Fastener + Fixing Magazine #113 by Fastener + Fixing Magazine

In this issueâ&#x20AC;¦ ETAs Made in Italy Fastener Fair Italy preview fastenerandfixing.com | Issue 113 September 2018

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NO CHALLENGE IS IMPOSSIBLE The hardest challenges are always the result of teamwork. With its long experience, Ambrovit is the right partner on the way to success.

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CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

10-40

COVER STORY

44-45

Financial reports, acquisitions and trade duty news

Ambrovit: Continuing its development

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

136-156

Design of fastenings for use in concrete (EN 1992-4) The ESSBOX concept – a case of innovation European Technical Assessments

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

158-174

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

176-182

Building a strong wire rod business Advance fastening and sealing technologies Final finish coatings

MADE IN ITALY

An insight into the vast fastener manufacturing capabilities within Italy

46-99

How to differentiate your business from Amazon How fastener manufacturers can make the most of their sales

INSIGHT 100 King SpA: A big thanks

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

184-197

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

198-208

Irish Rail safely secured with Nord-Lock washers Security fasteners for transport and rail

EXHIBITIONS 102-134 Fastener Fair Italy preview Vegas show secures new suppliers 2 nd FASTENER POLAND on horizon

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

WinTech – setting process monitoring

EDITORIAL Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

A satisfying thud... You may have noticed that this September issue made a rather large thud as it hit your desk. That is because it is the biggest edition we have ever produced in our twenty-year history.

ne of the main factors for the size of the magazine is the Made in Italy feature, which provides insights into key players within the Italian fastener market – the first of which being Brugola OEB Industriale. I had the opportunity to visit Brugola’s headquarters in Lissone, to the north of Milan, and speak to President Jody Brugola about the development of the family business and how it has become a crucial supplier of critical components for the automotive market. During my trip I also visited Mustad and learnt about its over 100 years’ experience in technically advanced screws; as well as Mecavit to find out more about the importance of adding value to its production processes; plus I spoke to Massimo Agrati, general manager at Dimac, about how the company has developed to become an innovation leader. There are also articles from Bossong, SARIV, Tecfi, SIPA, SMART Machinery, TECNOLOGIC 3®, SACMA Group, Colombo Special Fasteners, Tekinox, Specialinsert, Dell’Era, Panozzo, A.M.E.A., Viteria Ratto, Growermetal, Defremm, G&B Group, Viteria Fusani, titibi®, INOXDADI, Carlo Salvi and MITOS. Our Cover Story focuses on another Italian company – Ambrovit Srl – and how the business is continuing its development with the introduction of new automated storage for incoming goods. After spending time with Owner Franco Sozzè and having a tour of the ever-expanding headquarters, it is clear why Ambrovit now sees itself as a byword for fastening systems. To finish the Italian theme, there is also a special Fastener Fair Italy preview that provides all the latest information on what promises to be an excellent second edition – taking place at the end of September. To add to this, Executive Editor Phil Matten visited British Steel and met with Richard Sims, wire rods managing director, and Mark Cunningham, project director, to hear more about the background and implications of British Steel’s recent GB£50 million investment in a major upgrade of its wire rod mill. Other articles include ND Industries highlighting its advanced fastening and sealing technologies; Tectorius looking at final finish coatings; and Anochrome explaining the roles each of its four UK manufacturing divisions play within the overall Group. Plus, Construction Fixings Europe concentrates on the impending publication of EN 1992-4 and the implications for manufacturers and consumers. Finally, there is a special Rail feature in Application Technology that includes the latest developments from Nord-Lock Group, fischer and Hafren Security Fasteners.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@fastenerandfixing.com Sales Manager Mac Rahman mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Peter Makin peter.makin@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager (DACH) Thomas Schwarz thomas.schwarz@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Digital Content Assistant Grant Rebecca grant.rebecca@fastenerandfixing.com Find us online: @fastenerfixing FastenerandFixingMagazine fastener---fixing-magazine Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade–only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade. Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Ltd. Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2018. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EU imposes safeguard measures on steel products On the 18th July, the European Commission published Regulation 2018/2013, imposing provisional safeguarding measures on twenty-three categories of steel products, but not including fasteners. The measures include quotas for each category. When these quotas are exhausted a 25% tariff will be imposed on imports.

he regulation follows the initiation of a safeguard investigation on 26 categories of steel products on 26th March 2018, all of which were already subject to prior surveillance licensing. The Commission has identified 23 of the product categories for which it deems the situation as critical enough to warrant provisional measures. Fastener CN codes are not included in the list, although carbon steel and stainless steel wire rod and bar is included, which may have knock-on effects for fastener products produced within the EU, including threaded rod. The provisional measures, which can remain in force for 200 days, entail the imposition of quotas for each of the product categories, irrespective of the originating country. The continuing investigation will consider whether quotas should be allocated by exporting country. The regulation exempts the EEA member countries – Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – from the measures. Developing economies are also generally excluded. However, the Regulation Annex defines which developing countries are subject to the provisional measures and for which product categories. These include, amongst others, China, Brazil, India and Turkey. All quotas are on a ‘first come first served’ basis and will be monitored daily by the Commission’s DG TAXUD. Information on the quota used, unused and pending will be displayed on the DG TAXUD website. Where the quotas are exhausted an ‘out of quota’ tariff of 25% will be applied to imports.

The Commission’s preliminary conclusion was that the EU “steel industry is in a situation of threat of serious injury for the 23 product categories under assessment and that this situation is likely to develop into actual serious injury in the foreseeable future. Given the critical circumstances, it is considered that provisional safeguard measures should be taken in order to prevent damage to the EU steel industry, which would be difficult to repair before the conclusion of the current investigation”. The Commission identified an increasing import trend to the EU prior to the United States applying Section 232 tariffs on steel imports. The imposition of those tariffs further increased the potential for import growth as the result of product previously destined for the US market being diverted to the EU market. The full text of the regulation in English, which includes an Annex listing the affected products, can be downloaded from: http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/ docs/2018/july/tradoc_157125.prov.en.L181-2018.pdf

Strong growth and improved margin for Bufab Bufab Group reported first half 2018 net sales of SEK 1.925 billion (€181 million), an increase of 18% over the same period 2017. Organic growth was 10%. EBITA rose 20% to SEK 204 million.

resident and CEO, Jörgen Rosengren, commented: “The favourable performance that marked the beginning of the year continued during the second quarter. Solid growth at 19% was driven by acquisitions, increased market shares and favourable underlying growth, but also by positive calendar effects.” Bufab’s international segment accelerated its earnings trend, with 25% growth achieved through strengthened market shares in most markets and successful acquisitions. Gross margin improved significantly due to currency effects and price increases that exceeded material-driven cost increases. Operating profit grew more than 50% as growth was not accompanied by a corresponding rise in operating expenses. Bufab’s Swedish business, however, reported a poorer earnings trend during the second quarter. “Growth was good,” said Rosengren, “but the gross margin was lower than earlier in the year and in 2017. This means that we have not

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

fully succeeded in offsetting the continued negative trend for the SEK, and raw materials prices, through price increases to customers”. Overall operating profit in Sweden declined, contributed to by a “too high” cost level, a development with which, said Rosengren, “we cannot be satisfied”. Uncertainty regarding economic development had not yet impacted Bufab’s order intake. While satisfied with the quarter, and half year, Jörgen Rosengren said Bufab was watchful for signs of a downturn but aimed to increase market share at a similar or faster rate than previously. He added: “We need to strengthen our gross margin through further price increases. In addition, we need to work to ensure that operating expenses do not increase further as a share of sales, despite the significant investments we are making in our ‘Leadership’ programme. This requires comprehensive efficiency measures in the business in general.”

INDUSTRY NEWS

Würth Group on track for another record year Würth Group reported first half 2018 sales of €6.8 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 6.5% at actual exchange rates. Adjusted for exchange rates, sales growth was 9%. The Group operating result increased to €400 million.

ürth companies in Germany increased sales by 7.9% to €2.9 billion. Sales growth for the rest of the world was 5.4%. Eastern and southern Europe business continued to develop very well, reporting double-digit sales growth. Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group, commented: “We still expect that we will be able to report sales and operating result records again in 2018, even if the ifo Business Climate Index has dropped slightly in June and economic forecasts are only cautiously optimistic.” The Group operating result improved by 19.4% to €400 million in the first half of the year. “We are satisfied with this above-average increase in profits,” Friedmann said. In June, Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG celebrated the groundbreaking for its new freight hub in the Gewerbepark Hohenlohe industrial area next to the A6 highway, which is targeted at avoiding split deliveries and consolidating orders to make sure customers receive only one shipment in the future. Adolf Würth will continue to develop its range of services to expand the partnership

with its customers even further. Around €73 million will be invested in the new European transport hub located on a 50,000m² site, in which 20% of all orders handled will be shipped directly to other European countries. Two years after opening its highly modern logistics centre and sample factory, Würth Elektronik eiSos is investing another €25 million in its site in Waldenburg, doubling its existing storage, picking and logistics spaces with the construction of 4,000m² of logistics area and a 1,300m² fully automated shuttle warehouse. In Italy, the Würth Electrical Wholesale Group has expanded its footprint by entering into a strategic partnership (controlling interest) with MEB Srl, one of the leading electrical wholesalers in northern Italy, located in Schio, Veneto. The transaction is subject to the approval of anti-trust authorities. The number of Würth employees increased by 1,975 to 76,134 in the first half of 2018, of which 23,305 are in Germany. The Group currently has 32,898 sales force employees on the payroll.

SFS sustains good growth momentum SFS Group has reported good sales growth and expanded market positions during the first half of 2018. Group sales increased 9.9% to CHF 855.9 million (€760.8 million), and operating profit rose 4.6% compared to the adjusted previous year.

rganic growth came in at 7.1%; currency translation and changes in scope of consolidation had a 2.8% positive effect on reported sales growth. SFS noted that “high advance outlays, structural adaptions and increased raw material costs still pressured the operating profit”. Healthy growth was maintained in SFS engineered components segment, with first half sales at CHF 473.2 million, a 10.5% increase year-on-year with organic growth at 7.6%. Earnings were pressured by high-levels of advance outlays in preparation for future growth projects and increased raw material costs. The majority of the Group’s CHF 69.5 million capital expenditure, 44% higher than same period last year, was committed to this segment, which displays the highest return on capital employed. SFS expects margins to recover in the second half 2018, as costs are passed through to customers, which has taken longer than expected to achieve, and new products are launched. Sales for the fastening systems segment were CHF 213 million, 12% higher than first half 2017. SFS says fastening systems continued to strengthen its market position, “amid a robust market environment, thanks to its offering of compelling products and services”. The segment reported EBIT of CHF 20.7 million, up 12.2% on first half 2017.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

SFS notes significant progress for the construction division in flat roof solutions, hinge technology and fastening solutions for exterior cladding – the latter strengthened by the 2016 acquisition of Ncase Ltd. For the riveting division solid sales growth was broadly based, with solutions for automotive applications showing the fastest growth. “Considerable progress” was made in improving the division’s production profiles, although SFS noted that achieving full utilisation of the expanded production site at Thal in Germany had been a challenge due not least to the tight labour market in the region. Following its increased stake to 51%, HECO was fully incorporated to the Group from 1st July and “the growth and synergy potential and the core competencies of each partner are now being exploited even more effectively”. The distribution and logistics segment, servicing the Swiss domestic market, reported sales up 5.9% to CHF 169.7 million but sharper procurement costs continued to impact profits, with increased costs taking time to pass through to the market. Profits nevertheless rose 9.2% year-on-year to CHF 12.4 million.

620

TOGETHER

NO CHALLENGE IS IMPOSSIBLE The hardest challenges are always the result of teamwork. Choosing an expert and reliable travelling companion is the key to achieve the most desirable goals. With its long experience, Ambrovit is the right partner on the way to success.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

PennEngineering® wins US$14 million patent infringement judgement PennEngineering® has obtained a US$14 million (€12 million) judgment and permanent injunction against Dongguan Fenggang Pinconn Hardware Factory trading as ‘Pinconn’, based on Pinconn’s counterfeiting and infringement of more than 12 PennEngineering patents and trademarks.

n addition to being permanently restrained from selling the infringing products and being ordered to remove the infringing content from its website, Pinconn was ordered to pay PennEngineering® US$14 million for statutory damages. The final order has been recorded with Customs to prevent importation to the US of Pinconn products. The original complaint was filed against Pinconn on 13th October 2017, in response to Pinconn’s scheduled appearance at the Las Vegas International Fasteners Expo, where PennEngineering enforced against Pinconn a Preliminary Injunction Order issued by the US District Court for the eastern

LISI activity softer for first half The LISI Group said activity declined in 2018 when compared to the high-level of the first half of 2017 and reported lower EBIT at €67.7 million.

ISI also noted the impact of the US dollar to euro exchange rate continued to be significant in the first half 2018, although less important towards the end of the period. LISI Aerospace, which accounts for 56% of group sales, experienced a fall in European fasteners activity but stronger North American demand. It noted mixed activity in the ‘structural components’ segment and said aerospace operating income was down but free cash flow remained positive. LISI Automotive (37% of group sales) reported organic sales growth at 6.8%, with the positive trend of 2016 and 2017 confirmed. The segment outperformed European market trends and enjoyed sustained growth from tier 1 customers. Operating margin improved to 7.2%. LISI also noted strong momentum in the ‘safety mechanical components’ and ‘clipped solutions’ segments, in-line with its development strategy and a strong contribution from its acquisition of a controlling share in TERMAX LLC earlier this year, with which it saw initial commercial synergies. LISI Medical reported organic growth in Q2 following a strong decline in Q1. For the full year, LISI reiterated its April outlook saying that management indicators would stagnate compared to 2017, while free cash flow should remain positive and high.

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

district of Pennsylvania, resulting in the removal of all of Pinconn’s signage, advertising materials, and infringing product at its trade show booth. The preliminary injunction also forced Pinconn to abandon its booth at the 2017 Design & Manufacturing Expo in Minneapolis. PennEngineering says, as in the past, that it will continue to enforce its intellectual property rights worldwide.

New MD at Bufab Hungary András Szücs has been appointed as managing director of Bufab Hungary. András has extensive experience within new business development, sales and customer relationship management. He has worked for Hilti Hungary for the past fifteen years – his last position was the marketing and engineering director.

ndrás comments: “My first impression of Bufab, which really has impressed me, is that it is not just a large international and professional company, it is rather a large international and professional family. Bufab has a very explicit culture of entrepreneurship, strong teamwork and a way of thinking that always puts the customer as the focal point, which really appeals to me and the way I want to conduct business. Now I look forward to grow together with the great team of Bufab Hungary.” Bufab Hungary is located in Budapest and is a supply chain partner providing C-parts and services to the Hungarian manufacturing industry. It aims to help its customers reduce total cost and complexity, free up capital, achieve stable quality and deliveries, which boils down, says Bufab, “to a seamless supply chain, where the headache with C-parts is gone”.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Major upgrade for British Steel wire rod business British Steel has announced the biggest single investment in its manufacturing operations for a decade, committing GB£50 million (€55 million) to a major upgrade of its wire rod business.

he investment will significantly improve the quality and range of wire rod produced at the company’s headquarters in Scunthorpe, enabling it to grow in current markets and enter new ones – inside and outside the UK. The upgrade to the wire rod mill will allow British Steel to offer a substantially wider range of sizes, up to 28mm, and achieve tighter tolerances, as well as allowing for improvements in surface condition and micro structural properties. A new, advanced, wire rod line will be designed and installed in the current mill by Primetals Technologies. Work is scheduled to start this summer and the new operation is set to be commissioned in autumn 2019. The existing wire rod business will operate as normal throughout the installation. The Scunthorpe wire rod mill has only recently seen the opening of new laboratories ensuring it has world-class testing facilities. The expenditure is in addition to the GB£120 million British Steel has already committed to capital projects during its first three years of business and comes eight months after it bought FNsteel, a premium wire rod manufacturer in the Netherlands. Paul Martin, deputy CEO at British Steel, said: “This is a major investment in the future of our business, underpinning our commitment to providing customers with higher technical specifications of steel and a diverse, premium product range. Not only will this increase our ability to serve the domestic market, it will allow us to become a more competitive exporter and accelerate the growth of British Steel in-line with our company strategy.” He continued: “The mill upgrade will ensure the British Steel name remains synonymous with quality, innovation and product development. Our wire rod business has a growing order book and this investment will let us build on this by guaranteeing the tighter tolerances and improved surface qualities customers’ demand, particularly in the automotive sector.”

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

British Steel was formed in June 2016 by Greybull Capital, when it acquired the Scunthorpe steel works from Tata Steel. The company is emphatically proud of its heritage, but just as passionate about building stronger futures for its employees, customers, suppliers and local communities. The steel works produces more than 2.8 million tonnes of steel annually, from which more than 1,450 different specifications of steel are manufactured and rolled into wire rod, sections, special profiles, rail, bloom and slab. British Steel employs 4,400 people in the UK. Executive Editor Phil Matten met with Richard Sims, wire rods managing director, and Mark Cunningham, project director, to hear more about the background and implications of this huge project – pages 158 – 160.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Shame in one way… but it’s True The UK fastener market has already made it clear it will be sorry to see Fastbolt UK managing director for the last twenty years, Graham Joyce, step down at the end of 2018. Conscious of the importance of continuity for suppliers, customers and employees, Fastbolt has now announced the appointment of Amanda True as his replacement.

raham Joyce joined Fastbolt in April 1989, recruited by founder and then owner, Heinz Storch, for his expertise and background in automotive purchasing. As purchasing director, Graham rapidly extended and professionalised Fastbolt’s global sourcing reach, providing the supply-side strength and relationships on which the company expanded in the UK. Subsequently, he was also pivotal in underpinning the establishment of Fastbolt’s German business and its development into the wider European market. In December 1998 Graham was appointed UK managing director, demonstrating his skill in generating equally strong customer relationships throughout the UK and Ireland. Commenting on his decision Graham said: “After nearly 30 years it’s time to put the DIN specs and catalogue on the shelf. It’s been a great journey and I have enjoyed the pleasure of working with a great team of very committed people. I am sure I will miss the banter of colleagues, business partners and the like – I have made so many friends over the years all around the world. I am delighted that Amanda is taking over, there is no doubt that she will do a great job of leading the company.” Amanda True joined Fastbolt in August 1997, with a First Class Honours degree in Mathematics and Management Studies, and was appointed IT director in July 2011. She led the challenging translation to SAP systems technology that now provides the operating platform for Fastbolt’s entire global operation and has continued to support the company’s advancement in commercial technology. “Having spent so many years in the industry and holding the respect of so many, Graham will be a hard act to follow,” she said. “I am, however, delighted to be the new managing director of Fastbolt UK. With the support of a great team of staff and the systems we have in place, and continue to develop, I know we have a promising future ahead of us.” Fastbolt Group managing director, Ekkehard Beermann, reflected on the transition for the UK business. “Graham’s contribution to Fastbolt UK over thirty years is impossible to summarise except to say this company would, without doubt, not be where it is today without his expertise, commitment and dedication.”

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

“However, I am fully convinced that Amanda will prove an excellent choice for the company. Our wholesaler’s life is now very much dominated by the need for efficiency in handling, processing, and data and information management. While we are not seeking to be the biggest in the world we believe there is a lot of potential for doing things smarter than others.” “Amanda’s more than twenty years’ understanding of Fastbolt, her analytical ability, as well as her very strong IT background, will serve as a crucial foundation for her future success. Her genuine and friendly personality will also make it naturally easy to expand her network in the industry. She is highly respected throughout Fastbolt and I am totally convinced she will get 150% support as UK managing director.” Look out for an in-depth interview with Graham in our November issue. www.fastbolt.com

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Two SPIROL facilities achieve IATF 16949:2016 SPIROL International Corporation has announced that two of its manufacturing facilities have recently been certified to IATF 16949:2016.

PIROL Industries in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, manufactures roll formed tubular products including dowel bushings, spring dowels, ground hollow dowels, compression limiters and spacers. SPIROL International Corp in Stow, Ohio, manufactures disc springs, precision shims, custom washers and spacers. In addition to IATF 16949, SPIROL Ohio also holds AS9100 Rev D (aerospace) and NADCAP (aerospace and defense) quality system certifications. IATF 16949 (which stands for International Automotive Task Force) supersedes ISO/TS 16949, the previous technical specification for the quality management systems of the automotive sector. The more stringent IATF 16949 is focused on achieving best practices when designing, developing, manufacturing, installing or servicing automotive products. The updated standard puts extra emphasis on risk-based thinking, process control, and product traceability, to ensure the highest quality and on time delivery for every manufactured lot and shipment. “These industry leading quality system certifications represent the ongoing commitment by the entire organisation at SPIROL to achieve high-quality, high value, flexible and responsive manufacturing and customer service,” said Ken Hagan, division president at SPIROL. www.spirol.co.uk

New COO appointed by NORMA Group The supervisory board of NORMA Group has appointed Dr Friedrich Klein as the company’s new chief operating officer.

r Klein will manage the business operations of NORMA Group SE together with CEO Bernd Kleinhens and CFO Dr Michael Schneider. He will assume his new role on 1st October 2018. Dr Friedrich Klein has many years of experience and expertise in the automotive sector. He joined NORMA Group from Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co KG, a globally active automotive and industrial supplier. As director of the bearing and components technologies division, Dr Klein was responsible for the global development and production of rolling bearings. He was also responsible for restructuring the global production network and expanding production services. “We are delighted that Dr Friedrich Klein has been appointed COO of NORMA Group SE. The supervisory board is confident that Dr Klein will continue the company’s successful growth strategy with his colleagues on the management board. Dr Klein has in-depth industry knowledge in NORMA Group’s fields of operation along with extensive industry experience,” says Lars Magnus Berg, chairman of the supervisory board of NORMA Group SE.

20 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

RSR expanding and paying tribute RSR Fasteners Ltd has taken over the premises and customer base of Heathrow Fasteners Ltd in Feltham, to the west of London, UK, and is also now servicing the customers of Kenton Fasteners Ltd, which was hit by fire earlier in the year.

an Hamilton, RSR managing director, explains: “We have been busy in the last 14 months. Firstly, in May 2017 we took over the premises and customer base of Heathrow Fasteners in Feltham after the retirement of Bob (the bolt) Whenman. Gareth Tomkins has been running our new RSR Fasteners Feltham branch successfully since the takeover with the help of our logistics manager, Nigel Pope. Then in March this year, after the dreadful fire that affected Kenton Fasteners in Greenford, Allan South has joined us with his customer base. His father Bob South has now retired.” Ian adds: “Whilst this has helped RSR to expand and move forward it must be said that the fastener world in the south-east has lost two legends in Bob South and Bob Whenman and we wish them well in their retirement.”

SFS decides on successor for distribution and logistics Iso Raunjak, currently head of central logistics, is taking over from Josef Zünd as head of the SFS distribution and logistics segment on 1st January 2020.

fter 49 successful years at SFS, Josef Zünd will retire in March 2020. In the interests of early planning, the board of directors has chosen Iso to succeed Josef to head the distribution and logistics segment. With Iso Raunjak, the SFS Group falls back on a highly experienced and long-term SFS manager who started his career at SFS in 1992. In his function as head of the distribution and logistics segment, Iso will also become member of the Group executive board on 1 st January 2020. Over the past 20 years, Josef considerably improved the positioning and growth of the distribution and logistics segment. Up to his retirement, Josef will remain head of distribution and logistics and will continue to manage segment strategy and organisation in close collaboration with his successor. The board of directors and the Group executive board would like to thank Josef for his prominent and untiring efforts in building up the distribution and logistics business activities.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Ride of a lifetime

As you read this article our very own Jamie Mitchell, publishing director at Fastener + Fixing Magazine, is taking part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain, which will see him cycle 980 miles over 9 days – along with 800 other participants.

eloitte Ride Across Britain is the UK’s biggest supported Land’s End to John O’Groats bike ride. More than 800 elite and novice cyclists ride from Cornwall to the tip of Scotland, through 23 counties and three countries, in just nine days. Jamie will be raising money for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), which is a neurological disorder that affects adult men and women. “Originally I didn’t sign up for the ride thinking of raising any money. The route looked daunting enough without that added pressure of riding for such a worthwhile cause. However, when I started to work out the numbers and realised I was going to being riding more than 100 miles a day for 9 days straight – which works out to be around 70 hours in the saddle (and it’s not a big saddle) – I thought something that crazy was worth some donations. I lost my mum to MSA over a decade ago, so I know how horrible an illness it can be. It is also a rare condition, so it is great opportunity to raise awareness as well.” Everybody at Fastener + Fixing Magazine wishes Jamie the very best for what is a daunting challenge. If you would like to sponsor Jamie please use the follow link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamie-mitchell10

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

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry A highlight from the Industry News for me this issue was the announcement that British Steel had committed GB£50 million investment to upgrade its wire rod mill in Scunthorpe.

’ve had the pleasure of working quite closely with the team at the Scunthorpe rod mill over a good number of years, primarily to organise educational visits for members of the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors, as well as to research articles for this magazine, and personally learn a lot more about steel making. The visits comprise a presentation about steel making and the wire rod production process, followed by a guided tour of the line and the coil warehouse. I’ve not kept count of how many people have taken the tour, but it has to be close to one hundred and fifty by now – and I am pleased to say that includes every member of the Fastener + Fixing Magazine team. The point of the exercise is to provide a rare opportunity for fastener people, who otherwise do not normally get the chance, to personally witness the scale and complexity of engineering that goes into our products, even before the fastener begins to be formed. BIAFD, incidentally, also organises similar educational visits to fastener manufacturing operations and is looking to widen that scope to other elements of the process chain. Why does it all matter? For me, it is because we are an industry supplying highly engineered products and amidst the pressure of cost downs, the imperative to win the business, and the systemisation of the purchase, sales, and logistical processes, it is far too easy to lose sight of that crucial fact. To see the massive and dramatic production process from which all steel fasteners start is, I know from the faces of those that have taken the tour, a never to be forgotten experience. Little more than a couple of years ago the future of the Scunthorpe steel making operation hung in the balance – until Greybull Capital stepped in to acquire it from Tata Steel. Even then there was surely understandable scepticism on the part of a workforce that had hoped for a new dawn for its industry on many previous occasions. Scunthorpe has long been a steel town – if you don’t work at the steel works, someone in your family will and if not,

you’ll certainly know someone that does. Hence, anxieties over the future radiated far beyond the people directly employed in the massive complex. Perhaps most remarkable is that, despite those concerns, everyone I have encountered there has exuded a deep-rooted pride in what they do – even more so when the British Steel name reappeared above the gates. For well over a decade the wire rod business has worked to squeeze the maximum performance from its assets, pushing quality and dimensions to the very limits of what was achievable. So, to win the approval for such a pivotal project, to seek out and secure the investment to turn it into a reality, and to now begin to see it take shape, is quite extraordinary. Of course, the global steel industry is now, perhaps more than ever, unpredictable and complex. The people in the British Steel wire rod business, however, will shortly be able to re-enter that fray better armed and more confident than for literally decades. That is what I call Good News.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

Fastener manufacturers get inconsistent 232 tariff waiver responses

US fastener manufacturers continue to receive “very inconsistent responses from the US commerce department” related to exclusions from the 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium, according to Industrial Fasteners Institute’s Washington representative Jennifer Baker Reid.

few IFI members applying for a waiver from the tariffs have received “information incomplete” responses from the commerce department, Reid told GlobalFastenerNews.com (GFN). Reid is unaware of any IFI member that has received a waiver for steel. “The commerce department continues to be overwhelmed, the process is inconsistent at best, and tilted to steel industry at worst.” Despite the lacklustre response, companies are reluctant to publicly air concerns if they are awaiting waiver decisions from the commerce department. “If you’re a publicly traded company, you don’t want to be the next Harley-Davidson,” Reid stated. Reid noted that members of Congress have begun to push back against the 232 tariffs by introducing bills to alter the President’s authority under 232 to levy tariffs. But politics my delay those efforts. “Concern has grown in Congress, but I think it will be very difficult to get a tariff bill passed before the midterm elections,” Reid told GFN.

26 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Reid urged fastener companies to provide Congress “real examples of real companies in real pain,” but she acknowledged that many companies are uncomfortable making public statements. Unlike the 201 tariffs former President George W. Bush imposed in 2002, the 232 tariffs under Trump have no specified review or sunset clause. “My gut tells me we will need to convince the Administration to lift the tariffs,” Reid stated. Reid said negotiations with other countries may have a more immediate effect on Trump’s 232 tariffs. “I don’t see the EU agreeing to a trade deal that doesn’t address steel and aluminium tariffs,” Reid said. “Frankly I can’t see Canada or Mexico doing that either.” Reid said she is encouraged by Trump’s decision to delay auto tariffs with EU automakers, while the countries pursue further negotiations.

NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

“I don’t see the EU agreeing to a trade deal that doesn’t address steel and aluminium tariffs. Frankly I can’t see Canada or Mexico doing that either.” She warned that the US has not fully felt the impact of the 232 tariffs. Some companies have been insulated from the impact by year long contracts, but that’s rapidly coming to an end. “The US is an island of high steel prices right now,” Reid told GFN. “The overall healthy economy is masking the pain of these tariffs, but I don’t know how long that will stay the case.” The issue is not limited to imported steel. “Domestic prices have jumped,” Reid noted. “Your prices are up no matter what.” Reid said domestic companies might still be able to source imported product with the tariff and still pay less than buying domestic. “We may have created a situation where the US government is incentivising businesses to import products,” Reid told GFN. But some fastener manufacturers, especially automotive and aerospace companies, can’t simply shop around; their OEMs would need to approve their suppliers.

US steelmakers have strong influence

Both Nucor Corp and United States Steel have objected to 1,600 exemption requests filed with the commerce department, the New York Times (NYT) reports. “To date, their efforts have never failed, resulting in denials for companies that are based in the United States but rely on imported pipes, screws, wire and other foreign steel products for their supply chains,” writes NYT reporter Jim Tankersley. US companies have filed more than 20,000 requests for steel tariff exemptions, with 639 being denied by the commerce department to date. The majority of those waiver requests awaits a decision. Half of those denials came in cases where US Steel, Nucor or AK Steel Holding Corp filed an objection, a NYT analysis shows. Nearly all of the rest were in cases where the company applying for an exclusion erred in its submission. Department officials told NYT that they have not granted a single steel exclusion request that drew an objection.

28 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

US fastener manufacturers respond

Sara Mallo of Rotor Clip was blunt in her assessment of the 232 tariff waiver process: “This is a nightmare and a work in process right now. We will have to pass on to customers if this continues, in order to remain a viable source.” “Steel is our #1 cost driver, so this tariff has had an initial impact on our direct costs,” Mark Quebbeman of Semblex Corp told GFN. “Lead times for alloy steel and carbon steel have had minimal effect for now, but this will change if expected material allocation starts to consistently occur.” Regarding passing costs increases on to customers, Quebbeman said: “We are working on this now with our customers and are optimistic we can develop solutions with them. Some of these solutions are already in place and some are pending.” Quebbeman said Semblex continues to book “significant” new business. “However, it is still early; the tariff has essentially been in place for only 60 days.” ISSCO Inc/BTM Manufacturing president, Jake Davis, told GFN he is receiving price increase notifications from prominent suppliers. “This is certainly a very volatile time within the industry. I have had some tough conversations with a couple of our larger customers, as they are trying to figure our price points for their products as 2019 seems to be right around the corner. At the moment, the only thing the tariffs have affected is our costs. Lead times remain stable.” Davis said most customers are not surprised to see price increases.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

US may hike Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods to 25% The Office of the US Trade Representative announced that the Section 301 duty to be imposed on US$200 billion worth of Chinese goods, including fasteners, may be 25% instead of 10% as announced on 10th July.

he hike in the tariff rate was prompted by President Donald Trump, who directed US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to increase it. “The increase in the possible rate of the additional duty is intended to provide the Administration with additional options to encourage China to change its harmful policies and behaviour and adopt policies that will lead to fairer markets and prosperity for all of our citizens,” Lighthizer stated. If implemented, the 25% duty on imports from China would be the third round of Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods imposed by the Trump administration. Trump has said the tariffs are in response to China’s unfair trade practices. China announced it would hit about US$291 billion in the first half of 2018, despite President Trump’s efforts to reduce it, and is on track to be the highest in a decade. Fasteners are listed among the 6,031 tariff codes that would be taxed if the 25% duties are implemented by the US. The tariff appears to apply to nearly all fasteners imported from China.

Machinery expo returning in 2019 – in conjunction with InterWire International Fastener Manufacturing Exposition (IFME), a fastener machinery trade show, will return as an independent event in 2019.

FME will be held from 14th – 16th May 2019 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The International Fastener Machinery & Suppliers Association (IFMSA) announced the rebranded trade show will focus on fasteners and precision formed parts machinery. It will be in conjunction with the Wire Association International’s biennial InterWire. Since 2012, IFMSA has been working with the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas. Now using the IFE name, the autumn 2018 Las Vegas trade show is adding a Machinery & Tooling preview day. An international fastener machinery show is held in conjunction with the biennial wire® Düsseldorf in Germany. It will next be in 2020. In addition to Las Vegas, two other US events known more as distribution trade shows have attempted some level of machinery sections: Fastener Tech and Fastener Fair USA. IFME will invite fastener manufacturers, including automotive, aviation/aerospace, military, appliance, communications, energy, marine, furnishings, medical, construction, electronics, MRO and heavy equipment. IFME noted the “unparalleled manufacturing renaissance and resurgence taking place across the United States,” is creating an increased demand for domestic fasteners and precision formed parts. “As such, there is a demonstrated need for a dedicated event

30 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

for key suppliers of machinery, materials, tooling, controls, systems, and supplies, to display and demonstrate their products, equipment and services to an active, buying audience of manufacturers.” “Although IFME is a new launch, we have been organizing successful exhibitions concentrating on the machinery aspect of the fastener industry for over 35 years,” Ray Zirkle, IFMSA executive director, noted. “The name of this new event reflects our focus on and dedication to providing the machinery manufacturers a much higher profile than may be available elsewhere.” Zirkle said the co-location with InterWire in Atlanta is based on previous successful co-locations and the synergy between the fastener and wire industries. Reed Machinery president, Jim Flanagan, described the “reunion of IFME with InterWire in Atlanta as an exciting development. The show will provide a needed and focused event for meeting with US manufacturers of fasteners and precision formed parts”. The first IFE was held in 1983 in Atlanta. Successor shows have been held in Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta and Las Vegas. In 2017, Emerald Expositions took the IFE name instead of NIFMSE for the Las Vegas trade show. The machinery show management decided to add ‘Machinery’ to its original IFE name to avoid confusion with Las Vegas. IFME-fastener-mfg-expo.com

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES A family owned business since 1955, ND Industries specializes in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies. ND serves a global market with divisions in the continental US, facilities in Taiwan and China, and licensees around the world. ND’s core business revolves around the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid in functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND also manufactures a line of bottled products under the Vibra-Tite® brand name for MRO and retail use.

ELECTROLOC™ High strength encapsulated epoxy threadlocker for use in electrical systems where low halogen materials are necessary. Contains small micrometer microcaps which reduce material extrusion on installation.

EXPAND-A-SLEEVE™ Extruded ND Mastics are pre-applied to fasteners (threaded or nonthreaded), bound for e-cote cycles. Heat from the process causes the material to expand, sealing large leak paths between fastener and assembly.

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

Fixing Union drafts new national standards for anchors Discussions on drafts of national standards, developed by the Union of Manufacturers and Suppliers of Fastening Systems started on 27th July 2018. The draft standards, for which there are no international or regional analogues, are: GOST R ‘Plastic anchors for fastening in concrete and masonry. Test methods. Definition of normalised parameters’. GOST R ‘Reinforcement rebar, installed in concrete. Test methods’. GOST R ‘Mechanical anchors, adhesive anchors for fastening in concrete in seismic regions. Test methods’.

Beloretsk MK increases production of high margin products The Beloretsk Metallurgical Plant (BMK), a part of Mechel Group, shipped 15% more hardware in June 2018 than the same month last year.

n June, BMK sold more than 41,000 tonnes of metal products. The plant has increased supply of products to domestic companies in the oil and gas, machine building, automotive and construction industries. The biggest growth was in steel wire for the production of ball bearing components – for which sales doubled year-on-year. The output of calibrated rolled wire for manufacturing various types of fasteners increased 1.5 times. The shipment of steel reinforcement strands used in industrial and civil construction grew by 32%, while welding alloy wire for surfacing and welding of metal structures in the machine building, bridge building, and automotive industries increased by 26%. The sale of high strength wire for reinforced concrete products (ZHBK) increased by 24%. The sales of steel ropes for the oil and gas industry and general purpose for lifting equipment and mechanisms grew by 12%.

32 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Upgrade kit supplied to Kalininskaya NPP The Central Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering, part of the Rosatom machine building division ‘Atomenergomash’, shipped further equipment for the Kalininskaya nuclear power plant in Tver region.

he upgrade kit for the main circulating pumps GTSN-195M, includes the hull housing, the gaskets and fastenings for the main connector (studs, nuts, washers, bushings), the seal unit, and sets of flanges. The parts will be used for preventative maintenance of pumping equipment on the third and fourth power units. One of the most important parts of the primary circuit pump is the main connector – the fixing point for the pump outlet and the spherical housing. To ensure security of the joint, which is subject to pressure of more than 150 atmospheres and operating temperatures of more than 300°C, each stud is tightened with a force of several tens of tonnes, and the total tightening force is around 3,000 tonnes.

RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

Aluminum-Expo scheduled for 2019 Next year, Russia launches a new project, the international specialised exhibition Aluminum-Expo.

eld in Moscow in the Expocentre Exhibition Center from 14th – 17 th May 2019, the event will bring together leading participants from the aluminium market on a distinctive platform. Russian and foreign companies engaged in the production, processing and supply of aluminium, as well as manufacturers of aluminium products, and distributors of equipment, will present their production capabilities. Developers of technologies and solutions will be able to present their achievements to a wide range of consumers from various industries. Aluminum-Expo is a joint project of Metal-Expo (Russia) and Messe Düsseldorf (Germany) with the participation of the Aluminium Association (Russia). The main goal of the exhibition is to stimulate growth of domestic consumption of aluminium products, as well as to introduce the best practices of using aluminium alloys in various industries including construction and transport engineering.

Soudal appoints new CEO for Russia Soudal, the world’s largest manufacturer of polyurethane foams and a leading supplier of sealants, adhesives and roofing materials, has announced the appointment of a new CEO in Russia.

n June 2018 Vladislav Beletsky was appointed general director of Soudal LLC. Vladislav has 18 years of commercial and managerial experience, acquired in several international organisations. After ten years successful service as CEO of Soudal LLC, Jaman Tomáš will continue his career in a senior position at the Soudal headquarters for eastern and central Europe.

Europartner adds clamping bands In June, the Europartner plant in St Petersburg commenced production of a new range of clamping bands for fixing pipes and cables.

he PRNT strap holder is attached to the wall using a plug and screw, after which the pipe or cable is tightened with a strap. The new PRNT fastener is available in three colours (black, white and grey) and has two sizes for different cable diameters. Europartner was established in 2001 as a licensed manufacturer of nylon fixing products and now offers more than 70 fixing products in polyamide, polypropylene and polyethylene.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

New wire and fastener production for MMK-Metiz A new facility for production of high carbon wire and steel ropes was opened by Magnitogorsk Hardware Plant (MMK-Metiz) with further expansion scheduled by the end of 2018.

he project represented an investment of more than 1.5 billion rubles. The first stage, including new European manufactured thermal grinding units, drawing mills, as well as spinning and rope machines, is already in operation. Total production output will exceed 43,000 tonnes annually. The new equipment will allow the plant to improve wire quality and develop new types of wire ropes, and the second phase is planned to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2018. To expand its production of self-drilling screws, the plant has also introduced new cold formers, thread rollers, a drill

34 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

forming machine and packaging line – all supplied by Taiwanese equipment manufacturers. The machines provide capacity to manufacture fasteners to DIN standards in the M6 to M12 diameter range, for use in construction and engineering applications. Ranges include round head and carriage bolts, socket screws, and collar nuts. In the third quarter 2018, the company will also bring a new thermo chemical treatment and phosphating line on stream, which will allow it to increase its output of drywall, self-drilling and universal wood screws, as well as nails for use with plastic wall plugs.

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ASIAN NEWS We’re starting this issue’s Asian News by welcoming a new, and exclusive for Europe, news partner from India – the Fastener Association of India, which has provided our first three reports.

Paragon acquires Kuduma Fasteners Bengaluru-based manufacturer of precision fasteners, Paragon Fasteners, has acquired Kuduma Fasteners Pvt Ltd, which produces high-tensile fasteners and cold headed components for automotive and industrial applications.

uduma Fasteners is a tier 1 vendor to many southern India-based major automotive companies with more than three decades of experience in the Indian fastener industry. The company has an in-house state of the art continuous heat treatment furnace along with a wire processing facility, which provides it with an installed capacity of 300 tonnes a month. Almost all if its machinery is from Taiwan, including its multistation bolt formers with a range from M4 to M16, and up to 250mm in length. The acquisition of Kuduma has added another feather to Paragon’s cap with the major strategic advantage of this advanced production facility. Its in-house heat treatment and wire treatment capabilities also offer the potential to enhance the new group’s bottom line. The highly experienced VS Venkatraman will head a competent and dedicated workforce.

Sundram Fasteners plans on growing exports Sundram Fasteners Ltd is aiming towards growing its exports in the next five years to half of its total business, according to Joint Managing Director Arathi Krishna.

urrently, exports account for about a third of the company’s business. “Out of our 30% export portfolio, about 80% is to North American automotive companies, and we would look to expand our business more there in the coming years,” she said. The five decade old company, which supplies fasteners to all the major vehicle manufacturers, is working closely with most electric vehicle manufacturers to understand the shift towards hybrid electric vehicles. “Up to 30% of Sundram’s portfolio would be affected by an overnight shift to electric vehicles, but hybridisation to electric will take a while,” stated Arathi. Adding that a sizeable transition from traditional motor engines to low carbon electric mobility will happen only by 2040.

36 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Established in 1996, with a small capacity for making precision fasteners, Paragon Fasteners today boasts a large capacity and range to produce precision fasteners in both ferrous and non-ferrous metals – catering to major OEMs in automotive, machine manufacturing, electronics, electrical, and furniture manufacturing. Over the years the company has acquired some big names in the industry, such as Kadimi’s Fasteners Unit (2001), Electronic Fasteners (2008), and Eka Engg Technics (2011-12). The acquisition of Kuduma is the biggest to date. Dilip Sheth, CEO at Paragon Fasteners, commented: “The acquisition of Kuduma has been a long-standing dream for us. With this, Paragon has carved a niche for itself with the largest range of standard and custom-made import substitute cold forged fasteners and an in-house heat treatment unit and a wire drawing unit.”

Roaring success for Fastener Fair India 2018 Fastener Fair India 2018, India’s premier exhibition for fastener and fixing technology – held in New Delhi for the second time on 18th – 19th May 2018, turned out to be a highly successful affair.

he two day event played gracious host to 140 companies, which exhibited their innovations to a 3,316 strong qualified audience, a significant 30% more than the previous edition. While most exhibitors were India-based companies, the event also witnessed international participation from China, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Turkey. The exhibitors showcased a comprehensive range of industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services, fastener manufacturing technology and construction fixings. The event attracted visitors from many key industry sectors including mechanical engineering, automotive and hardware retailing. Distributors, wholesalers and retailers were also in attendance. The next and seventh edition of Fastener Fair India will be held on 25th – 26th April 2019 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai.

ASIAN NEWS

Taiwanese 2018 H1 exports set new records Fastener World Magazine reports that Taiwanese fastener exporters did well in the first half of 2018, setting new records in export volume, price and value.

xport volume of fasteners including steel nails, for the first six months of the year, reached 830,299 tonnes – 5.65% up on the same period 2017. Export value totalled US$2.379 billion (€2 billion), a significant increase of 16.89%. This meant the average export price per kilogram increased by 10.63% to US$2.866/kg. The new record levels are credited by Fastener World to a combination of factors – the growth of American and European economies, coupled with increased demand in overseas markets, plus increased wire rod costs from China Steel Corporation. The magazine expects the full year performance to have a good chance of raising the bar further. At 322,817 tonnes, 40% of export volume went to the United States – a 3.85% increase over the same period 2017. By value the USA represented 38% of exports at US$904 million, up 14.8% year-on-year. Germany represented the largest European volume importer, receiving 77,863 tonnes, a 6.62% volume growth worth US$228.4 million. The Netherlands ranked third in Taiwan fastener exports, representing 5.78% of total tonnage, at 47,997 tonnes, worth US$136.6 million. The UK was sixth in the ranking following Japan and Canada, at 28,542 tonnes, a decline of 8.68% compared with the first half 2017. However, value increased 3% to US$88.8 million. Ranked seven to ten were Italy (21,556 tonnes, +15.6%), Poland (18,101 tonnes, -2.76%), Switzerland (15,539 tonnes, -7.27%) and Spain (14,524 tonnes, +8.81%).

Revenue ranking for Taiwanese fastener companies Fastener World Magazine researched the revenues and growth of major Taiwanese fastener companies and published the following table of its results. Ranking Company 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Ta Chen International QST International Chun Yu Works Tycoons Group Tong Ming Enterprise San Shing Fastech Tycoons Worldwide Group Boltun Corporation Lu Chu Shin Yee Tong Hwei Enterprise Jau Yeou Industry Rodex Fasteners Intai Technology National Aerospace Fasteners Corporation Min Hwei Enterprise Chun Zu Machinery Sumeeko Ind Sheh Fung Screws Fwu Kuang Enterprises

Revenue (billion NT$) 64.425 10.345 8.997 7.834 7.593 7.259 6.84 6.55 3.682 3.465 2.68 2.447 1.814 1.748 1.591 1.488 1.337 1.087 1.085

38 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Revenue growth (%) 34.92 3.28 4.4 12.46 26.57 6.73 21.19 9.46 15.86 7.78 10.61 10.47 -11.64 6.78 31.6 0.88 4.45 -2.77 -6.47

Some 53% of export volume was in the CN code 73185900, other screws and bolts, followed by nuts (18.7%), self-drilling screws (12.7%), and wood screws (5.3%). In a separate report Fastener World notes that the Taiwanese fastener industry has been very active in recent years in transforming its business to the development of products with higher added value. For screws in particular the percentage of automotive fasteners is expected to increase by 5% this year, although the magazine acknowledges volumes are not as high as from China. The average per kilo value of automotive fasteners from Taiwan is estimated to be US$3.8/kg, some 35% higher than the average for general fasteners and parts. Fastener World credits China Steel Corporation as playing a major role in supply wire rod of consistently high-quality and also notes that MIRDC (the Metals Industry Research and Development Centre) is also key in developing excellent inspection and surface treatment capabilities and technology.

China’s Hebei province commits to pollution crackdown Chinese official news agency Xinhua reports that China’s northern province of Hebei will cap its steel capacity to 200 million tonnes by 2020 to combat air pollution.

f implemented as planned the commitment will take 39 million tonnes of capacity out of the province from 2017 levels and represent a reduction of more than 37% since 2011. The move comes alongside crackdowns on other highly polluting heavy industries. The announcement indicates the probability of further wide reaching Chinese government actions on pollution likely to once again influence both capacity and cost of Chinese fastener production.

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

Brazil can become competitive In a July article in Revista do Parafuso, Fernando Kai Jr, CEO of Chun Zu Machinery’s unit in Brazil, outlined some reasons to expect an increase in local production of fasteners and autoparts.

he Brazilian executive pointed to improvements in the industrial environment that have already happened and reckoned – albeit with a little caution, of course – that next year’s results will reflect a further improvement. The main reason is because highly competitive global players currently face severe price increases in raw material such as wire rod. “In January 2016 the wire rod price from China was US$380 per/tonne CIF to Brazil, due to the strict anti-pollution controls implemented by the Chinese government. Chinese steel mills reduced operations to 50% of their capacity, unleashing from March 2016 significant increases in their prices, pushing the current CIF to Brazil price to US$830/tonne. In addition, many Chinese

services companies, including for the heat and surface treatment sector, were closed, and the survivors face elevated operational costs – generating higher prices to fasteners, auto parts and other manufacturers,” said Kai. “Another relevant point can be found in freight, previously at US$800 but currently orbiting around US$2,800. Another factor that reinforces Brazilian production is the depreciation of the Real, mainly due to increased US Federal Reserve interest rates (in mid August US$1 sold for BRL3.90). However, Brazil industry also depends on local consumption, which is still weakened, since the 2015/2016 economic crisis,” he concluded.

Opportunities on land and in the air

ABIMAQ/Sindimaq has new chairman

Recent data from industry associations representing the Brazilian wind power and automotive sectors demonstrates strong growth in the first half of 2018, providing positive business environments for fastener suppliers.

On 9th August 2018, João Marchesan – director of Tatu Marchesan, the Brazilian manufacturer of machinery and equipment for agribusiness – became president of ABIMAQ (The Brazilian Machinery Builders Association).

BEEólica (the local wind power association) says Brazil has today around 13.5 gigawatts of installed capacity, reflecting a 16% growth over 2017. The Global Energy Council (GWEC) now ranks Brazil eighth in world energy production. For the automotive sector, Brazilian Automaker Association ANFAVEA released a report showing the first semester ended with production 17.7% higher than the same period in 2017. If this scenario continues, Brazil will easily surpass the three million cars produced last year. Looking at truck and bus, the last semester of output closed at 76,156 units, 37.55% higher than 2017. Motorcycle production reached 590,961 units during the first six months, 35.11% higher. These sectors currently offer a good route for investors interested in entering Brazil, especially now that the currency has depreciated and has the perspective to continue so for a long time.

40 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

ith a commitment to strengthen Brazilian industry, Tatu emphasised: “National reindustrialisation is my focus for the next four years.” Marchesan also took on the leadership of Sindimaq, the national union of the machinery industry. During 2017 sector revenues were around US$17.21 billion (€14.8 billion), of which US$9 billion was exported. Imports were valued at US$12.77 billion (€11 billion). Marchesan pointed out the actions needed to improve the performance of local industry as “balanced public accounts, competitive exchange rates, availability of investment, low interest rates and structural reforms”. These things everyone knows, but nothing is done. As Gordon Gekko said in the movie Wall Street: “Tell me something I don’t already know. ”

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Ambrovit: Continuing its development

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

mbrovit has continued its technical development as a business with the introduction of automated storage for incoming goods. This enables arriving pallets to be quickly added to the system and automatically transported to the automated high bay warehouse – resulting in the flow of products becoming even faster and more efficient. “It is important as a business you are able to be flexible, so it is easier to follow the needs of the market and customers,” comments Ambrovit. “After doubling the size of the automated warehouse in 2016 to 44,000 pallets – and with the installation of 8 Mlog trasloelevators, plus a 2,000 pallet mini-load system – we are able to process 5,000 order lines per day and ship within 24/48 hours. However, we soon realised that whilst we could quickly and efficiently send out orders, there was a bottleneck at incoming goods and getting the pallets into the system. That is why we decided to invest and automate incoming goods, so we could streamline the overall process.”

Supplying reliability

Ambrovit has grown its product range based on the experience within the company, and now offers a catalogue containing a range of over 12,000 products including hex lag screws, drywall screws, carpentry screws, chipboard screws, self-drilling screws, concrete screws, as well as a wide range of nuts, washers and bolts. They are available in various sizes ranging from 2mm to 30mm in diameter and 4mm to 600mm in length. The products are also available in different finishes and galvanic treatments and have CE Marking, with Ambrovit investing in further certifications to guarantee good quality products. “The number of different products we are able to offer for immediate dispatch places us amongst the top suppliers within Europe,” states Ambrovit. “We look to keep our catalogue constantly updated with new products, and we will introduce a new version in the first quarter of 2019.”

44 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Guaranteed quality

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

Bespoke packaging

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

Targeting the future

Ambrovit’s plan for the future is to continue on its path of growth, focusing on the constant improvement of its structures, strategies and products. “We consider that the greatest challenge we will face in the future is to be increasingly reliable and available to our customers,” states Ambrovit. “We are very satisfied with the current situation, but we will continue to work to find every new opportunity for improvement.” Thanks to its commercial network of distributors and agents, working in a variety of countries, Ambrovit has been able to establish a presence throughout Europe, including eastern Europe, and it is continuing to evaluate the new markets that show interest in the company and its products. Its network of efficient international shippers also means that the company can cover outside of Europe, with each shipment monitored from dispatch to delivery, ensuring that products reach customers on time. “All the markets are evolving, demanding quality, high performance products that are ever more helpful in the multiple phases of work in all the sectors of use,” points out the company. “It is important that whilst you are constantly aiming at the future, you are also aware that we are currently living through times of rapid change and ensuring you are delivering the products and service customers need.” It is thanks to this foresight, as well as its vast experience of guaranteeing customers an immediate supply of more than 12,000 items – delivered at the times specified and at competitive prices, that Ambrovit has been able to establish itself as a trusted supplier within the fastener and fixing market and will continue to look to become a byword for fastening systems for years to come.” www.ambrovit.it

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 45

MADE IN ITALY

Good prospects for Italian capital goods sector At its annual meeting FEDERMACCHINE, the federation representing Italian capital goods manufacturers, reported healthy sales growth in 2017 and good prospects for 2018 – providing encouraging signs for fastener companies and other suppliers.

n 2017, the sales of the Italian industry of capital goods totalled €46.6 billion, reflecting a 9.7% increase over the previous year – driven primarily by lively domestic demand for investment goods. Reporting to the AGM, President Sandro Salmoiraghji noted that all thirteen sectors covered by FEDERMACCHINE reported increased turnover. Supported by government depreciation incentive programmes, domestic consumption increased 11.6% year-on-year to €24 billion. Deliveries to domestic customers from Italian manufacturers grew 14.3% to €14.9 billion. Imports increased 7.6% year-on-year. After a rather stagnant 2016, exports started to rise considerably last year, growing 7.6% to €31.8 billion. The main destination markets were: Germany (€3.4 billion, +8.1%), the United States (€3 billion, +2.6%), China (€2.1 billion, +14%), France (€2.1 billion, +5.5%) and Spain (€1.3 billion, +7.6%). Italian exports to the ASEAN economic area have also grown consistently over the last four years, reaching €1.1 billion in 2017 –20% higher than in 2013. Despite healthy growth, the proportion of exports actually decreased one percentage point to 68% in 2017, a further indication that “Italian manufacturing has finally resumed investing in production technology”. In 2017 the mechanical machinery sector, including the capital goods produced by FEDERMACCHINE members, provided the highest contribution to Italy’s trade surplus of €47.3 billion. 2018 is also expected to be positive for the sector, according to forecasts from FEDERMACCHINE’s statistical working group. Turnover is forecast to grow 5.8%, to €49 billion, with exports increasing 5%, to €33.3 billion. Domestic consumption is expected to reach €26 billion, a 7.1% increase on 2017 figures, with domestic deliveries increasing 7.5% to €16 billion. FEDERMACCHINE also expects imports to rise 6.4%, to €9.8 billion. “The recovery of the domestic market,” said Mr Salmoiraghi, “proves that the ‘super’ and ‘hyper’ depreciation provisions have been working well, but if we wish to keep on playing a leading role in the international scenario, we can’t stop just now. We have to step on the throttle of innovation”. He emphasised the importance for

46 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

SMEs to start investment, looking for real organisation revolutions to take advantage of Industry 4.0. FEDERMACCHINE is therefore requesting continued depreciation support plus an extension of tax credit provisions, and reduction in bureaucracy, to incentivise business to focus on upgrading employees’ skills and encouraging new people resources into the sector. Mr Salmoiraghi noted that the sector is expected to increase employment levels by 0.7% in 2018 to 193,000. On a less positive note, Mr Salmoiraghi, also referred to the growing complexity of international trade relationships and increasingly protectionist policies in key destination markets for FEDERMACCHINE members, including the United States, Russia, China and the United Kingdom. “Unfortunately, distrust is growing even with European countries,” he added. “We, the Italian manufacturers of capital goods, travel far and wide, going from one time zone to another. We need to have our house not only in Italy, but also in Europe. We need a free and open market, more than before, and a strong European Union for a strong Italy.”

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MADE IN ITALY

Brugola: Spirit of excellence

In Italy the name Brugola has long been synonymous with internal hexagonal parts, the company having first patented the hexagon socket head bolt with spiral shank in 1945. Here Editor Will Lowry speaks with President Jody Brugola about the development of the family company and how it established itself as a crucial supplier of critical components for the automotive market.

rugola OEB was founded in 1926 in Lissone, to the north of Milan, born of the technical expertise of its founder, Egidio Brugola. Originally a factory producing washers and special engine rings, it soon diversified and expanded its production into the fastener sector and hexagon socket bolts. In 1945 Egidio patented the hexagon socket head bolt with spiral shank, which was to catapult the company name to international fame. “Not many people in Italy realise the name Brugola comes from our company and is an invention by my grandfather,” explains Jody. “He did not have any degrees or training, but he understood how things worked and the critical importance of being precise – especially when it came to mechanical processes. He was always attracted to very complicated pieces that were unusual. This is when he invented the Brugola screw, which was a lot easier to use than other components at the time, especially in very small sizes for any kind of usage.” In 1959 Egidio Brugola passed away, with his son Giannantonio Brugola (Jody’s father) becoming president of the company – aged just 21. “When my father took over he changed the commercial view of the business and decided to have a much more mass production focus on the Brugola screw,” mentions Jody. “In addition to renewing the production, he also reorganised the company and placed greater emphasis on sales and marketing, which helped the business to further grow its markets.” At the beginning of the 1980s, Giannantonio approached automotive OEMs about the possibility of supplying specialised products with zero defects. “In the mid 1980s automotive OEMs had a lot of trouble on production lines regarding fasteners and the robots used to assemble the parts,” says Jody. “Through our production capabilities, and unique know-how, we were able to show them

48 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

zero defects supply was possible. A key factor in this was our bespoke sorting machines with cameras, which were capable of identifying the defects before the products were sent to the customer. Sorting machines are very common in the market now, but at the time it was a huge advantage and resulted in us becoming the sole supplier of engine head assembly bolts for a large German automotive OEM.” By the 1990s, Brugola had developed its range of products to focus solely on special fasteners – especially for the engine, which enabled the company to become a key supplier to several automotive OEMs around the world. In this way Brugola became a reference point for critical bolts within the industry, and a world leader in engine cylinder head bolts. “Ever since we started to specialise in critical fasteners we have experienced huge growth,” states Jody. “The reason is these critical fasteners are difficult to produce because of their very strict tolerances. Also, through our partnership with the automotive OEMs, we gained their trust, providing the opportunity to become a single plant provider for some of their engines. Now one engine out of four, produced anywhere in the world, uses our cylinder head bolts. That works out to around 260 million cylinder head bolts every year.”

One engine out of four, produced anywhere in the world, uses Brugola cylinder head bolts

Four production sites in Italy enable Brugola to produce over 7 million parts per day

The Brugola business very evidently runs through Jody’s veins – hardly a surprise having grown up around the family company. “I’ve always been into the business. When I was a child, around six or seven, my father used to bring me into the factory on a Sunday and show me exactly what he was doing. At the age of 13 – 14, during the summer holidays, I would go with him around the world visiting companies, which was a great experience.” Jody officially joined the company at the age of 21, learning all about the business, before leaving at the age of 24 to gain broader experiences. However, he returned at the end of 2011, at the age of 32, to take on the responsibility of vice-president. At the end of February 2015, Jody’s father died at the age of 73. “I became president then, but realistically I had been running the company since becoming vice-president, as my father had not been very well,” explains Jody. “During his 51 years as president my father’s mission was always to be one step ahead of the competitors. He came up with the slogan ‘spirit of excellence’ because, when he first went to visit the automotive OEMs, it was clear we were able to develop and produce parts other companies had said were impossible. Ever since, as a business we have thrown our heart at every challenge, to provide what the clients ask of us.”

Passionate about quality

Jody is emphatic that a big part of Brugola’s success has been its complete commitment to the very highest quality. “We have to use the best technology, the best steel, and our workers must have extensive knowledge of the production process – to produce the high-quality parts for which we are globally renowned. There are a lot of secrets we have developed over our 92 year history, which has helped us to reach the perfect balance for even the smallest parameters.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 49

MADE IN ITALY Brugola has four production sites in Lissone, with a vast range of capabilities – enabling it to produce over 7 million parts a day. Through strong investment the company ensures it is always up to date with leading edge technology, targeted at the highest levels of productivity as well as cost optimisation. The ultimate aim is always to achieve increasingly stringent quality requirements. “We are always developing our processes and investing in machinery to guarantee a high and consistent performance,” points out Jody. “We have highly automated production processes. A prime example is our heat treatment department, where we have five fully automatic lines that enable us to control the process for all products. Heat treatment is undoubtedly one of the crucial elements of the entire process. It gives the parts the resistance and strength demanded by the applications, which is why we have invested heavily in this area. Since the company was founded, we have proudly developed and produced to only the highest standards and through our Lean manufacturing capabilities and investment, as well as continuous improvement as a mandatory guideline, we will continue to follow this philosophy.”

Targeting the USA

In 2015 Brugola took the next step in its growth by setting up a production plant in Michigan, USA. “Since 2003 we had been shipping critical parts to the United States for an engine in a particular US car model,” explains Jody. “We realised that whilst the customer was happy with the service and product we were supplying, there was an opportunity to increase quantities as the customer had just relocated production of another model we supplied from Spain to the USA. This would have meant production and shipments to the USA doubling, increasing our transport costs significantly. That is why we decided to set up a production plant within the USA.”

Brugola’s US production plant in Michigan was opened in 2015

50 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Within only three years the US operation has reached 90% of the output previously produced in Italy, whilst still ensuring consistent quality products. “We brought our know-how and technology to the USA and we are already seeing the benefits,” states Jody. “In fact, the US company will grow even further as we are about to start supplying another automotive OEM customer within the US.” Introducing the US operation also helped create extra capacity within the Italian operations. “When we opened the US site we did not cut any jobs at our Italian operations,” says Jody. “Instead we used that extra capacity to bring in new business from existing customers, as well as to work on further projects with new customers.” Another major market for Brugola in the future will be Asia. “We have been working very hard building relationships with key Asian markets, such as China, Japan, South Korea and India,” mentions Jody. “I am confident within the next 24 months we will have started cooperations with key automotive OEMs within Asia. Our goal over the next five years is to become a truly global company and not just produce parts for the engine, but also become producers for the entire car – working with the European, US and Asian markets.”

Brugola has five fully automatic heat treatment lines

Unique know-how

Jody is clear a key success factor over the last 92 years has been the knowledge and experience within the company. “We have operators with real depth of experience and I constantly tell them how important they are as part of the overall process. Somebody who knows the processes and products intimately can ensure the parts are being produced to the highest standards. Working on cold heading machines and threading machines requires both skill and experience. We believe everybody needs to have that knowledge of the production, whether they are operators or managers, and are able to ‘get their hands dirty’ if necessary.” Jody adds: “A problem we are facing, which I believe is true across the industry, is that the next generation is not necessarily coming through to take on that knowledge. That is why we’re very focused on training the younger generation. I still believe there are some who are willing to learn and develop their skills, but it is up to us to help them.”

Close relationships

Being involved so closely with automotive OEMs means Brugola has been in a unique position to see and respond to the key trends within the automotive industry over the last 20 years. “The most noticeable trend from our point of view has been the downsizing of the engines,” explains Jody. “What was previously a V8 engine is now a V6, and what was a V6 is now a V4. There are also a lot of three-cylinder engines on the market now. Thanks to our close relationship with customers we have been able to work with them on these new engines and ensure we continue to supply perfect bolting solutions.”

Brugola OEB Industriale SpA Established: 1926 Employees: 300+ Operations: Italy – 4 production sites, 1 logistics centre USA – 1 production site Worldwide – 11 logistics centres

“Over the last 25 years we have worked closely with our automotive customers to understand their needs and provide solutions. Sometimes customers will come to us with an idea regarding parts – maybe higher resistance or smaller – and we tell them whether it is feasible. We can do this thanks to the experience and the know-how we have and our production capability.” As for new developments, a big topic within the automotive market is e-mobility, which has the potential to significantly impact Brugola’s business. So, what is the company’s strategy for the future? “I think the next 3 or 4 years will be crucial to understanding what will happen with electric vehicles. Personally, I believe the best solution for the next 10 – 15 years will be hybrid systems. However, a big consideration will be whether somebody is able to design a battery that will recharge quickly (within 15 minutes) and offer an increased range (600km plus). Another significant factor is whether people will really adapt to the new e-mobility solutions. A lot of people that like cars, like engines, and like to hear a certain kind of sound.” Jody concludes: “I’ve always been focused on tomorrow in the automotive industry and through our commitment to ‘spirit of excellence’ we are ready to be a supplier for our customers, whether it is the engine, the body, all that it takes to build a car. We will also continue to invest in new technologies that will enable us to automate our production and take special care, and control, of the prices. Most importantly we will keep the values, beliefs and ideas that we have developed successfully over three generations.” www.brugola.com

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MADE IN ITALY

Mustad: Experience in quality A family owned company, Mustad SpA has over 100 years’ experience of producing quality and technically advanced screws – producing 3 billion screws annually.

ustad comprises of two manufacturing plants based in the north-west of Italy, close to Turin, and is able to produce a wide range of products – with specific and different characteristics – in order to maximise performance in a variety of materials. “At Mustad we produce a lot of products – chipboard screws, screws for PVC, self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws, screws for roofing and cladding, screws for metal and wood structures, plus a lot of special items,” explains Marco Eriksson, general manager at Mustad. “We have in our catalogue more or less 1,000 standard items, but we produce in a year, around 3,000 different items – due to the number of special and bespoke parts we can manufacture.” Mustad supplies products to two main sales areas – the building and industry sectors. “For the building sector we focus on screws for construction, building, windows, doors, furniture, etc,” points out Luca Molè, sales manager at Mustad. “The industry market covers a wide range of applications, including automotive, white goods and electronics.” Whilst both industries have different needs and requirements regarding logistics and stock demands, there are also a lot of similarities from which Mustad can benefit. “We can transfer a lot of know-how from one field to another where beneficial,” mentions Luca. “There are a lot of developments and innovations within the industry market that we can also anticipate for the building sector in the future.” Production for each target market is divided across the two sites, with all machines fully automated and connected via a network to verify productivity levels. “Our Balangero plant is our headquarters and is where we focus on specialised products for the industry sector, such as automotive,” mentions Luca. “The Pinerolo plant focuses on standard products, so the majority of its volume is for the building sector; both sites are a similar size.” Whilst Industry 4.0 has become a hot topic within the industry, Mustad has been automating its machinery for 15 years. “We have automated step-by-step by reinvesting part of our turnover,” mentions Luca. “Every year we invest an important part of our turnover, including during the years of the big crisis, 2008 – 2009, because we benefited from the suppliers of machines offering special prices and we had the strength to buy at this point. Also, because we had less work to do we could suspend production for some parts to replace the machines, which enabled us to streamline the production process.” Now Mustad is seeing the benefit of this investment. “2017 was a record turnover year for us,” points out Luca. “This shows the decision to invest in the machinery was the correct one and we are stronger than before. This is the advantage of being a family owned business, because the owners understand they have to continuously invest in order to grow and ensure the quality of the products.”

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100% MADE IN ITALY since 1912 MUSTAD S.p.A. - Via Santâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anna 59/21 - 10070 Balangero (Turin) Italy Tel. +39 0123 346625 - Fax. +39 0123 346041 - commercio@mustad.it - www.mustad.it

- Professional screws for all applications - One of the leading case hardened screw manufacturers in Europe - 2 plants with a total covered surface of over 20.000 m2 - More than 100 heading machines, threading machines, point forming machines, packing machines - Controlled atmosphere ovens for case hardening treatments - Millions of pieces made every day - Thousands of items available in stock - Technical-sales customer care - ISO 9001 and ISO TS 16949 certifications issued by LLOYDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Register

MADE IN ITALY Providing a consistent level of quality is very important to Mustad, which is why the company works to only the highest quality level across both its sites. “It doesn’t matter if we are producing for DIY or for automotive, for us it’s the same,” states Luca emphatically. “The personnel are the same, the machines are the same, the raw material is the same, and the treatments are the same. This is crucial, because it means when customers see Mustad screws, they know they are using only one level of quality – the highest level.” A big part of that quality is the raw material Mustad uses for all of its products, which it buys only from European suppliers. “We don’t import raw materials from Asia because we want to ensure good quality material and a reliability in supply,” explains Luca. “This has been our strategy for almost 40 years, because if we have a good quality in the base of our product, we can assure quality for the final product. It means we pay a little more for the raw material than if we imported from Asia, but the quality of the product is better.”

Mustad only buys its raw material from Europe to ensure good quality and reliability

In addition to ensuring a reliable supply of quality products, Mustad also has the ability to draw the wire itself, which means it can benefit from buying a large stock of wire rod, in several diameters, and then carry out the drawing operation. “This is a big advantage in terms of flexibility, especially currently when companies are struggling from a lack of raw material availability within the market. Due to our drawing capability we can buy large stocks at the right time and assure wire rod for our machines without any risks.” Mustad’s drawing capability is a prime example of the company’s vision to be 100% responsible for the entire production process. “We cannot produce the raw material ourselves, but by having drawing capability it gives us more control and opportunities,” mentions Luca. “Having control of the production process is crucial, because it means you can manage all the key factors involved in reliably producing quality products to meet customers’ demands.”

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In-house furnaces allow Mustad to fully control the heat treatment process

Mustad’s drive to control the entire production process includes producing part of its own tooling and dies for its machinery and having its own operating furnaces for heat treatment. “These furnaces enable us to heat treat a large portion of our products and take responsibility for a vital part of the production process,” adds Luca. “This is a big advantage within the market, as we can manage the flow of products through the heat treatment lines, whilst still guaranteeing a consistent quality and process.” Luca is also keen to point out the importance of the maintenance team within the company. “It is through your maintenance department that you ensure all machines are really workable. We have a programme of planned maintenance, so we take machines from the lines and move them to our maintenance department. The machines are then opened up and all the parts are changed. So, when we put the machines back in the line, we can be sure that for the next two or three years, we can work without any problems.” The only part of the production process Mustad does not have in-house is the surface coating process, instead working with a sub-contractor. However, the company has developed its own long-lasting corrosion resistant coating – Chromiting®. “Chromiting is a white zinc plated coating that we have registered as a replacement to Chromium VI,” explains Luca. “It is a universal treatment that guarantees 240 hours against red rust and can be used for indoor or outdoor applications. By introducing the Chromiting coating we are looking to simplify the buying process for our customers, as they can standardise their assortment with only one treatment.”

Mustad introduced the Chromiting coating after analysing the market and seeing how it could answer customers’ needs. “At Mustad we do not just want to copy what others do, we want to create a new trend ourselves if possible – especially in the building sector. By working with customers and understanding their requirements we can adapt our products, like we did with the finishing, to provide the perfect solution. Offering our own coating makes us stand out from the crowd, which is essential in the building sector as it is very competitive. It is different in the industry sector because here you work a lot in co-design and have closer partnerships with customers.” Mustad has technicians that have a vast experience in working with customers to try to adapt or find the best solution for an assembly. “Sometimes it is not a problem with the screw, but a problem with the application, or with the set-up, or with the tooling,” says Luca. “However, because it is the screw that fails, the customer believes the screw is the problem. That is why our technicians work closely with customers, so we can understand where the screw is going to be used, how it is going to be installed, and what tools are going to be used for installation. By getting involved and understanding the process, we can ensure the perfect solution.”

Alongside the production capabilities, Mustad has also invested a significant amount of money in its stock over recent years – ensuring it has the products available to meet customers’ demands. “It is a big cost for us to have such an in-depth stock, but it is also a big advantage because when a customer asks for one million pieces, we have the product in stock, and can supply them immediately,” points out Luca. “Also, customers are looking to reduce the amount of stock they keep, so having large quantities available, with prompt delivery, is a big advantage in today’s market. You cannot just produce to order because that is going to take too long. You need to have the stock, and that is what we have.” “Customers today are wanting less volumes and they work with less stock, which can make it difficult to forecast for the future. However, being an Italian manufacturer, that is really close to the customer, is a big advantage. We have a lot of customers in Germany, France and Italy, that previously worked only with Asian manufacturers, either directly or through distributors. However, they have now decided to relocate the purchase to Europe due to the long lead times from Asia. Thanks to our flexibility and stock we are able to meet this demand.” Luca concludes: “We currently supply 70% of our products within Italy, with 30% exports. However, our strategy for the future is to grow our exports, especially across Europe. France is the most important market within Europe at the moment, but we are working in Germany, the UK, Portugal, Spain, and in eastern Europe, and looking to develop these markets further. Thanks to our production capabilities and our ability to control key parts of the process, we can guarantee a reliable and consistent supply of products to customers for every sector.” www.mustad.it

Thanks to our production capabilities and our ability to control key parts of the process, we can guarantee a reliable and consistent supply of products to customers for every sector.”

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MADE IN ITALY

Mecavit adds value

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Over the last five years Italian specialist Mecavit has been focusing on adding value to its production process by investing significantly in its machinery – in order to increase not the quantity, but the quality of the products.

ecavit Srl is an authority in unified and special screws – made of high resistance carbon steel and stainless steel – and has the ability to produce to customers’ exacting demands. Adding value to the production process is seen by the company as a key factor in retaining customers – especially for its target market the automotive sector. “Nowadays with the low margins; standard parts being produced in the Far East; and the challenges of producing in Italy; it is very hard to be competitive within the standards market,” explains Giuseppe Verdoliva, sales director at Mecavit. “That is why we have been pushing a lot in the automotive sector, especially over the last two years, as we believe added value in production will become an even bigger focus for customers in the future.” Mecavit’s production capabilities include 17 cold forging machines with a mix of four-step, five-step and six-step multistation platforms, and some two-step. In 2010 Mecavit also installed a new generation heat treatment line that has helped it to keep under control a vital part of the manufacturing process. “Adding the heat treatment line was very important for us because it is a delicate phase of the production and it is crucial the process is professionally monitored to produce the quality standards necessary,” points out Giuseppe.

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Working in the automotive sector

Mecavit supplies the automotive market through distributors, it does not supply directly to the OEMs. “We are not prepared logistically to supply directly to OEMs,” states Giuseppe. “That is why we sell ex-works to distributors and they then take care of the safety stock, the logistics, the delivery, etc.” Whilst the company doesn’t supply directly to the OEMs, it still has a close relationship with them to ensure it is supplying the products required. “We are able to partner with customers on co-projects and help finalise designs of products if necessary,” points out Giuseppe. “Obviously there are some times when you just work with a customer according to their drawing. However, there are other times when a customer has an idea and you can help them find the best solution – which is the most economic, with the correct tolerances and using the perfect material.” He adds: “In fact we had an end user visit our facility last month with a part they were experiencing problems with in a specific application. By working with them, and listening to their requirements, we worked out the part they were using was made from the wrong type of steel, which meant it was breaking under heavy vibration. Once we had found the problem, we worked with the customer and helped them change to the correct material.”

MADE IN ITALY OEMs also regularly visit Mecavit’s headquarters, together with the distributors, to carry out audits on the production process and to verify Mecavit can produce the necessary products. “The automotive industry cannot risk their production line stopping due to missing or poor quality screws,” says Giuseppe. “This means delivery, reliability and quality of products are big factors in the final decision. We welcome customers to visit our site, so they can audit our production and see first-hand our capabilities.”

In addition to our special parts, we also produce a wide range of standard parts – available in stock with 4,000 pallets ready for distribution…” Assortment of standard products

Whilst the automotive market is a key focus for the company, it currently only represents 30% of its overall sales. “In addition to our special parts, we also produce a wide range of standard parts – available in stock with 4,000 pallets ready for distribution,” mentions Giuseppe. “In fact, with the growing lead times from Asia, we have seen a big increase in orders for standard products since the beginning of the year. A lot of distributors are counting on the huge assortment we are able to provide.” Giuseppe continues: “With special parts you get homologation and you might produce the parts for five, six or even ten years. In fact, we have several parts in the portfolio we have been consistently producing for 15 years. However, with standard parts it is more about the price and availability of stock. This means you cannot count on the sales because it depends on a variety of different factors, such as imports from Asia, the price in the market, the dollar exchange rate, anti-dumping, and many other things. At Mecavit we ensure we have a range of products available in stock so we can meet any changes in demand.” A special adjuster screw from Mecavit

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Benefiting from automation

A big part of Mecavit’s move to added value has been the investment in the capability of its production process. “A helping factor has been the Italian government supporting the industry to invest in new technology for Industry 4.0. Thanks to this initiative we have been able to invest in two additional sorting machines, one new thread rolling machine and an additional one multistation machine in order to enlarge our potential,” explains Giuseppe. “I believe Industry 4.0 is a big opportunity, as it enables you to streamline your processes and cut unnecessary costs. It also means you can provide a better service to customers. Thanks to the production systems and processes we already had in place, we have been able to quickly adapt to Industry 4.0 and the continuous automation of processes will only become more important in the future, as companies look to become more efficient.” One of the key benefits of Industry 4.0 is it provides further traceability throughout the production chain. “Every single lot in production is identified by a barcode – providing, in real time, an overview of the process situation,” points out Giuseppe. “We have also built our own computer system with software that has been designed for our production. This means every single step in production is under the system’s control and can be monitored. We even have scales to measure the weight of each completed pallet – so we know every order is 100% correct.” Through using this dedicated computer system Mecavit can also collect and store all the necessary details for every batch of specials. “In addition to storing the data on the system, we also keep a stock of samples from every batch of specials, which are identified with the date of production, the lot number, and any other details that may be needed,” says Giuseppe. “That way if we do have a customer that comes back to us asking for details, we can provide everything they need.”

Future targets

With Mecavit already seeing the benefits from its investments, what opportunities and challenges does the company see for the future? “A big impact on the market recently was raw material prices, where we experienced an increase of around 30% between January 2017 and January 2018. For our production we use the highest quality wire rod to ensure the chemical analysis of the steel. We have been working with our supplier for a long time and we have built a very good relationship, so it is important for us to continue to build on this partnership and not use inferior material. However, it is not easy to pass this increase onto our customers. As a manufacturer we have a very low margin, which means we are counting on the rest of the industry to also increase prices. It’s not possible to increase prices out of the average. Whilst the market has now stabilised in the last few months, forecasts are for it to increase again towards the next quarter.” “As an Italian manufacturer we are close to our customers and we have a good relationship, so they are aware of the situation. I believe our customers see us as one of the biggest in our range of production, in terms of reliability, and we want to continue to be a consistent supplier that produces special parts along with a quick service, which is crucial in today’s market.” Giuseppe concludes: “We will be exhibiting at Fastener Fair Italy and I invite all visitors to our stand to see our range of special parts and our ability to work with customers according to their drawings – including safety critical parts.” www.mecavit.it

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MADE IN ITALY

Specialised in fixing solutions Bossong SpA has been an Italian manufacturer of fastening systems since 1962 – deeply specialised in chemical anchors for anchoring and post-installed rebar connections, as well as heavy-duty fixings and powder actuated fixings.

nitially Bossong was founded in Germany in 1937 as a producer of automotive components, but in 1962 the company was acquired by the Taddei family and firmly established itself as an Italian fixings manufacturer and supplier. Since then Bossong has become one of the most qualified companies in the production of fixing systems, with the company manufacturing a full range of chemical anchors suitable for all kinds of base material, and all types of application, including cracked concrete and seismic design. Bossong’s range of chemical anchors includes polyester styrene-free (with and without ETA), epoxy-acrylate styrene-free (with ETA), vinylester styrene-free (with ETA) – available in Winter and Tropical versions – as well as pure epoxy (with ETA). Through its R&D capabilities, implemented over the years, Bossong has also been able to develop its range of mechanical anchors, automatic and semi-automatic powder actuated tools, as well as a range of nails and loads suitable for competitors’ tools. For its mechanical anchor range, Bossong recently announced two new heavy-duty anchors that are now available on the market – the new concrete screw CLS-CE and the new mechanical anchor NWS-CE1 – both of which have been assessed following the recent EAD 330232-00-0601. The new concrete screw CLS-CE has a European Technical Assessment for cracked and non-cracked concrete (ETA – 17/0471), with seismic qualification in category C1 and with fire resistance R120. Available in a range of diameters – 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm and 14mm – the strengths of the CLS-CE concrete screw include a high mechanical performance and high flexibility in use – thanks to three different depths of installation for each diameter.

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The CLS-CE requires small minimum distance between anchors and small minimum distance from the lower edges. Plus, a smaller hole diameter means a lower installation time is required in respect to other anchorage systems.There is also the possibility of adjustment after installation of the screw – the CLS-CE can be recoiled twice up to 10mm if the nominal embedment depth is guaranteed. Available in galvanised and A4 stainless steel, three different kinds of heads are available – hex head, countersunk head and pan head. Each type of head has a different type of assortment with different length and diameters. Bossong’s other new mechanical anchor is the NWS-CE1, which has been assessed for cracked and non-cracked concrete (ETA – 17/0506), has fire resistance R120, and also the seismic qualification in category C1 and C2 according to EAD 330232-00-0601. The strengths of the new Bossong mechanical NWS-CE1 anchor include a very high mechanical performance and a wide range of diameters – 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 24mm and 27mm. The NWS-CE1 also offers high flexibility thanks to two different setting depths and is available in galvanised steel, A4 stainless steel and high corrosion resistant steel HCR. “Through our innovative solutions we have been able to enhance our presence across Europe, especially where professionalism and product quality are needed,” explains Bossong. “Our solutions provide advantages to professionals in the engineering and building sectors, supported by top level approvals and an excellent technical service and support.” www.bossong.com

ETA

SEISMIC

ETA

ETAG 001 Part 5

ETA

ETAG 001 Part 5

OPTION 1

OPTION 7

info@blumorgana.it

MAN

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ETA

ETAG 001 Annex E

RESIN MADE IN IN

THE ITALIAN MANUFACTURER OF CHEMICAL ANCHORS

TUR E D BY BO

MAde in itAly

93 19

ETA

ETAG 001 TR023

REBAR

ETAG 029

MASONRY

ETA

ETAG 001 Part 5 OPTION 7

STYRENE FREE CLP Classification

REBAR as ANCHOR

FIRE

RESISTANCE R120 EOTA - TR 020

EPOXY21 1937

V-PLUS 2017

fastening systems

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VINIL

POLY-SF 1962

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BOSSONG S.p.A. Fastening Systems Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 49/51 24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 info@bossong.com

MADE IN ITALY

Exporting around the world

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SACMA Group supplies innovative equipment that is productive, efficient, and reliable, for manufacturers of special formed parts, special fasteners, and all types of bolts and screws – used in a variety of different industrial sectors.

ACMA Group points out that both SACMA and Ingramatic machines are highly appreciated by customers, due to their good design and build, power, as well as their ability to quickly and reliably produce special or standard parts, long or short, whilst generating low cost production. Since 1939, SACMA Limbiate SpA has provided high-quality forming machinery to every part of the world – manufacturing and assembling reliable cold and warm formers and providing, the company reports, more new machines per year than any other premium manufacturer. SACMA formers from SP160 to SP670 are available in several models up to 33mm diameter cut-off capacity and feature the most advanced controls and systems for forming net and near net shapes with consistent and repeatable tolerances up to 350ppm.

Netshape part former

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Unique features of SACMA’s machines include: One-piece cast bed frames and heading slides with forged crankshafts for maximum rigidity and stability for the tooling and machine components – giving precise part forming and reduced maintenance cost. A desmodrive transfer design that SACMA says is the most reliable, accurate and lowest maintenance cost transfer available. The transfer provides the greatest flexibility of any design, allowing the users the ability to form a wide range of part shapes and the possibility to actually form nut and bolt shapes on the same machine. There are no springs or liners in the transfer system, eliminating the maintenance and cost associated with other transfers. A computerised S-Feed electronic feeding system, which provides the operator with the most accurate and precise cut-off volume control. There are no springs, levers, clutches, bushing or pins that can wear to cause gradual loss of feeding precision or the need for maintenance – required by some other systems. A full range of options are available including the electronic handwheel jog control, which provides precise slow motion control of the machine movement for obtaining extremely accurate set-ups for closer part tolerances and reduced set-up times.

Combined headers

One-shot process from wire to finished parts

In addition to its progressive header models, SACMA also offers combined headers that form, cut the point, and roll the thread, to make a complete fastener on the same machine – eliminating the extra handling and cost of separate operations. SP18 to SP59 models are available in several configurations to provide the most flexibility for threaded fastener production from M4 to M24. This technology is the more effective solution for high productivity requirements, by utilising seamless workflow for the heading, pointing and threading of standard and special fasteners. It provides complete control to assure quality and to minimise manpower for the highest production efficiency. The process costs are significantly reduced by requiring less floor space and lower energy consumption and by reducing the internal material handling. A complete headed, pointed and threaded fastener is made on every machine stroke up to 350ppm. For special materials, SACMA offers the only production proven, fully integrated warm former available for the efficient production of high-tensile strength materials like those used in aerospace and high temperature applications. Combining the state of the art controls and automatic support systems, with the advanced induction heating units, heats the wire to the centre to give very precise control of the material deformation for forming consistent near net part shapes with repeatable tolerances.

Warm formers

SACMA has also extended the product line by introducing the new 6 die combined headers models SP59 and SP59-C – 24mm wire cut-off, DKO 180mm and 110mm – meeting the demand of the automotive industry to produce ever more complicated threaded parts.

Flat die thread rollers

Ingramatic SpA, a division of the SACMA Group, offers a full range of flat die thread rollers (RP020 – W000/TR00 to RP920 – W70/TR9) which are recognised throughout the world for their precision, advanced features, and capabilities, along with the legendary reliability of all SACMA products.

Single starter unit threader

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 63

MADE IN ITALY Ingramatic points out that the I-Thread line features the strongest bedframe design, drive units with high precision planetary gearbox and clutch/brake systems to give the highest possible torque and stability for rolling all types of materials and tensile strengths. Combining this with the single starter system, with torque motor control on the size W20/TR4 and smaller or the double starter system with servo motor systems on the larger models, provides very precise feed control for accurate and consistent part starting and close, as well as repeatable part tolerances at the maximum possible production speeds – even when rolling parts after heat treatment. Ingramatic points out that users are reporting significant die life increases due to the precision and stability of its Ingramatic thread rollers. The I-Thread line is very easy and quick to set-up through the touch screen controls; motorised adjustments such as the die match; and the electronic handwheel controller, which allows lesser experienced operators to quickly become proficient in running quality production. All I-Thread models are available to have one or two integrated washer assembly systems that feature quick changeovers and control from the touch screen. The washer assembly systems are motorised for height control and for bypassing when running parts without washers. A vision controlled stud feeding system is also available for obtaining maximum production rates for rolling headless studs.

The design and features of the I-Thread line give the customers the capacity to run the widest range of parts for a given die size at the highest possible production speeds, efficiencies and die life. The machines are simple to set-up and operate but are designed to provide many years of high-quality production with the lowest possible production cost.

Double starter unit threaders

Years of reliable production

Micro threaders

Ingramatic has also extended its product line with the smallest threader inspired by the I-Thread concept – the model RP020 for the high-speed production of very precise miniature screws. The machine is equipped with the latest technologies available, including an innovative tool holder, an introduction system driven by a torque motor, and a slide running on linear guides (with ball circulation skates) – in order to ensure high accuracy for the rolling operation. The machine is equipped with the same advanced functions of the I-Thread machines, like the self-learning adjustments of the starter unit, the frame made of spheroidal cast iron and the SC-Matic interface for the fully motorised adjustments.

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The modular concept generated by SACMA and Ingramatic works perfectly thanks to the fact that all components are manufactured by the SACMA Group factories on the latest CNC tools, giving complete control of the quality and providing many years of reliable production. The unique manufacturing and inventory divisions assure spare parts availability if ever needed. Full service and spare parts are furnished from the SACMA technical centres around the world. To support all its customers, SACMA Group has developed worldwide efficient service centres that are able to supply any spare part in a very short time to keep customer machines running and making parts. The technical centres are located in the United States, Brazil, China, Russia, Turkey, and eastern Europe. In Germany, there are no less than 12 technicians and engineers dedicated to SACMA and Ingramatic machines through SACMA’s Thiel Maschinen partner. This outstanding service is possible because the SACMA factories provide all the mechanical components on time and maintain a stock of spare parts. SACMA point out that all the spare parts for both brands are available within 24 hours. Most recently, SACMA Group invested in a brand new facility for its technical centre in Wuxi, China. This building will allow SACMA Group to support customers better in a market that is demanding more and more SACMA and Ingramatic machines. SACMA Group can also train people and help in the maintenance process. In addition, the SACMA Group network has been expanded with the hiring of new technicians in 2018 for the USA, Turkey, Poland and China. It is clear that the main objective for SACMA Group is to contribute to the success of its customers by exporting ‘Made in Italy’ quality machines. “SACMA Group speaks the languages and is present in every time zone with a worldwide support network of service and technology centres, which the customers can contact at any time of the day. For sure, the SACMA ‘Made in Italy’ is the guarantee of continued productivity and success for all its customers.” www.sacmagroup.com

N EW

SP48-CRM Combined Header

26 - 27 September 2018 MiCo - Milan, Italy

INSPIRING THE FUTURE WIRE

FEEDING

HEADING

POINTING

THREADING

FINISHED PARTS

SP48-CRM : KN. 2200 Heading load, 5die, mm.20 wire diameter, mm.120 dko, up to M20, max 160ppm, KW. 105, kg. 47.000

SAVING COSTS PROCESS • IMMEDIATE PLUG-IN INSTALLATION • COMPACT LAYOUT • REDUCED W.I.P. STOCKS • QUICK CHANGEOVER • LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION

www.sacmagroup.com

Sacma’s Combined Headers are the most competitive machines for threaded fastener production from M4 to M24

ALL IN ONE HEADING POINTING THREADING

One-shot process from wire to finished parts The more effective solution for high productivity requirements by utilizing seamless workflow for the heading, pointing and threading of standard and special fasteners. It provides a complete control to assure quality and to minimize manpower for the highest production efficiency. The process costs are significantly reduced by requiring less floor space and lower energy consumption and by reducing the internal material handling. A complete headed, pointed and threaded fastener is made on every machine stroke up to 350ppm. Ask for more information to : info@sacmalimbiate.it

Sacma Limbiate S.p.A • Viale Dei Mille 126-128

20812 Limbiate (MB) - ITALY Ph. +39 0299 4521 • info@sacmalimbiate.it

MADE IN ITALY

Becoming a solutions partner

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Established in 1990, SARIV has quickly reached a leading position within the international market for blind rivets and blind rivet nuts – with product quality a founding pillar of the business.

riginally a manufacturer of standard products, in 2008 there was a change of management, which coincided with the crisis of 2008/09. This sparked a change in SARIV’s business model to focus on bespoke parts and to become a problem solver and competence centre for product design. “We look to partner with customers and provide the ideal solution for every application,” states Nicola Sartore, CEO of SARIV. “In addition to creating the product, we are able to design the equipment for production and process engineering, which is carried out by our own technical department. Also, all production steps, including zinc plating, are carried out internally and comply with the requirements of the quality system according to the standard UNI EN ISO 9001:2008.” The change of business model required SARIV to invest significantly in new technology, which has since put it in a strong position regarding the recent focus on Industry 4.0. “Investing in the technology back in 2008 meant that we have been developing the MES software for several years, which helps us control all the processes in the value chain – from raw material to the final product,” points out Nicola. “This continuous investment in new technology has led to us becoming a leading example of best practice regarding digitalisation.” Nicola continues: “We’ve always invested in resources to create solutions that satisfy even the most demanding customer requirements. Our ambition is to exceed customer expectations and we do this by going beyond existing industry standards – proposing the best fastening solution for every application and ensuring customers benefit from the highest levels of quality, process security and flexibility.” A fundamental pillar for SARIV is the quality control of its products and processes, which starts from the monitoring of every single production step. “Our internal technical laboratory allows the control of all dimensional and mechanical characteristics of the products, using equipment such as traction machines, electronic optical measuring instruments and hardness testers,” mentions Nicola. “We also have a sorting department that provides quality checks of 50ppm and we can provide all the documents required for product certification – IMDS to PPAP and VDA.” All of SARIV’s quality system is integrated onto the same IT platform as its MES system, where all the data for production is stored. “Every measurement tool, from a simple micrometer to a tensile machine, is connected to the company network,” points out Nicola. “This enables us to record every measurement, both in production and in the laboratory, and means we can provide all measurement data such as quality tests, and quantity produced, in real time. Our aim for the future is to create even better system

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integration, as well as continually improving the integration into the supply chain both towards suppliers and clients.” The automotive market has become a focal point for SARIV with overall sales share increasing from 20% to 50% in the last four years. “The automotive sector is consistently looking at how to use composite materials and lighter metals, which is a challenge for suppliers,” says Nicola. “We need to find solutions that are more and more geared towards mass customisation, but still offer the high-quality that we are known for within the market.” Another key factor is the high service and quality level required to supply the automotive industry, which includes ISO and IATF standards, as well as an increasingly focused approach to risk management. “In products such as fasteners, it will become more and more important to support the product with as much data as possible because the availability of information means control, and control limits risk,” states Nicola. “In terms of strategic positioning, it is very difficult for a manufacturer to be cost-effective in the face of Far-Eastern producers, therefore the drivers of choice for our clients are know-how, the efficiency of the proposed solutions and speed of supply. The challenge is to maintain these characteristics of flexibility together with the growth that has seen the company practically double in size over the past 3 years.” Nicola concludes: “One crucial KPI for us, which did not exist years ago, is the number of new fastener projects that we bring to completion with ad-hoc developed products for client applications. We are constantly asking ourselves whether the client considered our proposal effective in solving its problem, as this is the real indicator of whether the company is effective and pioneering. By doing this we can ensure we are providing the best possible solutions.” www.sariv.it

28-29 November 2018 | Paris | Porte de Versailles | France OW F

TRY! EN

GISTE RE

FREE OR

France’s exhibition for the Fastener and Fixing Industry

French and international suppliers, buyers, distributors and end-users of fastener and fixing technologies have a new meeting place in Paris: • 2 days of networking and commercial opportunities • More than 150 suppliers from 15 countries • Industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, fastener manufacturing technologies, storage and logistics services: a showcase for fastener and fixing technologies

Join the Fastener Fair France community!

Discover products, services and solutions, serving the following sectors: • • • • • • • • • • •

Automotive Building/Construction Civil Engineering Aeronautics/Aerospace Energy and power generation Marine Electronic and electrical goods Communication technology Metal products Furniture manufacturing Sanitary ware/Plumbing

Get your free visitor badge online now: www.fastenerfairfrance.com

MADE IN ITALY

A full range of production processes With production processes that include metal sheet stamping, plastic material injection, rubber material injection and wire cold forming, Tecfi SpA is able to offer a wide variety of products and capabilities.

ince it was founded Tecfi has continuously invested in a high-tech laboratory, an advanced quality control system, and a qualified team, which have become the strongholds that have enabled the company to gain competitive advantages – represented by patents and very strict product certificates. The advanced assessment laboratory is today equipped with the most important and certified facilities – testing from the raw material to the finished product – through mechanical, metallurgical and corrosion tests, assuring customers a highly qualified product. The laboratory is continuously equipped with the very latest facilities for static, dynamic and seismic load test – for the research and the development of anchors to be used in cracked concrete and seismic zones. Tecfi’s R&D department is always working to providing safer solutions for engineers and craftsman, with the company recently focusing on seismic topics – as a result Tecfi reports it was the first company in the world to get the C2 Performance Category for the installation in high seismic hazard zones of its HXE-CONCRETO® concrete screws. The C2 Performance Category is available in diameters 12mm and 16mm, while the 10mm diameter achieved the C1 Performance Category. Tecfi offers three additional lines of anchors provided with the C2 Performance Category: AJE wedge anchors (also available in very

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long sizes for wood construction), HVE-ROCK® heavy-duty anchors and SWE styrene-free dual component pure epoxy resin. In addition to fixings for seismic areas, Tecfi also manufactures a wide range of sleeve anchors (DSE and DXE ranges, with a huge selection of heads) that have already received ETA-CE Option 7 for not-cracked concrete. In addition to the anchors, Tecfi manufactures numerous other products through the stamping of metal sheet, including wood connectors (with ETA-CE), saddle washers and many other metal accessories. Tecfi is also equipped with a big assortment of machines for plastic and rubber material injection and can supply products such as nylon and HDPE plugs and anchors, EPDM umbrella gaskets, as well as plastic and rubber accessories. In particular, the VS-Handyplug® nylon façade anchor has received a great response from the market, thanks to its very good performances in many base materials, as well as being ETA certified (ETA – 13/0135) for use in category a, b, c and d. The VS-Handyplug range is composed of two shapes of nylon plugs and four different screws, available in steel (also with special coating) and A4-70 stainless steel – wholly manufactured in Italy. Another plastic anchor that Tecfi points out has received great feedback from the market is ZZE-Handyplug®, which is a HDPE multipurpose anchor for ETICS that achieved a very high grade ETA for a wide base of materials (a, b, c, d and e). In recent years, Tecfi has also increased the number of nylon plugs and accessories that are internally produced, including: VZ-Handyplug universal plug – available from diameter 6mm to 14mm; and YZ multi-expansion hammer plugs – available with several shapes of the collar and with zinc plated and A2 stainless steel screws. The final manufacturing process that Tecfi is able to carry out is wire cold forming – producing screws and bolts through the most technologically advanced Italian multistation and 1 die 2 blow heading machines and threading machines. Concrete screws, wedge anchors, wood and chipboard screws, and special bolts, are today manufactured in Italy, with a special focus on the A4-70 stainless steel line, which is becoming more and more demanded by the market. Tecfi also has machines for the automatic assembling of metal anchors, nylon plugs, and screws with washers. In addition, the company has a large automatic packing line, which not only make the process more efficient, but above all helps with the innovation of the retail and DIY industries. Today, the company can offer solutions in small boxes, plastic cases and blisters, which can be selected by the customer to ‘dress’ their shop. Tecfi can even provide a ‘sales point restyling’ consultancy service, which starts from the initial site inspection and includes the designing of the layout for the dedicated spaces, the realisation and instalment of the merchandising, and ends with a final analysis of the results achieved. www.tecfi.it

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PERFORMANCE CATEGORY C2 - C1 ETAG 001 - ANNEX E

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YOUR INDUSTRIAL PARTNER IN EUROPE METAL SHEET STAMPING

PLASTIC & RUBBER INJECTION

WIRE COLD FORMING

MADE IN ITALY

SIPA expands headquarters

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SIPA Srl has expanded its head office with the addition of a new 7,500m2 extension to its existing 9,000m2 building. The new facility has enabled the company to expand four key departments – steel cutting, plastic pressing, the mechanical workshop, and the warehouse.

ounded in 1989 for the production of plates and angles for hardware, SIPA has developed its own catalogue of products, supplemented by developing steel cutting and plastic moulding services for third parties. SIPA also started pressing plastics in 1999 – as a complementary service – and introduced a variety of plastic products such as adhesive hooks, key rings, duck hooks, as well as under chair caps. In 2001 the company developed its own mechanical shop, helping it to manage both mould maintenance and planning, as well as implementation. In 2006, SIPA took a further step forward by adding washer production to its capabilities, with the ability to produce a variety of sizes to industry standards. Through a targeted marketing campaign, and participating at trade fairs across Europe, SIPA was able to expand into new markets abroad.

Today, SIPA’s now 16,500m2 facility is focused on four distinct areas: Steel cutting: Includes 30 automatic presses, with capacities ranging from 50 to 250 tonnes, for cutting sheet coils. Plastic pressing: Composed of 10 automatic presses, ranging from 50 to 430 tonne, for pressing plastic material from granules. An additional 250 tonne bicolour press enables the use of two different materials or two different colours simultaneously. Mechanical workshop: The machine park consists of three work centres, three grinding machines, one lathe, one radial drill, one microdrill, one erosion bath and three wire eroders. Warehouse: A 4,000m2 capacity ensures fast delivery, which has always been a characteristic of SIPA’s service. The warehouse also houses three automatic packaging lines for both bags and boxes and various manual packaging machines – to satisfy all customer demands.

“We are able to offer customers a 360 degree service,” states SIPA. “From a simple idea, a sample, or a technical drawing, we are able to develop the design and detail of a mould both for steel and plastic articles. We can even produce parts using moulds from other firms, provided on a rental basis only. Additionally, we provide all the necessary maintenance during and after production, which enables us to supply excellent product quality combined with competitive prices.” www.sipaitalia.it

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WHY

BUY FROM FAR AWAY WHEN YOU

www.anomaliecreative.it

CAN BUY ITALIAN

SIPA s.r.l.

Via dell’Artigianato, 16-18-20 - 36027 SAN PIETRO DI ROSÀ (VI) - ITALY Tel. 0039.0424.562044 - Fax 0039.0424.564055 E-mail: sipa@sipaitalia.it - E-mail: ordini@sipaitalia.it - Web: www.sipaitalia.it

MADE IN ITALY

Helping customers compete and succeed

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Here we speak to Enrico Ghezzi, managing director at SMART Machinery Srl, about how the company became a specialist in thread rolling solutions, the importance of innovation, and the challenges facing the fastener manufacturing equipment sector. How was SMART Machinery initially formed and what were the key points of its development?

“SMART was originally founded by myself in 2001. There was a need for a more advanced thread roller in the market. Similar to the rest of the machine tool world, the concept was based on the use of servo drives to give better performance, ease of set-up, and repeatability. After decades of industry experience, it was clear to me that something new was needed and that the existing companies were not going to take the steps needed for a truly new and ‘smart’ product. So, the concept and name, SMART, was born.”

Specifically, what is it that differentiates SMART and its machines? What are the main benefits for customers using SMART machinery?

“We are fortunate to own a few key patents that set us apart from our competition. One is for a ‘direct drive’ servo motor that provides maximum torque from zero speed, while being very energy efficient. Another is the use of a ‘linear motor’ or servo for the introduction of blanks, which gives excellent control of the blank and allows for easy adjustments in production. Customers find they benefit from our ability to offer a complete range of threader die sizes, from small to large, along with pointers and washer assemblers. These products can match their needs and pair nicely with our trusted local service centres.”

What is the relationship between national and foreign markets at SMART?

“Being a small company, the most logical and easiest approach was to focus on the Italian and geographically close regional markets, which proved very successful. Since the 2016 purchase of our company by National Machinery, the ability to access all foreign markets has greatly increased. Just as importantly, we are now able to better serve those markets with regional service and spare parts. We now find opportunities around the globe as we engage with our customers. We look at each situation as an opportunity for improvement, which is our personal challenge every day. In fact, in 2018 we have sold several products into new markets that we had previously not been present. A big factor in this has been the adaptability of our machinery for Industry 4.0 and the use of data to help drive production efficiency.”

What degree of importance does innovation have at SMART? What are the key factors in being able to innovate?

“Without innovation, SMART Machinery could not exist. Our patented machine features are core to our products and we have the ability to customise our offerings to suit our customers’ part application requirements.

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L-R: Andrew Kalnow, CEO at National Machinery, and Enrico Ghezzi, managing director at SMART

Being a small firm, we are able to quickly adapt and be responsive to customers. Our region of Italy is well known for both high-quality and a good manufacturing base, and we are pleased to contribute towards that reputation. We are fortunate to still be able to hire excellent personnel when much of the world struggles to find technical people. The Italian government has also done a good job in supporting manufacturing with tax incentives for new equipment purchases, which in turn helps us to sell more machines.”

Which do you think are the most important challenges for the fastener sector?

“Overall, we see questions from our customers about material costs, tariffs, trade imbalance, and how those may affect their costs. Of course, many of our customers feel pricing pressures from their customers, so it is important for SMART to continue to deliver an affordable, highly efficient machine to help our customers compete and succeed.” www.smartmachinery.com

MADE IN ITALY

Internationalisation plan TECNOLOGIC 3® produces and applies products and systems (adhesives, sealants and self-locking) for the locking of threaded parts used in a wide range of industrial sectors.

fter consolidating its position in the Italian market in recent years, TECNOLOGIC 3® is implementing an ambitious internationalisation plan by offering its technology, products, and services, to the most important global players – who have shown great interest in water-based products without solvents, which characterise all the formulations of TECNOLOGIC 3. The development guidelines of this plan are based essentially on four strategic pillars – increasing the number of automotive approvals, excellence in research and formulation, a new company organisation and a new business model.

Increase the number of automotive approvals

TECNOLOGIC 3 wants to grow and be able to offer its systems in the most important markets in the world – through a direct presence or in collaboration with local partners. To do this, by the end of the first quarter of 2019, the company plans to have at least three new automotive approvals available.

Excellence in research and formulation

Continuing to enrich its product catalogue to meet the new needs of the market, as well as increasing investment in patents and defense of industrial property, enables TECNOLOGIC 3 to continuously improve the performance of products. This will be combined with a strong improvement in the production processes and application techniques – with the use of new tools and systems.

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A new company organisation

Customisation of its service, and the ability to respond quickly, are characteristics that TECNOLOGIC 3 is able to offer all of its customers. However, the company will further increase its production capability, and the service it provides customers, to further enhance customers’ satisfaction.

New business model

Fully dedicated to the foreign market and able to meet and adapt to the characteristics of individual markets, and the needs of international partners, TECNOLOGIC 3 has introduced a new business model that will provide further possibilities for collaboration with the customer – ensuring it does not miss any chance for commercial development. “At TECNOLOGIC 3 we have over 30 years of experience within the market and we are able to work with customers to maximise the quality and effectiveness of an application,” explains Caterina Calasso, sales manager at TECNOLOGIC 3. “Through new approvals, new products, and renewed spirit of collaboration and service, we will be able to develop new markets and further increase the market share of TECNOLOGIC 3. Our company philosophy remains strongly oriented on the ability to provide excellent service and very short delivery times – with great attention to the environmental impact.” www.tecnologic3.it

MADE IN ITALY

The journey to zero defects

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Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Dimac Srl has experienced a meteoric rise from a supplier of mechanical assemblies to a major player within the inspecting and sorting market. Here Massimo Agrati, general manager at Dimac, talks about how the company developed to become an innovation leader.

y father acquired Dimac when it was a supplier of mechanical assemblies for CNC machine tool manufacturers. Thanks to his previous experience within the industry, as well as his knowledge about threading fasteners and high speed washer assembly, he was able to introduce new upgrades to keep cold forging and threading machines up to date and increase their production and efficiency. For instance, applying new sensors, linear motors, high speed air valves – used in aerospace applications, and programmable logic controllers, all of which enhanced the capacity of the existing machinery on the market. In 1998 we were asked by a few Italian customers to study the feasibility of an inspection machine. Customers knew about the competence of my father in mechanics, and my knowledge about CNC controllers and sensors, they knew that we could develop a reliable solution. We took on the challenge and developed the first prototype, which we called MCV1.

Recognising the wide range and types of fasteners in the market, we went on to introduce several other models through the years, so that customers could control and sort the majority of fastener types.” 76 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

MCV1 is born

The MCV1 was based on a multipurpose vision system as, at the time, we did not have the knowledge required for a vision system dedicated to fastener inspection. After a few machines we decided to start developing our own vision system – fastener inspection oriented and based on standard components and cameras. Our philosophy was to use standard components that are always available everywhere in the worldwide market – to make it easy for customers to find spare parts. Investing in the vision system, and the software behind it, to create a user interface dedicated to fasteners has been a continuous process ever since. We are always looking for further improvements and new features that we can add to the benefit of the customers. Now the MCV1 includes a high productivity index and a continuous rotary table, suitable for a wide range of parts. Dimensional control and inspection of attributes is achieved using high resolution cameras, mechanical gauging, with NDT controls for cracks and heat treatment available. Recognising the wide range and types of fasteners in the market, we went on to introduce several other models through the years, so that customers could control and sort the majority of fastener types. We now have nine different machine models. However, the same software is used across every machine – helping us to optimise the system, eliminate bugs and ensure prompt and effective troubleshooting. We are able to use the same software for every model as we have an internal configurator, on which we define the model type we are installing, adapting the system to meet the needs of each particular machine.

In parallel with the software, we also develop the mechanics of the machine. One of the most important aspects of inspecting and sorting parts is the feeding of the parts. You can have the best vision system, you can have the best sensor, the best lasers, whatever you want, but if the mechanics of the machine don’t fit the parts – constantly and with a good output rate to the inspection station – you cannot check the parts. An inspection and sorting machine needs to work seven days a week, 24 hours a day, so the reliability and quality of the machines is paramount. In collaboration with this we also need to support the machine with the best possible service. That is why all of our machines are connected, so we can troubleshoot remotely from our headquarters. We believe it is crucial to offer a prompt service when the customer needs you. To further improve this support, we have recently launched a new App, ACTY, with augmented reality tools for Android and iOS smartphones and tablet. Any operator in the world can use their smartphone or tablet to contact directly the Dimac Service and permit our staff to manage their mobile phone remotely. This allows our service to guide the operator through the machine step-by-step for any set-up or troubleshooting. We can also draw indications on the screen of their phone with augmented reality tools, as well as feed datasheets and user manual instructions. Our support service is one of our strongest points and our customers are very happy with what we can provide.

Innovating to customers’ needs

When it comes to innovating the machines, a key factor is working with fastener manufacturers and understanding what happens during the manufacturing process. They know better from where a failure during production can come. By having this close relationship with them we can understand their needs and provide the necessary solutions. I say to every customer: ‘At Dimac we provide machines as well as a cooperation and partnership.’ We want to learn from our customers and for our customers to learn from us. By doing this we both benefit from the relationship. By working closely, a customer can bring their knowledge of the process, and suggest modifications we can make on the machines to improve how it works, and how the operators work around it. If it is a dedicated modification for only that customer, that is fine, but where possible we will acknowledge the required modification and make it standard for all the machines we produce from that moment on. This means the machines are constantly evolving, and all of our customers are seeing the benefits.

The SPC lab enables companies to carry out automated statistical part control in process on the production floor

When it comes to innovating the machines, a key factor is working with fastener manufacturers and understanding what happens during the manufacturing process… By having this close relationship with them we can understand their needs and provide the necessary solutions.” FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

MADE IN ITALY A step forward in inspection

A new innovation from us, and a real step forward within the sector, is the SPC lab and the SPC robot, which we recently introduced to the market. SPC data collection is becoming a talking point within companies, due to the time needed for operators in key departments to measure the produced parts – using callipers, hand micrometres and a variety of other tools. In some companies, they have to measure five parts with different parameters each, every thirty minutes, which can be extremely time-consuming. The introduction of the SPC lab and SPC robot enables companies to carry out automated statistical parts control in process, as well as the related data collection, on the production floor – achieving sustained quality by stable, predictable process results. The introduction of the SPC robot was due to my experience in the machine tool manufacturing sector – where robots have been used for almost 30 years. In the fastener market this type of technology is still relatively new, but it offers a real opportunity for fastener manufacturers – especially using cobots (collaborative robots) which have the potential to provide significant time savings and production improvements. The main benefit of the SPC lab and SPC robot is that it automates several inspection processes that are repeated and repeated. Getting operators to repeat the same operation eight hours a day seems very inefficient when you consider a robot can do the same job, in the same time interval. The SPC robot can be left to work on its own – you do not need somebody to monitor it. In addition, the use of cobots means the system is very user-friendly and does not require any technical knowledge. The cobot we have used is a very popular version, an open source system, which means there are a lot of different plug-and-play options for it, such as different gripping systems. This is very beneficial, as fasteners are very complex to handle and have different shapes and geometries.

Increasing requirements

With the ever increasing demands from end users for tighter and tighter tolerances, we have a lot of discussions with customers regarding the measuring capabilities of our inspection machines. Whilst our inspection machines do measure the parts, an inspection machine is a different thing than a measuring machine. An inspection machine works on a comparing principle, against a reference image stored in the system – which the user grabs to calibrate it. Measuring machines are not calibrated by the user, they have scales and encoders that are giving a fixed zero reference point, which is calibrated by the factory that produces the machine. When you use an optical inspection machine to check products, the images of each part are always compared to the reference image stored in the system. If the user inputs that a certain number of pixels is 20mm on the master image, then the system will measure all the parts according to that number of pixels. Customers need to understand that any optical inspection machine is comparing, not measuring. If the calibration process of the inspection machine done by the user is correct and it follows the recommendations by Dimac, the inspection machine returns reliable and accurate measurements as a measuring machine. In presence of the correct calibration the inspection machine could pass the same capability and repeatability tests like a measuring machine.

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Opportunities for the future

The challenge for us in the future is to automate our machines as much as possible and make jobs simpler for the operator. The more we go into a world where operators have no skills or experience producing fasteners, the more requirements there will be for automation and connectivity within the production process. Our reference market, of course, is the automotive sector. We want to have a strong identity as a company that supplies inspection and sorting systems for automotive parts. This is our goal, because automotive and e-mobility will be the future. It has always been the market for which the biggest volume of fasteners is produced and also where the most advanced technologies are applied. Another important factor is that nowadays inspection and sorting has become a key part of the production process – helping to prevent the production of defective parts. Rather than being seen as just an extra cost, customers understand the benefits inspection and sorting can offer. These include guaranteeing a reliable supply of high-quality products to customers, with no defects, as well as additional feedback to improve the overall production process. Companies are always looking to achieve zero defects, but the process of producing a fastener is very complex, with a lot of different steps, which means it is almost impossible to guarantee. However, as a flexible and reliable company we want to create a partnership with our customers so that we can both drive on the journey to zero defects together. www.dimacsrl.com

MADE IN ITALY

CSF adds automated secondary operations Colombo Special Fasteners continues to invest in its future by adding additional capabilities to its in-house production process, with the introduction of two fully automated CNC machines for secondary operations. Further growing its skills as a specialist in high-quality special fasteners to customers’ drawings.

ounded in 1955, Colombo Special Fasteners Srl (CSF) is a family business originally focused on standard screws of fine quality. In 1985 CSF decided to break out of this intensely competitive sector and undertake a substantial restructuring of the business – transforming into a well respected manufacturer of high-quality special fasteners for a variety of industries. Previously CSF worked with selected partners for secondary operations, but realised it could optimise the overall process if it added in-house production. “Sending the parts for secondary operations was very time-consuming and we did not have full control of the process, which is why we decided to bring it in-house,” explains Pietro Colombo, business development and sales director at CSF. “We produce special parts for the automotive, industrial and other sectors, so the machining operations are crucial to the overall process and product.” CSF initially introduced one CNC machine for its most important parts and then, in March 2018, introduced a second machine for small parts and larger volumes. Each machine can carry out up to nine or ten machining steps in different dimensions and diameters. “Both machines are fully automated, which helps improve the efficiency and means we can produce the parts continuously throughout the day,” explains Pietro. “The cold forged products are loaded into a feeder and then transported onto a conveyor belt. From there a robotic arm picks up a bolt and orientates it to the correct position – ready for CNC machining. The product is then automatically put into the machine where the secondary operations take place. Once complete the product is automatically taken out of the CNC machine and added to a different conveyor belt where it is taken to the operator for sign off.” Since introducing the machines, CSF has improved the efficiency of its secondary operation process significantly, with both machines combining to produce the same quantity that CSF’s suppliers would provide per day. “Adding the CNC machines has been a big positive for our overall production flow and also helped us improve the service to customers, which is one of the most important pillars,” mentions Pietro. “The new machining department, together with the technical department, enables us to focus our efforts on improving quality and reduce production times, pursuing our policy of continuous development. We are already planning on buying a third machine by the end of the year, as there are still some products we can’t carry out secondary operations for in-house due to our wide product range.” CSF has also recently refurbished its laboratory, so it can continue to carry out a variety of high-quality tests and has received the new IATF 16949:2016 certification for both CSF and its sister company Tecno Fasteners. “The philosophy of CSF is ‘specialisation, quality, service and optimisation’, which is what our daily work is based on,” states Pietro. “Our efforts, as well as present and future investments, are all planned for continuous improvement of these aspects of the company, with the aim of consolidating our position among the best in the industry. Following highly qualified partners in their growth with projects and special products in small/medium batches.”

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Combining forces

CSF has further developed its production competences with the addition of stainless steel products, which it has introduced through its partnership with Tecno Fasteners. “We acquired Tecno Fasteners in 2016 and through Tecno’s vast experience and know-how in stainless steel we have been able to produce new special parts,” explains Pietro. “The next step is to now understand the needs of the market and the requests of customers, so we can introduce the right products – which is increasingly specials.” “We acquired Tecno Fasteners as the company’s range and capabilities complemented ours, with minimal overlap in target markets,” points out Pietro. “Since then both companies have benefited from the good exchange of knowledge and production processes.” Now CSF Group offers its customers a wide product range with a range of dimensions (2mm – 33mm diameter, with lengths from 6mm up to 240mm), volumes, type of screws with different threadings, and different materials (carbon steel in 4.6, 8.8, 9.8, 10.9, 12.9, 14.9, as well as B7, B7M, stainless steel AISI 304 and AISI 316, aluminium and copper). Both CSF and Tecno Fasteners will be exhibiting at the upcoming Fastener Fair France show in November. “The French market is very big market for Tecno Fasteners, so we will be exhibiting at Fastener Fair France to meet existing customers of Tecno, as well as look for new customers for both businesses,” says Pietro. www.colombofasteners.com

MADE IN ITALY

Devoted to customised solutions Tekinox Srl specialises in the machining of products from all types of stainless steel and is equipped with the latest generation of CNC machines and an integrated management system – guaranteeing quality, production control and product traceability.

ekinox is a sister company to Fiminox SpA – an expert supplier of standard screws and bolts in stainless steel – and was created in response to the demand within the market for specially designed stainless steel products. “We noticed that there were a lot of customers seeking a reliable manufacturing partner that was also able to provide technical support, even in the development phase of the products,” explains Stefano Bettinelli, CEO at Tekinox. “That is why we founded Tekinox, so that we could provide solid support and become a reliable supplier of products – with a ‘Made in Italy’ guarantee.” Devoted to customised solutions, Tekinox can produce according to customers’ designs or specifications, as well as work with them to create bespoke solutions. “Thanks to the high-level of technology and vast experience rooted within the company, we are able to supply solutions that provide high performance and increased reliability – meeting the increasingly extreme demands of customers,” states Stefano. “We manage the entire production process, including surface and heat treatments, and can work directly with customers to suggest alternatives or improved solutions.” A recent major success for sister company Fiminox was the recent launch of its Kanban supply system, as well as other delivered parts services designed specifically to meet the needs of its clients. The company is also looking to develop its production of parts in special materials – such as duplex or superduplex. “A fundamental importance for us as a business is to grow consistently over time, acquiring new clients as we continuously increase our market share,” points out Paolo Bettinelli, CEO at Fiminox. “Making all this possible requires the constant updating of production to changing market requirements. That is why every year we invest in updating our capabilities to increase our capacity and make sure we are at the cutting edge of the market.” Paolo concludes: “We are convinced that to continue to grow as an Italian company it is necessary to invest as much as possible in exporting – concentrating above all on those emerging countries that are often the real source of success for companies like us. To make ourselves attractive to these markets, we will continue to offer rapid deliveries and a high service level. In addition, we will continue to produce small FIMINOX S.p.A - via per Carpiano, batches with a reduced minimum order quantity.” 18 - 20077 Melegnano (MI) - ITALY www.tekinox.it Tel. +39 02 98 033 501 www.fiminox.it

WWW.FIMINOX.IT INFO@FIMINOX.IT

Specialinsert – a partner of excellence Specialinsert has underlined its commitment to becoming a partner of excellence by achieving the IATF 16949:2016 certification in the quality management of the design and production of mechanical fastening components.

pecialinsert was established by three shareholders who, whilst already working in the fastener sector, decided to set-up their own business and start their own sales operation in 1974. Initially concentrating solely on distribution operations for fixing systems, production only started in a second phase when several product brands and patents were registered. The company now has three sites in Milan, Venice and Turin – all of which have their own sales office. The production and main warehouse are based in Venice and the headquarters, including the export department, is based in a new site in Turin, which was opened in 2014. The Venice and Turin operations also including testing laboratories. “A key part of our development, and a major part of what helps Specialinsert stand out from the rest of the market, is our commitment to continuous innovation and research into new market niches,” explains Cinzia Arduini, CEO at Specialinsert. “We have invested significantly in R&D, and technically advanced equipment, to ensure we are always at the forefront of the market.”

A prime example is Specialinsert recently achieving IATF 16949 – helping to strengthen its position on the market as a partner of excellence for the automotive industry. “It is vital for us as a business to be recognised in markets as a supplier of a quality and high value brand, supported by an after sales service and product customisation that enable us to meet customers’ requirements at all times,” states Cinzia. “We are very proud to achieve the IATF 16949 certification as it demonstrates our commitment in pursuing an approach based on the flow analysis, in order to minimise lead times, and eliminate everything that does not represent value for the customer.” “As an Italian manufacturer we will never increase capacity at the expense of quality,” points out Cinzia. “Supplying high-quality products is crucial to our success and has helped us establish ourselves within the European market. That is why we will continue to be a reliable partner to customers, whilst also looking to evolve and find new types of fasteners and new applications.” www.specialinsert.it

MADE IN ITALY

Dell’Era – continuously improving

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An emphasis on quality and continuous improvements has led Dell’Era Ermanno e Figlio Srl to not only achieve the IATF 16949:2016 certification, but also invest in new process monitoring systems in-line with Industry 4.0.

stablished in 1924, Dell’Era originally focused on producing mechanical parts for industrial machines (gears, pulleys, etc). The firm quickly introduced the production of metal buckles made from drawn products and, between 1930 and 1935, the production of small mechanical parts and metal cutting parts in general. In 1938 Dell’Era moved to Lecco, where it started manufacturing hex and square nuts.

In 1962 Dell’Era opened a plant in Valmadrera where it is still headquartered. Over the next two decades new automated production lines were introduced – increasing the large-scale manufacturing of forged fasteners. In the early 1980s, a corporate restructuring led to the elimination of the blanking department, focusing investments and resources on forged screws. Thanks to the experience within the company, concepts like certified quality began to play a central role – both in terms of internal processes and regards to the final quality of the products. In 1996 the company obtained the certification for Part Three of its quality management system according to the international standard UNI-EN ISO 9002, which at the time was in force. The system, applied consistently and effectively, complies with the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The automotive market is one of the most demanding sectors and achieving the IATF 16949 accreditation shows the flexibility, reliability, quality and service we are able to provide all customers.” 84 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

Dell’Era recently invested in a new vertical storage lift for tooling and dies

The most recent certification was IATF 16949:2016, which the company achieved at the beginning of 2018. “At Dell’Era we are constantly looking to offer products and customer service of the highest quality levels,” explains Owner Paolo Dell’Era. “The automotive market is one of the most demanding sectors and achieving the IATF 16949 accreditation shows the flexibility, reliability, quality and service we are able to provide all customers.” Dell’Era has also invested in a new Schwer + Kopka monitoring system for its production machines, which will collect all relevant data such as ‘up’ and ‘down’ times, reasons for breakdowns, production volumes and speeds. “By introducing the S+K system we can analyse the statistics clearly and highlight areas of improvement in production,” points out Paolo. “The traffic light system also provides a visual guide on the production floor of the current status of every machine, making it easier for operators to react to any requirements.” A new vertical storage lift has also been introduced so that the company can store all the relevant tooling and dies for production in one central location – providing further space for Dell’Era to introduce new machinery. www.delleraviterie.com

MADE IN ITALY

Plastic products from Panozzo Established in 2000 as a producer and distributor of plastic plugs and caps for closing holes and pipes, Panozzo Srl has experienced significant growth in its production, employees, products and fields of application.

he turning point for Panozzo came in 2007 when it moved to its current facility, which covers 1,000m2 – including a large warehouse. It was around this time that the company also expanded the range of articles it distributes to include fasteners, screws and fixings. “Moving to the new location and having a larger warehouse played a major role in our growth, as it enabled us to take a different approach to the market,” says Ivan Vanini, marketing manager at Panozzo. “It meant we could move from contract-based management of stock – based on fixed high volume batches – to warehouse-based management where we could supply large and small consignments in a very short time. Our customers therefore now have the option to buy products as and when necessary.” Panozzo can supply a wide range of products including caps and plastic closures, plastic screws, washers, nuts and nut covers, as well as plastic protection items and assembly products. The company also produces 3D printed items and prototypes to meet the requirements of clients requiring a limited amount of non-standard forms.

“What distinguishes us from our competitors, in particular for new clients or those who are less experienced in the use of our articles, is that we seek not merely to log the products they request, but to gain a good understanding of what their actual requirement is,” explains Ivan. “At this point, in the interest of technical support and business ethics, we assess, and advise them on solutions that can better meet their requirements, at the lowest cost possible. This has helped us establish ourselves predominantly within the Italian market, but we intend to expand on a European level over the years to come.”

A.M.E.A. – sixty years of experience Established in 1954, A.M.E.A. Srl is a tooling manufacturer that is continuously expanding its range of production and conducting research to offer the best quality tools on the market.

anufacturing tools for cold and hot forging, punching and trimming – with customers around the world – A.M.E.A. can supply tooling in a wide range of materials and always looks to offer the best solutions concerning anti-wear coatings and raw materials, in order to provide customers with long life products. In its early years A.M.E.A. produced tooling for the bolts and nuts industry. The company then decided to address a wider range of customers, producing almost any kind of tooling from small to medium sizes according to customers’ drawings. Whether manufacturing tooling for steel plants, the pharmaceutical industry, plate or plastic moulding, the automotive sector or for carpentry, A.M.E.A. is able to offer a high degree of precision and detailed accuracy. The quality and long life of its products, as well as its dynamic and efficient services, make A.M.E.A. a reliable and highly qualified supplier. “Sixty years of experience in manufacturing tools, and the use of the most advanced technologies, place us amongst the best producers of punches, dies and general tooling,” comments A.M.E.A. “Accurate quality control procedures guarantee full satisfaction of customers’ requirements. We are a reliable and quality manufacturer that has been endorsed by many prestigious European companies.” www.ameasrl.it

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RATTO plans expansion Viteria Ratto is planning to add two new buildings to its existing site, which will enable it to expand its product range and manufacturing capabilities. The first, accommodating the office and a testing laboratory, is scheduled for completion in 2019.

iteria Ratto was formed in 1951 by Luigi Vittorio Ratto who realised after the Second World War that there would be an inevitable period of profound change within Italy. He recognised this would involve major industrial developments, which would provide significant opportunities for a manufacturer of products for the construction market. From this beginning, Viteria Ratto established itself as a supplier of a wide range of construction products, becoming a partner to customers looking for a reliable supplier that could also provide customer support. In 2002, the company took the next step in its development by deciding to distribute products under its own brand name, RATTO, which involved the complete internal overhaul of the business – both from an organisational as well as structural point of view. “Thanks to our ability to manufacture an extensive range of products for the construction industry, we have been able to serve and support clients abroad,” points out Andrea Ratto, owner of Viteria Ratto. “This success has led to us actively working on seeking out new emerging markets and investing in the study, design and creation of innovative products.”

For Viteria Ratto innovation does not only mean new products – suitable for new materials and offering higher performance, but also innovation of the production processes. “It is only by innovating that the importance of innovation becomes apparent,” mentions Andrea Ratto. “We are aware that without innovation, we will unavoidably commit ourselves to a slow but unstoppable decline. That is why for 2018/19 we have a well-defined programme of innovation that will enable us to compete in the future with new foreign competitors.” Andrea concludes: “As an Italian manufacturer we have the capability to adapt to situations and we have a more flexible approach to production, but at the same time we achieve set objectives. The push to specialisation and certification for the majority of products, as well as the continuous search for new products and innovations, will enable us to stay competitive in the market and to continue being a reliable partner for our customers.” www.viteriaratto.com

MADE IN ITALY

Controlling the production process

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Growermetal Srl is specialised in the production of security, spring and flat washers, as well as pressed parts according to customers’ specifications – controlling the entire production process in-house.

ounded in the 1950s by Virginio Cattaneo, Growermetal is a second generation family owned business. The name Growermetal comes from the commercial name of the company’s spring lock washer – ‘Grower’ – which was the first product the company started to sell and is even incorporated in the design of the company’s logo. Since then, Growermetal has developed a great variety of new standard and special products according to customers’ specifications, which has seen it steadily grow year-on-year. Growermetal’s products can be used in a variety of applications, which has led to it expanding into markets across Europe and worldwide. The company’s goal is to continue to grow, which is why it opened two international sales offices. The first is in the USA – G & G Safety Fasteners LLC (New Jersey) – and the second in Brazil, Growermetal do Mercosul LTDA (Curitiba). “The goal of G & G Safety Fasteners is to further strengthen our presence in the US, Canadian and Mexican markets,” states Paolo Cattaneo, managing director supervision technical management, production and quality at Growermetal. “The Brazilian operation includes an office and warehouse that can offer a full sales service to the South American markets.” Growermetal divides its production into two main product families – pressed parts and products made from wire. In 2017, the company produced more than 4 billion pressed pieces – approximately 9,000 tonnes – and 320 million wire pieces – approximately 2,000 tonnes. The product range includes over 4,000 standard washers according to DIN, ASME, NFE and other international standards. The product portfolio includes toothed washers with internal and external teeth, conical washers, contact washers, Sperrkant washers, spring lock washers, spring washers for railway applications, corrugated washers, and terminal washers – all available in steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, aluminium, copper, brass, inconel and other alloys upon customers’ requests. A key strength of Growermetal’s production is its ability to manufacture special items – with the company producing more than 2,000 products according to customers’ drawings. “We have gained great experience over the years, thanks to our demanding customers who are frequently sending numerous, and challenging, enquiries for special parts such as SEMs washers for nuts or screws, flat washers, flat ribbed washers, eccentric washers, cup washers and spherical washers,” explains Paolo. “Our highly qualified technicians carry out in-depth feasibility studies in order to ensure an efficient and reliable service with the commitment to manufacture best performing finished products.” A key factor in Growermetal’s ability to deliver a reliable, quick and flexible service is that it controls the entire production process in-house. This includes tooling design and manufacturing, with the company’s tool shop equipped with the most advanced machinery and latest technology – such as CNC drilling milling machines, EDM machines, CNC grinding machines and CNC lathes. All this equipment allows the company to reach the maximum precision and productivity of the tooling. Beside the tooling design and manufacturing, Growermetal’s production processes also cover blanking and coining, rolling of metal wire, cleaning and surface finishing, heat treatment, mechanical zinc plating, zinc flake coating, sorting, quality control, packaging and storage – with 5,500 storage places available in its fully automated warehouse.

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A big advantage for Growermetal is that it can also offer in-house surface treatments, with its mechanical zinc plating process qualified by MacDermid®. Growermetal has been an accredited licensed plater for ZinKlad 250 M treatment since 2009, for its products as well as for third parties. Furthermore, the company is approved for the mechanical zinc plating process according to the automotive standard FCA PS.50042, as unique plater on the markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In 2016 the surface treatment department was further enhanced with the installation of a fully automatic zinc flake coatings line, which was specifically designed to carry out surface coatings on washers and to achieve the best results both from an aesthetical and performance point of view. The company has also been certified by Dörken MKS-Systeme as the homologated plater for the use of MKS® products. This means that Growermetal is able to offer high performing coatings with a choice of different solutions of base coats such as DELTA-PROTEKT® and DELTA-TONE®, as well as a range of top coats including the DELTA-PROTEKT VH range. Thanks to this investment, Growermetal is able to offer the proper products with in-house zinc flake coatings to guarantee its customers maximum flexibility and speed of accomplishment. Since 2015 the company has been cooperating with Nord-Lock Group in a strategic production and technical development agreement for the manufacture of wedge-locking washers. As a result of this agreement, Nord-Lock Group has acquired the Grower Twin-Lock® brand and Growermetal has agreed to supply wedge-locking washers exclusively to the Nord-Lock Group. Projects for 2018-2020 are focusing on the expansion of the premises and the installation of new product lines in order to significantly increase the production capacity. www.growermetal.com

MADE IN ITALY

Defremm expands operations Italian-based Defremm has added a new logistic warehouse to its headquarters in Lecco, so that it can continue its journey of utilising smart manufacturing technologies to provide high-quality specialised products and become an Industry 4.0 leader.

efremm SpA has been designing and making special parts to customer drawings, as well as producing standard fasteners such as blind rivets and rivet nuts, since 1980. Thanks to the expertise of its employees, the company can produce products from 5mm to 90mm in length using raw material in diameters from 2mm to 18mm, as well as work closely with customers on special contracts with non-disclosure agreements.

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“We specialise in products that are very difficult to achieve by cold forming,” states Roberto Casagranda, purchasing manager at Defremm. “Our challenge is to produce parts that are closer to customers’ needs using 4, 5 and 6 cold forming press.” After achieving double-digit growth year-on-year for the last three years, Defremm needed to expand its site to enable it to continue to grow. Through the owner’s strategy of continuous reinvestment, the company decided to add an additional site, which is only 400m away from the headquarters. “We have moved the inspection and sorting department, as well as the stock warehouse, to the new facility, which is 2,300m2,” points out Roberto. “This in turn has created extra space at the headquarters, which has enabled us to improve the flow throughout the entire production process.” After redecorating the old warehouse, Defremm now uses it to store wire coils. These then go onto the production floor to be cold formed, before moving to secondary operations – also situated in the old warehouse. The products are then moved to goods out for surface coating/heat treatment, before finally going to the new site to be sorted and checked, and then stored in the new warehouse. Thanks to the space created by the relocation of the warehouse, Defremm has been able to continue to expand its production capabilities, with the introduction of new machines for secondary operations, as well as two new multistation cold forming machines – all adding to the company’s push towards Industry 4.0. “Through our state of the art production management, and process monitoring systems, we have a constant flow of up to the minute data that lets us know how the machines are operating; whether they are going through quality checks; or if they are currently offline – and if so why,” explains Roberto. “This digital manufacturing enables us to speed up operations, prevent process errors and provide support for quicker machine set-up – whilst avoiding costly damage. As a result, the company can provide greater flexibility and prompter reaction times from the drawing board to the final delivery.” Defremm will be showcasing its manufacturing and product capabilities at the upcoming Fastener Fair Italy show, with Roberto keen for visitors to see first-hand the company’s capabilities. “For the products we manufacture, it is important that customers see them up close, so they can see the complexity and quality. To be able to produce such bespoke products to such a high standard – using cold forming – is very unique. That is why we are inviting all visitors to Fastener Fair Italy to come and see it for themselves.” www.defremm.it

MITOS moves to larger site

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With intensive growth, involving a significant expansion in its stock of machines, Italian screw manufacturer MITOS has recently moved to larger production premises to the north-east of Milan – 35km from its previous production site.

stablished in 2012, initially as a trading company, MITOS Srl quickly became a manufacturing company in the screws sector – using the cornerstones of excellent service, enthusiasm and expertise – driven by the aim to continuously improve. Supplying 100% Italian products, MITOS produces metric screws between M2 and M8, self-tapping screws, trilobular thread screws, UNC and UNF pitch screws, Hi-Lo screws, and screws preassembled with captive washer or double washer. “As a company we have a commitment to consistently ensure high-levels of manufacturing quality,” states Gabriele Pastorelli, CEO at MITOS. “That is why we are progressively investing in the automation of our processes, so that we can continue to provide outstanding product quality control. We believe one of the key things that makes us stand out from the crowd is our high-level of flexibility and service in the production of small and large batches of standard or customised screws.” Approximately 70% of MITOS’ production is for the Italian market and 30% for the European market – predominately Spain and Germany. “The main challenge for us currently is that, on the one hand, we want to consolidate the positive results we have experienced within the national market, but on the other hand, we want to seize on the opportunities offered by the expansion of our production to target the European market even further. Especially in the automotive and industrial sectors, which look to be the most promising markets at the moment.” Ever since it entered the market MITOS has kept innovation at its core – helping the company to optimise production levels and produce high-quality finished products. “What has always differentiated us, and Italian companies as a whole, is our versatility and readiness to respond to specific requirements from our clients – while ensuring that the finished products maintain a high-level of reliability,” explains Gabriele. www.mitossrl.com

Factory & Warehouse: Via Verona 5, 20060, Cernusco s/Naviglio, Milan, Italy

Headquarters: Via Negroni 30, 20060, Pessano c/Bornago, Milan, Italy

T: +39 02 9574 9273 | F: +39 02 9574 4857 E: info@pec.mitossrl.com | www.mitossrl.com

MADE IN ITALY

A manufacturer for generations

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Francesco Fusani’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Viteria Fusani Srl in 1955 as a manufacturer of metal screws and rolled rods – with a focus from the very beginning on quality in production. From this base, the company experienced great prosperity thanks to its commitment to top product quality.

s certification bodies gained importance in the world markets, Viteria Fusani was able to implement the necessary procedures quickly to guarantee that it was always at the forefront of development. Over three generations the company continued to grow to become a specialist in manufacturing special screws, standard screws, precision screws, self-tapping screws, as well as metric and self-forming screws – in a variety of materials. “The successful growth of our company is down to the experience and knowledge of our staff,” states Isabella Fusani, sales manager at Viteria Fusani. “Italy is known for its tradition of family companies, handed down from generation to generation, and we are proud to be such a company. This means that we have within our organisation people who believe in the work they are doing, and in their history. It means they are moving forward with pride and a wealth of experience – with a passion to continue to keep pace with innovations and the demands of the market.” To continue its success, Viteria Fusani decided to invest in a new production unit in 2013, which consists of a 2,400m2 covered production space and 300m2 office space – set in an outside area measuring 11,000m2. The company is also looking to expand its sales in the automotive sector, which is why it is currently working with the Italian certification institute ICIM to obtain IATF 16949:2016 certification by June 2019, and is aligning itself with the requirements of Industry 4.0. That is also why Viteria Fusani recently

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added a new multistation stamping press to further develop its screw and special parts production capacity – bringing it more into line with turned products, but with the economy of stamped products. “We are also introducing a new consolidated IT system, which will replace the various software packages acquired over the course of the past 20 years,” points out Isabella. “Having all the data to hand in a single system – to which we have also connected the production machines – will enable us to derive benefits that can be used to improve efficiency throughout our processes. We have even replaced some auxiliary installations to the production processes in order to bring our available technology more up to date and make it more efficient.” Isabella continues: “To add to this we have also taken on new staff with a view to improve process efficiency and company growth. Industry 4.0 is our strategy of choice to add value to the company, and to our clients, and the initiatives that the Italian government has put in place to guide companies towards Industry 4.0 have certainly provided an impetus for growth.”

Today, Viteria Fusani’s production is focused on special screws with technical assistance available to identify the best product to meet customers’ requirements. “We are always available to discuss with our clients the best way of finding solutions that will bring mutual benefits,” concludes Isabella. “Anybody who produces screws like we do, knows this is not a sector that offers attractive margins. Prices depend both on developments affecting raw materials (and in this context we will see what happens on a political level in the months to come) and labour costs, which in Italy are certainly not the advantage they are in other parts of the world – where so many companies are now relocating their production sites. As a company we try to balance all ‘the ingredients’ that go into deciding the selling price – seeking to calculate it in a way that gives the client the highest possible value in terms of our professionalism and expertise.” www.viteriafusani.it

MADE IN ITALY

Flexibility in nail production Founded in the early 1970s under the name Trafilerie Chioderie Torre de Busi S.A.S, it was only in January 2018 that this fourth generation family company changed its name to the brand it is recognised for – titibi® snc.

nitially focused on the production of common nails in iron, the company quickly changes it production to focus exclusively on hardened steel nails. During its many years of activity, titibi® has always invested a lot in new technologies, trying to get the most from its production phases and the experience gained from generation after generation. To date, the company is able to produce hardened steel nails of the highest quality, reaching hardness of up to 57 HRC – 58 HRC. Ensuring at the same time the highest safety standards – all products are able to bend more than 90° without breaking, which is very difficult to achieve with these levels of hardness. In addition to this top of the range quality, customers can also enjoy the high production flexibility of titibi, with the company able to meet multiple requests for customising products or creating special nails to drawing. This flexibility is due to the fact that titibi’s machines have been designed and manufactured or modified internally. In addition to its vast hardened steel nails range, titibi has also introduced a range of concrete gas nailers, with dedicated special nails.

“We are already very active in foreign markets for these products and we also expect a strong development on the national territory in the future,” explains Morandini Ermanno, general manager at titibi. “These nailers are intended to revolutionise the classic fixing system with nails, making the work much easier and quicker.” Morandini continues: “The main challenges we face every day is to maintain, as well as improve, our quality rate. The quality and flexibility of production is one of our key strong points and enables us to differentiate ourselves from competitors, which is why we are always looking at how we can innovate to stay competitive. We will also continue to invest in research and new technologies to provide increasingly perfect and high performing products – satisfying customers’ requests.” www.titibi.com

INOXDADI – versatile and responsive production Since 1973 INOXDADI Srl has been an important Italian producer and distributor of stainless steel nuts, bolts, threaded bar, washers and a selection of other fasteners.

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NOXDADI was initially established to produce stainless steel nuts and embraced turning production. “This was very successful for us,” explains Giulio Gandioli, general manager at INOXDADI. “That was until Asian manufacturers entered the market, which resulted in the prices lowering to a level that was impossible for European producers to match. That is when we decided to shift our production capabilities to focus on niche products in special steels and nickel alloys – with small batch sizes. By using cold forming we can produce niche products such as left thread nuts, with fine pitches, in metric and imperial sizes.” INOXDADI’s decision to changes its product focus enabled it to continue to grow into the business it is today – reaching significant production levels for a wide variety of products in stainless steel, as wel as high strength nickel, titanium, aluminium, brass, copper and bronze alloys. “Creating a stock of these special materials has affirmed our position on a European and international level,” mentions Giulio. “Thanks to our versatile and responsive production capabilities we can supply high-quality products quickly – at prices that compete with other European producers. We can also offer complete traceability of production batches.” Giulio adds: “Innovation of our machinery and our processes is also very important, which is why every year we reserve a considerable part of our profits to invest in future innovations and developments.” Concentrating on product quality and the flexibility of its manufacturing operations, as well as supplementary services associated with sales, are key factors for INOXDADI in its plans for future growth. “Versatility, flexibility and a high-level of technical competence are characteristics typical of Italian companies,” states Giulio. “As a business we need to continue researching new materials to meet the demands of an industry that is becoming increasingly specialised. We also need to recognise the opportunities available in a market that is continuously progressing – so that we can supply a timely, high precision service of the highest quality products.” www.inoxdadi.com

1.4404 1.4571 1.4435/36 1.4828 1.4845 1.4841 1.4550 1.4006 1.4980 1.4539 1.4529 1.4547 1.4362 1.4462 1.4410 1.4501 1.4507 2.4360 2.4952 INCONEL INCOLOY HASTELLOY TITANIUM ASTM GRADES

MADE IN ITALY

Machining of complex parts

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By following its founder’s philosophy of providing highly productive, reliable, affordable and long-lasting equipment, Carlo Salvi has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality, cost-effective and user-friendly cold and warm heading equipment – for both simple as well as complex parts.

arlo Salvi was founded in 1939 by Mr Carlo Salvi, with the purpose of building mechanical descalers to process iron and stainless steel wire. Although these machines were successful, Mr Salvi began to develop and manufacture new and more complex machines. In the late 1940s, Carlo Salvi started the production of flat die thread rollers, which soon became well known on the market for high-quality. Shortly after, the company started the production of head slotter machines for the screw market. In 1952, the first single die double blow header to produce screw blanks was built, which achieved an immediate success. The machine gathered end user’s attention thanks to its innovative features, performances and high productivity. The first market to appreciate the technical qualities of the machine was Germany. Indeed, the German market was for a long time the most important for Carlo Salvi, eventually taken over by the US market in the 1970s.

In the early 1970s Carlo Salvi introduced a new line of headers for semi tubular and fully tubular rivets, which the company says completely changed the market. These machines allowed users to produce up to 600 rivets per minute, with very low production costs. In the 1980s new headers were added – two die four blow and progressive. Since the 1990s Carlo Salvi has introduced ranges of progressive headers with 5 and 6 dies for the production of parts with particularly complex shapes, including tubular rivets, with the machines capable of handling wire from 1.2mm up to 24mm in diameter. Currently, Carlo Salvi is developing its own technology, not only for the cold heading but also the hot forming, using induction processes capable to heat the wire up to 900°C. This technology opens new horizons to Carlo Salvi for the heading of materials that cannot be formed by cold process, such as titanium and other special alloys – especially those used in the aerospace and automotive industries. As of 1 st April 2016, Carlo Salvi SpA joined forces with Hatebur Umformmaschinen AG. This acquisition represented great potential and has enabled each company to be a strong and powerful supplier of innovative and advanced cold, warm and hot forming solutions and services to the market. “With thousands of machines sold all over the world, Carlo Salvi has become a leading supplier of machines for the fasteners industry,” states the company. “Our technicians are always developing innovative solutions in response to the growing needs of the market. Every year we invest in studying new and innovative application to support the requirements of even the most demanding customers.” www.carlosalvi.com

Carlo Salvi’s manufacturing programme

1 die 2 blow headers: This kind of header allows the operator to head up to six diameters of material and offers the possibility to produce components with quite complex shapes. Their main features are the high-speed and precision to head screws, semi tubular rivets with a shouldered shank and tubular rivets – granting a remarkable tool life and an easy manintenance.

2 die 4 blow headers: These headers allow users to obtain components with complex shapes, which cannot easily be

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produced on multistation machines – where it is necessary to transfer the part several times due to the shank being very short or the head too big. The components that can be produced are screws, shaped semi tubular rivets and tubular rivets with large head.

Progressive headers: The progressive headers allow the operator to produce high precision special parts with very complex shapes, which are used in various fields of the market – particularly in the automotive and in the aerospace industries.

Our performance. Your advantage.

Carlo Salvi CS 513 WS

Complex shapes formed easily The progressive header CS 513 WS is the perfect machine to produce special screws, bolts, solid, semi-tubular and fully tubular components as well as parts with special requirements in regard of shape, features and tolerances. It is also available with induction heating system to process materials like titanium and super alloys

carlosalvi@carlosalvi.it

Please get in touch for any questions you may have. For technical information and brochures, visit www.carlosalvi.com

Highlights Suitable for special screws, bolts, solid and other special parts – Up to 180 parts per minute – Wire diameter from 6 mm up to 12 mm – Turn key solution

MADE IN ITALY

Guaranteed performance Certified quality, experience, research and innovation. These are the key words that G&B Group has used as the core of its company philosophy when producing high-quality anchors.

nitially specialised in the production of nylon plugs, through the experience of working in the market G&B Fissaggi rapidly expanded its range and penetration within the whole European market – whilst offering products of the highest quality and certified performance. Thanks to the flexibility of its production programme, the company is now a manufacturer of nylon fixing systems, as well as steel and chemical anchors, for a variety of fields including ironmongery, hardware, construction, engineering, electric, thermo-hydraulic and self-service stores. “From the experience we have gained within the market, we have learnt a key element that should never be overlooked: The constant communication and dialogue with the customer” explains Enrico Galeasso, CEO at G&B Group. “We understand that listening to the market is the first step in offering effective responses and being able to really adapt to each specific local situation. This is why we constantly invest in training, both with our sales teams and our customer network, and also why we offer customer engagement at stages where selection of the new products and market are made.”

Think Fixing

For the quality control of the production process the Italian company has been DNV GL ISO 9001 certified since 2000. The challenges of a growing and highly competitive market such as construction fixings, both in Italy and across Europe, have led to a thorough and more responsible use of resources in order to achieve and control the ‘total quality’ in every area of the supply chain, from product to sales to service.

G&B UK warehouse Quality products with a service to match available

for next day delivery direct from our branch in Sheffield (UK mainland only). Contact our experienced staff to assist you for all you need. G&B GROUP, the Italian company

www.gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia Corso Savona, 22 10029 Villastellone (TO) tel. +39 011 961 94 33 fax +39 011 961 96 39 info@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi UK warehouse Unit 16 Riverside Court Don Road - Sheffield - S9 2TJ (UK) tel. 0114 242 0074 fax 0114 242 0075 uksales@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland johnengebfissaggi@gmail.com G&B Fissaggi Ibérica gbiberica@gebfissaggi.com G&B Fissaggi Benelux info@gebfissaggi.com G&B Fissaggi France p.carlu@gebfissaggi.com

The key factors in guaranteeing quality are: The careful selection of raw materials. Accurate selection and monitoring of suppliers, all with the highest level of accreditation in Europe. Production processes control, from the semi-finished to final product. Product testing (mechanical tests for breakage, resistance and traction) performed in laboratories. Quality control testing for finished product. Packaging and logistics processes control. Advisory services and technical assistance for product selection. Technical assistance on-site. Training.

Global reach

G&B Group has commercial offices in Germany, the UK, Spain, Belgium and France. The UK warehouse has been open in Sheffield since February 2013, where the company has sales offices and a large storage warehouse – with a complete range of products in-line with the Italian headquarters. “The latest offices to open was G&B Fissaggi France, at the beginning of 2016, with a commercial office in Paris,” comments Enrico. “Due to the experience and the deep knowledge of the French market, the sales team in Paris have already achieved good results.” Two years ago the warehouse at the Italian headquarters was also increased by 2,500m2 to enable the company to expand its wide stock of products even further. www.gebfissaggi.com

PRODUCTIVITY INCREASE

SET UP AIDE TOOL PROTECTION QUALITY CONTROL

G&B Group’s headquarters in Italy

MONITORING SOLUTIONS FOR SMART FORMING

MACHINE PROTECTION

PROCESS OPTIMISATION

STAND 1010 BIG DATA ANALYSIS

Centro congressi MiCo - Milano

INSIGHT

A big thanks The 1960s… years of protests and rebellions, years of small and big ideological revolutions, years of significant changes – some of which were only promised and then faded away. On the other hand, some promises were screamed, shouted and finally kept.

Andrea Biagi, president of King SpA

Join the family!

www.king-inox.it King Spa, Via Abruzzo 2, 20090 Opera (Milano), Italy tel: +39 025 760 6482 fax: +39 025 760 4100 email: info@king-inox.it

n the 1960s there was the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vajont Dam; The Beatles sang ‘Love me do’; Martin Luther King delivered the famous speech “I have a dream…” and then was murdered; as were John and Bobby Kennedy. The Apollo 13 crew returned safely to Earth; Italy became European champions at football; there was also the Vietnam War; the invention of personal computers; and the Mont Blanc Tunnel was completed. Those were years of ideas and hopes, of big and small dreams… and it was from just a small dream on 7 th May 1968 in Milan, in via Marco D’Agrate no. 34/c, that King SpA was born. “Through hard work, as well as a reliable service and products, this small dream has become a big success with King celebrating its 50 th anniversary in 2018,” states Andrea Biagi, president of King, proudly. “I would like to give a big thanks to all our customers and suppliers for the sincere and constructive relationship throughout the years. Moreover, we particularly want to thank all present and past colleagues, the true heart of the company, who have greatly embraced the ‘King inside’ philosophy.” Andrea continues: “We believe that behind any structure or business it is the people and human relations that are key in its growth. With our customers and suppliers, we have worked together on the path to success and I am sure they would join us in a sincere gesture of solidarity towards less fortunate people, who have to fight every day to earn a little happiness. For this reason, we decided to celebrate our 50 th anniversary by helping Soleterre ONLUS to realise physcosocial support within the pediatric oncology unit of San Matteo Hospital in Pavia. We thought it was the best way to celebrate our 50 years and we hope that thanks to our help, at least for a small part, their pain can be soothed.” www.king-inox.it

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

The industry prepares for Fastener Fair Italy Fastener Fair Italy, the 2nd international exhibition for fastener and fixing technology, will once again take place at the MiCo – Milano Congressi from 26th – 27th September 2018.

taly’s fasteners sector continues to support the show, accounting for three-quarters of firms that have so far confirmed their participation. Among them are many of the well known producers and distributors of fasteners, as well as leading specialists in fastener manufacturing technology – such as Ambrovit SpA, Carlo Salvi SpA, Ingramatic SpA, Vital Srl, Vipa SpA and more. Joining them will be companies from 13 other countries, including Germany – represented by Lederer GmbH, Fastbolt GmbH and others; Teknoform Fasteners and Kaleliler Bağlanti Elemanlari from Turkey; Spanish companies Chavesbao and Index Fixing Systems; Lancaster Fastener from the UK; and National Machinery from the US. To accommodate more exhibitors and visitors, the show is being staged in the larger South Hall of MiCo, occupying both the ground floor (Level 0) and the upper floor (Level +1). This will provide extra space for an open access Seminar Theatre, Media Point, restaurants Company

Country

Stand

A.I.F.M. Associazione Italiana Finiture dei Metalli Accuride International Ltd Ambrovit SpA AML Srl Annibale Viterie SpA Arma Fixing Systems Arser Srl Atlantic Man Srl Atotech Italia Awafast Srl Berardi Bullonerie Srl Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San Ve Tic Ltd Sti Boehlerit Italy Srl Bollhoff Srl Bonfatti filettature Srl Socio Unico Bontempi Vibo SpA Bonvini Elettrogalvanica Srl BPC Srl Bralo Italia Srl bsk+BTV GmbH Bolzenschweisstechnik Bulloneria del Toce Srl Bull-Vit Srl BZ Vibratori SnC C.M.M. Srl Canali Srl Carbodies S.a.S. di Angelo e Paolo Redaelli & C Carlo Salvi SpA CEIA SpA – Induction Heating Generators

Italy UK Italy Italy Italy Turkey Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Turkey Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Germany Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy

B27 1450 620 1848 800 560 460 263 1410 B20 854 1650 1600 B16 813 1150 1838 440 1238 B56 1520 417 1260 617 B21 540 820 940

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and sitting areas on both levels, all of which is aimed at facilitating business networking and enhancing visitor experience.

Visitors from key industrial sectors

The high-level of interest in this exhibition, which is the only trade show in Italy exclusively dedicated to the fastener and fixing technology, reflects the country’s position as Europe’s second largest manufacturing economy after Germany. It also underlines Italy’s role as a major exporter of fastener products. Distributors and resellers of fasteners and fixings will represent a significant portion of visitors to the show, strengthening vital trading links between manufacturers and end users. During the previous edition of Fastener Fair Italy in 2016, 39% of the attendees were distributors or suppliers of fastener products to users, 32% were fasteners or fixings manufacturers, 25% were wholesalers or suppliers to resellers, and 16% were fastener or fixings users.

Company

Country

Stand

Chavesbao Chiavette Unificate SpA CIMA SpA Clamp Srl Cobalchini Romeo Srl Condat Lubricants Corbetta & C SnC Coventya SpA D.F. Edizioni Srl D.F. Edizioni Srl Datagest Srl Defremm SpA Dega Demir ve Galvaniz San A.S. Dell’Era Ermanno Srl DFV Automazioni Di Costa Giuseppe Srl Dimac Srl E.CO Srl Ecozinc Srl Emek Rivets Co Ltd Eredi Baitelli SpA Ettinger GmbH Eurofix Polska Sp Z.o.o Eurofix Srl Europressvit Srl Eurospecial Srl Expometals.net Ezel Fasteners Co

Spain Italy Italy Italy Italy France Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Turkey Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Turkey Italy Germany Poland Italy Italy Italy Italy Turkey

430 360 335 654 1054 1144 1060 B10 B29 B29 1454 1030 1050 844 550 740 951 1145 740 B30 160 1444 1155 1155 341 863 B37 424

Company F.L.M.D. SnC F.L.Z. Fasteners Srl F.lli Pirovano SpA F.R.L. Srl Faire Srl FAR Srl Fastbolt Schraubengroßhandels GmbH Fastdev Srl Fastener + Fixing Magazine Fastenex Faster Srl Feston Fasteners Filtereco Srl Fixi Fastening Systems Fixinggroup GmbH FM Metal Fasteners Group SpA Fram Srl GAM – Giovanni Anceschi Gandini Fasteners Srl Gel di Giussani E & L SnC. di A.P.J. e J.Giussani Giacomo Martinelli Srl Giussani Rapid Srl Growermetal Srl Güde GmbH HBS Bolzenschweiss – Systeme GmbH & Co KG HEICO Italia Srl Heroslam S.A.L Index Fixing Systems Ingramatic SpA Inovan GmbH & Co KG Inox Viti Inoxdadi Srl Intellifast GmbH International Industrial Springs Italbolt Inox Service Srl Italvitinox Srl Italy Export – Editrice Gidiemme Joh Nep Jerger KG Kaleliler Bağlanti Elemanlari Lancaster Fastener Co Ltd LD Fasteners Srl Lederer GmbH l’Industriale Srl LLS Titanium Srl Lomar di Arini Dario Lubra SpA Lusavouga Hardware and Tools Magni Europe GmbH & Co KG Marer Srl Marposs Italia SpA Marvit Srl Masidef Srl Mavita Srl MC Bolt Srl MDM Special Tools Srl MEC. P. di Ponti Giovanni & C SnC Mecavit Srl Meccaniche Morandi Srl Mem Srl Metalfastener Group Mevi Italia Srl Micrometal Srl Milani Enrico Srl Milanoviti Srl Minsavit Srl Mitos Srl Mobil Plastic SpA Mollfam Srl Mollificio Luigi Codega Srl MPC Industries Mr Industrial Fasteners Srl National Machinery LLC Nord-Lock Srl Nori Viterie Srl Nuova Rivetteria Bolognese Srl Officine Riva SpA

Country

Stand

Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Germany Italy UK Spain Italy Italy Italy Italy Austria Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Germany Germany Italy Spain Spain Italy Germany Italy Italy Germany India Italy Italy Italy Germany Turkey UK Italy Germany Italy Italy Italy Italy Portugal Germany Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Netherlands Italy USA Italy Italy Italy Italy

960 754 1734 844 1439 1044 640 850 B26 1400 134 148 1421 915 1510 440 1150 610 351 124 355 755 944 500 1124 253 243 430 630 554 450 1141 1435 410 914 463 B46 1724 750 150 B56 640 B47 1140 911 1720 840 138 954 1010 730 1544 254 440 1130 610 1034 320 B50 844 830 B42 660 244 345 1125 1715 340 1063 1310 954 1000 B57 255 260 700

Company Open Factory Edizioni Srl Osca Automazioni Srl Osra Special Parts Srl Oteraccordi SpA P Systems Srl Padova Packaging Srl Piloni Srl Plarad Italy Srl Pressvit Srl Prima Zanetti Srl Printec Srl Profiroll Technologies GmbH Pruftechnik Srl PSM Celada Fasteners Srl QP Mechanics S.a.S di Giardiello Vincenzo Regg Inspection Srl Remaches Factory Rivit Srl RM Distribuzione Industriale Srl Rockford Manufacturing Group Inc Rolling Tools Srl Rona Kranj d.o.o. Sacma Limbiate SpA Sacto Srl Sala Punzoni Sariv Srl Sater Srl Sati Group SpA Schnorr Italia Srl Schwer + Kopka GmbH Silga SpA Sipa Srl Skako Vibration A/S Smart Machinery Srl SOM Fastener Co Southco Srl SP di Piovan Silvano S.a.S. & C Speed Bolt Srl Stafa Group Streicher Maschinenbau GmbH Strubl GmbH & Co KG Strut Support Systems T.I.T. Europe Srl Tachart Ltd t/a bolt & Nut Manufacturing TDE Srl Technoroll Srl Tecmet 2000 Srl Tecno Impianti Srl TECNOLOGIC 3 Tekelioglu Civata San Tic Ltd Sti Teknoform Fasteners TesT GmbH TIEIG Industrial Products GmbH T-LOCK Srl Torneria Fanti R Srl Trafileria Punteria Ghezzi SaS Trafilerie Pichierri Srl TSP Srl – Tecnomeccanica Saldatura Perni U.D.I.B. Unione Distributori Italiani Bulloneria UBK SpA UPIVEB / Italian Fasteners UT.P.F. Srl Vibroservice Srl Vilux Viterie SpA Vipa SpA Visaf Srl Vision Engineering Ltd Vision Srl Vital Srl Viteria Fusani Srl Viteria Smel Srl Viti Srl Vorpa Srl YOPAdvisors stp Srl Zarri Srl Zitac Srl Unipersonale – Giambarini Group

Country

Stand

Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Usa Italy Slovenia Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Germany Italy Italy Denmark Italy Turkey UK Italy Italy Netherlands Germany Germany India Italy UK Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Turkey Turkey Germany Germany Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy Italy

1514 930 257 247 B41 1844 844 B52 760 817 1450 1540 1420 310 132 814 1644 454 410 1256 350 B19 630 613 921 600 128 1640 1110 550 B31 331 B41 1000 1434 1450 1160 440 1610 1401 1114 1154 710 B36 243 610 B53 1040 230 324 650 1420 1254 860 663 910 156 1124 1445 235 1744 950 140 240 530 233 810 930 220 234 900 413 250 B29 510 1714

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VITAL moves to new modern warehouse

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VITAL Srl has moved to a new warehouse that will see it increase its capacity from 7,300 pallets up to 14,000 pallets. Editor Will Lowry visited the new facility in July, as VITAL was on the verge of moving its stock, to speak to Purchasing Manager Luca Bernasconi about the growth of the business and what benefits the new warehouse will bring.

ounded in 1975, a key factor in VITAL’s initial success was the close relationship with its suppliers within Asia. “As a fastener company we were one of the first from Europe to go to Taiwan and China to build the relationship with manufacturers in the 1980s,” explains Luca Bernasconi. “We were a pioneer, and this gave us a great advantage ahead of other companies. We visited the factories and built relationships with them. At the time, you would place an order and then wait to see what arrived when you opened the container. That is why having face-to-face contact was crucial, so you could ensure you would get the products and the quality you needed.” By 2007 VITAL was at it largest, which is when it first thought about moving premises. “We had some plans on the desk, but then at the end of 2007 we received the notice from the European Commission about the anti-dumping investigation. Since we didn’t know what to expect from this investigation, we stopped all plans and we held the decision to move.” By the beginning of 2008 the anti-dumping had been introduced, which VITAL took very seriously as it did not want to tranship. “We immediately stopped buying from China and started to work with other Asian, and some European, suppliers,” mentions Luca. “I personally visited every single factory around Asia to check the production capabilities. Where I had doubts about the capacity, we did not purchase from that company. This meant that we did not have any problems with transhipment, but it did mean we were less competitive within the market.” Even with the introduction of anti-dumping, VITAL still kept a strong relationship with its Chinese suppliers. “We still bought products that were not impacted by the anti-dumping and, due to our long partnership, we kept in touch to understand how their business was developing.”

104 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

In 2016, after the recession and the cancellation of anti-dumping, these strong connections enabled VITAL to react quickly and start importing products again. “I know a lot of other companies completely stopped buying from China, which then made it difficult to start that partnership up again as the market had changed,” explains Luca. “We, however, could immediately start importing products as we had nurtured the relationships and we could ensure we would get the same quality and reliability that we had previously experienced prior to the anti-dumping.” With the cancellation of anti-dumping, and an upturn in the market as a whole, by the end of 2016 VITAL had once again reached its stock capacity and was thinking about moving. “As an importer and distributor of fasteners, fixings systems, and special parts, we have established ourselves as a key supplier for ‘stock out’ items whilst providing a first class turnaround service,” states Luca. “A key factor in our success has been our volume of stock and the availability of the goods. You cannot provide a good service to the customer if you do not have the proper inventory. Our old warehouse was only 7,300 pallets, so we had become very skillful in managing the warehouse with a fast rotation. However, the lack of space became more and more of a limiting factor – that is why we decided to move.”

Situated only 2.8km from the old site, the new warehouse is almost double the size and can hold 14,000 pallets. The warehouse has been split into two areas focusing on full pallets and the picking ofsmaller orders. “It is a big jump in space, but it was necessary,” explains Luca. “We now have even more capacity under one roof, which means we can have a larger stock, but even more importantly we can enlarge our range of products. We have also been able to revolutionise the logistics system – changing from a very old traditional system to a new ultra-modern version.” Previously when picking, it had been necessary for VITAL to take down every pallet from the racking, pick the order, and then load the pallets back on the racking – which was very time-consuming and not efficient. However, now with the new logistics system, and modern forklift trucks, the operator is able to go to the pallet on top of the racking and pick the goods directly.

For the full pallet section of the warehouse, the logistics system even drives the operator to the relevant spot, they do not need to steer. The operator then just needs to press a button and the forklift truck does everything itself: It will stop in the exact position, the operator then pushes another button and the fork cycle is fully automatic, with the pallet taken off the racking safely. The operator just scans the pallet space and then the pallet to show the right product has been picked. “With the logistics system, and automated forklifts, the whole process is more efficient and reliable. If it is manually operated the user might go to the wrong space and pick the wrong product, but the system stops this from happening,” points out Luca. “It even decides the locations for incoming goods, once the quality checks have been carried out, so that we can ensure the most efficient picking process.”

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All the racking and forklifts have been supplied by Jungheinrich, which means VITAL benefits from the very latest technology, such as an under pallet system. Covering an area of 18 pallet spaces wide and 7 pallet spaces high – with each space 10 pallets deep, the under pallet system means VITAL can manage and store 1,260 pallets in a reduced area, whilst still providing smooth and quick logistics. “In its simplest form it is a block of 1,260 pallets,” states Luca. “It is almost a warehouse within a warehouse and it is a very efficient system. The operator can take a pallet off an incoming truck and load it into the under pallet system. By the time they have gone back to the truck to get the second pallet, the first pallet has been automatically lifted up and moved to the furthest position back within that pallet lane and is ready to accept the next pallet. This means we can either have one location that is 10 pallets deep of the same product or, alternatively, if a customer has an order of up to 10 pallets we can store it all in the same location. When the order is ready to be despatched, the operator loads the first pallet onto the truck, and the next pallet is automatically moved to the front of the lane to be picked. This continues until all the pallets within this location have been loaded. This makes the whole process very efficient and effective. It also means we can store a considerable number of pallets in a very small cubic area.” Another benefit of the new warehouse is that VITAL will also be able to take full advantage of its purchasing software system, which it introduced two years ago. “We benefited from the system when we introduced it initially, as it helped us improve a lot of the stock analysis and service to the customer, which is our core business,” mentions Luca. “However, now we are moving into the new warehouse it will be another step in our development and we will be able to use the purchasing system further – taking full advantage of its capabilities to improve our service.”

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In addition to the new warehouse, VITAL also has new offices and a reception area – which includes the company’s quality department as a central focus. “Whilst we are selling mainly standard items, we are committed to delivering the perfect price/quality ratio, with super good service and fast delivery,” states Luca. “We have placed our QC lab in front of reception, so that customers can see we take quality very seriously.” Luca concludes: “The new warehouse is a big step, but it is also a great opportunity for us and everyone at the business is excited. Our slogan is that we are the quickest solution to customers’ stock out and thanks to the new warehouse we will be able to continue to keep this promise, whilst also developing our range and service. Our aim is to be flexible, fast and focused – so that we are the perfect partner for distributors everywhere.” www.vitalonline.it

NEW VITAL HEADQUARTER

THE NEW ERA OF BUSINESS STARTS HERE

INSTANT REPLIES TO ALL YOUR REQUESTS FULL PALLET DELIVERY IN 24 HOURS WE ARE THE QUICKEST SOLUTION TO YOUR STOCKOUT

POWERFULL YOUNG TEAM A FLEXIBLE BUSINESS PARTNER OVER 2.000 CUSTOMER IN 30 COUNTRIES STOCK & AVAILABILITY ON VITAL WEB SERVICE 30% OF BUSINESS ON SPECIAL & CUSTOM PARTS EXTRA WIDE-RANGE OF NUTS YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY US!

Competence Quality Punctuality since 1975

vitalonline.it

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

A dynamic and efficient service Since 1967 UBK SpA has been a major supplier of fasteners, both standard and custom designed, for the industrial and automotive fields – with a headquarters and warehouse strategically located in Milan, Italy.

235

BK has extensive experience in the distribution of high-quality fastener products throughout Italy and other European countries – supplying a wide range of products including screws, bolts, nuts, pressure plugs, dowel pins, studs, disc springs, washers and locking solutions, in both metric and inch sizes. To meet the needs of more demanding clients, UBK is able to offer customer designed products, which are specially designed and manufactured in accordance with technical specifications. Also, thanks to its knowledgeable and experienced team, it is able to provide engineering support and a specialised customer service. All UBK products comply with international standards, with PPAP AND IMDS certificate available upon request. To supply high-quality fasteners, UBK partners with world leading manufacturers that adhere to certified quality systems (ISO 9001, QS 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO-TS 16949 certification). “We have a professional, motivated and innovative team, with high experience and expertise in handling any situation with a problem solving spirit,” comments UBK. “We are a modern

company and offer customers a dynamic and efficient service. Through investments in important resources, as well as expanding our buildings and warehouse, and implementing new IT technologies, we have been able to create a large inventory of standard and custom fasteners in a wide range of sizes, styles and finishes. With our extensive distribution channel, we are in the position to accommodate the needs of clients through a first class service, and logistic support, dedicated to help customers in their everyday work.” www.ubk.it

TECNOLOGIC 3® aims for continuous improvement For TECNOLOGIC 3® the method and application process it uses – to apply its innovative systems for the locking of threaded parts – have not only been an important distinguishing element compared to competitors but also a critical factor in its success.

230

he continuous improvement that characterises TECNOLOGIC 3®, with regards to the processes and the conception of the machines, allows the company to constantly increase the quality and performance of the product – to meet the needs of the customer. The new generation of machines conceived and industrialised by TECNOLOGIC 3, and already available on the market, implement several automatic processes and numerous quality controls that allow users to prevent errors and increase the quality of the product application. In particular, automated online cameras and software inspection tools now enable users to constantly monitor the industrial process and the related statistical analyses, with a display unit available to manage integrated operations and programming directly on the machine’s devices. TECNOLOGIC 3 also guarantees an accurate and widespread technical service, as well as assistance during all the project start-up phases – from installation to final production. “The use of TECNOLOGIC 3 machines and processes guarantees and ensures optimal application of the products with the highest quality yield,” states Caterina Calasso, sales manager at TECNOLOGIC 3. “All our products have a unique advantage in that they are water-based and contain no solvents and the adhesive systems lock and seal any screwed connection.” TECNOLOGIC 3 sealants can be applied to any threaded connection (cylindrical/cylindrical and cylindrical/conical), as well as to any types of metal and most plastic materials. The pre-applied self-locking product

108 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

renders any self-locking and sealing threaded connection adjustable and reusable. While the threaded parts are being screwed together, TECNOFREN® is distributed between external and internal threads – exerting strong, long-lasting resistance against loosening and vibrations. www.tecnologic3.it

4.0

MES software SK-go! Machine terminals Process monitoring

SK-go! is the leading MES software in the fastener industry wide range of load monitors SK 200 up to SK 800 process monitoring specialist with more than 15.000 machine terminals installed worldwide high competence through international service partners more than 27 years experience Check out our latest 4.0 innovations:

new product line of load monitors and SK 4.10 and SK 4.12 SK-go!-PTO process data tracker for successful customer audits SK-go!-CM machine condition monitoring

Schwer + Kopka GmbH Herknerstrasse 4 D-88250 Weingarten (Germany) Fon ++49 751 56 164 0 www.schwer-kopka.de

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

Cold heading – green lubricants to save costs

1144

At Fastener Fair Italy, CONDAT will exhibit its wide range of lubricants dedicated to cold heading operations – including CONDAT cold forming vegetable oils.

XTRUGLISS green oils are vegetal-based oils that improve productivity and tool life. Thanks to the high-level of lubricity of vegetal base oil (3 times more efficient than standard mineral base oils), EXTRUGLISS GREEN enables the manufacturing of very difficult parts while increasing the OEE (efficiency of the process) and reducing the tooling budget. These oils can be used also for heavy-duty forming operations such as screw, bolt, nuts and extrusion. Highly performant, EXTRUGLISS GREEN oils are also dual purpose oils. They have been specially formulated to provide both superior lubrication characteristics to machinery, as well as outstanding lubrication for the cold heading process.

Italian technology since 1982

263

Atlantic Man Srl has more than 30 years of experience in the fastener industry and is a leader in the production of heavy-duty clamps, which are produced at its main factory in Castelnovo di Sotto, Reggio Emilia, Italy.

tlantic Man’s main production is focused on stainless steel products – namely W2, W4 and W5 – which are produced on a totally automatic bespoke process production line, designed by the company’s own technical department. Further products in the Atlantic Man range includes worm drive clamps in 9mm and 12mm band, quick release hose clamps, single and double wire clamps with and without screw, band and locking device for the band, as well as a selection of other products.

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With a high flash point, ensuring lower mist and smokes, and being free of chlorine, EXTRUGLISS GREEN oils have a reduced impact on the environment and give operators a friendly working environment. Thanks to their responsible approach, these lubricants are not subject to UTIF tax – due in Italy on imported mineral lubricants.

Unique induction heating systems

940

For more than 35 years CEIA SpA has dedicated itself to the design and construction of induction heating systems – offering solutions that maximise production, reduce energy consumption and certify the quality of the products.

EIA’s unique technological solutions allow the manufacturing of power equipment with compact size, extremely high energy efficiency and long-term reliability. Both the high and medium frequency generators and the control units from CEIA are suitable to be integrated in automatic production lines, and make up a line of equipment called the ‘Power Cube Family’. This line of equipment is suitable for a number of industrial sectors where rapid, precise and repeatable heating of any type of metal is required.

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

Happy birthday Rivit!

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Now celebrating its 45th anniversary, Rivit has grown with the continuous aim of being a fastening systems benchmark for everything concerning the tools and machines for sheet metal assembly.

ivit Srl started out as a small company operating in the distribution of small metal parts. Step-by-step the business developed its own production of blind rivets, which was expanded later to other families of products for metal fastening, before developing a comprehensive programme of tools and creating a special department for the design and construction of tools for blind rivets and rivet nuts.

In 2006 Rivit concentrated on its infrastructure, with the new headquarters coming first – creating an advanced logistics centre equipped with an automated warehouse. With this new facility, Rivit started shipping all goods from a single location to customers located around the world. The next step was the introduction of its own online company portal, where customers could access catalogues, product specifications, offers and orders – available 24 hours a day. In recent years, Rivit has focused on developing its foreign markets, with its network of distributors expanding to include 60 countries – alongside two independent companies: Rivit India and Rivit Maroc. Both of which are located in emerging markets where new business opportunities are concentrated. The strength of Rivit nowadays is based on an exhaustive programme of products, where the customer can find a wide range of solutions to join and deform sheet metal. Rivit offers a huge assortment of fastening systems – blind rivets, rivet nuts, self-clinching, welding studs, lockbolts, cage nuts, screws, latches, as well as related tools for their placing such as tools for blind rivets and rivet nuts, welders, and machines for sheet metal working. To handle this wide range of products, Rivit is broken down into three distinct divisions – industry, building and dealers. The industry division offers fastening solutions and related

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tools to any kind of application in multiple industrial fields – from automotive to production of home appliances, electronics, furniture, lighting, industrial bodywork, and light carpentry. The building division offers a complete range of products for roofing, metal frames, coverings and air conditioning. Lastly, there is the dealers division, which has developed a complete line of products dedicated to ironmongeries, tool shops and technical item resellers – offering a complete programme of blind rivets, rivet nuts, riveters, clamps and specific tools for welding.

Rivit states: “Today we are a worldwide leader thanks to the completeness of our range of products – with more than 35,000 references – as well as the superior quality of our products and our after sales service, which have distinguished us from our competitors for 45 years.” “When you turn 45, it is inevitable to take stock of the past and the future. For 2018, we have new projects to develop in Italy, such as the opening of new Rivitpoint branches, and the conformation of new agreements for the distribution of different products on the domestic market, as well as new commercial agreements for abroad,” explains Rivit. “We will continue to develop new products and markets, always looking for new goals to achieve. In the world of Industry 4.0, where automating and reducing production time and costs has become an essential objective, we have also invested in process control technology developing the Controlriv line.” Controlriv is a system that helps users monitor rivet nut and blind rivet assembling operations. The system is connected to the riveting tools and, according to the predetermined settings made by the operator, the work of the tool is monitored in ‘real time’ in order to avoid mistakes and deactivations. The results are improved productivity, higher standard of work and reduced waste. The system also features a clear display, easy to understand procedures and a PC interaction program to set-up and control activities in a few steps. Work monitoring is supported by stored set batches data and by all check activities, either with positive or negative results. For what concerns working phases, visual and sound alerts have been designed to highlight the correct or wrong applications. The system also features a pneumatic valve that turns compressed air on and off to safely secure the hole, best distinguish the working phases from the configuration ones, and prevent further errors in the event of a wrong application result. The basic model of the Controlriv works with RIV938, RIV939, RIV941, RIV949 and RIV916B tools for rivet nuts, and RIV503, RIV504, RIV505, RIV508, RIV511B and RIV300 tools for blind rivets. www.rivit.it

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 113

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

Awafast launches own tool range

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Awafast Srl, a supplier of self-clinching fasteners, insert nuts, rivets, and welding studs, will be showcasing its new range of Awagun pneumatic and electric riveting tools at the upcoming Fastener Fair Italy show.

wafast was founded by Luca Follini and Ruggero Baglioni, who have combined their vast commercial and technical experience in the Italian and European market, and knowledge of purchasing from China, to supply a wide range of products for sheet metal applications. “We can supply all types of self-clinching fasteners, made according to international standards,” points out Luca Follini, business development manager at Awafast. “Our fasteners are available in zinc coated steel, stainless steel and aluminium. We can deliver all over Europe and around the world – supplying quality products quickly and efficiently.” Awafast manufactures a part of its product range, with the rest imported from reliable manufacturers with which the company has formed strategic partnerships. “Due to our close relationship with our suppliers, built over 20 years, we are able to supply competitively priced products that are of the highest quality,” points out Luca. “Our aim is

We are very proud to introduce the new range of Awagun tools to the market… customers will be impressed with the capabilities of the new tools, which offer excellent value for money.” to become a true partner for customers by providing good quality products at a competitive price, supported by a first class customer service.” At Fastener Fair Italy Awafast will be launching its new range of Awagun pneumatic and electric riveting tools. The electric gun range is available in 20V with double battery packs and has an installation force of 15kN. For the pneumatic line Awafast has a range of different models that give customers the possibility to buy according to their individual needs, including economical and light, as well as heavy and powerful models. “We are very proud to introduce the new range of Awagun tools to the market,” states Luca. “Customers will be impressed with the capabilities of the new tools, which offer excellent value for money. We are also able to provide assistance to customers if they need it and we have the complete set of spare parts in stock, which makes us extremely fast in repairs.” www.awafast.com

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www.fastenerfair.com/india/mumbai

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

Berardi – targeting international markets

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After the recent opening of a new 10,000m2 head office, and with the company experiencing 10% growth year-on-year for the last five years, Berardi Bullonerie is looking to take the next step in its development and forge new international partnerships.

stablished in 1919, Berardi has become a reference point within Italy for supplying an ever expanding range of screws, fasteners and C-class items. With the addition of the company’s new site in Castel Guelfo di Bologna, which includes 10,000m2 dedicated to a warehouse and offices, Berardi is looking to add to the 45,000+ articles it already currently supplies customers, as well as grow across Europe. “Our continual investment in products, and the new warehouse, is a clear sign of our willingness to provide total support to customers, as well as a range of services aimed at satisfying the most varied requirements,” states Giovanni Berardi, owner at Berardi Bullonerie. “Every day a hundred employees work to ensure that the Berardi Group and its 15 branches throughout Italy, duly deliver a first-class service.” For Berardi this first-class service includes logistics, technical quality and customer service. “Our capillary of offices around Italy ensure that we are close to our customers and with our new optimised warehouse, we will be able to offer personalised logistics services that will meet our customers’ exacting demands,” points out Giovanni. “This integrated logistics service will also enable us to reduce costs, whilst still provide a service advantage to those customers wanting quality, security and traceability.” Regarding technical quality, Berardi’s range is continuously being developed through its our own initiative, as well as at the request of its customers. “Customer expectations on service and product standards are constantly growing,” explains Giovanni. “At Berardi we ensure the quality of our products through the close partnership we have with our qualified suppliers – along with a fully equipped quality laboratory.”

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Giovanni continues: “We supply a number of industries including automotive and construction, and can supply a calibrated service depending on individual customers’ needs. Our products are simple, but they are the lifeblood of assembly lines and there is no room for improvisation. A delay in supply or a qualitative problem can block an entire line, which is unacceptable. Thanks to our new facility we can ensure a consistent supply of the highest quality products.” “For the future we are looking to increase our presence in new markets across Europe – where we believe there are a lot of interesting opportunities. We will also continue to supply the same consistent products and service that has positioned us at the forefront of fastener distribution.” www.gberardi.com

LOGISTICS BUILT AROUND THE CUSTOMERS www.gberardi.com

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FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

Fasteners for distributors

Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors, with three European warehouses. In addition to a highly specialised product range ex-stock, Fastbolt offers individual supply solutions such as customised packing, direct container imports, pre-import quality inspections and a revolutionary online business portal – FBonline.

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astbolt was established in 1982 as a range specialist, providing industrial fasteners to European distributors. The keystones of its business are consistent high product quality coupled with unsurpassed service and competitive pricing. Its strength of cooperation with both customers and suppliers has provided a strong foundation for steady growth. With locations in Germany, the UK, Portugal, and China, Fastbolt provides close proximity to its customers. Its permanent geographical presence in the ever changing and constantly growing supply markets allows it to be reactive and flexible. Constant scrutiny and improvements of its internal processes and procedures, alongside development of innovative logistics solutions, are key factors in Fastbolt’s sales philosophy, which provides measurable added value to its customers. www.fastbolt.com

Mechanical components for electronic production ETTINGER GmbH provides an extensive range of mechanical components for electronic production – with approximately 30,000 products available from its catalogue and another 15,000 supplied in-line with specific customer requirements.

tandard products are available from stock, even in larger production quantities – thanks to ETTINGER’s generous warehousing facilities spanning approximately 3,000m2. One of the cornerstones of ETTINGER’s product range is its selection of standoffs, which are available in all kinds of designs and in steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminium, plastic, as well as a combination of plastic and metal. ETTINGER also offers female/female, male/female and male/male thread types, as well as a range of thread formats including DIN/ISO, UNC, self-cutting threads, and combinations of these. Other parts that ETTINGER can supply include hinged standoffs, reducing standoffs, and slotted standoffs. Parts with adhesive or clamping threadlocking methods are also available with short lead times. “Providing parts that are precise is extremely important to us. We either have them delivered to us by manufacturers, who comply with our strict specifications, or we produce them ourselves,” comments ETTINGER. “Our in-house production facilities create exceptionally precise turned parts, mainly based on drawings containing customer specifications. To ensure quality, and to meet the requirements of our in-house quality standards and the RoHS Directive, we also check the surface properties and constituent substances of the parts, as well as the thickness of electroplated coatings – using an X-ray fluorescence measuring system.” www.ettinger.de

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FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

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Fixi – ongoing growth Due to its innovative policies and distribution strategies, linked to the needs and requirements of its customers, Fixi Group has experienced sustained ongoing growth – with it recently achieving an increase in turnover of 10%.

ased on careful warehouse management, and in particular through holding stock at crucial times of the year – such as in the final quarter – Fixi is able to constantly fulfil orders for both existing and new customers quickly with a high fill rate. “We have been very satisfied with our sales performance over recent years,” states Maurizio Mora, owner of Fixi Srl. “Through our ability to carry out detailed analysis on our sales flow, and the management of purchases over past years, we have been very successful in delivering high-quality products to customers as per requirement.” Fixi was established in 1984 by Roberto Mora who had the vision and passion to expand the company and its products. His sons Maurizio and Alessandro, who have now both worked in the company for more than 20 years, have helped Fixi to innovate; find new markets; improve the management of purchase flows and optimisation of the stores; and to expand the range of products distributed. The Group has hopes that a new generation will soon be involved to push the brand forward with the same enthusiasm, and desire to innovate, that has seen Fixi become the company it is today. Fixi’s key reference market is Europe, where it continues to see excellent prospects for growth. “We now have a widespread presence due to specialised distributors who permit extensive distribution of our products throughout Europe,” explains Maurizio. “We keep a constant eye on changing regulations,

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Through our ability to carry out detailed analysis on our sales flow, and the management of purchases over past years, we have been very successful in delivering high-quality products to customers as and when they need them.”

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Visit us: 26.-27. September 2018 Booth 1444, Level 0, MiCo - South Hall, Milan/Italy

Tel +49 8104 66 23 88 Fax +49 8104 66 23 99 E-Mail sales@ettinger.de www.ettinger.de

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FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

in particular concerning customs tariffs and commercial policies on imports and exports – as they can significantly influence the costs and delivery times of our products. We are also constantly looking to diversify our range of products. In this way we seek to seize the opportunities that are offered.” Fixi Group is always very aware of its own clients’ requirements, as it spends a lot of time listening to its clients’ needs and looks to offer a very high-level of service – with a key factor the proximity to the customer. Fixi has six sites in Italy that provide an extensive network throughout Europe of reliable distributors. The Group’s export sales network is also able to meet its clients’ needs with deep understanding of the cultures and languages of the principle countries in Europe. “Throughout Europe we have selected competent distributors in order to better serve each individual requirement,” states Maurizio. “The sales force that looks after the European market does a lot of travelling in order to identify, understand and therefore better take into account the characteristics of each individual country.” Maurizio adds: “Distribution is increasingly a crucial part of the supply chain. Production has become more specialised over recent years and therefore its role is as a channel for changing specific requirements. In the supply chain, it is the distributors who make the difference. They are the communications link between manufacturers and clients. Being a distributor involves matching the needs of the clients with the multitude of products offered by manufacturers. That is why listening and technical competence are vital characteristics on which we have to work constantly. Our professionalism, apart from being demonstrated in the field, is also recognised by the fact that we are members of UDIB (Unione Distributori Italiani Bulloneria – the Italian Association of Fasteners Distributors).”

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An aspect of the business that Fixi has been focusing on intensively over recent years has been the optimisation of its stores management. “Timely delivery from warehouses and having the full range of products available at any time of year is a major competitive advantage and is one that is very important to us,” points out Maurizio. “Technical innovation is certainly a major leverage in which we invest efforts, but punctuality and precision in our deliveries is just as important. That is why we also lay great emphasis on the ordering culture within the warehouse. Only in this way is it possible to offer a timely and efficient service to our clients.” Due to a rise in demand in recent years, Fixi has expanded its warehouse capacity by more than a third. “The local Italian market is responding well to our range of products and to ensure we could supply the widest choice of products it was necessary to expand,” mentions Maurizio. “We are continually looking at new opportunities and through everyday routine, and continuous interaction with the supply chain, we are finding new ideas to help optimise orders and stock management. We will also continue to use focused marketing to raise awareness of our brand and services among prospective clients. We always try to keep our customers up to date with our latest developments, including newsletters, being present at trade fairs throughout Europe, and virtual trade fairs, as well as featuring in the main magazines for the sector, in particular Fastener + Fixing, which is certainly the reference point for our current and potential clients.” www.fixi.it

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FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

SACMA’s new combined headers

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SACMA Group will introduce the new SP59-C and SP59 combined header models for large fasteners up to M24, at the upcoming Fastener Fair Italy show in Milan.

ACMA states that like its other combined headers, these new models provide the best solution for high productivity requirements; the consolidation of production methods; floor space usage; and work flow in a fastener manufacturing environment. They do this by having the forging, pointing and thread rolling all in one machine – providing maximum efficiency and part quality in the manufacturing process of standard fasteners and special automotive fasteners. Featuring all the mechanical and performance qualities of the Group’s progressive headers, the new SACMA combined headers offer the ability to make quick changeovers and the versatility to make net shape parts, in addition to bolts and screws. This demonstrates the ability of SACMA’s innovative real modular system and its well-earned reputation of versatility, quality, precision, reliability and longevity. SACMA will also present the features available in its ‘Winning Technologies®’ label such as the patented ‘S-Feed’ servo driven wire feeder, the new Industry 4.0 ready machines, the new QTC package for quick changeovers, and the new version M with the fully motorised adjustment of the machine. “We will also show our latest developments regarding the new SC500 and SC600 to control the absolute forces of the heading station and to manage the die match during the threading operation of the combined headers,” reports SACMA. “To add to this, we will

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also focus on the brand new S-Transfer precision system with linear motor driven fingers and servomotor driven lateral movement – allowing a very quick and easy transfer timing set-up directly from the touch panel.” Other machines that will be focused on during the show include the Ingramatic micro threader model RP020, W00/W000 die sizes, for the high-speed production of very precise miniature screws. The machine is equipped with the latest technologies available such as an innovative tool holder; an introduction system driven by a torque motor for a ultra-precise introduction of the miniature blanks into the dies; and a slide body running on linear guides (with ball circulation skates) in order to ensure high accuracy for rolling operation. The drive transmission of the RP020 is made by an innovative double helical drive belt connecting the brushless main motor with an absolute master encoder. This new type of drive with double helical belt favours higher torque and precision. Ingramatic will also announce the newest machine for the production of very large and heavy fasteners – the large thread rolling machine model RP920 (W70/TR9) with its unique bed frame design integrating the reaction block and the patented double starter unit driven by servomotors. The machine will be equipped with the new cabin design and all the I-Thread features, which Ingramatic states will make the machine the most advanced large thread rolling machine in the world. www.sacmagroup.com

FASTENER FAIR ITALY PREVIEW

BRALO supplies Italian automotive market

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BRALO is a manufacturer of rivets, insert nuts and special cold stamping parts, with the automotive sector making up 50% of its production – with the company specialising in various product areas, including parts for the body, chassis and mechanisms.

n terms of the vehicle body, special parts made by cold stamping, which are used for the skeleton of the vehicle, are key elements in assuring safety and reliability. This includes parts that make up the closing mechanism on the exterior of the vehicle’s door, front ends and roof;

as well as in the dashboards on the inside. Chassis products make up the lower part of the structure, and the mechanisms form part of the suspension systems, axles and airbags – all made with standard manufacturing products supplied by BRALO, according to ISO 9001. BRALO is able to meet the constant change and demands of the sector, focusing on durability, safety, recyclability developing innovative production methods with more resistant materials, and the manufacture of plastic parts. The company also offers a personalised service based on the designs and specifications that are supplied, in order to create a specific model. www.bralo.com

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Tecno Impianti to present its latest models and innovations Italian-based Tecno Impianti designs and manufactures in-line wire drawing machines that are utilised for drawing CHQ wire rod directly in-line with cold heading machines, straightening and cutting machines, as well as machines for chains.

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ll of Tecno Impianti’s models are equipped with variable speed drives and can be custom-made, according to customers’ specifications. The company also supply coil-to-coil wire drawing bull-blocks, for production of drawn wire, which is then transferred to the production department for the cold heading operation. Also part of the company’s production programme are many other peripheral machines, such as horizontal power-driven uncoilers – supplied with single or double coil-holding arm or with rotating base, vertical uncoilers, coil-tilting machines, feeding/straightening machines and wire pointing machines. “At Fastener Fair Italy we will have key personnel from within Tecno Impianti who will be available to speak to customers about all of our latest models and innovations,” states Roberto Gnecchi, CEO at Tecno Impianti. “We invite all visitors to our stand so they can see first-hand our capabilities.” www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com

IN-LINE WIRE DRAWING MACHINES For calibrating wire from 2,0 to 35,0 m, in-line with cold headers and machines for chains.

HORIZONTAL WIRE DRAWING BULLBLOCKS For coil-to-coil wire drawing of cold heading wire from 5,0 to 32,0 mm. Our lines are supplied complete with uncoilers, wire pointers, take-up units, coil compactors.

FOR YOUR IN-LINE AND OFF-LINE WIRE DRAWING NEEDS Tel. +39 0341.604801 • Fax +39 0341.604289 www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com • info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

FASTENER FAIR ITALY

Visit us at STAND 1040

EXHIBITIONS

International Fastener Expo secures new suppliers for 2018 International Fastener Expo (IFE) – formerly NIFMSE – the largest industrial fastener show in North America, is now in its 37th year of operation. On 30th October – 1st November this year’s show will take place at a new centralised location – the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

new venue allows the conference to offer many expanded programmes for its 5,000 attendees and 850 suppliers. IFE is a renowned event and draws top fastener manufacturers from all over the world. Notable newcomers this year include Sidasa Engineering from Grass Lake, MI – an integrated surface treatment company, specialising in developing and manufacturing a wide range of chemical specialities for multiple industries around the world. There is also Thermosleeve-USA from Cerritos, CA, a new exhibitor specialising in heat shrinkable products that are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, communications, construction, electrical, military, oil, and utility markets; as well as Rust-X USA from La Mirada, CA, which specialises in corrosion prevention products such as RUST-X. Among the returning suppliers are SECO/Warwick Corp from Meadville, PA, known for its rotary retort furnaces specifically designed for continuous, uniform heat treating of small parts, including coins, hardware, nails, bearings, chain components, nuts, bolts and screws. Plus Forest City Technologies Inc from Wellington, OH, which specialises in thread coatings, injection moulding, metal stamping seals, and die cut foam.

New opening times for new offerings

This year the show is opening a half day early on Tuesday 30 th October from 13:00 – 16:00 to allow exhibitors to meet with vendors in the Machinery & Tooling and Source Global sections, in order to not disrupt their day-to-day business once the show opens to attendees. The half day will conclude with an evening reception and networking event held for all attendees and exhibitors at Daylight Pool, located at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The reception will be held from 18:00 – 20:00 and will feature live entertainment and a DJ, two hours open bar, light appetisers, and a cigar rolling station. For the first time in show history, IFE has partnered with Berlin-based EFDA (European Fastener Distributor Association) to bring a group of delegates and distributors from seven different European countries to IFE 2018. EFDA represents 170 European-based innovators with collective sales of more than €4 billion (US$5.14 billion). 19 EFDA members will be walking the show floor on Day 1 and 2 visiting IFE vendors.

Sessions and workshops

A full programme of educational sessions will take place during the exhibition. Day 1 conference sessions are located on the 3rd floor of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and on Wednesday and Thursday, IFE will be hosting 30 minute learning sessions at ‘Sessions Corner’ located on the main conference floor. These short presentations will be expertly led by industry professionals. This year’s topics include: ‘3D printing for manufacturers: Opportunities for implementing additive technologies’, ‘The basics of thread rolling’ and ‘Environmental impact with coating changes’.

Awards and ceremonies

On 31 st October IFE will once again host its annual award ceremony from 14:30 to 15:30 at the ‘Sessions Corner’, located on the show floor, where both the Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional winners will be presented. The 2018 Hall of Fame winners are industry veterans and thought leaders Bob Sachs of KL Screw Corp and Robbie Gilchrist of Capital Marketing. The winners of the Young Fastener Professional award are Peggy Hsieh and Jun Xu of Brighton-Best International.

Hosted programme

IFE’s ‘BYOD’ (bring your own distributors) programme is designed for exhibitors to nominate distributors they want to see at the show that have never attended. Exhibitors can nominate as many as they want and if the individual qualifies and is selected, IFE will host them on the behalf of the exhibitors. Distributors will receive free admission to the Expo, as well as a complementary two night hotel stay at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Space is limited, and nominations are now open online.

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EXHIBITIONS

Fastener Fair France almost fully booked Despite organisers extending the floor plan twice already, only a few stands remain available for the first Fastener Fair France – the latest edition in the world’s leading series of trade shows specialising in fastener and fixing technologies.

n 28 th – 29 th November 2018 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Fastener Fair France will play host to approximately 150 exhibitors in the market for screws, bolts and fastening systems. Coming from 15 countries worldwide including Italy, Turkey, Belgium, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, confirmed exhibitors include manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and associated products and services. The exhibition is aimed primarily at industrial stakeholders that require assembly and installation systems, fastener manufacturing technologies, plant and storage equipment, and associated services. These requirements span a wide range of industries and business sectors, including construction, car manufacturing, aerospace, marine, electric and electronic equipment, civil engineering, energy, communication technology, metal products, furniture manufacturing, and plumbing and sanitary equipment.

Confirmed exhibitors include ACTON SAS, ARaymond France SAS, Bralo France, Bulte Plastiques France SAS, Ambrovit SpA, Carlo Salvi SpA, Berdan Civata Tic San A.S, Bodegravan Metaal NV, pgb-Europe NV, Chavesbao, Heroslam SAL, Lancaster Fastener Co Ltd, Don Quichotte B.V, Nedschroef, Fastbolt Schraubengrosshandels GmbH and Lusavouga S.A. Locating the exhibition in Paris will bring the very latest in fastener and fixing products and solutions to one of the major manufacturing regions in France, against the background of a favourable economic environment; France’s national GDP registered a 0.5% increase for the third quarter in a row. “This event in Paris will provide a great opportunity for fastener and fixing suppliers to present their capabilities and increase brand awareness in one of Europe’s major markets,” says Olivia Griscelli, exhibition director for Fastener Fair France. “Our fastener exhibitions play an important role in helping companies make new contacts, strengthen links with existing customers and develop their businesses.” www.fastenerfairfrance.com

Largest New Delhi edition ends with positive results New Delhi, India’s capital city, hosted Fastener Fair India for the second time from 18th – 19th May 2018. Over 140 exhibiting companies were present at the two day event, highlighting market innovations to a highly qualified audience of 3,316.

ith a majority of Indian-based exhibitors, the show also saw a number of non-domestic exhibitors, namely from China, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, Japan and Turkey. The exhibitors showcased a comprehensive range of industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services, fastener manufacturing technology and construction fixings.

Important showcase in an emerging market Compared to the last edition of Fastener Fair India held in New Delhi, visitor numbers increased by over 30%, which was recognised by returning exhibitors and ensured the exhibition was a truly upbeat networking opportunity. The specialised exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry attracted visitors from many key industry sectors, including mechanical engineering, automotive and hardware retailing. Distributors, wholesalers and retailers were also in attendance. These visitors echoed the current economic trend in India. Forecasts indicate that, as a growing economy, India has huge potential for businesses around the world.

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Return to Mumbai in 2019 Following the success of Fastener Fair India 2018, organiser Inter Ads-Brooks Exhibitions (India) Pvt Ltd has announced Fastener Fair India will return to Mumbai in 2019. The ‘Gateway to India’ will host the seventh edition, overall, of this successful event. Fastener Fair India 2019 will take place from 25th – 26th April 2019 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Once again the exhibition will be co-located with BLECH India – a sheet metal working technology exhibition – will take place from 25th – 27th April 2019. This highly successful trade fair will present machines, tools and systems for the entire sheet metal manufacturing process, including metal forming and bending solutions, stamping, pressing, automation, flexible manufacturing systems, metal supply, cutting, punching, joining/welding, tooling, laser technology, as well as finishing and coating. Fastener Fair India 2019 provides excellent networking opportunities to all industry professionals, including distributors, suppliers and engineers. Companies interested in exhibiting at Fastener Fair India 2019 can find more information online. www.fastenerfair.com/india/mumbai

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YOUR ADVANTAGES HIGH GRIP AND SAFE AGAINST TWISTING › due to knurled round-shank and the under-head serration

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EVENTS CALENDAR

FASTENER POLAND® Kraków, Poland 16 Oct – 18 Oct 2018 www.fastenerpoland.pl/gb/ 2nd edition of the international trade fair for fastener and fixing technology.

21st Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Osaka Osaka, Japan 3 Oct – 5 Oct 2018 www.mtech-kansai.jp Mechanical components and materials. Afera’s 61st Annual Conference of the European Adhesive Tape Industry Athens, Greece 3 Oct – 5 Oct 2018 www.afera.com/agenda/afera-annual-conference/ Adhesive tape industry.

International Fastener Show China Shanghai, China 21 Oct – 23 Oct 2018 en.Afastener.com The professional fastener show in China.

parts2clean Stuttgart, Germany 23 Oct – 25 Oct 2018 www.parts2clean.de Leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning.

China International Hardware Show Shanghai, China 10 Oct – 12 Oct 2018 www.hardwareshow-china.com Tools, security systems, locks, DIY and building hardware fair.

FastTec 2018 Moscow, Russia 23 Oct – 25 Oct 2018 www.fasttec.ru Russia’s specialist fastener technology fair.

Offshore Technology Days Bergen, Norway 17 Oct – 18 Oct www.offshoredays.com Oil and energy professionals.

EuroBLECH 2018 Hanover, Germany 23 Oct – 26 Oct 2018 www.euro-blech.com Sheet metal industry.

Taiwan Hardware Show Taichung, Taiwan 17 Oct – 19 Oct 2018 www.hardwareshow.com.tw Tools, building materials/DIY and houseware products.

International Fastener Expo Las Vegas, USA 30 Oct – 1 Nov 2018 www.fastenershows.com Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

SAIE International Building Exhibition 2018 Bologna, Italy 17 Oct – 20 Oct 2018 www.saie.bolognafiere.it Building technology, systems and machines.

Fastener Fair France Paris, France 28 Nov – 29 Nov 2018 www.fastenerfairfrance.com Specialist fastener event.

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STRUCTURAL BONDS

sariv.it

BASSODESIGN - PH URNATO

elite structural rivets

EXHIBITIONS

2nd FASTENER POLAND® on horizon FASTENER POLAND® is a key forum for the Polish fastener market – offering exhibitors and visitors the opportunity to exchange experiences, learn new products, and build effective business relations between companies from around the world.

eld on 16th – 18 th October at EXPO Krakow, FASTENER POLAND® promises to be very interesting with around 150 companies exhibiting – 67.5% of which are foreign companies, including those from Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Turkey, the United Kingdom, India, the United States, Taiwan and China. On display during the fair will be fasteners and industrial fasteners, from screws to nuts, pins and wedges, and building connectors – such as anchors, concrete screws, fixing of façades and insulation. New products will also be on display as well as advanced assembly and installation systems, plus fastener production technologies and devices for their storage and distribution.

A rich accompanying programme

Participants of FASTENER POLAND will also be able to take part in the 2 nd ‘Fasteners Congress’. Show organisers report that the speakers will be the greatest authorities in the industry and will present the latest solutions in the use and application of fasteners and present specialised tools. FASTENER POLAND will also be taking place simultaneously with the 9 th international fair of composite materials, technologies and products – KOMPOZYT-EXPO® and the 8 th exhibition of Industrial Subcontracting. The thematic scope of the exhibition has been expanded to include services for representatives of the fastener industry, especially in terms of galvanising and applying protective coatings on fasteners, in order to protect them from corrosion and to give them better quality and visual features. Free registration is available online: www.fastenerpoland.pl

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ISO 4014 4017 4032 7089 7090 7093 7380 10642 DIN 125 127 912 931 933 934 976 980 1587 7349 7991 9021 and more There are literally hundreds of different screws but they are not all of the same quality. Adverse conditions take their toll. A challenging climate, the huge forces experienced in buildings and special hygiene requirements – the products have to withstand all these extremes, and the selected material and quality must be just right. It’s a huge responsibility. We are the specialist in high-quality fasteners made from stainless high-grade steel and special materials. We are used to extreme conditions and face the toughest challenges on a daily basis. We never lose sight of our aim to give the customer just what they want. And we always offer that little bit extra. So, why not contact us? We are looking forward to your call. In the course of the harmonisation of standards the category of corrosion resistance classes (CRC) has been regulated by the Eurocode 3/DIN EN 1993-1-4, annex A. Many European countries are therefore encouraged to consider these newly determined stainless steel grades for the calculation and construction of steel structures. TOBSTEEL is the only stockholder for fasteners who covers all corrosion resistance classes (CRC) I to V according to Eurocode 3 – annex A.

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Design of fastenings for use in concrete (EN 1992-4) – publication and the implication for anchor manufacturers and consumers By Dr-Ing Thilo Pregartner, Dr Fritz Wall and Thomas Holland- Letz, Construction Fixings Europe

Design of fastenings in concrete- a long way to EN 1992-4

It will be a historical moment when EN 1992-4 becomes available in the autumn of 2018 because it is the first time in the history of fastener design that the design provisions will be published in an official European standard and not in guidelines or state of the art bulletins. EN 1992-4 is part 4 of the Eurocode 2 (Design of concrete structures), providing a common approach for the design of reinforced concrete structures. It covers the design of fastenings for use in concrete and represents the current state of the art design method¹. The publication of EN 1992-4 is a huge step forward for the fastening industry, as the presence of the design of fastenings in a code brings the importance of this topic to the attention of structural engineers. Furthermore, the safety concept for anchors is directly embedded into the general global safety concepts for structural design within the Eurocodes and specifically in the structural design for reinforced concrete structures. All denominations of design of fasteners were adapted to the nomenclature of the Eurocodes. Additionally, EN 1992-4 describes the design of various fastening systems in one document for: Cast-in fasteners such as headed fasteners, anchor channels with rigid connection (e.g welded, forged) between anchor and channel. Post-installed mechanical fasteners such as expansion fasteners, undercut fasteners and concrete screws. Post-installed bonded fasteners and bonded expansion fasteners. EN 1992-4 covers the design of fasteners under static, quasi-static, fatigue and seismic actions, as well as under fire exposure. The first anchor design guidelines were published by the European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA) as Annex C of ETAG 001² under the approval system of the Construction Products Directive (CPD). In 1997, when Annex C was first published, only the design of mechanical anchors for use in concrete was covered. Later on, additional Technical Reports considering further design provisions for additional fastening systems or additional load situations were published by EOTA: TR029 for design of bonded anchors under static loading; TR045 for design of metal anchors under seismic actions; TR047 for design of anchor channels under static loading; and TR050 for design of anchor channels under fatigue loading³, ⁴, ⁵, ⁶. In general, the idea of having a design standard for design of fastenings in concrete, published under the standardisation organisation CEN, had already evolved in the early part of the 21 st century. However, due to many hurdles in the standardisation process, it took the corresponding CEN working group (CEN/TC 250/SC 2) until 2009 to publish the results of these long-lasting discussions in the Technical Specification CEN/TS 1992-4 ‘Design of fastenings for use in concrete’ ⁷, ⁸, ⁹. Although these design provisions were only published as a Technical Specification, they were widely accepted and the CEN/TS was cited in many European Technical Approvals as a design option.

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Finally, EN 1992-4 is expected to be published as a result of all these developments in the autumn of 2018.” With the change from the Construction Products Directive (CPD) to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) in 2013 though, the new system for harmonised European standards or European Assessment Documents required that design provisions could not be part of the European Assessment Documents anymore. Therefore, the requirement for an official and published design standard arose again. Additionally, there was the request to reduce the extent of CEN/TS 1992-4 to a maximum of around 100 pages. Finally, EN 1992-4 is expected to be published as a result of all these developments in the autumn of 2018.

The publication of EN 1992-4 is a huge step forward for the fastening industry, as the presence of the design of fastenings in a code brings the importance of this topic to the attention of structural engineers.” Current situation for design of fasteners

During these historical developments described, every year ETAs (European Technical Approvals and European Technical Assessments after June 2013) were published referring to a large variety of design guidelines (EOTA TR029, ETAG 001 Annex C, EOTA TR045, CEN/TS 1992-4). Especially in the last few years there has been obvious confusion about the publication of EN 1992-4 and the implications due to the citation of valid design standards in ETAs. This fact became even more obvious as the newly developed European Assessment Documents (EADs) for post-installed fasteners in concrete were referring to a pre-version of EN 1992-4, because the official publishing of the standard was repeatedly postponed. The assessment system was one step ahead of the standardisation work. For ETAs issued during that time, the confusion is clearly visible within the ETA documents for post-installed fasteners. To enable structural engineers to use the performance data given in these ETAs, with alternative design methods, EOTA tried to close the gap by publishing the Technical Report TR055¹⁰, which compares the performance data for design according to EN 1992-4 with the performance data necessary for the design according to other EOTA design guidelines. As a result of the historical developments and the actual presence of various design documents, the manufacturers’ association CFE (Construction Fixings Europe) is of the opinion, that a clear statement of EOTA is necessary with the publication of EN 1992-4: The EOTA design guidelines TR029, ETAG 001 Annex C and TR045 for post-installed fasteners can be considered as not any more state of the art. As alternative solution, the EOTA design guidelines could be amended such that the technical content and the denomination of variables is in accordance with EN 1992-4. This solution would ease the transition process and also give the opportunity to provide guidance on the application of EN 19924 in cases, where values, which are needed for EN 1992-4, are not stated in a European Technical Assessment, e. g by providing standard values.

Legal status of EN 1992-4 and the implications for anchor manufacturers and consumers

In general, construction design is national law. Nevertheless, the Eurocodes are recognised by the EU Member States and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as the reference design codes. Therefore, EN 1992-4 is, after its official publication, also the reference design code for fasteners for use in concrete. The document is legally only a recommendation, which means that there is no obligation to carry out the design of anchorages in accordance with EN 1992-4. However, it is mandatory for the Member States to accept designs according to EN 1992-4. According to the Commission Recommendation 2003/887/EC, the “Member States should adopt the Eurocodes as a suitable tool for designing construction works, checking the mechanical resistance of components, or checking the stability of structures.” After publication of the National Standard of EN 1992-4 transposing the Eurocode and the National Annex, all conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn by the Member States. However, EN 1992-4 relies on product specific characteristic resistances stated in a European Technical Product Specification. A European Technical Assessment (ETA) represents such a document and provides technical data for the fastening element based on the latest state of the art product assessment. Otherwise the design of fasteners in practical applications cannot be carried out without further considerations. In practice this could cause mistakes in the design of fastenings, for which the design engineer would be responsible. Therefore, CFE recommends always utilising the state of the art design provisions in combination with corresponding information within European Technical Assessments referring to EN 1992-4 as valid design code. To comply with the state of the art design method for post installed fastenings for use in concrete, anchor manufacturers should consider adapting their design software packages and the issued European Technical Assessments to comply with the latest European Assessment Documents and the state of the art design according to EN 1992-4. With these adaptations, the ‘circle’ between ETA and valid design standard will be closed and all confusion will be eliminated. The design provisions according to EN 1992-4 represent the current state of the art. Therefore, designers can use the design provisions according to EN 1992-4 with a corresponding ETA for the verification of fastenings and they can be sure that this design method will be accepted within the EU and the EFTA.

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

One of the most important changes that was implemented in EN 1992-4 is the application of a product dependent reduction factor explicitly taking into account the behavior of bonded anchors under sustained loading (ψ°sus). Based on the suggested reduction factor in the EN 1992-4, for cases where no specific information is provided for a product in e.g an ETA, the applicable bond strength is reduced up to 40% depending on the ratio of sustained action to the sum of the total actions. If in this case the percentage of sustained load is larger than 60% of the sum of the total load acting on the anchorage, the reduction factor ψ°sus needs to be applied to account for the decrease of the bond strength under sustained loading. Applications with 100% sustained load suffer the maximum reduction of 40% of the bond strength whereas for applications with less than 60% sustained load no reduction becomes effective. The current value of the above mentioned reduction factor ψ°sus (ψ°sus = 0.6) given in EN 1992-4 considers the decrease of the bond strength of adhesive anchors due to sustained loading when the concrete temperature in the region of the fastener is at 43°C during a total time period of 10 years within the service life. The factor shall be applied for cracked and non-cracked concrete, as well as for all temperature ranges, although there is no guidance available in EN 1992-4 for maximum long-term temperatures higher than 43°C. The problem with this change is the fact, that under distinct circumstances (applications with primary sustained tension loading) a reduction of the resistance of up to 40% may occur (depending on the loading situation). This may cause significant confusion for consumers and structural engineers, as a considerable difference in design results will occur depending on the applied design code EN 1992-4 or EOTA TR029 or CEN/TS 1992-4. These differences may also occur in design situations with alternative mortars of several manufacturers (depending on the utilised design provisions in the ETA Assessment Documents). CFE (Construction Fixings Europe) therefore recommends proactively informing the customers and structural engineers about the upcoming changes. In the opinion of CFE the current state of the art shall always be applied for the design of post installed fastenings, which means after its publication, EN 1992-4 is quasi mandatory for future projects.

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Literature

1. EN1992-4: ‘Eurocode 2: — Design of concrete structures – Part 4: Design of fastenings for use in concrete’, CEN/ TC 250, 2017. 2. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): ETAG 001- Guideline for European Technical Approvals – Metal anchors for use in concrete, Edition 1997. 3. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): TR029 – Design of bonded anchors, 2007. 4. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): TR045 – Design of metal anchors for use in concrete under seismic action, 2013. 5. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): TR047 – Design of anchor channels, 2015. 6. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): TR050 – Calculation methods for the Performance of anchor channels under fatigue loading, 2015. 7. CEN/ TS 1992-4: Design of fastenings for use in concrete, CEN, Brussels, 2009. 8. Sippel T., Ignatiadis A.: Design of fastenings for use in concrete construction: New EN1992-4- current status, commentary and background, Proceedings of 3d international Symposium on Connections between Steel and Concrete, Stuttgart, Germany, 2017. 9. Fuchs W., Eligehausen R., Hofmann J.: EN1992-4 – The long route to a European standard for fastening to concrete, Proceedings of 3d international Symposium on Connections between Steel and Concrete, Stuttgart, Germany, 2017. 10. European Organisation of Technical Approvals (EOTA): TR055- Design of fastenings based on EAD 33 0232, EAD 33 049 and EAD 330747, 2018.

Construction Fixings Europe – a competent voice for safe anchoring Construction Fixings Europe (CFE) represents leading European manufacturers of metal, plastic and bonded anchors, and direct fixings (powder actuated fixings). Because drill bits for concrete and masonry are important for the installation of anchors, also this product sector is represented by CFE.

FE represents 25 companies of all sizes – from small family owned businesses and SMEs up to larger companies. 50% of CFE members have less than 50 employees. Additionally, three national associations for anchor fixings from France, Germany and the UK are CFE members. Most of the companies hold one or more ETAs for their anchors. Benefits and synergies arise from the combination of the broad knowledge and the resources of the bigger companies with the specific input and the product know how of the SMEs. CFE was found in 2016 by conversion of the former professional section ‘Anchors’ of the European tool association Comité Européen de l’Outillage (CEO). This was done to give this section its own identity, but CFE remains an integrated part of CEO. CFE is actively involved in the development and maintenance of European Assessment Documents (EAD). CFE experts represent the member companies in the EOTA WG. The formation of the CFE opinions is done by online meetings and via a web portal in the members’ area of the CFE website.

CFE members stand for: Research, development and manufacturing in Europe. Innovative and safe construction fixing products. Reliable CE Marking based on state of the art ETAs. Correct use of CE Marking and references to ETAs in

advertising, defined in a Code of Conduct. Level playing field for European manufacturers of all sizes. Short time-to-market for innovative products with new ETAs under fulfilment of all legal requirements for CE Marking. Robust products and user friendly installation instructions to prevent installation failures.

CFE is a member of the Construction Products Europe and of the European association of the mechanical industry – ORGALIME. Other associations and institutions like the association of the European construction industry, FIEC, are part of the CFE network.

Conversion of ETAGs into EADs The conversion of European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAGs) coming from the former Construction Products Directive (CPD) into European Assessment Documents (EADs) under the Construction Products Regulation, in the field of anchors, is nearly finished.

The table lists these EADs for anchors, which are covered by EOTA product area 33 ‘Fixings’.

EAD number

EAD title

Conversion of

330076-00-0604

Metal injection anchors for use in masonry

ETAG 029

330196-01-0604

Plastic anchors made of virgin or non-virgin material for fixing of external thermal insulation composite systems with rendering

ETAG 014

330232-00-0601

Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete

ETAG 001

Plastic anchors for redundant non-structural 330284-00-0601* systems in concrete and masonry

ETAG 020

330499-00-0601

Bonded fasteners for use in concrete

ETAG 001 part 5

330747-00-0601

Fasteners for use in concrete for redundant non-structural systems

ETAG 001 part 6

Other EADs have been developed due to an ETA application for products that were not covered by ETAGs. During the conversion of the ETAGs into the first EAD versions (version 00), no technical changes or amendments were possible for formal reasons. Therefore, these EAD versions 00 do not reflect in all cases the current state of the art and have to be amended now by EOTA. Another formal requirement for the conversion of ETAGs into EADs was a change of the philosophy from the CPD to the CPR. Under the CPD, a product got an approval (ETA) based on an approval guideline (ETAG). Under the CPR, products are no longer “approved”, but “assessed” to get a European Technical Assessment, which can be seen as a “snapshot” of the product at the time of the assessment.

Upcoming CPR revision In the upcoming revision of the Construction Products Regulation, CFE is strongly advocating the maintenance of the proofed and reliable ETA-route to CE Marking. CFE has signed, together with major umbrella associations active in the construction sector, an open letter to Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Members of Standing Committee for Construction (SCC), promoting the importance of the ETA route to CE Marking of construction products. This aspect is also addressed in the current CFE Position Paper together with some proposals on procedural improvements. The paper can be found on the CFE website: construction-fixings.eu

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Now interactive: The new HECO product catalogue The new HECO product catalogue now offers users and specialist dealers an even wider range of services when selecting the right fasteners. Whether printed or digital – both versions provide a vast amount of information, with integrated QR codes available to access product and assembly videos.

Find new products with ease

ECO’s product catalogue shows the different application options for the various fasteners, and helps specialist dealers and professional installers choose the right fasteners. The integration of QR codes in the new edition of the catalogue also provides added value. In the printed version, scanning the code using a QR code reader on a tablet or smartphone takes the user directly to the HECO YouTube channel, containing a range of product and assembly instruction videos. A video symbol in the catalogue indicates there is a video for the item in question. HECO points out that it is even quicker to access the videos on the PDF version, as the user simply clicks on the QR code and they are taken directly to the video channel. Another practical feature is the linking of the digital product catalogue with the ‘HECO-Data-View’ online service. Clicking on the item number in the PDF will open a browser window, and the user will receive comprehensive, up to date information on the selected item, such as product characteristics and technical data sheets. With these interactive elements, specialist consultants, carpenters and joiners will be able to find the right product even more easily.

In order to give users a quick overview of the new HECO products, these are specifically highlighted in the product catalogue, whether in the table of contents with the new product symbol or in the new ‘Timber Construction Special’ chapter. “With a clear structure and colour-coding to identify the individual product groups, it’s very easy to navigate through the 230 pages of the catalogue. As well as the colour-coding system, screws are also easy to find using the brief descriptions and illustrations,” mentions HECO. The printed version of the 2018 HECO product catalogue is available in German, English, French and Dutch. The digital version of the catalogue is also available for direct download in all four languages from HECO’s website.

The ‘blue screw’ CONFAST® hex head concrete screw – often called ‘blue screw’ due to the blue coating that helps the screw resist rust – is designed to be used when the screw head can protrude above the surface of the item being fastened – allowing for the removal of the screw.

he CONFAST® hex concrete screw is considered a light-duty fastener in both the 3/16 inch diameter and ¼ inch diameter. Holding values increase based on the depth of embedment, providing that minimum and maximum embedment requirements are met – with the holding values differing based on the base material into which the CONFAST hex concrete screws have been installed. To determine the size of the CONFAST hex concrete screw required for a specific application, an installer must consider the size of the hole in the fixture, the thickness of the item being fastened and the weight of the item. The ¼ inch diameter holds slightly more weight than the 3/16 inch CONFAST hex concrete screw. The minimum length of screw required for any job is determined by adding the thickness of the material to the minimum embedment depth of 1 inch, and the maximum length CONFAST hex concrete screw is equal to the thickness of the material being fastened plus the maximum embedment depth of 1 inch – ¼ inch.

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For minimum holding values, the screw’s minimum embedment in the base material is 1 inch and the maximum embedment is 1 inch – 3/4 inch. A ¼ inch hex nut driver is required for the 3/16 inch, and a 5/16 inch hex nut driver is required for driving the ¼ inch CONFAST hex concrete screw. The screw also features a hex slotted washer head – 3/16 inch diameter needs a 5/32 inch hole and ¼ inch diameter needs a 3/16 inch hole. The screw also has special threads for efficient dust removal. “The CONFAST hex head concrete screw can now be purchased online, direct from the manufacturer, for a saving of up to 70% over retail pricing. This easy to install screw works wells in concrete, brick or block, and is designed for indoor, dry applications,” states Bob Carlisle, president of Concrete Fastening Systems Inc.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Fixings made to last For Sormat it is of paramount importance that fixings last, which is why all of its main products, such as Liebig undercut anchors, S-KA through bolts, PFG-anchors and S-CSA concrete screws, are ETA certified and have undergone extensive tests by external testing institutes.

lmost 20 years ago in 1999, Sormat became an early adopter of European Technical Assessments with its S-KA through bolt for cracked and non-cracked concrete (ETA – 08/0173). Today the company considers ETA certifications a must for all heavy and medium fixings for industry and construction: For designers: ETA certified anchors are tested in the most severe conditions, which are the same for all manufacturers. This means designers can rely on the results to make their calculations and choose the best possible solution for their projects. For users: An ETA is the guarantee the declared performance of the fixing has been controlled and approved by an independent and professional body. For distributors: An ETA ensures a distributor is supplying a product with constant quality conforming to the European standards. For anchor manufacturers: ETAs are worldwide recognised as a reliable technical document. It is also a motivating factor to develop new products, and improve their performance. It is also a sign of quality and professionalism towards customers.

“20 years ago an ETA was considered a luxury by most customers; something nice to have, but not asked for by the users,” explains Sormat. “The concept was also quite challenging to understand – which is why we developed our ‘Sormat Academy’ and included training in ETAs, CE Marking, testing procedures and the effects of atmospheric and environmental conditions. However, since 2013, the request for CE Marking and the introduction of the seismic approval has boosted the need for ETA fixings. Most customers are now aware of the ETAG, and their requests are becoming more technical. It is today almost impossible to distribute a product without an ETA. Now, every manufacturer has ETA certified products and we must make the difference in the performance of the product. At Sormat, we have the objective to be the best in class.”

Thoroughly tested and manufactured under control

To guarantee ‘best in class’ Sormat has annual audits from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, to ensure its production and quality control are led according to set standards. To check the compliance of the raw material, Sormat also carries out an ultimate tensile strength test on each steel wire batch for through bolts in its in-house quality control department. Following EJOT’s acquisition of SORMAT in 2017, and having achieved success with its ETA certified Liebig undercut anchors, S-KA through bolts, PFG expansion anchors, S-CSA concrete screws, S-UF façade anchors and LYT nail plugs, Sormat is now expanding the product range of EJOT. LIEBIG is a worldwide known brand of undercut anchors for exceptionally high loads in cracked and non-cracked concrete. The modular nature of the LIEBIG range makes all these anchors easily adaptable to create desired lengths quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively. “The strong LIEBIG brand not only gives the opportunity to use and expand our knowledge as a manufacturer of ETA certified products, but also offers a great deal of new potential for EJOT in the global market for heavy-duty anchors,” explains Ismo Laitakari, managing director of Sormat. “I’m proud to have integrated, in 2013, LIEBIG’s pioneering undercut anchor technologies to Sormat’s manufacturing excellence and to reinforce Sormat’s position as one of the most advanced anchoring technology providers in Europe. Now, our inspiration is to serve all LIEBIG customers through our new mother company EJOT, with a ‘Sormat Super Service’ attitude.”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

The ESSBOX concept – a case of innovation

Since the launch of the ESSBOX concept in 2012, ESSVE − the Nordic market leader in construction fastenings – has doubled its revenue to SEK1 billion (€102 million). Now the company is looking to launch the concept internationally.

SSVE offers one of the industry’s widest assortment of fastening products, with over 5,000 articles – covering screws, heavy-duty fasteners, nails, nailers, sealants and adhesives – all of which can be integrated in the fastening system: ESSBOX. ESSVE states that its ESSBOX system, which it launched internationally at the beginning of the year at EISENWARENMESSE, has the potential to change the market. So, what is it that sets the ESSBOX system apart from competitors and has 98.7% of Swedish craftsmen recommending it?

The secret behind the ESSVE concept is the integrated approach to the professional user’s everyday challenge – how to carry around a full day’s worth of fasteners in an organised way. According to a survey made among 160 Swedish craftsmen, 95% experienced problems with broken product packages, resulting in product waste and monetary loss. In total 90% of the craftsmen also reported they have to interrupt their workflow to find the right fastener, meaning vast amounts of time is spent on tasks that do not contribute to the overall efficiency of the project. The ESSBOX system facilitates the storage of these screws and fasteners, and makes it easy to bring everything a user needs to the job. The system consists of the cases ESSBOX Original, ESSBOX Mini, ESSBOX Systainer and the clear plastic product packages. The patented pattern of green octagonal snaps is the hallmark for the system. The octagonal snaps in the bottom of the cases holds the boxes in place, even if the case is not fully loaded or gets jostled around. The octagonal snaps on the lids and bottoms of the boxes also let the user securely stack the boxes outside the ESSBOX. This saves time and material while at the same time helps keep the end user organised.

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“The industry is in constantly changing, and we take pride in being part of that by providing the professional user with solutions that help them stay efficient in an ever changing environment,” says Johan Cederstrand, international sales director at ESSVE. “Rather than relying on tradition, as many competitors do, we rely on innovation.” Ever since the launch of the ESSBOX system in 2012, ESSVE has continued to add and edit features and innovations to the system. The ESSBOX Mini, which launched in 2016, was a result of requests by users who do not consume a large quantity of fasteners, e.g electricians, fitters, roofers, smiths and handymen. ESSBOX Systainer was developed to be compatible with existing systainers on the market, however, is customised with the ESSBOX pattern of octagonal snaps. In 2018 ESSVE is also launching smaller product packages that will let users fit more varieties and product sizes in the same case. The ESSBOX system has become an industry standard on ESSVE’s home markets and the focus now is to make the system available for professional users around the globe. “Running our own operations in ten countries has taught us that all business is local. When implementing the ESSBOX system in new markets, we follow two basic rules: We listen to local needs and we consider our distributors as true partners,” explains Johan. “We had a fantastic response to our attendance at the EISENWARENMESSE show. We met with people from over 40 countries with whom we had many interesting conversations. I welcome more conversations about future partnerships with leading distributors.” www.essve.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

INDEX Fixing Systems – the fixings expert

430

Based in La Rioja in the north of Spain, INDEX Fixing Systems has established itself as an industrial supplier of fixing systems, selling to distribution partners in more than 96 countries. Here we speak to Export Manager Óscar Cañas and discuss the company’s commitment to approvals and certifications for products, and how the business guarantees maximum quality and an optimum service. INDEX Fixing Systems is known for its commitment to innovation, what new European Technical Assessment (ETA) certified products has it recently introduced?

“In keeping with our commitment to a high standard of quality, the company has an extensive list of products with assessments and certifications, to the highest standards. In the first half of 2018 we introduced six products that were ETA certified to our portfolio and we plan to add more by the end of the year. The new products include the MTH-A2 – a through bolt anchor for heavy loads in A2 stainless steel (ETA – 17/0687); CH – an anti-spin sleeve anchor for heavy-duty fixings (ETA – 17/0687); AN-CU – a wedge-type, hammer-drive metal anchor (ETA – 17/0687) with MFPA Fire Protection Assessment; T-NUX T – a universal frame nylon anchor with tamper-proof truss head (ETA – 14/0467) also with MFPA Fire Protection Assessment; T-NUX E – a universal frame nylon

anchor with hexagonal washer head (ETA – 14/0467) and MFPA Fire Protection Assessment; as well as MOPUR3 – a pure epoxy 3:1 chemical anchor for heavy loads in solid elements (ETA – 17/0658 and ETA – 17/0659). These products join our extensive range that, to guarantee the highest quality, also include other important assessments and certifications including fire resistance, seismic C2 and C1 approval, CE Marking, WRAS, LEED, UL Certification, ICC ES and FM Approval.”

What have the new products added to INDEX’s already extensive product offering?

“Our goal is to offer innovative products of the highest quality that are more efficient, with better performance, in order to meet the needs of our customers and provide innovative solutions to the market. We are confident that these are the key pillars in developing the INDEX brand as a reference for fixings worldwide. Our research and development department is constantly developing new improvements for products, whilst guaranteeing a good user experience. As a business we look at developing new products every day and a major factor in pushing for the next opportunity is our policy of constantly introducing new high-quality products and ranges. Our products are complemented by an excellent group of people that provide a high-quality service and technical assistance – hallmarks of a committed company.”

How important is it for products to have an ETA?

“Our strategic vision is to pursue differentiation through quality, not price, ensuring the highest quality in our products – supported by accreditations from the most prestigious institutions worldwide. This helps guarantee that our products meet the highest possible standards of quality and technical requirements. ETA certified products are often used for the fixing of heavy elements, in some cases to fix elements suspended at height or part of elements with high responsibility – where the consequences of a failure can produce catastrophic economic/human consequences. The only way to have this guarantee is to comply with the requirements set by the certifying institutions that audit and validate these quality and manufacturing standards.

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Thanks to these assessments, and to the close collaboration with our distributors, INDEX has supplied products to leading construction projects worldwide, competing at the same level with the great brands usually prescribed in large construction projects and civil engineering. We are approved by the most reputable engineering companies worldwide and our anchors are chosen as the best option to meet the requirements set in those projects. Applying for an ETA certification is a challenging process and you can only achieve a positive outcome if the item is of the highest quality. Each stage of the production process must be fully under control. Also, the quality – from the raw material to the end – must be traceable and the design of the anchor itself must be excellent.”

Have you experienced a change in demand for ETAs? What are the future developments you see with ETA products?

“We believe that the market will increasingly favour the use of approved or certified products and that is the way in which we work at INDEX. Regulations, guidelines, and consumers, will continue to demand quality products that meet ever increasing requirements to ensure the correct fixing of the elements and the safety of people. At INDEX Fixing Systems we believe it is necessary that the certifying institutions advocate demanding the highest standards, avoiding low quality products and/or unproductive production procedures that end up reaching the market and damaging the image and guarantees that the ETA homologation offers to the consumer.” www.indexfix.com

Een solide verbinding Eine feste Verbindung A fixed connection Une conexion Fixe www.eurobolt.com

HALL 1 GALLERY FLOOR BOOTH C27

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

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

t is important to note that existing ETAs may be amended or withdrawn so this list should not be considered definitive. For further information and a full list of valid ETAs visit EOTA’s website. If you have recently received an ETA, and would like to have it included in our table, please email us the full details at editor@fastenerandfixing.com

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal anchors for use in concrete (all parts) ETA – 18/0195 ETA – 18/0213 ETA – 18/0221 ETA – 18/0269 ETA – 18/0433

TOX ceiling anchor Top JCP Drop In Anchor ADB / DSS EJOT concrete screw JC2 MEA Drop-in anchor TAP CE

TOX-DUBEL-TECHNIK GmbH Hexstone Ltd. T/A JCP Construction Products 2 EJOT Baubefestigungen GmbH MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG FRIULSIDER SpA

ETAG 020 Plastic anchors (all parts) ETA – 18/0039

Sormat Universal Frame Plug SDF 10V and SDF 10H

SORMAT OY

EAD 330499-00-0601 Bonded fasteners for use in concrete ETA – 18/0009

Rexon 611 et Parachim Methacrylate

DL CHEMICALS

EAD 130118-00-0603 Screws for use in timber constructions ETA – 18/0031 ETA – 18/0238

SWG HOX, SWG Vollgewindeschraube HHS self-tapping screw and HHS self-tapping screw coarse thread

SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH Hwa Hsing Screw Industry Co., Ltd

EAD 330076-00-0604 Metal injection anchors for use in masonry ETA – 18/0021 ETA – 18/0127 ETA – 18/0137 ETA – 18/0156 ETA – 18/0382 ETA – 18/0552

ANKOR BLOCK Bonded anchor V-PRO 270, V-PRO 270 WINTER, V-PRO 270 SUMMER RESINE SOC MP+ MP+ Tropical LUSAN POLIESTER SIN ESTIRENO galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor Lokfix E35S Lokfix E35L Lokfix E35T

FRASCHETTI SpA PROFAST Ankersystemen B.V.B.A. ING Fixations ING Fixations LUSAN FIJACIONES Y ANCLAJES S.L Fosroc International Limited

EAD 330196-01-0604 Plastic anchors made of virgin or non-virgin material for fixing of ETICS with rendering ETA – 18/0073 ETA – 18/0089 ETA – 18/0092 ETA – 18/0094 ETA – 18/0142 ETA – 18/0280 ETA – 18/0341 ETA – 18/0347 ETA – 18/0348

VITEXTHERM CL AN Therm FIX CN WEBER.THERM TA7 URSA TERRA ETICS NF46050-7 and NF46090-6 FI-ML-8 / FI-ML-10 / FI-PL-10 MAK-B10 KAM-T10

VITEX – YANNIDIS BROS S.A Kerakoll SpA Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings BV WEBER.THERM TA7 URSA INSULATION, S.A AKIFIX S.p.A. unipersonale TOP KRAFT SK a.s. Nidex Ltd. Bulgaria Nidex Ltd. Bulgaria

EAD 330232-00-0601 Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete ETA – 18/0020 ETA – 18/0164 ETA – 18/0186 ETA – 18/0219 ETA – 18/0236 ETA – 18/0279 ETA – 18/0319 ETA – 18/0320 ETA – 18/0429 ETA – 18/0432 ETA – 18/0441 ETA – 18/0483 ETA – 18/0533

Anchor Vesta VTC-3 Seismic, Anchor Vesta VTC-3 HDG, Anchor Vesta VTC-3X Seismic Wedge Anchor VEX and VEX-AM SLP-H EJOT through bolts BA-V Plus/ BA-F Plus/ BA-E Plus MEA Drop-in anchor Ratto Concrete Screw M3CE FM-ATS Seismic VTC-3 Seismic A4 FMC BETABOLT SEVEN TAP CE LT LTS EuroTec expansion anchor A4

Fikstek Bağlantı Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. LTD. ŞTİ. 5 VORPA SRL P.H. HAMAR Sp. J. B. i H. Grzesiak EJOT Baubefestigungen GmbH MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG Viteria Ratto s.a.s Fikstek Baglanti Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. LTD. STI. 4 Fikstek Baglanti Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. LTD. STI. 4 SCELL-IT S.A.S. FRIULSIDER SpA LINK YAPI SAN. VE TIC. AS. LINK YAPI SAN. VE TIC. AS. Eurotec GmbH

EAD 330499-00-0601 Bonded fasteners for use in concrete ETA – 18/0045 ETA – 18/0071 ETA – 18/0110 ETA – 18/0118 ETA – 18/0120 ETA – 18/0180 ETA – 18/0185 ETA – 18/0197 ETA – 18/0214 ETA – 18/0277 ETA – 18/0291 ETA – 18/0373 ETA – 18/0400 ETA – 18/0476 ETA – 18/0503 ETA – 18/0504 ETA – 18/0505 ETA – 18/0535 ETA – 18/0553 ETA – 18/0557 ETA – 18/0568 ETA – 18/0637 ETA – 18/0692 ETA – 18/0696

RAMSET ChemsetTM 801 XtremTM / RAMSET ChemsetTM 800 XtremTM ChemsetTM Reo502TM plus EpconTM C6 plus KALZ Injection system C-RE 385 Novatech Injection system anchor for concrete Bucha Quimica Poliester s/estireno – PECFIX V-PRO 270,V PRO 270 WINTER,V-PRO 270 SUMMER HVU2 Spit Maxima + Würth Injection system WIT-PE 500+ Mapei Mapefix Injection system VinyBond for concrete Mapei Injection system Mapefix PolyBond, Mapefix PolyBond Hot Clime, Mapefix PolyBond Cold Clime Yoldas Injection Systems MEMOCHEM KIMYASALDUBEL MO-VS steel bonded anchor VESF Purefix Poly Purefix Epoxy FP-PS Mortier polyester SmartLine SP 100 Lokfix E35S Lokfix E35L Lokfix E35T Tytan Professional EV4 Chemical Anchor / Quilosa Professional EV4 Anclaje Quimico Bonded anchor ResiFix 3EX Wedgex Polyester Mortar Verbundmörtel CLIC VM EP CONEL, Verbundmörtel CLIC VM EW CONEL, Verbundmörtel CLIC VM ES CONEL GCP EPFI Injection System for concrete

ITW Australia (Ramset) RamsetReid Shanghai KALZ Construction Technology CO. Ltd Novatech NV Pecol – Sistemas de Fixacao SA PROFAST Ankersystemen B.V.B.A. Hilti Corporation 14 SPIT SAS Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG Mapei AS Mapei AS YOLDAS ENDUSTRI URUNLERI SAN. VE TIC. A.S. INDEX Técnicas Expansivas S. L. Economotechniki SA Sydney Tools Sydney Tools RAM Chevilles et Fixations France Mungo Befestigungstechnik AG Fosroc International Limited SELENA SA SANAX GROUP s.r.o. Unitech-ME S.A.R.L CONEL GmbH & Co. General Construction Products, LLC

EAD 331612-00-0601 Torque controlled mechanical wedge anchor with variable working life ETA – 18/0101

fischer Bolt Anchor FBN II fvz Torque controlled expansion anchor fischerwerke GmbH & Co. KG 3

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

TIMco extends quality control facilities TIMco, one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale suppliers of screws, fixings and power tool accessories, has extended its UK quality control facilities to meet the requirements of its growing product base and provide customers with product training and testing facilities.

IMco’s new QC facilities are part of its latest investment in a new 30,000 square foot (2,800m2) warehouse space. The new QC facilities have been implemented to provide further quality control checks on products when they arrive in the UK. The company already has QC facilities in its offices in the Far East that monitor the manufacturing process and ensure that no products are dispatched to the UK without effective checks. On arrival to TIMco’s Cheshire offices, products then receive further testing before they are stored and distributed to customers. The new facilities include a range of technologies from salt spray test machines to devices that measure load and insertion speeds. Products that fail the tests at any stage are promptly removed from the supply chain, while products that pass the tests are verified for use. The new facilities also provide customers with the opportunity to visit TIMco’s offices to learn how products work and their best applications. “By supporting customers’ employees they in turn are able to sell with more confidence,” states Simon Midwood, managing director of TIMco. “Research also suggests that customers look for outlets that have knowledgeable and helpful staff.”

Over the last year, TIMco has increased its product range to more than 6,500 products ranging from traditional fasteners and fixings, through to gate hardware and new and improved impact driver bits, and also associated builder’s products. The company has also recently introduced building chemicals and adhesives into its latest offering – due to high customer demand and to deliver on its strategy of being a ‘one stop shop’ for builder’s merchants. “Over the past year, we have seen an increased demand for adhesives and other chemicals commonly used within trades to fix, grease, fill and mark-out during varying stages of construction and renovations and that’s why we decided to introduce the building chemicals and adhesives ranges. The addition of these new lines demonstrates how TIMco is meeting customer demands and becoming a ‘one stop shop’,” comments Simon. www.timco.co.uk

ADVANCED

TWIN CUT SCREWS

43% 52% QUICKER

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PATENTED TWIN CUT TECHNOLOGY RAPID ‘PICK-UP’ AND REDUCED SPLITTING. * Compared against standard woodscrew

C2 multi-purpose advanced screw, incorporating high performance twin cut technology for maximum performance in timber.

C2 multi-purpose advanced screw with a zinc plating for an aesthetic finish when fixing zinc plated brackets and fixtures.

The TIMco C2 multi-purpose screws carry the mark in compliance with the Construction Products Regulations (Eurocode 5 EN1995-1-1)

Superior corrosion resistant plating for use outdoor or in corrosive environments.

Partial thread with helix for the superior clamping of decking boards to decking joists and improved, cleaner countersinking.

Reduced heads for a secure, hidden and flush fixing in tongue and groove floorboards.

Special design with finishing teeth under the head for rapid countersinking and a flush finish.

UK: Tel: +44 (0)1829 261 111 • Email: sales@TIMco.co.uk • www.TIMco.co.uk IRELAND: Tel: +353 (0)4763538 • Email: sales@TIMco.ie • www.TIMco.ie

PGB-EUROPE A STRONG CONNECTION FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS. Established in 1956, pgb-Europe is now

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a leading manufacturer and supplier in structural steel fasteners, wood screws and anchors.

EN 14399 - Both HV and HR assemblies available from stock - Grade 10.9, M12 up to M36 - Hot dip galvanized CONSTRUCTION OF AUTOMATED PALLET WAREHOUSE

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Gontrode Heirweg 170 | B-9090 Melle T: +32 9 272 70 70 | F: +32 9 272 70 99 www.pgb-europe.com | info@pgb-europe.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

CONFAST double expansion anchor now available CONFAST double expansion anchors are designed for anchoring into concrete, brick or block base material – making it the ideal anchor for projects where the base material is soft or has strength that is suspect.

he anchor body of the CONFAST double expansion anchor is made from a die cast alloy called zamak, which is rust resistant and extremely durable. The anchor also features two expansion cones – one cone is threaded and the other is not. Two spring steel bands wrap the two halves together and allow the anchor to expand against the concrete at two points to enable better holding values once installed. The length of the bolt that should be used for all installations of the anchor is equal to the thickness of the material being fastened plus the depth the anchor will be embedded. When installing, it is important to note that one end of the double expansion anchor has a nut that is threaded. The user needs to hold the opposite end or the end with the nut that is not threaded

Lindapter extends its range of CE approved steelwork fixings Lindapter has now affixed CE Marking to its latest range of steel clamping systems, which it says provide a fast, cost-effective alternative to drilling or welding on-site.

n addition to the long-standing approvals for Lindapter’s Girder Clamp, Hollo-Bolt and LindiBolt, Lindapter’s high slip resistant clamps, adjustable clamps and floor fixings are now CE approved. This latest announcement follows multiple CE accreditations achieved by Lindapter since 2011 and offers engineers an extensive range of options for designing CE approved steelwork connections to Eurocode 3. Lindapter points out that almost every conceivable steel connection can be quickly accomplished without on-site drilling or welding by using its clamping systems. “CE Marking provides specifiers and contractors with the assurance that the product will perform as declared in the published Declaration of Performance (DoP),” explains Lindapter. “Lindapter products with CE Marking conform to a European Technical Assessment (ETA) and the corresponding Certificate of Factory Production Control and DoP documents can be viewed online.”

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and insert the threaded nut end into the hole first. If needed the user can then tap lightly with a hammer until the anchor is flush with the surface of the base material. Next, the user takes the fixture being fastened and aligns the holes in the fixture with the double expansion anchor in the base material, and inserts the national threaded bolt through the fixture and into the anchor. Lastly, they turn the bolt clockwise until the anchor is fully set – making sure they do not over torque the bolt as this may cause the double expansion anchor to spin in the hole and lose its holding strength. “Those searching for an anchor to be used in base material of questionable strength, requiring easy removability and a corrosion resistant body, can now purchase the double expansion anchor online,” explains CONFAST.

Why do we need ETAs? A curtain rail that does not last as planned is annoying, but not so terrible. However, what happens in an emergency when life and limb depend on the attachment or failure can result in a high potential economic damage?

n these cases, and for safety reasons in general, users should always use an attachment with approval by construction authorities, because these products are tested for their function and performance and are officially released. That’s why TOX is offering a full range of approved products, such as its ‘Fassad’ for frame fixings, the ‘S-Fix Anchor Bolt’ and ‘Liquix’ chemical mortars. All are ETA Option 7 as well as Option 1 solutions, applicable even for cracked concrete. The strict quality controls of TOX products ensure that all given characteristics and holding values are maintained and all planned projects can be safely anchored. The ETA contains all the specific characteristic values that are necessary for a calculation of the right dowel, so the necessary static proof can be created, using the calculation program Statika – which can be downloaded on TOX’s website. Furthermore, the assessment also includes all mounting characteristics and installation descriptions that enable the fitter to install the attachment correctly.

A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR TIMBER ENGINEERING SWG is a developer and manufacturer of a very wide variety of products especially for timber engineering.

WHO ARE WE? On 1 January 1967 SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH was entered into the commercial register. Today SWG Production is one of the largest screw manufacturers in Europe. Besides other facts, the advantages, durability and sustainability of our screws contributed to this success. Like no other company, we combine two characteristics that complement each other in a special way: competence in timber engineering construction and service mentality. Since 2014, SWG Engineering has been an integral part of the business unit „Production“. The team of 13 engineers and software developers works on timber engineering projects in Rülzheim, Germany.

WHAT DO WE DO? Our products are used worldwide. Here is an example of wooden buildings in North America. In Vancouver, Canada, a world record in terms of wood construction was achieved. The wood body of the 18-storey student residence of the University of British Columbia was built in only 3 months. For the construction of this high-rise building a large amount of wood construction screws from SWG Production in various lengths and with different diameters were used. SWG Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH . Am Bahnhof 50 . DE-74638 Waldenburg

www.swg-produktion.de

+49 (0) 7942 100 0

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Mungo – 50 years and counting ‘Ever higher’, ‘more creative’ and ‘more sophisticated’ best describe modern construction requests, with demands on building safety and efficiency also continuously increasing. Structures today need to withstand earthquakes and severe weather events, whilst being completed faster and fulfilling ever strict requirements. This has created a need for a competent and reliable partner when it comes to anchoring technology – such as Mungo Befestigungstechnik Ltd.

t is the classic success story of a Swiss enterprise – small beginnings followed by success around the world. In 1968, exactly 50 years ago, Arnold Schefer sold his car and used the proceeds to establish a manufacturing company for nylon plugs, the current Mungo Befestigungstechnik Ltd. Back in the 1970s, Mungo’s products were new to the Swiss market and the Mungo company was considered a pioneer. The mungo, or mongoose, was chosen as the company’s logo. The animal is fast, agile, and resilient, and has a strong urge to make new discoveries. These properties were the characteristics of Mungo from the beginning. Success came fast. In 1976, just eight years after its founding, Mungo branched out to Germany. In 1980 the company moved to its current headquarters in Olten, logistically ideally located in central Switzerland. Mungo opened its own manufacturing plant in Bremen, Germany, in 1994. The next milestone was reached in 2003 when a multi-stage cold forming plant was commissioned at the company’s headquarters in Olten. In 2015, Arnold Schefer handed over the company to his successor, the current CEO Olivier W. Annaheim, and new owners. Mungo’s success story has since continued. Today, Mungo employs around 80 staff and develops, manufactures and distributes high-quality fastening products. Its products ensure that bridges, skyscrapers and structures around the world stay steady, and safe, and façades stay in place. Mungo specialises in nylon plugs, metal anchors, chemical products and drill bits to hold bolts and anchors securely in place. The company develops, manufactures and distributes its range in these strategic product groups largely independently. Its steel anchors, for instance, are manufactured at the proprietary plant in Olten. Mungo’s overall product range consists of more than 1,700 individual items.

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Mungo has acquired a wealth of experience, technological expertise and comprehensive market knowledge during the 50 years of its existence. These competencies enable it to develop innovative and technically mature solutions for both simple and complex fastening purposes. Mungo focuses on ensuring its products are ideal for use by craftsmen and are characterised by a very high product quality. 70% of Mungo’s products are exported, with products from Mungo used on construction sites in 50 countries on all continents. Distribution is organised through subsidiaries in Germany, China, Italy, and the USA, and through resellers. Mungo is particularly active in the German, Austrian and Swiss markets, as well as in eastern Europe and Asia. Close cooperation and many joint projects have resulted in customer relationships built on trust and partnership over the years. The experience of its employees, its in-house development and production competence and short decision making paths enables Mungo to react quickly to market changes and offer its customers innovative solutions. The new generation of the M2 throughbolt with GreenTec® corrosion protection and a new clip geometry is some current example of these developments. Mungo points out that the newly developed GreenTec alloy system gives the throughbolt an extra long service life, also making it an interesting option from an economic viewpoint. Its innovative clip geometry is ideal for extreme loads and bending moments, combined with very low edge and centre distances – making the anchor a perfect all-rounder for many different interior and exterior applications.

SPECIALISTS IN

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YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO.,LTD

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E-mail:028@chinanchor.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Building a stronger wire rod business British Steel is making the biggest single investment in its manufacturing operations for a decade, committing GB£50 million to a major upgrade of its wire rod mill. Executive Editor Phil Matten met with wire rods managing director, Richard Sims, and project director, Mark Cunningham, to hear more about the background and implications of this huge project. “When you have a basic oxygen steelmaking manufacturing base you have a high-quality capability upstream supply*,” opens Richard Sims. “However, our ability to extract the maximum value from that in the rolling process has dwindled over the years, as others’ capabilities have changed, and customer requirements have increased. So, the ability to manufacture more sizes at much tighter tolerances is at the heart of this crucially important investment.” Richard was appointed managing director for the wire rods business in October 2016, following Greybull Capital’s acquisition of the Long Products Europe business of Tata Steel. Starting as a plant engineer in 2003, he subsequently spent four years at the Scunthorpe plate mill, before taking works management and director level responsibilities at sister sites in the north east of England.

*The British Steel wire rod mill at Scunthorpe is part of an 810 hectare integrated steel making site, with its own coke ovens and sinter plant, preparing feedstock for four blast furnaces, named after four English queens – Mary, Bess, Anne and Victoria. In modern convertors, the basic oxygen steelmaking process is used to produce high grade steel, which is then refined as necessary through secondary steelmaking processes, to meet the demanding expectations of British Steel customers throughout the world. To see it all in action watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJfiEylPpmY

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“Bear in mind the history of British Steel,” he says. “It’s not news to anybody that the background has been very challenging, which makes this an enormous vote of confidence in the management team by the shareholders. For all of us who have worked in the industry and not seen anything like the investment we would have liked to have seen, having this opportunity has generated a real appetite to do something truly exceptional with the assets we have.”

Mark Cunningham, who brings his own extensive steel production experience to the project directorship of the new investment, reflects on the history of the wire rods business. “The current asset was installed in 1976 and at that time was seen as the state of the art. Before that it was small weight coils and very slack tolerances. At the time, the new installation was recognised as world beating, allowing long run production for downstream wire drawing.” The mill’s output was almost entirely dedicated to a healthy UK wire drawing market through to the early 1990s. “At that point this mill was producing around one million tonnes of prime product, of which 60% was going into the UK market.” “The diameter range was from 5.5mm to 13.5mm,” explains Mark. “The Phoenix agreement defined that Scunthorpe produce wire up to 13.5mm, and Rotherham produced bar from 13.75mm upwards. Several incremental investments followed – developing water boxes and improving the Stelmar cooling technology to achieve greater consistency. While still largely driven by wire drawing that had beneficial secondary implications for other sectors like cold heading.”

“As wire drawing moved East, and our domestic base drastically reduced, we needed to look at alternative markets. As we moved more and more to cold heading we had to achieve tighter tolerances.” In 2007 there was a substantial upgrade targeted specifically at reducing the cost of feedstock, which entailed more than GB£30 million investment to install a new reheat facility. “The new reheat furnace eliminated a series of processes at the bloom and billet mill and, importantly for the new project, is still classed as the best available technology. Still top of its game it provides a huge benefit for the asset as we take it forward now.” From 2010 onwards, the mill transferred more and more output to the component manufacturing arena – wire for cold heading and for free cutting or machining precision components. “These were markets that demanded a different dynamic from the mill,” explains Mark. In 2003 maximum output diameter increased to 15mm, to meet requirements from other parts of the group. “That started us thinking about how big we could really go,” says Mark. “In the last couple of years, we successfully stepped up to 17mm. However, we could see we had reached the limits of the physical capability of the current asset.” “Over the last eighteen months we have been asking ourselves how we can develop the asset, maintain the volume, and give tighter tolerances. We know our microstructure is excellent: The questions were how we developed size, shape and tolerance to determine our future in the market.” That meant several months of “exploring the art of the possible”, drawing on the deep reservoir of knowledge at British Steel to define the metallurgical characteristics of grades to meet current market and future market requirements. Intensive discussion both upstream on the steel supply side and with key customers focused the size ranges and metallurgical qualities that needed to be achieved.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY “A fair chunk of the new products will go to existing customers who understand how we do business and the steel pedigree we have, and with whom we have solid trading relationships,” explains Richard. “We clearly recognise the lightweighting and improved strength requirements from the market, and know the transformation needed to futureproof our business – and leap frog it into the future.” The management team had a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve – time to move from the what to the how. “The Greybull approach since 2016 has been really fantastic. They have been enormously supportive, taking an active interest in the day-to-day operation of the business,” says Richard. “They have transformed us from being a manufacturing division of an international conglomerate to become a focused business unit. What they have said to MDs like myself is: ‘So now what and how are you going to take your business forward?’. “We were all very aware that we could not just sit here and wait for the next recession to roll past – we knew what would happen. There is a real window of opportunity now and a massive commitment to make these the most significant years in our history”. Adapting to a very different shareholder culture brought its challenges. “We found it initially quite hard. In a traditional and mature industry, it’s not always instinctive to make rapid change.” “Focusing on the really big things for the wire rod business has been very important,” Richard says. “The acquisition of FN Steel and the upgrade here have been really valuable in providing really big things to which we can dedicate quality resources. We’ve been just as busy adopting automotive aligned improvement techniques, such as Six Sigma, and convincing every single person they should have their own improvement project – dedicating part of their daily energies to making it a better place.” “However, while that reaps really important long-term benefits, it doesn’t quite have the same excitement as a GB£50 million investment project. Mark and I did a number of employee briefings. Over the years, and it doesn’t matter where you’ve worked in this industry, there’s been talk about big investments coming along. So, there is a level of ambivalence – ‘we’ll believe it when we see it’ thinking.” “When we said, ‘no, we are going to do this, and we are not going to stop until it is done -and by the way it will happen’ there was a feeling around the room of ‘Hallo, this is a bit of a different approach’.”

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“For the management team a distinctive approach was also demanded. “Achieving the sign off and funding for this project would have been challenging under any ownership,” explains Richard. “However, it really brought home to us just how entrepreneurial and rigorous our thinking now needed to be to arrive at the point we could confirm to our own people and the market generally that this really was a goer.” And that is how it should be, he is convinced. “Our customers, particularly in the automotive industry, expect a supply partner that is efficient, agile and modern – able to demonstrate how it can change. We also have to demonstrate how we are pushing our suppliers, upstream in British Steel, to be more effective, efficient and delivering higher quality all the time.” Starting in October a 55m extension will be added to the mill building to accommodate the cooling phase of the new line. In preparation for that a new laboratory building has been completed, relocating it from the end of the current line and adding a second storey. “By the end of the 18 month project we will literally have a new manufacturing line, installed in a phased approach, to allow us to keep the existing asset rolling to service our customers.” Mark adds: “Then we will begin trialling material from the new line with customers. For some that transition will be quite quick, for others we will need to do more work with them.” “Ultimately we will move from the four lines today to a single line but the through volume will still be around 750,000 tonnes per year. Within that one line there will in effect be three lines, so different sizes and combinations will go through different parts of the line at different times. That allows us to do maintenance and size changes on different parts, which maximises the utilisation of the asset.” “The future of wire rod is not going to be so much about the physical diameters,” concludes Richard. “It is going to be far more about the metallurgical aspects of the rod we are making. We have a very strong R&D facility, we understand steel making, we understand our process, and now we will have a state of the art manufacturing line. We truly are building stronger futures with high-quality steel products.”

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

The divisions of Anochrome Group Anochrome Group is the UK’s largest independent specialist surface coatings and metal finishing service provider, employing over 200 people and processing in excess of 3,000 tonnes of products per week.

he Group has four UK manufacturing units, with growing European facilities including sites in the Czech Republic and Poland. Here Mark Jones, divisional general manager for WEP and Anochrome Technologies Ltd, and Kev Walton, general manager at Inlex Locking, talk about the role each of the four UK manufacturing divisions play within the overall group.

Wolverhampton Electroplating

Wolverhampton Electroplating (WEP) was established in 1946 and is now the headquarters of Anochrome Group. WEP started as a bulk processing coating company – supplying a multitude of industries and playing a vital role in the automotive industry. Today, WEP offers barrel processing including zinc, zinc nickel, mechanical zinc with a comprehensive range of passivates, and modifying top coat system, including Macdermid heavy weight trivalent passivates. In response to the market, WEP has invested in a state of the art fully automated robotic, soft handling, tray transported dip spin plant, which has improved capacity, throughput, efficiencies and product quality to customers.

Anochrome Ltd has vat zinc and zinc nickel electroplating lines

Further investment in its electro plating – zinc and zinc nickel lines with extra stations – has now added to the lines’ increased capacity. WEP is able to supply to numerous specifications, including S437 and S437M – which are automotive approved, and the company also has ISO 9001 and TS16949/IATF 16949 certification.

Anochrome Ltd

In the 1970s Anochrome Group acquired Anochrome Ltd, which has developed into a dynamic coatings company – playing a key role in the automotive supply chain. With accreditations to ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949:2016, Anochrome Ltd offers high-levels of satisfaction to all its customers and can provide bulk processing for a wide range of markets. These processes include vat zinc and vat zinc-nickel electroplating lines, with a comprehensive range of passivates and torque modifying top coats, including the latest MacDermid heavy weight trivalent passivates.

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The cathodic electrocoat or E-Cote line has also recently been upgraded to improve the performance of both the paint system and the operation. The line is capable of supplying competitive volume racked products to many automotive and industrial specifications. Further processes available from Anochrome Ltd include zinc barrel and phosphate, all supported by quality, environmental, training and development accreditations – designed to regulate and enhance the company’s performance in pursuit of ever continuous improvement. This pursuit of continuous improvement has also seen Anochrome Ltd introduce a cultural plan to transform the workplace. 2018 will see the opening of a new warehouse, on the current site, to manage the flow of all goods in and out of the business. The objective is to reduce the waste of transport, increase plant efficiency and further safeguard health and safety. Further changes to factory layout and process flow are planned to further support the company’s objectives in enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. In April 2018, Steve Norman also joined Anochrome Ltd as general manager. With a background in business development, Steve has been recruited to drive commercial development, implement cultural change and introduce a Lean style of management.

Anochrome Group

Specialist Surface Coatings Thread Locking & Sealing Inspection & Packing Anochrome Group

WEP/Inlex 01902 397333

Anochrome Group www.anochrome.com

Anochrome Technologies Ltd Anochrome Ltd T: 01902 397333 01922 404604 01922 627404 www.anochrome.com

Head Office: Wood Lane, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, HeadWest Office: Wood Lane, Wolverhampton, Midlands WV10Fordhouses, 8HN, United Kingdom West Midlands WV10 8HN, United Kingdom

•

United Kingdom • Czech Republic • Poland United Kingdom • Czech Republic • Poland

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Inlex Locking Ltd

Driven by its expertise in fastener coatings and applications, the Anochrome Group acquired Inlex Locking Ltd in the 1980s to add pre-applied threadlocking, sealing and value-added services to the Group. Inlex Locking specialises in providing a wide range of products under licence from multiple manufacturers – providing robust, high-quality and competitive materials to resolve locking and sealing issues for a variety of markets and the most demanding applications. Products in Inlex Locking’s current portfolio include Eslok® Nylon patches (as a 180° patch for anti-vibrational locking and 360º patch for sealing), micro-encapsulated adhesives including precote® 30, 80 and 85 from OmniTechnik and 3M Scotch-Grip™ 2353 and 2510 for permanent chemical locking. The company can also offer water-based pre-applied thread sealant materials such as Precote 5 and Microseal 204, as well as lubricants such as precote Top 300 and Torque-Tip 28. Inlex can also offer Rimlex® pre-applied under head sealants that give consistent, reliable and repeatable sealing onto a wide range of fasteners, rivets and flanged plugs – with different versions available depending on the application requirements. Inlex is an approved European supplier of Nyltite™ products, which are nylon products designed for assembly on production lines to provide sealing and insulation and barriers against bi-metallic corrosion. The company can also offer a range of value-added services including optical sorting of headed components, assembly, as well as packing and boxing to ensure parts are supplied to customers in optimum condition. The newest product in the Inlex range is omniMASK®, a pre-applied anti-weld spatter and thread masking material designed for use on both internally threaded components and male threaded components and weld studs. Significant investment has been made to provide state of the art bespoke application equipment for internal coatings to ensure high-quality and highly efficient processing.

Aesthetic/decorative coatings: In epoxies, acrylics, and polyurethane to meet automotive, industrial and military specifications. Special coatings: Including EMC/RFI shielded coatings, thermal or insulation coatings and many duplex coatings systems. Anoshield/Greenkote® thermal diffusion zinc coatings: On to threaded components, castings and pressings to provide durable corrosion resistant coating, which when combined with top coats can give salt spray performance in excess of 3,000 hours.

Anochrome Technologies Ltd offers corrosion protection coatings in a variety of zinc flake systems and full decorative spray coating facilities – with in-house assembly, logo and pad printing abilities covering a large component range.

Anochrome Technologies offers full decorative spray coating facilities

Inlex is an approved European supplier of the omniMASK® product

Anochrome Technologies Ltd

Anochrome Technologies Ltd was formed by the Anochrome Group in the 1990s and now provides a global source of specialised coatings under numerous licencing agreements – covering both small and large batch sizes from large military casings to fishing reel gears; from M100 wind energy fasteners to M3 aerospace fasteners. The type of coatings supplied can be identified in five main fields: Solid film lubricant and organic coatings: Such as Xylan® from Whitford, Molykote® from Dow Corning and many others. Corrosion protection coatings (ferrous products): A full range of zinc flake-based paint systems such as Dörken’s Delta® coating in KL100, NOF’s (formerly Dacral) Dacromet® and Geomet® coatings in 321, 360, 500 and 720 guises, Magni coatings – Magni® 565 or B46 with optional (black) top coats and Zintech®/Techseal® systems, plus zinc and aluminium dust materials from in Schram and Alutherm materials. Robotic spray line and manual spray booths are used to maximise efficiency and flexibility.

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Additionally, Anochrome Technologies operates an automatic hard anodising/aluminium passivate line, which can handle items from 2.3m in length up to a depth of 1m – compromising of a large range of products from vehicle bumper assemblies, V8 engine blocks, down to small brake callipers and hydraulic piston components. Anochrome Technologies has the abilities and expertise to assist its clients in many other specialist coatings and processors for the automotive, aerospace, industrial, wind energy, rail and MOD sectors, together with full technical and quality back up and support. As part of the company’s strategy to meet and exceed the ever increasing market demands, it has invested in the development of a large/complex/universal fully automatic robotic spray coating line that will be commissioned early 2019. www.anochrome.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Advanced fastening and sealing technologies Even the best-designed fastener assemblies can succumb to a range of negative side effects including rattling, leaking, loosening, seizing, stripping, corroding or shearing. Each of these issues could potentially lead to a product failure and costly warranty claims or recalls. That is why customers turn to ND Industries to provide solutions for all these problems and more.

family-owned business since 1955, ND Industries specialises in the development of innovative materials and processes that increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies. Headquartered outside Detroit, Michigan, ND serves a global market with divisions across the USA, as well as facilities in Taiwan and China, plus licensees around the world. ND’s core business is the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND’s success in the pre-applied fastener industry is due in large part to the strength of its resources. Whether a customer’s project requires chemical engineering, chemical manufacturing, mechanical engineering, inspecting and sorting, bottling and packaging services, or A2LA lab testing, ND reports that no other fastener processor can match its in-house capabilities.

Research and development

To ensure the highest product quality standards possible, ND Industries employs a team of degreed scientists and PhD chemists dedicated to the development and testing of all its chemical formulations. With more than 55 years of experience in the automotive, electronics, aerospace and military markets, ND’s R&D and chemical manufacturing staff has built one of the most extensive product portfolios in the pre-applied fastener industry. Each ND material has been specifically designed to solve a unique customer application issue. Not one to rest on its laurels, ND continually works to optimise existing materials and formulate new products through rigorous lab and quality control procedures. The ND Technologies Group holds an A2LA ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation and is able to assist customers by performing independent testing for a wide range of criteria.

Pre-applied product categories Inert threadlocking: Also known as prevailing torque, this process uses a mechanical force to create a secure lock that is resistant to vibration, shock, and related slippage. Processed fasteners can typically be removed and reused. Reactive threadlocking: Once installed into a mating part, a strong chemical bond is formed, preventing slippage from shock and vibration, while helping to seal fastening points against gas and liquid leakage. Masking and lubricating: ND produces formulations to ease the assembly process and protect fastening parts against exposure to undesirable substances that can adhere to uncoated fasteners. Advanced sealing: ND pre-applied sealants are designed to withstand a wide range of pressures, chemical fluids and gases, while reducing the chance of fastener loosening. Assembly aids: These aids are designed to make assembly safer, easier, and faster by reducing application errors and worker fatigue.

Innovative products ND continues to develop bold, new technologies to support the fastener industry. Recent product offerings include: Thread Armor® GP: This material prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminium and steel, by electrically insulating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Thread Armor GP is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive. Thread Armor® VC: An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. It also helps to ensure consistent clamp load and works well on stainless steel fasteners. Thermoloc® 1500: ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker, Thermoloc™ 1500 initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. The threadlock has been tested to over 1,500°F (850°C).

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FASTENER ASSEMBLIES CAN RATTLE, LEAK, LOOSEN, SEIZE, STRIP, CORRODE, SHEAR,, CRACK, SHEAR FRACTURE, SPLIT Fastener failure can compromise even the best designs. Turn to ND IndustriesÂŽ for solutions to all your locking and sealing related problems.

Since 1955 ND Industries has provided top quality fastening and assembly related products and services to a variety of industries including; automotive, electronics, aerospace, marine, construction, appliance and more.

www.ndindustries.com products@ndindustries.com

REACH COMPLIANT

TESTING CERT #2628.01

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Chemical blending

Design and engineering

Once a product formulation is complete, production moves next door to ND’s chemical blending facility where scale-up takes place. The close proximity and collaborative workflow greatly reduce manufacturing time and allow for the customisation of materials to customer specifications. ND’s chemical blending operation annually manufactures over one million pounds of a wide variety of adhesives, microcaps, anaerobics, epoxies, urethanes, ultraviolets, acrylics, and more. ND chemical toll blending services provide customers with the opportunity to have their own chemical formulations blended, packaged, and prepared for shipment.

When developing a pre-applied product, formulating the right chemical blend is only half the challenge. Just as important, is the process of applying that material onto fasteners. That’s where ND’s Design Engineering Group steps in. They work alongside R&D to build the custom application equipment that gives ND the ability to meet virtually any processing requirement. ND machines operate at some of the fastest rates in the industry, while the parts processed exhibit both excellent visual and performance qualities. ND prides itself on the fact that it is able to achieve these goals and still maintain highly competitive pricing. Companies that qualify for ND’s licensing programme can gain access to equipment and materials that will put them ahead of their competition.

Fastener processing

ND’s pre-applied processing centres are where it all comes together. Once a customer has selected the ND product that meets their specifications, uncoated fasteners are shipped from a manufacturer or distributor to one of ND’s worldwide divisions or licensees. ND plant supervisors and machine operators carefully direct and monitor each part as it is processed – sometimes for multiple materials. To maintain consistent quality, ND divisions operate under strict ISO or AS certifications and, if appropriate, utilise smart factory technology, including vision inspection systems, for in-process checks. ND also offers services like part sorting, colour coding, and even partial assembly. www.ndindustries.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Final finish coatings By Mark Thurber, CEO at Maelstrom Chemical Technologies LLC Small component manufacture is as general a subject matter category as one could imagine. Any spring, nut, screw, clip, pin, bolt, anchor, casting, stamping, fitting or assortment of these items – combined into a sub-assembly and destined eventually to be part of a finished article, could fall under this heading.

ven more obvious, yet easily overlooked, is that most items we use through every part of our day are simply collections of these sub-components, orchestrated to deliver a desired output. Your alarm clock that wakes you, the bathroom faucet, the coffee maker, toaster, door handle, automobile, parking meter, telephone, computer, printer, office chair, and on and on, are all a composition of small finished parts doing their intended job. In manufacturing these pieces, each must receive its fair share of grinding, milling, rolling, bending, forming and heat treatment. However, the final coating the products receive before being packaged, sometimes comes down to ‘oil or no oil’. This seems an unfit finale when so many choices for highly functional, multipurpose coatings are now available. Moreover, many finishing formulas can easily add great value to parts with little or no added effort.

Storage and transport corrosion prevention

In our current global economy, manufacturing and assembly operations that once had occupied the same facility, may now lay at far ends of the Earth from one another. In such instances, raw parts may now have a chance to enjoy the fresh (and corrosive) sea air and weeks of storage, before ending up at their final destination. Old fashioned oil or wax treatments, though inexpensive, are marginally effective with savings being negated by cleaning and spoiled dunnage. New ultra-thin, dry to the touch, options are not only more effective and cleaner, but also may be applied in-process or in existing rinse tanks at the end of the processing line. Components that have benefited from post treatments of this type include steering gears, linkages, washers, castings, and stampings.

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Without changing the invisible appearance and easy application, extra features can be incorporated into the same finish. Inspection enhancing colourants, friction modification, release coating, sealing, etc, can all be built into the same coating. Examples include Tectorius® Tec-Kote™ 756, an invisible, rinse applied, dry to the touch corrosion-inhibitor coating, designed specifically for overseas transporting and preserving of plain steel machined gear systems. Tectorius Tec-Kote™ 300 is another example. It is a translucent, dry film offering mild corrosion protection, high lubricity and very low particle generation. This product is found on a number of thread forming fastener products and assemblies with dissimilar metals.

Damage protection

Different options are available for parts that may be finely finished and require protection from damage. Specialised temporary coatings can be utilised to prevent scratching, chips, nicks, marring and can replace costly packing materials. Tec-Kote™ 750 is a removable, water-based spray on shell, used to protect exterior automobile parts through transport and assembly to the vehicle. Products of this type come in a multitude of grades that can be sprayed, flooded, brushed or dip coated onto pieces. They can also serve simultaneously as corrosion preventatives and can be thought of as a liquid applied ‘shrink wrap’. These coatings can be thin or thick, up to 3mm, thus offering excellent chip protection, yet remain easy to wash off. These are often used for exterior automotive lenses, glass, emblems, appearance fasteners and lug caps, or on non-automotive building supplies like siding or corrugated metal. Weather resistant grades remain intact even in harsh conditions, until a specialised soap is introduced – triggering dissolution of the coating. In addition to being used for preservation of small components, complete automobiles or machinery being stored outside can also benefit from full coverage of these materials. Tec-Kote 756 has been tested for one year of outside storage conditions, meeting rigorous US automotive standards.

Permanent finish coatings

Choices of finished coatings available in the marketplace are quite extensive. However, thorough understanding of the specific intended goals, purposes, and environments, is key to getting the most out of your coating selection. Driving appearance as the primary criteria can lead to overlooked properties that could greatly benefit the end product. After all, who would not want to offer their customer a ‘new and improved’ product simply by refining the goals and available products? Permanent, bonded surface finishes can impart wear resistance, lubricity, corrosion protection, dimensional control, and abrasion enhancement. Even then, close consideration must be made of the intended substrate in order to make the correct choice. Tectorius® Tec-Flon™ 6000 will not only impart durability and controlled coefficient of friction, but prevent adhesion of electro-coatings and paint up to temperatures of 400°C. Opportunities for significant improvement, efficiency and optimisation of your finished article may be just around the corner. A simple change or implementation of a new final coating, could easily provide greater value to your customer, afford you advantage over the competition or simply fix a problem that drains your resources. Exploring what innovations are available and the willingness to depart from stale methods may be all that is needed to bolster your market position. info@tectorius.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Hatebur introduces HOTmatic AMP 20 N Hatebur has introduced the HOTmatic AMP 20 N, a machine specifically designed for the manufacturing of forged cam lobes, with the aim to improve the efficiency and productivity of suppliers in the automotive industry.

homas Christoffel, CEO of Hatebur, explains: “Almost all of the worldwide forged cam lobes are produced on Hatebur machines. With the development of the HOTmatic AMP 20 N, we can react to new trends in the industry. We want to make our customers even more productive and strengthen our market leadership.”

Thin cam lobes are the focus

Hatebur reports that, to date, most of the forged cam lobes are produced on two of its machines – HOTmatic AMP 30 S and 20 S – reliably and efficiently. “There is a trend towards thinner cam lobes in order to support the lightweight construction of engines,” says Thomas. “That is why the R&D division of Hatebur started with fundamental research on cam lobes with a thickness of 8mm instead of 12mm.” Thomas continues: “The thinner cam lobes impose the highest demands on the forming machine – in particular in terms of the shearing quality, the pressing force and the part transfer. After conducting our research we introduced the HOTmatic AMP 20 N, which is ideal for thinner cam lobes with high surface quality, outstanding wear resistance and precise geometries.”

Precise, fast, efficient

Hatebur points out that the new HOTmatic AMP 20 N offers a total press load of 1,500kN, an impressive production speed and the highest precision. The machine body has been reinforced and guarantees the necessary stability. “In three forming stations and with a maximum of 200 strokes per minute, the AMP 20 N produces cam lobes with an outer diameter of up to 48mm out of raw parts with 24g – 217g,” summarises Reinhard Bührer, head of marketing and sales at Hatebur. Up to 6 meters long and almost 1,200ºC hot, bars are brought exactly into position via four feeder rollers, powered by servo drives. “When thin parts are being processed, the transport between the forming stations needs utmost accuracy to achieve an ideal surface quality,” explains Reinhard. A central element of the machine is the shearing unit. “This is where parts with a cut-off length of 20mm – 45mm are made. Just as on other Hatebur machines, the surface quality of the shear plane is outstanding. The forming of the parts can start from the first station,” reports Reinhard.

More output and efficiency

Almost all customary cam sizes for passenger cars can be produced on the AMP 20 N. “Most of the tools are compatible with the HOTmatic AMP 20 S. Low maintenance and operating costs, as well as the high productivity lead to an exceptional cost benefit ratio,” says Reinhard. While the AMP 20 N is an ideal machine for the production of forged cam lobes, it is not a single purpose machine, emphasises Thomas Christoffel: “The AMP 20 N is flexible and can be used in a wide variety of applications.”

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Worldwide success for the KIESERLING H 650 WAFIOS Umformtechnik states that its machines win over customers from all around the world due to their high efficiency and precision, as well as innovative technology – with the most recent example the KIESERLING header Type H 650.

he KIESERLING header Type H 650 features six stations and is ideal for the production of high precision, formed components in small to medium wire diameters. Through the quick changeover system and automatic adjustment (for example with punch and die blocks) the set-up and non-productive times are reduced to a minimum – allowing for high productivity growth and cost savings. WAFIOS points out that the fully developed technology, reliability, and quality, of the KIESERLING H 650 are demonstrated in continuous daily use, with the placement grippers, blank stoppers, and virtually play-free guides of the carriage, proving themselves under all operating conditions. In addition, with the inductive wire pre-warming integrated directly in the machine, high strength materials such as titanium alloys or inconel can also be formed with a lower press force. Additional options for expansion include transfer with electrical adjustment of the cams, tool adjustment fixture and monitoring of the feed length for linear in feeding.

“The KIESERLING H 650 is only one example of WAFIOS Umformtechnik’s solutions. Nevertheless, it is clear where the advantages for customers lie and why the machines are so in demand all over the world,” comments WAFIOS. www.wafios-umformtechnik.com

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How to differentiate your business from Amazon By Paul Black, CEO, sales-i Amazon has changed the global commerce landscape for good. The company as good as ‘owns’ the e-commerce space and its growing success is impressive – if not overwhelming. While not all companies are actively trying to compete with Amazon – in fact, many choose to work with it and use the platform as a supplementary sales channel – there are many that still want to sell directly to their customers. But try as they might, these other product-based companies are struggling to keep up. This goes for all businesses and industries, including those operating in the global fastening sector.

t’s highly unlikely that you can beat Amazon at its own game, so why try? Rather than spending your resources on playing catch-up, look for ways to make your products and services more attractive and enticing. Examine your current business model and decide how you might need to adapt it. Of course, it’s worth paying attention to – and borrowing from – Amazon’s efficiencies and logistical improvements. Use what you can, put some good foundations in place, and then focus on how to be different, emphasising your areas of strength. You won’t find success trying to duplicate Amazon’s scale of service, but you can still impact the marketplace and win new business in an increasingly competitive environment. Here are five ways to effectively differentiate your business from Amazon and drive sales.

1. Improve your distribution

Having a reliable distribution network is key to realising consistent sales. No matter how fast your current delivery times are, with a good review of your current processes and partners, you’ll certainly find ways to boost efficiency and cut costs. For local stores, introduce a same day delivery service within a certain mile radius. You could also set up a system that enables customers to buy online and pick up instore. A two day delivery service is not exactly a benefit for a customer living down the road. But you can make shopping a more pleasant and convenient experience if all they have to do is drive down and collect their order. Bear in mind that when orders include heavy or specialised equipment, for example, distributors are much better positioned than Amazon to ensure speedy and efficient delivery. Play this to your advantage and emphasise your niche expertise in this area.

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2. Introduce repeat order programmes

Rewarding customers is an easy way to build loyalty and encourage repeat business. If your customers’ purchases are predictable and regular, you could give them their tenth purchase for free or create a referral programme that rewards the customers who bring you more customers. A repeat order programme is another great idea that works for many businesses. It automatically refills and ships a customer’s regular order for say, certain types of fixings and equipment. The key for distributors is to make sure they keep on top of their customer purchasing data, so they can spot which accounts are going to be most suitable to offer repeat order programmes. This also gives you valuable information about your customers that you can put to good, relevant use. This might include sending those customers helpful content about new developments in the fastener industry, along with information about your product line.

A loyalty programme is a win-win. Your customers feel acknowledged, and rewarded, and your business gains deeper insights about them that helps you understand their priorities. With more knowledge under your belt, you can create impactful communications that drive results.

3. Turn salespeople into consultants

The aggressive sales approach is no longer the way to win over customers. Nowadays, customers prefer a more personal touch that guides them naturally towards a purchasing decision. They don’t want to feel like just another number on your sales ledger. They want to feel special – like they have your undivided attention. A consultative approach pays closer attention to the actual customers’ needs and can tailor an attractive solution that seals the deal. What’s more, today’s customers are pretty well informed about the products they’re looking for. They’ve done their online research and had a good look at their options before even engaging with you. Your salespeople need to be very informed – not just about the products they’re selling, but about your competitors’ products too. Let’s consider Amazon again for a second: Its product range is way too vast to provide expert advice on each and every item it sells. Being a niche business with a select product range does have its advantages, so use them! Train your salespeople to become consultants. Make sure they have the knowledge and expertise to really provide customers with valuable guidance and advice. This way, your business will stand out from the rest and become a trusted advisor – and supplier.

4. Don’t fixate on price

In addition to its vast product range, Amazon’s market domination enables it to offer incredible deals and low prices. This makes it very difficult for your business to compete on price – yet so many companies use discounting as an attempt to attract customers. This tactic may result in some quick wins but if you overdo it, you’ll only cheapen your brand’s reputation in the long run. The good news is that while consumers are price conscious, they do consider a variety of other factors too. These include quality, convenience, availability and service. Focus on building real relationships with your customers. You don’t just want one-off bargain hunters, you want to get to know who your customers are, what keeps them up at night, and how you can help them.

5. Test, review and refine

Every now and then, an educated guess will stand you in good stead. However, to really engage with your customers, you need to know what resonates with them. Again, put your smaller than Amazon size to your advantage and test your communication channels for optimum engagement. You can, for example, easily set-up simple A/B tests to determine consumer preference for call-to-action content. Another good idea is to test your online ads driving traffic to your website – does a more word-heavy message or a visual one work best? Review these test results carefully and refine your marketing efforts accordingly. Amazon wants to be all things to all people. It’s size and reach are impressive – but its vastness does limit its ability to take a more targeted approach to its customer engagement. To stay competitive, you need to offer your customers a truly different buying experience that focuses on their specific needs. Fill the gap that Amazon can’t; build a personal relationship with your customers so that no matter how low Amazon drops its prices, it can’t compete with you.

About the author

Founded in 2008, sales-i is sales performance software designed to make every sales call more personal and profitable. sales-i allows sales professionals to clearly identify and target high-quality sales opportunities within their current customer base. Equipped with customer buying behaviour alerts, salespeople can make insightful, personalised, quick business decisions – realising repeat sales, reduced customer attrition and maximised profit margins as a result. sales-i is currently used by thousands of businesses worldwide to maximise the intelligence of their sales teams and is accessible on any device with an Internet connection.

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

How fastener manufacturers can make the most of their sales By Nina Church-Adams, senior VP, marketing at Act-On Software Inc The fastener industry has been making waves in innovation in recent years as key developments in machinery and materials have led to fasteners continuously improving in quality and reliability. With continual quality improvements to the automotive and construction industries, demand for high-quality, robust, industrial fasteners have skyrocketed.

s we approach a technology first world, the need for fasteners will only keep on increasing. But how can fastener manufacturers leverage this spirit of innovation and continue to grow their sales? The answer lies in looking at technology advances on the marketing side that can dramatically increase both their marketing maturity levels, as well as their opportunities. However, the first step is marketing growth and putting systems in place that can drive a multi-channel digital engagement strategy. This initial step isn’t as hard as some people may think. Traditionally, many fastener manufacturing marketeers have focused on lead volume as a key metric for growth. It’s easy to measure and work under the theory that the more leads that flow into the top of the sales funnel, the more that will flow through and convert into completed sales. However, more isn’t necessarily better. A laser focus on lead velocity, which is improving the conversion ratio for leads as they manoeuvre through the sales pipeline, yields weightier revenue returns while increasing sales confidence. When marketing focuses on volume, sales ‘kisses a lot of frogs’ in hopes of finding hot leads in the mix. While there is a finite number of customers in the market for a product at any given time, there is a point of decreasing returns. When marketing sends sales too many frogs, they risk losing the sales department’s trust and with it the value of any leads they pass over. This is where centralised digital marketing engines, known as ‘marketing automation platforms’, can help. The right digital marketing engine can dramatically improve marketing velocity – the rate at which leads convert as they travel through the sales funnel. Here are four areas marketing automation can help fastener manufacturing marketers maximise success:

1) Increase in lead generation ROI

Whether a direct lead or a lead through the channel, fastener manufacturing marketeers today have to maximise their use of time and resources to prioritise prospective customer interest. Organisations that nurture leads experience an increase in lead generation ROI. After all, the velocity with which leads are converted to sales qualified leads increases efficiency while ensuring sales spends its time having high-quality conversations. For example, Bisco Industries, a manufacturer of electronic components and fasteners, implemented lead nurturing and benefited from a 1,400% lead generation ROI, winning the 2017 Nucleus Research ROI Award.

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2) Segmentation, tailored content and lead nurturing

While over half of manufacturing marketeers don’t currently segment prospects at all, tailoring content to individual buyers increases lead conversion significantly. Velocity centric marketing encourages segmentation, nurturing each lead based on things like product interest, position, industry, and more. According to Wakefield Research, 77% of manufacturing organisations conduct more than 10 promotions a year with 46% running more than 21. Case in point: Last year Bisco Industries began delivering near ‘real time’ content to prospects, tailored to how those prospects liked to engage with the company. In doing so, they nurtured prospects through the buying journey from initial engagement to quote request, to placing an order and setting up a Bisco credit account. These customers were then further nurtured, adding new product lines to their account. With this approach – tailoring content to different prospects, at different times in the buying process – Bisco increased its conversion rate by 1,285%. While Bisco only grew new opportunities by 4%, its enhanced conversions resulted in an average annual benefit to Bisco of US$301,388 (€260,746).

How can fastener manufacturers leverage this spirit of innovation and continue to grow their sales?”

3) Increased sales efficiency increases sales impact

4) Sales marketing alignment

Even small, incremental increases in conversion rates can result in significant sales impact. For example, consider this sample chart (below) from the Bisco ROI study that illustrates the impact of an increased conversion rate while showing how much wasted effort is spent with clearly unqualified leads. A bonus side effect to an increase in velocity is that sales can reinvest previously wasted effort in upsell and cross-sell activities, making them even more productive.

Bisco’s increased lead velocity translates into real results US$845,512 Cumulative net benefit US$544,124

Year 2

What is the current velocity of prospects in the pipeline? Are there any bottlenecks in the process? Which prospects move faster today and why?

The more effective the funnel, the more efficient it is at converting at all levels, which can have big impacts on marketing and sales productivity – and most importantly – on sales outcomes. Segmentation and personalised nurturing campaigns will speed up velocity and increase the quality of leads to the sales organisation. This will in turn grow sales productivity, help them win more sales, and increase sales confidence in the marketing process.

About the author

US$259,536

Year 1

To impact positive change in conversion across the sales funnel, it’s important for sales and marketing teams to work together and make sure they have common definitions for the sales and marketing process. For example: What is a lead, an MQL, SQL, opportunity, etc. With these definitions in hand, measure the lead conversion rate from each stage to the next. The key questions to ask are:

Year 3

Nina Church-Adams is senior vice-president marketing at Act-On Software where she manages the company’s global marketing function. Working on a global scale, Act-On Software specialises in adaptive marketing solutions that enable marketeers to create Adaptive Journeys™ using customer behaviours, preferences and data to intelligently guide the engagement strategy. The company operates in a number of industries including automotive, construction, manufacturing, technology and the fastener industry.

Fully integrated ERP software specifically designed for Stockists, Distributors, Wholesalers, Merchants & Manufacturers ERP Software designed to help businesses in the Fasteners & Fixings industry improve their business efficiency “Simple & Straightforward to put into use” From Purchasing to Sales to Accounts, Merlin has you covered every step of the way. With our Trade Counter Solution, you never miss a sales opportunity. And now with added Business Intelligence.

For further information or to book a demonstration contact us: e: info@merlinbusinesssoftware.com t: 01246 457150 w. www.merlinbusinesssoftware.com

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Dimac Service partnership Instant connectivity enabled through new technologies in the field of augmented reality is enabling Dimac Srl to stay in touch with customers and provide top level user-friendly support.

mong the innovations Dimac showed at wire® 2018 – for its special 30th anniversary celebration – was a new App, ACTY, which was specifically conceived to assist customers. ACTY is a video support platform providing remote assistance in ‘real time’ with augmented reality tools. The App has been developed to support customer operators in troubleshooting the Dimac machines remotely to avoid any intervention at the customer’s site. That means cost-effectiveness – streamlining and abating any down time – whilst facilitating and speeding up the machine cycle restart. Aiming to remain one step ahead of its competitors and revolutionising 100% quality control technology, the App is part of Dimac Servicing 4.0, which also includes the high performance MCVx Remote suite, which is an easy to manage, light and user-friendly solution.

How the Dimac ACTY App works:

1. When an operator needs to troubleshoot a Dimac sorting machine they click on the ACTY App on their smartphone, where they will gain access to the Dimac Service System queue and be given an access code number. 2. The code number allows the operator to be registered among the Dimac Service System end users, and they will get immediate online video chat support by a technician. 3. The Dimac Service will be given remote control of the operator’s smartphone camera and light to have a live view of the situation on the machine at the operator’s site. 4. The Dimac technician will then be able to chat with the operator via a headset or text and can draw augmented reality indications on the live image, which the operator views. Guided information is fed on the screen to help the operator. It doesn’t matter whether they need support for the set-up or for the troubleshooting. Dimac Service can also feed technical datasheets or user manuals directly onto the operator’s device screen. 5. ‘Smart glasses’ are available at the customer’s site (offered by Dimac as an option). The operator can wear the smart glasses to operate the machine handsfree whilst viewing all the information on the ‘smart glasses’ oculars. 6. Once the call is finished it is registered on the Dimac Service Database, on the cloud, to keep track of all chat and data exchanged support for any future need.

The Acty App is multilingual (available in Italian, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French and Russian) and suitable for both Windows/Mac operating systems and iOS/Android smartphones or tablets. www.dimacsrl.com

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

ZAGO adopts ERP to meet urgent customer requirements ZAGO Manufacturing Company Inc recently implemented the Shoptech ERP system in order to meet a growing need among distributors and OEMs for its self-sealing fastener and sealing switch boot products.

sing the Shoptech ERP system will enable ZAGO to be even more responsive to the needs of its distributors, large and small, vying for business in an ever more competitive international market. ZAGO is particularly concerned about helping its distributors compete in the growing e-commerce market. One after another, large distributors such as Automotion Components, MSC and Bisco have gone online with e-catalogues and expect their manufacturers to be as nimble as they need to be in order to meet growing customer demand. ZAGO is finding that small distributors need to work even harder to measure up under the ‘Amazon Effect’ which demands that all sellers in the marketplace engage in ‘frictionless commerce’ (ease of purchase and payment), rapid delivery, infinite selection and endless customisation. Once orders are placed, ZAGO will use its new E2 Shop system to precisely track even the most complicated custom orders so that ZAGO’s customers can meet the ‘just in time’ needs of their customers. By focusing on continuous improvement; value stream mapping to eliminate inefficiencies in all areas; introducing more automation in the manufacturing process; and finally, ERP implementation, US-based ZAGO is able to hold the line on pricing despite the increases in raw material – due to recent moves to place tariffs on imports. www.zago.com

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Delivering mobile data access The need to quickly access information and utilise important company data ‘on the go’ is becoming increasingly prevalent for companies wanting to keep up with today’s fast paced business environment.

hether meeting with existing clients, generating new business or attending trade shows, implementing seamless mobile technology to use ‘on the go’ is important for any organisation looking to seize sales opportunities and increase profitability. For sales reps generating business out on the road, it is important they have access to all the key information they would normally have when working in the office. However, the difficulty comes when staff hit low WiFi connectivity zones, meaning they face the inability to retrieve important customer and sales data from their main office systems. Without visibility of current stock levels, pricing, and product margins, staff lack the ability to negotiate effectively and deliver a first rate service to their customers. By providing a seamlessly integrated mobile application that is synchronised back to the main OrderWise system, the OrderWise Mobile App offers a level of integration that simply can’t be achieved with existing unconnected software. With online and offline compatibility meaning data is always accessible, the OrderWise Mobile App allows staff to continue trading even when internet connectivity is lost. By using the OrderWise Mobile App, staff always have access to the accurate information they need, eliminating time-consuming calls back to the office and boosting productivity. What’s more, the OrderWise Mobile App can combine with OrderWise CRM, BI Alerts and Business Intelligence to offer even further functionality and information ‘on the go’. This includes BI Snapshots, which offer offline access to useful sales charts and graphs, allowing users to obtain unparalleled insight into their data wherever they go. By using the smart and intuitive OrderWise Mobile App, businesses using OrderWise can ensure they continue to deliver first rate customer service whilst on the move and also never miss a sales opportunity again.

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Irish Rail safely secured with Nord-Lock washers A total of 46 million passenger journeys were made across the Irish Rail network in 2017, making safety and security a top priority. When the wire locking mechanism that had been previously used on the ‘22000 class’ InterCity Railcar (ICR) fleet began to show signs of weakness, Irish Rail then turned to look at the possibility of using the Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers to ensure reliability, consistency in maintaining tension and an even higher level of safety.

onor Doyle, senior fleet technical support at Irish Rail, commented: “Every staff member that works on any component, whether it be a wheelset or on a bogie, is very well aware of the safety implications if something is not built or assembled correctly.” The 22000 ICR fleet originally came with a wire-locking mechanism for its axle boxes. Over a long period of time, it was noticed during inspections that a small number of bolts were losing tension in service due to severe vibration experienced by the axle box. To ensure passenger safety, Irish Rail decided to replace the wire-locking system on the entire ICR fleet, with a total of 234 vehicles. After extensive testing and verification trials Irish Rail chose to install the original Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers. Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology secures bolted joints with tension instead of friction. The wedge-locking effect created by the washer reduces the risk of bolt loosening, even when exposed to the severe vibration and dynamic loads on trains. As well as ensuring the safety of the passengers, Nord-Lock washers provided Irish Rail with a host of other benefits that improved the business. “There was a massive cost saving in that the old arrangement was time-consuming with the wire-locking,” says Conor. “Using Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology is also a much safer, reliable and repeatable installation process.”

According to Andrew Radnor, sales manager at Nord-Lock Group, the washers are very simple to use, which means they are not as dependent on the operator and less prone to assembly mistakes. “Every batch of washers we produce are quality tested, which includes corrosion, bending, hardness, vibration tests, as well as profile and dimension checks. High and uniform quality means you get the same result every time. We also have approvals from institutes such as DB, EBA and TÜV.” Irish Rail has been very happy with the performance of the wheelsets since the switch to Nord-Lock washers, which is contributing to the continuation of the high safety record. “Since the introduction of the Nord-Lock washers in 2015, we have not had one instance of a bolt coming loose or a bolt shearing in service,” says Conor. “Which gives us at Irish Rail a lot of comfort from a safety point of view.” Find out more about how Nord-Lock washers increased safety at Irish Rail at nord-lock.com/irishrail

Nord-Lock Group will be at InnoTrans Berlin from 18th – 21st September 2018

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Permanent safety thanks to wedge-locking washers Noise protection walls next to railway tracks must be designed to withstand permanent dynamic loads, with the Nord-Lock wedge-locking principle an established method of securing such systems. That is why KRAIBURG STRAIL GmbH & Co KG has relied on this technology for its newly developed mini sound protection wall. The prototype was tested for the very first time in the German city of Neuss, with outstanding results.

B57

y 2020, Deutsche Bahn (DB) hopes to halve noise pollution on its routes. In addition to new and quieter trains, noise barriers are a tried-and-tested way of reducing noise. In order to achieve their goal, DB will have to equip more than 2,000km of track over the next two years. This workload is unlikely to succeed with conventional noise protection walls as they need a foundation, meaning that a time-consuming approval procedure is required before construction work can begin. This does not apply to the new STRAILastic_mSW (mini sound protection wall) from KRAIBURG STRAIL because its elements are directly connected to the sleepers. However, it faces high dynamic loads as it is much closer to the railway track than conventional systems. Thus, the wall requires reliable bolted joints in order to ensure rail safety.

KRAIBURG STRAIL selected Nord-Lock washers to ensure permanent security of all fittings. Nord-Lock washers have long been required by DB to secure their noise protection walls due to their ability to safely secure bolted joints exposed to strong vibration and dynamic loads. This was proven in a long-term test by the DB network in Württemberg, after which they decided to use Nord-Lock washers for all noise protection projects. The KRAIBURG STRAIL system consists of a metal fastening system on the rail foot, to which the rubber protective elements are attached. This makes installation fast and easy. First, some track ballast must be removed. This creates space to insert the substructure parallel to the sleeper. The STRAILastic_mSW element can either be placed by a crane, by slings or a lifting tong in the correct mounting position. Z-tread plates serve to fasten the elements, which are secured with Nord-Lock washers. The first STRAILastic_mSW has been in operation at a railroad line in Neuss since the end of 2017. At just 36cm high, the wall manages to achieve noise reduction of up to 7dB. This value is remarkable considering a 2m high standard wall reduces noise by 9.5dB – 10dB. This innovative wall allows full visibility as well as noise reduction, benefitting both train passengers and local residents alike. Existing railroad lines can now be retrofitted quickly and easily thanks to this simple, yet effective design. “The railroad line in Neuss is heavily used during the day, so we could only work at night. Nevertheless, the team managed to install 25m of wall per hour,” says Andreas Herder, CEO of KRAIBURG STRAIL. This high installation performance enables railroad operators to respond quickly, flexibly and cost-effectively to noise hotspots. After the positive experience in Neuss, KRAIBURG STRAIL plans on continuing its collaboration with Nord-Lock in the future. From now on, Nord-Lock washers will be used on every application that is exposed to dynamic loads. www.nord-lock.com Nord-Lock Group will be at InnoTrans Berlin from 18th – 21 st September 2018. “Come and talk to the Nord-Lock Group team in hall 8.2, stand 104, about your bolting challenges and we will find the most reliable and cost-effective solution for you.”

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Tel: 886-6-2668485 Fax: 886-62667739 No. 5, Ln. 61, Sec. 2, Wenhua Rd., Rende Dist., Tainan City 71755, Taiwan (R.O.C.) tooling@infinix.com.tw

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Safety on China’s rails

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hina is the land of the ‘fast track’ on longer routes. With the ever expanding high-speed rail network, the country intends to link large cities together, increase traffic capacity and strengthen the domestic economy by establishing connections to neglected regions. Despite the focus on ‘faster’ and ‘further’, safety should not be overlooked. Eight high-speed rail networks, which connect the north, south, east, and west, have been operated for several years. These tracks are currently in a state that requires maintenance and repair. The fischer epoxy mortar FIS EM 390 S is used for the preventative reinforcement of carriageway slabs, as well as for the foundations of track switch and base plates. The work affects the main routes of the railway network including high-speed tracks between Shanghai and Hangzhou, Nanjing and Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo, and Hangzhou and Changsha. The project is led by the China Railway Shanghai Bureau. “Those responsible are placing extremely strict requirements on the performance of products in order to ensure the effectiveness of anchoring components, even in the event of cracks in the carriageway slabs or base plates. Our FIS EM 390 S meets these high demands with its various properties, such as its strong retaining forces and its resistance to water, heat and humidity – whether in frosty or warm temperatures,” comments Jiang Zong, managing director at fischer China. This is of high importance due to the sub-zero temperatures that prevail in the north and in the north-eastern provinces of China, and the extremely hot and humid climate experienced in the south and in the eastern regions on the coast. This must be taken into consideration during the planning, maintenance and inspection of both infrastructure and vehicles. The fischer injection mortar FIS EM 390 S reaches particularly high load capacities in concrete and can withstand extreme conditions, such as the case in China. It is processed with reinforced bars and suitable system components, such as the fischer threaded rod FIS A or the fischer internal threaded anchor RG M I. The epoxy mortar can also be used in water-filled drill holes and in seismic areas. In addition, it has a very high level of resistance to corrosion and fire. “Overall, it is a safe choice for the maintenance of tracks in China, but also, for example, for the fixing of new tracks or for underwater assembly.”

China boasts the longest high-speed rail network in the world at over 25,000km – and the country is investing even further in the expansion of the rail system. In order to ensure the safety of people, and technology in the process, older tracks are currently being refurbished and reinforced as a preventative measure – using over 250,000 cartridges of the fischer epoxy mortar FIS EM 390 S.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Lokserts secure high-speed rail

The frames of modern railway carriages are constructed almost exclusively from aluminium, which means virtually every threaded hole needs to be reinforced using some kind of threaded insert.

oksert key locking inserts, from Bordo International Pty Ltd, are ideally suited to the high pressure and vibration of rail applications and are used extensively by all the world’s major manufacturers. Lokserts have pre-assembled dovetailed locking keys that are driven into the parent material to create a positive mechanical lock against rotation. Perhaps the most important rail applications for Lokserts is in the frames around the doors. When two trains pass each other at speeds of 300km/h, for example, the air between them is highly compressed. This puts a huge load on the doors and their mechanisms, so it is essential they are fastened very securely to the frame.

Another common rail application is on the aluminium floor of the carriage. Because of the constant acceleration and deceleration of the train the pull-out load on train seats is very high. M16 heavy-duty Lokserts are used to provide reliable pull-out resistance, ensuring the seats are held securely in place. Designers and project managers in the rail industry are now very familiar with the advantages of Lokserts. When designing new trains Lokserts are the ‘go-to solution’ to ensure safe and secure threads in their assemblies. www.bordoeurope.com

New solutions from Northern Precision Northern Precision Limited, a UK-based manufacturer and supplier of fasteners for the sheet metal and composite industries, has introduced several new product ranges ideally suited to the transport industries, such as the Deform nut and Masterplates.

eform nut is a two part fastener system designed to be used in honeycomb composites, such as those used in train floors and internal walls. Deform nuts provide a stronger female thread to attach components such as seating or tables to materials, which traditionally have been difficult to achieve high strength results. This product is specified by Bencore Srl in its range of honeycomb sandwich panels. Nothern Precision is also working with Abet Laminati on applications in the rail and transport industries using its range of Monocore honeycomb panels – due to the greater torque out and pull out figures that the Deform nut can achieve compared to existing fastener systems tested or used. For installation, the first part of the Deform nut is installed into the material skin. Adhesive is then introduced into the hole, before the grub screw is inserted – which pushes the adhesive into the spaces to create a larger surface area. This enables the fixing system to achieve very high torque out and pull out figures. Another new product range from Northern Precision is Masterplates – a full range of bonded inserts that are available in either mild steel, bright zinc plated or in 316 stainless steel. These are available as nuts, studs, standoffs and as cable tie mounts, as well as in a combination of base plate styles, thread

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sizes and lengths. Masterplates are suitable for surface bonding using adhesives or embedding during the forming process. They are also the ideal fasteners for use in composites, fibreglass, carbon fibre, moulding compounds, plastics and laminated timbers. Also available from Northern Precision, Crown nuts are a very simple and effective method of installing a strong reuseable female thread into the end of tube and box sections. There are two versions, headed and un-headed. The headed version ensures the fastener cannot be pushed into the tube or box section. Crown nuts are available in M8 and M10 threads and are also manufactured with an 11.3mm internal hole to accept a standard castor. “We are constantly looking to expand our product range as long as they complement our current fastener expertise,” explains Northern Precision. “More importantly, any new product we offer must provide a better solution to existing customers’ needs, and the Deform nut, Masterplates and Crown nut are perfect examples of this ethos. Our current range of fasteners include self-clinch fasteners, rivet bushes, sheet nuts and weld products, as well as special manufactured parts to customers’ individual requirements.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

stamping out the impact of theft globally

Security fasteners for transport and rail Security fasteners are needed by industries far and wide, with each industry having its own reasons to use anti-tamper devices. Some are concerned with loss prevention and deterring theft, while others use them to stop unlawful entry and mitigate against the risk of death or serious injury caused by unlawful access or trespassing.

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prime example is the transport and rail sector, where a wide range of security fasteners are regularly deployed to protect against liability claims, by stopping unauthorised entry or to prevent theft or vandalism that prying eyes, hands and tools attempt. Some 115 people in the UK have been killed on rail tracks over the past 5 years due to trespassing, with the problem growing. It is estimated that one person on average commits the offence nearly every hour. The main physical deterrent to trespassing is through the use of barriers and security fencing, both of which can be made more resilient through the use of security fasteners. Theft is still endemic to the industry with cable thefts in the UK reaching a five year high. The theft of railway cables caused over 10,000 minutes of delays to passengers across Wales and the Borders alone in 2017 – a 240% increase on the previous year. An issue that has larger repercussions than just the financial (which is estimated to cost in excess of GB£16 million a year), it causes widespread delays for passengers and freight, not to mention the risk to the rail staff and the general public. Hafren tamper resistant screws and tamper proof bolts are an ideal solution to prevent theft of expensive equipment, such as miles of copper wire. Vandalism such as graffiti is also a huge issue, Network Rail estimates that it costs at least GB£5 million per year to clean up graffiti, not including the loss of revenue or delays caused to the service. Hafren Security Fasteners can be the first line of defence against loss, theft, unauthorised entry and vandalism. The company has worked closely with the public transport sector in the design and supply of security fasteners and fixings for various applications. As numbered on the image (above), these include: 1 – control panels, 2 – benches, 3 – vending machines, 4 – lighting, 5 – mobility equipment, 6 – CCTV, 7 – cladding, 8 – signs, 9 – train handrails, 10 – advertising hoardings, 11 – copper wire, and 12 – fire signalling and prevention equipment and signalling equipment. www.hafrenfasteners.com

Safety to the max SCHNORR® products are always the first choice when metal is being used to meet requirements of movement cushioning - securing through force and form. Original SCHNORR® Safety Washers: • Highly vibration-resistant • Twofold effect from one component • Extensive range Original SCHNORR® disc springs: • Various applications

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

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

An efficient combination – HITSERT® Screwlock Today the world of lightweight construction can no longer be imagined without plastics, as they conquer more and more sectors. Their great flexibility in terms of processing and component design leads to an increasing replacement of metallic materials. Due to their outstanding mechanical properties, low weight and attractive manufacturing costs, plastics are a fundamental part of industry today.

MTEC thread inserts make it possible to achieve the advantageous synergy effects resulting from high strength metals in combination with plastics. They have been specifically designed for after moulding installation. The result is a wear free, high strength thread in high-quality plastic components. The thread insert is heated to the melting temperature of the plastic. As a result of the heat transfer upon insertion, the plastic is plasticised for a short time and flows into the undercut of the thread insert. Upon cooling, a low stress interference is realised. This innovative product family, from Böllhoff Group, has been extended by a new variant: The HITSERT® Screwlock. The HITSERT Screwlock combines the advantages of an aluminium (EN AW 6061) HITSERT 2 and a stainless steel HELICOIL® Screwlock thread insert. These two elements match perfectly to provide considerable benefits for screwed connections with high requirements. Locking of the screw is achieved with a polygonal-shaped thread of the HELICOIL Screwlock. These threads have a locking effect on the flanks of the screw or bolt to be screwed in. The result is an elastically resilient frictional locking mechanism with the bolt or screw resisting self-loosening and unscrewing.

Depending on the specific application, increased clamping torques can be achieved with several polygonal-shaped threads. The resulting clamping torques can be compared to the specifications in the list of standards DIN 267, Part 15, ISO 2320 or adapted to individual application.

New tensioner centre of excellence Global controlled bolting specialist HTL Group is continuing its product development roll out with the launch of its new ‘Tensioner Centre of Excellence’ in the West Midlands, UK.

TL’s new facility represents the Group’s journey of growth and its technical capabilities to deliver customer first, innovative tensioning solutions to service the growing market demands. With several facilities globally, the UK headquartered HTL Group prides itself on the design and manufacture of OEM, high-quality, 100% British-made controlled bolting equipment, backed up by its renowned level of customer service. The West Midlands facility will be the centre of HTL’s innovation, expanding the Group’s current tensioner offering and delivering a standard and custom range of tensioning equipment to market that meets client’s exact specifications. “The announcement of our new ‘Tensioner Centre of Excellence’ here in the Midlands, represents the dawn of a new and particularly exciting chapter of HTL’s continued success story,” explains Phil Jarvis, global sales director at HTL Group. “The Midlands is famous for bolt tensioning technology, with the origins of bolting manufacture in the region dating back to the industrial revolution. There is a thriving engineering heritage in this part of the UK,

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and HTL have recognised the need to establish a presence here to capitalise on this wealth of knowledge and opportunity.” Phil adds: “Together with existing operational facilities strategically located around the UK, establishing a presence here in the Midlands not only ‘closes the loop’ in providing an unparalleled UK coverage, but also provides the expertise to support our ever growing global presence. It is indeed another exciting and important step towards our continued objective of being the partner of choice for controlled bolting solutions, whether that be from a standard product range or engineered to order, for special solutions.”

DELO supports German Hyperloop team DELO Industrial Adhesives is sponsoring WARR Hyperloop â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a working group of students at the Technical University of Munich â&#x20AC;&#x201C; by providing adhesives, as well as consulting services and training in bonding technology, to help it take part in the SpaceX Hyperloop competition.

esla CEO Elon Musk is the one behind SpaceX and the Hyperloop competition, which was launched in 2015. Hyperloop is a transportation concept for high-speed trains, similar to the principle of pneumatic tube mail systems. Propelled through tubes, the pods are expected to reach speeds in excess of 1,000km/h thanks to the low air resistance under partial vacuum. The new pod idea from WARR Hyperloop required silicate coated titanium plates to be mounted to the one piece CFRP monocoque. The titanium plates increase stiffness and improve transmission of braking forces to the structure. CFRP poses major challenges for conventional joining techniques because of its fibre structure. This is where adhesive bonding proves its advantages, especially with being able to join different materials. In concrete terms, DELO-DUOPOX AD840 is used for this application. The two component epoxy resin features good adhesion on a variety of surfaces and was specially developed for structural bonding. It is well established in the automotive industry.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Ensuring wind power efficiency in extreme environments The wind sector is growing faster than ever before, thanks to the global push toward renewable energy sources. Europe has become a stronghold for this growth, and innovation, and has established wind power as a key component in energy supply. Growth, however, also brings challenges and the sector must now decide how to continue being as efficient in increasingly demanding environments. Bolted connections are key and Nord-Lock washers are continuously being refined to improve safety and efficiency for wind applications.

ombating climate change is a vital goal for European countries and this has fueled both demand and technological advances throughout the renewable energy sector. The signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, elevated this issue to the global stage and signaled a seismic shift not only in knowledge about the potential of renewable energy but also in investments moving from oil, gas, and coal, to wind, solar and hydroelectric power generation. This shift has allowed wind power to enjoy significant growth. “The wind sector has grown substantially in the last 10 years,” says Tobias Klanck, project sales engineer at Nord-Lock Group. “A major reason has been the agreement to reduce C02 emissions and limit the global temperature increase to 2°C.” Large commercial wind turbines have now become an integral part of the European landscape and colossal offshore windfarms pump more and more megawatts of power into national electricity networks. According to WindEurope, 2017 was a record year for the European wind energy market with 15.6GW of new capacity added, up 25% from 2016. Wind energy now covers 11.6% of the European Union’s electricity demand.

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Wind projects becoming more ambitious

Political support and business investments have allowed wind projects to become more ambitious than ever before. In 1980, the average wind turbine was 15m tall. In 2021, General Electric plans on completing the biggest turbine in the world at 260m. Although larger sizes are more cost-efficient and allow turbines to produce more electricity, they also present an increased number of engineering challenges. Structures of that size are much more difficult to transport and install, and must withstand a huge amount of pressure during their working lives. “Wind turbines are getting bigger; now we are at 8MW per turbine, which will increase in the coming years,” says Tobias. “That means bigger components, as well as more bolted joints, as parts need to be split for transportation.” Accurate and reliable bolt securing is critical to the structural integrity of wind turbines as it allows all parts of the application to stay together. This is especially important as turbines are often built in remote locations that experience extreme weather patterns. This means that their bolted joints are under constant stress from the elements, with even average winds causing a huge amount of vibration.

Difficulties of working in challenging environments

Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers are highly regarded within the wind industry due to their ability to not only withstand, but thrive in extreme environments. They use wedge-locking technology, which secures bolted joints with tension instead of friction and prevents the bolt head/nut from rotating loose. Nord-Lock washers go through rigorous testing to ensure that they can operate in difficult environments. These include the Junker vibration test, according to DIN 65151, which is considered the most severe vibration test for bolted connections and ensures that Nord-Lock washers can function, even when used on applications exposed to extreme vibration. Wind turbine blades are particularly affected by harsh environments as they must withstand not only wind, but also rain, snow and severe storms. Strong and reliable bolted connections are crucial to allow the blades to rotate at high speeds, and for this rotational energy to be converted into electricity. Wind turbine blades are also becoming lighter than ever before, incorporating soft materials such as aluminium, copper, polymers and sandwich composite technologies. Fastener compatibility is crucial as soft materials increase the risk of slackening in the joint. Nord-Lock X-series washers combine Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology with an innovative spring effect, offering the highest security for applications at risk of damage both from vibration and slackening.

Specialised solutions for offshore

Out of all the existing wind turbine locations, offshore is indisputably the most challenging. As well as facing the same difficulties as turbines on land, offshore wind turbines must also withstand the untamable and often destructive forces of the sea. Bolted connections are especially at risk in marine environments as corrosion can destroy the integrity of bolted joints in very short amounts of time. Nord-Lock washers made from stainless steel and 254 SMO® have a corrosion resistance of PREN 27 and 45 respectively, which ensures they can function in the toughest offshore conditions.

Tobias sees another important issue that is particularly significant for offshore turbines. “Maintaining an offshore wind turbine can be expensive, which means that downtime must be kept to a minimum.” Along with being expensive, retightening bolts in offshore environments is also time-consuming and most importantly, dangerous. “The advantage of using Nord-Lock washers is their extended lifecycle,” says Tobias. “This reduces maintenance time and ensures there won’t be any unforeseen interruptions caused by bolt failures.” All Nord-Lock washers are covered by the Nord-Lock Group Lifetime Warranty, which ensures they will perform as expected from the moment they are installed until the end of their intended lifecycle – even in extreme environments.

Future of the wind sector

In its report on the outlook for wind energy until 2020, WindEurope forecast that growth could continue at an average of 12.6GW in the next three years, with offshore representing a quarter of all installations. Wind energy is also expected to contribute to about 16.5% of Europe’s electricity needs, surpassing hydro to become the largest renewable energy source on the continent. “Because of the strategy to reduce C02 emissions between 2020 and 2030, renewable energy and especially wind, will keep on growing substantially,” says Tobias. “However, this growth will also cause challenges as different countries have different C02 policies and the global grid must be updated to ensure that the energy is transmitted throughout Europe.” According to Tobias, the industry will also have to adapt to increasingly extreme weather patterns and ensure that they select fasteners that are innovative in their design and materials, and use processes that can facilitate the necessary advances in technological solutions for decades to come. Manufacturing companies like Nord-Lock Group, with its significant investment in R&D and ever-evolving range of bolting solutions, already plays a key role in providing these solutions to ensure wind efficiency in the most extreme environments. www.nord-lock.com

Nord-Lock Group will be at WindEnergy Hamburg from 25th – 28th September 2018

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

WinTech – setting process monitoring GESIPA® is able to provide special setting tools that can be used for monitoring and storing results during the production of critical workpieces or in automated setting processes, thanks to the addition of WinTech setting process monitoring.

ESIPA®’s WinTech setting process monitoring is ideally suited for challenging setting processes when joining safety relevant workpieces, such as in the automotive, aviation and heating industry or in access engineering. The WinTech setting process monitoring system analyses the setting process based on stroke and force sensors via an integrated electronic system. By means of a special software up to three windows can be defined for analysis. The results of the setting process are shown by a coloured LED installed in the tool base. The data can also be stored and retrieved for further use. The WinTech setting process monitoring function is possible with the proven blind riveting tool TAURUS® C from GESIPA.

Process safety saves costs

Using WinTech setting process monitoring provides a number of benefits for the user, including high process safety – by documenting each individual setting process. Thus any resulting costs for possible discrepancies in quality can be avoided. What is special about this technology is the option to define up to three windows for analysis of the setting process, with the user also specifying the start and finish of the monitoring period.

The setting process – manual or automated

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

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Jubilee® Clips – British made, world class The worm drive hose clip was invented almost 100 years ago by Commander Lumley Robinson and to this day the company he founded, Jubilee® Clips, still produces hose clamps of the highest quality in its factory in Gillingham, UK.

ubilee® Clips offers a full range of hose clips, including the highly versatile original worm drive hose clips – for the widest range of applications, high torque clips, and superclamps, as well as offering customers a choice of different types of clamps for high pressure and heavy-duty applications – such as the all new Flexiband banding and buckle clamping system for tamper proof applications. Also available are multiband cut to length banding and quick release straps, the preferred solution in ventilation and ducting applications, as well as wingspade worm drive clips, P-clips, O-clips and nut-and-bolt fuel line clips. “When choosing a hose clip for a hose assembly it is important to specify a high-quality product, as any downtime resulting in failure of a hose clip could become extremely costly,” explains Ian Jennings, managing director at Jubilee Clips. “This is why some of the world’s leading manufacturers specify Jubilee Clips for use on their assembly lines.”

Jubilee Clips’ original range, high torque worm drive hose clips in stainless steel, is approved by Lloyd’s Register for use in marine, offshore and industrial applications, so users can be assured that Jubilee Clips’ production process has been scrutinised thoroughly by industry experts. “The British Standard BS5315:1991 is one of the most stringent standards for hose clips in the world,” states Ian. “By adhering to this standard and being awarded the Kitemark by the British Standards Institute for our original range of worm drive hose clips, we are demonstrating our uncompromised dedication to only producing hose clamps of the highest quality.” Ian concludes: “When using Jubilee Clips, users can rest assured that they have chosen clips with exceptional sealing properties, able to withstand very high tightening torques and offering the highest level of corrosion resistance.” www.jubileeclips.co.uk

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

New potting compound with excellent flow properties Panacol has developed a new potting compound with medium viscosity and small filler particle size, Structalit® 5894-1, which it says is the perfect choice for large volume potting or glob top sealing of power electronics.

tructalit® 5894-1 is a one component, black epoxy resin. During application it features optimum flow properties, due to its combination of optimised viscosity and small particle size of fillers. As an additional benefit, the low filler weight makes Structalit 5894-1 less abrasive during application. Structalit 5894-1 cures rapidly when exposed to heat, which allows faster processing of large volume electronic component potting and sealing. Once cured, the compound provides a smooth and level surface, which is at the same time shock and scratch resistant. Panacol-Elosol GmbH, a member of the global Hoenle group, is an international supplier of adhesives with an extensive product range that includes UV curable adhesives, structural adhesives, and conductive adhesives. Panacol is also a reliable provider of UV processing systems, supported by Dr Hoenle AG. Hoenle is a global technology leader and manufacturer of industrial UV curing devices and systems.

ATLAS® SpinTite® blind threaded inserts ATLAS® SpinTite® blind threaded inserts from PennEngineering® provide strong, permanent, and reusable threads in thin sheet materials where only one side is accessible for hardware installation.

nstallation is performed from the accessible ‘front’ side using spin-spin tooling technology. The inserts then become permanently mounted on the ‘back’ side to accept a mating screw for final component attachment. The ‘blind’ installation capability especially suits applications such as tubing, extrusions, and others where access to the back side is either limited or non-existent. These steel, aluminium, brass or stainless steel inserts ideally replace tapped holes, weld nuts, rivets, self-drilling or tapping screws, and through-bolted applications necessitating loose hardware. They support close-to-edge applications and can be installed at any stage during the production process (even after assemblies have been painted). In service, the inserts exhibit high thread strength and high torque-out resistance. ATLAS SpinTite inserts have been designed for use with panels or sheets of any hardness or material (including metal, plastics and fiberglass) as thin as 0.020 inches/0.51mm. They additionally can assemble multiple dissimilar materials during installation, eliminating any need to perform spot welding or other secondary operations, saving time and money during production. This family of inserts includes half-hex shank low profile head, rib wall minimised profile head, rib wall low profile head, thin wall low profile head, and swaging low profile head versions. A variety of available thread sizes range from #6-32 to ½ inch – 13 inch and M4 to M12, depending on insert type. Custom inserts can also be engineered to satisfy specific application performance requirements. Detailed specifications, fastener drawings and 3D models, and performance data (ATLAS Catalog) for these RoHS compliant inserts can be viewed and downloaded from PennEngineering’s website.

Hilti innovations garner Red Dot Design Awards Hilti Group took home awards for three products, and one product family, at this year’s Red Dot Design Award competition. The company won a best-in-category award and also received additional honours for the latest generation of its red toolbox.

he Hilti TE 50-AVR combihammer received a ‘best of the best’ award as the winner in its category. The jury cited the tool’s “highest design quality and pioneering design”. The tool provides improved performance at a lower weight than previous generations and also features an optimised slip clutch, which provides added user safety. “The ‘best of the best’ award for the new combihammer is an affirmation of our design strategy, which highlights design continuity and reinforces both brand and product identification in addition to the actual use of the product,” said Stephan Niehaus, Hilti’s head of design. The sixth generation of the Hilti toolbox also received a Red Dot Design Award. The well known brand icon was redesigned as part

202 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 113 SEPTEMBER 2018

of Hilti’s efforts to revise its brand. It is equipped with additional functions such as a swivel handle, allowing two toolboxes to be easily carried in one hand, and a new interior that can be individually configured to hold various accessories. Other Hilti products receiving Red Dot Awards include the family of cordless cutting tool, pipe crimper and punching tool. Although this product range is new for Hilti, the outstanding design nonetheless proved award winning to the jury. The same can be said for the TE 6-A36 cordless rotary hammer, which also received an award. Red Dot Award submissions are gauged in terms of criteria including degree of innovation, ergonomics, functionality and formal quality.

High Quality Bespoke Large Nuts & Fasteners

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

Trojan supply to many niche markets with special industrial fasteners and focus on high quality, bespoke custom fasteners. M4-M52 Metric, #10-2.1/2â&#x20AC;? Imperial/Unified thread Hex, square, flange, dome and round Nuts Castle, Slotted, All Metal Prevailing Torque Nuts Manufacturers of hard to find items Very fast manufacturing and delivery times Fully traceable manufacturing and delivery Fully compliant to ISO 9001:2008 quality standard Certificates in materials, heat treatment and plating Certificates of Conformity

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20/07/2017 15:13

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

RUKO develops next generation of step drills RUKO GmbH Präzisionswerkzeuge says it has developed the next generation of step drills – with innovative cutting edge geometry – enabling users to drill significantly smoother and faster.

he newly developed geometry of the new RUKO step drills ensures particularly soft transitions between the individual steps. These soft transitions are achieved by a specially developed relief grinding in each step diameter. This prevents the drill from breaking out or jamming in the workpiece. Users can easily control the drilling process even with sensitive materials such as thin sheet metal or plexiglas. The cutting edge geometry also helps with tough materials such as stainless steel. Users can also make powerful progress, as the radial forces during the drilling process are up to 80% lower than with the previous model. The new point cut makes it easy for users to centre and drill on the workpiece. The optimised helix angle also significantly reduces the feed forces – making drilling much faster. In addition, the specially developed chip space geometry ensures ideal chip and heat removal. This reduces the formation of built-up edges and cold welds on the cutting edges, which results in less heat and means the service life of the step drill can be increased fourfold. “Our next generation of step drills represents a quantum leap for users. The drills are smoother, faster and at the same time offer the best performance in almost all materials. It is a great achievement by our developers and I am proud that the new RUKO step drill is now available,” explains Ali Dalgic, managing director at RUKO. “The step drill achieves best results not only in sheet metal, steel and stainless steel, but also in plexiglas and wood. It is ideally suited for guided drilling units and hand drills.”

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Pirelli relies on STAHLWILLE torque wrenches The Italian Pirelli dealership network, Driver, has opted for torque technology made by STAHLWILLE in its new Driver kit, which is being rolled out ot more than 435 tyre specialists in the Pirelli network.

river provides professional services in all matters relating to the sale and fitting of tyres for vehicles of all kinds. Since May this year, the Driver kit now enables users to work even more accurately and effectively. Included in this Driver kit, STAHLWILLE is supplying the MANOSKOP® 721/20 Quick torque wrench – which is predestined for fast, safe wheel changes – as a limited edition with the Driver logo. Also part of the kit is a voucher for free of charge calibration of the torque wrench and a chart developed by STAHLWILLE that allows the right tightening torque for any vehicle to be located quickly and easily. MANOSKOP 721/20 Quick features the flexible rod trigger mechanism that is only available in STAHLWILLE products and does not require a coil spring. This mechanism saves users time, which is normally wasted by users of other torque tools resetting the spring to zero. At the same time, this flexible rod technology is more durable and guarantees long-term accuracy and reliability. The slider for setting the required target torque is quickly unlocked using the easily accessible locking lever in the handle and moved using the slip-resistant thumb recess. Fast, exact setting, even where the angle of sight is unfavourable, is facilitated by the twin Vernier scale (Nm/ft·lb or Nm/in·lb) with special markings and an integrated magnifier.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Detent pins now available with choice of grip WDS Component Parts Ltd has extended its range of detent pins to include new types of grips so that customers can choose a style on aesthetic or ergonomic grounds.

etent pins are a quick and easy way to locate and secure parts in place. In use they are manually pushed into place to hold the parts and lock themselves into position by way of a pair of spring loaded ball bearings at the leading end. However, the pin can be removed with a sharp tug. In order to make them easier to use WDS has now introduced a number of different options of ball grips and knobs. These can be either ball or mushroom shaped and made of polished or matt stainless steel, red or black Bakelite or black thermoplastic. They are sized and shaped for comfortable but effective grip. These new pin options complement WDS’s existing range, which includes versions with a collar or ring at the rear end, the latter being suitable for attaching a lanyard, retaining chain and a label. A chamfer on the leading edge aids insertion during use. The 316 grade stainless steel from which the pins are made is resistant to corrosion.

Specialist fasteners for sheet metal Northern Precision Ltd has added crown nuts to its ever expanding range of fasteners for the sheet metal and composite industries.

simple way of installing a strong reusable female thread into the end of tube and box sections, the crown nut is available in headed and unheaded versions. The new fastener enables customers to save a lot of time and money as installation involves simply tapping them in with a hammer. The headed parts are available in M8 and M10 threads and are available for tubes/box section from 15.7mm – 38mm internal diameters. UK-based Northern Precision is a supplier of specialist fasteners for sheet metal, inserts for plastics, installation equipment, as well as bespoke bar turned and cold headed components. Established in 1996, the company has built up a reputation for quality, service and reliability. With manufacturing partnerships in Europe and Asia it is able to produce high-quality products ranging from one-off turned parts, to high volume turned and cold headed components. It also carries a core product range that includes self-clinching fasteners, broaching fasteners, rivet bushes, blind rivet nuts, weld studs and blind rivets, as well as installation tooling and spares.

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The WDS detent pin range covers diameters of 6mm, 8mm and 10mm, and is available in a number of standard lengths from 15mm to 100mm. WDS also maintains stocks of pins in imperial sizes and the range includes a heavy-duty design suitable for tougher working duties.

Makita introduces new drill bit range The new OmniBohrer range of drill bits joins Makita’s extensive range of high performance accessories – aiming to help save time whilst improve operator efficiency and accuracy.

its in this multipurpose collection are suitable for use with a diverse range of materials including concrete, tile, brick, slate, limestone, wood, composite materials, aluminium and plastics – totally eliminating the need to switch between bit types. The collection of 25 drill bits, ranging from 3mm – 14mm diameter and lengths of 60mm – 400mm, feature a high-quality tungsten carbide tip that can be used for different applications across various industries. Tungsten carbide is more durable than many other materials because of its exceptional levels of toughness and hardness. The wide flutes of the OmniBohrer bits deliver quick and efficient material extraction. This multipurpose collection will be welcomed by many manufacturing professionals using multi-layer or composite materials, such as that used in the manufacture of windows and doors or for fixing wood or metal to brickwork without the need to switch bit types.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Bülte launches new range of TORX grub screws Manufactured in natural nylon, Bülte states that its new range of TORX grub screws offer a host of advantages compared to metallic screws – including being lightweight and non-conductive to electricity.

eaturing very good thermal properties and mechanical strength – enabling a good resistance to shocks and also staining – Bülte points out that the TORX grub screws include a six point recess, which allows for an optimum torque transfer and helps users avoid the slipping and occasional distortion known with other recesses. The six point recess also helps save time during mass production due to a quick installation speed. Bülte TORX grub screws are available from M4 to M12, with lengths from 6mm to 50mm according to the diameter. Besides Nylon, Bülte also offers TORX grub screws in PP, PE, PVDF, and PC on request. These materials are also stainless and offer high resistance to diluted acids, greases, oils, alcohol or petrol. Another option is fibre glass filled nylon, which combines mechanical performance and long-term durability – representing the perfect polyamide for pieces that require higher torque and good shock absorption. The TORX grub screw can be adapted to all applications and can be produced in a large range of colours with quotations and free samples available on request. www.bulte.com

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Lederer............................................................22, 24 Lusavouga SA...................................................... 27 Mac Precision Hardware............................ 205 Marposs.................................................................99 Mecavit................................................................... 57 Merlin Business Software Ltd....................179 MITOS Srl............................................................... 91 Mustad SpA.......................................................... 53 Nakashimada Engineering Works...........169 ND Industries............................................. 31, 167 Ningbo Londex....................................................23 Nord Lock............................................................212 Norm Civata..........................................................11 Omnitechnik........................................................ 21 Orbit Fastener Company Limited.............189 Peter Schröder................................................. 205 PGB – Europe NV..............................................153 Pinstructure........................................................ 15 Precision Tech Industrial Limited........... 203 Precision Technology Supplies.................. 181 R+FK Schulte........................................................25 Ray Fu Enterprise Co.................................... 207 Reinhardt............................................................123 Rexlen Corp....................................................... 209 Reyher..................................................................... 35 Rivelit........................................................................ 4 Rivit....................................................................... 211 Rosmil...................................................................189 Rotor Clip............................................................129 Sacma.....................................................................65 Saima Corporation.........................................198 Sariv......................................................................133 Saspi Talleres.....................................................173 Schäfer+Peters.................................................135 Schnorr................................................................193 Schwer+Kopka..................................................109 SD Products........................................................199 Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp....................199

Sheh Fung Screws...........................................155 Sheh Kai Precision Co.................................... 151 Shin Chun Enterprise.....................................201 Sipa.......................................................................... 71 SMART Machinery............................................ 73 Smith Bullough.................................................199 Sormat..................................................................143 Specialinsert........................................................83 Spirol Ind............................................................ 200 Stafa...........................................................................7 Star Fasteners...................................................185 Staytite.................................................................185 STS-Tectorius..................................................... 171 SWG........................................................................155 Tecfi..........................................................................69 Tecno Impianti..................................................127 Tecnologic3........................................................... 74 Teknoform...........................................................109 The Insert Company...................................... 203 TI Midwood & Co Ltd......................................152 Titgemeyer GFB................................................ 121 TITIBI.......................................................................94 Tobsteel................................................................134 Top Screw Metal Corp Ltd........................... 205 Trojan Special Fasteners............................. 203 UBK........................................................................123 Valenta................................................................... 35 Vipa.........................................................................111 Vital Srl.................................................................107 Viteria Fusani......................................................93 Viteria Ratto......................................................... 87 Wafios........................................................................ 5 Wan Iuan Enterprise Co................................165 Wasi....................................................................... 131 WPI Services...................................................... 174 YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE..................157 Zago Manufacturing Inc................................33

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