Emerging Fastener Markets Magazine No.7

Feature DIES & TOOLING 工模具專輯

Arranged by Fastener World editors

Taiwan is the world’s 7th largest producer of metal dies and tooling with an annual capacity valued at USD 1.63 billion. Back in early times, it used to be that dies and tooling were manually processed in the production stage. As modern technology comes into play, many Taiwanese dies and tooling makers have developed and/ or employed computerized and digitized manufacturing to achieve the highest quality and precision. Some of them developed unique dies engraving and milling technology that is highly customizable to customers’ requirement. Here in this feature, we interviewed 4 Taiwanese companies that are well-recognized for manufacturing technique and quality.

Tsunami Ltd:

The strongest support for metal processing.

Gian-Yeh Industrial Co., Ltd:

Taking part in clients’ product design to build high-performance self-drilling screw dies.

Soon Bau Screw Mold Co., Ltd:

CNC engraving & milling technique targeting customized high quality dies.

Cham Hung Enterprise Co., Ltd:

Keeping an eye on the global market with development and supply of professional dies, molds & tooling.

Dies and Tooling Manufactured by Tsunami Ltd.

The Strongest Support for Metal Processing

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World

Tsunami Ltd., moving to its current nearly 1,985 sqm plant in Kaohsiung five years ago, has been a professional dies and tooling manufacturer and supplier for screws, nuts, sleeves and automotive/motorbike parts, which is widely trusted and recognized by relevant fastener manufacturers. With its capacity being fully utilized, Tsunami has nowadays become a significant role in the development and supply of molds and tooling in the global market. Its effort to improve the performance of dies and tooling and insistence on the quality of every detail also demonstrate its ambition to take the lead in the industry.

Achieving Both Results of Precision and Effectiveness, Tsunami’s Dies and Tooling Make Customers’ Products Perfect at All Times

In terms of the effectiveness and precision of consumable dies and tooling for various types of cold/warm/hot forging formers, Tsunami always has requirements stricter than those of customers! From preliminary drawings, material selection to the final testing of finished products, the team of Tsunami follows the strictest operating standards at all times, which is also one main reason several domestic and overseas customers designate Tsunami as their only one supplier of high quality dies and tooling.

Having dedicated himself to manufacturing dies and tooling for 3 decades, Tsunami General Manager Li- Ming Chang said in an interview with Fastener World, “The most significant features of Tsunami are its abilities to select the right tungsten carbide and choose the most suitable positions of holes on dies and a wealth of experience in determining the optimal forging force.” He added, “Forging is generation of power, which will simultaneously create friction. Our job is to locate the most balanced point between such power and friction in order to complete the manufacture of dies and tooling. Tsunami will also select, as per customer’s request, the most suitable material for manufacturing dies and tooling according to the results.”

Chang’s words

fully revealed the confidence of Tsunami’s team in their technique and the ability to offer products their customers really need.

Sophisticated Testing Devices Equipped in the Factory, Helping Achieve More Accurate Specifications of Dies and Tooling

With the new plant, Tsunami has greatly increased its capacity and had its customer service extended to cover more diversified areas. In addition, for reinforcing the accuracy of product specifications, Tsunami has also introduced various sets of testing equipment and prepared different types of solutions respectively for the demand of Europe/Japan for specialty parts and the demand of Southeast Asian countries for standard parts. Thus far, its products have been successfully exported to Europe, Japan, Malaysia, India and so on.

Tsunami will also continue to advance its development and manufacture of dies and tooling and realize its commitment to offering customers high quality products, as what it has stated in its company mission: “We are capable of satisfying the demand for different dies and tooling of customers and the supply chain of relevant dies and tooling. We’d sincerely like to invite you all to be our customers and enjoy our supply and complete service for superior dies and tooling!”

Tsunami contact: Ms. Teresa Lo Email: tsunami.tim@msa.hinet.net

Strong R&D Capability of Self-drilling Screw Dies Boosts Clients’ Productivity

Gian-Yeh Industrial Co., Ltd.

強大鑽尾模具研發實力推升客戶生產力 健業模具廠有限公司

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Gian-Yeh located in Lungching District of Taichung is a die manufacturer with its technical ability recognized by major international brands. Particularly it is a specialized developer of self-drilling screw dies. It made an early start on the die business and has been designing and developing dies for self-drilling screw clients since Taiwanese self-drilling screw industry started to take off, eventually becoming a major pusher behind the development of this industry. Since its founding in 1989, Gian-Yeh has had 30 years of experience in manufacturing drill point dies for self-drilling screws. It also offers forging dies for screwdrivers, rivet dies, dies for woodworking iron nails, etc.

Taking Part in Clients’ Product Design to Build High-Performance Self-drilling Screw Dies

Well-performing dies can not only extend die life but also produce more screws at a lower cost for clients. President Mr. Lin Tsang Yao said, “We prioritize and deliberately monitor the stability and quality of die materials. Using our dies, clients can consistently predict the volume of their screw production.” This helps Gian-Yeh earn clients’ trust and therefore its products are sold well to major high-end companies in the U.S., Europe and Japan. They attach importance to Gian-Yeh’s R&D capability and invite the company to be a part of product quality improvement design. They are willing to reference Gian-Yeh’s opinions on product design. “Participating in the product design of major international companies allows us to see through their perspectives and change ours to improve our technical ability further. During product design, we pay extreme attention to improving performance while respecting and retaining clients’ own uniqueness. We never leak

the designs nor use them with different clients. Clients who referenced our design suggestions have seen a huge boost in production quality and efficiency.”

Currently Gian-Yeh’s capacity has reached 6,000 pieces per month, 60% of which are standard dies and 40% are customer-tailored dies. 40% of the products are exported and 60% of which are sold domestically. Gian-Yeh has two manufacturing plants equipped with over 120 EDM machines to instantly cope with all sorts of demand on volume and lead time. Furthermore, it has a spare area planned for future plant expansion. “As the number of our clients grow, we are increasing capacity every year. We and our clients are bonded with each other and grow together.”

Gian-Yeh adopts computer aided design and high-speed engraving and milling to further improve its machining technique. It also enhances its basic die making capability for forging die flow, metallurgy, and surface electroplating. So far it is mainly focusing on developing dies for large size self-drilling screws and stainless steel screws. There is no end to Gian-Yeh’s die development and this is a continual progression that the company creates with clients.

Eyeing the Emerging Markets and Continuing to Develop New Dies

Gian-Yeh’s die sales targets are not limited to advanced countries. The company has been watching the development of emerging countries. Currently it has clients in China, India, and Vietnam, and it is particularly looking forward to Vietnam’s sizable market potential brought by local preferential tariff. At the end of the interview with the president, he said there is an ongoing trend with selfdrilling screw dies. As screw makers are going for high quality screw production, the proportion of clients purchasing stainless steel screw dies is increasing. This phenomenon not only emerges in Asia but also in the U.S., Europe and Japan, which means the world’s demand for stainless steel screw dies is on the rise. Therefore, Gian-Yeh is actively developing stainless steel screw dies to make an early preparation for the future demand growth. With unique market sensitivity and robust R&D capability, Gian-Yeh’s dies are expected to set a new sales record!

Gian-Yeh’s contact: President Mr. Lin Tsang Yao Email: m2212307@ms27.hinet.net

Making High Quality Customized Screw Dies with Precision Engraving & Milling

Soon Bau Screw Mold Co., Ltd.

以精密雕工刻劃高質量的客製化螺絲模具 順寶模具有限公司

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

Located in Luzhu District of Kaohsiung City (southern Taiwan), Soon Bau was founded in 1987 starting off with manufacturing carriage screw die cores. Through the last 30 years, the company shifted from adopting traditional casting and EDM to CNC engraving and milling as a part of its technical upgrade. Today, the company provides many types of standard and customized screw punches and dies, punch bars and clamps for screws and nuts.

Developing CNC Engraving & Milling Technique

Targeting Customized High Quality Dies

After the successor took over the business from the founder, Soon Bau successfully shifted its manufacturing technique from traditional casting to high-level CNC engraving and milling. “With the increasing demand for customized screw dies, it became much clear that dies made from casting and EDM cannot form the curved surface and chamfer of special screws. In around the year 2000, we started to purchase CNC machines, and computerized, digitized and automated our whole manufacturing plant. Eventually we were able to produce dies with more precision, smaller tolerances, and better appearance.”

According to general manager Mr. Zhuang, the traditional EDM can only do 2 dimensional processing and requires manual polishing afterwards, so the quality is subject to human errors. The CNC engraving

and milling developed by Soon Bau can do 5 dimensional processing and cut out dies in various sorts of shape, thereby fully replacing casting and EDM and keeping the whole production line digitized, faster and consistent in quality.

Through precise engraving, Soon Bau has broken the bottleneck of processing complex curved surfaces. Its engraving technique is especially effective on making embossed words on curved surfaces. It focuses business on customized screw dies and punches available in various types of tool steel including SKH-9, SKD-11, SKH-55, ASP30, and ASP60. Mr. Zhuang said, “We can manufacture dies made of various types of steel that need to be heat treated! Such dies are more flexible and cheaper than highly rigid tungsten steel dies and therefore are suitable for forming special screws.” There is no limit to the available sizes of Soon Bau’s customized dies. The smallest ones that the company has manufactured so far are mini-turret screw dies, and the largest ones are construction screw dies in 1.5 inch diameter. If clients provide their drawings, the company can produce their ideal dies as per drawings.

Soon Bau Successfully Developed Difficult Tungsten Steel Punches

About a year ago, Soon Bau rolled out tungsten steel punches which are rare to the industry. It is highly difficult and time-consuming to polish this type of special rigid punch, but the company was able to create it through its precision engraving. Zhuang said the company’s special rigid punch can reduce die exchange, improve machine operability, increase capacity, and extend die life by more than 10 times.

Besides domestic sales, Soon Bau currently takes overseas orders through traders. Due to high precision and quality, its punches and dies are supplied to the automotive, shipbuilding, aviation and food industries. Zhuang added that the company recently developed T40 punches, and that it will continue to expand the product line to offer clients punches and dies in more available sizes.

Soon Bau’s contact: General manager Mr. Chuang Yao Zheng E-mail: soonbau@gmail.com

Keeping an Eye on the Global Market with Development and Supply of Professional Dies, Molds & Tooling

Cham Hung Enterprise Co., Ltd.

放眼全球市場 專業工模具開發 供應- 呈鴻企業有限公司

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World

Located at the fastener manufacturing heartland of Taiwan (Gangshan, Kaohsiung),Cham Hung Enterprise Co., Ltd. under the leadership of President Hui-Hung Huang has continuously kept its steady growth in business and expanded its customer base. Thus far, its business has been mainly focused on the R&D and manufacture of tungsten carbide products (e,g. tungsten carbide tooling for screws and nuts, cut-off knives and carbide quills), alloy steel products (e,g, alloy steel dies, cut-off knives, carbide quills, punches and other various alloy dies), and many other hex punches, trimming dies, fingers/grippers, K.O. pins, feeding rollers, thread rolling dies, springs, etc. In addition to being widely used in relevant domestic/overseas fastener processing applications, the excellent quality, durability and performance of Cham Hung’s products have also made the company industry-wide recognized by users.

High Precision and Applicability of Products Make Them Widely Adopted in One-station/Multi-station Formers

In the application of molds, dies and tooling, material selection, whether specifications are precise enough or not, and whether the performance is as per customer’s request are factors that matter. So, Cham Hung, which has years of experience in the development of molds, dies and tooling and a team of technicians to supply these products is definitely qualified to

meet the expectations of the industry. As a result, its products have been applied to various one/multi-station formers for manufacturing socket sleeves, nuts, bolts, auto parts, motorbike parts, bicycle parts and so on.

In an interview, President Huang, who is gifted with the development capabilities of molds, dies and tooling, said, “Cham Hung’s customers come generally from W. Europe, S. Europe, S. Asia, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. We’ve maintained very stable and harmonious long-term collaboration with each other. No matter what products our customers request (standard or customized, for example), our professional R&D team is definitely capable of completing the tasks as long as they can submit drawings in advance. Plus, we can even arrange a complete customized air or ship delivery procedure for any specific customer if necessary.

Global Business Expansion

The No. 1 Product Manufacturing Solution for Customers

As a company whose manufacturing procedures are ISO 9001 certified, Cham Hung is not only dedicated to the improvement of its manufacturing procedures for molds, dies and tooling, but is also expecting to establish consolidated collaboration with customers from different market segments, in order to offer the optimal solution to its global customers currently facing tough issues in manufacturing procedures. On the other hand, Cham Hung once exhibited at Fastener Fair Turkey in Istanbul in 2017 and 2018 to seek more business opportunities and potential customers, as well as strengthen the global brand exposure of its professional products. President Huang added, “We are always open-minded to any future possibilities! We will also be more active in exhibiting globally and will not exclude the possibility of expanding our facilities in the future.”

Cham Hung contact: Ms. Daphny Huang Email: cham.hung@msa.hinet.net

This co-location of industry events will maximize Business Opportunities for Industry Professionals. The event has recorded a steady growth, with increasing numbers of national and international exhibitors year by year.

08/29-31, 2018

Hand

Tools & Fastener Expo

The 17th Edition of the HAND TOOLS & FASTENER EXPO series carries forward the theme of ‘TOOLS FOR INDUSTRY’ from its previous successful edition, and it focuses on the need for quality, special and high-end Hand Tools, Power Tools, Fasteners, and Specialty Tools etc. by industry sectors – such as Automobiles / Auto Service, construction & Infrastructure, Heavy Engineering, Woodworking, and Furniture, Gardening / Horticulture, etc.

This well established and only niche event for the world of Hand Tools, Power Tools & Fasteners - the HAND TOOLS & FASTENER EXPO 2018 will be the confluence of the international & national Hand Tools and Fastener manufacturers and key personnel and also Distributors/Retailers, Importers, Exporters, Industrial Suppliers, OEM’s etc. It is here that the future-oriented information exchange, discussions, decisions, buying-selling and investments will take place.

The HAND TOOLS & FASTENER EXPO 2018 will be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.

HTF 2018: A SNEAK PREVIEW

• The focused B2B exhibition and only niche event for Hand Tools, Power Tools & Fasteners in India

• The series is now recognized as the region's only sourcing point for quality Hand tools, Power Tools & Fasteners

• Exclusive country pavilions for China & Taiwan

• The Event attracts Visitors from India, the Indian sub-continent and beyond

• Attendance assured from major Distributors / Traders / OEMs across the country

• One-to-one business meetings and networking opportunities

• Launch new products & Develop new market opportunities

• Supported by leading Trade Media worldwide

• HTF - the essential Sales, Marketing & Sourcing opportunity

新興市場五金及扣件展展前報導

Focused Exhibitions in Emerging Hardware & Fastener Markets. Come visit us!

arranged by Fastener World

09/26-29, 2018 Fastener Shanghai

Fastener Shanghai – Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show 2018 will take place at Shanghai New International Expo Center, China. Concurrently with Asia’s largest and most international trade fair for wire and tube industries – wire & Tube China, Fastener Shanghai – Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show 2018 is designed to open up upstream and downstream channels to create a one-stop sourcing platform for fastener products, manufacturing equipment and raw materials.

Products to be showcased at this high-quality platform will mainly focus on the following categories: standard and non-standard fasteners, fasteners in various industries, manufacturing skills of fasteners, supporting facilities of fasteners.

In addition, Fastener Shanghai – Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show 2018 will also present special regional pavilions, such as Pinghu, Jiashan, etc. demonstrating their local industrial advantages.

The biennial Fastener Shanghai – Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show is set to be one of the most important gatherings in the fastener industry. It is estimated that 3 events (including Fastener Shanghai – Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show 2018, wire China 2018, Tube China 2018) will attract 46,000 professional visitors from 95 countries and regions. Whether you’re here to source, find partners, or familiarize yourself with the Chinese fastener market; your expectations will surely be met at Fastener Shanghai –Shanghai Fastener & Tech Show 2018.

10/10-12, 2018

China

International Hardware Show

China International Hardware Show organized by CNHA and Koelnmesse has reached over 150,000 square metres of exhibition space for the past three years and has without a doubt become the second largest professional hardware trade show in the world. CIHS 2018 keeps its original intention of technique-oriented and market-driven concept while balancing the development of both international and local markets to establish the comprehensive platform for networking, communication and trade.” Madam Shi Senglan, President of China National Hardware Association commented positively, “to unconditionally support the national China International Import Expo (CIIE), the exhibition date of CIHS 2018 will be adjusted to 10-12 October this year, which still falls within the best purchasing cycle.

According to the organizers, “We will further strengthen the fair with more value-added services and continue to make it more user-friendly. At the same time, we will enhance the event promotion and provide high quality service to fulfill the demands of the whole industrial supply chain. Together with our partners we will join hands to consolidate and promote the integration, development and innovation of CIHS to continue being "the vein and barometer of the industry."

The coming edition of CIHS will once again be the prime trade platform with high-quality service for exhibitors, visitors and the media, and set new benchmarks for the industry.

10/21-23, 2013 International Fastener Show China

In 2017, opportunity always sides with challenges. In order to keep up with the development of fastener industry and market, and promote the fastener manufacturing enterprises to transform and update, Shanghai Fastener Industry Association will hold International Fastener Show China with Shanghai Afastener Exhibition Co., Ltd. The goal is making IFS China to be one of the most commercially valuable and influential fastener show around the world.

IFS China will attract the manufacturers of fastener, machinery, mold and consumption, fastener buyers, distributors and wholesalers at home and abroad to join the show. IFS China 2018 is the international exhibition for global colleagues in fastener industry, which will fasten the relationship among us, giving us a platform to show ingenuity and pursue dreams. The pursuit of a stronger nation for fastener industry shall be fulfilling with your participation.

10/17-19, 2018 Taiwan Hardware Show

Known for high-quality production of competitive-value hardware, 420 of Taiwan’s top manufacturers will convene at the country’s biggest hardware exhibition, the Taiwan Hardware Show (THS) this 17-19 October at the Taichung International Exhibition Center. The convergence of OEM, ODM and OBM with different production niche at one venue will ease the process of finding new potential business partners for the 35,000 local and international customers that want to procure or have their products manufactured in Taiwan’s largest hardware industries cluster region.

In focus at THS 2018 are the capabilities of Taiwanese manufacturers in catering to varying customers’ requirements and meeting their thirst for innovation. Targeting the attention of visitors comprising major brand retailers, large chain distributors and importers of hardware goods, THS’ exhibiting companies will showcase their ability to produce swiftly with high quality manufacturing, thereby allowing customers to sell fast and achieve optimum speed to market advantage. Presenting a broad selection of products across 8 categories, THS impresses upon the strong depth of Taiwan’s hardware manufacturing industry and their product saleability across many global markets.

Booth No. H3-518

10/16-18, 2018 Fastener Poland

Preparations for Fastener Poland® have started! On 16th-18th October 2018 at the EXPO Krakow International Exhibition and Convention Centre, the exhibitors and visitors will have opportunity for the second time to present their offer, target potential business partners, initiate cross-border contacts and long-lasting co-operations, exchange experiences.

The 1st edition of Fastener Poland Trade Fair, which took place on 28th-30th November 2017, fulfilled the expectations of even the most demanding visitors. Up to 68% of exhibitors were companies from foreign countries, including China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, the UK, USA and Italy. The Fair had nearly 11 thousand visitors, 25% of whom were from foreign countries. Visitors represented such industries as metal processing, automotive, joinery, construction, furniture and others.

The 2nd Fastener Poland® Trade Show will be accompanied by interesting seminars, workshops and conferences, including the 2nd edition of the Fasteners Congress. Recruited from among top industry experts, speakers will discuss the latest solutions in the use and application of fasteners and specialist tools.

Taiwanese Exhibitors in Focus Booth No. Company

D45 Fastener World Inc. www.fastener-world.com.tw

D46 Home Soon Enterprise Co., Ltd. www.homesoon.com.tw

D47 Wei Zai Industry Co., Ltd. www.weizai.com.tw

D48 Jagular Industry Ltd. www.jaguraweb.com

D49 Ably Screw Ltd. www.ably-screw.com

D50 My Fasteners Int. Ent. Co., Ltd. / Miao Sen Int. Ent. Co., Ltd. tw-myfasteners.com

D53 Mao Chuan Industrial Co. Ltd. www.maochuan.com.tw

D54 Tung Fang Accuracy Co., Ltd. www.punch-die.com

D55 Fratom Fastech Co., Ltd. www.fratom-fastech.com

D56 Bi-Mirth Corp. www.bi-mirth.com

D57 Frontal International Co., Ltd. tooling.frontalinternational.com

D58 Kind-Auspice Industrial Co., Ltd. www.kindauspice.com.tw

D59 D&C Fastener Corporation www.dcfastener.com.tw

D68 Hoplite Industry Co., Ltd. www.hoplite.com.tw

D69 Chirek Fastener Corp. chirei.com.tw

D70 H.K.C. Rich Enterprise Co., Ltd. www.hkc-rich.com

D71 Topist Enterprise Co., Ltd. www.topist.com.tw

D72 Tsung Yang International Co., Ltd. www.tsung-yang.com.tw

D73 Sann Muo Enterprise Co., Ltd. www.sannmuo.com.tw

D74 Fastener Jamher Taiwan Inc. www.jamher.com

D95 Kuo Hsian Fastener Enterprise Co., Ltd. kuohsian.com/index.html

D96 ND Industries Asia Inc. www.ndindustries.com

D97 Nova. Fastener Co., Ltd. www.novafastener.com.tw

D98 Maudle (TUZ) Industrial Co., Ltd. www.tuz.com.tw

D99 Ji Li Deng Fasteners Co., Ltd. www.jldfasteners.com.tw

D100 Special Rivets Corp. www.src.com.tw

Joker Industrial Co., Ltd. www.joker.com.tw

D129 Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute www.fasteners.org.tw

D130 Celebrite Fasteners Co., Ltd. www.celebritefasteners.com

D131 Chite Enterprises Co., Ltd. www.chite.com.tw

D132 Ray Fu Enterprise Co., Ltd. www.ray-fu.com

Japanese Sinwa Mekki

Develops "Sinwa Zint" Zn-Ni Alloy Electroplating with 20 Folds of Corrosion Resistance

2018 Innovation Alley

Japanese Precise Gauge Develops Auxiliary Fixing Hardware to Improve Fastening Efficiency

Optical measuring machine maker Precise Gauge developed and launched sales of an auxiliary fixing hardware called "Inner Grip Ring". With the ring, the user can assemble or take out parts without removing the screws. After embedding the ring into a pre-dilled hole on the part and assembling the part with a screw, the ring expands and presses the inner portion of the hole and stays put. When the user loosens up the screw, the pressing force weakens and the part can be taken out. This will prevent missing or dropping screws and improve operational efficiency.

"Sinwa Zint" is a result of the technical collaboration between Sinwa Mekki and the American Pavco. This electroplating technology has 2 layers. The lower layer is the Zn-Ni alloy electroplating layer that is 10 times more corrosion resistant than Zinc electroplating; on top of that is "Topcoat" coating developed by Pavco. As such, corrosion resistance is leveled up to 20 folds. Iron rust resistance can last up to 2,000 hours, and zinc rust resistance up to 1,000 hours. This is the first time that the Japanese electroplating industry introduces Topcoat from a top American surface treatment company.

Japanese Fukui Byora Rolls out PLX Blind Rivet Used for Resin and Soft Materials

PLX blind rivet can tighten up soft materials like automotive interiors, building materials, and rubber. The sleeves of the blind rivet can split in 4 directions to fasten soft materials. A single size of PLX blind rivet can cope with multiple widths of soft materials, reducing parts count and improving work efficiency. The company increased the pullout strength of the mandrel head as well to prevent loosening of the mandrel head after fastening. This mandrel head fastening achieves a simple and easy water-proof effect and prevents abnormal noise. Additionally, users can choose the special large flange type PLX blind rivet to further increase retention level.

Hafren Offers Various Security Screws

The need to safeguard against theft, vandalism and tampering is an increasingly essential part of many design specifications. To counter these threats, Hafren is constantly keeping one step ahead of the intruder by manufacturing a comprehensive range of vandal and tamper resistant fixings and fasteners which have a varied range of uses.

Hafren's range includes time and labor saving self-tapping, self-drilling and thread forming screws. For fixing sheet metal to wood and other steel construction, Hafren have also developed self-drillers equipped with our 6-Lobe Pin security drive. Drilling tips provide a fast and easy application eliminating the need to pre-drill and the 6-Lobe Pin is great for higher torque applications.

Hafren has also developed a specialized thread forming screw (Power6™) ideal for automotive and fencing applications. This tri-Lobular self-threading screw eliminates the need for nuts, reducing labor costs & installation time. The Power6™ Security Screws also feature a unique shaped 6-Lobe Pin drive, providing a higher level of security.

Japanese Kobori Rolls out the Anti-loosening Petal Fastener

This February, Kobori Co., Ltd started sales of a new spring product that can prevent bolt from loosening. The spring is rectagular before fastening and is hexagonal after fastening. The name “Petal Fastener” is derived from its shape. With this spring, users can quickly tell whether the construction has been done and reduce management cost. It passes 30,000 cycles of vibration without bolt loosening.

PEM® PFC4™ Self-Clinching

Captive Panel Screws Enable Easy Access to Stainless Steel Enclosures Without LooseHardware Risks

PEM® PFC4™ self-clinching captive panel screws from PennEngineering® install permanently into stainless steel enclosures to enable easy access whenever necessary and eliminate risks associated with loose screws. The captivated screw remains reliably in place where designed in a door or panel and will not loosen, fall out, or damage internal components. Expanding their application potential, these springloaded fastener assemblies comply with UL 60950 equipment access standards.

PFC4 captive panel screws will install successfully in stainless sheets as thin as .060” / 1.53mm with hardness up to HRB 88. A shoulder provides a positive stop during installation and the fastener ultimately will be flush on the opposite side of the sheet for a clean and unmarred appearance. A fully recessed head in the fastened position allows for tool-only access.

The fasteners are manufactured from 400 Series stainless steel providing corrosion resistance comparable to zincplated steel. They are available in assorted screw lengths and in thread sizes #4-40 through #10-32 and M3 through M5. All PFC4 fasteners are RoHS compliant.

Japanese NTT Comware and HPE Roll out AI Parts (Including Screws) Inspection Device

On November 1, 2017, the two companies started selling "Deeptector” Edge AI (Artificial Intelligence) Package for factories in need of replacing visual check with automation. This package has NTT Comware's "Deeptector" image recognition technology pre-installed to HPE's "Edgeline EL1000" PC server used for IoT.

Users will have to prepare images or surveillance clips of their products, and use the "recognition model creating tool" to classify them by inputting words and ratings (defective or not) before the package starts deep learning, and then use the completed model to identify defective and non-defective parts. The package uses 2 sets of NVIDIA Tesla P4 graphics processing unit for deep learning and logical computing. Each set can process 5 images in a second.

NTT Comware rolled out the cloud version of "Deeptector" last June that could transmit the models created by the cloud to appliances.

Goebel Fasteners Introduces Peel Type “STAR” Rivets

Goebel’s Peel Type “STAR” Rivets are designed with an aluminum body and a steel zinc plated mandrel. The aluminum body protects the rivet from corrosion.

The rivet gets its name from a special folding mechanism: when you install a STAR rivet, it folds into four separate legs, resembling a large, incandescent, luminous point in the night sky.

The special folding mechanism securely clamps two materials together. The STAR rivets are produced specifically for work with brittle and soft materials. The four legs create a large blindside bearing surface, thereby significantly lowering the risk of the rivet breaking through or sinking in thin and soft materials.

The STAR rivets are most commonly used when working with wood or plastic materials.

New Hydraulic Bolt Tensioners for Offshore Wind

The PGT-Series Bolt Tensioners provide high performance in tight spaces typically found in wind turbines. Key features include auto-retract pistons, overstroke protection and auto-engage nut rundown. The FTR-Series Foundation Bolt Tensioners are designed specifically for tensioning wind tower foundations bolts. The FTE-Series Elliptical Foundation Bolt Tensioners provide a fastening solution on wind tower foundation applications where limited space between the stud and wall prevent the use of standard tools. They feature an elliptical geometry, which enables fit in narrow access foundation applications without reducing load capabilities.

Customized C-Washers Available from Boker’s

Boker's, a manufacturer of precision metal stampings, washers, spacers and shims, offers a wide variety of custom C-washers to its customers. C-washers obtain their name for being in the shape of a “C” as they have a slot cut from the center to the perimeter allowing the washer to be removed, replaced or inserted without completely removing the fasteners.

C-washers are designed to slide in and out of position on a bolt or shaft in a partially completed assembly. They can also be used as a retention device on a grooved shaft to keep components in place.

C-washers can be produced in over 2,000 commonly specified and difficult to find materials including low-carbon steel sheet, various spring steels, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and nickel silver. Non-metallic materials include ABS, acetal, polyester, nylon, MD nylon, polycarbonate, fiber, polyethylene and various NEMA grade phenolics.

Japanese Yudensha Rolls out New Functional Oxide Film Forming Technology

Features:

1. Bigger contact angle with excellent water repellence.

2. Forming fine and delicate oxide films that improve corrosion resistance.

3. Good slidability with little surface friction.

4. Un like anti-seizure electroplating, Yudensha's technology prevents the film from flaking when used on bolts and nuts.

5. Un like electroplating and resin coating, the film is etremely thin so it barely changes the end product's sizes.

This technology is best suited for bolts, nuts, stainless steel and iron components.

Böllhoff Introduces ECOSIT® Supply Systems with Increased Efficiency

With the new ECOSIT® supply systems, the focus is on the specific requirements and individual wishes of our customers.

Bundling services, lowering costs. With its ECOSIT® systems the company increases the efficiency of the entire value chain and guarantee the highest quality and transparency, successfully harnessing the latest RFID technology.

The ECOSIT® service package allows Böllhoff to take charge of the entire supply chain for customers: materials planning, procurement, quality management, stockkeeping and internal goods distribution right through to the production line.

Japanese BCS Rolls out "NS·PIN 4" Anti-loosening Ring

BCS Co., Ltd. develops springs and supplies automotive clips. Now it is tapping into the fastener field. The automotive products take 85% of the company's product line and are supplied to domestic mainstream carmakers. BSC has good sales performance and expects itself to transition to supplying electric vehicle products in the future. The president of BCS has expressed his will to enter other fields. His current target is to supply "NS·PIN 4", an aniti-loosening ring for bolts and nuts used on railways and electric towers. The front end of the ring snatches the thread root to prevent the nut from loosening. Without using hand tools, the operator can assemble the ring to the nut with one push. Furthermore, the ring is reusable. It embeds itself in the outer diameter of the thread, so the nut can be re-fastened even with the ring attached.

Advantages

•Orderly and tidy storage

•Substantial time savings

•100% availability

•Reduced inventory and safety stocks

•Online control of all ordering processes

•Modern RFID technology

Japanese Audec Offers Rust-proof Blackening Coating Applicable to Fasteners

The Audec "Ultra Black Super" blackening coating features the following:

1. Forming an Fe3O4 coat on steel and cast parts at boil temperature.

2. Ra rely producing irritant gas, significantly reducing impact on human bodies.

3. Improving working environment.

4. The blackening coat gives the materials a glossy look and its thickness does not interfere with size precision of steel and cast parts. It resists abrasion and does not come off from friction.

5. The coat contains rust inhibitor with excellent indoor rust resistance.

6. Applicable to mechanical elements like fasteners as well as components.

Japanese Yamanaka Provides PiezoBolt Embedded with Load Sensor

Yamanaka Eng Co., Ltd's patented PiezoBolt has an embedded sensor that detects the surrounding load during fastening. With mechanical joining technology, the company can embed the sensor without the use of adhesives. Users can connect the bolt with a specialized measuring software through wire connection to assess anomalies or problems. Without a highly polymerized compound blocking the load transmission, the load will directly reach the sensor to enable high-precision load measurement. Furthermore, the sensor has excellent durability and impact resistance and therefore is suitable for water, oil, powder and dust-filled environment.

Japanese Matsumoto Sangyo Provides S0.5-M4 Small Screws

Matsumoto Sangyo provides special screws for the medical industry. It specializes in S0.5-M4 micro-screws and miniature screws used in new territories like the aerospace machinery and medical industries. A few years ago it started to supply stainless steel special screws to an academic lab conducting brainwave research. The screws are used to assist the electrodes inserted into the brains of lab mice.

HellermannTyton Debuts Two Extreme-Duty Solar Module Cable Fasteners

HellermannTyton, a specialist in the design and manufacture of robust solar fasteners, announces a high-performance Button Mount with Cable Tie and Locking Clamp. The two products fit the predrilled holes of most solar modules. They are rated for extended life in demanding outdoor environments and available for immediate shipping.

The Button Mount with Cable Tie fits most module holes and requires zero insertion force. Once placed through the module’s frame, installers can insert the included Solar Tie through the mount on the frame’s opposite surface.

The Locking Clamp fully closes and locks over a cable bundle. This fastener features an integrated fir tree mount for easy installation and includes a saddle for adding an optional Solar Tie and extending its bundle capacity. Designed with single-axis trackers in mind, it demonstrates exceptional extraction resistance.

“Many installers run standard cable ties directly through sharp module holes, probably because it’s fast and easy; but unfortunately, those ties will fail prematurely,” said Product Marketing Manager – Energies Nick Korth. “So, we made these mounts easy to install but tough enough to withstand sun, wind and movement within module holes for years.”

Both products fit holes from 9x12 mm to 9x14 mm and can manage several cables. They are manufactured of high impact modified, heat-resistant, UV stabilized material, which is ideal for long-term performance in the full range of weather and climate extremes.

Fixtureworks Introduces

New Ring-handle Detent Pins

Fixtureworks, a supplier of clamps, fixturing accessories, and machine tool, has introduced a new lineup of ringhandle detent pins in steel and stainless steel. Detent pins provide a secure, quick, and easy engagement for fastening, locating, and alignment applications that require frequent, repetitive use. The pins, with ring handle, work within commercial drill tolerances, and their spring-loaded ball retracts when inserted or removed. They come in diameter sizes of 3/16" to 1" with a pull-out strength from 4 lb to 40 lb. The grip lengths range from 1/2" to 6" depending on the diameter. The detent pins are available in either C1144 steel with steel split rings or 303 stainless steel with 316 stainless rings.

Alumseal® 611: New Zincate for Aluminum Alloys Designed to Extend the Electroless Nickel Process Bath Life

Aluminum is a very reactive metal and has a tendency to form an oxide layer very rapidly when in contact with oxygen. The presence of the oxide layer is not desirable in cases where the surface has to be metallized. The adhesion of subsequent coatings applied on the aluminum surface is adversely affected by the oxide layer. To avoid the rapid oxidation of aluminum during the pretreatment steps and prior to electroless nickel or electroplating, it is a common practice to cover the surface with a thin uniform film of zinc by use of a zincate process. In the case of electroless nickel (EN) plating, the build-up of zinc contamination limits the bath life to 3 – 4 MTO.

A new zincate process, Alumseal® 611, has been developed by Atotech to provide very thin zinc coatings in order to reduce the amount of Zn contamination in the EN bath, thus eliminating the need for an EN strike bath. Alumseal® 611 is designed to extend the bath life of the EN process to >6 MTO. Alumseal® 611 has demonstrated that coating weight of the zinc film is reduced by 30 – 60% on aluminum alloys when compared to existing zincate processes.

“When using the new Alumseal® 611 zincate process in combination with the high Zn tolerant electroless nickel process Nichem® MP 1188, the bath life can be extended up to 8 MTO without an EN strike bath”, states Shakeel Akhtar, Global Product Manager for Wear resistant coatings (EN) at Atotech. “Atotech is the first company to achieve this milestone within the plating industry.”

Due to low Zn build-up and high tolerance to Zn contamination, the efficiency of the EN bath is improved through higher average plating speed. The combination of Alumseal® 611 & Nichem® MP 1188 provides technical and economic benefits for the customer in a highly demanding industry.

Spida Studs Offer Increased Options for Boatbuilders

Spida Stud offers increased strength and improved adhesion properties to ensure a truly reliable lightweight bonded fastener.

New to the market, the Spida Stud offers a number of advantages over traditional bonded fasteners. First, the fastener itself is circumferentially welded to the back of the base, which reduces the risk of the fixing failing at the weld. This means that potential stresses are efficiently passed down the thread and dissipated out into the base of the fixing, greatly increasing the durability and ensuring the maximum possible breaking strength.

The base of the Spida Stud features eight self-levelling mini feet, which ensure an optimal 0.5mm bond line of adhesive is formed under the fixing. This consistent layer of adhesive underneath the fastener aids bonding. The feet also make for a castellated edge that improves torque resistance by 24%, enhancing the performance of the part. These features are paired with a proprietary surface treatment called AdMaxTM which increases the contact area for adhesive.

End users can specify marine 316L stainless steel, manganese and boron steel alloy, with further material options to be made available in the near future such as glass filled nylon and carbon fibre PEI lightweight engineering plastic.

Würth Releases New Plastic Universal Dowel SHARK Pro®

The Würth has recently released a new plastic dowel called SHARK Pro(@). It has many features that will definitely draw the attention of relevant application industries, which are listed as below:

1. Ensures knotting in all cavities and struts in all solid building materials

• Twist or retention device prevents turning in the borehole

• Patented dowel head knots the dowel shaft when screwing in

2. Easy and quick installation

3. Low insertion torque and high tightening torque

4. Suitable for plug-in and push-through installation

• Reversible anchor collar

• Impact lock prevents premature spreading during push-through installation

5. Resistant to rotting, weathering and aging

6. Made of high quality polyamide (nylon)

7. Halogen-free and silicone-free

8. Temperature-neutral from -40 ° C to + 100 ° C

Bülte Releases New Washer Faced Hex Screws with Torx

Manufactured in natural nylon, this new range combines 3 shapes in one: hex head, star drive and washer. When compared with metallic screws, natural nylon is light, non-conductive to electricity and has very good thermal properties. And the materials mechanical strength provides good resistance to shocks and will also resist staining.

This triple fastener combination offers several advantages:

- A variety of drive tools : Spanner / Socket / Torx driver

- The combined washer that :

o Limits the pressure / tension under the screw head

o Offers better support and protects the fastened surface

o Better distribution of the load

- The star drive that:

o improves tightening torque

o is less likely to slip during tightening

Dimensions available: M4, M5, M6, lengths 6 to 60 mm depending on the diameter.

Besides Nylon, BÜLTE also proposes this range in PP, PE, PVDF, and PC on request. These materials are also stainless, and they offer higher resistance to diluted acids, greases, oils, alcohol or petrol.

Another option is fibre glass filled Nylon which combines enhanced mechanical performance and long term durability. It represents the perfect polyamide for pieces that require higher Torque, and increased shock absorption.

The washer faced hex screw with Torx can be adapted to all your applications and can be produced in a large range of colours (see RAL chart, minimum quantity on request).

2017 Global Car Production & Sales Statistics

Foreword

by

Over the past 5 years both the global car production and sales have been trending upward and reached new highs in 2017. The production, compared to 2016, grew 2.4% to 97,302,534 units, while the sales grew 1.03% to 96,804,390 units. The growth of both production and sales is still on the way. If viewed by continent, Asia, N. America and Europe remain the most important production and sales hot zones, where the production and sales both exceed the scale of 10 million+ units. In South & Central America, the Middle East, Russia and Africa, all demonstrated the trend of growth (except for the sales in South Africa) and the scale for each country landed at the level of 1-5 million units. The policies for the automotive industry in China, USA and Europe have been also deeply influencing the global car production and sales. Many issues (e.g. EV or green-energy cars) continue to be hot topics for discussion in the industry, which directly or indirectly create many business opportunities.

Table 2. 2016-2017 Europe’s Car Production

Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World, Data source: OICA

1. Europe

Being the 2nd largest car production region, Europe produced 22,161,107 units of vehicles in 2017, up 3.1% from 2016. Production was mainly in EU member states. Top 5 car producers in the region were Germany, Spain, France, UK and Czech Rep. The combined production of these 5 countries represented over 60% of the Europe’s total. France showed the most significant growth of 6.5% compared to 2016, while UK entering the procedure of BREXIT negotiation showed the most significant drop of 3.7%.

Among all European countries, Finland’s 90.8% YoY growth was the highest, while Austria showed the most significant drop of 9.0%. However, compared to the other countries in W. Europe (more than 2 million units of production per country), the annual production of Finland or Austria was below 1 million units, which is not large enough to influence the performance of Europe’s total production. Table 2 on the previous page shows 2016-2017 Europe’s car production.

2. America

America’s car production in 2017 reached 20,669,537 units, down 0.7% from 2016. Leading countries in the region were USA, Canada, and Mexico in N. America. The production of these 3 countries represented over 80% of America’s total. USA remained the largest car producer in America, but production dropped by 8.1% in 2016. Canada ranked in the 3rd place also showed a 7.2% drop in the same year. What’s worth mentioning, Mexico’s automotive industry, greatly influenced by Trump administration’s “America First” policy, still showed a significant growth of up to 13.0%.

As for South and Central America, Brazil was ranked the 1st place. Its production in 2017 reached 2,699,672 units and Argentina ranked the 2nd place reached the production of 472,158 units. The combined production of Brazil and Argentina represented over 90% of South & Central America’s total. In addition to the top 5 countries, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela were also major producers in the region, but their productions were all below 0.1 million units. Except for Brazil, which showed a 25.2% growth over 2016, productions in the other South & Central American countries all declined. Venezuela, influenced by its political chaos and stagnant economy in particular, showed a 37.8% decline. Table 3 shows 2016-2017 America’s car production.

As of 2016, Cars And LCV

3. Asia and the Oceania

Asia with advantages of manufacturing costs, labor force and economic growth has been one of the most important regions for global car production. In 2017, Asia produced 53,540,607 units of vehicles, up 3.3% from 2016 and higher than the total of Europe and America. Top 5 producers in this region were: China, Japan, India, S. Korea and Thailand. China with the production of 29,015,434 units, in particular, left the other countries far behind and represented over 50% of the region’s total. Japan ranked the 2nd place produced 9,693,746 units and its production was only 1/3 of China’s production.

The production of India ranked the 3rd place was quite similar to that of S. Korea ranked the 4th place, landing between 4 million and 5 million units. Compared to 2016, India grew 5.8%, but S. Korea dropped by 2.7%. The productions of Thailand, Iran and Indonesia were all between 1 million and 2 million units and showed growth. Iran, in particular, showed a 18.2% growth, the highest among all Asian countries. Asian countries showing decline in 2017 were S. Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and Australia. Australia, in particular, showed a decline of 38.8%. Table 4 shows 2016-2017 Asia’s and the Oceania’s car production.

Table 3. 2016-2017 America’s Car Production

4. Turkey, Russia and CIS

Located in part Europe and part Asia, Turkey reported successful results of its booming automotive industry in 2017. Its production grew 14.1% over 2016 to 1,695,731 units, not only better than that of Czech Rep., but also getting closer to the production of UK.

The production of Russia and CIS in 2017 showed a significant growth of 22.1%, but the production of only 1,617,311 units was still less than that of Thailand, UK or Turkey. Top 5 producers in this region were: Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine.

Although Russia faced issues like deteriorating relationship with the West and sanctions from the West, its production in 2017 still grew 19.0% over 2016 and represented over 90% of the region’s total . The country showing the highest growth was Ukraine (81.3%), followed by Kazakhstan(79.1%) and Uzbekistan (59.1%). However, the productions of these 3 countries were all below 0.2 million units. Belarus and Azerbaijan respectively showed the decline of 22.2% and 100.0%. Tables 5 and 6 respectively show 2016-2017 Turkey’s car production and Russia’s (Incl. CIS’s) car production.

5. Africa

Compared to other regions, Africa does not have a mature car production industry. Its production in 2017 grew 3.1% over 2016, but was still below 1 million units. Over 60% of the production in the region was in South Africa. Top 5 producers in Africa were: South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia. Algeria showed the highest growth of 44.3% and South Africa was the only country in the region that showed a decline of 1.5% in 2017. Table 7 shows 20162017 Africa’s car production.

Table 5. 2016-2017 Turkey’s Car Production

Table 6. 2016-2017 Russia’s and CIS’ Car Production

Car Sales

1. Europe

Europe, following Asia and America, was the 3rd largest market for car sales. In 2017 20,916,025 units of vehicles were sold in Europe, an around 1.04% growth over 2016. Top 5 countries for car sales were: Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain, which are all W. European countries. These 5 countries represented over 60% of the region’s total car sales. What’s worth mentioning, except for UK showing decline, is that other countries in the top 5 all showed growth in 2017. As for other European countries, they all showed positive trends (except for Demark and Ireland showing decline). The current car sales in Europe continue to be on the pace of steady growth. Table 8 shows car sales in Europe.

Table 8. 2016-2017 Car Sales in Europe

EUROPE 20,134,82920,916,025

EU 28 countries + EFTA17,568,44918,147,636

Germany 3,708,8673,811,246

United Kingdom3,123,7552,955,182

France 2,478,4722,604,942

Italy 2,050,2922,190,403

Spain 1,347,3441,451,089

Belgium 617,854634,111

Poland 504,550576,144

Netherlands 469,410508,371

Sweden 431,818442,835

Austria 374,545403,580

Switzerland (+Fl) 355,882355,910

Czech Republic 291,008302,109

Portugal 247,343264,904

Denmark 265,386263,361

Norway 197,991201,895

Romania 142,020159,808

Ireland 177,719159,236

Hungary

Finland

Table 9. 2016-2017 America’s Car Sales

25,551,91225,788,942

2,050,3212,238,915

709,482900,403

2. America

Car sales in America in 2017 reached 25,788,942 units, making it the 2nd largest market for car sales. Over 80% of car sales in the region were in N. America. If viewed by country, USA was the largest country for car sales, followed by Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Argentina. Although sales in USA and Mexico took the lead among all countries in the region, they both showed decline if compared to 2016.

As for South & Central America, Brazil has demonstrated impressive performance in recent 2 years due to the recovery of its domestic industries. Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru were also main countries for car sales in the region. South & Central America represented less than 20% of America’s total car sales. Table 9 shows 2016-2017 America’s car sales.

3. Asia, the Oceania and the Middle East

The region is not only the world’s largest car manufacturing heartland, but is also the world’s largest market for car sales. Sales in the region in 2017 were already larger than the combined sales in Europe and America and reached 48,903,658 units. Compared to 2016, the region showed the growth of around 1.04%. Top 5 countries for car sales in this region were: China, Japan, India, S. Korea and Iran. Theses 5 countries represented over 80% of the Region’s total car sales. The nearly 30 million units of car sales in China also made China win the title of the world’s largest car sales market.

Among the top 5 countries, only S. Korea showed decline (and S. Korea also showed decline in its car production in the same period). Other countries incl. Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia were also main countries for car sales in the region. Table 10 shows 2016-2017 Asia’s, the Oceania’s and the Middle East’s car sales.

4. Turkey, Russia and Other Europe

Car sales in Turkey, Russia and other Europe in 2017 were 2,768, 389 units, around 1.08% higher than 2016. Main markets for car sales in the region were Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Although the car production of Turkey in 2017 was quite impressive, it car sales, on the contrary, were in a decline (below the level of 1 million units). Russia’s car production in 2017 was less than Turkey’s, but its car sales in the same period were getting closer to the sales in Turkey and reached 1,602,207 units (representing over 50% of the region’s total car sales). Except for Turkey and Macedonia showing decline in sales, other countries in the region were on a positive growing track. Table 11 shows 2016-2017 Turkey’s, Russia’s and other Europe’s car sales.

Table 10. 2016-2017 Asia’s, the Oceania’s and the Middle East Car Sales

Table 11. 2016-2017 Turkey’s, Russia’s and Other Europe’s Car Sales

5. Africa

Africa’s car production in 2017 showed growth, but its sales were down to 1,195,765 units. South Africa was still the largest market in the region for car sales and the car sales in South Africa in 2017 reached 555,716 units (representing over 40% of the region’s total car sales). Countries ranked the 2nd to the 5th places in the region were: Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Except for South Africa and Morocco showing growth, the other countries among the top 5 all showed decline. Table 12 shows Africa’s car sales.

Conclusions

With the statistics above, we can see that W. Europe, USA and China have been the major 3 powers in both car production and sales in recent years. Any policy change, measure announcement or industrial improvement & upgrade projects will all impact on the global automotive industry. The substantial demand for industrial parts and potential economic effect are some key parts relevant companies should be carefully aware of. How to grasp the opportunities and gain a presence in the market will be some directions for those companies interested in tapping into European, American and Asian automotive markets to focus on.

Belgium, Israel and China. Fastener Fair Mexico is the only one exhibition dedicated to screws, fixings, related machinery and service in Latin America and the fair this year was the 4th edition. The best location of its venue helped draw the attendance of more visitors and buyers from S. America, N. America and even from other regions/countries and made it easier for exhibitors from Taiwan and other countries interested in entering Latin American market to get quicker access to the purchasing demand of local buyers and establish more efficient partnering routes with each other in the near future.

TAIWAN

Taiwan Int’l Fastener Show

APR 10-12

This is the only B2B show in Taiwan particularly dedicated to related fastening products, technology and service. In the 2018 edition, 415 companies came to exhibit their latest fasteners, machines, technology, service and various fastening solutions. Fastener World Inc. once again became the most focused exhibitor at the show to offer industry professionals quick, efficient and a complete range of fastener purchasing info and suggestions through free dissemination of magazines and e-books. Many domestic and foreign buyers noted, “Fastener World did help them get complete info regarding Taiwanese and overseas fastener suppliers and those publications handed out from Fastener World’s booth also made their purchasing in Taiwan much easier! Some visitors experiencing Fastener World’s online B2B system onsite were even impressed by its business matchmaking efficiency.”

CHINA

China (Guangzhou) Int’l Fasteners, Spring & Equipment Exhibition JUN

06-08

The 19th edition took place at China Import and Export Fair Pazhou Complex (C Area) this June. Exhibit profile included a variety of fasteners, installation/assembly products, manufacturing machines, applied materials, tools/systems, etc. The marketing team of Fastener World also booked a stand at the exhibition this year in order to observe local market developments and discover potential business opportunities for companies interested in tapping into Chinese market. Fastener World correspondent onsite reported, “Guangzhou has been one of the major commercial and trade cities in Southern China and it has very well-developed and quite booming manufacturing for cars, petrochemical and electric/electronic products. The exhibition this year also attracted several buyers and decision makers from domestic China and other countries to inquire for the most competitive and advantageous products/service.”

Fastener Expo Shanghai JUN 20-22

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2018 took place at the new venue – National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The 3-day event drew the attendance of nearly 800 exhibitors from around 14 countries/ regions to exhibit various standard/non-standard fasteners, industrial fasteners, fastener manufacturing technology & equipment, fastener molds & dies, consumables, materials and related products and technology. Fastener World’s onsite correspondent said, “Fastener Expo Shanghai is one of the three largest int’l shows dedicated to fasteners and is also the main gate for many Taiwanese companies interested in entering the Chinese market.” The organizer said that the next edition of Fastener Expo Shanghai will take place again on June 26-28, 2019 at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

08/29-31 Hand Tools & Fastener Expo

09/06-08 Expo Nacional Ferretera

09/26-29 Fastener Shanghai

10/03-04 Torque Expo Coventry

10/03-05 M-Tech Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Osaka

10/30-11/02 Korea Metal Week (◆means shows represented by Fastener World) For exhibition info, please contact Exhibition/Sales Dept. of Fastener World (+886-295-4000 / foreign@fastener-world.com.tw) Save the following dates Fastener World is going to attend!

10/10-12 China Int ’ l Hardware Show

10/16-18 Fastener Poland ◆

10/17-19 Taiwan Hardware Show

10/30-11/01 Int ’ l Fastener Expo ◆

Brazilian Fastener Trade Statistics in 2014-H1 2018

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

近五年巴西扣件進出口統計分析

by Gang Hao Chang, Vice Editor-in-Chief of Fastener World

Data source: Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services of Brazil

Import

According to the latest trade statistics released by the Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services of Brazil, in the first 6 months of 2018 Brazil imported around 62,942 tons of fasteners (SH code 7318) in total , better than 52,478 tons in the same period of 2017. If calculated by US$ FOB, in the first 6 months of 2018 Brazil imported around 340.37 million US$ FOB worth of fasteners from the world, better than 290.08 million US$ FOB in the same period of 2017.

7318

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

In terms of main fastener import origins of Brazil, if calculated by net weight, the top 5 import origins were: USA, Argentina, Russia, China and Colombia; if calculated by US$ FOB, the top 5 import origins were: China, USA, Japan, Germany and Italy.

Table 3. Top 20 Fastener Import Origins of Brazil by Net Weight

Australia2,489,118,123

Canada2,114,518,844 4,506,725,025 4,532,551,327 5,371,216,521 6,496,587,437

Saudi Arabia 1,945,516,711 4,995,882,768

Algeria1,872,986,254 5,322,222,292 4,402,619,632 3,586,208,113 3,420,788,035

Spain1,421,373,860 3,459,471,126 2,949,625,685 3,421,518,117 3,472,923,016

Nigeria1,182,808,738 2,168,196,791 3,983,382,151 10,168,753,283 11,576,566,795

Peru1,161,246,328

Germany1,133,851,517

Chile1,091,991,675

Morocco1,077,166,251 3,015,144,233 2,011,824,320 1,937,534,525 2,788,055,231

Netherlands951,988,430 2,881,373,825 2,928,108,570 2,841,680,869 2,756,536,832

Paraguay796,274,296 2,315,186,079 3,610,116,115 1,891,158,748 2,283,910,887

Israel 681,707,596 1,551,762,453 1,082,644,030 957,658,821 1,013,021,252

Belarus659,788,098 2,099,016,555 1,861,372,866 1,581,260,676 2,346,429,729

Table 1. Brazilian Fastener Import by Net Weight

Table 2. Brazilian Fastener Import by US$ FOB

Top 5 fastener categories Brazil imported from the world in the first 6 months of 2018 were: Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)(731815), nuts of iron or steel (731816), self-tapping screws, of iron or steel (excl. wood screws)(731814), wood screws of iron or steel (excl. coach screws) (731812), and non-threaded articles, of iron or steel (731829). If calculated by US$ FOB, top 5 fastener categories Brazil imported in the first 6 months of 2018 were: Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)(731815), nuts of iron or steel (731816), non-threaded articles, of iron or steel (731829), washers of iron or steel (excl. spring washers and other lock washers)(731822), and self-tapping screws, of iron or steel (excl. wood screws)(731814).

5.

Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Export

In terms of fastener export, part of the performances were also better than those in 2017. In the first 6 months of 2018 Brazil exported around 12,299 tons of fasteners (SH code 7318) in total , better than 10,418 tons in the same period of 2017. If calculated by US$ FOB, in the first 6 months of 2018 Brazil exported around 58.41 million US$ FOB worth of fasteners to the world, better than 53.45 million US$ FOB in the same period of 2017.

Table 7.

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

7318

Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel

In terms of main fastener export destinations of Brazil, if calculated by net weight, the top 5 export destinations were: Argentina, Paraguay, USA, Uruguay and Germany ; if calculated by US$ FOB, the top 5 export destinations were: Argentina, USA, Paraguay, Germany and India.

Brazilian Fastener Export by Net Weight

Table 8. Brazilian Fastener Export by US$ FOB

Table 9. Top 20 Fastener Export Destinations of Brazil by Net Weight

Table 10. Top 20 Fastener Export Destinations of Brazil by US$ FOB

Top 5 fastener categories Brazil exported to the world in the first 6 months of 2018 were: Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)(731815), nuts of iron or steel (731816), threaded articles, of iron or steel, n.e.s. (731819), non-threaded articles, of iron or steel (731829), and coach screws of iron or steel (731811). If calculated by US$ FOB, top 5 fastener categories Brazil exported to the world in the first 6 months of 2018 were: Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)(731815), non-threaded articles, of iron or steel (731829), nuts of iron or steel (731816), threaded articles, of iron or steel, n.e.s. (731819), and washers of iron or steel (excl. spring washers and other lock washers)(731822).

731815

Table 11. Main Exported Fastener Categories by Net Weight

Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Table 12. Main Exported Fastener Categories by US$ FOB

Threaded screws and bolts, of iron or steel, whether or not with their nuts and washers (excl. coach screws and other wood screws, screw hooks and screw rings, self-tapping screws, lag screws, stoppers, plugs and the like, threaded)

Emerging Fastener Markets

全球新興市場新聞

arranged by Fastener World

Russian Companies are Approaching “Industry 4.0”

俄國企業朝工業4.0路線邁進

The jump to “Industry 4.0” gives the Russian enterprises a chance to overtake the lag. As examples: "ODK-Saturn", "Kalashnikov Concern", "RosElectronics".

On the basis of "ODK-Saturn" the first "smart factory" is being created in Russia. At the enterprise a testing ground for development of innovative production technologies will be created. The ground site is planned to be launched before the end of the year. At the site the prototypes of high-tech solutions will be developed and adapted for mass production. Domestic ideas and developments of "Industry 4.0" format will be tested at the real production conditions.

Similar technologies are being introduced in other industries as well. In the automotive industry the production of a fundamentally new UAZ “Patriot” car of the 2020 model line has already equipped with “the factory of future”, and the company “VolgaBus” works with the help of a new program to create the unmanned commercial vehicles.

The largest nuclear icebreaker "Arctic" at the "Baltic Plant" is also built using electronic systems. Several other projects are being implemented in the aircraft industry and the rocket and space industry. By 2035 it is planned to create 40 smart "factories of future" in Russia, as Denis Manturov, Industry and Trade Minister, said during the industry forum “Innoprom”.

Strategy for Development of the Automotive Industry Until 2025 is Approved

2025年前俄羅斯汽車產業發展方針確立

Strategy for development of the automotive industry until 2025 is approved by the Order of the Russian Federation Government on April 28, 2018 (hereinafter - the Strategy). The Strategy is a continuation of the Strategy for development of the automotive industry for the period to 2020 (approved by the Order of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation in 2010) and contains new actual priorities for the industry development in the context of the changed parameters of macroeconomic development and the development trends of the automotive market. The strategy identifies the following objectives:

• satisfaction of 80-90% of domestic demand for the modern automotive equipment by the Russian manufacturers;

• growth in exports of automotive equipment and components;

• upbuilding technological competencies of national manufacturers of automotive equipment and components by deepening the localization of manufactured cars to 70-85%;

• bringing to the market the products with fundamentally new properties in the field of electric driving, autonomous driving, connected vehicles, gas engine equipment, incentives for such equipment, the organization of after-sales service and the creation of the necessary engineering and transport infrastructure.

As one of the key mechanisms of upbuilding productive and scientific potential, it is envisaged the creation of technological consortiums.

At the 3rd International Forum of Engine Building the Details Made of New Alloys were Presented

"All-Russian Institute of Light Alloys" and "United Engine Building Corporation" presented their joint developments at the 3rd International Forum of Engine Building, which was held in Moscow at VDNH from April 4 till 6, 2018. At the stand of "VILS" the visitors could see the workpieces for the advanced aviation and marine gas turbine engines. The semimanufactures were made of the series granulated heat-resistant EP741NP alloy and new granulated alloys of the "VVP" class. This was reported by the press service of JSC "RT-Project Technologies".

At the moment, "VILS" conducts research work on the order of “ODK”. The work is aimed at the creation of a scientific and technical reserve for the production of details of the modern aviation turbojet engines and the development of new high-temperature granulated nickel alloys. "In addition, the technology for the production of fasteners with an increased level of performance for the new engine “PD-14” will be developed", - it is said in the report.

Confirmed Increase in Brazilian Automotive Production and Licensing

巴西汽車生產及掛牌數上升

In a press release, the Brazilian national automakers association (Anfavea) reported that the domestic automotive production reached 431.6 thousand units of vehicles in Feb./Mar. 2018, which is 15% up from the 375.1 thousand units in the same corresponding period of 2017. At the same time, 338.2 thousand units of vehicles were licensed in the domestic market, which means an increase of 19.5% from the record of 282.9 thousand units in February/March last year.

The export showed a growth of 7.2% as well: 112.7 thousand units against 105.1 thousand units in 2017. In the production of trucks and buses, it ended with 14.5 thousand units of trucks in the two months, 47.8% higher than the 9.8 thousand units produced in the same corresponding period last year.

Brazilian Fastener Export Shows Growth in Feb./

Mar. 2018

2018年二三月巴西扣件出口呈現成長

According to the Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services (MDIC) of Brazil, Brazilian companies exported US$ 18.29 million worth of fasteners in Feb./Mar. 2018, 41.5% up from the total value recorded in the same corresponding period of 2017. 4,064.45 tons (an 89.2% increase) of bolts, screws, nuts and similar articles were sold to other countries. The average FOB price was US$ 4.50 per KG, a fall of 25.2%.

In terms of import, the result was superior, which shows US$ 112.47 million worth of products were bought (an increase of 11.1%). Among these products, fasteners represented more than 20.8 thousand tons, an increase of 20.8%. The FOB price was US$ 5.38 per KG, dropping by 8.2%.

Brazilian Fastener Import Grows 9.2% in 2018

2018年巴西扣件進口成長9.2%

The effects caused by a strike of the transport sector occurred last May are, of course, not considered. However, the activities in Brazil continue oscillating, but on a growing trend. Whoever disagrees, consult our source, the Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services (MDIC). As it produces more, the country consumes more, which expands activities for all, including the consumption of fasteners, whether produced domestically or imported. The monthly average of fasteners imported in 2018 exceeds the figure recorded in 2017 by 9.2% in ton, and the same thing happened in monetary value, with a 13.98% increase of purchases in US dollars. Dividing the total registered by the MDIC, in 2017 a little over US$ 595.55 million (US $ 49.6 million/month) was destined for this importation segment, corresponding to 112,192 tons (9,349 tons/month). From January to May 2018, the MDIC recorded US$ 282.85 million (US$ 56.57 million/month), corresponding to 51,061.192 tons (10,212 tons/month).

The upcoming audits will show how much the transport strike has rocked the market. Historically, the second half of a year in Brazilian economy is often better than the first half, and if the scenario keeps so, it will be so good, especially if we compare the clouded and recent times.

Update for Taiwan’s Fastener Export in Q1 2018

台灣2018第1季扣件出口統計快報

According to the statistics of Taiwan Customs, in Q1 2018 the main product categories in Taiwan’s fastener export were: Other Screws & Bolts (7318159000), Nuts (7318160000), Selftapping Screws (7318140000), Wood Screws (7318120000) and Iron Nails (7317009010). Except for the category of iron nails showing a significant decline of 23.80%, other top 4 categories all showed a growth between 7-9%. The total export volume of Other Screws & Bolts (7318159000) and Nuts (7318160000) represented more than 70% of the total export volume (about 0.4 million tons) of Taiwanese fastener industry to the world in Q1 2018.

If viewed by export destination, in Q1 2018 the top 5 destinations for Taiwan’s fastener export were: USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada. More than 40% (about 0.16 million tons) of Taiwanese fasteners were exported to USA in the period.

Taiwan Fastener Export to USA Over 106 Thousand

Tons in the First 2 Months of 2018

2018前兩個月台灣螺絲銷美餘10.6萬噸

Taiwan fastener industry exported 46 thousand tons of screws to USA in the first 2 months of 2018. Although the volume is less than the volume in January 2018, it still shows growth if compared to the same corresponding period of 2017. Plus, the avg. price for Taiwan’s screw export to USA increased by 13.28% to USD2.743/KG (compared to 2017). The total volume of screws Taiwan exported to USA in the first 2 months of 2018 reached 106 thousand tons. The volume and the price both show significant growth. On the other hand, with U.S. economic growth being continuously stable and USA being the biggest screw export destination for Taiwan, it is expected that Taiwan will continue to perform really well in its screw export to the whole world this year.

Avg. Price of Taiwan’s Fastener Export to Europe in Q1 2018 Increases by 17.37% YoY

2018第一季台灣螺絲銷歐價格較去年 同期上升17.37%

According to the statistics of Taiwan Customs for fasteners in Q1 2018, this March Taiwan exported nearly 50,000 tons of fasteners to Europe, which shows a two-digit growth if compared to the same corresponding period last year or this Feb. If reviewed by the whole quarter, Taiwan exported 137,866 tons of fasteners to Europe in total, up 5% from the same corresponding period last year. The average export price per KG reached 2.8 USD, up 17.37% from the same corresponding period in 2017.

Taiwan’s Fastener Export to Iran in Q1 2018 Slumps

According to Taiwan Customs’ import/export statistics, from 2014 to 2017, Taiwan exported roughly 10,000 tons of fasteners to Iran per year (It exported 9,014 tons in 2014 with the avg. price of 2.057 USD per KG; it exported 10,264 tons of fasteners in 2015 with the avg. price of 1.95 USD per KG; it exported 10,087 tons of fasteners in 2016 with the avg. price of 1.813 USD per KG; it exported 10,013 tons of fasteners in 2017 with the avg. price of 2.034 USD per KG). However, in Q1 2018, Taiwan only exported 1,663 tons of fasteners (avg. price:2.18 USD/KG) to Iran, a significant slump of 73.4% from last year’s corresponding period. Plus, after USA withdraws from the nuclear agreement with Iran, the economy of Iran may be negatively influenced. As a result, many Taiwanese companies do not think that they could reach the same level of 10,000 tons this year in the export to Iran and the export to Iran is not promising in the short term.

Kamil Başaran has Become the CEO of Norm Holding

Kamil Başaran先生接任土耳其Norm集團新任最高執行長

Norm Holding, the leader of fasteners market of Turkey with over two thousand employees and annual production capacity of approximately 94 thousand tons, has assigned Kamil Başaran, one of the experienced directors, to the CEO position.

Fatih Uysal, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norm Holding said, “ Kamil Ba ş aran has been in the automotive sector for most of his professional life. We, as a group of companies working with automotive giants of the Word, wish to extend our market more in this sector. We have every confidence in Mr. Başaran in carrying Norm Holding to future targets.”

India Continues to Show Strong Demand for Taiwanese Screw Forming Machines

印度對台螺絲成型機台採購需求續強

According to relevant statistics, in Jan. and Feb. of 2018 Taiwanese machine tools were mainly exported to Indian customers (total export value to India: USD 26 million; YoY ratio: up to 98%), making India the biggest purchasing country of Taiwanese machine tools. The 2nd biggest purchasing country of Taiwanese machine tools was Italy (total export value to Italy: USD 17 million; YoY ratio: 45.1%). Some machinery suppliers said that the market for Taiwanese small screw forming machines in China has been nearly saturated and the amount China purchased from Taiwan is only half the amount India purchased from Taiwan. As a result, it is expected that India may become a dark horse in the fastener industry in a couple of years.

EFC Accelerates Growth Into Mexico

美國EFC加速成長布局墨西哥

EFC International, a leading supplier of engineered fasteners, with their corporate office in St. Louis, Missouri, continues to expand their global presence with the establishment of their office and warehouse in Mexico, EFC Global, S de RL de CV.

“Our recently established legal entity and operations in Mexico, including a warehouse in Querétaro, outside sales engineers, customer service and support staff in Mexico, enables EFC to enhance our service level in the region. We’re able to respond more quickly and hold inventory in closer proximity to our customer base. We also are positioned to act as a key channel partner into Mexico for our strategic partner suppliers. With our locations in the United States, Mexico, Germany, China and South Korea, EFC truly has become a global leader in the supply of engineered fasteners and components. EFC enables multi-national OEM customers and suppliers to utilize our services on multiple continents, taking advantage of our global network to mitigate supply chain risks and improve local service,” said Mary Becker, Vice President of North American Sales.

Expanding its global footprint and investing in key strategic global markets, EFC ensures both supplier and customer needs are met. EFC’s robust international growth is a tribute to the EFC team and to the strong international reputation of the world-class manufacturers who they have partnered with. These partnerships ensure customers receive the high-quality service they’ve come to expect from EFC –anywhere in the world.

Best Lightweight Solutions Innovation Award for Bossard China

柏中緊固件(上海)獲頒最佳輕量化緊固方案創新獎

Bossard China was honored with the “Best Lightweight Solutions Innovation Award” at the 8th China International New Energy Vehicle Forum 2018.

May 17-18, 2018. Nearly 800 professionals including vehicle manufactures, electric control companies, battery manufacturers, component suppliers, core technology providers and government agencies from around the world attended the forum, discussed the challenges, opportunities and countermeasures in depth and constructively.

Since the weight of the car has a direct impact on its fuel efficiency, the automotive industry seeks advanced materials and technology to reduce vehicle weight. However, traditional fastening solutions are difficult to use with new materials. Bossard's regional engineering & business development manager spoke about lightweight fastening solutions bigHead® Lean Bonding & ecosyn BCT®. These solutions won “Best Lightweight Solutions Innovation Award.”

Bossard China Signed a Research Cooperation agreement with Shanghai University of Engineering Science

Bossard中國分公司與上海工程技術大學簽署研究 合作協定

Bossard China signed a research cooperation agreement with Shanghai University of Engineering Science. Bossard China will provide "Scholarship" & internships, jobs for the students and also will support students accomplish their graduation project and other work.

Prexy Cai introduced the foundation of cooperation to the teacher and student delegates, she said the professional skill of Bossard on the engineering application is a very important support for mechanical engineering department.

Secretary Mao’s speech affirmed the strategic significance of the cooperation. Shanghai University of Engineering Science and Bossard signed a strategic framework agreement which covers education base "industry-university-institute" cooperation, off-campus practice base and scholarship. This will make a solid foundation for product and technology development, student education and training as well as enterprise employment.

Bossard China looks forward to working with students and professors of Shanghai University of Engineering Science.

Vossloh Wins €30 Million Order for Rail Fastening Systems in China

德國Vossloh獲中國3,000萬歐元鐵道扣件訂單

With its Group company Vossloh Fastening Systems

China Co. Ltd., Kunshan, Vossloh has won another tender for the supply of rail fastening systems in China. The order amounts to a converted volume of about €30 million, underscoring the continued strong market position of Vossloh with rail fastening systems in the highspeed segment in the focus market China.

A sub-section of the route currently under construction from Zhengzhou, in eastern China, to Wanzhou, a district of the megacity Chongqing, located southwest of Zhengzhou, is to be equipped. Deliveries for the so called “Zheng Wan Chongqing section” project are primarily scheduled for 2019.

Vossloh has been present in China since 2006. Kunshan-based Vossloh Fastening Systems China Co. Ltd. is one of the locally leading providers of rail fastening systems for use on high-speed lines. In China, the world’s largest and most modern rail network is located. Since the end of 2017, more than 23,000 kilometers of track for high-speed trains have been in operation. Additional high-speed projects are under construction and should expand the rail network to 38,000 kilometers by 2025.

Sundram Fasteners (Zhejiang) Limited Inaugurates a New Forging Plant in Haiyan

桑德蘭緊固件(浙江)海鹽新鑄造廠舉行開業典禮

On April 26th, Sundram Fasteners (Zhejiang) Limited inaugurated its new forging plant located in Haiyan Province of China. Important officials and the management from the local government, The Consulate General of India in Shanghai, and Sundram Fasteners all made their presence in the grand ceremony.

The construction of this forging plant was started in March 2017 and was completed in April 2018. The total investment value was around USD 13 million and the manufacturing site spans the area of 19,600 sq m in total. The annual capacity of various forged parts is planned to be 20,000 tons.

After the inauguration, the management from Sundram Fasteners also led all attending guests to visit the new forging plant.

More Than 100 Thousand fischer Anchors were Used at the Construction of a Stadium in St. Petersburg

聖彼得堡足球場建設使用超過10萬支fischer錨栓

Football stadium "Saint Petersburg" was designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The arena is equipped with a sliding roof with a diameter of 286 meters and a retractible field weighing 8,400 tons. Stability and reliability of the innovative construction worth 43 billion rubles are provided by a great amount of steel and chemical anchors of fischer.

The injection molding fischer FIS EM and FBN II anchor bolts are used to fasten the metal structures of the sliding roof and reinforce the grillages. " The choice in favor of the fischer systems for fixing the stadium structures was made primarily due to the proven technical efficiency of the fischer systems and their ease of installation. At the moment Arena is the most innovative stadium in Russia, therefore it is especially important the fasteners to guarantee the high reliability of the facilities”, - Andrey Egorov, General Director of “Fisher Fixing Systems Rus” comments.

Japanese Fastener & Hardware Trader Eto Opens Offices in China and Vietnam

日本扣件五金貿易商衛藤在中國與越南開設事務所

To open up its world market, Eto Co., Ltd. set up bases in Dongguan City of China and Hanoi City of Vietnam that have started operation since April.

The Guangdong office is titled Eto (Shanghai) International Trading Co., Ltd. Dongguan Officee. The Hanoi office is titled "The Representative Office of Siam Eto Co., Ltd. in Hanoi City".

BSW Exports to 118 Countries

白俄羅斯BSW出口突破118國

In the four months of 2018, BSW exported $384 million worth of metal products, which is 36 percent more than the value recorded in the similar period of 2017. In total, it has shipped more than 596 thousand tons of metal products.

Since the beginning of this year, BSW has not only increased its export, but also has expanded its presence in the steel world market. Its wire rod has been shipped to the 118th country – Guatemala, absolutely new for BSW export. With new kinds of metal products for specified period BSW also has entered the markets of Denmark and Mali.

The markets of Europe, the USA and the CIS all shared significant values in BSW export during the 1st quarter of 2018.

3M Company Begins Retail Sales of Industrial Adhesive Tape in Russia

3M公司開始在俄羅斯販售工業用黏著膠帶

BSW Has Shipped Million Tons of Goods Made in the Hardware Workshop

The workshop № 2 of Belarus Steel Works shipped for export the first million tons of metal rolling.

Now BSW in workshop № 2 is producing over 50 types of bars, 27 - types of wire-rod, 5 types of reinforcing. More than 75 % of metal rolling is going for the export to over 30 countries. Among customers of these goods are companies, which produce accessories for leading automobile concerns.

3M™ VHB™ tape has appeared in the stores of "VseInstrumenti.ru" network. Previously, the industrial adhesive tapes of 3M were available mainly for wholesale orders of industrial enterprises, now they can be purchased at retail for the needs of small businesses and household needs. "Now 3M products, which have proved themselves at the world market, will become more accessible to the Russian consumers. We are confident that they will be in demand among buyers”, - Gleb Trofimenko, director of the 3M industry business group, commented. The trademark VHB ™ was registered in the Russian Federation in 2017. VHB tapes are widely used in Russia.

Steelworks Unit Reactivated at Mogi das Cruzes After Recession

因應市場回溫 位於Mogi das Cruzes

The Gerdau Group announced the unit in Mogi das Cruzes, a town located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, has been in operation since earlier this March, which also immediately opens 110 direct new jobs. Driven by the recovery of the local automotive production, the steelworks has an installed capacity to make 375 thousand tons of special steels per year. Also, Gerdau has two other special steel mills: one in Pindamonhangaba town (SP state) and another in Charqueadas town (Rio Grande do Sul state), totaling an annual installed capacity of 1.4 million tons, with full conditions to meet the expanding demand of the automotive industry.

In 2015, there were around 350 direct employees in this unit, in which around 250 were laid off later and the furnaces were turned off, keeping just 100 employees to work in other divisions, such as maintenance and commercial operations. However, in the end of 2017, the company scheduled the restart under the trust on a new economic phase in Brazil.

Ultimately, not just in Gerdau, several industries and automakers have also begun to hire new employees as a routine. In the second week of March 2018, the industrial plant of Mercedes-Benz in São Bernardo do Campo city - SP, announced the opening of 400 jobs to assembly lines for trucks and buses.

VW Announces Recall Due to Improper Fastening of Ball Joint

Earlier this March, the subsidiary of Volkswagen in Brazil announced a recall involving the compact models Gol, Voyage and Up, year/model 2018, to a maintenance service due to improper attachments on front suspensions. The service will take about 30 minutes. According to the automaker, there is a possibility of ball joint loosening and evident risk of accidents. However, the recall this time involves only 15 units.

Risk of Wheel Bolts Loosening Results in Recall of Ford Fusion Imported to Brazil

輪胎螺栓潛在鬆脫風險導致進口至 巴西的福特Fusion車款進行召回

More than 32 thousand units of Ford Fusion “made in Mexico” during 20142018 sold to Brazil, are involved inside the same big recall that hit around 1.4 million from this model and another similar model, the Lincoln MKZ, in USA.

According to the Automaker, the technical reason is the possibility to cause a loss of fastening force of the bolt that keeps the steering wheel to the steering column of the vehicle securely. In this situation, the driver will initially notice a vertical oscillation of the steering wheel and, in case of prolonged use of the vehicle; the steering column steering wheel could detach. The repair and replacement of the bolt is fast and will take just 20 minutes.

Chin Well to Make Vietnam Focal Point for Fastener Ops

馬來西亞晉緯控股公司將越南定為扣件事業發展的重點

Vietnam will play a key role in Chin Well's plans to grow its fastener business. Group executive director Tsai Chia-ling said that Vietnam is where the group would focus its resources as the country offered cheap labour who could be trained cost effectively. Tsai said the group is now planning for its Vietnam operations to produce more do-it-yourself (DIY) and other types of fasteners. “In July, the Vietnam facility will start to manufacture a new range of fasteners for South-East Asian market. “These new fasteners will be used to connect reinforced concrete bars used in high-rise buildings,” she said.

According to Tsai, the group will also raise the production volume of DIY fasteners at its Vietnam plant in the third quarter. She said it is talking to a big DIY customer in the United States who could take up about 15% of the group’s annual output of fasteners in Vietnam. “We have plans to tap into the European market with our DIY fasteners. Currently, the Vietnam facility produces about 60,000 tonnes of fasteners per year. “We foresee the operations in Vietnam to contribute about 50% to Chin Well revenue in two years, compared to 30%-40% now,” she added.

Moving on, the group expects to perform better in the financial year ending June 30, 2018 compared with the previous year. “This is due to the higher prices of hot-rolled coil, which hovers between US$650 and US$750 per tonne now, compared to US$500-$600 per tonne a year ago,” she said. The group is forecasting an output of 140,000 tonnes for the financial year ending June 30, 2018.

Japanese OTC Enhances Coating Service at Thailand Plant

日本OTC公司強化泰國製造廠的塗佈加工服務

OKUYAMA Technical Center Co., Ltd has a manufacturing plant in Thailand that is highly rated within the industry for its coating that exerts excellent antiloosening and sealing performance. In light of this, the Thailand plant will expand the applicantion range of its coating service in 2019 by adding a coating line for products of small diameters to increase productivity. After the addition, there will be two coating lines in total to provide better contracted coating service.

Global Major Carmakers Sales Statistics & Ranking

全球各大車廠銷量統計與排行

by Dean Tseng, Fastener World

The emerging markets see an upturn in the automotive market in 2018, and Taiwan as well as many automotive fastener makers are going in one after another, setting up bases in emerging countries. Focus2Move, which is an automotive statistical analyzer, recently published the ranking of major carmakers for the first half of 2018. The editors of Fastener World have compiled statistics from Focus2Move as well as regional sales figures from carmakers’ financial reports into the following sales charts, through which you can overview the sales condition of global carmakers during 2017 and the first half of 2018.

2017 Global Car Sales by Manufacturer (Adapted from the statistics table made by Focus2Move website; Unit in Vehicles)

Volkswagen tops sales chart for 2017 at 10.37 million vehicles sold, accounting for 11% of the global share, closely followed by Toyota at the second place and Renault Nissan Alliance at the third place. The top three’s sales all break the one million mark with respective market shares at above 10%. Hyundai-Kia, General Motors, Ford, and Honda have their sales ranging within 5 to 7 million vehicles with market shares between 5% and 8%. The 20th place in the chart, namely GM-SAIC-Wulings has the largest growth margin at around 34%, followed by Geely at 37% and GAC at nearly 30%. In the top twenty five, 70% of the carmakers show positive growth, having their sales above the level of previous year. However, their global market shares have less obvious changes between 2016 and 2017 with growth margins within plus and minus 1%. Interestingly, 9 out of the top 25 carmakers come from China and they take up the most places in the chart. If we count in GM-SAIC-Wuling which involves Chinese investment, the number of Chinese carmaker in the chart will increase to 10.

The brand ranked the 1st place in the first 5 months of 2018 is currently Toyota at 3.54 million vehicles over Volkswagen’s 2.9 million. The third to fifth places are Ford, Nissan and Honda at the level of around 2 million. The sixth to tenth places have their sales between 1 and 2 million. The one with the largest growth margin is Geely at over 30%, followed by Mitsubishi at around 25%. Similar to 2017, 70% of the top 25 show positive growth in the first 5 months of 2018. What is different is that the number of Chinese carmakers that have made into the top 25 decreases from 9 to 3. The European carmakers take up the most places in this chart.

What Could We Know from the Figures

Overall, we cannot overlook the rise of Chinese carmakers in 2017. For the last 3 years the Chinese government has been backing the domestic automotive technology involving IoT, electric cars, and car sharing. The business models of “IoT as a service” and “service as a product” boost the domestic car demand in China which may well compete on equal terms with the American and European carmakers in the future. That is why the American and European carmakers took the initiative to focus on developing electric cars and intelligent web-based connectivity. As gas engines will gradually be replaced with lightweight components in future cars, the automotive fastener industry should think about how the automotive supply chain will change the fastener supply chain and then react in advance.

An Analysis of Russia’s Fastener Import and Export Statistics in Full Year 2017

by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

Russia is the largest country in the world and its economy is the world's eleventh-largest. This country still continues to play an important role in the global economy as one of the major global contributors. After a period of recession, this country succeeded to return to growth last year in spite of Western sanctions, which continuously decreased the purchasing power of this country.

The Russian manufacturing sector watched signs of enhancement and strengthening confidence in 2017. The perception of the current Russian industry state as well as its views on the future outlook is dominated by positive projections. Although the players in manufacturing vary in sectors, the positive outlook of certain sub-groups such as steel, automotive, aircraft, and ship manufacturing is expected. Consequently, these growing sectors will be increasing the demand for fasteners in this country.

There are robust opportunities for fastener market in sectors such as construction and automotive in Russia. The automotive market, for instance, began to improve in 2017 and it has exposed a wide-ranging improvement in the country’s economy and its future looks promising. The increasing localisation of automotive component production facilities in Russia will also increase the demand for fasteners. An increase in consumption and spending as well as the government support are the major growth drivers of this market. This emerging trend could have a direct impact on the fastener industry, which consist of the local manufacturing development and fastener imports.

The potential of the Russian market for fasteners is substantial. High import duties in Russia and high demand for quality products make excessive motivations for local manufacturing to invest, advance standards and raise manufacturing efficiency.

Both value and quantity of imported and exported fasteners of Russia in 2017 rose significantly. Based on the data from ITC Trade Map, trade statistics for international business development, the value of Russia’s imported and exported fasteners in 2017 summed up to 806.5 million US dollars, up about 23% from year 2016, while the quantity of the country’s imported and exported fasteners last year totalled about 379 thousand tons, up 12% from its previous year.

The import value in 2017 was near 721 million US dollars, up 22% and the export value was drastically low (about 86 million US dollars), but surprisingly up 33% from year 2016. The trade deficit was about 635 million US dollars in 2017, an increase of about 20% compared to its previous year.

It is notable that all the trade statistics in this article and a list of supplying markets for a product imported by and exported to Russian Federation belong to the product category under HS code 7318, which includes screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers, spring washers, and similar articles, of iron or steel.

By studying Russia’s quarterly import value of fasteners in 2017, we could see that the import value in Q2-2017 records the highest amount of imports with about 197 million US dollars while Q1-2017 records the lowest value of imports with about 153 million US dollars. On the other hand, the export value shows that Q2-2017 has the lowest value of export with only 19.5 million US dollars while Q4-2017 registers about 21.5 million US dollars of fastener export in 2017. Some other statistics about Russia’s fastener quarterly imports and exports are stated in the following tables.

The top three trade partners, based on Russia’s export value in 2017, were Kazakhstan, Belarus, and India. The value of fasteners exported from Russia to these three countries accounted for about 58% of the total export value of Russia in 2017. The Western sanctions on Russia with no doubt have impacted significantly on Russia’s exports.

dollars. Accordingly, the total quantity of imports for these three types of fasteners in 2017 was 270,739 tons.

The product types for Russia’s fastener exports, in terms of quantity, were almost the same as its fastener imports with the slight changes as threaded screws and bolts, self-tapping screws and threaded articles were the major exports in 2017. The total quantity of fastener exports for these product categories in 2017 was only about 25k tons and the value was less than 60 million US dollars.

On the other hand, Russia’s trade partners in relation to its fastener import value were China, Germany, and Taiwan. The value of fasteners exported to Russia from these three partners registered for about 58% of the total import value of Russia in 2017.

Amongst all fasteners (of iron or steel) imported to Russia, threaded screws and bolts, selftapping screws and nuts were the major imports in 2017 with the total value of 517 million US

At the end, we should highlight that as it has been seen in the above statistics, Russia is expected to see more development in trade turnover with Asian countries, such as China and Taiwan. That is, within Russian foreign trade, the share of Asian countries in its revenue will be expected to increase in the next few years. Particularly, this growth should be observed both in fastener exports and imports. Consequently, China, which is the largest trading partner in Asia for Russia will increase its share in Russian fastener imports and exports.

Stamped Parts Market Review in India and Mexico

by Behrooz Lotfian

HS Code 820730 belongs to interchangeable tools for pressing, stamping or punching. Based on the statistics the value of this HS code is between 6.5 billion USD (world imported statistics) to 7.3 billion USD (world exported statistics).

The main importers of these products are:

The main exporters of the products in this HS Code are:

Mexico

Import section

Mexico has bought 10.5% of the total produced stamped tools in the world and it is ranked as the 4th biggest importer in the world. Mexico is the main market of USA, South Korea, China, Germany, Japan and Canada. 92% of the used stamped tools in Mexico has been bought from these 6 countries.

The graph reveals that Mexico-USA

After 2 years of constant market share in Mexico, USA increased its market share by about 10% in 2015 but it has lost its market in Mexico since 2015. USA and Mexico enjoyed a unique and flourishing relationship over the past decades. They were both looking for new ways to strengthen their ties in order to make North America the most prosperous and competitive region in the world. Throughout the 2016 presidential campaign, “alternative facts” regarding trade with Mexico or the dynamics along US common border along with a toxic anti-Mexican narrative — potentially changing the accepted rules of engagement in U.S. political discourse and public policy toward its southern partner — have seriously damaged the economic situation between these two countries and its fact have been seen clearly in the statistics. President Trump and Mexican leaders have been in disagreement since the first moments of Trump’s presidential campaign, when Trump accused Mexico of using the United States as a dumping ground for criminals; he went on to campaign on building a wall, imposing a tariff, and revising NAFTA. It has caused the economic relation between these two countries to become worse and the statistics to drop sharply.

Mexico-S. Korea

Mexico is Korea’s largest trading partner in Latin America, while Korea stood as Mexico’s sixth biggest trading partner and its second largest source of Asian foreign direct investment. Based on this experiences Korean stamped parts producers could compensate the lack of stamped tools in Mexico market because of damaged relationship between USA and Mexico. 2017 was the year that South Korea has engaged the presidential issues and it was affected to the internal and external business sector of S. Korea and it is the reason that the market share of S. Korea dropped in 2017 in Mexico.

Mexico-China

Chinese stamped parts exporters also gained due to the damaged relation between USA and Mexico, but their market share increased very slowly (0.2% increase in 2016 and 0.5% increase in 2017).

Mexico-Germany

German suppliers suffered in Mexico market in 2015 because of the good relations among North American countries. They lost more than 4% of their market share in Mexico in 2015. They could compensate during 2016 and 2017. They also could cover the problem of S. Korea in the Mexico market in 2017.

Mexico-Japan

Japanese suppliers’ market share decreased sharply. They were the 2nd biggest exporter to the Mexico market till 2014, but their market share dropped very sharply in 2015 and they couldn’t return to their position till 2017.

Mexico-Canada

The story of Canada is the same as USA, after America left NAFTA agreement. The relationship in the North America has changed and Canadians also lost their market share in Mexico sharply.

Export Section

Mexico is not an important stamped tools producer in the world. It produced just 1% of the whole produced stamped tools in the world and its main market is USA. It sent more than 83% of its tools to the USA.

The right graph shows that Mexican producers have increased their production annually since 2014.

(Unit: 1,000 USD)

Mexico's Export to the World

India

India’s Import Sector

India is not a big player in the stamped tools market. It just bought 0.07% of the whole world production and 55% of its demand was supported by S. Korean suppliers.

India’s Export Sector

India provides about 0.007% of the whole stamped tools in the world. USA represents 26% of its market and Germany is its 2nd biggest market. India sent 18.4% of its products to the German market. The following table shows the detail of India’s exports.

Car Manufacturing in Turkey and Its Influence on Fastener Demand

by Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani

Introduction

The statistics show that Turkish manufacturers have increased their production capacity since 2012 annually. Turkey became the 14th biggest car manufacturing country in the world in 2017. Motor vehicles play a significant part of the Turkish economy and they account for 6.6% of Turkish industrial production.

The following table elaborates the annual Turkish car production:

Fastener and Automotive Industries

Turkey imported more than 750 million USD worth of fasteners in 2017. 20% of the imported fasteners came from China, 15.4% of the imported fasteners were made in Germany, and France; Japan, Taiwan and Italy were ranked in the next levels (see the following table).

The following table shows the detailed data:

Based on ICCT statistics, more than 17 million cars exist on Turkish roads, which means every 1,000 passengers have 118 vehicles. This ratio is about 20% of the ratio of developed countries. For example, the number in Germany is 548.

Each year 0.6 million units of passenger cars are newly registered in Turkey. About 73% of the total registrations are imported from abroad (about 438,000 units of cars), while the other 27% of the total registered new cars (about 162,000 units of cars) are produced locally in Turkey. It is concluded that 90% of the total 1.7 million units of cars produced in Turkey in 2017 were exported. Based on Atlas media statistics, the top export destinations of Turkish cars were Germany, UK, Iraq and Italy.

The following table shows the detail of the sold foreign car brands in Turkey in 2017:

Japan29,83031,53629,64239,24663,724 Taiwan42,23047,28359,24666,14354,285

The left table for imported cars shows that the main car exporters to Turkey were from France, Germany, and Japan, while Italy, USA and Romania were ranked in the 4th to 6th levels. On the other hand, instead of China, Germany, France and Japan were the main fastener exporters to Turkey.

Comparing imported fastener statistics with imported car brands shows that car exporters and fastener exporters in a certain country could work closely together in terms of export.

China is the biggest fastener exporter to Turkey and the biggest advantage that Chinese fastener producers have is their low-price productions.

In terms of export, the value of Turkish exported fasteners was more than 365 million USD, the main buyer of Turkish fasteners was Germany, which bought about 40% of the total Turkish exported fasteners. France and Italy were in the 2nd and 3rd places respectively (see the following table).

Statistics show that the main markets for Turkish car export were Germany, UK, Iraq and Italy, and the main importer of Turkish fasteners was Germany, too. Italy also exists in both lists (for main car importers and fastener importers). So, in terms of export both lists are almost synchronized.

It is Time to Invest in the Fastener and Automotive Industries in Turkey

Although, about one-fourth of Turkish people, in comparison with developed countries (like Germany), use cars, for Turkey strong growth is expected in future years.

Turkey statistics

Produced Car (unit) Imported Fasteners (500 $) Exported Fasteners (250 $)

Turkey has a large number of vehicle manufacturing plants (almost 24), with a majority of the local vehicle production being exported abroad. As a result of this strong dependence of the Turkish economy on the automotive industry, it is of particular importance for them to ensure that this industry sector is ready to meet current and future challenges, such as local air pollution, climate change, and energy security, by offering innovative vehicles that can compete on the global market.

For following reasons, it seems that it is a good time to invest in Automotive and Fastener industries in Turkey.

• High level of integration into the global automotive industry and it is the 14th major automotive producer in the world.

• The advantage of vehicles of Turkish origin holds the leading position among the vehicles coming from the outside of EU.

• Turkey is a production, export, and engineering hub of global brands for the international market.

• Quality products with high export rates.

• Strong economic growth with increasing income per capita and a bourgeoning middle-class.

• Favourable demographics with a dynamic, young, and skilled labour force supporting the industry.

• Cost-competitive labour and energy prices.

• Giants of global automotive value chain benefit from Turkey’s location, cost, and competitive advantages.

• Because of their profitable business in the country, companies in Turkey continue to invest in the country’s future.

Introduction

According to the United Nations, Northern European countries are Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The following table shows that the detail of total cars that move on the roads of each countries.

Car Manufacturing in N. Europe and Its Influence on Fastener Demand

by Behrooz Lotfian

The right table shows that more than 66% of Finnish people have a car, making Finland ranked in the first place, and about 32% of Latvian people have a car, making Latvia ranked in the last place. The right graph shows a harmony in the North European countries, 50% to 60% of people in the most countries in this region have a car.

Car Manufacturing Countries in North Europe

UK, Sweden and Finland are three main car manufacturing countries in this region.

UK Automotive Industry

Based on SMMT.co.uk statistics, the automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for more than £77.5 billion turnover. With some 169,000-people employed directly in manufacturing and in excess of 814,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 12.0% of total UK export of goods and £4 billion investment each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build in excess of 70 models of vehicles in the UK supported by 2,500 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers. On the other hand, 1.75m cars built in the UK in 2017, a decline of 4.0% with production for domestic demand down 9.8%. UK car exports remain at a historically high level, down just 1.1% with 1.34m shipped worldwide – 79.9% of total production. British engine manufacturing at record-ever levels, with 2.72m produced, up 6.9% from 2016. SMMT restates need for urgent clarity on Brexit transition, as new calculations show over 10% of exports could be at risk on 30 March 2019 unless we secure all current trading arrangements.

Swedish Automotive Industry

Based on fkg.sk statistics, The Swedish automotive industry is an essential part of Sweden’s economy. It generates half a million jobs of which about 136,400 are employed directly. 82,400 of them are found in the supply chain, which constitute almost 30% of Sweden’s engineering industry. In total, it is estimated that the exports of the Swedish automotive industry are worth 180 billion Swedish kronor, which is equivalent to 12% of its total exports. Internationally, Sweden is also a unique country which, despite its modest size, has three vehicle manufacturers who are in many ways leading both in manufacturing and development- Scania, Volvo and SAAB. More than 350 subcontractors in the automotive industry are represented by the Scandinavian trade association FKG; the Scandinavian Automotive Supplier Association.

The Fastener Industry in North European Region

Finnish Automotive Industry

Vehicle manufacturing industry and related areas employ almost 7,000 persons in Finland. Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki produces new passenger cars and Sisu-Auto Oy in Karjaa produces heavy trucks. Additionally, there are several smaller companies manufacturing buses, taxis, trailers and special vehicles. Finland depends on imports of cars and other vehicles.

The following table shows the volume (unit: 1,000 USD) of fasteners traded in the 3 main car manufacturing countries in N. Europe. It is predictable that UK is the biggest market for fastener trade and in 2017 its market size (export + import) was over 2 billion USD. In the same period Sweden’s market size was about 854 million USD and Finland’s market size was more than 213 million USD.

UK Fastener Industry

UK export in the fastener sector is 35% lower than its import, which means UK fastener producers cannot support their local needs. The right graph shows that the growth trends of sectors (imported fasteners and exported fasteners) are both negative.

Swedish Fastener Industry

Sweden’s export in the fastener sector is 28% lower than its import, which means Sweden fastener producers, like their counterparts in UK, cannot support their local needs. The right graph shows that the growth trend of imported fasteners is almost constant, and on the other hand, the growth trend of exported fasteners is negative.

Finnish Fastener Industry

Finland export in the fastener sector is 63% lower than its import, which means Finland’s fastener producers, like their counterparts in UK & Sweden, cannot support their local needs. The statistics show that their imported fastener value is about 3 times bigger than their exported fastener value which means Finland is still a country depending on foreign import in this sector. The right graph shows that the growth trends of imported fasteners and exported fasteners) are both positive, which can be translated to the growth in Finland’s car manufacturing sector.

Threading and Tapping Machines Market Review: India and Mexico

by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

Introduction

In this article we provide some market insights and trade statistics about threading and tapping machines in the global fastener market with the focus on the Indian and Mexican markets. Such machines are mainly heavy, even non-portable, power-driven equipment enabling manufacturers to mass produce and shape numerous fasteners and metal components. The focus in this article is more on the machines labelled with the HS code of 45970 as a subsector of metalworking machines. In general, metalworking machines use a combination of techniques including forming, cutting, threading, tapping, or even physio-chemical processing to design, shape and manufacture several types of fasteners and components.

One of the major factors driving the growth of metalworking and fastener machines demand is the increasing need to enhance efficiency of manufacturing processes. Additionally, growing demand for reducing manufacturing costs has resulted in implementing of metalworking machines in various industries and sectors related to fasteners. Those machines provide ideal use of raw materials and minimizes wastage of raw materials due to errors. In addition to that, with the rising costs of labour across the world, those machines offer a viable solution to the manufacturing sector to reduce production costs with capabilities of working in any environment including high temperature, pressure, and processes. Regardless of vast benefits of those machines and their applications, growth of the machinery market faces a few obstacles pertaining to its high initial costs. The required capital investment could make it difficult for manufacturers to switch from traditional methods.

With the vast capabilities of metalworking machines, this market has become lucrative in recent years. In the last five years, private investment in this market has steadily improved in many countries. For instance, in the US, numerous players and manufacturers have invested heavily to design and develop such machinery and made this market worth $35bn in 2017 and experienced solid revenue growth with 1.9% annual growth rate.

In 2017, in the metalworking machinery manufacturing market, India and other countries in the Asia Pacific region, in total, registered their names as the largest region with 52% of the global market share. The second largest region in this market was Western Europe accounting for around 25% of the market share. Mexico and other countries in the South America region was the smallest region accounting for around 1% of the market share.

Threading and Tapping Machines Market

There has been an increasing demand for threading and tapping machines which is further driving the growth of metalworking machines market. Manufacturers in this market conduct research and development activities to identify and cater to various unique manufacturing processes. With massive growth opportunities in countries including China, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, India, South Korea, Japan, United States, Mexico and Thailand, numerous players seek to develop and manufacture innovative machines.

As manufacturing industries expand their production capacity due to increasing use of their products, demand for threading and tapping machines, as one of the major subsets of the global metalworking machinery market, becomes steady for industry operators. Significantly, the demand from the automotive and construction sectors has helped drive revenue growth in this market. This trend is projected to continue over the next five years and therefore industry revenue is expected to rise.

The international trade in this sector is considerable because of the high value of the products. In the last few years, global imports were largely from Russia, Thailand, US, Malaysia, and China while the major exporters in the last five years were US, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

India

The exports of threading and tapping machines from Indian manufacturers have been drastically reduced in 2017 compared with their exports in 2016. In 2017, India exported about USD780,000 machines while in 2016 exports value was about USD 1.6 million. Indian fastener manufacturers still purchase most of their required threading and tapping machines from overseas countries. As illustrated in the right chart, the value of imports in 2017 was slightly more than USD 5 million, which is significantly higher than its exports value in the same year.

(Unit: 1,000 USD)

India Trade Value - Threading and Tapping Machines for Metals (HS Code: 845970)

The value of imports registered by Japanese manufacturers alone was about USD 1.8 million in 2017 which is much higher than the value of exports from Indian manufacturers into the global market. In addition to Japan, China, Italy and US are ranked as the major machines exporters into the Indian market.

Mexico

Despite the recent challenges between Mexico and US, Mexico is still a strategic market for U.S. manufacturers. As recorded in 2017 Mexico trade statistics, more than 50% of threading and tapping machines were imported from US. The total value of imports in 2017 was about USD 4 million, and the total imports from US manufacturers was about USD 2.2 million. Interestingly, almost 90% of total threading and tapping machines manufactured in Mexico were shipped to US; however, the value of exports is much lower than imports. The right table below shows that the trade balance between US and Mexico in the last 5 years.

The export destinations of threading and tapping machines from Mexican manufacturers were limited to a few countries with the value of about USD 784,000 in 2017. This amount is very close to the total exports value of Indian exporters in this sector, USD 778,000, as stated earlier.

On the other hand, there are several exporters who ship their threading and tapping machines to Mexico other than US. China, India, Korea, and Taiwan are the other major exporters of threading and tapping machines into Mexican market. The right chart exhibits the value of imports by Mexican fastener manufacturers from these top 5 exporters.

The last word, the profitability of individual manufacturers like many other sectors in this market depends on the complexity of their product designs and their manufacturing efficiency. While, large companies have the resources to make complex, automated machinery, small companies have a chance to compete in this market successfully by making specialty products, replacement parts, or related accessories.

Mexico’s Threading and Tapping Machines Market Value in 1,000 USD

Spotlight on Small Screws and Washers Markets of India and Mexico

by Sharareh Shahidi Hamedani

Although HS codes have not been categorized based on sizes of products, my research shows that small screws and washers have been categorized under HS Code number 73181500 by the countries’ Customs.

In this article, I will study HS Code 73181500 in Mexico and India.

It should be mentioned that in this category the total value in the import section in the world is about 18 billion USD. The import value of USA is 2.2 billion USD; Germany has imported 1.8 billion worth of these products; China’s import value is 1.5 billion USD. These 3 countries have bought more than 30% of small fasteners in the world and they are ranked as the biggest three markets for this sector. On the other hand, in export, the total value in the world shows 18 billion USD. Germany with 2.5 billion USD worth of export is the biggest exporter; China with 2.1 billion USD and Taiwan with 1.9 billion USD export value are respectively ranked in the 2nd and 3rd place. These 3 countries have produced more than 36% of these type of screws and washers in the world.

Mexico

In the import section, the market scale of Mexico is about 8% of the whole world. The biggest seller in the Mexico market is USA, which supports more than 50% of Mexican consumption. Taiwan shares 13% of Mexico market and China shares 10.4% of this market. The 4th biggest exporter to Mexico is Japan and its market share in Mexico is 8%.

USA: U.S. suppliers lost their market share almost annually; however, their sales value increased, which means Mexico market was getting bigger and US suppliers could not get an appropriate share.

Taiwan: Taiwanese suppliers could increase their market share during the developing period of Mexico market.

China: Chinese suppliers’ market share was almost constant, and their export value increased as well.

Japan: Japan’s market share in Mexico increased sharply in 2014, and after then its growth speed slowed in 2015 and it became negative in 2016 and 2017.

Export Section Import Section

In this sector, the export value of Mexico is about 0.5% of the whole world. The main market of Mexico in the screws and washers category

is USA. About 80% of Mexico’s production was shipped to USA.

The right table shows that the market share of Mexico’s products in USA was getting smaller and smaller annually after 2015 and Mexican producers must find other markets for their production.

Image provided by CHU WU INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

India Import Section

India’s import market in this category is about 1.7% of the whole world and the main players of small screws and washers in the India market are:

1- China- Chinese suppliers almost increased their market share annually. From 2013 to 2017 their market share in India increased about 2%.

2- Japan- Japanese suppliers’ performance was opposite to that of Chinese suppliers. They lost their market share in India by about 5% after 2013, and it seems that China already got a part of this market from Japan.

3- Germany- German suppliers had a constant market share after 2014.

4- Korea- Korean suppliers also acted the same as their Japanese counterparts. They lost their market share in India by more than 1% after 2014.

Export Section

India’s export shares about 1.1% in the world’s total export value. Statistics show that India’s export value decreased annually and it lost about 40% of its international market after 2013!!

Germany is the biggest buyer of India’s screws, but it decreased its purchase by about 10% from 2013 to 2017!

The Netherlands is the 2nd biggest importer of India’s screws. It increased its trade with Indian producers after 2014.

UK is the 3rd biggest market for India’s screws and washers. Its was a constant market for Indian suppliers. Approximately 11% of India’s products in the category were shipped to UK market.

Italy is also a constant market for Indian suppliers and it bought about 9% of India’s productions after 2013.

USA is the 5th biggest market for India’s production and it decreased its trade with Indian suppliers by about 1.5% from 2013 to 2017.

Last Word

Mexico is a market dependent upon imported screws; its import value is 15.6 times its export value. So, it is a better market for fastener suppliers in comparison with tools and machines suppliers.

India is a balanced country for small screws and washers. Its import value is 1.5 times its export value. Therefore, both suppliers (of tooling-machinery and fasteners) have the same chance for selling their products in this market.

U.S Fastener Trade with Emerging Markets

An analysis on fastener trade between the U.S and Emerging Markets during Q1 of 2017 and Q1 of 2018.

By Sabrina Rodriguez

Data note: The data for this article is derived from the US Census trade statistics. US Census trade statistics analyzes import and export on all modes of transportation. That value is calculated in USD by general CIF for imports and FOB for exports. Fasteners in this article are defined as any product under HS Code 7318 (screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers and similar articles of iron or steel).

The U.S is notorious for participating in global trade with virtually every market around the globe. U.S trade on products related to steel and iron have increased in recent history due to the heavy decline in U.S production of steel. During the 1960s, U.S steel mills began to decline causing the lowest production volumes of steel in the U.S since The Industrial Revolution. The decline in production was mostly due to the lack of technology as opposed to the lack of trading partners. The decline in steel production ultimately caused the U.S to seek trade partners for most of their steel imports. Since then, China has led the world in steel production, leaving the U.S to account for only about one quarter of the global production of steel. Fastener pieces are vastly produced for a variety of industries and are necessary elements for manufactured goods such as automobiles, airplanes and consumer products around the globe. In this analysis we will take a closer look at the US fastener trade with the emerging markets of Europe, Latin America, Russia and Southeast Asia.

US Imports of Fasteners from Emerging Markets

Germany leads the continent of Europe with the highest exported volume of fasteners to the U.S. The value of German exported fasteners increased from Q1 2017 to Q1 of 2018 by over $10,500,000. It is no surprise that Germany manufactures a large volume of fasteners judging by the high number of automobile manufactures located within the country. Italy is the second largest exporter of fasteners to the U.S, and increased their exported value during Q1 of 2018 by comparison to Q1 of 2017 by 30%. The highest imported subcategory of fasteners in the U.S from Europe is Harmonized Tariff Code 731815, which is described as threaded screws and bolts, with or without nuts or washers, of iron or steel. Overall, Europe shows to have increased the value of fastener exports to the U.S by nearly $23,000,000 in Q1 2018.

Within southeast Asia, Thailand leads the region for the highest value of exported fasteners to the U.S. U.S imports from Thailand increased by over $2,600,000 in Q1 of 2018 by comparison to the data of Q1 2017. Vietnam and Malaysia follow close behind, leaving The Philippines and Indonesia at the bottom of the list with the lowest volume of exports to the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Code 731815 leads as the highest imported fastener subcategory from the region to the U.S., and increased nearly $4,000,000 in Q1 2018 compared to the data in Q1 2017.

U.S imports of fasteners from Mexico is the highest, likely due to the shared border between the U.S and Mexico making trade more feasible than with overseas trading partners. Mexico accounts for 90% of the exported fasteners within the Latin American market. The value of fasteners exported increased by over $2,300,000 in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017. Chile, Ecuador, Panama and Peru increased their exports to the U.S by a combined total of $24,000 in Q1 of 2018. Harmonized Tariff Code 731815 also appeared as the highest exported subcategory of fasteners to the U.S from the Latin American region.

The U.S shows a monumental decrease of fastener imports from Russia, totaling a decrease of $50,000 in Q1 2018 by comparison to Q1 2017, which is an 88% decrease. Harmonized Tariff Code 731815 has consistently remained as the highest category being traded; however, there was a decline of over $28,000 in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017.

2017 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – Europe

2018 US Imports – HS Code

Subcategories of 7318 – Europe

2017 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – Russia

2018 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – Russia

2017 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – LATAM

2018 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – LATAM

2017 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – SE Asia

2018 US Imports – HS Code Subcategories of 7318 – SE Asia

US Exports of Fasteners to Emerging Markets

The U.S exports the highest volume of fasteners to the United Kingdom, and accounted for 27% of the total trade from the U.S to Europe in Q1 2018. The second highest trading partner in Q1 2017 and Q1 2018 is Germany, however, the value decreased in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017 by over $2,300,000. While Harmonized Tariff Code 731815 is the highest traded code in both Q1 2017 and Q1 2018, there was a 12% decrease from Q1 2017 to Q1 2018. Other subcategories of fasteners showed an increase in Q1 2018 in comparison to Q1 2017 such as 731829 (nonthreaded articles of fasteners) and 731819 (threaded articles of iron or steel).

Singapore leads the southeastern Asian market, and showed an increase in fastener imports in Q1 2018 of over $4,000,000 by comparison to Q1 2017. Thailand shows a $262,000 growth in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017, which is a 21% growth in the total number of fasteners exported from the U.S to southeast Asia. The Philippines demonstrated the largest decline in Q1 2018 compared to Q1 2017 of over $1,300,000, which is a 44% decrease over the two quarters. Fastener subcategories 731815, 731816 and 731829 all appear to be on a steady incline when analyzing the growth from Q1 2017 to Q1 2018.

It is no surprise that Mexico leads the Latin American region with the highest number of exports to the U.S and an increase of 7% in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017. Trailing Mexico is Brazil, which accounted for nearly 20% of all Latin American exports of fasteners to the U.S in Q1 2017, but decreased to a little over 5% in Q1 2018. Overall Brazil decreased in value by $68,000,000 in Q1 2018 by comparison to Q1 2017. Due to the increased level of political turmoil in Venezuela, the total number of fastener exports to the U.S from Venezuela decreased by 90% in Q1 2018 by comparison to the Q1 2017 data. The Latin American market of fasteners is led by subcategory Harmonized Tariff code 731815; however, there was a decline of 15% in Q1 2018 by comparison to Q1 2017.

Russian imports of fasteners from the U.S have increased from Q1 2017 to Q1 2018 by 23%, and the highest trade subcategory of fasteners is 731815. Harmonized Tariff Code 731815 increased by 30% in Q1 2018 in comparison to Q1 2017. Other subcategories that have increased in Q1 2018 from Q1 2017 are 731829 and 731816.

US Exports Q1 2017 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – Russia

US Exports Q1 2018 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – Russia

US Exports Q1 2017 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – LATAM

US Exports Q1 2018 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – LATAM

US Exports Q1 2017 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – Europe

US Exports Q1 2018 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – Europe

US Exports Q1 2017 – HS Code 7318 Subcategories – SE Asia

Which Market Leads as the Top Importer/Exporter of Fasteners?

Judging from Q1 of 2018 and Q1 of 2017, the values of U.S imports of fasteners is highest in the European region, followed by the Latin American

region and southeast Asia. Russia trails on this list seeing as their values decreased from Q1 2017 to Q1 2018. Russia also shows an overall small portion of exports to the U.S. based on fasteners by comparison to the other emerging markets.

Based on the data, the values of U.S exports of fasteners is highest to the Latin American region, followed by Europe and southeast Asia. Once again, Russia trails behind as the smallest emerging market in terms of their fastener imports from the U.S. Both quarters reveal similar information and trends; however, the Latin American region does show an overall decrease of 9% in Q1 2018 by comparison to Q1 2017. This decrease in partly due to the political turmoil occurring in Venezuela which decreased Venezuela exports to the U.S.

The Future of US Fastener Trade with Emerging Markets: Will the US Trade Policy Impact US Trade with Other Markets?

Keeping a watchful eye on the changes in the U.S trade policies and agreements will be key in determining the future of trade. In recent news, President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on U.S imports of steel for all countries in the European Union, Canada and Mexico. This was imposed on June 1, 2018; therefore, it is still too soon to tell if the tariff will affect the volume of imported steel products. Ultimately American consumers and small to mid-sized businesses will feel the effects as the price for steel increases. U.S steel importers could always procure steel from other countries such as China; however in that situation companies exporting to the U.S within the European Union, Mexico and Canada will lose the business with the U.S market.