometers are used is extremely diverse. As a result, the technical requirements for these devices are many and varied, which means that there is rarely a single device that satisfies all needs. The requirements for an extensometer are determined primarily by the characteristics of the material to be tested. This includes its shape and dimensions, test requirements and the formal standards that must be met. These define the gauge length, accuracy, test sequence, and environmental conditions – such as test temperature.

Having said this, the right choice of extensometer cannot be limited to the basic material characteristics such as specimen

Sensor arm extensometer Clip-on extensometer Optical extensometer (Below: Video extensometer)

dimensions, stiffness, strength and plasticity alone. It is also necessary to decide whether an extensometer can be connected directly to the specimen without influencing the load measurement or mechanically damaging the specimen itself. Very thin specimens such as foils can be sensitive to clamping forces, whilst very small wire specimens do not provide enough visible area for reliable noncontact measurements.

A high stiffness in the initial extension range, followed by high plasticity, traditionally requires more than one extensometer. The first measures small strains (typically up to 5mm) very accurately in the elastic range, and the second measures very high values (typically 500mm). Specimens with very smooth, reflective surfaces, or made of transparent materials are not suitable for non-contact measurement without first fixing measuring marks onto the surface of the specimen. One very important consideration is the behaviour when the specimen fails. Metals and hard plastics will slip through the knife edges of a contact extensometer without damaging them, while swivelling knife edges will further reduce the risk of damage, even if the surface of the specimen is particularly rough.

Almost all tensile testing standards such as ASTM and ISO require strain measurement. The best suited extensometer for an application depends on the requirements specified by the standard, as well as the material properties of the test specimen.

Determination of the ideal extensometer is based on six main criteria. These include properties that must be met, such as extensometer accuracy, resolution, measurement range, required measured values and the test temperature at which the extensometer will be used. However, the key added value is provided by features such as easy handling, reduced learning curve, the scope of functionality and cost per test.

Easy access to measurement technology

Kistler has unveiled its newly overhauled website, which now gives easy access to the most suitable product solution for a huge range of applications. Initially, customers from Germany can also order measurement technology products online in a new web shop, with international customers set to follow

Kistler offers measurement technology for a wide range of user groups and applications, from single sensors to complete measurement solutions. Potential applications include quality assurance in production, weight control of trucks and aerospace testing. Kistler’s focus on the user-friendliness of the new website makes it easy to locate the right product in its extensive portfolio. Users from different industries and sectors can quickly find the product category relevant to them via the ‘Industries and Applications’ tab. Illustrations and videos make complex measurement solutions easy to understand and suitable equipment for any application easy to find. Using the filter function, the product range can be narrowed down to the most relevant options. 3D models, data sheets and operating instructions further facilitate product selection.

Pilot phase of web shop started

Kistler’s large product selection is now available online for the first time via the redesigned website – with a pilot phase initially just in Germany. This means German customers can order standard sensors and corresponding accessories directly by logging into the ‘myKistler’ user area. Products requiring further advice, such as

custom-made items, can also be added to the virtual shopping basket. The checkout function then sends the request to the relevant experts at Kistler, who will get in touch straight away.

“It is important to us that we offer easy access to our products to customers from all over the world, from different industries and with a different knowledge of measurement technology,” says David Stucki, head of E-Business at Kistler and responsible for the launch of the new website. “This is why we have adapted the site to local needs in some regions. Users will, for example, primarily see references from their own country of residence,” adds Christoph Keller, corporate program and project manager at Kistler. While online shopping is initially only possible in Germany, preselecting products via the shopping basket is available worldwide. The sale is then concluded with the help of Kistler employees. Step by step, Kistler is set to make the other functions of the web store available worldwide. “Experienced experts, who work very closely with our customers, continue to be an important part of Kistler’s success. With the launch of the new website and the ‘myKistler’ customer portal, we want to provide our customers and our team with a powerful tool that allows quick access to relevant information such as prices, availability and order history,” mentions David Stucki.

Streamlining the measurement of safety and performance critical components

Addmore Engineering, a family business that supplies CNC turned and milled components, believes it has found the perfect way to measure safety and performance critical products with an air gauging system from Bowers Group.

As part of its inspection process, Addmore Engineering need to measure bolts, which are critical components on braking systems. It is, therefore, imperative that 100% of the parts produced are within tolerance. The air gauging system from Bowers Group ensures that the performance critical parts, satisfy customers’ requirements to 100% inspect safety critical characteristics and meet tight tolerances.

“The Bowers air gauging system is the perfect solution for us because it standardises the measurement process and eliminates the potential for human error,” states Ben Vasquez, managing director at Addmore Engineering Ltd. “The system allows multiple operators to accurately check the diameter of the components in minimal time, and the modern control panel gives a quick yes/no output that allows each bolt to be checked with guaranteed high precision results in a matter of seconds.”

Addmore Engineering manufactures in excess of 10,000 of the bolts every month, therefore a fast, repeatable, and user-friendly solution was key. The business had previously experienced some

difficulties whereby operators were achieving differing readings with micrometers; a significant problem when trying to measure 7-micron tolerances. The Bowers air gauging system enabled many members of the team to check component diameters in a short space of time, and the touchscreen display – with its customisable display interface – is easy to read and interpret results. The air gauging system uses air flow volumes and pressures to measure parts and is well suited for applications that demand sub-micron precision tolerancing.

The air gauging technology also enables the measurement of not only dimensions, but geometric and relational characteristics, such as squareness, parallelism, ovality, taper and straightness. “Personally, I have always been aware of the benefits of air gauging. During my apprenticeship I regularly used the older dial/clockbased systems. The advantage of the modern digital display is that anybody can see if the component is correct just by looking at the colour,” adds Ben. “The sales and technical support from Bowers has also been first class and we have already begun discussions about further projects.”

Hall 1, Stand 804

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE FASTENER SECTOR

The curse of ego – even in distribution

By Jason Bader, The Distribution Team

Recently I have been coming up against some challenging situations in my practice regarding struggling family businesses and owners practically killing themselves to keep the ship afloat. A lot of them are struggling to find themselves and create their identity, but when I dug a little deeper, I realised a lot of the issues were steeped in the curse of ego.

ow some would argue that for entrepreneurs to succeed they need a manageable dose of ego, but that ego can also actually prevent people from building a successful distribution organisation.

Over the past few years, I have worked with a few small business owners who have found themselves at a crossroads. Should they pour enormous time and resources into an entity that might be better off sold? Is the juice worth the squeeze? First generation founders would cringe at this notion. They believe hard work and dedication will always prevail and that businesses only fail when complacence and negligence enter the culture. I’m not sure I agree. The technology arms race, the changing desires of the workforce, and the challenges of global supply, may be too great an obstacle to overcome for some. However, for many companies, all the ‘elbow grease’ in the world isn’t going to save them. The trouble is the next generation of owners for these entities have been conditioned to believe that putting the company in the hands of another is a failure. In some instances, I have seen owners so overcome with guilt about a possible sale, that they pull out of a deal that would likely

save the entity and those who depend on it for their income. That’s not leadership. It’s pure ego.

Over the years, I have been asked many times what a struggling business owner should do. This can be a challenge for me to be brutally honest. This was especially true early in my advisory career. I bought into the notion that there was always something I could do, or say, to bring them out of a tailspin. That was my ego wanting a certain outcome. It wasn’t that my heart was in the wrong place, I truly wanted them to succeed, the failure was my inability to recommend what was really best for the client. In many cases, the best advice I could have given was to clean up the books and get their company on the market. Ego is a fear driven emotion masking itself as strength.

Is it really a failure to sell your family business? Yep, I went there. This is a scary one and I suspect that it resonates with many next generation owners. Come on, let’s be honest. When we see a next generation owner ‘sell-out’ to a private equity firm or other consolidator, don’t we experience some degree of negative thought? Sure, we congratulate our colleague, but we still whisper behind their back. Maybe it’s jealousy or another defect of character coming out to play. I don’t know, but I can’t deny it. Even though it is the absolute right thing to do for the financial health of the entity, it always comes with a little tarnish. In privately held companies, and this is very true in the distribution arena, we don’t respect the passing of a business. This is ego getting the upper hand on better judgement.

Stop falling in love with the desired outcome. This emotional attachment to one specific outcome makes us blind to potential solutions. When my desired outcome does not come to fruition, no matter how many times I try to pound the square peg into the round hole, I become frustrated and blocked from the creative entrepreneur inside of me. When ego-based thinking takes hold, failure is seen as the worst possible outcome. On the contrary, failure is simply a way to move on to a better path. Therefore, we must be at peace with failure.

Entrepreneurism is all about taking risks. Don’t our greatest learning moments come when we step outside of conventional thought and method? By its very nature, risk invites failure. Think about some of the brilliant ideas you or your company has come up with over the years. Have all of them been winners? I can think of some business directions in my career that failed miserably. At the time, I thought it was the greatest idea ever. Then I was humbled. Fortunately, I recovered; but it sure stung. I like to tell people that business failures are simply tuition. I must pay my tuition to get an education. Some lessons are more expensive, but they all involve tuition.

Abandon ego’s attachment to success. Rather than believing that the desired outcome is the only way that success can be achieved, take time to become a master of the

process. Find satisfaction in the effort you place into the process and learn to become a student of your journey. Becoming fixated on the outcome will only lead to disappointment, frustration and resentment. When we become selfish, self-centered and take credit for organisational successes, ego is coming out to play. Falling into its trap will prevent you from reaching your creative potential. Humility is the antithesis of ego. My favourite definition of humility is the ability to remain teachable. Become a student of your organisational challenges. Study how others overcome these challenges, and remember, it’s ok to ask for help. Good luck and know that I am always here to share my experience.

About the author

Jason Bader is a holistic distribution advisor who is passionate about helping business owners solve challenges, generate wealth and achieve personal goals. He can be found speaking at several industry events throughout the year, providing executive coaching services to private clients and letting his thoughts be known in an industry publication or two. Last year, he launched his first podcast, Distribution Talk. Episodes can be found at www.distributiontalk.com and most podcast applications. He can also be reached via email at jason@distributionteam.com

When we see a next generation owner ‘sell-out’ to a private equity firm or other consolidator, don’t we experience some degree of negative thought?”

The essentials to tackle supply chain issues and staff shortages

By Dominic Slingsby, operations director, Slingsby

Supply chain issues in recent years have effected businesses in every industry on a global scale. Some experts predict a continuation of backlogs and shortages as the impact of volatile global markets continue to have an effect. So, what can be done to tackle these prolonged issues?

Labour shortages have hit UK businesses across the public and private sectors, with 75% of companies struggling to hire staff according to recent research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Additionally, in 2021, 19% of all workplace accidents in the UK were related to lifting and handling, so using the right equipment is also an important health and safety matter. This is especially true in industries that involve the manual handling of heavy items. Correct labour-saving and handling equipment is vital to help overcome delays and staff shortages. Manual handling jobs are also made easier and quicker to complete, therefore keeping business running smoothly – while ensuring the risk of injury in the working environment is minimised.

Hand-operated trucks

Hand trucks and platform trucks are among the most common types of hand-operated trucks. They are also one of the most versatile pieces of labour-saving equipment and can be applied for many different uses. This is thanks to the flexibility of their specifications – according to the setting they are intended for and what needs transporting. In such settings where heavy items need moving around, the space around a site or existing machinery might not always be appropriate for electric or drivable trucks.

Pallet trucks

Pallet trucks are another important piece of equipment where goods are primarily transported on pallets, such as in warehouses and distribution centres in the logistics industry. These vehicles feature two forks to grip onto the pallet and a hydraulic system, which means they can be used by hand and with minimal effort –moving large quantities or heavy loads around different areas in a time efficient way. Electric-assisted pallet trucks can offer an even easier way for workers to move large loads.

Drivable trucks

The other main type of industrial truck used across the UK are motorised or fully drivable. This can include equipment like forklifts, sideloaders and order pickers. Some are designed solely for the movement of materials while others both load and stack. For example, if you have a small space with a stacking system, sideloaders are specially designed to easily navigate narrow aisles and store items at height. Stackers are another type of bulk material handling equipment that lift items off the ground and onto shelving. While they do a similar job to forklift trucks, stackers are less expensive to run and are thus a more cost-effective solution for small to medium applications.

Electric drive power tugs

Whatever the industry sector, when it comes to heavy loads, electric drive-powered tugs may be a better solution for increasing efficiency. Using electric batteries, these programmable tugs can push, pull and steer wheeled loads around, and are useful for moving large items across

inclines or declines. Drive-powered tugs allow for easy movement and require little physical effort from your workforce, meaning processes can be completed faster and thus increase productivity.

Conveyor systems

For facilities that work with a large quantity of items, conveyor systems are a reliable method for moving items in bulk. While both motor-driven or manual conveyor systems can increase labour efficiency – while improving packing and dispatch times –motor-driven belts provide a greater degree of control for when items need to be moved across inclines or declines.

Conveyor systems are also customisable and availible in a variety of types according to what they transport and where they need to be installed. Some of these include belt conveyors, gravity roller conveyors or flexible conveyors for a system that can adjust size as application needs change.

The conclusion

It’s never been more important to help modern workforces maximise their time and energy by introducing labour-saving equipment that assists with handling and mobility. It’s also important to stress that there are many more benefits aside improving productivity. As both employers and employees continue to prioritise welfare, implementing the right equipment can help staff feel safer and more able to complete their tasks.

Before investing, the internal transportation methods chosen need to be appropriate for the given space and the type of materials that are being transported. With the correct equipement, warehouse operations can be increased while ensuring items are transported and stored safely. As a result, waste from damaged products can be reduced. In addition, implementing these systems can improve safety, especially in industries such as warehousing and logistics where improper storage is a leading cause of accidents.

Maximising warehouse productivity

For maximum warehouse productivity, Mecalux is able to offer a solution that combines stacker cranes with pallet shuttles, which it states will lead to increased warehouse operations and storage capacity – while also boosting throughput.

Stacker cranes are automatic machines that transport goods to any storage channel, while a pallet shuttle uses an electric shuttle to load and unload pallets autonomously. The automated pallet shuttle system from Mecalux combines these two solutions. In this high-density system, the forklifts used in the semi-automated version are replaced with stacker cranes. These machines then deposit and extract the goods, aided by a motor-driven shuttle.

In each aisle, a stacker crane retrieves pallets from the storage entry point and moves them to the corresponding storage channel. Once there, the electric shuttle moves the pallets to the deepest available position. Movements are carried out automatically by following the commands issued by a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

The main difference between the semi-automated and automated versions of this retrieval system lies in the movement of the shuttle to the racks. With the semi-automated version, an operator has to

A fully automated ecosystem

DB Schenker, a global logistics service provider, has partnered with Körber to implement automated warehouse operations for its new distribution centre near Prague, the Czech Republic. Installation of these Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) will be part of a highly automated logistics ecosystem.

The implementation to the 18,000m2 facility entails a breadth of both automation and software components. A large conveyor system, value added service lines, a packaging area, a cross belt shipping sorter, as well as over 100 AMRs are being provided to DB Schenker by Geek+, a trusted partner of Körber.

The robots will enable Schenker to increase operational efficiency and performance, which the company forecasts will double by 2034. Also, approximately fifteen workstations will be equipped with advanced pick by light systems for enhanced ergonomics and performance. These systems will be completely integrated to enable optimised strategies for enhanced customer services. The newly automated operations are expected to go live in early 2023.

“Our research has found that more than three out of four businesses are making digitisation and process automation a strategic priority. At the same time, the issues around workplace safety and labour retention have never been greater. That’s why we at Körber look forward to continuing our long-standing collaboration with Schenker,” says Dirk Hejnal, CEO, Körber Business Area Supply Chain.

“Körber offers the benefits from both a safety and efficiency perspective to turn today’s supply chain complexities into opportunities for future-proof business operations. With our uniquely unrivalled depth of solutions, we empower our customers to stay ahead of their competition,” adds Chad Collins, CEO software, Körber Business Area Supply Chain.

move the shuttle with a forklift. With the automated system, on the other hand, there’s no human intervention as the stacker crane is responsible for moving the electric shuttle. Moreover, stacker cranes can operate in narrower aisles – less than 63 inches wide – and reach heights of over 130 feet.

Mecalux points out that an automated storage system is ideal for increased productivity, as the automatic handling equipment and motorised shuttle travel raise the number of cycles per hour and thus reduce product storage and retrieval times. The shuttle is also charged while onboard the stacker crane and, additionally, this automated system works in-line with the highest safety standards for both people and the racking system itself.

“We believe this automated shuttle system is a good solution for companies in various industries that manage a large number of pallets per SKU, as they can rely on this storage solution to effectively manage large inflow and outflow volumes,” explains Mecalux.

Kardex trusted with warehouse reforms

For 30 years, the family company SHAKE-HAND has focused on the distribution of standard machine parts for the mechanical engineering industry. Recently, the company turned to Kardex and reformed its warehouse space using the Kardex Compact Buffer.

Prior to working with Kardex, SHAKE-HAND worked with static shelves in its warehouse. The manual process lacked efficiency, so two Kardex Compact Buffers were installed, which enabled SHAKE-HAND to save space and improve picking performance. Five years on, the relationship between the two companies is strong and SHAKE-HAND decided to implement further Kardex technologies.

The recently launched version of the Kardex Compact Buffers can be up to 20 meters long and are able to optimise warehouse space from top to bottom and side to side. New and existing devices are connected to the Kardex warehouse management software, the Kardex Power Pick System, and form a fully integrated, efficient and precise intralogistics solution.

SHAKE-HAND is using its existing devices for picking small parts, while the new, expanded devices are used for picking whole boxes and totes. The full cartons are stored in Kardex VBM boxes at two different heights. Also, the Kardex Power Pick System can consolidate picks from both the existing small parts picking zone and the full carton picking zone. Completing the intralogistics solution, Kardex also offers a global service network, including for the execution of remote services.

“We have been working with Kardex for five years and have had excellent results with the Kardex Compact Buffer. We are very pleased with the solution and how it has met our business needs. The expanded Kardex Compact Buffer was exactly what we needed to optimise our full container picking. With dimensions of up to 20 meters long and 12 meters high, we can make optimal use of the available space and increase storage capacity,” says Niek Lerou, owner of SHAKE-HAND.

FASTENING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL INDUSTRIES APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Global aerospace –a glimpse into a crystal ball

By Peter Standring, technical secretary at Industrial Metalforming Technologies

All forms of transport require a source of power. Manual and wind for early ships; draught animals and horses on land; steam engines powered by coal gave way to oil. Then, independently on the same day in 1886, two German engineers, Benz and Daimler, both filed patents for petrol driven engines.

nterestingly, in 1903, Charlie Taylor, who worked for the USA-based Wright Brothers, produced a new lightweight 9kW (12 Hp) gasoline engine for the world’s first flying machine because no suitable automotive engine could be found. This had a four cylinder cast aluminium block and weighed 32kg.

Figure One gives an appreciation of how technical developments in automotive and aerospace industries have progressed in the intervening hundred plus years.

It is interesting to observe how those working in the automotive and aerospace industries consider each other. In automotive, high volumes and small profit margins naturally promote a ‘get it done now’ Just in Time (JIT) philosophy. Contrast that with the rarefied atmosphere of aerospace, which is often expressed in the offhand

and entirely true statement, regarding safety: ‘That there is no hard shoulder at 10,000 metres!’

In some respects, this is a strange argument. Within all major automotive companies today, the sharing of platforms and componentry across models to achieve cost reductions through increased volume is essential if they are to remain viable. This means that any warranty failure of a component or assembly could easily involve a million recalls. Where these are safety critical, the cost to the OEM both financially and reputationally could be just as damaging as any major aircraft incident.

Also, the aerospace and automotive industries have had a long and symbiotic relationship. For example, in WW2 it was the automotive industry that governments called on to increase the output of aircraft, which existing aerospace OEMs were simply unable to do. This proved to be hugely successful and through the introduction of standardisation, etc, quality was also improved.

Figure One prompts two other thoughts about how the two industries have developed. In the first, the volume space available for the aerospace industry to use extends from ground/sea level literally out into space. For land based wheeled/tracked means of transport, only 30% of the earth is not water and of that, only a tiny fraction includes a road transport network.

The second consideration from Figure One, is that all ground transport must operate in two dimensions. All aircraft plus their attendant development, e.g rockets, satellites, missiles, telecommunications, etc, operate in three dimensional space and are therefore free to exploit the cosmos.

Unintended consequences

As I stated in the September 2022 issue of Fastener + Fixing Magazine entitled: ‘A supply chain message – will wearing blinkers lead to myopia and how could this impact the fastener industry?’ if there is a choice between ‘stability’ and ‘growth’, the manufacturing industry will always prioritise stability.

A classic example was the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 and three months earlier, the crushing of the Chinese student protests in Tiananmen Square. These two actions in different ways, introduced thirty years of peaceful development within Europe and also with China.

The consequences of these actions, were the almost immediate and drastic reduction in defence spending within the USA and elsewhere. In 1988, the percentage of US Department of Defence (DoD) spending within the US aerospace industry was 64.2%, which by 1997 had dropped to 38.6%. Over this period, large scale ‘mothballed’ facilities kept available for future military use by the major OEMs were scrapped. To off-set this, the switch to civil build was also dramatically increased from 27.5% in 1988 to 50% in 1997 to match the subsequent growth in air traffic. These were unintended but mostly welcome consequences.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the growth in air passenger travel boomed with budget airlines particularly offering seats often at ‘give away’ prices. Air cargo also boomed with the development of online business and shipping. At the top of the pile, the major battle

between Airbus and Boeing was whether single aisle (Dreamliners) or jumbo (A380s) would capture the growing international market. In this competition, efficiencies were measured by reduced operating costs against price per passenger.

The astonishingly rapid development of China as a primary manufacturing base saw major aerospace supply chain partners finding their own Chinese suppliers. These links often began with the customer having their own ‘expert’ staff embedded within the Chinese suppliers’ premises to ensure that the necessary procedures and quality standards were met. The knowledge transfer and creation of local sub supply chains established fully accredited facilities and provided opportunities for the Chinese companies to gain their own international reputation. As this author was told by a European manager working for a major OEM at their joint venture facilities in China: “We have spent 100 years developing this technology and have just given it all away.”

Current instabilities

In 2019 there were 4.56 billion passengers travelling by air. In 2020, this was down to 1.81 billion, a 60% reduction. This crash, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, literally brought the aerospace industry to its knees with many aircraft being converted to carry cargo to keep them flying.

Unlike in 1989, when military spending rapidly switched to the civil sector, in 2020, with the virtual shutdown (and without any end point in sight) it was the demand for military, science and telecommunications sectors that kept the manufacturing side of the aerospace business going.

With little evidence of Covid-19 disappearing and no means of dealing with it globally, the spectre of further lockdowns remain constantly just over the horizon.

Introduce a totally unnecessary full scale European war; a global energy and food crisis; coupled with the enormous, inflated expenditure this involves and, quite simply, it removes any opportunity to return to a stable form of life. Clearly, those in the ‘defence’ industries will enjoy a boom in their business but the knock on for the future will inevitably mean fewer resources will be available for normal business activities.

The players

What is perhaps surprising is, given air transport provided an affordable means to shrink the world, that the country having the largest land mass has never been considered at the forefront of aerospace development. Of course, the former USSR did launch the World’s first satellite and achieve the first manned flight in space. However, despite having total control of the state’s entire resources, in the aerospace race, Russia has always been behind and trying to catch up. In the USA, where the continental development of air transport for commercial purposes was just as appealing as in Russia, aerospace OEMs boomed.

Today, economic rationalisation has created two competitive giant companies. Boeing in the USA and Airbus in Europe. There are also a series of other leading edge smaller manufacturers based in the USA, Europe and elsewhere. These are complimented by a host of major aerospace spin-off sectors including space systems, satellites, communications, radar/electronics, air traffic control, etc. In total, a huge and ever-growing aerospace umbrella under and within which exists a fully supportive and well rehearsed supply chain, which includes all the fasteners required to hold everything else together.

The market

In any turbulent market, until stability returns, it always challenges the crystal ball to provide any meaningful data. Since some parts of the world still remain subject to Covid-19 regulations, it is uncertain how quickly genuine growth will return.

The USA production figures for 2019 – 2020 are interesting in that they reveal a 75% fall off for wide body and a 50% for narrow bodied aircraft. This may reflect the need for manufacturers to clear the backlog of order schedules following lockdown or a trend which was anticipated pre Covid-19?

On the defence side, in the USA, fixed price contracts require contractors to cover unexpected costs, as well as those due to inflation. Given the recent rise in inflation the DoD have extended a helping hand on inflation to the Tier One contractor, all others will have to deal with extra costs on their own.

Major areas for potential growth of the aerospace industry exist in drone technology (commercial and military); componentry for all flying and ground based facilities; new methods of design and efficient manufacture; application and exploitation of new materials e.g (graphene, nano tubes); new power sources (electric, hydrogen); advanced aerial mobility (AAM), hypersonic, missiles and space. It is of considerable interest to note that three of the main ‘private’ long-term ventures into ‘space’ are funded by three very rich individuals based in the USA.

Advantages and threats for aerospace fastener manufacture

Despite the huge progress made in aerospace, as shown in Figure One, the absolute requirement for safety first ensures that once established, a successful solution is accepted and thereafter, practically fixed in stone. Anything new or different requires complete evaluation, documentation and accreditation before it can be adopted. This is not a surprise when considering a component or methodology may be used in an aircraft design over many decades.

The final Boeing 747 aircraft was produced in December 2022 ending a production run of 1,574 aircraft begun in 1967. The Airbus A380 was also originally slated to have a similar life span but unless passenger air travel preferences change, this is unlikely to be the case.

And for the fastener industry?

It is clear and evident that nothing can be realistically forecast until stability returns to the world of business. When will Covid-19 and any other global medical threat be manageable? When will political sanity be restored? When will energy and food supplies be taken off

the inflation index? When will investment be considered as a natural part of growth rather than mere speculation?

The cycle of uncertainty regarding air transport needs to be broken. Passengers and freight must be provided with regular schedules and reliable flights. Without this, operators cannot determine demand for aircraft, services, etc.

For most fastener manufacturers there will have been many sleepless nights. Military is good, civil is not so. But for all, the cost and availability of material supply, pressures on production and uncertainty of demand are unlikely to be resolved soon.

For the OEM not involved with military contracts, the squeeze from investors, customers, a financially weakened supply chain, and the uncertainty of taking on commitments for future work, must be very worrying (particularly since overspent governments are increasingly reluctant to underwrite future bail out expenditure).

On the technical side, aerospace fastener manufacturers face both opportunities and threats. For example, in the rapid expansion of Advanced Aerial Mobility, particularly in the commercial and military use of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These are predicted to fulfil passenger and cargo transportation in urban and rural areas operating from local vertiports. The adoption, application and expansion of these autonomous systems is predicted to become the global growth area for aviation in the immediate future. Of course, the size, materials used, and methods of manufacture of AAM systems, are likely to involve the use of non-traditional methods of fastening. However, given the often non-human involvement in the operation of these systems and their need to fly over space occupied by humans, the airworthiness and safety factors in their use will be guaranteed by stringent regulation.

A direct result of the Covid-19 crisis has been the lay-up and probable scrapping of large numbers of aircraft previously considered industry workhorses. When growth returns, these will be replaced by more efficient to use and modern types.

At the turn of this century, some countries (particularly in the Far East) sought to enter the aircraft industry by focussing on the areas of maintenance and repair. Such hubs offered major OEMs and aircraft users on-site facilities without the need to have aircraft return to their home base for such services. Clearly, with more aircraft taken out of service and newer, better designed, aircraft scheduled to take their place, maintenance and repair facilities will be required to restock the parts stores on possible reducing demand. For fastener manufactures and distributors supplying this area it could be a double-edged sword. Fewer older aircraft will mean an unwanted glut of parts for which there will be little demand, whilst new aircraft models could provide much appreciated additional orders.

The reckoning

When the history of 2020 is written and the evidence shows how things have changed, like any sunken ship, the wreckage will provide a new habitat for many life forms. The number of successful ‘take ups’ will depend on the environment, the nearby food chain, the opportunities for growth and the threats to survival.

For those already serving the aerospace fastener market, keep up the accreditation and quality standards to stay in the business. Most importantly be aware of the global changes, which will inevitably result from what has and is still taking place to disturb the natural order.

Demand, skills and products will change as they always do, only this time it will all happen at a much faster pace. Save what you can, change/modify what you must and be aware of and develop what you need to stay attractively competitive to all supply chain partners. As those companies that can’t change drop out, the demand to work with those who can will dramatically increase along with the attendant reputational and financial success.

The Active Taping Kit

In response to aerospace industry demands for an automated tool for the precision application of masking tape during painting, two robotics companies – US-based Aerobotix and FerRobotics, from Austria – have developed what they claim is a ‘revolutionary’ End Of Arm Tooling (EOAT) solution – the Active Taping Kit (ATK).

This new, integrated system is based on FerRobotics’ patented Active Compliant Technology (ACT) and a tape applicator optimised for robotic use – helping to automate the industrial taping and masking process with control of all individual process parameters, including contact force, cutting and tape consumption. Said to be an example of Industry 4.0, the ready-to-use solution offers robot-compatible and sensitive-tape application, meaning that a robot can impart varying pressures when applying tape to an aircraft, as well as smooth masking on parts varying in shape, so that perfectly straight tape lines are laid, exactly where needed.

The development follows months of collaborative engineering efforts between the two partners during the Covid-19 pandemic, when prototyping and testing took place at the Aerobotix in-house process laboratory. The resulting system is said to have exceeded expectations for precision and reliability throughout the tests. The laboratory itself

where manual masking is impacting costs and delivery schedules made Dr Lombard, and the AFRL team, the right fit for financially backing the development of this new solution.

Chris Kolb, Aerobotix vice-president of sales, said that customers had been asking to automate the masking process for years, though the technology to do so correctly had not, previously, been available. He added: “The FerRobotics ACT device lets the robot ‘feel’ the part and instantly adjust the pressure used to apply the tape. We needed this sensitivity to put masking tape down correctly and not damage high value parts.”

Partnership colleague and FerRobotics Founder and CEO Dr Ronald Naderer said that the compact, lightweight ATK is designed to apply various kinds of tapes on any part or surface with exact repeatability, with the joint project with Aerobotix having resulted in “an innovative product that should thoroughly satisfy customer needs”.

Leading the project’s US team was Aerobotix Process Engineering Manager Kent Pfeifer, revealed they had jokingly called the ATK their ‘pandemic baby’. “We just went for it,” he said, when both companies found themselves with extra bandwidth due to pandemic disruptions and the AFRL had funding available. “We are running all types of masking tapes through the ATK and, so far, they’re all working great,” Pfeifer stated. “What we didn’t realise going into this is that having the robot put down the first tape lines saves the painters a ton of time and errors, as they then don’t have to measure or use templates to get the tape lines accurate. The savings, in time and costs, are exceeding

With the ATK’s automated masking process set to modernise the painting process, it’s already being tested on several aircraft and, in November, became one of only five projects nominated for the Econovius Award, a special prize under the Austrian National Innovation Award scheme, with successful nominees selected from

How to select the right elastomer for your sealing boots and fasteners

In this article APM Hexseal outlines different ways users can evaluate elastomers for their capacity to perform well in applications using sealing boots and fasteners, as well as highlighting some of the best uses of each different type of elastomer.

Elastomers are the key to providing effective sealing solutions for applications in outdoor, marine, medical or any other environment where sealing items ‘in’ or ‘out’ is imperative. They are versatile materials typically composed of polymers, with manufacturers liking them for their ability to bend and stretch in a variety of ways before returning to their original shape.

However, not all elastomers are the same. Elastomers can incorporate a wide range of designs and materials depending on the needs of their intended application. More than 20 different types of standard elastomers exist and each possesses unique functions in both process equipment and finished products.

Different elastomer formulations affect the physical properties, functions and service life of components and systems. Therefore, it’s essential to test a few different elastomers to determine the best one for individual needs.

How to select an elastomer

When somebody is trying to determine the best kind of elastomer to use for their sealing or fastening application, they need to think about where and how the sealing or fasteners will be used, as elastomers can be used in applications in a variety of environments, including outdoor, marine, industrial/manufacturing, drilling and downhole, food and beverage, aerospace, construction and medical.

The user also needs to think about the kind of contaminants the sealing boots or fasteners will come into contact with, whether it be water, dust, dirt or even grease. The reason is that different elastomers hold up better against specific environmental conditions or contaminants.

Other questions the users need to ask themselves – will the sealing boots or fasteners experience extreme temperatures or wide temperature fluctuations? Is it a high vibration application? Will the equipment be subjected to very high or very low pressure? Will the elastomer be exposed to sharp objects or coarse surfaces or need to withstand a high number of

actuations or repeated human contact? And finally what is the budget compared with the cost of failure?

Additional elastomer properties to consider

Even though many differences exist between the types of elastomers on the market, they all bring unique advantages to injection moulding processes and products. The injection moulding process forces rubber compounds into a mould using high pressure. Elastomers perform well in this type of environment because they’re made of similar materials as those used in injection moulding.

Compression moulding is another area that benefits from the use of elastomers. The compression moulding process takes high viscosity compounds and processes them into a pre-form. It then compresses the pre-form into a mould before curing it.

This means that elastomers work well in a variety of hostile environments, such as extreme temperatures, variations in pressure, vibration, corrosive oils and chemicals, food and beverage applications, road salt distribution, dirt, dust and sand, water, as well as extreme weather.

Top quality elastomer sealing solutions

Building quality sealing boots or fasteners involves accounting for many variables. Thanks to its years of experience in the elastomer design process, APM Hexseal is able to help customers across the globe find ways to get the most from their elastomer options.

“We’ve compiled our extensive experience from working with elastomers into our eBook: ‘Elastomer Shlastomer, Right?’, which is available for download on our website,” states APM. “If you would like to learn more about our full selection of products and services, contact us today and ask for one of our experts.”

www.apmhexseal.com

NORMA wins order for electric car joining systems

In a deal worth some €34.6 million, NORMA Group has won a new major order from an unnamed car maker for joining solutions for electric vehicles. From July 2023, until 2030, the company will equip several of the customer’s battery-electric premium models with hose connectors, hose adapters and quick connectors.

NORMA’s connection products will be installed within water cooling lines used to cool various vehicle parts, including the battery. The hose connectors and quick connectors, which have been part of NORMA Group’s portfolio for many years, have been specially adapted for this order in co-operation between the company’s development engineers and the customer.

Dr Michael Schneider, NORMA Group CEO, said: “In our strategic business unit, Mobility and New Energy, we consistently focus on the requirements of our customers. With our experience as a development partner, and our certified production standards, we are very well positioned to support our customers in their technological transition towards emission-free mobility.”

The joining products for this deal are made at the company’s plants in Maintal, Germany, and in Pilica, Poland. Some of the parts include temperature sensors to ensure optimal operating temperatures are maintained. To meet the increased demand resulting from this order, the group is investing in injection moulding production at the Maintal site, new assembly machines for quick connectors, as well as employee training.

“We want to continue growing in the European automotive market and are delighted to receive an order from a long-standing customer for its new electric models,” said Andreas Weber, vice-president business development mobility and new energy EMEA at NORMA Group. “It confirms, once again, that our engineered joining technology can be used with all drives.”

High strength fasteners for energy-saving ship propellers

BUMAX® has supplied premium, stainless steel fasteners to German propeller maker Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG) for a critical application with its innovative, energy-saving, finned propeller cap – escap.

arious dimensions of BUMAX® 88 and 109 models have been purchased by MMG, due to their high-tensile strength and corrosion resistant properties, which make them suited to fasten MMG’s escap to existing propellers. The escap cap helps smooth propeller swirl, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, and resultant fuel savings can lead to ROI within three months.

Lars Holm, managing director at BUMAX®, said: “Sustainability is essential for everything we do, since our premium, stainless steel products prolong the life of all devices and constructions they are used for and, thus, reduce the need for wasteful repairs and replacements. In this particular case, fuel savings also equate to reduced environmental impact. The global cost of rust exceeds US$2.5 trillion (€2.33 trillion) annually, or 3% of global GDP, with enormous environmental consequences. Adding stainless steel fasteners offers significant benefits to counter corrosion, from product and asset infrastructure maintenance to total lifecycle costs.”

For its part, MMG, at its Waren foundry in northeast Germany, produces around 100 propellers annually, some of which can be up to 12 metres in

diameter for use on various container vessels, tankers, bulkers and cruise ships. The company’s head of design and construction, Jörn Klüss, said: “We have had very good co-operation with BUMAX®, as they have supported us with the design process and are always quick to respond to our queries.”

The corrosion resistance properties of BUMAX® 88 and 109 bolts are essential for this application, as the fin caps are permanently submerged in seawater and play an important role in covering and protecting the shafting parts, which, typically made of carbon steel, are susceptible to corrosion. The escap, which uses bolt dimensions up to M36, is fastened by up to 24 bolts, depending on the cap size.

“A number of container vessels and bulk carriers are already in operation around the world with an escap secured by BUMAX® bolts, which have performed very well and avoided the need for ship owners to undergo costly dry dock re-machining. We are currently working with BUMAX® to use larger-dimension bolts to fit bigger ships with escaps and have a number of projects in the pipeline that promise to realise more fuel savings for shipping companies around the world,” Jörn concluded.

Optimal tension springs for garage doors

Through its innovative approach, Alcomex has become the sole partner for springs to one of the leading producers of insulated overhead garage doors for industrial and residential buildings.

Spring technology is a complex part of the sectional overhead garage door, because if the door springs are not well balanced, the door does not run smoothly. Alcomex, part of the Lesjöfors Group, is a highly specialised leading supplier to the door spring market in Europe. One of Alcomex’s customers is ConDoor, a major producer of insulated overhead doors – producing more than 50,000 doors per year. Since 2017, Alcomex has been the sole supplier of door springs to the company after a process of investigating, bench-marking and testing of Alcomex’s solutions.

Kees-Jan Honig, CEO of ConDoor, comments on the test process: “After running a severe testing programme in our own laboratory, we started producing small batches of doors with Alcomex springs. When all the ‘lights turned green’ in 2017 – including our customers (the door dealers that install the door at the homeowner or industrial facility) being happy with the new quality, life span and balance – we took the next step and Alcomex became our sole supplying partner in springs, which means that we are 100% relying on their operational excellence performance.”

ConDoor was also impressed by Alcomex’s innovative approach, after the company introduced the Quattro tension spring solution, which brought many benefits for ConDoor – especially as tension springs were perceived as the lesser solution in the garage door business.

Kees-Jan Honig explains: “Torsion springs could be calculated exactly to the right door weight and lifting system and with tension springs people always claimed that you had to compromise on this. The Quattro system proved to be perfect for our residential doors. Thanks to the spring-in-spring solution, the system was able to comply with the tough European safety norms. Also, the construction of the spring sets proved to be very compact, using little build-in space, which made it possible for us to offer pre-tensioned hardware sets to our customers – saving them time and money on-site. The next step was the availability of that system for higher door weights, meaning bigger garage doors. Nobody wants to go back to the more complex and expensive old solution now.”

www.lesjoforsab.com

Complete curing of black epoxy adhesive

New Black&Light, deep-curing, black epoxy adhesive technology has been developed by Panacol, in which epoxy adhesives from the company’s Vitralit® product range can now be cured in thicker layers using UV light sources, without having to resort to secondary curing mechanisms.

Conventional black UV adhesives have a major disadvantage of the black colour absorbing a high proportion of UV intensity, so the energy needed to fully polymerise an adhesive can only penetrate a few micrometres. This results in an incomplete cure and surface ‘skin’ formation on black adhesives. As a result, they require a secondary thermal curing process at temperatures above 100°C.

Panacol’s new Black&Light technology, however, enables the complete curing of black epoxy adhesives with LED UV energy. Depth of cure can range from a few hundred micrometres to several millimetres. The adhesives are suitable for encapsulation, glob top, or edge bonding in electronics manufacturing, as well as for optical adhesive systems where high optical density values are required. In opto-electronic

applications they also help minimise reflections and enhance sensor transmission values.

In a typical manufacturing process using ‘Black&Light’ technology, the black adhesive is dispensed and cured with an appropriate wavelength and intensity. During the curing process, the Black&Light technology within the adhesive enables UV rays to penetrate and complete a full cure. Once the adhesive polymerisation is complete, the structure of the Black&Light technology prohibits light transmission, resulting in a fully cured adhesive system that remains irreversibly black. The technology is compatible with many Vitralit® epoxy adhesives from Panacol and custom adhesive solutions can be created to meet different needs, as to the amount of light blocking, depth of cure required, as well as different applications.

Small diameter wave springs meet growing demands

In response to increased demand from sectors including medical, electronics, and consumer products, for smaller, lighter assemblies with greater efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs, Rotor Clip now has the capability of manufacturing smaller-sized wave springs ranging from 3mm – 635mm (0.118 inches – 25 inches) in size.

Rotor Clip points out that wave springs can offer up to 50% of axial space savings compared to conventional coil springs, while providing the same force and deflection. They don’t suffer from torsional loading and twisting that can cause wear, with further benefits including increased travel distances and the ability to self-locate in bored holes and shafts.

Rotor Clip’s vertically integrated manufacturing process, involving in-house wire production, process control, and metallurgical expertise, enables the company to respond quickly to varying customer requirements using standard materials,

such as carbon and stainless steels, Inconel, Elgiloy, and Hastelloy. Customised options including spring force and work height, cycle life, nested coiling, wire thickness, and coiling direction, are also available. In addition to this smaller-sized wave springs range, Rotor Clip has also introduced new, standard series small, 0.188 inch and 6mm, outside diameter wave springs.

“Our retaining rings, wave springs, and self-compensating hose clamps, meet the needs of manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, medical and others,” states Rotor Clip.

Hall 1, Stand 974

PRODUCTS + tools

THE LAtest product and technology developments

STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS FEATURE

Why use stainless steel fasteners?

By Tim Collins, secretary general, worldstainless

Most people are familiar with fixings and fasteners of some form, whether they are bolts, screws, furniture fittings or even pipe fittings. Equally many people are able to use fixing products with relative ease. However, how often do we consider the suitability of the type of material that fixings and fasteners are made from? Equally, do we routinely consider if we are using fixings products appropriately?

hen using and working with metal and alloy installations, such as fixings and fasteners, there are some critical rules that should always be followed in order to avoid unwanted outcomes. These unwanted outcomes typically range from a need for additional maintenance work to failure of installations.

The critical rules primarily fall into three categories:

1. Rules to prevent galvanic corrosion.

2. Rules to prevent crevice corrosion.

3. Rules to avoid severe thread galling.

Whilst stainless steels may not be considered as the material of choice for fixings and fasteners, the use of stainless steels in a holistic manner for both installations and fixings overcomes many costly problems. Stainless steels offer some unrivalled benefits (beyond their corrosion resistance). High strength grades allow for 25% - 30% reduction in total weight needed and lifecycle costing shows stainless steels are generally more than 25% cheaper when compared to alternative material choices. This

benefit results directly from avoiding regular maintenance and repairs, which are frequently associated with suboptimal material choices and the above categories.

Taking a closer look at the three categories already mentioned, highlights why stainless steels are a compelling material choice.

Galvanic corrosion

Galvanic corrosion is damage that occurs when two electrochemically different metals are in electrical contact with a conducting electrolyte present. An electric current flows between the two in-contact metals with the electrolyte, such as a liquid, enabling the current flow. We can use a very simple galvanic corrosion table to illustrate what can go wrong with material being classed as ‘most noble’, resist galvanic corrosion, and ‘least noble’, preferentially corrode galvanically .

Figure One shows that metals and alloys can safely be in contact with other metals and alloys. The colour coding provides helpful guidance – with the green boxes representing the perfect materials pairing. Other pairings should be avoided.

Figure One: Simple galvanic corrosion table

Galvanic corrosion

For example, a zinc fixing in contact with a galvanised carbon steel corrugated sheet is perfectly ok as no electrical current will flow. On the contrary a zinc fixing in contact with a stainless steel corrugated sheet is never ok as in this case the zinc fixing will corrode quickly and the stainless steel sheet will then become unsecured. The differences in the created galvanic potential, electrical current flow are expressed in millivolts (mV). The larger the figure the faster corrosion occurs.

Stainless steel installations should always be secured with stainless steel fixings. It is not unknown for a stainless steel urinal to fall to the floor because carbon steel or galvanised fixings were employed.

Crevice corrosion

A crevice is a confined space, examples of which include gaps in, and contact areas between, material parts, spaces under gaskets and seals, and spaces filled with deposits. When dust, sand and other substances are deposited on surfaces this creates an environment where water will accumulate. It can happen between two metals or between a metal and a non-metal. Corrosion is initiated by the creation of a chemical concentration gradient.

Crevice corrosion can be prevented by optimising the product or component design. This includes minimising joints with fixings as far as is practical and designing joints in a manner that will allow for complete drainage of liquids. Furthermore, regular cleaning of crevices will remove deposits and thereby eliminating the likelihood of initiating crevice corrosion.

Selecting a suitable corrosion resistant material

for the operating environment is also an important consideration. Always remember that coatings on metals and alloys will ultimately fail if you choose coated materials – whereas stainless steels will consistently provide the optimal corrosion resistance.

Thread galling

Thread galling is primarily associated with fasteners made of stainless steels, aluminium and titanium, known as the ‘passive film’ metals and alloys.

Galling occurs when excessive pressure is used to tighten a nut onto a thread. It can result in the complete welding of a nut and bolt together. Excessive pressure increases friction between the mating threads. In the extreme, thread galling leads to seizing of the threads and if tightening is continued, the fastener can be twisted off and sheared.

Machined threads and fine threads are most susceptible to galling because they are less durable when compared to rolled threads. Thread rolling is the preferred method for producing strong, smooth, precise and uniform threads.

Slowly tightening nuts solves the problem. Furthermore, using slightly different alloy grades for the bolt and the nut reduces galling, as the materials have slightly different hardnesses. If, for example, a bolt is A4 (stainless steel 316L) and the nut is A2 (stainless steel 304l) they are less likely to gall than if they are both the same grade –because the different alloys work harden at slightly different rates.

In conclusion

Fixings and fasteners are important components in all installations. These products should never be an arbitrary choice to fix something or complete a piece of work. Material selection is vitally important to avoid costly future problems.

Fixing and fastener materials should always be the same material type as that of the primary installation in order to avoid galvanic corrosion. Product design is also important to avoid the creation of crevices or minimise the effect of crevices by ensuring that they can be cleaned easily and will drain any liquids away effectively. As well as this, choosing fixings with rolled threads and not machined threads will reduce the likelihood of any thread galling problems, which can lead to fixing failures.

Choosing stainless steels for both the product and the fixings materials will deliver many desirable benefits, including a lower lifecycle cost of at least 25%; a lower lifecycle emissions profile of some 40%+; as well as an almost maintenance-free installation.

About worldstainless

worldstainless is a not for profit research and development association that was founded in 1996 as the International Stainless Steel Forum. Its vision is to sustain the world’s future with stainless steels. www.worldstainless.org

Crevice corrosion

TORQUE WRENCHES FEATURE

The wheel change specialists

The right tightening torque is essential when changing wheels on commercial and motor vehicles. That’s why professionals in a workshop need torque wrenches for screw connections that always achieve the highest precision – even with enormous stress and constant use.

GEDORE offers professional tools that meet the high requirements for controlled tightening and provide a safe screw connection.

GEDORE’s DREMOMETER DR 856301 ¾ inch torque wrench is particularly suitable for wheel changes on commercial vehicles, while the TORCOFLEX UK Set ½ inch 3550- UK-LS4 is ideal for classic changes on a motor vehicle.

The robust yet lightweight DREMOMETER DR 8563-01 ¾ inch comes in a set with an aluminium extension tube and ensures safe and fast torque tightening over a range of 155Nm to 760Nm. The length independence of the torque wrench ensures error-free use. Regardless of whether the force is applied in the middle of the handle of the DREMOMETER or outside it, whether it is used with both hands or with the extension tube, the set torque is always achieved with absolute precision – without any change in values. The construction with an integrated forged lever reduces wear by reducing the load on the measuring mechanism, which ensures long-term accuracy and a long service life.

The single square with pin protection also enables controlled clockwise tightening, for instance in commercial vehicles, agricultural or construction machinery. Both the drive square and the pivot point are located on one axis, which means that the DREMOMETER can be used regardless of length, and a high level of application reliability is assured. The DREMOMETER can also be used with an aluminium extension tube, which facilitates the application of the required torque and so makes life easier for the user. Furthermore, the lightweight aluminium construction has a positive effect on the weight of the torque wrench, which also favours the application. For this purpose, the tube is comfortably secured over the

The ergonomic handle design supports easy and safe use even with high tightening torques. The clear dual scale with a scale graduation of 10Nm and 10lbf/

The five piece TORCOFLEX UK Set ½ inch 3550-UK-LS4 by GEDORE is predestined for wheel changes on motor vehicles. Precise and efficient handling is also the focus with this torque wrench. It offers controlled tightening over a range from 40Nm to 200Nm and is the optimum drive tool for

Thanks to the integrated clockwise and anticlockwise rotation, the tool facilitates rapid working and controlled and repeatable clockwise

tightening with ½ inch drive. The set scale value is easy to read from the scale (Nm) that is inserted above the handle.

The set also includes the practical ½ inch extension number 1990-5 and three impact sockets with protective sleeves in sizes 17mm, 19mm and 21mm. Even deep-lying screw connections can be reached with the extension. It also protects the surrounding body parts and provides more space for operation without the risk of injury or damage. Thanks to the plastic sheath around the impact socket, delicate surfaces such as aluminium or chrome-plates rims are also spared. The three protective sleeves are coded in different colours so that the right size can easily be identified: Black for 17mm, red for 19mm, and yellow for 21mm –another advantage for efficient working with the torque wrench set.

With both the DREMOMETER and the TORCOFLEX, the required torque is set and fixed precisely and easily using the handle or the end of the handle. The torque wrenches trigger automatically with a signal that can be clearly heard and felt by the user and are then immediately ready for use again.

Both torque wrenches are tested and certificated to DIN ISO 6789:2017-2. Set to a tripping accuracy of +/-3% of the scale set torque, they exceed the +/-4% required by the standard. Both items also come with a traceable test certificate.

TORQUE WRENCHES FEATURE

New STR Wrench launched

Atlas Copco has introduced a new production wrench, the STR Wrench, which ensures high-quality tightening, first time, with high accuracy and clear operator feedback. The tool has been designed with a new durable body, though it remains a modular and universal system with many applications.

The STR Wrench has been developed in response to new technologies, production processes and critical applications, which all require more accurate torque and angle delivery. That is why the new electronic STR Wrench offers a system suited for such applications and most critical joints. Any tightening issues in those specific applications can lead to consequences in final user safety, so reliability throughout the tightening process equates to final product reliability too.

In addition, the STR Wrench has been optimised in its design and dimensions to make it compact, short and easier to use in hard to reach

areas. The new controls also enable easy use thanks to the new rotating smartHEAD and the tool’s colour display is always visible – providing clear feedback to the user. The wrench works in connected mode via a PF6000 controller or with a new integrated controller.

According to Branislav Pittner, product manager quality assurance at Atlas Copco Slovakia: “When torque accuracy matters, the STR Wrench provides ‘best in class’ precision, enhanced flexibility in production and reliably tightened joints.”

The OPEXplus digital torque wrench

Bosch Rexroth has added what it calls “a particularly economical” new product to its existing range of tightening solutions – the OPEXplus digital torque wrench, which is highly accurate and ensures fatigue-free operation thanks to its ergonomic design.

The OPEXplus digital torque wrench covers a range of torques from 3Nm to 800Nm and transfers the tightening results to any IT systems – with no need for additional control. In networks, OPEXplus torque tools identify themselves via their embedded WiFi module; when a tool in an assembly line is changed, the module can simply be plugged into the new screwdriver. The supplied software also allows parameterisation via a hotspot, the customer network, or a serial interface. The intelligent OPEXplus transmits tightening results with a tightening curve, as well as maximum torque and angle of rotation.

To make this possible, the digital wrench supports popular protocols, such as OpenProtocol, IPM or XML. A standard 21700 lithiumion rechargeable cell, which is available worldwide, supplies the power. Thanks to an optical aiming device, the camera-based scanner of the ergonomically optimised torque and angle-controlled wrench, allows barcodes and QR codes to be scanned in and transferred to higher level systems, quickly and correctly.

An LED display ring on the handle is visible from all directions and shows the tightening process and tightening results. A vibration module providing touch confirmation is also optionally available. The wrench’s colour display also allows the torque and angle-controlled wrench to be operated intuitively.

TORQUE WRENCHES FEATURE

Crane’s most advanced digital torque wrench to date

Crane Electronics has launched the brand new IQWrench3, an innovative and forward thinking digital torque wrench that is designed to optimise product quality and prevent product recalls across the global manufacturing industry.

Complete with multiple communication options, advanced torque measurement software, and the ability to seamlessly transfer auditable data between systems, Crane points out the IQWrench3 is its most advanced digital torque wrench, to date.

With its precision torque and angle measurement capabilities, integrated with an improved storage system, battery life, and advanced data collector, the new digital tool has been specifically designed for those working in automotive, aerospace, construction, marine and the rail sector. The lighter weight IQWrench3 is robust and durable, blending practicality with reliability, and efficiency, making it equally at home in any of those scenarios.

Manufacturers can navigate their way through the IQWrench3’s user-friendly software, which is integrated with the latest advanced torque measurement modes developed by Crane, including Peak, Click, Track, Audit, MoveOn, MoveOn Advanced, Yield and Retighten.

Together with its Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display, its new LED torch, and 360 degree light-ring, the IQWrench3 can adapt to any setting – allowing users to accurately take clear readings in both light and dark settings. Additionally, all data can be recorded on the wrench and can also be seamlessly transferred onto a PC or system network, enabling regular auditing, report production and assembly

traceability. The wrench can also communicate across multiple customer systems and controllers, including RF, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

As with all Crane Electronic torque digital wrenches, interchangeable adapter heads with ‘Auto-ID’ are also available for automatic length compensation, allowing a single wrench to be used for multiple jobs.

The wrench offers further benefits, including Foreign Object Debris (FOD) compliance, designed especially for those in the aerospace and automotive industries, as well as Point of Load ‘insensitivity’, allowing torque to be applied from any position on the wrench.

Adrian Duffin, managing director at Crane Electronics, comments: “At Crane Electronics, our mission is to use our industry experience and knowledge, combined with revolutionary technology, to create tools that enhance the work of manufacturers across the world - and the IQWrench3 does exactly that. The IQWrench3 will not only improve product quality and performance, but it also supports industry safety standards, helping to heighten brand reputation.”

The IQWrench3 is available in two versions, the advanced ‘Quality Auditing’ model and a ‘Production’ version, both of which will deliver the same performance, but each designed to suit different departments within the manufacturing process.

AZET’s new wrenches - the 5107B-3CT and the 5108B-3CT – are suited to work in particularly narrow spaces, such as maintenance and service work on burner flanges, or on electrodes on compact modules for condensing and combi-gas boilers. They are also ideal when working to precise specifications on two-wheeled vehicles with aluminium and carbon parts, when tightening plastic attachments, such as the trim on motorcycles, scooters or bicycles. The 5107B-3CT torque wrench operates in the 1Nm to 9Nm range and the 5108B-3CT between 2.5Nm and 25Nm.

Both lightweight (270g) and short (234mm length), the torque wrenches are suited for the workshop, as well as for work at home and on the road. The ratchet head height is a slim 10.2mm with a width of 24mm. Standard bits are held by a ¼ inch inside hexagon and are protected against loss by a lock washer. Laser inscription provides easy to read, high contrast Vernier scales, graduated in 0.1Nm (5107B-3CT) or 0.25Nm (5108B-3CT) graticules. This allows the user to make accurate settings and readings. The torque-release accuracy tolerance is +/- 3% (5108B-3CT) or +/- 4% (5107B-3CT). Both tools require only a low actuating force, the wrench for the lower torque ranges manages with 0.6kg to 5.5kg; the other with 1.4kg to 15.3kg.

The two torque wrenches build on the tested technology of the HAZET 5000-3CT series, with all parts made and assembled in Germany to HAZET’s high manufacturing and quality assurance standards. These, the company points out, guarantee high tool availability and a long service life. HAZET’s service centre also offers precision tool repair and recalibration services.

TORQUE WRENCHES FEATURE

The right torque is a click away

A new product line in torque wrenches has been announced by NovaTork, a Chinese-based manufacturer of assembly tools, which includes digital and pre-set assembly wrenches, click torque wrenches/assembly screwdrivers, dial torque wrenches and insert tools.

NovaTork develops and produces a wide range of easy to use and precise torque wrenches and underscores the importance of such tools in ensuring a bolted connection doesn’t loosen or break in any situation – helping prevent damage to machines or loss of parts.

The company’s digital assembly wrenches are digitally adjustable by torque, or by both torque and angular rotation. This ensures that a bolted connection is tightened correctly. As for its industrial pre-set torque wrenches, these are set to a predetermined torque, which the user cannot change. This guarantees that the torque used during a task remains the same throughout, from beginning to end.

For torque applications when assembling bolts, NovaTork’s click torque wrenches are equipped with a fixed ratchet head or as

an insert spanner for optimum flexibility, but they are also available in an assembly screwdriver version.

Next, the company’s dial torque wrench offers users a measuring torque wrench that indicates how much torque a bolt is mounted with and suits applications when users need to check finished products or adjust machines.

In addition, NovaTork offers a variety of insert tools, with square-drive open ends, angled, and with a ratchet head for rectangular shank head torque wrenches.

Data from wrench to PC –there’s an App for that!

Group Connected Tools (HCT) has launched a Windows-based App that transfers measurement data from an HCT torque wrench to a user’s quality assurance system.

or instance, if when a screw is being tightened the intended value is not achieved, the system issues an alarm. This enables mistakes to be avoided and measurements reliably documented. In addition, the software allows the creation of work plans, which cater for various different torque wrenches and make step-by-step guidance available to the worker – giving employees clear instructions, which they can follow when tightening screws.

The App supports the company’s GARANT HCT 65 5010 and HOLEX HCT 65 5025 torque wrenches, saving measurement data from the torque wrenches to a PC in a structured CSV/DFQ format or automatically forwarding the data to the CAQ quality assurance system, using the MUX50/DMX16 protocol. Torque wrench serial numbers, date, time, as well as intended measurement values, and other parameters, can also be transferred. The wireless connection between the torque wrench and PC is enabled via a Bluetooth dongle, with each dongle able to connect up to 16 HCT torque wrenches to a Windows system, concurrently.

The App can be operated both in manual mode and in plan-of-work mode. Manual mode allows the torque wrenches and screw tightening parameters to be centrally managed, dispensing of the time-consuming need to set-up directly at the torque wrench. Data from the connected torque wrenches is collected and saved throughout the entire day.

In plan-of-work mode, this guides the employee through the tasks and shows them which operation should be performed, at what time and using which tool. Images or drawings of work being undertaken can be uploaded when creating a work plan and the relevant screws highlighted, so that it is clear which specific screw is required. Thanks to a bi-directional interface, the required intended values are sent from the App to the wrench, which immediately sets itself up and signals when it is the next one to be used. Users no longer need to tediously input screw tightening parameters into the wrench and, conversely, they can now download screw tightening parameters from the wrenches themselves.

The HCT Windows App is currently available in English, French, German, Italian and Slovenian and can be downloaded for Windows 10 and higher versions.

Hoffmann

Limited edition torque set from Stahlwille

Torque technology specialist Stahlwille is celebrating its 160 th birthday and to mark the occasion it is offering all its dedicated users a limited edition tool set as a thank you for their custom.

The offer, the MANOSKOP® 730 Quick torque wrench, is a set, which, Stahlwille says: “Includes a tool like no other, one that is the epitome of quality, precision, and functionality, that our products stand for”.

Rounding off the set is a 735/20 fine sprocket ratchet insert and the versatile ½ inch 512 ratchet. To give the torque wrench and ratchet a unique finish there is also an engraving designed exclusively for the occasion, marking the 160 th anniversary. Each set also includes an anniversary plaque with the individual limited edition number on it.

Electronics, the circular economy and adhesive bonding

The book: ‘Adhesive Bonding Technology in the 21 st Century – Synergy of Technological and Ecological Potentials’ by Bernd Mayer and Andreas Groß, demonstrates how adhesive bonding technology is aligned with the goals of the circular economy. Many instances of this, for example lightweight construction, repair and recycling, disassembly and digitalisation, are mentioned in the book.

In this age of smart phones, tablets and laptops, one question that arises is ‘to what extent does adhesive bonding technology affect the circularity of electronics?’ The book addresses this using the mobile phone as an example, looking at both repairability and recyclability of these consumer devices and showing that adhesive bonding technology can help prolong the life of a mobile phone – supporting its repairability and ensuring the raw materials used in its manufacture can be put back into the economy through recyclability at the end of product’s life. The same can be applied to tablets, laptops and computer monitors.

Repairability and recyclability

With the right adhesive bonding technology, a mobile phone can have its screen repaired and/or replaced, so it’s important that suitable, adhesively-bonded joints be included in the initial design and build plan for any phone. If this has been done, removal of the screen is usually possible by applying heat. Other techniques facilitate the removal, not only of phone screens, but also of adhesively-bonded batteries and rear covers, with special adhesives and sealants able to be loosened by electromagnetic radiation – without damaging joined parts of the device in the process. Joints can also be loosened through chemical or mechanical means, though such repairs to a mobile phone would typically need to be carried out by professionals with requisite tools and training.

Regarding adhesive bonding technology and the recyclability of mobile phones, two initial points need to be made. First, a common misconception regarding mobile phones is that such devices have limited recyclability value, because they are adhesively bonded to a great extent. In fact, adhesive bonding in no way prevents the disassembly of a phone.

Second, adhesives used in a mobile phone are multifunctional and besides fixing the position of the battery, for example, they also seal the phone making it waterproof; they serve as electrical insulators or conductors; and they also help protect against damage from dropping.

When it comes to recycling an old mobile phone, both automated and semi-automated processes of disassembling the device for recycling are available. An example of an automatic process is that using the Apple robot, Liam, where the robot was able to collect and disassemble iPhones, regardless of the joining technology used in its construct, adhesive joining included. The point is that using the right adhesive bonding technology ensures that mobile phones and consumer electronic devices in general can be repaired and recycled, with levels of repairability adding to the recycle value of the phone at the end of its life.

‘Adhesive Bonding Technology in the 21 st Century – Synergy of Technological and Ecological Potentials’ is available, free, at: www.feica.eu

The different methods of checking torque value

Here Dr Bill Eccles, from Bolt Science, reviews the different methods involved in checking the torque value of a bolt after its installation and what is the best method to choose.

There are three basic methods for the checking of torques applied to bolts after their installation, namely, taking the reading on a torque gauge when:

1. The socket begins to move away from the tightened position in the tightening direction. This method is frequently referred to as the ‘crack-on’ method.

2. The socket begins to move away from the tightened position in the un-tightening direction. This method is frequently referred to as the ‘crack-off’ method.

3. The fastener is re-tightened up to a marked position. With the ‘marked fastener’ method the socket approaches a marked position in the tightening direction. Clear marks are first scribed on the socket and onto the joint surface, which will remain stationary when the nut is rotated (avoid scribing on washers since these can turn with the nut). The nut is backed off by about 30 degrees, followed by re-tightening so that the scribed lines coincide.

Research project yields innovative adhesive tape

The use of pressure-sensitive adhesives in industrial applications is steadily increasing, due to these adhesives being easy, safe and inexpensive to process. However, they tend to creep at elevated temperatures and are, therefore only suitable, to a limited extent, for permanently loaded, structural bonds.

Asolution to this is offered by post-crosslinking, pressuresensitive, adhesive systems, which are being developed as part of a newly launched project at plastics industry specialist, SKZ.

The aim of the project is to develop and test pressure-sensitive, post-crosslinking adhesive systems based on microcapsules. The challenge is to encapsulate one of the components of a two component adhesive in such a way that it breaks when exposed to low pressure. This starts the crosslinking process without much effort or the use of machines. At the same time, the adhesive must withstand any winding pressure, for example during the production process of adhesive tapes. For this purpose, capsule materials, adapted to respective adhesives, are being tested during the project. SMEs, in particular, are set to benefit from the results, as the investment outlay for this type of curing, without the need for using special plant technology, is very low.

The research project is being conducted under the umbrella of Germany’s Industrial Cooperative Research (IGF) funding programme, and its scope will explore know-how on microencapsulation, formulation and processing, as well as on the properties of pressure-sensitive, post-curing adhesive systems. Results will be made available to participating companies in order that work processes in this field can be designed more effectively and economically in the future.

For methods 1 and 2 the breakloose torque is normally slightly higher than the installation torque – since static friction is usually greater than dynamic friction. In my opinion, the most accurate method is method 3. However, what this will not address is the permanent deformation caused by gasket creep. An alternative is to measure the bolt elongation (if the fastener is not tapped into the gearbox). This can be achieved by machining the head of the bolt, and the end of the bolt, so that it can be accurately measured using a micrometer. Checking the change in length will determine if the user is losing preload.

The torque in all three methods should be applied in a slow and deliberate manner in order that dynamic effects on the gauge reading are minimised. It must always be ensured that the non-rotating member, usually the bolt, is held secure when checking torques. The torque reading should also be checked as soon after the tightening operation as possible and before any subsequent process such as painting, heating, etc.

The torque readings are dependent upon the coefficients of friction present under the nut face and in the threads. If the fasteners are left too long, or subjected to different environmental conditions before checking, friction and consequently the torque values can vary. Variation can also be caused by embedding (plastic deformation) of the threads and nut face/joint surface, which does occur. This embedding results in bolt tension reduction and affects the tightening torque. The torque values can vary by as much as 20% if the bolts are left standing for two days.

Recycled plastic milestone for seal maker

After successfully completing the trial manufacture of 100 million seals, using 45% recycled plastic, Essentra Components is expanding the ranges of security seals it makes through this process.

Essentra explains that its new polypropylene seals will reduce carbon emissions by around 40% per unit, helping customers reduce carbon footprints without major investment. The additional ranges are currently progressing through development phases and will be launched through 2023.

Security seals have to provide customers with assurance that products haven’t been tampered with during transportation; failure of a seal, or of the materials from which it’s made, could result in millions in lost goods. With tensile strength key to security-seal success, this trial was created to put the new seals to the test on packages shipped globally, to ensure they maintained their structural integrity and their tamper-proof qualities.

The new seals, typically destined for logistics, food and medical industries, were developed in conjunction with two major logistics firms and the 100 million units made have now entered circulation. Following on from this initial success, further products have now been rolled out globally and will continue to be manufactured in Rayong, Thailand.

Richard Sederman, strategy and M&A director at Essentra, said the progress with its security seals represents a significant step in recycled material components. “This exciting step forward represents progress towards our goal of carbon neutrality. Through innovation with new materials, like those used in the seals, we can ensure more of our product lines are sustainable in the future.”

Abbey Clamps

Achilles Seibert GmbH

Acton

Advance

Albert Pasvahl GmbH + Co.

Alloy

Ambrovit

Apex 47

APM Hexseal 149

Astrotech Steels Private Limited 99

Atotech 123

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd 170

Beijing Jinzhaobo High

Strength Fasteners 147

Bendfast 167

Berardi Fasteners 5

Berdan Bolt 103

Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San 69

Bonfatti Filettature 21

Bossong 111

Bralo S.A. 66

Brighton Best International 87

Brugola OEB Industriale S.p.A. 59

Bülte Plastiques France SAS 149

Carlo Salvi 121

CEIA 126

Cermac S.r.l. 131

Chavesbao 21

Chiao Chang Pneumatic Tool Corp 159

Colombo Special Fasteners 37 DIV D.O.O. 89

Don Quichotte B.V. 58

DS Fasteners 167

Fastbolt 2

Fastener + Fixing Magazine 43

Fastener Fair Global 51

FastFixSearch.com 62-63

FastFixTechnology.com 153

Fixi Srl 15

Fong Prean Industrial Co Ltd 64

G & B Fissaggi Srl 115

Gala Precision Engineering 31

Gecko Fastener GmbH 49

Grand Metal 159

Growermetal 143

Hafren Fasteners Ltd 159

Hang Zhou RET Trade Co Ltd 139, 167

Hassmann 41

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH 91

Hisener 105

HS Automazioni 119

Hu Pao Industries Co Ltd 141

Index 3

Industrial Recense 155

Instron 133

Jiangsu Yongyi Fastener Co 27

Jiaxing Haina Fastener 141

Jiaxing Kinfast Hardware Co Ltd 104

Joker Industrial Co. Ltd 113

Jubliee clips (L Robinson & Co) 151

Kaleliler Civata Sanayi Ve Ticaret 107

Kinfast Hardware (Shenzhen) Ltd 115

Koelner Rawlplug IP Sp. z o. o. 61

Kwantex 113

Lederer 18, 20

Lesjöfors AB 156

Lusan Fijaciones y Anclajes, SL 74

Mecavit 23

National Machinery 25

Ningbo Londex 7

Nord Lock 172

NORM Civata 19

OBER Spa 163

Oread Fasteners 45 Owlett Jaton 17

PECOL 97

Peter Schroder GmbH 69

pgb Europe NV 1, 85 Pinstructure 15

PPH LOGIS Sp. z o.o. 21

Precision Technology Supplies 67

Puehl 65

Qonnect B.V. 61

R+FK Schulte KG 95

Ray Fu 163

REISSER-Schraubentechnik GmbH 109 Rexlen Corp 169

Reyher 88 RLS 125

Rosmil Industrial, S.A 124 S.M.T Srl 133

Sacma 73

Saspi Talleres 129

Schaefer + Peters GmbH 55

Schnorr GmbH 49

Schwer+Kopka 125

SD Products 157

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation 163

Sheh Kai 39

Sherex Fastening Solutions LLC 69

Sipa 135

Smith Bullough 125

Spirol Ind 147

Stafa Trading BV 75

Sunco Industries 29

Sygma Portable Machines & Bolting Solutions 127

Tecfi 171

Teknoform 161

Teudeloff GmbH & Co. KG 78

The Insert Company 153 titibi 61

TOBSTEEL GmbH 70

Trutek fasteners 81 UBK 41

Valenta ZT s.r.o. 151

Vertex Precision Industrial 71

Wan Iuan Enterprise Co Ltd 79

Well Unionmetal 93

WT WINTECH a.s. 113 WTI 149

Yuyao Alfirste Hardware Co Ltd 117, 165

THE NORD-LOCK STEEL WASHERS

Nord-Lock offers products in a wide range of sizes, shapes and materials, developed to suit even the toughest environments. With a promise of 1,000 hours corrosion resistance on all steel washers it makes the Nord-Lock washer the best on the market.