Fastener + Fixing Magazine #127

In this issue‌ Safety key in infrastructure projects Fastener testing Chemical anchors + resins fastenerandfixing.com ≥ Issue 127: January 2021

SOLID SOLUTIONS FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX WORLD

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ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Since 1955 ND Industries has specialized in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies.

ND serves a global market with divisions across the continental US, Taiwan, 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.

From two base products in 1965 to currently over two hundred twenty, ND continues its tradition of cutting edge research and development with the regular introduction of unique materials along with competitive brand offsets.

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.

THERMOSEAL™ A high temperature, high pressure thread sealant which withstands up to 40MPa. Offering thread locking breakaway torques greater than 20Nm and a maximum temperature of 428°F (220°C). Thermoseal is an extremely versatile product for challenging sealing conditions.

THERMOLOC® 1500 ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker. 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. Tested to over 1500°F (850°C).

AUTHORIZED APPLICATOR Did you know that ND is an approved 3M applicator? Further proof why ND should be your one stop shop for pre-applied fasteners.

ND PATCH® HI-TEMP Highest temperature pre-applied nylon threadlocker in the industry. Unlike the competition, ND’s application process requires only 120°C, preventing plating damage. However, once crosslinked, it can withstand temps up to 260°C. Meets MIL-DTL-18240F / QPL-18240.

THREAD ARMOR® GP Prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, and steel, by electrically isolating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Galvanic Patch 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. Helps to ensure consistent clamp load. Works well on stainless steel fasteners.

EPOXY-LOCK® NUTS This pre-applied threadlocker consists of separated epoxy hardener and expoxy resin.

Upon fastener installation, the two materials mix and activate. When fully cured, EpoxyLock provides greater breakaway torque than conventional nylon fastener locking devices.

EXPAND-A-LOCK® A unique pre-applied microencapsulated expanding threadlocking & sealing compound. Increases in volume 20-50% on installation, penetrating the gaps in fastener threads typically unfilled by conventional threadlockers.

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CONTACT US www.ndindustries.com www.vibra-tite.com info@ndindustries.com

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

VIBRA-TITE® PRODUCTS Vibra-Tite, the bottled product division of ND Industries, is one of the world’s market leaders in anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, and ultraviolet technologies.

CONTENTS NEWS 10-36 Financial reports, acquisitions and trade duty news

COVER STORY 38-41 Safety key in infrastructure projects

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INSIGHT 42-50 Analysis of EU anti-dumping investigation Bufab – Protect, Restart and Invest Making a Mark

EXHIBITIONS 52-54 CONSTRUCTION 56-74 FIXINGS A review of the CPR The growing possibilities of chemical anchors The A-Z of bonded anchors

MANUFACTURING 76-85 TECHNOLOGY 60 years of technology and quality

TESTING 86-99 The nuts and bolts of metallurgical testing Custom-made attribute gauges

MANAGEMENT + 100-106 SYSTEMS

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48 86

Dealing with a time of scarcity

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

108-122

Joining the tech storm Brooks Forgings supplies nuclear critical components

PRODUCTS + 124-144 TOOLS Stainless steel fasteners feature Torque wrench feature

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STRONG FOR GENERATIONS

EDITOR’S NOTE

Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

The fastener sector never stops I hope the Christmas period for everybody was as enjoyable and relaxed as it could be when lockdowns are still prevalent around the world. As we all know the fastener industry stops for nobody, so whilst some of us would have been getting into the festive spirit, there were still big developments happening.

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he most prominent was the announcement by the European Commission of an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain iron or steel fasteners in the People’s Republic of China (2020/C 442/06). We have an initial update within our industry news section and for the latest developments make sure you keep visiting www.fastenerandfixing.com Alongside the news announcement, we also invited EIFI and EFDA to comment on the investigation. Whilst EIFI declined to comment, EFDA has produced a thought-provoking article on the topics – visit our Insight section to find out more.

Our Insight section also features two other exclusive articles, including Kevin Frewin, global head of construction practice at BSI, talking about the introduction of the new UKCA Mark within the UK and what this will mean for both UK and European companies.

There is also an interview with Jörgen Rosengren, president and CEO at Bufab Group, about the company’s three stage Covid-19 strategy – Protect, Restart and Invest.

For our Cover Story, Nord-Lock Group looks at the role infrastructure projects, such as bridges, play within society and the importance of reliability. Plus, we speak to Frederik Meuller, CEO at Nord-Lock Group, about how and why Nord-Lock’s washers are used for key infrastructure projects, as well as what makes Nord-Lock Group special.

In the Construction Fixings section we have a special feature on chemical anchors and resins, which includes a Q&A article with

Metehan Ariburnu, international technical support engineer for construction projects at fischer, which focuses on the growing possibilities of chemical anchors. Within the same section there is an article from Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), who provides a review of the Construction Products Regulation on its 10 th anniversary.

Other articles include Jason Bader, from The Distribution Team, who looks at how to deal with a time of scarcity; as well as Freelancer Ian Parker speaking to Professor Andy Schofield, director of technology programmes in the air sector of BAE Systems, about the Tempest project – a future combat air system – and how the ‘Factory of the Future’ concept will enable it to revolutionise manufacturing.

To add to this there are two excellent features within the Products + Tools section, focusing on stainless steel fasteners and torque wrenches.

NEW: Fastener Testing section

We have also introduced a new section within the magazine that will focus on ‘Fastener Testing’ and the machinery and tests involved to ensure that fasteners reach the quality requirements and standards needed across every industry sector.

Over the next 12 months we will focus on metallurgical testing, hardness testing, mechanical testing, performance and application testing, corrosion and coating thickness testing, and dimensional testing.

Part of the Mack Brooks Group

www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@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 Business Development Manager – Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager – DACH Beata Csano beata.csano@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager – Europe Chantal Ridings chantal.ridings@fastenerandfixing.com Production & Design Manager Lee Duskwick lee.duskwick@fastenerandfixing.com Find us online: @fastenerfixing FastenerandFixingMagazine fastener---fixing-magazine Fastener and Fixing 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 © Verulam Media Ltd 2021. 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.

Annual subscription (6 issues) to non–trade and outside EU is €160.00 Verulam Media Limited, Office 121, Ashley Road 134, St Albans AL1 5JR Tel: +44 (0) 1727 743 882

Subscribe for free at www.fastenerandfixing.com

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NEWS COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF KEY INDUSTRY NEWS

EU announces anti-dumping investigation

The European Commission has announced an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain iron or steel fasteners in the People’s Republic of China (2020/C 442/06).

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ublished in the Official Journal of the EU the notice of initiation was announced on 21 st December and includes “certain fasteners of iron or steel, other than of stainless steel, i.e woodscrews (excluding coach screws), self-tapping screws, other screws and bolts with heads (whether or not with their nuts or washers, but excluding screws and bolts for fixing railway track construction material), and washers (‘the product under investigation’)”.

The product under investigation is currently classified under CN codes 7318 12 90, 7318 14 91, 7318 14 99, 7318 15 58, 7318 15 68, 7318 15 82, 7318 15 88, ex 7318 15 95 (TARIC codes 7318 15 95 19 and 7318 15 95 89), ex 7318 21 00 (TARIC codes 7318 21 00 31, 7318 21 00 39, 7318 21 00 95 and 7318 21 00 98) and ex 7318 22 00 (TARIC codes 7318 22 00 31, 7318 22 00 39, 7318 22 00 95 and 7318 22 00 98).

In the notice of initiation, the European Commission explains: “The complainant has provided evidence that imports of the product under investigation from the country concerned have increased overall in absolute terms and in terms of market share.”

“The evidence provided by the complainant shows that the volume and the prices of the imported product under investigation have had, among other consequences, a negative impact on the quantities sold and the market share held by the Union industry, resulting in substantial adverse effects on the overall performance, the financial situation and the employment situation of the Union industry.”

The investigation of dumping and injury will cover the period from 1 st July 2019 to 30 th June 2020 (‘the investigation period’). The examination of trends relevant for the assessment of injury will cover the period from 1 st January 2017 to the end of the investigation period (‘the period considered’).

The full notice of the initiation can be found at: EUR-Lex – 52020XC1221(02) – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu) Fastener + Fixing Magazine invited both the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) and the European Industrial Fasteners Institute (EIFI) to comment on the investigation: Pages 42 – 43.

Robust Q4 sales boosts Bossard results Bossard Group has reported above expectation sales of CHF 812.8 million (€752 million) in 2020 (2019: CHF 876.2 million). In currency adjusted terms, this reflects a decrease of 3.3%.

In Swiss francs, sales dropped by 7.2% as a result of the stronger Swiss currency. fter waning sales figures in the first nine months, the fourth quarter proved to be robust across all regions. Sales in the last three months totalled CHF 212.8 million, a gain of 6% in local currency over the comparison period (2.9% in CHF).

“The recovery we began to observe in the third quarter materialised starting in October, enabling us to close out the fourth quarter in all three market regions with positive growth compared to the previous year. In December, sales were particularly strong and well above our forecast,” stated Daniel Bossard, CEO of Bossard Group.

In Europe, sales in 2020 fell by 8.2% to CHF 466.2 million. The appreciation of the Swiss franc had a negative effect on the result, with the drop only 5.6% in local currency. Increasingly robust demand in the fourth quarter was clearly evident in Europe as well. Sales in local currency

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rose by 2.4% compared to the 8.9% drop in the third quarter. Adjusted for acquisitions, annual sales amounted to CHF 454.7 million.

Sales in America dropped 7.9% to CHF 201.2 million compared to the previous year. The recovery in demand in America in the second half of 2020 is reflected particularly in the figures for the fourth quarter: Sales totalled CHF 53.4 million, an increase of 9.9% in local currency (4.3% in CHF).

Sales in Asia were CHF 145.4 million, an increase over the previous year of 3.2% in local currency (-3.1% in CHF). In China the impact of the pandemic was most evident in the first quarter of 2020. Once restrictions were relaxed, the economy in the entire Asian region began to recover in the second quarter. With a double-digit sales increase of 11.9% in local currency (+6.5% in CHF), the fourth quarter in Asia proved to be very positive as sales reached CHF 42.4 million.

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NEWS - industry

Container shortages impact fastener supply chain A shortage of shipping containers at major global export ports has been seriously impacting fastener availability in the UK and Ireland, the British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors warns. The crisis is also forcing up container freight costs three-fold and exacerbating other cost drivers to fuel sharp product inflation.

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ontainer shortages were the biggest disrupter according to specialist supply chain media The Loadstar 1 on 1 st December 2020. That was an assessment echoed by BIAFD importer members, who said there were major backlogs at factories, which cannot be shipped to the UK and Ireland due to the lack of containers.

The CAx, an index of container availability 2 , was at record low levels at the end of 2020. A reading below 0.5 indicates a deficit of containers. For Week 49 the reading for Shanghai Port was just 0.03 – compared with 0.53 ten weeks previously, and 0.66 in Week 6 2020. The indices for other global – and also European ports – also showed plunging container availability over recent weeks.

The container shortages are an indirect consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

Emerging early from the pandemic, Chinese factories recovered production and recommenced exports to global markets.

Export shipments increased ahead of the Chinese National Day holiday in October, further ratcheting up during the peak season run-up to Christmas.

Containers were collected from port and road or rail freighted to companies.

However, return times to ports in all import markets have significantly increased, due to coronavirus related shortages of vehicles and drivers.

Container shortages were also exacerbated by the volumes of personal protection equipment being imported. In November, the UK’s main container port at Felixstowe was said to be storing some 11,000 containers of PPE ordered by the British Government. Many of these containers have now been moved to inland storage points but the containers are unlikely to be released for many months and potentially longer.

With finances hit hard by the collapse of global trade, resulting from the pandemic, shipping lines radically tightened capacity on most routes. Lack of capacity and low backhaul profitability has meant containers

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returning to export markets far more slowly. More lucrative transpacific routes to American markets have also taken priority for both container ships and containers over European routes.

While container manufacturers are reported to have stepped up production, output lags well behind demand, and the knowledge the container market will eventually rebalance is a disincentive to further ramping up output.

All the indications are that it will be several months before equilibrium is restored.

With backlogs rapidly growing at exporters, and an early Chinese New Year putting further pressure on capacity, it looks improbable the situation will return to any level of normality until the end of quarter one 2021.

UK and Irish importers have faced additional challenges, due to persistent delays at Felixstowe Port, which have knocked onto other UK ports. Some carriers have applied substantial port congestion surcharges, further adding to importers’ costs. More problematically, some shipping lines are by-passing UK ports to avoid delays, dropping containers at Northern European ports – which typically adds a further two weeks to lead times, placing further pressure on availability.

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In addition to creating availability challenges, all of these factors are driving major increases in freight costs for importers.

BIAFD importers report container freight costs tripling, without factoring in port surcharges or costs of rerouted shipments.

This means an effective on-cost to products often well in excess of 10%.

Other inflationary pressures on fastener costs were already becoming evident.

Asian steel prices have also increased sharply, with further increases predicted, as supply tightness is compounded by a serious accident in a major Korean steel plant. European steel lead times have also extended sharply, for some wire grades tripling to more than twenty weeks, and steel producers are expected to introduce substantial cost increases early in 2021.

Notes: 1 https://theloadstar.com/containershortages-the-biggest-disrupter-whereare-all-the-empty-boxes/ 2 https://container-xchange.com/ features/cax/ The British & Irish Association of Fastener Distributors represents the interests of more than 85 United Kingdom and Ireland fastener importers, wholesalers and distributors.

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NEWS - industry

Sika achieves sales increase for 2020 Sika AG has reported sales at CHF 7.88 billion (€7.3 billion) for 2020, an increase of 3.4% in local currencies compared to the previous year (-2.9% in CHF). The company also achieved strong growth of 5.5% (organic 4.1%) in the final quarter of 2020.

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020 was a year characterised by the deep-rooted challenges caused all around the world by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lockdowns – in many cases prolonged – in a lot of the countries in which Sika AG is active resulted in significant restrictions on construction activity.

However, thanks to its strong market position, and the swift, targeted implementation of measures, Sika was able to record solid sales figures despite the significant repercussions of the global pandemic. Paul Schuler, chief executive officer at Sika, commented: “The 2020 fiscal year was overshadowed by the global coronavirus pandemic, which had a number of serious repercussions for the construction and automotive sectors. Thanks to the strong motivation of our employees, and their pronounced customer focus, we managed to perform successfully in this highly challenging market environment and achieve above average results.”

He continued: “We remain very well positioned in what is still a difficult environment – thanks to our innovative products and solutions, as well as to our employees, who continue to deliver their utmost even in times such as these. On behalf of group management, I would like to thank our global workforce of 25,000 people for the tremendous dedication they have shown and for the unique way they identify with our company.”

Further market share gains in all regions

In an environment characterised by widespread temporary lockdowns, Sika grew more strongly than the market in all regions, with the distribution business posting considerable gains.

The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) reported a sales increase in local currencies of 4.4% in 2020 (2019: 11.5%). A

strong improvement started to become apparent in the markets in the fourth quarter in particular. The countries that benefited from the biggest recovery were those of southern Europe – Italy, Spain, Portugal and France – as well as the countries in eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East and Africa. Sales developed in a more stable manner in central European countries – such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Growth in the UK continues to be negatively affected by the pandemic.

The Americas region recorded sales growth in local currencies of 1% (2019: 19.3%). Despite the high Covid-19 infection rates recorded in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA, Sika recorded an uptrend in the Americas region in the last quarter of 2020. Although many cities in North America continue to be affected by the pandemic, and construction projects have slowed significantly, the situation in Latin America has seen a substantial improvement. Many countries such as Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, have recovered from lockdowns lasting many months or returned to growth in the double-digits.

Growth in the Asia/Pacific region amounted to 12.6% (2019: 35.1%).

China in particular has performed impressively over the last months, recording double-digit organic growth rates, and most target markets are back on a clear growth trajectory. The project business in China is now also once again recording double-digit growth rates thanks to infrastructure orders.

Elsewhere, Australia and New Zealand were likewise able to make positive contributions to business development in the region.

By contrast, India and a number of countries in the southeast Asia region recovered only slowly from the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Optimas Solutions LLC, a leading global provider of integrated supply chain solutions – including fasteners and MRO consumables, has announced it has completed a comprehensive refinancing of its debt structure, which positions the company well for long-term growth.

Fabory appoints new CEO

he transaction was completed on 30 th December 2020 and provides for enhanced liquidity, a five year maturity, and significant reductions both in the quantum of debt and the interest expense going forward for Optimas.

According to Optimas Chief Financial Officer Jim Japczyk, the refinancing will enable Optimas to support its operational growth objectives and to deliver against its Manufacturing Solutions business strategy announced in August 2020. “This event is quite transformational for Optimas. We showed strong execution against our strategy at the close of last year and this allows us to build on that,” commented Jim. He continued: “This refinancing will improve overall cash flow, providing more resources to expand and grow the business. We fully expect this transaction will result in existing and potential customers entrusting their business with Optimas with greater confidence, as well as helping new and potential suppliers to engage more fully as we work to deliver mutually beneficial relationships.”

Marc Strandquist, CEO at Optimas, added: “In August of last year, we implemented our Manufacturing Solutions strategy, which really changed the trajectory of the company, particularly with strong performance in Q4. Now, with this refinancing we can transform the business over the next few years as we follow our strategy to deliver more to our customers and strengthen our relationship with suppliers.”

rancisco Terol brings a wealth of general management, sales, strategic marketing and end market experience to Fabory.

“We look forward to working together with Francisco in the next phase of Fabory’s development,” commented Fabory. “We would also like to express our thanks and gratitude to Ronald Baarslag, former CEO of Fabory, for his leadership and commitment over the last 8 years and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Completion of comprehensive refinancing positions at Optimas

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Fabory Group announced towards the end of last year that it had appointed Francisco Terol as its new CEO – replacing Ronald Baarslag.

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NEWS - industry

VVG to become HONSEL As of 1st January 2021, VVG Befestigungstechnik will now be known under the new name HONSEL Distribution GmbH & Co – having fully merged with the HONSEL Group.

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VG and HONSEL have been closely linked for a number of years – working together and sharing many resources.

Alexander Siefert, managing director at VVG Befestigungstechnik, explained: “We have experienced very unusual times in the last few months, which has resulted in us changing our focus to what is important for our company’s future.

With VVG and HONSEL already working closely together, the natural decision was to merge VVG with HONSEL so they both operate under the same brand.”

Alexander added: “From the customers’ perspective there will be no real changes. The company type and company number will stay the same, as will the VAT and registration numbers. Contracts and/or

CSC increases wire rod prices for Q1 The main Taiwanese steel supplier, China Steel Corporation (CSC), has announced it will increase bar and wire rod prices to domestic buyers by TW$1,500 per tonne (US$53) in Q1 2021.

SC points to a number of factors that have led to an increase in prices. “Since March, due to a sharp demand drop brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the steel mills put their steelmaking facilities under maintenance, which has caused production volume to plummet in recent months. Moreover, the logistical disruptions caused by floods, and the winter steel production restriction plans in China, has led to steel supply facing a substantial contraction. To add to this, the demand of downstream industries has recovered faster than expected, with steel demand showing a V-shaped recovery in the fourth quarter. This has resulted in inventory level falling rapidly.”

CSC also highlights that a positive market sentiment supports steel prices, given that iron ore prices have reached a 7 year high at US$158/tonne and coking coal prices remain high, both of which have pushed up the steel price sharply.

“Other global markets are also experiencing sharp increases in steel costs with US hot rolled price reaching US$1,000 per tonne and European hot rolled price around US$700 per tonne. Plus, Boasteel – China’s largest mainland steel group – raised domestic hot rolled and wire rod prices by CNY 400 (US$61) for January shipment, and other steel products were raised by CNY 500 – CNY 800 (US$77 – US$123).”

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agreements will also remain the same and customers will still contact the same person. By merging the companies we will simply become an even stronger partner for customers when it comes to fastening technology.”

HONSEL Group has more than 90 years of experience in the development, production and sale of high-quality fasteners and processing solutions. Combined with a high readiness to deliver and a comprehensive service.

Forward-looking technology for the transport sector Bossard Group is bolstering its expertise in fastening technology with a 40% stake in the start-up company MultiMaterial-Welding AG – based in Stansstad, Switzerland. This is part of Bossard Group’s long-term strategy to invest in innovative and forward-looking technologies.

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n recent years, Bossard Group has acquired stakes in multiple companies to expand its expertise in a variety of strategic future markets, the latest being this 40% minority investment in MultiMaterial-Welding AG (MM-Welding).

As the company’s name suggests, its business focuses on multi-materials and welding. In recent years, it has developed a wide ranging portfolio of innovative products that use ultrasonic energy to create form-fit connections.

For today’s lightweight materials, traditional fastening techniques using rivets, adhesives, and screws, restrict freedom of engineering and design – ultimately affecting manufacturing costs. This is where MM-Welding comes in with its new technologies, supported by big data and artificial intelligence – enabling it to offer novel fastening solutions that are successfully used in lightweight and multi-material designs.

This future-oriented technology enables the secure and durable connection of lightweight, porous materials such as fibre composites, foam, and honeycomb structures, all of which are gaining in importance.

Daniel Bossard, CEO of Bossard Group, is enthusiastic: “This new technology is of special interest to customers in the automotive, aerospace, and rail industries.

In other words, all companies whose products swim, fly or travel – and hence need lightweight components consisting of multiple materials – are potential customers.”

For Gregor Eckhard, CEO of MM-Welding, the partnership with Bossard Group also opens up new opportunities. “We have already worked together with Bossard and we have successfully taken initial projects into serial production.

This investment opens up even more potential. Bossard has worldwide market access and an advanced logistics service. That helps us get our technology platform to market and to customers quickly and efficiently.”

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NEWS - industry

Fastener Fair USA postponed to November 2021 Fastener Fair USA has announced the decision to postpone the show scheduled for 22nd – 24th June 2021 until 8th – 10th November 2021 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Ohio.

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arie Brown, Group vice-president at Reed Exhibitions, explained: “After extensive consultation and ongoing monitoring of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have made this decision with the wellbeing of all our customers and partners as our highest priority. We are developing additional channels and digital tools to complement the live event in order to serve the industry, support our loyal exhibitors, and to ensure our attendees have access to find the solutions they need.”

Fastener Fair USA covers all areas of the fastener industry and provides real insight into industry trends and key information about the latest developments in this sector. The exhibition is an international platform for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and suppliers of fastener and fixing technology.

Additionally, Fastener Fair USA launched Connector365 in May 2020. Connector365 is a year round online platform, a repository of thought leadership and industry expertise. The platform can be used

ForgeFix reassures merchants on service and stock ForgeFix Ltd, the fastener and fixing distributor to a network of national and independent retailers and merchants throughout the UK & Europe, is reassuring its customers that it has been doing everything it possibly can to overcome supply chain issues – due to container shortages over recent months. he company, which has manufacturing facilities in the Far East and has supply chain managers in situ, has also expanded its customer service team to provide extremely high service levels to its merchant network. ForgeFix believes that despite the disruption the crisis has caused, its long-term investment in its supply chain is paying off.

“This is an extremely challenging time but it’s been inspiring to see our team formulate creative and flexible solutions that have kept our supply chain moving,” explains Michael Brown, managing director of ForgeFix. “We’ve been able to achieve this through the identification of the correct suppliers and remaining loyal to them, as well as having a dedicated import team managing the incoming supply – supported by an excellent shipping agent.

It’s all backed by the flexibility and team ethos to work weekends and nights to offload containers.”

Michael continues: “If any of our customers have any questions, then please speak with our Customer Service team. We have been praised by many customers for our honesty when explaining the situation, even when the news is not always positive. We are confident our long-term supply chain management and strategy is the right one. Supply has been impacted but I would like to thank all of our merchant customers who have been patient as we work extremely hard to minimise the effect on them.”

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to search the show directory of leading suppliers, stay up to date on fastener industry news, and hear the latest from industry partners.

“In the coming months, Fastener Fair USA will feature more 365 digital promotional opportunities and a significantly enhanced Connector365 platform for attendees and industry professionals,” said Bob Chiricosta, event director Fastener Fair USA. Fastener Fair USA is held in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the largest manufacturing hubs in North America. Combining a comprehensive display of industry innovation with technical conference sessions, demonstrations and opportunities to connect with peers and industry experts.

SFS reports good sales dynamics SFS Group has reported that it expected operating results for the second half of 2020 to be significantly better than previously projected. The course of business thereafter remains subject to considerable uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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fter experiencing a sharp drop in demand in the first half of the year due to Covid-19, business activity in various markets displayed a sustained positive trend since the summer months of 2020. SFS benefited here from its balanced exposure in terms of end markets and regions. Automotive related business areas that had been heavily impacted during the first half have shown a particularly strong recovery. In the electronics industry, SFS profited from successful product ramp-ups at key customers. The situation in the aviation industry remains challenging, however.

The significant improvement in demand has improved production capacity utilisation, which has had a positive effect on the company’s operating results. Based on the latest available data, SFS expects sales for the 2020 financial year to range between CHF 1.63 billion to CHF 1.68 billion (€1.5 billion to €1.55 billion). Operating profit (EBIT) for the full year is forecast to range between CHF 180 million and CHF 200 million. Sales and operating profit for the 2020 financial year are thus expected to be lower compared to the previous financial year, but better than initially projected during the release of half year results.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the course of business beyond the current financial year remains subject to considerable uncertainty.

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NEWS - industry

NORMA donates face shields to St Vinzenz hospital NORMA Group has donated 500 face shields to the medical staff of St Vinzenz Hospital in Hanau, Germany.

The NORMA Face Shield protects the wearer’s eye area against droplets and splashes of liquids. Worn in addition to mouth and nose protection, it further reduces the risk of droplet infection.

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lexander Olbrich, who is responsible for NORMA Group’s EMEA business, commented: “I am pleased that we are able to make a small contribution to ensuring the medical staff of St Vinzenz Hospital can perform their invaluable work safely and securely.”

When the shields were handed over to the hospital, Nursing Director Jutta Berg and Hygiene Specialist Ankica Scheidel reported on the challenges of everyday nursing care under pandemic conditions. “The current times are very challenging for all of our employees. We are very grateful for the face shields, which you hardly even notice when wearing them and which are worn in addition to mouth and nose protection.”

NORMA Group developed the face shield in the spring of 2020.

The initiative came from R&D Engineer Hannes Clasen, who normally develops new products for e-mobility at NORMA Group. “In light of the

corona crisis, we as a company wanted to use our in-house expertise to help overcome the pandemic,” explained Hannes Clasen. “Face covers, even for medical personnel, were extremely rare at the time. Since moulded parts for face shields can be manufactured very quickly and efficiently using injection moulding, we decided to do so.” Development from the first prototype to the final product was completed in only four weeks.

The NORMA Face Shield is licensed as personal protective equipment. It consists of an ergonomically shaped plastic frame and a foil that is clamped into the frame. The polycarbonate film, which is impenetrable for liquids, provides very good viewing for the person wearing it. NORMA Group uses high-quality plastic for the frame that is certified according to the VDI guidelines for medical products, so-called ‘Medical Grade Plastics’.

10 year IFI Rapierstar partnership drives service, quality and choice UK hardware distributor IFI is celebrating a decade as a supply partner for Rapierstar fasteners, which are used for window and door manufacturing and installation, as well as in timber and general construction.

FI is the longest established trading division of Rapidrop Global and has been supplying products to window professionals for over 25 years.

From its 30,000 square foot (2,787m2) national distribution centre in Peterborough, IFI delivers UK-wide on a next day delivery service.

Jason Hutchings, IFI national sales manager, comments: “IFI and Rapierstar have a shared ethos that is about going the extra mile for customers and that helps to explain why we have grown strongly together over that past decade. The Rapierstar brand has certainly helped us grow fastener and fixing sales year-on-year for 10 years and now makes us a key distributor for the brand in the UK.” Mark Calpin, technical consultant at Rapierstar – who has worked continuously with IFI since he joined the company in 2010, added: “IFI continues to go from strength to strength because it invests time and resources in making sure it gives window and door manufacturers and installers a superior quality range of hardware across the board – of which fasteners are a crucial element. We will continue to support IFI at all levels and look forward to working together for the next ten years and beyond.”

As a specialist fastener supplier to the door and window industry, Rapierstar provides the widest range of products to distributors and fabricators of all the major profile systems.

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Stainless steel fasteners.

Edelstahl-Verbindungselemente.

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www.love-fasteners.com Lederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal, Germany +49 (0)2333/8309-0 | info@lederer-online.com

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NEWS - industry

London Stock Exchange names HTL Group amongst most inspiring UK companies HTL Group was among just 25 north-east based companies featured in the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) 2020 ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ list, which looks to celebrate the fastest growing and most dynamic small and medium sized enterprises in the UK.

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TL Group has more than 20 years of experience in providing first class solutions in hydraulic torque, bolt tensioning and related bolting services. To be recognised for the LSEG list, HTL had to show significant growth over the course of three years, as well as stand out amongst its peers across the UK. Nationally, the featured companies within the list recorded an average revenue growth of 41.2% and have created more than 42,000 jobs over the period.

PJ O’Connell, senior commercial director at HTL Group, commented: “This is a fantastic achievement for HTL. There are nearly 6 million SMEs in the UK, so to be considered in the ‘Top 1,000’ is reward for the all hard work and dedication from our whole team. Our customers across various industries recognise HTL’s focus on ‘best in class’ service and innovation. It has provided us with the resilience needed in these challenging economic climates.”

As well as identifying 1,000 companies, the annual report examines in detail the opportunities and challenges facing UK SMEs, with a particular focus on the crucial need to rebuild the economy following the effect of Covid-19 on all industries.

David Schwimmer, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, stated: “In this challenging year for businesses, it is more important than ever to shine a light on these stories of resilience and entrepreneurship. The success of UK SMEs is crucial as we rebuild a post Covid-19 economy, and the London Stock Exchange Group is committed to helping growth companies achieve their potential.”

Introducing Bon Precision Engineering Specialist Marine Fasteners Ltd has announced the launch of Bon Precision Engineering – a new CNC turned components company – which will look to meet the growing demand for high-quality, bespoke precision engineered fasteners. irector John Garner explains: “Our core customers are traditionally in the marine sector. However, over the last few months, we’ve been working across a range of diverse industries with professionals who want to engage with a firm who can produce complex turned parts to their unique requirements – Bon Precision Engineering will be able to meet those needs.”

Operating from a centrally located facility in Northamptonshire, UK, Bon Precision Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities consist of Citizen L20 machinery, which turns parts from 1mm to 20mm in diameter, and access to Bridgeport and XTZ 4 axis vertical milling centres. To ensure parts are de-oiled and finished to an exceptionally high standard, the firm also has a vibratory finishing department in-house.

In addition to bespoke turned parts Bon Precision offers a popular range of products, such as self-tapping inserts, thread repair inserts, dowel pins, clevis pins and taper pins.

Kerry Garner, director of Bon Precision Engineering, explains: “Our goal is to provide customers with the high-quality components they demand. We also recognise that communication is the key to building great relationships – and this is our real selling point. We are keen to understand our customers’ businesses, allowing us to provide cost-effective, high-quality components on time, every time.”

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Standard and non-standard items Norm- und Standardteile DIN, ISO, EN and others / und andere Special parts and special materials Sonderteile / Sonderwerkstoffe

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Lederer GmbH | Katzbachstraße 4 | 58256 Ennepetal | Germany | Fon +49(0)2333/8309-0 | info@lederer-online.com Lederer Shop Anzeige 2020 - Jubilogo_ 20200106_DRUCK.indd 1

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NEWS - NORTH AMERICA

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

Robotics, reshoring and pandemic, discussed during IFE virtual session At the 2020 International Fastener Expo, panellists on the virtual session regarding fastener manufacturing focused on a variety of topics including robotics, reshoring and reacting to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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esponding to a question about robots in fastener manufacturing, Charlie Kerr, from Kerr Lakeside Inc, recalled when fastener factories began using computers in the 1970s. “Remember early cell phones just a few years ago and how fast they developed?” he asked.

Kerr noted that while a small robot may cost US$12,000 today, robots can work 24/7, don’t show up late for work and don’t call in sick. “The first place for robots in fastener manufacturing is in the packaging department,” Kerr said. He also envisions more ‘lights out’ manufacturing in the future and believes that by 2030 robots will be “pervasive” with the fastener manufacturing sector.

Looking to the future, Matt Boyd of Parker Fasteners envisions much more use of QR codes with end users having all the information “at their fingertips”. He also mentioned how prototype sampling has begun with 3D printing and that there will be more. Reflecting on the year of the Covid-19 pandemic, Boyd said aerospace fastener sales may have declined but health and semiconductor business is up.

Military is steady, Boyd added.

Among the products Kerr Lakeside has traditionally manufactured are fasteners for musical instruments, such as trombones and trumpets. Given the pandemic, that business has dropped to “zero”, Kerr commented.

Larry Kelly of Buckeye Fasteners Company mentioned that business took a hit for April, May, and June, but certain sectors

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such as food and beverage, and medical, did well. Buckeye received urgent orders for ventilator fasteners, Kelly noted. When asked whether there was more reshoring of fastener manufacturing, Boyd responded positively – “yes, for now”. However, that “is not guaranteed for the next round”. There are Covid-related products where customers are seeking the reliability of domestic fastener supply, Boyd observed. “Especially when they want delivery within a week,” he added.

Kerr reported “an uptick in requests for quotes”, especially with certain material grades. Kerr Lakeside can spot it based on the material grade based on the IFI’s converter.

However, requests for quotes don’t necessarily turn into business, Kerr pointed out.

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Kerr added that some of the searching for alternative product sourcing can move business from China to India, Vietnam or Taiwan and “not necessarily back to the USA”.

Kelly reported an increase in quotes for 2021. “Freight costs are giving us an advantage.” Kerr also pointed out: “It is not what it costs to purchase fasteners, it is what it costs to own them.” Freight and quality are part of those costs. Kerr cited as an example of costs to own by recalling buying a cheap bicycle in 1986 for US$100, which didn’t last.

But a US$200 bicycle in 1990 is still serving him three decades later.

Reacting to the pandemic

The effects of Covid-19 will continue “well into next year”, Kelly expects. Kelly also pointed out that Buckeye’s 1905 plant was not easy to reconfigure for a pandemic. It is hard to move heavy fastener manufacturing equipment. However, Buckeye has created a more cellular environment, with operators often having two or more machines, giving them space and leading to less operator interaction.

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NEWS - NORTH AMERICA Most manufacturing cannot be working from home, Kelly said. Although the pandemic has made IT personnel the most valuable.

Parker Fasteners was fortunate to be moving from a 30,000 square foot building to 68,000 square feet, allowing some spacing of equipment as part of following CDC guidelines, Boyd mentioned. The company also spread out shifts and added a cafe in the facilities so “no one has to leave to get food”.

No vendors come to the Parker facility, he added.

The pandemic has given the manufacturer “more time to look internally”, Boyd said. “Where can we do better in business?” Also, through Zoom calls he found they actually “got closer to the customer”.

What Parker Fasteners would have spent on exhibiting at the IFE in Las Vegas could be spent in other ways, Boyd said. In direct contact, Boyd spent more individual time with customers rather than being interrupted on a trade show floor. Parker sales are up “just slightly” for 2020, Boyd commented.

Kerr acknowledged he is “not a fan of remote work”, but added that “the way work is done is going to be different”.

Hughes to STAFDA: Underdogs can win “Can small distributors compete against Amazon?” Greg Hughes, president of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA), asked in his 2020 virtual State of the Industry speech.

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reg Hughes, also president of Kinnunen Sales & Rental, emphasised: “We. Are. The. Underdog.” And: “I’m here to tell you: Our. Dog. Bites!”

“I love being the underdog,” Hughes declared.

“I love the challenge of someone saying that I can’t.

And in our industry the ‘big boys’ are telling us just that. That we can’t keep up with their ability to attract and keep this next generation of buyers.”

Hughes added: “What the pandemic did was force our brick and mortar customers to find ways to ‘perfect’ their internet buying skills.” The customer base is growing younger and “their online love affair grows stronger each day, subsequently kicking our counter-and-field-based customer service to the curb, and the big box stores have increasingly aggressive B2B programs”.

He continues: “Our customers may be convinced they don’t need us anymore.

Are they correct? I mean, we can’t out-Amazon, Amazon. Right?”

After college in Oklahoma, Hughes learned direct selling of fastening related products to end users with a German-based company. Within two years he became an outside salesperson. “The next few years I learned the art of selling and I started developing key relationships, one of which was with a hard working and determined gentleman by the name of Ray Kinnunen,” Hughes recalled.

Kinnunen, a concrete contractor by trade, “had grown tired of driving so far to obtain rental equipment and supplies. So, with a US$400,000 loan and a 4,000 square foot building, he started Kinnunen Sales & Rental, offering a few pieces of rental equipment and some concrete related supplies, including the shots, pins, anchoring and drilling products my company offered”.

“I call these my ‘Tailgate Years’,” Hughes described whilst working with Kinnunen.

“He’d always ask me to sit on the tailgate and have a talk. Eventually he started talking to me about taking a sales position with him to grow his company.” Hughes recalled being reluctant to leave the sales job he was doing well at, but “Ray cast

…in the next five years nearly 75% of our customers – those people we depend on to stay in business – will be Millennials and Generation Z.”

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

NEWS - NORTH AMERICA a vision about what the future could look like. He was passionate about my future, and as he saw it, that future should be with his company. Ray made the dream come to life; he convinced me to make another change – another decision that would alter my life forever. I accepted his offer”.

Hughes and Kinnunen attended STAFDA and World of Concrete trade shows, “begging vendors to take a chance on us. But over the years we built a business from the ground up”.

In 2013, Hughes and his spouse bought the distributorship from Kinnunen. “Our slogan at Kinnunen Sales & Rental is – ‘Getting you back to work’ – and we’ve built a business on that promise.” That required getting the customers and retaining them when they “have the option to purchase our products not only faster, but also in some cases, cheaper from Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, and whomever pops up online overnight”.

“We’ve accepted the fact that in the next five years nearly 75% of our customers – those people we depend on to stay in business – will be Millennials and Generation Z. We’ve ditched the old-guy gripe about how we hate change or how we hate how these youngsters think… and we’ve made change after change after change, to simply… keep up with change.”

Hughes added: “Opportunities to buy from someone else are only going to continue to multiply as we’ve seen happen at lightning speed in 2020. We’ve got to have reasons for not only our customers, but also our vendor to hang with us.”

One way the “Kinnunen underdog bites back is by building strong relationships with our vendors. Let’s all agree – our vendor partners have a responsibility to their companies, their employees and shareholders to produce results. To that end, servicing the big box stores and various online platforms due to their sheer volume is an option they are unable to pass up, but you know what? Our vendors love us and they know what we bring to the table. We’re the guys who will take the vendor to the jobsite and get their brain and heart involved in our projects. No one at the big box stores or online giants are going to do that. We’re going to make sure our vendors know our partnerships with them are a huge part of our ability to succeed. They are going to feel, see and understand how much we need them, appreciate them and

depend on them to help us take our market share back. That’s just one way the underdog bites back.”

Hughes noted many distributors saw sales skyrocket this year because of the surge in online buying – “and how did they get so much business? Because of their investment in online and social media platforms. Their willingness to follow the trends of younger buyers – and older buyers – wanting the ‘buy it on my phone’ convenience”.

“Now before everyone says: ‘Yeah, but I can’t afford a million dollar website with Apps’, hear me out, I’ve said that same thing for years.

The answer doesn’t have to be that difficult or costly but doing nothing is no longer an option, just like doing nothing wasn’t an option in the formative years of your business,” Hughes advised.

“We can’t keep our ‘holier than thou’ attitudes, thinking everyone should come to us because we have a beautiful store on Main Street where the shelves are dusted, the floor is swept and our employees greet you with a smile,” Hughes added. “We’re going to keep providing those things, but we also have to accept the new religion of Apps and online buying trends of this generation and all future generations. We have to reach a market who, for the most part, we don’t see. A market who doesn’t have the time or the desire to sit on a tailgate. We must innovate or dare I say it, become yesterday’s news.”

Hughes advised distributors to “talk to each other, network and figure out what your options are. Use the STAFDA consultants. Get out of the ‘what’s the use’ mindset. Everyone listening to this speech has had those moments of, ‘You know what? The customer either has to walk in here, or call… that’s it’.”

“We also have the ability to sell, rent and service a plethora of other things that aren’t available online,” Hughes declared. “There are a lot of underdogs listening to the STAFDA speeches and watching this right now. And whether it’s with a website, an App, an attitude or a tailgate…

I want to tell you… I’m betting on us. I’m betting on the 945 distributor companies, the 1,050 associate companies and the 280 manufacturer rep companies represented by STAFDA.”

Johnson tells STAFDA: Ban paper in front office Andrew Johnson advised the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) to “move your distributorship into the future by eliminating paper in the front office – including everything from invoices to the fax machine” whilst speaking at the 2020 virtual session of the 44th annual convention.

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ohnson, CEO of ShelfAware LLC – a multiple generation distributor, spoke on transitioning distributors to the digital world where they can reclaim “the edge back to small business”.

Distributors must have a programmer on the payroll to develop “automatic analytics”, Johnson said. Distributors need a data dashboard with alerts, triggers, etc. “Own your data,” Johnson urged.

With data driven inventory, distributors can compete directly with Fastenal, Grainger and Home Depot. The big chains already dominate search engine advertising. Distributors need to “pick and choose” their online presence, Johnson advised. However, even websites may get outdated, Johnson cautioned. “It is about the eyeballs. What are they looking at? LinkedIn? Videos?”

Johnson encouraged distributors to compete in their niche. His own family’s distributorship specialised in O-rings.

Traditionally the simple small rubber medical device was in boring grey. “Americans want variety,” Johnson declared in touting success by offering colors such as purple, pink and blue. To compete, a distributor can move into assembly and

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repair “bordering on manufacturing”, Johnson said. Small distributors can offer customization. Not every idea will work, he acknowledged. “There are going to be swings and misses.”

Part of his distributorship’s move into the future involved him and his brothers-in-law discussing what each one was good at and not good at. That must be expanded in companies.

“Team members need to know what they are not good at,” Johnson emphasized.

Small distributors also need to “stick to what you do well”.

Attack competitors “where they are weakest. Use a digital approach to carve out your market niche”.

Distributors must go digital: “Adapt or be acquired,” Johnson offered as alternatives.

Johnson also advised distributors to “become self-aware.

Take stock of current people and processes”. Once personnel understand what they are good at, then “stay in our lanes”.

“Set big goals, but start small,” to build toward the big goals, Johnson said. Set-up a team to start the process. “Budget time, not money for it.”

“Start simple for innovations win,” Johnson concluded.

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NEWS - RUSsIA + CIS

by Alexander Ostashov, editor, Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and... Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

BelZAN becomes supplier for Volkswagen

The Belebeevsky plant Avtonormal (part of RT-Capital of the Rostec State Corporation) has become the first Russian supplier of fasteners for the Russian division of the Volkswagen Group.

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four year agreement has been signed, according to which the company will annually supply more than 9 million parts for Volkswagen and Škoda passenger cars. The plant’s products are already used in the assembly of bodies and the installation of units at the Kaluga plant, as well as in a separate division of the auto concern in Nizhny Novgorod. Under the contract, the company will produce twenty new types of fasteners with increased corrosion resistance.

BelZAN represents 36% of fasteners for the Russian automotive industry, with its plant also the main supplier of KamAZ and AVTOVAZ. The company provides jobs for more than 3,000 residents of Belebey.

Localising production of automotive components The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, together with the Industrial Development Fund, is planning to launch a grant programme for the localisation of the production of automotive components in the Russian Federation in 2021.

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n a meeting with Denis Manturov, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Denis Pak, director of the Automotive Industry Department, commented: “In 2021, together with the Industrial Development Fund, we will launch a grant programme for the implementation of investment projects to localise the production of automotive components. We have already pledged 1 billion rubles (€11 million) for grants.”

Denis Pak also announced his intention to introduce a point system for the export of automotive components, which will allow manufacturers, as well as enterprises of related industries, to join the global supply chains of world car manufacturers.

The aim of the new grant scheme is to help develop automotive fastener production within Russia. At Innoprom 2020, Vadim Sorokin, president of GAZ Group, spoke about the loss of the Russian automotive component industry: “The result of the industrial assembly regime was the entry of global platforms with a low level of localisation in Russia into the market, as well as the displacement of local platforms. The consequence is a contraction in demand for Russian automotive components, disruption of production chains and the departure of some suppliers. In fact, during this period we have lost the automotive component industry.”

Alta-Trans develops automatic painting equipment After many years of design and experimentation, Alta-Trans has launched a new automatic machine for painting small sized serial products with powder paints. The equipment has been designed taking into account the requirements of ISO 16090-1-2017 and GOST ISO 12100-2013.

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ne of the machine models is designed for assembling and painting roofing screws with a washer.

The process is fully automated and the machine can paint 75,000 screws per shift. In addition, machine vision systems and manipulators ensure the detection and removal of defective screws and washers. It is also possible to connect filling or packaging modules to the machine.

Alta-Trans explains that the units are currently being checked by the patent office to confirm registration of the invention.

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SDT-Group invests 100 million rubles in new automated line Interfax reports that the Expert Council of the Industrial Development Fund (IDF) has approved the issuance of a loan to SDT-Group for 50 million rubles.

The funds will be used to launch a new automated line for packing fasteners.

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he total cost of the project is 101 million rubles. It is noted that 35 million rubles can be provided by the IDF in the form of a concessional loan, and 15 million rubles in the form of a loan from the Industrial Development Fund of the Oryol Region.

The new production capacity will be almost 2,000 tonnes of packing fasteners per month.

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EU’s anti-dumping investigation on Chinese fasteners, a window of opportunity for Taiwan The announcement that the EU has launched an anti-dumping (AD) investigation on certain fastener products imported from China, including automotive screws and construction small screws, could lead to opportunities for Taiwanese manufacturers, reports Fastener World.

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r Tu-Chin Tsai, chairman of the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute (TIFI), expects an additional order value of US$1 billion for the Taiwanese automotive fastener industry if the EU does impose AD duties on Chinese fasteners. He points out that automotive screws are the main products exported to Europe, taking up over 20% of Taiwan’s total export. Germany is the second largest export destination for Taiwan. Other screw products going to Europe include small screws.

The US remains the top export destination for Taiwan, taking up over 40% of Taiwan’s total overseas sales.

Mark Wu, president at QST International Corp, thinks the EU’s anti-dumping investigation on Chinese fasteners means an opportunity for the Taiwanese fastener industry, and QST, to sell further to Europe.

QST’s export value of automotive screws sold to Germany amounts to US$200 million to US$250 million per year, taking up 30% of its total export. Most of the products for Germany are sold from QST’s headquarters in Taiwan, or manufactured by German steel plants and then supplied locally. Almost none of the products are sold from QST’s plant in Xiamen City, China. QST expects to see some orders switch from China to Taiwan in the future.

Trailblazer in special punch development Sheng Long Industry, based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, states it is able to satisfy the global market of high-end punches in special shapes – with most of these products within the Taiwanese market already manufactured by the innovation driven company.

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heng Long Industry mainly produces standard punches, special punches (in tungsten steel) and punches of special shapes in diameters 0.25mm – 150mm, and lengths up to 800mm, with tolerances up to 0.002mm. With a high market share in Taiwan, the company already exports to the USA and Europe.

A crucial factor for punches is the service life.

The higher surface roughness, the shorter punch life; conversely, the lower surface roughness, the longer life limits. “Mastering roughness is a huge bottleneck in manufacturing highly durable punches,” states Sheng Long.

“Special steels such as tungsten in particular have very high hardness. It requires extreme finesse to handle both roughness and tolerance for punches made of such materials, so this is a technology we have already mastered.”

Sheng Long is able to keep surface roughness below RA 0.03 to simultaneously maintain maximal performance and durability for tungsten steel.

The company recently rolled out its self developed tungsten steel six lobe punch, which it points out is different from those manufactured with grinding wheels. This high hardness tungsten steel punch utilises a ‘milling carving’ technique. “Users that have already used the new tungsten steel six lobe punch report that it only requires a single punch of this type to finish a coil of wire, saving a bunch of time to change parts and the cost for dies, as well as improving capacity,” mentions Sheng Long.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

GreatStar Tools USA acquires Shop-Vac Corporation Hangzhou Equipment Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Hangzhou GreatStar Industrial Co Ltd, and GreatStar Tools USA, has announced the acquisition of all the assets of Shop-Vac Corporation.

S

hop-Vac Corporation is a leader in wet/dry vacuum systems for consumer and commercial applications. As part of the acquisition, GreatStar will take ownership of all Shop-Vac’s company assets; open the Williamsport, PA, factory; and hire a number of employees who were separated after the factory’s abrupt closure in September 2020.

After the acquisition, GreatStar plans to reestablish and expand Shop-Vac’s industry leadership built on best-in-class innovation, features, values and manufacturing ability – utilising a mix of both Asian and US-based manufacturing. A priority will be restoring Shop-Vac’s distribution in the USA, including big box retailers, major home centres and hardware stores.

Shop-Vac also adds core competencies to GreatStar’s manufacturing and operations, including expertise in injection moulding, tool and die making, as well as electrical, industrial and polymer engineering capabilities.

NEWS - ASIA

Taiwan fastener exports in the first three quarters of 2020 Exports of fasteners from Taiwan to global customers in the first three quarters of 2020 totalled over 1.04 billion kilograms, valued at US$3.02 billion, according to statistics published by the Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), reports Fastener World.

T

aiwanese export tonnage decreased by 12.3% compared to the first three quarters of 2019, with value decreasing 12.33%. 45.7% of Taiwan’s export volume went to the United States of America, 29.65% went to the EU and United Kingdom; 9.67% went to the ASEAN countries, as well as Japan, South Korea, and India; and 14.95% to the rest of the world.

TIFI also published statistics on the ‘Top 15’ fasteners exported by Taiwan. This included other screws and bolts (73181590), self-tapping screws (73181400), nuts (73181200), steel screws – others (73170090), other washers (73182200), other non-threaded products (73182900), unnamed threaded products (73181900), rivets (73182300), pins and cotter pins (73182400), steel woodscrews (74153300), automotive screws (73181100), spring washers and other anti-loosening washers (73182100) and other copper threaded products (74153900).

Taiwan’s fastener export globally Regions

Volume (kg) Jan – Sep 2020 Jan – Sep 2019

Value (US$)

Change

Proportions

World

1,045,287,578

1,189,168,317

-12.1%

100%

Jan – Sep 2020 Jan – Sep 2019 3,021,908,000

3,447,076,000

Change -12.33%

USA

478,089,990

521,444,511

-8.31%

45.74%

1,300,497,000

1,440,563,000

-9.72%

EU & UK

309,892,887

375,270,631

-17.42%

29.65%

883,292,000

1,066,011,000

-17.14%

Other regions

156,236,491

176,760,414

-11.61%

14.95%

496,942,000

551,551,000

-9.9%

ASEAN, Japan, S.Korea, India

101,068,210

115,692,761

-12.64%

9.67%

341,177,000

388,951,000

-12.28%

Taiwan’s top 15 fastener products exported globally Volume (kg) Product name 73181590: Other screws and bolts

Jan – Sep 2020 Jan – Sep 2019 536,473,677

639,987,105

73181400: Self-tapping screws

181,111,428

152,594,232

73181600: Nuts

153,322,285

211,215,666

73181200: Woodscrews

86,849,141

75,950,384

73170090: Steel screws (others)

38,035,362

73182200: Other washers

12,353,588

Value (US$) Change -16.17%

Jan – Sep 2020 Jan – Sep 2019

Change

1,481,731,000

1,761,270,000

-15.87%

18.69%

456,071,000

404,936,000

12.63%

-27.41%

523,033,000

683,470,000

-23.47%

14.35%

213,776,000

193,473,000

10.49%

48,661,958

-21.84%

62,940,000

78,620,000

-19.94%

13,718,161

-9.95%

61,581,000

66,523,000

-7.43%

73182900: Other non-threaded products

11,309,938

13,615,393

-16.93%

52,776,000

61,324,000

-13.94%

73181900: Unnamed threaded products

10,565,315

15,055,506

-29.82%

55,004,000

64,667,000

-14.94%

73182300: Rivets

5,009,076

5,600,196

-10.56%

22,756,000

24,646,000

-7.67%

73182400: Pins and cotter pins

4,095,270

5,028,657

-18.56%

20,488,000

25,708,000

-20.3%

74153300: Steel woodscrews

1,984,863

2,368,089

-16.18%

29,571,000

33,243,000

-11.05%

73181100: Automotive screws

1,046,004

1,251,674

-16.43%

3,470,000

4,303,000

-19.36%

76161000: Aluminium screw products

928,325

1,248,061

-25.62%

11,347,000

13,753,000

-17.49%

73182100: Spring washers and other anti-loosening washers

742,548

871,554

-14.8%

6,296,000

7,378,000

-14.67%

74153900: Other copper threaded products

500,235

612,284

-18.3%

9,683,000

12,102,000

-19.99%

(Source: Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute, TIFI)

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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

Brazilian automotive industry shows growth in November According to a monthly survey from ANFAVEA, the Brazilian Automaker Association, November was the best month of 2020 for the Brazilian automotive industry.

H

owever, similar to all industries, the Brazilian automotive sector is still operating with shortages of raw material and components; constant price fluctuations; as well as restrictions generated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 238,200 vehicles were produced, a growth of 0.7% over October, with companies unable to keep up with the increase in demand due to the previously mentioned factors. This result was 4.7% superior than the same month in 2019. However, year-to-date the production of 1,804,759 units is 35% lower than last year. www.anfavea.com.br

ZwickRoell: 10 years in Brazil

22nd April 2020 marked the 520th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil.

It also marked ZwickRoell Group celebrating its ten year anniversary of opening its Brazilian subsidiary.

H

owever, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the German manufacturer of materials testing machines was unable to hold a commemorative event until 26th November 2020, which was held in Campinas City, São Paulo, home of the ZwickRoell subsidiary.

Speaking at the event, Gustavo Videira, managing director at ZwickRoell Brazil, commented: “If I had to grade our performance over the last decade, out of ten, I would give us a seven. At the start we found it slightly difficult, especially since we spent the first two years operating in a joint venture formed with a local company.

However, when we decided to work alone we saw our results improve, especially in the last three years.”

A global leader in machinery and technology for material testing and quality control – ZwickRoell has a history that dates back to 1854.

Âncora founder passes away

The founder of Âncora Fastening Systems – Mr R. Simioni – has passed away.

A

fter many years as the founder and owner of the R. Simioni store and fastener distributor, in São Paulo, Roberto Simione and Renato, his son, founded Âncora Fastening Systems, a Brazilian company that combines activities as a manufacturer and importer of fasteners. Since then, the company, situated in Vinhedo town, has quickly expanded – mainly in the construction sector – and is now operating with more than 200 employees on a 25,000m² site, with 7,000m² for manufacturing.

SouthWind International: 25 years

When it comes to machinery and tooling for the fastener industry in Brazil there are two names that work as a guide and reference on the subject: SouthWind International (SW) and the company’s founder, J. Graef.

F

ounded in 1995, the mix of these two names has seen SW grow not only in Brazil but also Latin America and in the US – where since 2015 the company has started a subsidiary business in Florida State.

SW’s expertise reaches all fastener production areas, from raw material preparation, throughout all steps of the production process, up until the inspection and packing of the final product.

Some of the companies that SW has exclusivity for in Brazil, as the sales agent, are Nedschroef, Weighpack, Universal Punch, PTG-Reed, Wrentham Tool Group, Reed Machinery, Tecno Impianti, Videx and others.

Fastener imports fall in 2020

The sale of bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, nails and other kinds of fasteners (made of iron, steel, copper or aluminium) to Brazil is predicted to have fallen by 23% by the end of 2020.

O

n closing of the penultimate month of 2020, imports totalled US$451.7 million (93,733 tonnes), which at the time was a 22% fall on the total for the previous year. Whilst imports are down, export countries such as China (with 25% market share on value), the USA (16%), Japan and Germany (10%), and Taiwan (5.6%), have reported a slow recovery in sales since the second half of 2020.

This is supported by the volume of products arriving at Brazilian harbours, which was 9,765 tonnes (US$46.87 million) in November, as well as 9,115 tonnes (US$43.5 million) in October. This is a similar amount to as in April (around US$46 million), when there was less of an impact from the Covid-19 pandemic.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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www.fixi.it - info@fixi.it

COVER STORY

Safety key in infrastructure projects Here Nord-Lock Group looks at the role infrastructure projects, such as bridges, play within society and the importance of reliability.

L

ike all forms of critical infrastructure, bridges are vital for any functioning society. They enable people to travel, goods to be transported and cities to grow and expand. Without them, we would be severely restricted and isolated by the natural environment. Their importance is such that some bridges have become internationally recognised landmarks that are synonymous with their home cities, for example London, San Francisco, and Sydney, just to name a few.

As such, resilience is absolutely paramount to the design and construction of any bridge. It needs the ability to withstand and adapt to changing conditions and

recover positively from shocks and stresses.

Generations will be relying on it for decades – if not centuries – to come. The collapse of a bridge will not only cause an immediate humanitarian disaster, but will potentially paralyse a whole region in its aftermath.

Depending on the size and importance of the bridge, even a temporary shutdown – for either repairs, maintenance or a traffic accident – can cause significant delays and traffic jams.

Performing essential maintenance

The Emmerich Rhine Bridge, which forms the main crossing over the river Rhine just a few kilometres from the Dutch border, is an example of how essential maintenance can be carried out whilst keeping a bridge open.

Fondly nicknamed the ‘Golden Gate of the Rhine’ due to the fact that it is the longest suspension bridge in Germany, its closure would cause motorists to take a detour of at least 50km. So, when a regular safety

38

inspection in 2014 found that, among other things, bolts had come loose and the bridge had to be repaired, the top priority was to ensure that traffic could continue to flow.

“This was the clear message from the regional road authority – Landesbetrieb Straßenbau NRW,” remembers Henning Uphoff, a design engineer with the technical consultancy Leonhardt, Andrä und Partner – the company responsible for the project.

Accordingly, everything about the planning was based upon the requirement that one road lane in each direction should remain open. At the same time, the 200 vertical suspenders attached to the suspension cables with cable clamps, made of cast iron, should progressively be taken down. But how can you take down

up to 100m long suspenders weighing up to 1 tonne without jeopardising safety?

“It was almost like open heart surgery,” adds Henning.

One major challenge was to replace the cable clamp bolts. Due to the enormous forces, there was no way to loosen the bolts with the suspenders attached to the main cables.

Another potential problem was that of strong winds and heavy weather, which in the worst case could cause delays of several weeks with substantial financial implications.

Marcel Vecchi, general manager with the building company R. Lange GmbH, came up with a solution. The company designed and built a roller conveyor adapted to the specifics of the bridge. With a diameter of 2.5m and a 180 degree bend, it was placed at the upper part of the suspension cable. These main cables, which are attached to two 77m high pylons, carry the whole bridge. Each cable

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

Nord-Lock washers for steel construction Nord-Lock offers specific products for the most common structural bolt assemblies – regardless of whether it is a HR, HV, SB-Assembly or common ISO bolts.

N

ord-Lock’s washers have been rigorously tested and approved by independent institutes as well as certification authorities, Nord-Lock received its first technical approval in Germany in 2006. Since then, it has improved its technical documents by expanding their scope and simplifying their use.

Nord-Lock also has two European Technical Assessments for its product range – (ETA-19/0813) and (ETA-20/0010).

Due to the harsh environmental factors and long-life cycles experienced by the construction sector, the durability of washers is of particular importance.

That is why Nord-Lock promises a Lifetime Warranty and the highest corrosion resistance in the market.

For instance, its washers are tested to at least 1,000 hours in the neutral salt spray test.

Advantages

N o r d - L o c k washers prevent loosening caused by vibration and dynamic loads and are quick and easy to install and remove using standard tools.

They provide reliable locking, even for joints with short clamp length. The locking function is also not affected by lubrication.

Suitable for high and low preload, Nord-Lock washer provide defined and uniform friction condition, which results in less deviation of achieved preload. They also have the same temperature characteristics as standard bolts and nuts.

Nord-Lock washers can be reused, considering the right surfaces being put together.

Nord-Lock SC-washers specifications Material

Steel 1.7182 or equivalent

Hardness

HV1 > 465 HV through hardened

Surface coating

Zinc flake coated free of cadmium + chrome VI

Available and approved range (M6 to M48)

NL6 to NL48, NL6sp to NL36sp, NL6ss to NL48ss, NL6spss to NL30spss, NL6ss-254 to NL39ss-254, NL6spss-254 to NL27spss-254, NL12SC to NL36SC

www.fastenerandfixing.com

39

COVER STORY

All in all, 2,200 bolts were replaced, with Nord-Lock SC-washers guaranteeing the highest standards of safety

consists of 61 separate cables, each with a diameter of 5cm, forced together to form a hexagon.

The big challenge was to avoid damaging the suspenders by overbending, so a minimum bending radius had to be observed. The existing suspenders were taken down and replaced with new ones using the roller conveyor and several winches. The bolts had to be substituted on the ground due to the weight of the clamps. Some of the original bolts were slightly bent, others were corroded, and many had come loose.

These non-galvanised HV sets were replaced with new bolts and Nord-Lock Steel Construction washers, as prescribed in the tender.

“This is a huge bridge with vibrations due to strong winds and traffic.

So, there was really no alternative to Nord-Lock’s SC-washers,” states Marcel.

In contrast to traditional bolted connections – where there is contact between the parts that are connected – there needed to be

a distance between the two halves of the cable clamps. This was necessary to ensure the preload was applied to the cables and cable clamps. Each clamp was tightened with 12 to 28 bolts.

Only half of the bolts were allowed to be removed at the same time to ensure the clamps remained safely on the cable. “To guarantee safe and equal clamping, we made a plan for what bolt should be replaced in which order and how to preload them,” explains Marcel.

“We started with the even bolts, removed them, renewed corrosion protection, replaced them with new bolts and the new washers and then we continued in the same way with the odd ones. In the first step, the bolts were tightened manually. Then they were preloaded to 100 percent with more preload on the inner bolts than on the outer ones.”

All in all, 2,200 bolts were replaced, with Nord-Lock SC-washers guaranteeing the highest standards of safety. “Now we are safe for the next half century, at least,” concluded Henning Uphoff. www.nord-lock.com

Factoring in safety in bridge construction The Morandi Bridge in Genoa forms a vital link between the city and the rest of Italy and Europe. When it collapsed in 2018, it claimed the lives of 43 people. mid the private anguish and public outcry, Genoa had to deal with the economic repercussions of the disaster. A new bridge had to be built as quickly as possible to minimse the commercial damage. At the same time, the community needed reassurance that the new structure would be safe and reliable.

Safety was therefore always top of mind. Innovations included a complex system of sensors built into the structure of the bridge. In addition, robots now run along the sides to monitor the bridge externally and send alerts whenever maintenance may be needed. However, underpinning all safety considerations – literally – are the bridge’s nuts and bolts. Where inspection is difficult, the designers opted for safety washers by Nord-Lock that have been specially designed for use on steel constructions.

The washers help secure the noise barriers of the deck edges of the bridge and ramp, as well as the bridge runways over which the robots run as they monitor the bridge. These washers are highly resistant to saline corrosion and their unique wedge-locking design ensures that the bolts they reinforce cannot loosen on their own.

A

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

Washers are part of our DNA Here we speak to Fredrik Meuller, CEO at Nord-Lock Group, about how and why Nord-Lock’s washers are used for key infrastructure projects, as well as what makes Nord-Lock Group special.

Why are Nord-Lock washers so commonly used in infrastructure projects?

“Typically, these are projects that demand highly advanced engineering for tough environments where failure is not an option. Thus, our unique fastening expertise and application experience is very relevant and sought after.

Also, our proven performance track record, from a very large number of successful installations worldwide over the years, makes a huge difference when project stakeholders wish to mitigate risk. Our products are extremely reliable, as documented by our sophisticated in-house testing procedures, which are also available to our customers.

It is also a clever investment in the long run, as they are easy to install and basically require little to no maintenance. Our products constitute a small cost in the total scheme of a large project, but from a safety perspective they make a huge difference.”

What makes Nord-Lock washers stand out?

“We are the original inventor and manufacturer of these advanced washers and we have been leading the development of the product and its applications since 1982. Our attention to safety and detail, with each pair of washers being just as important and well functioning as the other millions of pairs produced every week, is truly unique. This is a central part of our DNA. We offer a full Lifetime Warranty and the best corrosion resistance on the market.”

What makes Nord-Lock Group special as a company?

“We love problem solving, preferably in close cooperation with the end user and early on in the project design and planning phase. Again, we have been the market leader within this advanced niche of the fastening business for a very long time, so the skill set of our employees is really second-to-none. If you face a fastening problem, we have probably solved it before. The financial muscle and long-term perspective of our owners means that customers see us as a ‘flight to safety’ – a feature of particular importance when considering large and complex projects in times of uncertainty and instability, such as during a pandemic.”

What trends do you see for the future?

“We will definitely see more investment in infrastructure as there is a large need for it both in the developed and developing world. It is also a clever investment, which provides benefits long into the future.

Digitalisation is another trend that is here to stay. Digital and SMART technology simplifies ways of doing business with our customers, and further enhances the safety and quality of products – while reducing operating costs. Furthermore, sustainability is non-negotiable over a product’s entire life cycle. There are no longer any excuses for not caring about the environment, health and safety, or society at large. Last but not least, the combination of global reach and local presence, where you can quickly leverage knowledge in one market and add substantial value through a close customer relationship in another. This is yet another competitive advantage of Nord-Lock Group and definitely something that is sought after by many of our accounts today.” www.nord-lock.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

41

INSIGHT

take a look into the workings of fastener companies

Analysis of EU anti-dumping investigation Just before Christmas, the European Commission announced an anti-dumping investigation into imports of certain iron or steel fasteners in the People’s Republic of China (2020/C 442/06).

T

he products under investigation are currently classified under CN codes 7318 12 90, 7318 14 91, 7318 14 99, 7318 15 58, 7318 15 68, 7318 15 82, 7318 15 88, ex 7318 15 95 (TARIC codes 7318 15 95 19 and 7318 15 95 89), ex 7318 21 00 (TARIC codes 7318 21 00 31, 7318 21 00 39, 7318 21 00 95 and 7318 21 00 98) and ex 7318 22 00 (TARIC codes 7318 22 00 31, 7318 22 00 39, 7318 22 00 95 and 7318 22 00 98).

Fastener + Fixing Magazine invited both the European Fastener Distributor Association (EFDA) – representing industrial fastener importers and suppliers throughout Europe – and the European Industrial Fasteners Institute (EIFI) – recognised as the European industry association for producers of bolts, screws, washers, nuts, rivets and other mechanical industrial fasteners – to submit an article representing their members thoughts regarding the investigation.

EIFI declined the offer and preferred not to comment on the investigation. However, EFDA has provided the below article:

Not the time to screw up the fastener supply chain

With its ‘Notice of initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain iron or steel fasteners originating in the People’s Republic of China’ – published on 21 st December 2020 – the European Commission has started an anti-dumping proceeding which, for the product scope and targeted export country, looks very familiar to all those in the fastener business who witnessed the investigation initiated in 2007, which led to the imposition of anti-dumping duties of 85% in 2009. It was a process that all those involved remember badly and which ended with the abrupt removal of the duties in February 2016 after the WTO followed a claim by PR China and ruled the EU measures were violating WTO law.

From EFDA’s perspective, the most striking issue running like a thread through the complaint filed by the European Industrial Fasteners Institute (EIFI) is that any injury EU fastener producers have suffered over recent years has basically been caused by developments

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

outside PR China. Since 2019 at the latest, their order situation has deteriorated due to the declining demand for fasteners in important customer industries, above all the weakening automotive industry.

The capacities that the industry had built up in previous years could not be utilised with the effect that some companies even fell bankrupt while others were able to continue their business with sufficient profit margins after all.

With the investigation period reaching from 1 st July 2019 to 30 th June 2020, and the period relevant to examine any injury suffered by the EU industry from 1 st January 2017 to the end of the investigation – as established by the Commission – the harsh effects the Covid-19 pandemic had on the EU fastener industry will add a whole new quality to the assessment of what are the injurious causes of the current economic situation of the EU manufacturers.

EFDA is deeply concerned that anti-dumping measures could disrupt European supply chains at a critical moment when the industry needs to focus on recovering from the Covid-19 crisis to protect jobs and maintain global competitiveness. The European supply chain is already reeling from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly in recent weeks as a global shortage of sea freight containers has caused critical delays in products reaching European markets. Even just the announcement of an anti-dumping investigation has had an immediate detrimental effect on the supply chain. Importers now have to gauge whether it is possible to bring in goods before duties are applied; whether to re-source in an already incredibly tight supply market; and to explain to customers that, on top of major inflationary pressure from freight and raw material costs, they will face further increases if anti-dumping duties are imposed.

European fastener distributors fulfil an indispensable role at the core of a supply chain, which quite literally holds European industry and construction together, it is by no means a small industry. The predominantly small and medium-sized distributors supply more than 130,000 different fastener and fixing articles; hold more than €2 billion of inventory; employ more than 44,000 people; and have a total annual turnover of in excess of €10 billion.

However, those numbers are multiplied even further when it comes to the users of imported fasteners. Important European industries, such as automotive, construction, furniture, light and heavy engineering, the renewable sector, as well as DIY and craft

work, are entirely reliant on global fastener supply chains managed and coordinated by importers, wholesalers and distributors. These and many more industries would suffer from increasing fastener prices should the Commission decide to impose anti-dumping duties, as European fastener distributors would have to pass on the higher costs for imported fasteners to their customers.

Higher fastener prices are not the only negative impact anti-dumping duties on imports of fasteners from the China would have on the global competitiveness and effectiveness of the EU industry. The duties would threaten the supply in the EU because a significant proportion of fasteners are sourced from China and there is no corresponding capacity in other countries. For certain product groups, which are not available in the rest of Asia or in Europe, China would remain the only source of supply. Anti-dumping duties would then have a direct price increasing effect. Switching to other Asian countries is only possible at higher prices, as capacities in Asian countries are limited. In countries such as Taiwan and Vietnam they are limited anyway because of the increased demand from the USA – a direct effect of the unfortunate protectionist trade policy by the Trump Administration. In response to the US safeguard tariffs on Chinese fasteners, US companies had to source from other Asian countries.

Finally, European fastener distributors see no reason to expect that European manufacturers will replace the disappearing market in China with domestic offers – as standard parts are not produced in Europe.

The products covered by the CN codes under investigation include both standard and special parts. European fastener manufacturing has for a long time been largely specialised in high added value, customised – rather than standard – fasteners and either focus on specific high volume, narrow range consuming sectors or on smaller volume,

responsive niche production. Europe is simply not producing the standard fastener products that are imported from Asia for general consumption by industry and the public.

This would not change with time because trade defence measures cannot simply ‘turn back the clock’. History has demonstrated that anti-dumping duties on fastener imports do not affect the EU manufacturing base.

This became clearly evident when anti-dumping duties were applied to fastener imports from China in 2009 with inappropriately high duty levels of up to 85% – leading to a complete termination of fastener imports from that country. Nonetheless, European manufacturers did not invest to produce lower value, standard products but focused on and invested in production of higher added value parts. As imports were blocked from China, demand moved to other primarily Asian sources. Hardly any companies – whether manufacturers, importers or users – benefited from the tariffs in place from 2009 to 2016, but many suffered significant disadvantages.

Fastener distributors across Europe are very determined to prevent the European Commission repeating the same mistakes it previously made in relation to fastener imports. EFDA expects the Commission to give due consideration to all sides – producers, importers and consumers. If this is the case, then we are certain that we will get a good result in this procedure. EFDA and its partners set very high standards for ourselves to achieve this.

EFDA is deeply concerned that anti-dumping measures could disrupt European supply chains at a critical moment when the industry needs to focus on recovering from the Covid-19 crisis…”

INSIGHT

Bufab – Protect, Restart and Invest 2020 was a challenging year for a lot of companies within the fastener sector, with unpredictable fluctuations within supply and demand. However, through its Covid-19 strategy, Bufab Group was not only able to handle these challenges, but succeed in achieving its best ever net profit for a single quarter in Q3 2020.

J

örgen Rosengren, president and CEO at Bufab Group, explains: “2020 was undoubtedly a turbulent year, as I am sure everybody experienced. It was very humbling and disturbing to see what happened with the Covid-19 pandemic as it spread around the globe. Whilst this made it a very challenging year, we were still able to do well as a business thanks to the strategy we introduced to handle the Covid-19 situation.”

Bufab’s Covid-19 strategy involved three different stages – Protect, Restart and Invest. “Right at the start of this year, we saw the pandemic hit our operations in Asia. Whilst that was a challenge, it was also a blessing – as it enabled us to react quickly to the pandemic and introduce the necessary measures in order to protect our employees’ health, not only in Asia but also across western Europe and North America,” explains Jörgen. “We called this first phase ‘Protect’ and it had three objectives – to protect the staff and their health; our partners and their health; as well as to protect the customers. This meant that when the pandemic continued to travel around the world, we already had measures that we were able to roll out and implement in all our subsidiaries and sister companies.

This helped guarantee we could keep our employees safe, whilst continuing to supply products to our customers.”

Keeping its customers supplied throughout the pandemic was of critical importance for Bufab. “Even early on we could see there were going to be disruptions in all supply chains, including our own,” mentions Jörgen.

“We therefore worked with our suppliers to ensure they were keeping safe whilst delivering to us and this helped us to continue being a reliably supplier to our customers, which is vital if you are a C-part supplier.”

Jörgen continues: “As a C-Part supplier we help customers consolidate hundreds, if not thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of parts. Alongside this we offer very short lead times and local warehousing near their factories. Thanks to this set-up, any problems we had with our supply chains at the beginning were relatively small compared to the one’s our customer’s had with some of their A-part and

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I actually feel a lot more optimistic now than I did at this time a year ago, which may seem counterintuitive…”

INSIGHT B-part suppliers – where there are often extremely tight supply chains, which are very global.”

“A key aspect of being a C-parts supplier is also the ability to find ways to accelerate orders when they need to be accelerated and slow down orders when they need to be slowed down. This is a fairly common practice, but this year it was just a lot more intense than it is usually, but we were able to meet the challenge.”

By July, Bufab was in a position to say its ‘Protect’ strategy had worked. The Group had experience relatively few cases of infection at work and it had been able to supply customers throughout. “We decided to move onto the next phase of our strategy, which we called ‘Restart’,” points out Jörgen. “The aim of this phase was to ensure we started profitable growth again – by reaching out to our customers, both virtually and physically, to find ways to help them even further. This was a big success for us as we managed to achieve our best ever net profit for a single quarter in Q3 2020, which was quite a turnaround from the unprecedent sales drop of -25% we had experienced in Q2 2020.”

The success of its organic growth in Q3 2020 gave Bufab Group the confidence to look at introducing the third phase of its strategy – ‘Invest’, which it launched at the start of 2021. “Whilst we had kept investing and developing in 2020, our focus had been on the ‘Protect’ and ‘Restart’ phases as these were in-line with our Leadership Strategy of focusing on the customer,” mentions Jörgen. “However, with the success of the ‘Protect’ and ‘Restart’ phases we are a lot more confident in moving ahead with the ‘Invest’ phase and developing our Leadership Strategy in 2021.”

A key factor that forms the foundations of the Leadership Strategy is Bufab’s belief that more and more customers will start consolidating the management of C-parts in the future. “We didn’t just introduce the Leadership Strategy because it sounded good. We believe customers are going to want to consolidate their C-parts supply to only a handful of suppliers. That can often be a painful process that requires a lot of work on their side and the suppliers’ side. Customers are going to want to do that exactly once in their life and they are therefore going to be very selective with which company they choose as a partner,” states Jörgen. “By working with a C-parts supplier, the customer knows somebody is watching out for their product supply, which can sometimes be very convoluted and have numerous parts. It also means they have predictability in supply and can help shorten lead times. We can hold stock closer to their factories and manage it for them to fit their production.”

Jörgen adds: “There was already a move for tighter integration, which has been happening for many years, and it will only have been accelerated during the crisis. There is a difference between ‘Just in Time’ from a different continent by shipping container and ‘Just in Time’ from a warehouse 20km by lorry. If the market is normal and everything is working as it should, then they are equally risky. However, if that is not the case – which is what has happened in 2020 – then that is when the risk factors change and this is what customers are starting to discover.”

“Companies are already looking at what part of their supply chains have worked over the last 12 months and which part didn’t work. They will then look to strengthen those parts that worked and give them more to do and they will look to reduce the number

of parts that didn’t work. The pandemic has enabled us to go to our customers and question why they need a warehouse for the products we can supply. Why don’t they just have them fed directly to the line in a Kanban or a VMI set-up and have it managed by a supply chain partner such as ourselves.”

Another big challenge for C-Parts suppliers is ensuring they can provide the productivity improvements customers are looking to introduce every year. “Customers generally look to internally produce 3% – 5% productivity improvement each year. This means that when you take over a significant portion of their operations regarding C-parts, you also need to become productive and provide that same level of productivity for them,” explains Jörgen. “This type of productivity doesn’t come from the part itself; it comes from doing things in a smarter and more seamless way. For instance, in the past years we have focused a lot on integrating digitally with both our customers and with our suppliers – in the day-to-day and in the supply chain, such as orders, forecasts, etc.”

Jörgen continues: “We are working on this as we see it as major contributor to achieving increased productivity. There is a lot of room for error and inefficiency when it comes to things such as administrative tasks. So if you can get these areas entirely seamless or get on the path to achieving it then that can be a major productivity gain. To add to this, you have topics such as forecasting and so on, which customers also struggle with – which has been especially clear this year where there has been such on, off, on again in demand. In those situations, the customers are spending a lot of time on forecasting and we are looking to help them do it in a much more efficient way.”

“At Bufab we have around 1,300 employees and they work roughly 2,000 hours a year. That is 2.6 million hours in total and if we can just improve our productivity by 5% – 10% then that is a huge saving to be made. This type of thing is also very difficult for competitors to copy, so it makes us a stronger partner for our customers – because we are able to do the same thing more efficiently than our competitors. All of these types of innovations are a huge opportunity for us, and the industry, with the exciting thing being that we are only just scratching the service.”

After such a testing year, what does Jörgen and Bufab hope for 2021? “I actually feel a lot more optimistic now than I did at this time a year ago, which may seem counterintuitive – as you would imagine this pandemic would make us less optimistic. However, a year ago we thought the industry was heading for a slump, but it actually got a lot worse than we could have ever imagined. Even though this happened, we, and our customers, have been able to handle it even better than any of us could have planned. It is only when you are in the storm that you know if things are lashed down and secure. We have surprised ourselves in a positive way in how resilient the company has been and how strong our customer and supplier relations have been. How we have tackled this crisis internally has also given us confidence and energy, which I think will help us accelerate our Leadership Strategy going forward.

There is definitely a lot of pent up energy in our company, and maybe the whole industry. Hopefully we can all dust ourselves off, stand up and get back to work.”

A key aspect of being a C-parts supplier is also the ability to find ways to accelerate orders when they need to be accelerated and slow down orders when they need to be slowed down.”

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INSIGHT

Making a Mark Here we speak to Kevin Frewin, global head of construction practice at BSI, about the introduction of the UKCA Mark within the UK, which will be used to replace CE Marking, and what this will mean for both UK and European companies.

What is the UKCA Mark and why has it been introduced?

“The UKCA Mark is being introduced to replace CE Marking within Great Britain and has been announced on the back of the UK leaving the EU following BREXIT. The general thrust is the UK Government has decided it wants to be in a position where it controls the products that are placed on the British market, so as of 1 st January 2021 the UKCA Mark has been made available.

Whilst the UKCA Mark is available, it is not being enforced until 2022. For the whole of 2021 producers can place products on the GB market using either UKCA Marking or CE Marking. However, from 2022 – as it stands at the moment – the only route for placing a product on the market in Great Britain will be the UKCA Mark.

The reason I say Great Britain and not the UK is because when it comes to Northern

48

Ireland things are slightly different. Put simply, the EU and UK have agreed that going forward all products placed on the Northern Irish market will need to be CE Marked – the UKCA Mark will not be accepted.

When it comes to manufacturers based in Northern Ireland, they can produce something that is called ‘qualifying goods’, which is a product that can then have unfettered access to the UK/GB market. A Northern Irish manufacturer can sell its products into the rest of the UK using CE Marking, UKCA Marking or CEUKNI Marking – which is when a UK approved body follows the EU rules to provide a certificate.”

Will companies be able to use the UKCA Mark within Europe?

“The simple answer is no. The UKCA Mark will only be recognised in Great

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Britain. Europe has always only accepted the CE Mark and this will stay the same.

Whilst the requirements behind the UKCA Mark and CE Mark are currently identical to each other – such as the performance of the product and the robustness of the checking – the two standards might start to diverge from one another.

This means if a company wants to sell into Europe, they need to make sure they have CE Marking and if they want to sell into the GB market, they will need to get a UKCA Mark.

As previously mentioned, for 2021 products with either a UKCA Mark or CE

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INSIGHT Marking can be placed on the GB market, but from 1 st January 2022 products must have a UKCA Mark if they are to be legally placed on the GB market. As for the European market, companies must have CE Marking for products to be accepted.”

Will UK notified bodies still be able to provide CE Marking for products?

“As of 1 st January 2021, UK notified bodies no longer exist according to the EU, which means all the documentation, certificates, and test reports that have been issued, will no longer be valid to support CE Marking. To achieve CE Marking, from 1 st January 2021, companies must now use an EU27 notified body.

Taking it one step further, for those products that were already produced in 2020, and have CE Marking from what was then a UK notified body, the products must have already been placed on the EU market by 31st December 2020, for the CE Marking to still be valid. If they were not placed on the EU market before 31st December, then the CE Marking will not be a legitimate mark and it will need to be carried out again by an EU27 (non-UK) notified body.

It is important to highlight that the definition of ‘placed on the market’ within the EU is manufactured and sold. Once it has been manufactured and sold, it can be resold along the supply chain until it reaches the end user. Again, we need to be clear that the manufacturer according to EU law is the company that has placed the product on the market under their own name or trademark.

This means it could be the physical producer or it could be a distributor or importer if they have rebadged products as their own.

However, this only applies to those products where a notified body is required to achieve the CE Marking.

This is decided according to what system the products fall under in the Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP).”

Under System 2+ the notified/approved body is involved in going to a manufacturer and checking the factory production control. However, they don’t have anything to do with the testing or claims regarding the performance of the products – this is all the manufacturer.

For System 1 the notified/approved body is involved in a variety of tasks, such as initial inspection of the product facilities; ongoing surveillance of the factory production control; as well as confirming the products produced meet the requirements in the DoP. Finally, for System 1+ regular auditing of the product is added to all the tasks carried out by the notified/approved body under System 1.”

Will companies be able to use existing CE Marking to achieve the UKCA Mark or to obtain new CE Marking from an EU27 notified body – if they previously used a UK notified body?

“From a UKCA point of view, manufacturers can use evidence that supported CE Marking as the basis of their new UKCA Marking.

However, the UKCA approved body will have to take full responsibility for the certificate they are issuing, so they will undoubtedly want to check all the evidence needed to issue that certificate. They also might want to carry out follow up assessments on the CE evidence before issuing the UKCA Mark.

Regarding companies needing to update their CE Marking – if it was previously carried out by a UK notified body. It looks like European notified bodies will be constrained by a position paper, regarding the transfers of CE Markings. According to the EU, the transfer of a CE certificate can only go from a notified body to a notified body. As of 1 st January 2021, if you are trying to transfer from what was a UK notified body to a European notified body that is not allowed – as the UK body is no longer notified. This means the company will have to make a brand new application. If a company transferred its CE certificate from a UK notified body to another EU notified body before 31 st December 2020 then its CE Marking will still be valid.”

For the whole of 2021 producers can place products on the GB market using either UKCA Marking or CE Marking. However, from 2022 – as it stands at the moment – the only route for placing a product on the market in Great Britain will be the UKCA Mark.”

What is the Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance and how will companies know which system their products fall under?

“The Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP) is a harmonised system that is used to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the Declaration of Performance (DoP) and for the time being will be used as the basis of the UKCA Marking, as well as CE Marking.

For all those products that fall under System 4 of the AVCP they do not need to work with a notified body, either for CE Marking or UKCA Marking, as the manufacturer takes on the responsibility of meeting the factory production control requirements, relevant test reports, the Declaration of Performance (DoP), and ensuring they have all the necessary supporting evidence. As long as a company’s product falls under AVCP System 4, and they have all of the information and evidence required, they will be able to continue adding CE or UKCA Marking to their product without any change.

For products that fall under the other AVCP systems, companies will need to work with either a UK approved body or a European notified body to achieve the relevant mark.

For instance, for those products under System 3, a notified/ approved body will need to be involved with testing, such as an initial type test, to confirm how the products perform.

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Within the fixing sector a lot of products have CE Marking according to a European Technical Assessment? What will the situation be regarding these products?

“Again, this depends on which Technical Approval Body (TAB) the manufacturer has used. If they have used a UK TAB then like notified bodies, they ceased to exist on 1 st January 2021. Currently EOTA (European Organisation for Technical Assessment) holds all the technical information regarding approvals and it has stated it will remove all EADs (European Assessment Document) produced or driven by UK TABs. From the UK perspective, the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments is currently looking into how to set up all the TABs in the UK to make UKCA TABs. For now, BSI is committed to helping organisations – ensuring resilience and encouraging trust in this new regulatory landscape. Our team stands ready to help manufacturers demonstrate that their products comply with the relevant national, regional and/or international standards.”

For more information regarding UKCA and CE Marking visit: https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/our-services/productcertification/ukca-mark/

EXHIBITIONS

PREVIEWS AND REPORTS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS

EISENWARENMESSE will not take place in 2021 After careful consideration, together with associations and exhibitors, Koelnmesse has cancelled the EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Köln hybrid event planned for February 2021 due to the pandemic. It will now take place on 6th – 9th March 2022.

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he new hybrid concept and content for EISENWARENMESSE received very positive feedback during a European press conference at the end of October. However, due to the dynamic infection situation and international travel restrictions, the majority of exhibitors ultimately decided not to participate in the trade fair.

Even the comprehensive #B-SAFE4business hygiene and safety concept for coronavirus compliant implementation of trade fairs, was still not able to provide participants with enough planning security.

“We sincerely regret the need for this decision. We were well positioned and believed that many things would have been possible with our hybrid format. A purely digital format would also not have been a substitute for the new, hybrid approach because the focus of EISENWARENMESSE is still the physical presence of exhibitors, who can make good use of the offerings and possibilities of the EISENWARENMESSE@home digital platform. However, with broad commitment from the industry, we are now looking forward

optimistically and with renewed energy to the event in 2022,” emphasises Catja Caspary, vice-president of Koelnmesse.

“An important unique selling point of the trade fair is the high-level of internationality of both the exhibitors and visitors, and the innovative range of topics. Nevertheless, in view of the continuing rise in infections worldwide, and the associated lockdowns, it was no longer possible to guarantee enough participation of international exhibitors and visitors,” added Matthias Becker, director of EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Köln.

Positive feedback from IFS China Despite the ongoing pandemic Carlo Salvi managed to exhibit at the International Fastener Show China from 3rd – 5th November and at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) from 5th – 10th November, with help from its colleagues at its subsidiary in Guangzhou.

s the two trade fairs came to an end in Shanghai, buyers confirmed their appreciation of the Italian-based company – alongside its fastener production and wire heading solutions. The two exhibitions were attended by colleagues from the Carlo Salvi subsidiary in Guangzhou, active since 2011, and by another colleague from Hatebur Shanghai.

Marco Pizzi, CCO at Carlo Salvi, commented: “We were very sorry not to be able to personally take part at the International Fastener Show China, but then we are experiencing hard times that do not allow us to operate as we have always done up to now. The presence of Carlo Salvi at an international scale benefits from the support of our foreign branches and allows us to rely on the esteemed colleagues who represent us in an exemplary way. Chinese colleagues tell us that both the number of exhibitors and visitors at the fairs were lower than in previous editions due to the pandemic. However, the recovery of the Chinese economy, and the job done by our subsidiary to further expand the market and to find new customers, have increased the number of potential customers. For this reason, we can be satisfied and we are confident for the future. In fact, we have already planned our presence at the next edition.”

Germano Pandiani, COO at Carlo Salvi, added: “Our Chinese delegates informed us that at the third edition of the CIIE, which we attended for the second consecutive year, Carlo Salvi was the only representative for fastener machines. Obviously, due to the health emergency, the number of visitors was lower than in the previous edition, but it was still a considerable number for an event that is comparable to an expo. We also positively evaluate our presence at this fair as it extends our business possibilities, not only in the field of fasteners, but also by increasing our reputation in the east.”

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exhibitions

EuroBLECH 2021 postponed Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd has postponed EuroBLECH, which was scheduled to take place at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany from 9th – 12th March 2021. The 26th edition of the international sheet metal working technology exhibition will now return to its normal event cycle and run from 25th – 28th October 2022.

wire® terms for 2022 are set After the cancellation of international trade fairs wire® and Tube 2020, due to the current Covid-19 infection situation, the next editions will take place from 9th – 13th May 2022. riginally planned for 30 th March – 3rd April 2020, the fairs were on a record course with the number of registrations from exhibitors and visitors in spring exceeding all expectations. “For us this was a further signal and renewed confirmation that we have the number one trade fairs for the wire, cable and tube industry here in Düsseldorf,” explains Daniel Ryfisch, project director wire®/ Tube & Flow Technologies. “This is where the international top decision makers of the exhibitor and visitor sectors come together.”

He continued: “We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors to Düsseldorf in person again. Covid-19 has shown that digitalisation brings many advantages, but it cannot replace personal meetings, conversations and contacts.”

As usual, wire will be located in halls 9 to 17.

Companies wishing to exhibit at wire® 2022 can register starting at the end of March 2021. The official registration deadline is summer 2021.

O

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metal working industry together again.

EuroBLECH will return to its initial event schedule and will therefore be back strong in 2022.”

Nicola added: “With the recent launch of the EuroBLECH Digital Innovation Summit we have laid the foundation stone for a hybrid approach to our EuroBLECH event, which will enable us to run a series of digital events in 2021 for the sheet metal working industry. As a result, EuroBLECH as we know it will be back for all participants in 2022, but as the industry slowly recovers in the coming year, we will offer opportunities to regularly meet, network and conduct business in a safe online format in the meantime. It was very apparent at EuroBLECH Digital that there is a need for the industry to get together and also discover the latest innovations to kick start their business efforts.”

The launch of the EuroBLECH Digital Innovation Summit attracted 5,500 international participants from 91 countries and featured meeting options, webinars on recent industry trends, and exhibitor presentations, as well as hundreds of exhibitor product showcases.

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ack Brooks explained that the decision was taken in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and following conversations with all exhibitors and partners that have taken place over the past weeks and months.

Uncertainties around continued travel restrictions were also a contributing factor to this decision – due to the truly international character of the EuroBLECH show.

Speaking about the announcement, Nicola Hamann, managing director of Mack Brooks Exhibitions, said: “Following extensive conversations with all participants we have come to the decision to return to our normal event cycle and hold the next show in its original event slot. Based on the current international developments due to the Covid-19 pandemic, covering further lockdown and travel restrictions, we believe that it is the most responsible decision at this stage to postpone.”

“This announcement will hopefully allow time for the impact of Covid-19 across the world to stabilise and when safe to do so, ensure the event can continue its critical role in bringing the global sheet

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

news and information dedicated to construction fixing products

A review of the CPR

By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP) Almost ten years ago, on the 9th March 2011, the European parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, also called ‘The Construction Products Regulation’ – known by many in the industry as ‘the CPR’. Ten years later, instead of preparing the celebrations for its jubilee, we are preparing for what could result in its radical revision. Why?

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he first thing we need to do is go through the key points of the CPR over the last decade. It all started on 4th April 2011 when the CPR was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). The CPR came into force on 24th April and its major provisions and annexes applied fully from 1 st July 2013, on which date it completely replaced the Construction Products Directive. The industry, however, could not properly prepare for the change because major implementing documents and annexes were missing and/or continued changing in the first few years.

A key difference with the CPR was that manufacturers had to deliver a Declaration of Performance (DoP) – a new document that was needed to allow them to affix CE Marking on their products.

The DoP format changed during the first years of the CPR, which did not make things easy for manufacturers. The industry worked intensively to enable the CPR to move from its initial ‘paper-based’ focus to the digital era. Whilst in 2011 customers were supposed to read DoPs on paper it was clear that digitisation of the process was needed, which has led to today – where DoPs can be downloaded with a QR code. However, despite all this, after 10 years DoPs are still not fully perceived as essential tools, nor are they evenly used in the construction market.

According to the CPR, the DoP is the only document where characteristics of products are allowed to be provided.

However, this led to question marks over the role of European Technical Assessments (ETAs) as marketing tools. Manufacturers that had invested for decades in ETAs were not keen on replacing ETAs with DoPs – nor were the EOTA Approval Bodies (today called Technical Assessment Bodies – TABs).

Not all TABs provided ETAs with characteristics that could be easily ‘copied and pasted’ to the DoP and not all manufacturers did the painstaking work to pick up characteristics spread throughout the ETAs. Instead, some manufacturers chose to refer directly or

However, despite all this, after 10 years DoPs are still not fully perceived as essential tools, nor are they evenly used in the construction market.”

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indirectly to ETAs. The consequence was DoPs with different formats started circulating in the market.

To affix the CE Marking on System 1 and 2 products covered by ETAs, a notified body released a certificate of constancy of performance after making sure that the Control Plan and the ETA’s provisions are correctly put in place by the manufacturer.

Most ETAs, however, are based on European Assessment Documents (EADs) not yet published on the OJEU. The non-publication does not allow for the nomination of a notified body for that EAD. Consequently, manufacturers requested to draft the DoP, and the CE Marking, without being in the condition to do it – due to the lack of a notified body nominated to do the job. This confusing situation reflects in the way notified bodies are now reported in DoPs and in CE Marking.

To be published on the OJEU, harmonised standards need the green light of the European Commission. However, the European Court judgement C-613/14, better known as the James Elliott case, suggested that European standards belong to the European legislation, hence they need to be written properly from the legal

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS point of view. Since then, the control by the European Commission has tightened more and more on European technical specifications and there has been almost no green lights for publication of standards given recently. This has led to a standardisation blockage and over 100 unpublished EADs. This means that although the industry has spent years drafting revisions of standards, they have not been published in the OJEU due to the standardisation blockage. This has resulted in CE Marking still being carried out on old versions of revised standards. Part of the industry would like to see the revised standards published at least as European Standards (which means published at CEN level but without publication in the OJEU), even if this means no CE Marking based on the technically up to date version. However, this would have potentially led to confusion in the market. The European Commission threatened to withdraw standards from the OJEU – stopping in this way altogether the CE Marking of the related products – in case their revision is published as a European standard with significant differences from the version published in the OJEU. Considering all the above, and much more, in July 2016 the Commission announced a possible revision of the CPR and launched an evaluation and an impact assessment that included reports, studies and public consultations. The outcome is freely available on the website of the European Commission, including a video message

from the Commission’s DG GROW Head of Unit Mrs Fulvia Raffaelli, posted in April 2020 1 .

The trouble is that the industry does not seem to play a big role in the proposals made so far by the European Commission to solve the CPR impasse. Instead, the European Commission proposes outsourcing of activities on standardisation, which is seen by the industry as rather scary.

The Commission does not seem to see many ways out from the CPR impasse, without being given more powers from Member States, hence all efforts at the moment are spent in gathering feedback from Member States. From their side, Member States have challenged the Commission’s interpretation of the James Elliott case with their own legal opinions, mainly aiming at considering standards and ETAs as optional – in this way liberating them from the strict legal burdens that blocked the system. All the industry can do is to influence at national level. A sort of retreat, from the point of view of a European association like the one I represent, but things can change, so let’s continue to try and influence that change.

1

https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/construction/productregulation/review_en www.ecap-sme.org

This means that although the industry has spent years drafting revisions of standards, they have not been published in the OJEU due to the standardisation blockage.”

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THE ITALIAN MANUFACTURER OF CHEMICAL ANCHORS SEISMIC

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS CHEMICAL ANCHORS + RESINS FEATURE

The growing possibilities of chemical anchors Here Metehan Ariburnu, international technical support engineer for construction projects at fischer, discusses the development of chemical anchors and how they have become a key solution for applications within the construction sector.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE â&#x2030;¡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

When did fischer introduce its range of chemical anchors and how has the range’s capabilities and features developed during this time?

“fischer’s range of chemical anchors all began in 1975 with the invention of the FI M Injection System. Since then, the product line has grown significantly with a structured strategy through investments in R&D – focused on new products and market requirements.

The real big development in fischer’s range of chemical anchor solutions came in 1999 when the company inaugurated a new plant for chemical products in Denzlingen, Germany. This enabled the company to develop its range of solutions and further meet the growing needs within the market for ‘more strength in more extreme conditions’ – including dynamic applications.

Historically, there had been a lot of standard chemical anchor solutions for static loading – where there is a continuous pull/force on the anchor. However, in dynamic loading the force on the anchor can shift back and forth from nothing to very high. The requests from customers regarding chemical anchors that could meet the dynamic loading requirements were increasing and through our R&D development we were able to introduce various new lines of chemical anchors, which met not only customers’ needs but the standards as they have developed.

Thanks to the experience and knowledge within the business, fischer has introduced numerous new products over the last 22 years.

This includes dynamic capsules in 1999, hybrid resins and vinylester resins in 2002, pure epoxy resin mortars – launched in 2004, followed by polyester resins for temporary applications. To add to this there was the new generation of hybrid materials – such as Superbond – which were launched in 2012 and made available in cartridge and capsule form.

In 2014 we introduced the GREEN line, which is completely environmentally friendly. We have also continued to work on improving the product resistance, especially for vinylester and epoxy, which has seen us introduce enhanced products such as our main FIS EM and FIS EM Plus.

At fischer we are always looking to meet the needs of our customers and finding the answers to their applications. We have shown this throughout the history of the company and we have even more new products planned for 2021 and beyond.”

How has the growth of fischer’s chemical anchor range been impacted by the construction market and applications?

“I would argue that it is a mix of the construction market impacting the development of products and the products themselves impacting the types of applications within the market. As chemical compounds have improved the different applications in which they can be used has risen. For instance, in the 1960s – 1970s, polyester resins were really popular, but structurally the polyester was not strong enough to reach the required performance. Once the new generation of resins were introduced, and showed their potential, end users started to focus on the possibilities.

The growth in chemical anchors has created more opportunities for end users who have in turn brought new application ideas to the table – covering a large range of construction fields in both superstructures and infrastructures, especially where high capacities are required. The reason for this is the high bonding strength of chemical anchors creates a major advantage in terms of load capacities with higher demands.

This means chemical anchors can be used in a wide range of construction types such as high rise buildings, railways, stations, highways, as well as power plants.”

How do chemical anchors and mechanical anchors compare to each other? What are the pros and cons of each?

“The behaviour of chemical and mechanical anchors differs slightly between the two. Mechanical anchors provide friction inside the concrete for a defined area – where all the loads are applied. In chemical anchors, there is a full length bond all along the hole inside the concrete. This means chemical anchors are more flexible in terms of selecting the embedment depth and the more embedment depth you have, the more load capacity up to a certain defined point for each size.

For instance, if we compare M12 single anchors, without having an edge distance inside C20 concrete, the difference between the concrete failure modes under tension is 15% with an equal embedment depth of 70mm. However, in this case, 70mm is the upper limit of the

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS mechanical anchor whereas it is the lowest limit of the chemical anchor. It is possible to increase the embedment depth of the chemical anchor up to 240mm, in which case the difference is 75%.

This means chemical anchors can cover all applications according to every condition.

Having said that, whilst the first mechanical anchors could only be used at a set predefined anchoring depth, there are mechanical anchors that are now available that permit multiple or even flexible anchoring depths. This primarily applies to bolt anchors and concrete screws.

Another major advantage of chemical anchor systems is that there is no expanding force when placing the anchors. Whilst all systems generate expanding force when they are subjected to loads, with chemical anchor systems this expanding force is lower and as the load is transferred into the construction base it is distributed across a larger area – due to the large bonded length.

One of the disadvantages of chemical anchor systems is that the durability is reduced in case of heavy constant tensile load. A reduction factor was therefore introduced for calculations, which means that the difference between the mechanical anchor’s tensile load is slightly smaller, even under similar edge conditions. Higher requirements also apply when it comes to cleaning the drill hole, although significant progress has been made in recent years. Chemical systems also tend to be more expensive and require additional annular gap filling measures when applying push-through installation methods. Capsule systems can therefore often only use pre-positioned methods of installation.”

as temperature, application position, etc. For instance, temperature, whether extremely hot or cold, has a big impact on the resin type when choosing a chemical anchor.

The last factor to consider is the economic efficiency. Is it worth it?

Chemical anchors require more cleaning, as not cleaning the holes can significantly impact the load bearing capacity, which can be time consuming.

However, chemical anchors can be pre-positioned, which makes installation easier.

Even if a user has made all of these decisions, there is still a whole range of solutions that could still be used. On the fischer website alone we have thousands of products for different materials and applications. Customers are not going to know the details of all those products, but we do, which is why we look to work alongside users and engineers. This means we can check the design loads, the technical specifications, and boundary conditions, as well as all the other requirements, so we can supply the simplest solution that optimises the design.”

The growth in chemical anchors has created more opportunities for end users who have in turn brought new application ideas to the table...”

What are the key factors a customer should consider when deciding whether to use a mechanical or chemical anchor?

“There are several factors users should consider to help them make the correct decision. What is the condition of the application (structural or non-structural)?; what is the application media – concrete, masonry, etc?; as well as what is the layout of the application?

The load conditions are the next point – static, seismic or dynamic – and the user needs to consider fire conditions, etc. For instance, for static and seismic both mechanical and chemical anchors can be used, but when it comes to dynamic loads, chemical anchors are a better option. In fire applications both mechanical and chemical anchors can again both be used. At fischer we have even developed enhanced chemical products that provide good performance under fire and are very close to mechanical anchors’ capabilities.

After the applications and loads, the user needs to check the application method and difficulties at the construction site – which involves things such

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

What do you see as being the big trends for chemical anchors in the future? How can fischer benefit from these opportunities?

“The requirements of the market and boundary conditions, as the limits are pushed by designers due to extreme demands, will continue to be a big trend within the market and is always pushing us to provide products with a higher performance than we have at that moment.

Digitalisation is also coming and will be an important step for where the construction market goes. Right now, we are offering customers innovative digital services and digital start-ups – while creating new operating principles in construction and providing smart products with the principles of a Lean company. The world is changing and turning into a faster, more digitalised world and the brands that can adapt to this new world will remain standing.

Here at fischer, our advantage is that we are always leading the market, be it with innovative products and ideas; following the requirements of the changing world; or by creating modern trends and know-how – with new ideas developed by our fischer ProcessSystem. This was developed by fischer to increase efficiency and creativity in line with society, ecology, and economy, to achieve sustainability, which we refer to as the ‘Blue Path’.

By focusing on both digitalisation and following our ‘Blue Path’, as well as continuing to create added value, I believe fischer will remain a market leader.”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS CHEMICAL ANCHORS + RESINS FEATURE

The A-Z of bonded anchors

Bonded anchors have earned an enviable reputation as problem solvers due to their unique combination of strength and versatility. Here Robert Chudzik, category manager at Rawlplug S.A, explains why bonded anchors are the most versatile of all anchoring technologies.

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sually a resin bond is stronger than the base material and ultimate strength is governed by the anchor rod specification. Bonded anchors can also offer stress free anchorages, which will not damage weak substrates and can be placed closer to edges and to each other than other techniques. With care, most bonded anchor systems can be installed overhead and some can be installed underwater – while many are suitable for installation, and use, in permanently damp applications. Formulations are available that offer fast or slow curing rates for a variety of uses including winter or summer use.

With these types of anchor, resin is inserted into pre-drilled holes bonding the fixing element – e.g threaded rod – to the substrate and once cured the fixture can be assembled. Rawlplug products generally consist of two resin components and when mixed, cure to form a very hard material that bonds the fixing element to the hole wall. Resin is only part of the anchor and the complete product includes one of the following fixing elements – threaded rod, rebar or internally threaded sockets.

Their wide range of applications make bonded anchors one of most versatile of all anchoring technologies. Some can be used in

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

seismic zones, cracked concrete, natural stone, aerated blockwork, solid masonry, masonry with perforations and bridge cavities when used with mesh sleeves. Unlike traditional expansion anchors and drop-in anchors there are no expansion forces. Therefore, when anchorage design stipulates smaller edge and/or spacing distances, and design actions are high, resin bonded anchors are often the only choice of anchoring technology. Examples of application fixtures are racking systems, structural steelwork, balustrades, curtain walling, bracketry for pipe supports, barriers, cladding restraints, masonry supports and fixing down machinery.

Resin bonded anchors installed into concrete or masonry function in three ways – adhesion (chemical bonding), cohesion and mechanical interlock. Adhesion is the linking of molecules between the resin and the contact surfaces; cohesion is the linking of molecules within the resin; and mechanical interlock is equally influential on the strength of a bonded anchor and occurs on the resin/fixing element interface and the resin/hole surface interface.

Hole surfaces are never perfectly smooth and this is important as it provides additional mechanical interlock. Mechanical interlock is reduced with diamond drilled holes, so it is important to check the

ETA or TDS to assess if bond resistance is reduced or if this drilling technique is allowed.

Resin bonded anchors are also covered by ETAG 001 Part 1 ‘Anchors in General’, Part 5 ‘Bonded Anchors’ and EOTA Technical Report number 29 (TR029). The design method in TR029 is valid for all types of resin bonded anchors in concrete with the exception of post-installed rebar connections, however, it does cover rebar as an anchor. Post-installed rebar connections are assessed against EN1992-1-1: 2004 (EC2) and TR023. EC2 design concept is different from the EOTA EAD design methods and as the applications are more limited (e.g only tension loads and no concrete cone failures), less testing is required and the maximum design resistance is given for different concrete strength classes. Resin bonded injection anchors in masonry are assessed against ETAG 029 and the certification covers solid masonry units and hollow masonry (with mesh sleeves).

Resin anchor formats

There are a range of resin anchor formats, such as:

Injection cartridge systems

With injection cartridge systems, resin components are contained in two separate chambers of a cartridge. They are mixed together by a series of vanes in a mixer nozzle as dispensed from the cartridge.

Mixed resin immediately begins to cure therefore nozzles have to be replaced once the working time has elapsed.

A significant advantage of cartridge systems is that the same resin cartridge can be used to in a very wide range of installations – 10mm – 40mm hole diameters dependent on threaded rod/rebar diameter – and very deep embedment depths e.g 2.5m with R-KEXII and post-installed rebar. Special mesh sleeves retain resin in hollow blocks and perforated bricks. With each fresh cartridge some resin must be expelled to waste, until an even colour is achieved – demonstrating that proper mixing is taking place.

Cartridge free systems (CFS+)

The Rawlplug CFS+ system uses a soft foil pack instead of a hard plastic cartridge. The same polyester and vinylester resin formulations are available with the advantages that they are more economical for larger projects, as well as reduced environmental impact as there is less waste.

Capsule systems

Capsule systems contain precise quantities of resin and hardener with the hardener contained in a separate phial sealed within the outer capsule. The resin also contains a quartz aggregate, which improves the strength of the resin and can be likened to aggregate in concrete. Precise capsule volumes necessitate specific hole diameters and depths, therefore, unlike cartridge systems, a range of capsule diameters are available for predetermined hole depths.

Spin-in capsule systems

Spin-in capsule systems are the original resin bonded anchor and require a special threaded rod with a chiselled point to mix the resin and hardener – as it is driven through the capsule. The driving action must be spinning with this type, hence the name spin-in. The special threaded rod also has a hexagonal driver and is installed using the rotary action of a drilling machine.

As standard rebars do not have the special chisel point and driver required to install spin-in capsules, hammer-in capsules were developed. However, as the installation is relatively simple Rawlplug’s R-HAC-V hammer-in capsule is also suitable for installations with threaded rod, although care should be taken not to damage the end of the thread during hammering. R-HAC-V hammer-in capsules are directional, i.e the catalyst is only at one end of the capsule, which

must be placed toward the outer end of the hole. The capsule has an arrow indicating which way the capsule should be inserted.

Rawlplug uses resins of various formulations such as polyester, vinylester (epoxy acrylate), pure epoxy and hybrids. Formulation of hybrid resin is a mix of organic (resin) and inorganic (cement), with the benefit of higher bond resistance (adhesion) in less well cleaned holes. Resin also contains a quartz sand and this acts like aggregate in concrete improving the strength of the resin. Rawlplug’s resin bonded anchor range is made up from two basic resin types – those cured by a catalytic action, chain growth polymerisation, as well as those cured by direct mixing of the components, step growth polymerisation.

Rawlplug’s resin bonded anchor range Resin formulation

Cartridge

CFS+

Capsule

Pure epoxy

R-KEXII

-

-

Hybrid resin

R-KER-II

-

-

Vinylester

R-KER

RV2000

R-CAS-V R-HAC-V

Polyester styrene-free

R-KEMII

RM50

-

Polyester

R-KF2

-

-

Chain growth polymerisation describes a catalyst initiating the curing of the resin itself. Proportions of catalyst and resin do not need to be precise and a catalyst is not required to be mixed with all of the resin. A chain reaction will propagate through the mix as long as most of the base resin is exposed to some catalyst. This happens automatically with capsule and injection systems.

In a step growth polymerisation, the two resin components will cure only in direct contact with each other. Curing does not spread through the resin, as with catalytic resins, so mixing must be thorough and proportions correct. Epoxy resin, sometimes referred to as pure epoxy should not be confused with epoxy acrylate R-KEXII is the only step growth polymerisation resin in the Rawlplug range and is available as a 385ml or 600ml injection cartridge system. Epoxy resin exhibits very low shrinkage so it maintains a high bond strength in larger holes diameters.

Shrinkage of the resin is also controlled by the ETA process where bond strength may reduce as the hole diameter increases.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Installation procedures

Before installation a number of checks must be carried out. These include checking the use by date of the resin materials, the base material temperature, the working (gel) time, as well as checking the availability of necessary equipment. Protective equipment should also be worn as necessary such as eye and hearing protection whilst drilling, eye protection when setting resins overhead, as well as gloves when handling resin systems.

When installing deep embedment anchorages, as with rebar, it may be preferable to use diamond core drills. However, these create some issues for resin bonded anchors. If the hole wall produced is very smooth it generally reduces the bonding ability of the resin. This will lead to a slurry coating the hole wall that requires careful cleaning. Rawlplug recommends flushing with water, then blowing with air followed by the standard brushing technique.

In masonry, attempts at drilling holes should be performed with increasing impact energy. The lowest to highest impact energy includes: rotary only, rotary percussion, SDS-Plus hammer and SDS-Max hammer. This is critical to the performance of any anchor in masonry as the higher impact energies can damage the masonry unit, creating significant spalling of the unit or loosening the brick/block mortar joint.

Drill dust, if not removed effectively, can leave a layer on the hole wall and significantly reduce the bond strength. This varies between products, and resin chemistry, with pure epoxy, hybrid cartridges, and spin-in capsules, generally achieving smaller reductions in performance than vinylester and polyester resins.

Another consideration is storage temperature.

Resin bonded anchors should be stored and transported in a controlled temperature environment, generally between 5°C and 25°C. Low resin temperatures increase the viscosity and this increases the force required to extrude the resin. The risk with higher extrusion forces is failure of the dispenser, either the handle/trigger or mechanism. High storage/transport temperatures can age, degrade and dry out the resin – creating some significant risks including increased extrusion forces, poor mixing, as well as significantly reduced shelf-life.

An important temperature during installation is the base material temperature and this can vary significantly depending on ambient air temperature, wind, and if the surface is in direct sunlight or in the shade. It is recommended that a non-contact IR thermometer is used to check the actual temperature in the drilled hole. Rawlplug resins are supplied with temperature charts and show a ‘working’ time and a ‘curing’ time. Working time (sometimes referred to as gel time or open time) is the time the installer has to inject the resin (with injection systems) and insert the metal element. Note: A longer time will be required to install large diameter and/or deep embedment rebars, as it takes longer to fill the holes – especially when multiple cartridges are required.

Curing (setting) time shows the time required (at specific base material temperatures) before the fixture can be mounted and the anchor torqued

and loaded. Rawlplug produces resins with slower and faster curing. Slow cure resins are termed ‘summer’ resins and are designed for higher base material temperatures, where anchors can be installed without the resin curing too fast – i.e before the metal element is fully installed. These are particularly useful in countries with higher ambient temperatures or when installing rebar when a longer working time is required.

Fast cure or ‘winter’ resins are useful in reducing the time before the anchor can be loaded with low base material temperatures or they can be used for very fast curing at higher temperatures. The main advantage of this is that the anchor could possibly be torqued and loaded within one hour at a base material temperature of 21°C. However, be aware that as working time and curing time are related, winter (fast cure) resins will have very short working times at 21°C – possibly less than two minutes.

There are also a number of problems that can arise when installing a bonded anchor. For injection systems, the resin could not be fully cured, which has many causes. These include not discarding a sufficient volume of resin before pumping the hole; an expired or out of date resin; as well as not using the correct mixing nozzle. A high base material temperature may also not allow sufficient time to install the metal element. However, too low of a base material temperature may prevent the resin from curing or extend the curing time.

It’s also recommended to have a contingency plan in place in case of encountering rebar during drilling (e.g fixture with alternative hole positions).

These moments, and offset loading, can result with alternative hole positions in the fixture and any alternative anchorage design must be recalculated to ensure that individual anchors are not overloaded. The engineer responsible for the installation must make decisions regarding rebar, as it may be acceptable to drill through a percentage of rebar. However, if the slab has pre-stressing tendons then it will be unacceptable to drill through these as it will compromise the structural strength of the concrete. Use of a rebar detector is recommended, as avoidance (although not always possible) prevents the complication of redesigning the anchorage.

Insufficient or improper hole cleaning, however, is the most significant risk to resin bonded anchor performance. Issues such as using a worn brush; using a nylon brush when a steel one is specified; not brushing the required number of times according to installation instructions; as well as not cleaning the dust from the bottom before brushing; will all reduce the bond strength of the resin bonded anchor.

No other fixing technology offers the diversity of applications as bonded anchors and this is in no small part due to the wide range of possible base materials. Rawlplug offers bonded anchor systems for non-cracked concrete, cracked concrete, for casting new concrete to old, with rebars, and there are even some resin systems in the process of being approved for use in seismic zones.

No other fixing technology offers the diversity of applications as bonded anchors…”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS CHEMICAL ANCHORS + RESINS FEATURE

INDEX approving more references Manufacturer and industrial supplier, INDEX A Perfect Fixing, is ready to take on the new year with big innovations, range extensions – including its chemical anchor range – as well as new approvals – all available in its new 2021 general catalogue.

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irstly, the company’s range of approved chemical anchors has been extended with the new MO-PU universal polyester resin and the MO-PS+ styrene-free polyester with a novel handling indication, which facilitates installation work by indicating the curing time.

The new 2021 general catalogue also includes the range of INDEX Hybrid MS Polymer adhesives, launched last year, that mix the strength of polyurethane with the insulating properties of silicone – creating a product with high adhesive performance.

Silicones, available in a variety of colours and properties, are resistant to water and adaptable to different materials. This makes them a professional solution for assembly and sealing of joints in different surfaces.

The new catalogue also showcases over 7,000 references in addition to over 650 products. These products include the new range of TH/TF anchors for direct fixation on concrete – a range made up of nine models of anchors with different heads, lengths, coatings and diameters.

Manufactured entirely at INDEX, the range is approved according to ETA Option 1, with seismic approval in categories C1 and C2, and is fire resistance certified. The TH/TF anchors also feature an optimised thread that ensures maximum loads in addition to allowing installations up to three different depths. A detachable, reusable anchor has also been added to the range of metal anchors, as well as new measures in the range of MTH Inox A2 anchors.

In addition, the catalogue also features over 150 novelties such as a major range of wire and chain accessories, an extension of the range of hardware fixtures, new heavy and/or thermal insulation metal clamps, detectable nylon flanges, as well as a significant extension of the profiling and support range.

The catalogue is also fully digital and interactive online, facilitating browsing among all its ranges and enhancing user experience. www.indexfix.com

Think Fixing

G&B FISSAGGI, the Italian company

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Contact our experienced staff to assist you for all you need.

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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

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Sika launches Purform® polyurethane technology Sika AG has developed a new polyurethane technology Purform®, which it says has an improved performance profile; is more enduring; and has a strong sustainability profile.

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olyurethanes have many different applications in the construction sector and automotive industry. For example, polyurethane-based joints are used in the weather resistant sealing of façade elements on buildings, as well as to affix building components in infrastructure expansion or interior finishings with adhesives. These high performance solutions are also used in the bonding of body components and battery systems for electric vehicles.

Thanks to this new technology, Sika will be supplying customers with products that not only satisfy the highest standards in terms of performance, but that are also in-line with the upcoming stricter REACH regulations for enhanced health and safety safeguards for users.

Sika says Purform® can offer its customers major advantages. These include the process efficiency brought by less surface preparation – with a simultaneous improvement in adhesive properties. The new technology also makes reliable, stress cracking-free bonding of plastics possible, as well as delivering the best compatibility with sensitive surfaces such as natural stone. Products using the new technology can be extremely weather resistant and can also withstand exposure to UV light outdoors for considerably longer. Thanks to their high durability, they are also significantly more sustainable.

This next generation of polyurethanes will be produced at Sika’s Düdingen site in Switzerland, which is home to one of Sika’s largest

Anchor selection made easier ITW Construction Products is making specifying a correct SPIT anchor or rebar for a project easier with its new fixing selection and software updated design guide – SPIT i-Expert. esigned to generate EN1992-4 compliant designs for static, seismic and fire applications – with either rectangular, circular or polygonal base plates – users can either select from the list of predefined parameters, including safety brackets or barriers, or use the custom mode to automatically select from unlimited SPIT fixings.

The SPIT i-Expert software also features a masonry specific module, which provides users with technical performance data and job site test statistics; making the specification process quicker, more convenient and highly accurate.

“The SPIT i-Expert software has been designed with usability in mind, so engineers with any level of software knowledge can use it with ease,” states ITW Construction Products. “It is accessible on all browsers, across all devices, with no need for App installation, and offers both 2D and 3D interfaces for clear views of each recommended product.”

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Further investment at Düdingen plant

manufacturing plants in Europe. By investing in this expansion, Sika is also securing jobs in Switzerland over the long-term.

“With the development of the new Purform® technology, our experts have created a further growth platform for Sika, with which we can expand our leading position. In-line with our principle ‘more performance, more sustainability,’ we are rigorously implementing our ‘Strategy 2023’ from the viewpoint of sustainable, high performance innovations. With our future oriented solutions, we are the market leader and enable sustainable construction and transportation,” comments Frank Höfflin, chief technology officer at Sika.

Penosil merges with Krimelte Penosil Eesti OÜ, a wholesale supplier of construction foams and joint sealants, has merged with Krimelte OÜ. The Latvian and Lithuanian sales companies that belonged to Penosil Eesti OÜ also became subsidiaries of Krimelte after the consolidation.

T

his merger will simplify and strengthen the management of Wolf Group’s companies and boost its international development. The domestic market’s sales unit of Krimelte will continue its operations with the current team. Both the contact details and the address of the sales office will remain the same. All contracts with Penosil Eesti are valid in their current form and will be transferred to Krimelte automatically. The aim of the domestic market’s sales unit of Krimelte is to provide its customers and end users with premium products and customer service.

Estonia-based Krimelte is a leading European manufacturer of construction foams, joint sealants, adhesives, sealing materials and various surface treatment and cleaning products. Krimelte is part of Wolf Group, which combines all of its products, trademarks and manufacturing and sales companies operating abroad under a single umbrella brand. The main product brands of Wolf Group are Penosil and Olivé.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Spectre is here Launched to bring performance and value to the trade user Spectre – a registered trademark of ForgeFix Ltd – includes screws, hole saws, screwdriver bits, as well as other products being made available to builders’ merchants across the UK.

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he range includes user-friendly products designed to make the tradesperson’s life just that little bit easier. For instance, Spectre advanced multi-purpose woodscrews incorporate a long list of features, often only found in premium screws.

These features, such as a quick start type 17 slash point, a sawtooth to prevent splitting, and a reamer to prevent jacking, make them more reliable than a normal woodscrew saving the user time and money.

Spectre’s advanced timber fixing screws are also crammed with features and are widely used in exterior timber, fencing and landscaping applications. The Spectre range of screwdriver bits includes nut drivers, bit holders and bit sets in 25mm and 50mm lengths. The screwdriver bits are manufactured from two stage hardened steel for high strength and durability. Hole saws are also a key part of the range too, ideal for drilling in pipework installations.

Spectre is also rethinking packaging, with every box displaying clear and easy to read information and an actual size screw illustration on the side. This useful graphic means there is no need to open the box to check the size of the screw and there is no need for a plastic window either – it’s quick and easy to find the right sized screw and the packaging is also sustainable.

To make life even easier, and to keep screws safe, Spectre has also launched a ‘Site Organiser’. This is a tough six compartment case with metal handle and catches – it comes with a selection of screws and the case is easily refilled when those screws are depleted.

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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.

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETA NUMBER

I

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 www.eota.eu

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

EAD 330076-00-0604 - Metal injection anchors for use in masonry

EAD 130186-00-0603 - Three dimensional nailing plates

ETA - 20/0737

ETA - 20/0773

DENEB Angle Brackets

BB Stanz- und Umformtechnik GmbH

ETA - 20/0915

BPC CONNECTORS

BPC Building Products Ltd

ETA - 20/0923

Angle Plates and BAT Angle Brackets

Birtley Group Limited

ETA - 20/0924

Maxi and Speedy Joist Hangers

Birtley Group Limited

Injection System VMU eco

MKT Metall-Kunststoff-Technik GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0811

Eurotec Injection mortar

Eurotec GmbH

ETA - 20/0875

MKP

MARCOPOL Sp. z o.o. Producent Śrub

EAD 330499-01-0601 - Bonded fasteners for use in concrete ETA - 20/0541

Injection system Hilti HIT-RE 500 V4

HILTI Corporation

ETA - 20/0738

Injection System VMU eco

MKT Metall-Kunststoff-Technik GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0812

Eurotec injection mortar Classic,Eurotec injection mortar Easy,Eurotec injection mortar Rapid,Eurotec injection mortar Tropic

Eurotec GmbH

ETA - 20/0873

MKW

MARCOPOL Sp. z o.o. Producent Śrub

ETA - 20/0876

MKP

MARCOPOL Sp. z o.o. Producent Śrub

EAD 330232-00-0601 - Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete ETA - 12/0397

Anchor MTP, Anchor MTP-G, Anchor MTP-X

INDEX Técnicas Expansivas S. L.

ETA - 20/0640

LE-ZN,LE-DZN

Klimas Sp. Z o.o.

ETA - 20/0641

LE-A4,LE-ZNA4, LE-DA4

Klimas Sp. Z o.o.

EAD 330087-00-0601 - Systems for post-installed rebar connections with mortar ETA - 19/0557

Injection system FCR RE

Tfix Polska Sp. z.o.o.

ETA - 20/0540

Injection system Hilti HIT-RE 500 V4 for rebar connection

HILTI Corporation

ETA - 20/0752

ChemSetTM REO502TMEF Plus,EpconTMC6 EF Plus

RamsetReid A division of ITW Australia Pty Ltd

ETA - 20/0922

MKE for rebar connection

MARCOPOL Sp. z o.o. Producent Śrub

ETAG 015 used as EAD - Three dimensional nailing plates used as an EAD ETA - 20/0140

SPAX Concealed connectors SXHCA, SXHCB, SXHC and SXHCC

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0142

SPAX Purlin ties (Purlin anchors) SXPUS, SXPU and SXPRL

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0143

SPAX Hold downs

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0145

SPAX Joist Hangers SXJHS, SXJH, SXJHI, SXJHK, SXJHK2P, SXJHKI,SXJHKH, SXJHKIH

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

EAD 332402-00-0601 - Post-installed reinforcing bar (rebar) connections with improved bond splitting behaviour under static loading ETA - 20/0539

Injection system Hilti HIT-RE 500 V4 for rebar connection

HILTI Corporation

EAD 332402-00-0601 - Variant: Post-installed reinforcing bar (rebar) connections with improved bond splitting behaviour under static loading: 100 years working life ETA - 19/0665

Hilti HIT-HY 200-R V3

HILTI Corporation

EAD 030351-00-0402 - Systems of mechanically fastened flexible roof waterproofing sheets ETA - 06/0007

EUROFAST®

Van Roij Fasteners Europe B.V.

EAD 330008-03-0601 - Anchor channels ETA - 20/0698

HAZ HMPR-Z 41/22 anchor channel and HZS 41/22 channel bolts

Haz Metal Deutschland GmbH

EAD 330667-00-0602 - Hot rolled mounting channel ETA - 19/0438

HALFEN Hot-rolled mounting channel HM;Special screws HS

Halfen GmbH

Optimaxx targets builders’ merchants Optimaxx Products Ltd has experienced continuous growth over recent years, which the company states turned exponential in 2020. Now with its single biggest leap forward to date, Optimaxx’ full range is available in all 230 Wickes stores across the UK. his includes Optimaxx’ range of extreme performance woodscrews, which the company points out feature a number of unique application benefits. “Tradespeople require their tools for trade work to be nothing less than perfect. For this reason, we strive to deliver genuine innovation,” states the company.

The Optimaxx collection includes an array of woodscrew sizes, ranging from 3.6mm x 16mm to 6mm x 180mm screws and 4mm x 30mm to 6mm x 60mm in boxed screws. As well as this there is also the Maxx Tubs of flooring and decking screws, as well as an assortment of woodscrew storage cases – including the 1,000 piece compact case.

The compact case is the latest addition to the Optimaxx range, an all round convenient solution for screw storage. The case features seven removable and reconfigurable compartments of three sizes with 1,000 screws of seven popular Optimaxx woodscrew sizes.

“This is a great testament to the products quality and performance and a brilliant step forward in becoming widely available to all tradespeople and DIYers. With many more builders merchants taking on the range to better serve the demand daily, this development will become a much needed supply to some of the demand in the market,” reports Opimaxx.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE FASTENER MANUFACTURING PROCESS

60 years of technology and quality In 1961 a small family-owned machinery business, situated in the heart of the Basque country, started serving the Spanish fastener market. Today, SASPI celebrates its 60th anniversary and exports its machinery around the world.

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till a family-owned company, ‘zazpi’ in Basque means ‘seven’, which reflects the seven original founders of the company.

“The original founders of the business looked to grow the company and develop the machinery, but it wasn’t until 1986, when my father took over, that the company really focused on boosting exports and increasing our product range to cover all fastener manufacturers’ needs. This decision soon led to us becoming one of the market leaders in our field – with SASPI machines operational in countries all around the world,” comments Mikel Zaldua, commercial engineer at SASPI Talleres S.A. Today SASPI continues to export, with 98% of its production sold into the global fastener market, something that Mikel believes has been instrumental in the company’s success. “Understanding the export market was a huge stepping stone for us. To export more than 80% of your production worldwide in the mid-1980s was unheard of – especially for a small, family-owned company such as ours.”

A key factor in its export growth was SASPI’s commitment to the innovation of its machines. “Since we started, the basics of how a fastener is produced has remained the same. However, the way we produce them has changed exponentially. The technologies on the machines, as well as the requirements of the markets – quality as well as productivity – have meant our machines have evolved over time,” comments Mikel.

Saspi’s product range includes flat die thread rolling machines; rolling machines with pointing units; rolling machines with stud selectors; rolling machines with washer assembly; high-speed automatic pointing machines; secondary operation machines; form rollers; rotary thread rolling machines for nails; and washer assembly units. “Right now our customers expect a machine with as little maintenance as possible,” points out Mikel. “The days when we had a highly skilled operator doing daily maintenance to a machine have long disappeared. SASPI machines must all be up to the task.”

With this in mind, all SASPI machines are designed to maximise production times and reduce down time for set-ups and changeovers, as well as allowing an operator freedom to manage multiple jobs. The machines are also automated and motorised in order to avoid the use of tools as much as possible, thus increasing the efficiency and precision of adjustments. SASPI machines also all feature remote access capabilities – something the

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company says has sprung to the top of customers’ requirements with the recent global pandemic.

“Automation and remote access has been a big topic over the last few years. This pandemic has forced the industry’s hand a little and has meant companies have been required to make this step. We are ready for that demand and as far as remote technology is concerned – we’re still evolving. Right now what is possible is to be able to access the production remotely and the status of different machine components. In the future, we are innovating these machines to identify issues before they arise – using remote technology in order to prevent breakdowns.”

SASPI’s commitment to innovation is as strong as it has ever been, with the company continuing to invest in new technology. “We’re at a period of time at the moment where we are investing a lot of money and time into research and development – whether that’s new technologies or new markets. For 60 years we have been focused on being a ‘trendsetter’.

Back in 1998 we were one of the first fastener machinery companies to use a touchscreen to control our machine – now you look at the machine and think ‘how else would you do it?’.”

Mikel continues: “In 2002 the industry was discussing the benefits of linear drive and direct drive components – but we already had this technology on our machines in the market. Little by little we implement these technologies and innovations through research and development.”

In addition to research, how does the company identify these trends? Mikel says the answer is simple: “Good relationships. We wouldn’t be where we are today if we hadn’t built such strong relationships with our suppliers and customers. We believe in doing more for customers and building that much needed trust.”

Working closely with its customers is a fundamental part of SASPI, as is its flexibility to adapt its production to suit its customers’ needs. “As a family-owned business the company can make changes quickly to any machine in order to satisfy the customers’ requirements,” explains Mikel.

“Our technology, quality and history also enables us to sell into high-end markets such as aerospace and automotive where part quality matters more than price.”

Mikel concludes: “We make it our business to know what our customers or any new perspective customers need from their machines, working with them very closely to fulfil all their needs as a quality, reliable partner.” www.saspi.es

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WELL MADE WONDERS 60 years manufacturing the most advanced and reliable machines

www.saspi.es

T +34 943 850 262 +34 943 850 266 F +34 943 853 445 M saspi@saspi.es

Z.I. Intxausti s/nยบ 20720 Azkoitia, Gipuzkoa.

Spain.

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

The next generation ENKOroll ENKOTEC A/S states the next generation of its ENKOroll type TR01, with an output speed of up to 3,000 nails per minute, is changing the production speed of thread rolling – whether it’s an in-line or batch mode set-up.

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he ENKOroll features a highly rigid structure, which enables it to consistently produce superior quality threaded wire nails. It also has a perfectly engineered mechanical set-up and insertion mechanism to enable fast and easy conversion from ring to screw shank, providing unique production flexibility.

An ENKOTEC feeder bowl also ensures a stable and continuous flow of nails, bringing maximum uptime by avoiding unnecessary stops. This is due to a laser cut manufactured bowl resulting in a smooth surface, as well as a vibration monitoring stabilisation feature. In addition to a smooth product flow, an automated lubrication system, which is optional, supports reduced labour intensity by ensuring correct and timely maintenance of the main bearing.

As an extra technology leap, the new ENKOroll will also be equipped with the latest generation software platform from ENKOTEC, the ENKOsmart, which provides remote access and control for fast track support. With supplementary features such as user registration and event logging, the ENKOsmart brings users the tools to quickly react to errors and conduct corrective actions.

An intuitive interface for control and set-up facilitates easy operation of the machinery and provides quick access to the innovative features.

ENOKTEC explains: “The entire methodology of the development of ENKOroll, with ENKOsmart, has been to create a product that combines speed, flexibility, easy operation and quality output. By merging these features into a digital framework, the ENKOroll ensures maximum productivity for nail manufacturers.”

Walter expands thread former range Walter AG has added two new tools to its product range – the new TC420 Supreme thread former (M5 – M16), as well as a metric variant (M24) with radial internal cooling for blind and through threads.

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oth new tools are optimised for maximum performance in universal use and feature a new combination of gate shape E and a geometry without lubrication grooves. This improves lubrication and at the same time reduces torque by up to 30% – with a corresponding increase in tool life.

In addition to very high cutting data and tool life, users benefit from good surfaces with the new tools. The thread formers also show up to 30% higher pull out strength under dynamic loads compared to other methods, which in turn increases the thread quality for highly stressed workpieces.

Walter offers the new TC420 Supreme thread formers for medium to large lot sizes, with and without lubrication grooves, as well as with axial, radial and without internal cooling – either with a TiN coating (type WW60AD) or as a TiCN variant (WW60BA). Typical areas of application are general mechanical engineering and the automotive and energy industries.

New optical sorting machines drive efficiency Industrial Vision Systems (IVS), a supplier of inspection machines, has launched a range of new optical sorting machines specifically for the high-speed sorting of small components such as fasteners, rings, plastic parts, washers, nuts, munitions and micro components.

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he devices provide automatic inspection, sorting, grading and classification of products at up to 600 parts per minute. The systems also intercept and reject failed parts at high-speed, discovering shifts in quality, and providing quality assurance through the production cycle.

The new machines utilise the latest vision inspection algorithms, allowing manufacturers to focus on other activities while the fully automated sorting machines root out rogue products and make decisions on quality automatically. For classification checks, the systems use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning, providing the machines with an ability to ‘learn by example’ and improve as more data is captured.

The glass disc of the machine provides 360 degree inspection, enabling the system to act as the ‘eyes’ on the factory floor and record production trends and data. By intercepting and rejecting failed parts at high speed, it gives manufacturers the ability to provide 100% automatically inspected product to their customers, without human intervention.

With ‘real time’ data and comprehensive reporting to see defect rates, this enables engineers to immediately respond to problems and take corrective action before products are delivered to a customer.

“Our machines allow manufacturers to stay ahead of their competitors. These new systems are designed for manufacturers of mass produced, small products which they previously would have struggled to sort – causing quality concerns,” comments Earl Yardley, director at Industrial Vision Systems.

He concludes: “We can perceive and detect defects others miss at high-speed. Our optical sorting technology takes vision inspection to the next level. Clear, ultra high definition images allow our new generation of systems to recognise even the hardest to spot flaws and to sort wrong batch parts. This allows our customers to achieve continuous yield reductions, categorise failures based on their attributes, and build better products.”

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Internal threads for metal parts HS ASPE’s range of automatic tapping machines are based on reversible spindle architecture, mechanically driven by lead screw or brushless synchronised motion systems. This enables internal threads, from M2 to M36, to be carried out with standard taps – whilst both cutting and forming.

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he machines feature four spindles with an output rate of 200 pieces per minute, and can produce a quality thread – whether Metric, Metric Fine, UNC, UNF, BSW, G, Rp, Rc or any other special pitch. The orthogonality of the thread is achieved with an axial device that provides for the positioning of the workpieces before clamping. Workpiece clamping is ensured by a hydraulic or pneumatic device that can work radially or axially, depending on the shape, which helps enable no deformation on the workpiece during tapping.

More recently the range of tapping machines has also been updated with a motorised system that provides electrical management of the tapping spindles. The management of the machine cycle is also guided by PLC, through a touchscreen interface that provides ‘real time’ control of the production status and the possibility to modify programmed machining parameters for each piece – displaying any type of anomaly.

HS ASPE’s automatic tapping machines are also equipped with low inertia and fast positioning servo motors, which provide axis control over the working stroke. Finally, the chip, which is produced by tapping, is controlled by powerful oil flows to ensure chip separation from the workpieces and/or by an integrated chip breaker system – used in case of long chips. All parts are then loaded into the machine by means of

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workpiece elevators or hoppers, which feed the parts into vibrating tanks. These then transport the part into the machine to be machined automatically.

The automatic tapping machines are divided into different ranges such as the T10, T10-HC, T20/T20-HC, and the T30. The T10 machines are considered HS ASPE’s ‘historic’ machines, which have been sold all over the world. They were the first tapping machines to include the inclined loading system, aimed at favouring the tapping quality as much as possible and reducing the loading misfeed to a minimum. The models of this type of

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

tapping machines are ideal for tapping medium production lots or for mono scope work, as they can equip a single section at a time, and also for tapping large production lots as they can equip two independent working sections at the same time.

The next range, T10-HC is designed for maximum productivity. Their main feature is the perfect symbiosis between flexibility, quality, and productivity, achieved by simultaneously tapping four pieces at a time on two completely independent working sections.

The automatic tapping machines with double spindle, for high production, are the result of all the experience developed by HS ASPE. The management of the machine cycle is controlled

by PLC with the help of two operator interfaces, one for each section, through which it is possible to change the working parameters; check the production status in ‘real time’; and display any kind of anomaly.

Also available is the T20/T20-HC range, which is able to support the great stresses required by tapping. Usually hydraulic systems are used to fix the parts – especially if they have a round geometry. The machines offer the possibility of tapping two different types of parts on two independent working sections.

To complete the range, the T30 automatic tapping machines are the most powerful of the tapping machines, making them suitable to support the great stress required by tapping on working diameters up to about M36. www.hsaspe.com

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AUTOMATIC TAPPING MACHINES The Automatic Tapping Machines are based on reversible spindle architecture, mechanically driven by lead screw or brushless synchronized motion systems.

Internal threads, within the range M2 to M36, can be executed using standard taps in both technologies, cutting and forming.

Modularity is at the core of the machines. In relation to the characteristics of the application, it's possible to place single/double spindles enabling two autonomous working areas. Flexibility is maximized with the possibility to work two geometrically different parts in completely independent processes, within the machine footprint.

Precision in operation is achieved using a structurally rigid design of frame, along with the engineered and innovative design of the positioning/clamping devices.

Orthogonality and concentricity in conjunction with other dimensional/geometrical features, are lifetime guaranteed. Regarding productivity, a configuration with four spindles, with an output rate up to 200 pieces/minute, represents the ultimate machine configuration.

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- Secondary Operation Machines For Fasteners -

Automatic Tapping Machines

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

The anti-corrosion surface treatment of fasteners

Recently there has been an increase in demand for the hot dip galvanising of threaded rods up to Grade 10.9 – used as anchoring in the construction of wind turbines, geotechnics, hydro engineering and the general construction industry. Thielco Steel Solutions Group has responded to this demand by developing a unique production line specifically for these products, to enable rework-free hot dip galvanising.

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roper corrosion protection extends the life of fasteners significantly, hereby contributing to longer maintenance intervals and general lifecycles of the construction in which they are applied. With the ever increasing requirements for sustainability, it is not unexpected that parts that traditionally did not get any corrosion protection treatment, due to costs or technical limitations, now do need to be treated to meet the demands. Hot dip galvanising is the obvious way to go – by dipping a steel product in hot, liquid zinc, a zinc layer forms that alloys with the steel, providing a strong protection against corrosion.

Zooming in on full threaded rods/anchors of M20 – M56 up to 4,000mm, the first challenge is to keep the thread clean of zinc residue. Where shorter parts can be centrifuged to sling off excess zinc after dipping, to achieve a clean thread, this is not possible with longer products. Up until now, to preserve the function of the thread, they had to be reworked either manually with a steel brush or rerolled by a thread rolling machine, adding a process step and damaging the zinc layer.

Using the new facility, the anchors are instantly and non mechanically cleaned after galvanising, in-line, while they are still hot. This leaves the zinc layer fully intact and

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the product is ready to be used immediately if required.

As the rods are galvanised horizontally, instead of vertically, there are no differences between zinc layer thickness on both sides of the product and no drops or sharp edges will form on the lowest point.

As with all Thielco processes, the risk of hydrogen embrittlement is absent, using adjusted pre-treatment systems, which are constantly measured and documented.

Moreover, the process is fully automated

and recipe driven, ensuring full replicability of results as well as perfect traceability of each and every production batch.

Thielco aims to deploy this innovative facility to support the supply chain partners in working leaner and smarter to maintain a strong competitive position in the world. From the strategic location on the Dutch-German border, Thielco serves customers throughout Europe with short lead times and high flexibility. www.thielco.net

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CEIA

EUROPE’S LEADING ANTI-CORROSION SPECIALIST FOR FASTENERS Aimed at sustaining the life of threaded anchor rods (acc. ISO 10684) for wind towers, geotechnics, hydro engineering and generic construction industry, Thielco now provides a cost efficient solution for corrosion protection of these specific products: -

New production line for hot dip galvanizing of rods M20-M56 up to 4.000 mm and up to 10.9 No reworking required: damage free and ready-for-use after galvanization Recipe controlled for full replicability of results Risk of hydrogen embrittlement fully excluded Full traceability of each production batch

FULL DETAILS ON: THIELCO.NET/AR

“With 70 years of experience, fast turnaround times and strategic location on the Dutch-German border, we service the fastener industry throughout Europe. Our services include steel gratings, hot dip spin galvanization (NT/HT), mechanical zinc plating and Geomet zinc flake coatings.”

Please contact us for more information: Dr. Poelsstraat 2, NL-5953 NP Reuver, The Netherlands T +31-(0)77-4769350 E info@thielco.nl | www.thielco.net

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Monitoring of combined headers with Brankamp X7 A boltmaker is a combination of three different machines – a header, pointer and threader. To monitor this kind of combined machine, a flexible and powerful monitoring system is necessary – such as the Brankamp X7.

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he first operation that should be monitored is the wire stop mechanism to ensure no short cut-offs are transferred to the heading stations. A minimum load is required to be sure that the cut-off is pushed properly to the end stop, otherwise the machine must be stopped or the short cut-off must be dropped/sorted before forming.

Next are the heading stations (4 or 5 stages), which must be monitored with force sensors in each station to prevent overload and ensure a high part quality. Double envelope curves are the best monitoring method to stop the boltmaker in case of major forces being exceeded and to protect the next station.

Inner envelope curves are used in the X7 in case of minor forces, which lead to quality deviation (e.g cracked heads). Quality defects should be sorted out in the last station/finger or behind the header so that the productivity of the boltmaker is not reduced. Additionally, to the station monitoring both rotator or ejector sensors can be added to the monitoring system to detect special production problems in critical stations (e.g turned parts).

After heading, the parts are transported to the pointing station – which is a kind of cutting process with two or three knives. For this type of process Brankamp has developed a special monitoring method, based on power monitoring, to detect incomplete pointed parts or chipped and broken knives. If a failure is detected those parts are sorted out behind the threader, or the machine is stopped if the pointing tool is damaged.

After the pointing process, the threading is performed on a combined header and usually with two force sensors, which measure the upper and lower rolling force – with related envelope curves – to sort out defective bolts (raisers, wrong introduced parts, etc).

Additionally, the Brankamp X7 is able to monitor the roll back, if parts are gluing on the threading tool without ejection. In this case

the machine and the pusher must be stopped immediately, so that the following part is not introduced into the threading tools.

Several independent sorters (behind wire stop, heading and threading) must be activated under special conditions. Several stop outputs are necessary to stop the machine (e-stop and bdc stop, separate machine stop for the pusher finger, ghost shift stop, conveyor stop, etc), therefore a powerful and flexible machine interface must be used. Additionally, the monitoring system must provide the opportunity to evaluate different type of sensor signals (forces, power, etc) with different monitoring methods (wire stop monitoring, envelope curves, rotator and roll back monitoring).

The Brankamp X7 system, with a flexible number of sensor channels and monitoring methods, protects this type of machine in each operation. www.marposs.com

Remote access from Videx To cope with a world of restricted travel, all Videx machines are now equipped with remote access features that will enable servicing without having to travel. This remote access is now done by computer access and will soon also be available by video service. he demand for fully automatic lines requiring less human intervention and fewer employees has grown exponentially during the worldwide pandemic. “We’ve found this trend is also evident in countries with low salaries such as India or Brazil. Remote access enables companies to keep operating even in cases the employees are quarantined or banned from reaching the factories,” explains David Wiesenfeld at Videx Machine Engineering Ltd. David adds: “Videx had a full order book when Covid-19 struck the world and virtually stopped all ongoing negotiations for 6 months. In the last few months, and despite the second wave in Europe and the elections in the USA, we do see an improvement in the atmosphere, backed by some new orders.”

“We at Videx assume that worldwide markets will become more local, with less import of finished goods. This trend will help many machine manufacturers and companies supplying surrounding services, who can help their customers produce parts more effectively and competitively.”

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The added value in coating Specialists in dip spin coating systems have significantly improved material flow over recent years with intelligent part guidance through Multivariable Coating Systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; enabling different batches and coating states to be ran simultaneously in one system.

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he evaporation, drying and cooling parts of these systems are carried out in the furnaces developed and produced by Reinhardt GmbH. The renowned manufacturer of industrial furnaces guarantees a perfect air flow with high temperature uniformity at all times. The patented and proven pallet transport system, over several levels, also saves expensive space in the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hall, thus saving money.

Since there is only one drum or basket in the medium at a time, considerably less space and material is required during the actual coating process compared to multi-drum systems. The intelligent control of the speed, direction of rotation, and angle of inclination, produces excellent results even with scooping parts.

The coating chamber also features a new air conditioning system, which helps guarantee a more continuous colour quality, as well as helping optimise the redosing. These measures minimise the consumption of the coating media.

THINKING AHEAD Product inspection and packaging with over 40 years of specialised experience

Design and manufacturing of inspection and packaging systems

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info@weighpack.nl Tel +31 70 3067100 Fax +31 70 3549081

TESTING

INSIGHT INTO TESTING METHODS FOR THE FASTENER SECTOR

NEW: Fastener Testing features For 2021 we have introduced a new section within the magazine that will focus on ‘Fastener Testing’ and the machinery and tests involved to ensure fasteners reach the quality requirements and standards needed across every industry sector.

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he demands from customers for more testing and the need to meet extra requirements, and new standards, is growing within the fastener industry – for both manufacturers and distributors.

This new section will focus on the different types of testing methods required for fasteners and why they are important. Plus, it will include the latest developments within fastener testing machinery and how this equipment can help improve in-house testing laboratories; as well as give an insight into the capabilities and services available from third party laboratories.

Each edition of the magazine will also include a special feature on a particular testing method and the machinery needed for that method of testing:

JANUARY – metallurgical testing

MARCH – mechanical testing

MAY – hardness testing

JULY – performance and application testing

SEPTEMBER – corrosion and coating thickness testing

NOVEMBER – dimensional testing

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TESTING METALLURGICAL TESTING FEATURE

The nuts and bolts of metallurgical testing Holding structures together has never been more important to us all. If we look around us, wherever we are in the world, in whichever work or home setting, the number of nuts, bolts and studs will be impossible to count.

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hese fixtures couple things together and if they fail, they are the weak link in the assembly. Verifying that they are fit for function is critical. If expert verification is not conducted, these products could cause catastrophic health and safety issues. For instance, failed parts have caused oil spills and sunk ships, with devastating environmental, human and economic impact.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine has therefore teamed up with UK-based Rotech Laboratories, a leading UKAS accredited materials testing laboratory, to explore the significance of fastener testing, how it is carried out and its importance to many sectors of industry.

Rotech is part of the wider Rubery Owen Group and RO Materials Testing Division. Materials testing has been an integral part of business operations since around 1918, due to demands placed on its broad manufacturing base to ensure compliance and validation of goods – against the proliferation of international material, as well as engineering standards becoming essential to its development.

John Cross, general manager at Rotech Laboratories, comments: “Significant development of materials is continually taking place because fasteners are required to be exposed to new and demanding working environments, with each one having to be suitable for purpose and the operational situation. The product must be verified because there are significant legal, safety, economic and environmental implications, and breach failures, if the right materials are not used for the right applications.”

“A core element of our scope of operations is expertise in fastener testing. We are able to test, verify and validate fasteners using mechanical, corrosion, chemical analysis, and metallurgical testing, against many aspects of the specifications and standards. However, it is the importance of the metallurgical assessment of the parts that is so often underappreciated. This is usually because the test observations are not clearly understood by all and the quantitative implications of these results cannot always be easily or directly translated into how the product may react or perform in service.”

John continues: “Of critical importance to the functionality of a fastener, in any application, is that the part is made from an appropriate material needed for a particular application, and that the material has been fully heat treated to give the structure and properties

needed to withstand the demands placed upon it. Heat treatment can not only give the correct structure and properties needed but can also, if done incorrectly, introduce internal and surface flaws that could compromise the properties of the material and potentially cause failure out in the field. For example, the presence of surface carburisation/ decarburisation or the presence of untempered martensitic bands throughout the internal structure, may not necessarily always be detected by additional mechanical testing.”

“Part of the role metallurgical analysis plays is not only product validation against required standards, to determine the appropriateness of a particular metal for a given application, but also for investigation of failed parts. Metallurgical analysis allows us to determine the mechanism that has caused a metal component to fail and how to prevent it happening again in the future. This is obviously of great importance considering potential product recalls, assembly strip downs, possible legal implications and compromised health and safety criteria.”

Given the importance of the metallurgical aspects of a component, how is this assessed? John Cross explains: “It can be done by a series of methods but usually involves the sectioning, mounting, polishing and grinding of a material. It may also involve etching of the prepared section to reveal its microstructure – depending on the aim of the examination.

The assessment is then conducted using either an optical or electron scanning microscope to indicate its structural condition.”

As part of its scope of testing, Rotech’s team of experienced metallurgists, technologists, and technicians, will assess the parts for conformance. This may include fractographic, macrostructural and microstructural examinations of fasteners, as well as structural determinations such as extent of decarburisation, material grain

...it is the importance of the metallurgical assessment of the parts that is so often underappreciated.”

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size, cleanliness assessments (presence of non-metallic inclusions), austenite spacing and volume fractions in duplex materials, as well as assessment of hardened surface layers such as case hardening.

John Cross adds: “Decarburisation assessment in carbon steels, for bolting applications, is a fundamental test carried out widely as part of many international fastener specifications. Decarburisation is the process by which, at higher temperatures in the presence of a decarburising gas, carbon in the surface material is depleted resulting in a softening of the surface layers. Decarburisation is detrimental to the wear life and fatigue life of steel heat treated components and as such should be limited or eliminated altogether.”

“More specialised materials used in fastener parts, such as nickel based alloys (for example the superalloy range including alloys 625 and 718), can be susceptible to the formation of detrimental phases within their microstructure due to certain thermocyclic conditions or poor heat treatment processes. This is where the experience and knowledge of the trained metallurgist comes into play in assessing the microstructure and identifying anything unfavourable, which may cause failure of the part or compromise service life.”

“Examples are the presence of acicular (delta) phase in alloy 718 or the presence of continuous grain boundary networks in alloy 625, both of which may give rise to catastrophic failure in certain service conditions. Again, these unfavourable metallurgical structures are not always detected by mechanical testing.”

Many fastener applications not only require the material to be heat treated, to provide the strength and properties needed for use, but they also require the parts to undergo surface treatments to aid wear resistance, prolong life, aid functionality and provide corrosion resistance. In many situations these additional treatment processes also require metallurgical verification to ensure the fastener’s performance would not be compromised due to failure to meet specifications.

Metallurgical assessment and investigation of fastener parts is essential in providing manufacturers with the confidence they need in selling a product to an international market, assured that it is fit for purpose and eliminates any potential legal concerns, damage to reputation, market position or costly field failures due to non-conforming parts.

“We are able to assess if there will be any issues at the design stage. For instance, we verify components into aircraft engines, such as test engines where the cost to strip the engine down is breathtaking if they fail. We verify the components to ensure that this doesn’t happen.”

What are the challenges of metallurgical fastener testing? “We are always aware the stakes are high, so our laboratory must always maintain a high-level of technical expertise to be able to analyse results.

Preparation of each product, from start to finish is also very important, so we have the highest standards throughout the

process. As we are UKAS accredited, this means that full traceability must be maintained.”

“This is just as important when we are asked to look at a product from the back end, when it has failed, and we look at the fractured face. Our results are fed back to the customer, with an analysis of what we believe has caused the failure. They then have to act on that analysis and advice. This report could include information on a design or material change, poor quality material, deficient design, environmental issues, external corrosions, heat treatment failures, or inappropriate heat treatment processes.”

“We regularly see situations where corners have been cut, which can mean issues with furnaces, heat treatments, as well as cheaper or inadequate materials being used in cost cutting measures. Sometimes people just do not understand the implications and consequences of their actions. This is especially prevalent when components have been subcontracted and control of the product is passed on. Examples would be, trying to get more product in and overloading the furnace or cutting back on furnace soak times. If the furnace has not been maintained, seals can fail, furnace integrity is compromised, and this causes issues with the product.”

Keeping our structures together and ensuring that there are no weak links in the assembly, looking after our environment, our people, and business revenues, are the rewards for making sure that our fasteners are fit for purpose. It is a considerable responsibility.

For more information about Rotech Laboratories go www.rotechlabs.co.uk or speak to Rotech’s experts +44 (0)121 505 4050, quoting Fastener + Fixing Magazine.

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TESTING

New hardness tester brings maximum flexibility Buehler – ITW Test & Measurement GmbH states that its new Wilson RH2150 represents the next generation of hardness testers.

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ased on the concept of the proven globally used RB2000, and offering a large range of testing scales and newly developed functions, Buehler points out that the RH2150 meets today’s testing requirements. Due to its numerous accessories, it is also capable of testing many different parts and components – whether in high volume production applications, in quality control or in the R&D laboratory.

With its completely new user interface and advanced statistical calculations, as well as results graphing and easy test programmability, the Wilson RH2150 optimises testing processes. Via an integrated USB interface, results can be exported as a CSV and/or txt file on a memory device. The optional, individually configurable DiaMet™ test software – with its further advanced programming and export functions – provides for additional flexibility.

The new Wilson RH2150 series is available in two configurations for different load ranges. Whereas the Regular version is appropriate for the regular Rockwell scale, the Twin version also allows measuring in the superficial Rockwell scale. In addition, both can be used for Brinell depth testing with up to 187.5kgf and for ball indentation testing that is common in the plastics and the carbon industry. The maximum specimen heights are 10 inches (254mm) with size 1 and 14 inch (356mm) with size 2 of the tester. The maximum specimen weight is 50kg (centred on anvil).

A number of special features provide for easy working without compromising on safety and efficiency. These include the innovative clamping device that fixes the part securely on the tester and provides stability during testing; the adjustable LED for optimum workspace

illumination; indenter extensions for testing on more complex shapes; as well as rigid control buttons for automatic test head movement and test initiation. With the design and manufacturing of the RH2150 tester, the DiaMet software, and test blocks, all done in-house by Buehler, system integration is guaranteed.

“The trend towards ever tighter manufacturing tolerances and more advanced heat treatment methods – in the automotive and aerospace industries – require hardness testing systems to be durable while maintaining precise control during critical test data generation,” explains Matthias Pascher, hardness product manager at Buehler. “They must be easy to use, yet flexible enough to meet the increasing demands in these industries.

The new Wilson RH2150 meets these demands. This reliable and easy to use system offers superior accuracy and repeatability against low training requirements. The DiaMet software package enables the system to be controlled via the user interface, with automatic reporting and full traceability of test results possible – thanks to the integrated DiaMet database.”

Bruker launches benchtop metals analyser Bruker Corporation has announced the launch of the new Q4 TASMANTM Series 2, a versatile, high performance spark-Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES) for the metals industry. The Q4 TASMAN Series 2 extends Bruker’s line of benchtop OES systems, combining reliability and outstanding analytical performance with low cost of ownership. he Q4 TASMAN Series 2 employs MultiVisionTM, an innovative dual optics concept, allowing the optimal choice between three variants to fulfil individual analytical needs. Bruker points out that additional benefits of MultiVision are increased reliability and reduced cost of ownership due to low argon gas consumption.

Optimisations of the digital spark source SmartSparkTM and improvements to the coaxial argon flow design contribute to improved analytical precision, long-term stability, and shorter time to result. The pneumatically driven sample clamp on the spark stand also ensures easy sample handling and accepts a wide sample variety for hassle-free operation.

The analytical range of the Q4 TASMAN Series 2 has been extended for many elements, and new element sets – enabling the analysis of new alloy types. Dedicated analytical solution packages are available for all ten common metal bases addressing the entire metals market. These solutions include full element sets, calibrations, alloy groups and standardisation samples. With the ready to analyse instrument, users can achieve reliable and complete analytical results right from the start.

In addition, the new version 3 of the next generation OES software, ELEMENTAL.SUITETM, delivers high functionality with ease of use. Its powerful analysis viewer provides easy grouping and filtering capabilities. Features such as export of results to LIMS or L2 systems, report generation, and generation of control charts are only one click away. The most comprehensive materials database also gives access to more than 350,000 alloys from more than 75 countries.

Dr Peter Paplewski, product line manager for Bruker’s OES analysis business, commented: “The feedback received from our pilot testers confirms that the Q4 TASMAN Series 2 with ELEMENTAL.SUITE achieves goals faster, easier and more cost-effectively than ever before.”

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TESTING

The Rockwell hardness test

By Alan Thomas, market manager at ZwickRoell Ltd

The Rockwell hardness test is the most commonly used hardness test method and is generally easier to perform than other types of hardness testing methods.

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he test method is used on all metals, except in conditions where the test metal structure or surface condition would introduce too much variation, for example where the indentations would be too large for the application or where the sample size or shape prohibits its use.

The Rockwell method measures the permanent depth of indentation produced by a force on an indenter. First, a preliminary test force, commonly referred to as preload or minor load, is applied to a sample using a diamond or ball indenter.

This preload breaks through the surface to reduce the effects of surface finish. After holding the preliminary test force for a specified dwell time, the baseline depth of indentation is measured.

After the preload, an additional load, call the major load, is added to reach the total required test load. This force is held for a predetermined amount of time to allow for elastic recovery. This major load is then released, returning to the preliminary load. After holding the preliminary test force for a specified dwell time, the final depth of indentation is measured. The Rockwell hardness value is derived from the difference in the baseline and final depth measurements and this distance is converted to a hardness number. The preliminary test force is removed and the indenter is retracted from the test specimen.

It is also important that there should be no deflection of the test sample or testing machine during the loading application – from conditions such as dirt under the test specimen or on the machine elevating screw. It is important to keep the surface finish clean and decarburisation from heat

treatment should be removed. It should also be noted that sheet metal can be too thin and too soft for testing on a particular Rockwell scale – without exceeding minimum thickness requirements and potentially indenting the test anvil – resulting in erroneous test results.

DeltaPix upgrades customers microscope DeltaPix, a leading company in digital imaging solutions, has once again applied its knowledge and experience to upgrade an old Zeiss microscope for a customer. eltaPix explains that whilst the customer was happy with the Zeiss microscope it needed more modern features, such as automatic extended focus, advanced 3D topography analysis, and ISO roughness measurements.

DeltaPix was able to supply all of these features without the customer needing to buy a new and expensive microscope. Instead, DeltaPix provided an upgrade of the existing microscope, by motorising the focus combined with DeltaPix InSight software.

This enabled the customer to get all the needed features for a fraction of a new microscope price – whilst extending the life of a good microscope. The new system also provides a better working posture and comfort for the operator while working with the microscope via the ergonomically designed ErgoFocus controller.

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Marposs Monitoring Solutions for SMART forming

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TESTING

Custom-made attribute gauges

By Tanja Kavčič, CEO, and Karsten Kranz, sales manager, Precisium d.o.o

Diameter measurement with a micrometre

Attribute, dimensional, limit and testing gauges are used to provide conformity results on whether products are in accordance to tolerance expectations. Such mechanical equipment determines status into good or scrap, based on the GO/NO GO principle (Taylor’s principle) rather than defining specific numeric value.

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or identifying specific dimensions, one may also use calipers or micrometres. However, those tools must be accurate and inspected periodically by accredited laboratories. Besides, they need to be handled carefully, adjusted, and read correctly, which can be very time-consuming. An alternative, but even more time-consuming procedure, is investigation using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). Here the manufactured piece must be taken to the measuring laboratory, where it is reviewed by a specific technician in measurement technology.

With the help of attribute gauges, dimensions of working pieces can be easily and quickly controlled. Opposite to the above mentioned methods, little skill and knowledge are required to perform the checking procedure. It is a low cost solution and inspection is fast, easy to handle and can be carried out directly during the production process.

Limit gauges serve as a metrological object of comparison, the so called reference standard for previously defined dimensions and shapes. They correspond to a specific measuring standard and are used during or after the production process. A workpiece hereby is not ‘measured’ but ‘checked’. Therefore, one cannot read the specific numerical value of the dimension but rather compare the setpoint value with the actual property of the component in question. While an explicit statement is made (GO or NO GO) additional sources of error can be excluded. Followed tolerances are based on given standard norms or special design requirements. A testing gauge is a precision device with no moving parts that can be used to check the correct dimensions of an object or its specific properties.

Different kinds of gauges are applied for diverse applications, such as: Plug gauges – for checking bore diameters.

Thread gauges – for checking threaded holes.

Gauging rings or setting rings – for checking the outside diameters of cylindrical objects.

Snap gauges – to check the diameter of a shaft.

Taper gauge – for custom-made conical holes with specific tolerances.

Position gauges – to examine dimensional relation between part elements.

Checking fixture – to verify diverse characteristics and shape properties of the working piece.

Using a snap gauge

To use a snap gauge the operator simply pushes the snap gauge to the diameter of the shaft.

The front part (test surface ‘GO’) should fit the shaft, if the dimension is correct within the predefined tolerance range.

A too big shaft diameter causes the snap gauge not to fit the shaft meaning that the diameter of the shaft must be reduced further. The rear part (test surface ‘NO GO’) should not match with the shaft. If it does the diameter is too small.

Certain dimensions cannot be measured using ordinary measuring instruments, such as micrometres or calipers, during the production process – such as cones or specific hole positions.

Plug gauge

Thread gauge

Gauge ring

Checking fixture Measurement on a CMM, in a measuring laboratory, to be performed by a trained controller

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Single ended snap gauge

Examination of such dimensions with custom-made gauges is the simplest, most accurate and lowest cost solution.

Design of custom-made attribute gauges

The development of gauges requires ingenuity, as well as knowledge of gauge design standards, materials and manufacturing technologies. Furthermore, gauge manufacturing depends on excellent production of equipment, proficiency and experience of the operators, and good measuring equipment.

The most important â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ingredientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for designing tailor-made gauges are the specific measuring dimensions one wants to verify. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account both dimension tolerances and position tolerances. Besides, it is important to know the permitted rate of wear; the material of the inspected subject; and the frequency of periodic testing. All factors are relevant for an appropriate design of the gauge with respect to functionality and tolerance accuracy.

For the most common gauges some international design standards exist that are specified in DIN and ISO norms. Plug gauges for example have quite a few standards prescribing external shapes, lengths, and appearance of measuring surface, as well as handles.

Other special gauges must be developed according to the requirements and wishes of the customer. Clients may have an idea of how the testing should be performed and what the fixture or hand checking tool should look like, but it might happen that such ideas cannot be transformed into reality or the price is much higher than necessary. Therefore, there is an advantage if the manufacturer of the gauges also carries out its development considering all needs for final use. Clients participate in the gauge development process, review the gauging concept and if convinced confirm design and production.

Only after final consent does gauge production start. www.precisium.si

Our specialty is the development and production of precise test equipment. We use the 3D CAD software CATIA to develop the right product design for our measuring devices.

Depending on the requirements, the desired data collection for product testing can be done both attributively and variably. We deliver an appropriate solution for a qualitative review of the serially produced product within the specified tolerance range.

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Position gauge for examination of the holes with a control mask in a wooden storage box

Plug gauges for checking the depth of the borehole with specific adaptation due to boreholes limited accessibility on the measured object

TESTING

Vibration testing reaches the next level German manufacturer TesT GmbH states it has launched the next generation of Junker testing machines – with transverse displacement amplitude control. The new technology enables users to simulate the conditions in the field even more realistically.

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bolted connection often bears a lot of responsibility, such as in railroads or aeronautical engineering. That is why users need to know what a bolted connection can withstand and how long before it loosens. The Junker test has always been the preferred method to get the required answers for quality assurance. It is used in particular to measure the service life of a bolted connection under dynamic transverse load.

However, TesT points out that the method still has its weaknesses.

Up to now, it has only been possible, and standardised on a vibration test stand, to adjust the transverse stroke without specimen before the test.

During the test, however, the actual resulting stroke declined because the bolted connection was tightened. If the bolt then loosened during the test, the stroke continued to change. In order to enable a more differentiated test set-up, the new TesT 208.200kN allows operators to control the transverse stroke in a closed loop as desired during the running test. The transverse displacement amplitude can be kept constant and any desired ramps or other sequences can be simulated,

because ultimately it is the forced transverse stroke in the field that leads to the loosening of bolt connections.

TesT’s product innovation already anticipates the new aviation standard ISO 16130, which describes amplitude regulation during the execution of experiments as preferred. It also meets DIN 65151, DIN 25201-4, DIN 16130 and can be used to test all elements of bolt connections and locking systems. With the 208.200kN, TesT explains it has developed the Junker test decisively, setting new standards in the quality assurance of bolted joints.

Change in management

A family enterprise, based in Erkrath, Germany, TesT is also about to embark on a change of management. In 2021 the next generation will take over the business. Julia Kiewitter, Arne Havemann, and Jan Havemann, will be acting as co-managing directors.

Since its foundation in 1994, TesT has evolved into one of the leading manufacturers of universal testing machines and sees itself as a hidden champion of the industry. www.test-gmbh.com

New INSPECTOR torque wrench Founded in 1959, Kistler Group has grown hand-in-hand with its customers to become a market leader for dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technology.

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ere we speak to Wilfried Blechmann, head of business field fastening technology at Kistler Group, about how the company works with the fastener industry and the new INSPECTOR torque wrench.

What are the products/services Kistler Group is able to provide to the fastener market?

“The portfolio by Kistler includes a wide range of inspection systems for fastening technology and quality assurance. We provide our customers with the sensor technology needed for their specific application and offer a range of services. They include regular calibration checks and testing of torque angle in combination with clamping force. Products such as the new INSPECTOR torque wrench enable our customers to execute process capability testing – compliant with the VDI/VDE guidelines.”

What are the main features and benefits of the new INSPECTOR torque wrench?

“The INSPECTOR torque wrench is equipped with an interface to the software programs CEUS and testXpert and helps to identify errors

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within the assembly process.

It allows us to collect data to determine whether joints have been tightened with the correct torque and whether components are properly connected. We can perform that testing process along the whole assembly line and rule out faulty components that influence the quality of the finished product.

We will continue to develop new features for the INSPECTOR torque wrench and plan on adding additional measuring features to measure the elongation of a bolt via ultrasonic, for example, in the future.”

How can the INSPECTOR torque wrench be used to assist in product development when it comes to fasteners?

“With the INSPECTOR torque wrench our clients can carry out process capability tests on bolted joints for evaluation and documentation of fastening processes under series production conditions. This allows them to run tests and determine correct fastening parameters for their specific components and industrial applications. During this process, all collected data is documented and archived, which meets the growing requirements for process capability, traceability, product liability and efficiency.”

Wireless monitoring of tension in critical joints Maintenance engineers in critical environments, charged with condition monitoring, have long wished the bolts themselves could start the conversation. Now they can, with Valley Forge & Bolt taking its SPC4 ® Load Indicating Technology to a new level with the UHF Band RTM™ Meter – a wireless bolt monitoring system.

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he UHF Band RTM™ Meter operates in 433/868/915 MHz frequencies, which includes the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency. This wireless sensor detects and collects the tension level in a bolted joint, as read by the company’s SPC4® fastener, and then relays the data to a facility’s condition monitoring/SCADA system. Users can also program the sensor to take measurements at prescribed intervals and send alerts if a bolted joint falls out of chosen tension parameters.

There are several scenarios in which the UHF Band RTM Meter’s capabilities will pay dividends for users. The first is the meter facilitates close monitoring of new fasteners during and immediately after installation.

The early hours after an initial tightening sequence can be critical to long-term performance because an unexpected loss of tension can affect bolt life.

“The facility manager can set the reading intervals for rapid readings, down to once every second or for every 10 minutes.

They can see immediately if a fastener is losing tension and correct it,” explains James Brooks, head of engineering and business development at Valley Forge & Bolt.

“Conversely, after enough time has passed and they are satisfied that the tension is holding, the manager can quickly and remotely adjust the reading intervals to be farther apart.”

In the long-term, all bolts can be set to broadcast alerts when a chosen tension threshold is crossed. “Select a tension percentage that is close to your application’s danger or alert zone,” adds James. “If needed, a window with upper and lower tension percentage limits can be created. An alert can then be sent as an email or as an audible alarm. The user has total flexibility.”

Valley Forge & Bolt states that for the first time, the bolt is starting the conversation about whether it needs maintenance or inspection. Managers can also program alert windows during ‘interest’ periods, such as times of suspected greater vibration in a process, to gauge how fasteners are reacting.

With a web-based user interface, users can change parameters for each wireless sensor remotely. “These features have never before been available in a bolting wireless product,” said James. “The UHF Band RTM™ Meter is a game changer.”

SPC4® fasteners make it possible to measure the actual tension from within a fastener, providing ‘real-time’ knowledge of critical joint tension and performance from installation through a fastener’s life. A variety of sensors and meters are available to read, display, and relay this tension information.

has reached the next level:

Junker Testing Machine 208.200kN TesT‘s new technology enables

even more realistic simulations with transverse displacement amplitude control.

Make your products even better. test-gmbh.com

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE FASTENER SECTOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FEATURE

Dealing with a time of scarcity

By Jason Bader, The Distribution Team If I am subjected to the phrase ‘new normal’ one more time, I think I might just have to lose my lunch. The term ‘unprecedented’ is also a stomach turner. I guess my inner cynic is coming out to play. I am growing very weary of people trying to rationalise the very real experience of change, challenge and unpredictability.

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hese are just situations we face when we own or lead a small business. The playbook is never written to cover all scenarios. Strategies break down, disruption occurs and creativity emerges. Is it really that simple? Is my high paid consulting advice to you ‘Just deal with it?’ Yes and no. First, we need to get comfortable with the nature of change; then, we break out solid strategies to put us in the best position to thrive in the chaos.

In the past several months, we have become introduced to a fairly new concept of scarcity in both our personal and professional lives. In the earliest days of the

pandemic, we were exposed to empty shelves and a whole lot more space in traditional retail establishments. I remember a particularly creepy feeling when the frozen section of my local supermarket was practically empty. Paper hygiene products were also being hoarded like gold and people were googling ‘Bidet’ in record fashion. Personal scarcity is scary and causes irrational behaviour.

In our professional lives we began to realise that ‘Just In Time’ might just come to mean ‘Just In Trouble’ when looking at the products on our shelves. Those in love with spinning inventory at the upper end of the spectrum learned that just because a purchase order is generated does not

…we need to get back to the basics of ensuring that our most popular products are going to be on the shelf when the customer comes calling.”

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS ensure that products will appear at the dock. Again, not something that most of us have ever experienced. Cut PO, load shelves, deliver to customer. Man, we didn’t know how good we had it.

Enough of the waxing nostalgic and pointless observations on what happened. Yes, it got tougher to run the business. We all need to channel our inner Billy Ocean and remember “the tough get going”. You can thank me later for that song running through your head all day. Those of us who have been through a couple of business cycles (probably the same crowd that knows who Billy Ocean is) understand that the ability to adapt comes from the lessons we learned while getting our teeth kicked in. These became core fundamentals to getting through difficult situations.

In the remainder of this opinionated document, I want to share a couple of focus areas for distributors to revisit as a means to help them deal with this lack of available product.

Better communication with suppliers

Determining the Know your best customers profitability of each customer is an exercise that I encourage every distributor to engage in.

It isn’t fun. It isn’t glamourous… but it is important to the health of your organisation.”

Doesn’t it feel like the answer to all of life’s challenges is better communication? I think I could make an argument that it is, but I would rather get more specific in the way we communicate with our suppliers. For some reason, many distributors have difficulty communicating their expectations with their suppliers. This is especially true in inventory replenishment and availability of product.

In our distribution software packages, we have the ability to make educated guesses on the quantities our customers will consume over the next six months. I am not suggesting that these predictions will be perfect, but we can get pretty darn close. If we can do this, why don’t we share it with the companies that are going to be supplying the product?

If you answer my question: “Because they don’t ask for this information” you deserve to run out of inventory. Take control of your inventory flow. Share your usage predictions with your key suppliers and help make their crystal ball a little less hazy. Some distributors will even issue purchase orders with specific release dates to better insure their flow of inventory. News flash to some, old hat to others.

Understand product expectations

While we are doing a little data mining, the next area of focus is predicting what products your customers will most likely be buying in the future. If you agree with the notion that we put inventory on the shelves to satisfy the needs of our customers, then why don’t you take the time to understand what products are most popular with your customer base?

Over the years, many of you have read and heard me rattle on about ranking your inventory by hits versus cost of goods sold. In times of uncertain availability of product, we need to get back to the basics of ensuring that our most popular products are going to be on the shelf when the customer comes calling. Now is not the time to let fear prevent you from doubling down on the top ranking products.

If you have not done this before, go back and rank your items by the number of transactions over a 12 month period. Just to clarify, an order quantity of 100 has the same weight as an order quantity of 1,000. Each is recorded as one hit. You will find that a vast majority of hits occur in a relatively small percentage of your overall stocked items. Don’t run out of these items, period. Know what is important in the eyes of your customer and get those products on the shelf. Barren shelves in a wholesale warehouse is just as scary as your favourite grocery store.

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? When it comes to our love for certain customers, we often have differing opinions on who the best ones are. Some like them big and loaded with potential. Others prefer that they buy in several of our product categories and carry a strong average gross margin percentage. I happen to like the ones that pay on time and don’t place orders 5 minutes before the close of the day, but that’s just me. Regardless of the various peccadillos, we all love customers that are profitable.

When I say profitable, I am suggesting that they contribute to our bottom line in a positive manner. Determining the profitability of each customer is an exercise that I encourage every distributor to engage in. It isn’t fun. It isn’t glamourous. It will probably reduce a few of you to tears, but it is important to the health of your organisation.

As many of you have discovered, allocation of product is a real thing. We don’t always get what we want from our suppliers in the quantity we want it. Product allocation, from a supplier standpoint, means that decisions are made to ship inventory to customers they value most. Hate to break it to you, but these suppliers have made decisions about who they like the best and you might be on the outside looking in. Fair doesn’t apply when allocating product. It is time for distributors to start adopting the same tough standards when allocating scarce products. We do not have to abide by the back order fill protocol of ‘oldest orders first’. I say we start rewarding our most profitable customers by filling their orders ahead of those who develop alligator arms when our invoices come due. Those who contribute to our bottom line are just better. Treat them as such.

Although I suspect that we will get back to the days of abundance in the next 6 – 8 months, I would hope that the lessons of scarcity remain fresh in our minds. Treat your operation as if scarcity was right around the corner. We call these strategies ‘fundamentals’ because they will allow you to thrive in any economic climate. Now go make some changes while I don my mask and wait in line outside the supermarket. Good luck.

About the author

Jason Bader is the principal of US-based The Distribution Team. He is a holistic distribution advisor who is passionate about helping business owners solve challenges, generate wealth and achieve personal goals. He can be found speaking at several industry events throughout the year, providing executive coaching services to private clients and letting his thoughts be known in an industry publication or two.

Last year he launched his first podcast, Distribution Talk. He can be reached via email at jason@distributionteam.com

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FEATURE

Berardi’s digital commitment Today, digital tools are vital to streamline company processes and for knowledge sharing – helping enhance overall productivity. A key to this development is artificial intelligence, an area in which Berardi Fasteners has been investing for years – in an effort to reorganise traditional processes such as stock planning and supply chain management.

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erardi states that virtual company tours or social media interaction will never replace the empathy conveyed by a firm handshake. However, as a company it still needs to adapt and offer rising standards and services to clients. A prime example is Berardi’s Extracomponents (non-fastener components) project, which means the company is able to offer a much wider and deeper service with many new product categories.

“The Covid-19 pandemic threw us into an extraordinary situation that will not stop when the contagion fades. We have changed the ways we interact, using digital platforms as primary tools to support our commercial strategy,” explains Berardi. “Innovation has always been our objective, but never like this year have we been pushed to make immediate, structural changes to our working habits. We became familiar with tools we did not need to use in the past, such as online data platforms, smartphone Apps, virtual training sessions, and so on, and have learned to appreciate their efficacy in maintaining the connection with our clients.”

Berardi adds: “Advanced companies will always try to reduce management costs, choosing those suppliers that make their product management easy, offer wide product ranges and deliver efficiently.

Our value added is the experience we have built in Lean logistics services, customised to suit the characteristics of each single client.”

Constant research and development of new technologies has enabled Berardi to position itself as an ideal partner for supplying components, even in the most complex production situations. An example of this is how the company has developed its services including Kanban, Kanban Up, as well as the S-BBK 4.0 smart container, which it has offered for several years.

Efficient management of the supply chain happens when there is constant communication among its links, such as with the S-BBK 4.0 smart container. This is a digital Kanban container, with electronic capacity sensors that transmit stock information in ‘real time’, in order to make supplies fully automatic. When the amount within a given S-BBK container goes below the preset point of reorder, the information system generates a purchase order, which is sent on the scheduled days.

“Digital tools such as these, as well as ERP, and Business Intelligence, provide frequent and precise data analysis, which can be easily translated into practical advantages for clients. If all these parts work together in synergy, we can assure an efficient and reliable service and remain a firm certainty even in times of general instability.” www.gberardi.com

Kerridge App to enhance stock picking efficiency Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) is extending its K8 business management software offering with the launch of ePick, a mobile application that ensures the accurate and efficient picking of stock in branch. By automating the picking process, the App gives users the necessary tools to deliver the right products to customers, every time. he ePick App is compatible with KCS’ K8 business management software and is available on both Android and iOS devices. K8 ePick is capable of processing pick tasks created within the K8 system, replacing the handwritten validation of printed pick notes and subsequent confirmation.

Once the pick has been selected, the App will work in offline mode, allowing users to move freely across different locations throughout the yard. K8 ePick provides complete visibility over all the products and quantities that need to be picked and guides users to each bin location.

Users can use the App to validate the quantity they have picked by confirming the full quantity, scanning the product barcode or keying it in.

Through the App, it is possible to perform a visual check of the picked items by accessing the product images stored on K8. In the event

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of any picks being short or other problems arising, management will be notified electronically. Once the task has been completed, the order will be confirmed and details automatically uploaded to K8 in preparation for being invoiced.

“Efficiency and accuracy are the core components of any stock pick.

Not only does this help to automate the picking process and to keep costs down, it also ultimately means that customers receive the items they’ve ordered. K8 ePick is an invaluable tool for any branch user,” said James Mitchell, KCS managing director in the UK and Ireland.

“We expect demand for K8 ePick to be high as customers look for further ways to enhance their use of K8 and deliver further cost and efficiency savings across their businesses in these challenging times.”

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Owlett-Jaton’s new order picker fleet Owlett-Jaton has taken delivery of eight latest generation EKS 412 Jungheinrich order pickers from Germany, increasing its fleet to twenty at its 12,000m2 warehouse facility, with 25,000 pallets, at its head office in Stone, UK.

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wlett-Jaton continually strives to improve on operational efficiency, whilst at the same time reducing the environmental impact. The drive behind the decision to invest in the new machinery covers several aspects on both fronts. Initially, the new order pickers were to replace some of the existing machines, with the balance increasing the overall number within the facility. However, the decision has since been taken to keep all of the existing machinery for the foreseeable future – a reflection of how the business is doing.

The Jungheinrich EKS 412s are technologically advanced, equipped with the most up to date lithium-ion powered batteries – offering optimum picking performance, whilst demonstrating impressive energy efficiency. The batteries take less time to charge, making them noticeably more efficient and they hold double the power and performance than before. The machines offer optimal ergonomics for use in wide aisles, perfect all round visibility (thanks to the new mast and side viewing windows in the cab), along with high stability – which all helps towards health and safety in the workplace.

In 2019 Owlett-Jaton achieved the internationally recognised ISO 14001:2015 certification for its environmental management system. Living in a global society that is increasingly concerned with the environmental impact caused by industry, the ISO 14001:2015 certification demonstrates that Owlett-Jaton takes the matter seriously and actively wants to improve.

Since attaining the certification, Owlett-Jaton has taken several steps to further improve its impact on the environment, with the new order pickers no exception to this. Taking less power to charge measurably improves the carbon footprint. The new lithium-ion batteries also emit no gases during charging and are more environmentally friendly in comparison with conventional lead acid batteries. www.owlett-jaton.com

EPAL pallets ready for BREXIT The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) ensures a smooth flow of goods in the logistics world with over 600 million EPAL Euro pallets and 20 million box pallets in the world’s biggest open exchange pool. Its wooden pallets are treated in accordance with the ISPM 15 standard making them suitable for the unrestricted movement of goods outside the EU. ow the UK has left the European Union, import and export companies fear that trading to the former member of the EU and back may no longer function smoothly. The reason companies are citing this is due to a lack of IPPC compliant wooden packaging and pallets, which must now be treated according to ISPM 15 for transport to and from the UK. The ISPM 15 standard has been compulsory for the international movement of goods outside of the EU since 2002 to protect native woodlands from pests. For goods transported inside the EU, the treatment is not obligatory. For import to a third country, compliance with the standard is rigorously checked upon arrival and if a load carrier has not been treated the whole cargo will be refused entry.

From the start of January the United Kingdom is now considered to be a third country and for goods transported, wooden pallets at all borders to and in the UK will be checked for compliance with the ISPM 15 standard.

The ISPM 15 standard requires the treatment of solid wood with an approved measure. This is achieved on all EPAL pallets by heat treatment (HT) in a drying chamber. This is recognisable through the branding of the central block with the IPPC marking and the licensee’s IPPC permit number, as well as the abbreviation – HT. These markings may only be used by operations that are registered with the responsible phytosanitary authorities.

According to the EPAL Technical Regulations, it has been compulsory for all EPAL pallets to be treated in accordance with ISPM 15 during production since 2010. For repairs, EPAL requires that its licensees use new wood and furthermore obliges repair operations to observe the national ISPM 15 regulations.

Founded in 1991 as the umbrella association of licensed producers and repairers of EPAL load carriers, EPAL is globally responsible for consistent quality.

EPAL pallets are produced from sustainably grown CO 2 neutral wood, can be repaired and recycled, as well as reduce transport distances thanks to a highlevel of availability.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY FASTENING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL INDUSTRIES

Joining the

tech storm

Here Freelancer Ian Parker chats with Professor Andy Schofield, director of technology programmes in the air sector of BAE Systems, about the Tempest project – a future combat air system – and how the ‘Factory of the Future’ concept will enable BAE Systems to revolutionise manufacturing.

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or over 100 years, building great fighter planes has been a UK talent and may have ensured the survival of the nation. Last summer, the UK celebrated the 80 th anniversary of the Battle of Britain victory, in which the Spitfire and Hurricane, and the brave pilots who flew them, probably saved the nation. An arguably better fighter, the Hawker Tempest, fought from mid-1944, but came too late in the war to make a major contribution. However, that name lives again in the UK’s latest fighter project.

The Tempest project is intended to create a future combat air system to replace the capabilities of the Typhoon, from about 2035, for the RAF and possibly other customer nations. Advanced digital technologies are being used to help design and test concepts in the project. The digital approach will also revolutionise the manufacturing process. For instance, BAE Systems is pushing ahead with the ‘Factory of the Future’ concept, which will reduce costs and speed up production.

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Prof Schofield explains: “We’ve taken the challenge that Tempest gives us and we’ve translated it into a manufacturing challenge. We have to increase productivity and address the time it takes to get products to market. It’s about eliminating non-value-added activities.”

The Typhoon was BAE Systems’ first digitally designed aircraft, and also the first that was predominantly composite. There was also the F-35 jet that gave the company challenges on high accuracy and affordable composite and titanium structures. For both, BAE Systems had to perform demonstrations that proved the technologies and Tempest is no different.

“We’ve set out the need for the ‘Factory of the Future’. We have a number of technology themes, which include digital manufacturing, intelligent automation, competitive tooling and fixturing and additive manufacture,” states Professor Schofield. “If you think about our traditional ways of assembling aircraft, we have large assembly fixtures and tooling with high

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY non-recurring costs, which we need to reduce. We have to achieve cost and lead time reductions. Our mantra is to do things 50% faster and 50% cheaper.”

Laser shock forming

In aerospace, metallic materials undergo processing, such as forming, joining, welding, hole drilling, etc, and plane makers need to develop more high-tech methods – although metallic materials, such as aluminium alloys, will continue to have a big part to play.

Whilst the historical ways of forming and joining aluminium are time-consuming, and designs have moved more towards composites, by working with The Welding Institute and other partners, BAE Systems is looking at advanced methods for forming aluminium, rather than the traditional rolling, milling, stretching and fastening.

“We’re looking for novel methods of forming shapes, such as laser shock forming, and how we can join the materials without drilling holes and using fasteners. Using advanced methods such as friction stir welding is critical,” mentions Professor Schofield. “We’ve done some groundbreaking work on how we can form and join aluminium structures without fasteners, and how you can do it with a level of protective treatments that avoids the need to strip down the components, deburr the holes, put in the treatments and reassemble.

That’s where much of the non-value-added activity is. In composites, we have to look at more smart structures with embedded sensors and energy storage. We also have to look at how we test and verify during production rather than leaving it until the end and finding problems then. We have to build in self-monitoring and self-correction.”

Laser forming is a non-contact forming method for sheet metals, in which the metal can be bent, shaped and precision aligned with the use of straight or curved laser scan lines to acquire desirable three dimensional features. These features would be difficult or even impossible to manufacture using conventional metal forming techniques. Laser bending is of significant value to the aerospace, automotive, ship building and microelectronics industries, which previously relied on expensive stamping dies and presses for prototype evaluations. Conventionally, the laser bending process is achieved by introducing thermal stress into the workpiece by irradiation with a focused laser beam.

Recently, non-thermal forming using a high energy pulsed laser has generated growing interest. Similar to the mechanical shot peening process, high pressure and compressive shock waves are induced onto the target material by high energy laser pulses. This non-thermal, ‘shock wave forming’ mechanism is often called laser shock forming. Short laser pulse irradiation is used, in the range of nanoseconds, several orders less than the radiation time of the thermal forming mechanism. The energy of each pulse is in the range of several joules, released in nanoseconds, and results in a high laser power intensity of above 1GW per square centimeter. When the high intensity, short laser pulse is focused on the surface of the sheet metal, the surface of the sheet is vaporised and ionised immediately.

High pressure plasma is then generated and expands rapidly. With further enhancement of the confined medium layer (usually water or glass) the plasma then expands and explodes violently against the surfaces of the sheet metal. The confined layer traps the expanding vapour and plasma, and consequently causes a higher pressure shock impact in the level of over 1 GPa. When the peak pressure of the shock wave, induced by the laser at the surface of the sheet, is greater than the dynamic yield strength of the material, the sheet metal will plastically deform.

Friction stir welding

Many aerospace companies are now looking at friction stir welding (FSW) for building major structural assemblies. It was invented in 1991 by The Welding Institute. FSW is a solid state welding process that forces a spinning tool along the joint line, heating the abutting components by friction and producing a weld joint formed by strong

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plastic mixing (stirring). FSW promises to be a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to the conventional fusion welding routinely used for joining structural alloys on military and civilian aircraft.

Some of the important advantages FSW offers over fusion welding include the ability to weld structural aluminium alloys (particularly alloys in the 7xxx series); better retention of baseline material properties; fewer welding defects; lower residual stresses; and improved dimensional stability of the welded structure. The material that flows around the tool undergoes extreme levels of plastic deformation and a very recrystallised grain structure forms in the centre of the weld. This region of the weld, commonly referred to as the nugget zone, is part of the weld’s heat affected zone (HAZ).

The surrounding material, which constrains the nugget metal and undergoes deformation via the spinning tool’s passage, comprises the remainder of the HAZ and experiences much lower plastic strains.

Because the FSW process does not melt or recast the welded material, microstructural material transformations occur during the weld’s cool down – essentially taking place in the material’s solid state.

FSW may also produce significant economic advantages. The process joins aluminium alloys fairly rapidly – about 4mm/sec – with low heat input and without the costly shielding gases and filler materials required in fusion welding. The aerospace industry also uses substantial quantities of fasteners to join metallic structures – literally millions of fasteners in fabricating a large cargo or passenger aircraft.

Eliminating fasteners in aerospace structures by incorporating FSW joints will provide considerable cost and weight savings.

Researchers from AFRL’s Metals, Ceramics, and Nondestructive Evaluation Division in the USA, have friction stir welded a number of aerospace aluminium alloys, including 7050-T7451, to assess the effects of the process on microstructure and mechanical properties.

Optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

The ‘Factory of the Future’ looks more like a NASA control centre than a production shop

drilling induced damage, whereas riveting and clinching disrupt the structure of the composite significantly. Other methods, including non-adhesive form-locked joints, pin joints, and loop joints, take the advantage of the fibrous nature of the composites to transfer loads onto the metal structure in a sophisticated and clever way. Methods such as self-piercing riveting or form-locked joints have been successfully developed and employed in commercial applications, whereas, the others, such as pin and loop joints, are merely ideas, tested only at the specimen level. Some methods present the possibility of joint disassembly without damage, whereas some are permanent.

Other methods can be used to join any composite and others are limited only to composites with a thermoplastic matrix.

Diverse partnerships

BAE Systems has technology roadmaps that will really start to push the boundaries in these areas. However, the company can’t do these things on its own and for a number of years it has collaborated widely with academia, with research technology organisations, SMEs, and with large blue chip companies. The ‘Factory of the Future’ will pull together all these technologies in collaboration ©TWI with 50 plus partners from companies such as Siemens down to SMEs that have a dozen or so employees.

It also includes research centres such as the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, The Welding Institute and academia including the Universities of Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Cranfield, Birmingham and Strathclyde.

With 3D printing companies such as Renshaw, BAE Systems also has a ©BAE strategic partnership in place and is pushing the boundaries of additive manufacture with them. examination of the welded joint’s Professor Schofield comments: weld-nugget region showed that FSW “Industry 4.0 is right at the heart of transforms the initial millimetrewhat we do. It’s all about how we gain sized, pancake-shaped grains to fine, advantage from the ‘Internet of Things’ 1μ – 5μ dynamically recrystallised and how we generate data and, more grains. The TEM examination also importantly, how we use it. This is a key demonstrated that the FSW process national agenda of how we develop these redissolves the strengthening technologies. The engineer of the future precipitates in the weld-nugget Friction stir welding was invented by Wayne Thomas of is being developed, as we move away region. Also, in the HAZ, the FSW TWI in 1991. It overcomes many from traditional aircraft engineering and process preserved the initial grain of the problems of traditional manufacturing skills, to critical future size and increased both the size of the joining techniques skills, such as automation, digital, mixed strengthening precipitates and that of reality and additive manufacturing. We’re the precipitate free zone by a factor of developing the skilled workforce in conjunction with our supply chain. We five. The AFRL team claims to be the first to explain the continuous have to take the supply chain on the journey with us.” dynamic recrystallisation process in friction stir welds.

Building on the work BAE Systems did with Nottingham University a few years ago, the company is looking at how it can assemble an aircraft Mechanical joining structure without fixtures, without large infrastructure around the Metal elements will continue to be indispensable in aerospace assembly, using robotics and, more importantly, humans and robots structures. Therefore joining them to composites will see increasing working together. “We’re used to seeing robots working in caged areas, importance. Bolted joining of composite materials has several drawbacks, but we’ll be looking at the health and safety of robots and humans resulting mainly from drilling holes. Drilling disrupts the continuity of working in the same environment,” mentions Professor Schofield. “We’re the fibres, reducing the load carrying capacity and causes damage (such also taking things out of the ‘Factory of the Future’, which is essentially as delamination, fibre pull-out and microbuckling). Therefore, the other a testbed, and putting them into our current projects. We’re sharing the methods of mechanical joining have been developed and some of them development of capabilities across a wider network. A few months ago are specially dedicated for joining composite to metals. we were awarded, as consortium within the UK, government funding for Those methods include self-piercing riveting, friction riveting, the industrial development of 5G. This is paramount for the development clinching, non-adhesive form-locked joints, pin joints, and loop joints. of industrial digitisation technologies, which are critical for smart Some of those methods do not require making holes in cured composite factories and digitally connected supply chains.” material (non-adhesive form-locked joints, pin joints and loop ianfliesrussian@aol.com joints) and thus eliminate the disruption of the fibre continuity and

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

New dual curing potting compound Panacol is expanding its portfolio of dual curing acrylic adhesives with the introduction of Vitralit® UD 8052 F, which has been developed for piezo actuators and sensors. It possesses a particularly high tear resistance for bonding ceramics and plastics.

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itralit® UD 8052 F is a low viscosity, one component UV curable adhesive. It is jetable, transparent and fluoresces under UV light.

Customised versions with different colours are also available to facilitate improved process control. Its jet dispense capability makes high UPH (units per hour) values achievable, which is why Panacol says Vitralit UD 8052 F is the perfect choice for consumer electronics applications.

This potting compound can be cured in just a few seconds with UV light (320Nm – 390Nm) or visible light (405Nm). The fluorescing adhesive allows in-line process control with short wave light for maximum productivity.

In areas that cannot be reached by light, Vitralit UD 8052 F post cures with atmospheric moisture, and thus polymerises reliably into a flexible potting and ‘glob top’ compound.

Its high tear resistance after curing has been optimised for bonding ceramic components to plastic, compensating for the different expansion coefficients of the bonded materials. Thus Vitralit UD 8052 F is particularly suitable as a protective coating and for applications subject to tensile and compressive stresses. As a potting compound it features a low halogen content and is flexible offering protection against corrosion and other environmental influences.

Bi-metallic tolerance ring optimises heat transfer in e-motors Saint-Gobain Mobility has launched its first bi-metallic tolerance ring, RENCOL® Thermoclad, which it points out will help automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers achieve heat transfer properties in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid motor applications, cutting down on the manufacturing time and space required by adhesives or heat shrink press-fit. s a lightweight solution acting like a radial spring, tolerance rings fix components together, while compensating for thermal cycling growth and shrinking in motors.

RENCOL® Thermoclad has been shown to compete with leading adhesives yet does not require any curing time or energy intensive processes, so manufacturers can save valuable resources during assembly.

As demand for electric and hybrid vehicles is soaring, thermal management of motors has become a critical component for manufacturers to ensure long life and efficiency at the lightest weight. At the same time, emission and carbon footprint reduction, throughout the automotive supply chain, has put further focus on weight reductions during design. In the past, only processes such as heat shrink press fit or adhesives could meet thermal transfer requirements, but these solutions meant compromising on assembly time, space and sustainability.

To find a better solution, Saint-Gobain’s scientists and engineers studied alternatives that could improve thermal joint conductance for high load on motors. In-house testing showed RENCOL Thermoclad rings performed up to 4 times better than standard tolerance rings when it came to thermal transfer, whilst also remaining fast, and using minimal energy, to assemble.

“Our new solution features a steel core sandwiched between outer layers of aluminium, meeting the identified key elements of effective joint conductance,” explains Charles Gage, senior application engineer chassis and powertrain at Saint-Gobain. “There is no more need to compromise. You can have the right retention, reduce manufacturing costs and make factories greener, as well as having the right thermal performance.”

A tolerance ring using the bespoke RENCOL Thermoclad solution will be tailor-made to users’ needs, ready to mount the stator or motor into the housing. From oil pumps, water pumps, air conditioning pumps, eCompressors, hybrid drive systems and turbo chargers, the new solution allows the use of lightweight materials and customers can reduce their manufacturing costs, speeding up processing time to improve process efficiency.

“Tolerance rings don’t require physical space to cool and, as they don’t require heating or curing during assembly, reduce energy consumption compared to alternative solutions,” adds Charles. “Additionally, they eliminate the need to maintain adhesive application systems and the products can be reworked.”

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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.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Brooks Forgings supplies nuclear critical components Brooks Forgings Ltd has been awarded a contract by EDF energy to manufacture and supply a range of foundation bolting assemblies for critical groundworks. This is in preparation for the installation of various critical infrastructure systems for two new nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point C in Somerset, UK.

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he two new nuclear reactors are the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations that will provide low carbon electricity for up to six million homes. The new reactors will also make a significant contribution to the UK’s initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

Brooks Forgings will supply bolting assemblies that utilise the removable DIN 7992 hammerhead T bolt design.

Ranging from M24 up to M48 in varying lengths, the bolts will be used in a fabricated tube assembly that is welded to BS EN 1090 execution Class 2.

Nuclear safety is a priority, which is why extensive quality certification and documentation was required before Brooks Forgings was awarded the contract. This included, but was not limited to, positive material identification (PMI), ultrasonic testing (UT), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), as well as full mechanicals including tensile and charpy impact tests. This was backed up by an on-site audit that required all documentation and finished components to be made available for inspection.

A total of five quality reports were compiled, one for each size/type of foundation bolt assembly. Totalling over 200 pages each, a physical copy was supplied along with fully searchable and bookmarked PDF files to assist in locating critical information swiftly if required.

Another unique aspect of the supply was the stringent packaging requirements. Supplied in FSC and ISPM15 compliant wooden packing crates, the components were not allowed to make physical contact with the wood during transit. To prevent this, and minimise rust generation during storage, special Vapour Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) bags were used to line the interior of the wooden boxes. A full packing procedure, 3D rendered component layout, and packing list for each box, was designed by Brooks Forgings and supplied for approval.

“The advantages of dealing with one manufacturer are evident throughout this project. By having in-house forging, machining, and fabrication capability – approved to EN15048 and EN1090 execution Class 3 – we were able to have complete control of production and ensure all components met the strict quality, testing and traceability requirements specified,” commented Brooks Forgings.

DIN 7992 hammerhead T bolts hot forged in the UK

DIN 7992 hammerhead T bolts finished

A total of 14 boxes of components were shipped directly to the Hinkley Point C Project Independent magnetic particle inspection

Fabricated tube assemblies to EN1090 EXC 2

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Packed in FSC and ISPM15 compliant wooden packing crates, lined with VCI bags

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Double coiled spring washers for railway applications Deutsche Bahn has recently approved the Delta-Protekt® KL100 coating on Growermetal’s patented double coiled spring washers, produced according to UIC 864-3.

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ade possible by the cooperation between Growermetal Srl and Dörken®, these washers are widely used for railway applications – to fix the rail to the railroad ties. The partial serrations on the bearing surfaces of the washer prevent the loosening of the bolt and the risk of breakage.

Railway washers are frequently exposed to challenging weather conditions and it’s for this reason washers are coated with the high performing Dörken coating system DeltaProtekt® KL100. This coating is able to reach outstanding anticorrosion performances with over 720 hours in neutral salt spray testing, according to ISO 9227, without adhesion issues during operational stress or a reduction in anti-loosening performance.

Springs at the centre of safety European Springs & Pressings Ltd, part of Lesjöfors AB, has delivered springs – with critical functions – to one of the world’s leading suppliers of applications for stabilising buildings in earthquake areas in the south-west of England. excolt Ltd, one of the world’s leading producers of expansion joints and movement control joints, designs and manufactures joint systems that enable buildings to absorb up to 1 metre of movement, when an earthquake strikes. These buildings cover every continent across the globe, including iconic buildings such as Jeddah airport in Saudi Arabia, Jewel Changi airport in Singapore, as well as the UK’s O 2 arena.

“The UK is often misrepresented for its manufacturing capabilities, let alone Devon and Cornwall. However, here we are with two SMEs working together, making a product that significantly contributes to the safety of infrastructures around the world. We have technical sales offices in the UK, Europe, India, China, and south-east Asia, but we manufacture in south-west England,” commented Arun Kingwell, technical specialist at Vexcolt.

He continued: “It’s great to work with European Springs & Pressings as it enables us to not only deliver a high-end quality message but also a ‘Made in Britain’ status that we’re very proud of.”

Michael Gibbs, managing director of European Springs & Pressings, concludes: “It always surprises people how much a spring is depended on for multiple functionalities across so many diverse industries. Vexcolt’s global influence in construction management, delivering solutions to complex building movement problems across all building types, is an

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engineering feat to behold. It’s an honour working with them and it puts a huge smile on the team’s faces, knowing their spring production is at the centre of safety for so many buildings across the world.” www.lesjoforsab.com

YOUR COMPLETE SUPPLIER FOR SPRINGS AND PRESSINGS. LE S JOFORSA B.C OM

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

What is the future for the car?

By Marco A. Guerritore, editor in chief, Italian Fasteners Magazine The automotive sector is very important for the fastener industry both in terms of consumption – an average of 20kg of fasteners are used in each vehicle – and the development and quality of the products. In fact, the majority of fasteners used within car manufacturing owe their technical evolution to the progress of the car design over time, which has enabled them to become technologically advanced special products.

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oday, however, the car industry is going through a period of great uncertainty. The logical question is therefore: ‘What is the future of the automotive sector?’ Many scenarios are opening up and all of them are disturbing.

The first scenario is the one associated with Covid-19, which is proving to be more detrimental than the 2008 – 2009 crisis – where the market lost 15% and returned to positive territory the following year.

Today, due to the pandemic, the European car market is collapsing. The real effects of Covid-19 are highlighted by the negative percentages of car sales in the most critical period of the pandemic, i.e in April 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

Percentages of European car sales by country Belgium

-90.1%

France

-72.2%

Germany

-61.1%

Italy

-97.6%

Netherlands

-53%

Poland

-67.1%

UK

-97.3%

Spain

-95.6%

Sweden

-35.7%

Switzerland

-67.2%

An analysis of the distribution in the decline of sales in European countries shows they are more consistent in countries where ‘confinement’ has been harsher. In a report, the President of ANFIA (Italian Association of the Automotive Industry) Paolo Scudieri, points out that in the first eight months of 2020 the European car market lost 2.67 million units.

In August, a month with traditionally low volumes, the decline in registrations was again more significant (-17.6%), although not at the levels of previous months (June closed at -24%). The ANFIA bulletin states that total registrations in Italy for the month of July amounted to

113,653 units (-10.9%), while volumes in August amounted to 88,801 units (-0.4%).

In the first eight months of 2020, total registrations amounted to 809,655 units, a decrease of 38.9% compared to the volumes of the same period in 2019.

The analysis of the Italian car market by fuel type is very interesting, again according to the data released by ANFIA. Cumulatively, since the beginning of 2020, the share of new diesel cars is 35%, with registrations down by 48.5%, while the share of petrol cars stands at 42% with volumes down by 42% in the January – August period. Alternative fuel cars accounted for 23% of total registrations, down by 4%. However, gas fuelled cars decreased by 41% while registrations of electric cars (BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle) grew by 106%, plug-in hybrids by 200%, non-rechargeable petrol hybrids by 30%, and non-rechargeable diesel hybrids by 78%. Electric vehicles, as a whole, accounted for 14% of the market in the period between January and August 2020.

In addition to the market trends, it must be noted that with the advent of the pandemic, the notion of mobility is also changing. Due to the danger of catching the virus, especially in large cities, more and more people are prefering to use private cars instead of public transport.

This choice should therefore lead to a surge in the car market. On the other hand, however, it must be considered that, especially in large

118 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

cities, the deterrent to use passenger cars is the chronic lack of parking and difficulty of travelling.

Unfortunately, in recent years many Italian cities have developed without any consideration for the existence of the car.

Furthermore, the high concentration of cars causes another drawback i.e air pollution.

This should not only make the authorities more responsible, but also large companies.

They should speed up the implementation of their sustainability programmes in order to meet the expectations of consumers.

Needless to say, people’s sensitivities and behaviours can change radically and very quickly under the influence of events.

“We have witnessed the forceful emergence of a concept that is not directly linked to the pandemic, but

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY that derives from an idea of wellbeing and the common good in which air quality, especially in large cities, is now considered a priority and no longer just a niche for convinced ecologists,” emphasises Sociologist Franco Morace.

“This is especially true among the younger generations, who already show a disaffection towards private cars and instead push for new forms of urban micro-mobility. For them, the car continues to be a mysterious object and certainly no longer an object of desire.”

According to Franco Morace, the social concept of the car is gradually changing in the minds of consumers. The car as a symbol of social status is beginning to fade, especially among the new generations. It is losing its importance due to a change of mentality because it is no longer the object of desire.

Furthermore, what currently dampens the enthusiasm of those who are about to buy a new car is the great difficulty in choosing the right one. There are so many questions: Diesel or petrol? Petrol or hybrid? Hybrid or electric? Electric or is it better to wait for hydrogen?

In short, there are many questions that embarrass, disorient and demotivate potential buyers who could, especially if they live in a city, opt for alternative solutions such as any form of ‘car sharing’. A great incentive for the car of the future should come from improvements in automatic driving. The car industry is making a great effort by investing a lot of money in research aimed at completely resolving theFastener problemAnd within a reasonable time period.

Fixing Mag Ad AW.pdf 13 06/01/2021 12:22

At present there are 5 levels of autonomous driving. It starts from the first level, which consists, above all, of electronic driving assistance with the use of radar and various sensors, and ends with the fifth level where the car is able to move independently in any direction and in all conditions.

The vast majority of cars sold today have level one and level two driving systems, therefore with partial autonomy. Moving to higher levels of autonomous driving is not a simple matter; large investments in design and experimentation are required, but the progress of automatic driving will certainly lead to a great revolution in the use and perhaps in the very concept of the car.

Automatic driving combined with innovative concepts of eco-friendly motorisation could be the catalyst to give new life to a sector that has been showing signs of advanced ageing for some time.

The entire and important sector of components will also be involved in this phase of renewal, which in 2019 had a turnover of about €170 billion and employed more than 300,000 people.

Within the context of car components, the fastener holds one of the places of honour and must therefore play its role with the usual swiftness and ability. In order to be ready to face future events, fastener manufacturers will have to bring to the table inventiveness, courage, initiative, professionalism and above all financial commitment.

Consequently, the collaboration between the bolt and the car will be as strong as in the past, even during the renewal phase.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

NORMA Group launches new quick connector for electric cars NORMA Group has developed a new quick connector for battery powered vehicles. The eM Twist is extremely light and can be installed in a space saving way, making it ideally suited for the usage in thermal management systems in e-cars and hybrids.

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he eM Twist was developed for the VDA type spigot and it can be used in cooling water applications. Its assembly friendly self-locking mechanism can be securely locked with a single movement and opened without tools by twisting the locking ring.

“The drive in the market towards lower emission technologies offers enormous potential for us,” said Dr Michael Schneider, CEO of NORMA Group. “It is important to meet customer requirements precisely. With the eM Twist, we are expanding our portfolio for the growing electromobility market with an easy to install solution – without compromising on safety.”

The eM Twist is optimised for use at operating temperatures of up to 110°C and a maximum operating pressure of 2.5 bar. It is thus precisely geared to the temperature range and pressure requirements of electrically powered vehicles. Its low assembly force also makes it easy to install.

During development, NORMA Group’s engineers concentrated on the essential components and the best possible use of materials.

The connector saves around a third of CO 2 in production and the supply chain compared to similar connectors in conventional cooling systems. The main reasons for this are the optimised use of raw materials in product design and less emissions through transport of the components.

“We are committed to further balancing the impacts of our business with the various needs of the general public,” mentioned Dr Michael Schneider. “As part of our environmental strategy, we are pursuing ambitious goals in the areas of climate, water and waste.”

NORMA Group intends to reduce climate damaging CO 2 emissions at its production sites by 19.5% by 2024 when compared to 2017.

The company’s own production footprint is the key element of its environmental strategy in that respect.

With the eM Twist, NORMA Group is expanding its portfolio of connection solutions for electromobility to include a quick connector for VDA type spigots. Other products within the portfolio include the eM Compact, which is already established on the market and is specially designed for thermal management applications within the battery pack, as well as the TP Flex plastic tube, which offers a flexible and lightweight solution for cooling lines in fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Production of the eM Twist will initially start at NORMA Group’s plant in Pilica, Poland. In the future, production can be expanded to other locations.

Gala supplies wind industry Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd has now been involved with more than 25 critical end user projects in the last five years. One of these projects includes the manufacturing of high-tensile fasteners for use in the foundation, blades and nacelles of wind turbines. n 2018 a top global wind turbine manufacturer approached Gala to manufacture these high-tensile fasteners. Gala therefore invested in a brand new modern manufacturing facility, as well as testing equipment, to accommodate sizes up to M72 and 6m in length. The company also imported critical machines, such as thread rolling machines, to meet stringent tolerances.

This new plant was commissioned in six months and subsequently audited by the wind turbine manufacturer. In early 2019 Gala started bulk supplies of high-tensile fasteners for the foundation, blades and nacelles of wind turbines after the successful testing and validation of the products at the customer’s site.

Subsequently the Gala plant has also been audited and approved by two other leading wind turbine manufacturers, which have also placed development orders for high-tensile studs and cross bolts (pins). Gala can offer studs with a variety of surface treatments options including zinc flake coating, as well as hot dip galavanising (including non-acidic process). Steel is procured from India as well as imported from leading steel mills globally, which are approved by OEMs. “Product, quality and performance of our studs is of paramount importance to us,” comments Gala. “In the last one and half years the company has been working on 0ppm targets from customers. We are now working on expanding our product range and reaching new markets such as the rail, infrastructure, as well as the oil and gas industries.”

The company adds: “With our 25 years of rich experience in the industry, we are committed to ensuring our products meet customers’ quality expectations – supported by strong customer service. Our plants are ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified and we have a warehouse and branch offices in China, as well as an office in Germany. We also have technological ties with leading global universities for continuous product and process improvements and validations.”

More than 50% of Gala’s sales come from exports to countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Finland, Norway, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Denmark, China, as well as Malaysia, and Singapore. Into key industries such as automotive, off highway vehicles, electrical, and railway. www.galagroup.com

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122 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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PRODUCTS + tools THE LAtest product and technology developments STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

Steel hose clamps from Tecfi Italian-based Tecfi SpA is able to supply a wide range of cables and hydraulic fixing systems, including a wide variety of stainless steel hose clamps.

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n its range is the XE: DIN 3017-1 (W2) – AISI 430 stainless steel hose clamp with worm gear drive. It’s supplied with a zinc plated steel combi recess hexagonal washer head screw and is available with band widths of 9mm and 12mm.

Also available is the XG: DIN 3017-1 (W4) – A2 (AISI 304) stainless steel hose clamp with worm gear drive, with zinc plated A2 (AISI 304) stainless steel combi recess hexagonal washer head screw. This clamp is also available with band widths of 9mm and 12mm. The XH: DIN 3017-1 (W5) – A4 (AISI 316) stainless steel hose clamp is also available with worm gear drive and zinc plated A4 (AISI 3 1 6 ) stainless steel combi recess hexagonal washer head screw. This is again available with band widths 9mm and 12mm.

Lastly, the XK: DIN 3017-3-C1-2 (W2) – AISI 430 stainless steel hose clamp is available with a DIN 933 hex head zinc plated steel screw Grade 8.8 and a cylinder nut. Moreover, Tecfi offers bands for cut to length hose clamps in AISI 430 stainless steel, in 30m length with plastic holder and in 3m length with eight enclosures in plastic holder with blister hole.

Additional types of hose clamps are now also under development and will be introduced soon. This new line of products completes Tecfi’s wide range of cable ties, clips, bands and collars for fixing pipes, tubes and cables. www.tecfi.it

STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

The year everything was different… but also greener In mid-October Lederer GmbH planted 500 trees with the ‘PLANT-MY-TREE®’ initiative to contribute to sustainability under the motto ‘every tree counts’.

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ith uncertainty surrounding 2020 Lederer began looking for the opportunities in every challenge, pledging greater resources to its energy transition, as well as sustainability and climate protection. 500 sustainable tree plantings were therefore planted on behalf of the company with a planned project duration of more than 99 years in Utscheid, Rheinland-Palatinate in the southern Eifel. During this time, there will be no deforestation or economic use of the area. Lederer also confirmed that it has been using 100% green electricity since January 2020. With this decision the company wanted to live up to its ecological and economic responsibility as a major consumer of electrical energy and make a further contribution to climate and environmental protection.

With an annual consumption of around 1 million kWh, the emission of almost 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide can be avoided by Lederer moving to 100% green electricity. “In contrast to many other providers, who always supply coal and nuclear power in addition to the statutory minimum share of green electricity, our new partner, LichtBlick SE from Hamburg, actually provides us with 100% green electricity,” explains Lederer. “By partnering with Germany’s largest provider of renewable energy, we are one of many thousands of companies that is actively involved in the energy revolution.”

124 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

Lederer supplies high-quality fasteners made of stainless steel including screws, nuts and bolts from an optimally equipped warehouse with more than 25,000 articles. These articles are all available in stock from its webshop. www.lederer.com

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

TR launches new security fastener to protect medical equipment A new range of security fasteners has been launched to prevent offenders from stealing or tampering with equipment in hospitals and other medical centres.

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he innovative 5-Lobe pin from TR Fastenings is the first complete range of security fasteners made from corrosion resistant A4-70 stainless steel – the preferred material for all applications across the health and medical sector because of its non-reactive qualities. The fastener’s five sectioned screw head means that it can only be undone by someone with specialist tools, preventing its removal by an opportunist criminal.

The durability of the high grade material means that components need to be replaced less often and that equipment is easier to clean and maintain.

“It’s vital that medical staff have the confidence that when they need a piece of equipment it is where it should be. Our new 5-lobe pin fasteners provide a strong line of defence to prevent opportunist thieves and vandals from stealing or interfering with equipment that could be the difference between life and death for patients,” comments Paul Standing, product manager at TR Fastenings.

The 5-Lobe pin is rated as a level 2 enhanced security product and can be supplied with button or countersunk heads in either machine screws or self-tapping screws. A4-70 stainless steel is a high-tensile strength stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance – making it perfect for both internal and external applications. It is used in the manufacture of medical surgical instruments and in the pharmaceutical industry where cleanliness is absolutely key. The addition of molybdenum to its composition provides the A4 grade with a greater level of corrosion resistance making it suitable for use in salt water environments or certain chemical solutions.

STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

Jextar - a champion in stainless steel In many critical applications fasteners need to be stainless steel, but standard A4-80 fasteners sometimes aren’t strong enough. Therefore, two years ago, Dutch fastener wholesaler Jeveka B.V introduced the Jextar brand and is now introducing a new titanium Grade 5 variant.

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eveloped by Jeveka, Jextar is used all over the world by various industries, which have a strict requirement for quality standards. A good example of this is in the semi-conductor industry where requirements are notoriously high. Jexstar stainless steel cap screws of A4-80 quality are available with a tensile strength of over 900N/mm².

As a result of the initial success, Jeveka has recently created a titanium Grade 5 variant for the Jextar brand. Due to the pressed head and rolled thread, these titanium hexagon fasteners also meet high standards, bringing more flexibility in designs and the manufacturing process.

Every batch of Jextar is tested and provided with a 3.1 certificate and all products have full traceability. The products from M4 and larger have a head marking of J900, as well as M3 having a J for Jextar. www.jeveka.com

126 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

PRODUCTS + TOOLS STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

BUMAX supplies waterproof knee joints Swedish premium fastener specialist BUMAX has been picked as the sole supplier of screws for advanced and durable prosthetic knees by WEIGEL+ medical, a German manufacturer of a waterproof and submersible prosthesis knee and foot system.

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UMAX reports its BUMAX® SDX 109 high strength super duplex fastener was the only screw on the market capable of providing a prosthetic knee joint with the necessary high strength and corrosion resistance – to contribute to providing prosthesis solutions to people around the world.

The Niagara Foot is an affordable, high performance prosthetic foot designed for individuals with active lifestyles brought to the market by WEIGEL+ medical, development and manufacturing, and DOI ortho-innovativ, distribution and education.

It will be fitted with BUMAX fasteners for maximum strength and corrosion resistance.

The BUMAX SDX 109 will also be used for the All Terrain Knee, a mechanical prosthetic knee joints used by those with above knee amputations. Both prosthetics can be used in aquatic environments as they

purely work mechanically. However, this requires that all components are resistant to saltwater, including the screws.

“We tried a variety of stainless steel screws when developing the waterproof knee joint, but BUMAX SDX 109 was the only screw that provided both the strength and corrosion resistance we required,” explained Jochen Weigel, owner of WEIGEL+ medical and co-owner of DOI ortho-innovativ.

Super duplex stainless steel fasteners are unique as they combine super high strength with excellent corrosion resistance compared with alloy steel fasteners. They have two phase microstructures containing ferrite and austenite and are cold headed and thread rolled.

“BUMAX SDX 109 is from our high strength super duplex fastener range and provides excellent mechanical properties, and exceptional resistance to general crevice, pitting and stress corrosion,” said

Klaus Vogt, business development manager at BUMAX. “Due to their high-levels of chromium and molybdenum, super duplex grades provide even greater corrosion resistance than duplex grades.”

STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

How to reduce galling in stainless steel applications Screws threaded into blind tapped holes are commonly affected by galling, with stainless steel components especially susceptible. Here, heat treatment and specialist thermal processing service provider, Bodycote explains how Kolsterising®, a surface hardening process for stainless steel, can significantly improve surface hardness and help to eliminate galling.

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tainless steel fasteners are widely used in corrosive environments for their superb corrosion resistance – but often suffer from galling and thread wear issues.

Galling is a type of mechanical wear caused by a combination of friction and adhesion between sliding surfaces, typically under a compressive load, resulting in damaged threads, broken fasteners, weakened joints and seized bolts.

Several factors can lead to galling, such as low surface hardness, rough surface finishes, the absence of lubricants, as well as using finely threaded fasteners or locking fasteners. However, some of these features may be essential to fastener performance in certain applications. Therefore, it is vital to balance a fastener’s properties accordingly. Generally, once a fastener has seized up from galling it is impossible to remove without cutting the bolt or splitting the nut.

Galling resistance in stainless steel metal–on–metal applications can be achieved through Bodycote’s Speciality Stainless Steel Processes (S³P) while preserving the corrosion resistance properties of the base material. Kolsterising® is a proprietary process developed

128 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

to alleviate galling and thread wear issues by significantly increasing the surface hardness (typically >1,000HV), thereby improving the mechanical performance of such alloy systems – whilst maintaining their natural corrosion resistance. After treatment with the Kolsterising process, fasteners exhibit dramatically improved galling resistance, wear resistance and fatigue strength.

Kolsterising is a low temperature diffusion process, not a coating, allowing for treated components to show no changes in dimensions or surface finish. The process is appropriate for a wide range of materials, including austenitic and duplex stainless steels, as well as nickel and cobalt-based alloys. The process produces a hardened layer under the surface of the material, which improves surface integrity and provides more consistent fastener performance.

“Even the smallest component can ruin the effectiveness of an assembly line or cause significant challenges, leading to costly downtime and maintenance issues. By partnering with Bodycote, manufacturers not only solve issues such as galling but also boost safety, quality, speed to market, and profitability,” comments the company.

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

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS STAINLESS STEEL FEATURE

Stainless steel - the best option for corrosive environments

By Bob Carlisle, president, Concrete Fastener Systems Inc Corrosion results in billions of dollars of lost income annually. Determining if a fastener will be attacked by corrosion can be a primary factor in achieving cost efficiency for long-term maintenance. Fasteners will corrode and may lose some load carrying capacity if they are installed in corrosive areas or exposed to different types of corrosive materials.

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he areas and materials that can create a corrosive environment range from pressure treated wood, salt water, ocean salt air, fertilisers, as well as exposure to two dissimilar metals and other elements that are corrosive.

Types of stainless corrosion

Uniform attack – this type of general corrosion occurs when there is an overall breakdown of the passive film. The entire surface of the metal will show a sponge type of façade because halogens penetrate the passive film of stainless and allow for corrosion. Active halogens are fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.

Crevice corrosion – this type of corrosion with stainless fasteners in seawater environments is due to the low PH of salt water. Chlorides pit the passivised surface in the area where low PH saltwater attacks the exposed metal. Lacking the oxygen to repassivise, corrosion spreads. This corrosion is common in oxygen deprived spaces, such as under a fastener head.

Galvanic corrosion – putting two dissimilar metals in an electrolyte produces an electrical current. The current flows from the anodic metal and towards the cathode metal. This process will slowly remove material from the anodic metal. Seawater can act as an electrolyte, which is the reason that galvanic corrosion is a common problem. 316 stainless steel may be the most effective in a marine environment.

Pitting – similar to galvanic corrosion this type of corrosive action is the result of passivation

in a small spot on stainless steel that becomes an anodic. The passivised part remains a cathode and causes pit type corrosion.

Intergranular corrosion – stainless steels contain a small amount of carbon. At extremely high temperature, as in welding, the carbon uses chrome to form chromium carbide around it, and creates areas of chrome deficiency that lessen corrosion protection.

Stress corrosion – may be referred to as stress corrosion cracking or chloride stress corrosion. Chlorides can be the greatest antagonists against stainless steel and are a common chemical found in many environments. Luckily, the effects on stainless can be small in most applications. However, in some environments, such as indoor swimming pools, the effects can be severe and possibly hazardous. If a stainless part is under tensile stress, then pitting may increase and cracking could occur.

Stainless steel is a steel alloy with a minimum of 11% chromium content by mass, and is commonly used to prevent corrosion.

However, stainless steel is stainless, not stain proof, which means that stainless steel features may corrode in some specific types of applications. Nevertheless, stainless steel remains as an economical choice with which to fight against the threat of corrosive elements.

130 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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PRODUCTS TORQUE WRENCH FEATURE

stamping out the impact of theft globally

Choosing the correct torque wrench for your application Torque wrenches have been around for almost 90 years. With advancements in torque wrench designs, and the increased focus on safety, choosing the correct torque wrench for an application can be complicated.

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s bolting technologies have improved, so has the technical aspect of the use of torque wrenches. Controlled bolting specialists, such as UK-based HTL Group, specifically support customers with all aspects of torque wrenches. As technicians now require accredited training before touching a wrench, HTL offers customers across oil and gas, wind, as well as construction, to name just a few, technical training, and gives companies the full suite of rental, sale, and calibration of torque wrenches.

Across many heavy industries hydraulic torque wrenches are used to achieve precision bolting.

This is mainly due to the high torque requirements and corroded fasteners seen on many applications, which would require more man power and higher labour intensity if carried out manually.

Heavy-duty industrial applications, such as flange bolting, provide the perfect opportunity to take advantage of hydraulic torque wrenches. These wrenches have been refined over time, and new versions have been developed, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now possible to buy and use lightweight and smaller nose radius variants for easy access, such as the Enerpac HMT-Series torque wrench range.

There are also applications that are much more suited to the use of a manual torque wrench.

Applications that require low levels of torque often mean that a manual torque wrench can be used, providing there is ample space around the bolting application. Using this method is faster and allows users to avoid the set-up time required when using a hydraulic torque wrench, as there are no pumps or hose connections needed.

Torque wrenches, whether hand or hydraulic, should only ever be used up to 70% and 80% of their maximum working range. Beyond this, users should think about changing to a larger wrench, which will achieve the desired torque but with a lot less strain on the tool. As with both types of torque wrenches, it is vital to ensure the tools are calibrated to industry standards to ensure the highest possible accuracy during operation.

HTL Group is a controlled bolting specialist with decades of experience in the use of torque and tensioning techniques. The Group is renowned for its range of hydraulic and manual torque wrenches, readily available for hire and sale, as well as hydraulic torque wrenches that provide customers with a safe, reliable and economical solution to their controlled bolting requirements.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS TORQUE WRENCH FEATURE

Selecting and using a manual torque wrench

By Philip Brodey, head of marketing and product development, Norbar Torque Tools Ltd In this article we consider the different types of torque wrenches and discuss how to select the correct wrench for an application. We also look at how to use and look after a torque wrench, as well as the benefits of using it correctly to save money and time. Whilst there are a large number of powered torque wrenches, this article focuses specifically on manual torque wrenches – those that require no form of power source, other than that of the user.

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he most common wrench is called a click wrench which, according to the ISO 6789 standard, is an example of a ‘setting torque tool’. It will indicate by a mechanical mechanism giving an audible and tactile signal when a pre-set torque has been reached. The adjustment of setting torque tools falls broadly into two types – those that are adjustable by the operator and those that have a sealed adjustment and are often set in a tool-crib or QC department.

The former type, adjustable, will frequently be used in environments where every job has a different torque setting – such as a tyre shop where every wheel nut torque could be different. The latter, sometimes called production type wrenches, would only be used where a torque wrench is dedicated to a particular application, such as on a production line.

The second most common torque wrench is an indicating design. There are several types and the principal distinction is whether they use a mechanical or electronic means of indication. The simplest of these designs employs a torsion or flexion bar. The body

of the wrench is designed to bend as load is applied to the handle while an indicating bar, routed at the head of the wrench, but not bending, moves relative to a scale.

A development of this basic principle relates the loading on the wrench handle to the rotation of a needle on a dial – a so-called dial torque wrench. Dial wrenches are usually coupled with a slave pointer to record the highest torque reached.

Dial torque wrenches, while they can be used for torque application, are very popular in quality control applications. For example, they might be used to record the untightening torque of a bolt as a quality control measure.

In electronic wrenches, measurement is by means of a strain gauge attached to a beam, which flexes as torque is applied.

The signal generated by the transducer is converted to the required unit of torque, Nm or lbf·ft, then shown on a digital display.

Like mechanical dial wrenches, electronic torque wrenches are often used in quality control applications. However, by using visual, audio and haptic signals to indicate that a torque target is being approached, electronic wrenches are increasingly being used in applications that were previously the sole reserve of click type setting torque tools. Amongst other advantages, electronic torque wrenches are often coupled with in-built gyroscopes to measure angle and can handle torque and angle applications such as cylinder head bolts or tightening to yield. Electronic wrenches are generally the only type of hand torque wrench that

134 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

Electronic wrenches are generally the only type of hand torque wrench that can record tightening or QC data...” can record tightening or QC data for later recovery via a USB cable, or in some cases, wireless communication.

Torque wrench standards

All hand tools have standards against which they should be made. In the case of torque wrenches there are four standards that are often quoted. Two are American: ANSI/ASME B107/14 and GGG 686D. One is international: ISO 6789, which was significantly updated in 2017, and one is Chinese: JJG 707.

These standards define the accuracy and durability of torque wrenches. They are similar in their requirements although each one is a little bit different. The American and international standards require most torque wrenches to give a reading or ‘click’ that is within 4% of the test equipment value. This value can be achieved when the wrench is new, but different quality torque wrenches will lose their accuracy at different rates.

The standards normally call for the accuracy to be maintained for a minimum of 5,000 cycles. In reality

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS some lower quality torque wrenches available on the market can last only 200 cycles before the accuracy is lost – while high-quality items last for 20,000 cycles or more. The significant ISO 6789 update now details exactly how a calibration should be carried out to give consistency across all laboratories, where previously this would have been open to each laboratory’s interpretation.

Benefits of using a torque wrench

Most torque wrenches are used for tightening nuts and bolts accurately although there are also some other uses such as in quality control as previously mentioned. The main use for a torque wrench is to achieve the correct level of tension in a fastener by means of applying torque to the inclined plane provided by the threads. The bolt needs to be stretched to create a clamping force on the assembly.

If the torque value is too low, the assembly will not be secure. If the torque is too high, the bolt may break or the assembly may be damaged. The torque wrench allows the operator to tighten the bolt as the designer intended. The designer should also specify the type and finish of the bolts, the lubrication required and whether any washers or locking devices are to be used. All of these factors and more will significantly impact the relationship between the torque applied and the resulting tension in the fastener.

The effect of badly tightened bolts can be seen in lost time, money and lives. A machine stops working and takes weeks to repair. A bridge collapses. A wheel comes free from a truck and hits a car travelling in the other direction. Good quality torque wrenches save time, money and lives.

the desired torque is reached. If the wrench is operated too quickly, the torque will go too high before the operator can stop. With dial indicating wrenches, the operator must be able to see the dial which can be difficult in applications where there is poor light or limited access. Finally, the operator must apply a smooth and slow force at 90 degrees to the wrench. Side loads can alter the torque applied and may cause the wrench to slip off the bolt.

Maintenance, checking and calibration

Torque wrenches have moving parts and are affected by corrosion and dirt in the mechanism. They should be kept clean and in a storage box. They should not be dismantled without calibration and adjustment afterwards as dismantling and reassembly will affect the torque values.

Although considered by some to be good practice, testing has clearly shown that unwinding a well designed torque wrench to its minimum setting, hence relaxing the spring between uses, has minimal effect upon the wrench calibration.

However, if left for a long period of time without use, it is desirable to reduce the setting to the minimum scale value (often 20% of the maximum). The tool should never be adjusted below the minimum ‘marked’ value as this can adversely affect the calibration of the wrench.

If the torque wrench has not been used for a day, it should be exercised about five times before use to redistribute any grease that had dried up or been squeezed out. For safety critical or high volume applications, it is common to check the wrench every day or every week.

This check makes sure the given reading is inside the allowable tolerance. It is not the same as a calibration, where the difference between the ‘true’ value and the wrench value are compared and documented.

There are many different styles and qualities of torque wrench available. With the correct selection, operation and maintenance, a torque wrench can save you time and money. To make the correct decisions, seek the advice of a specialist torque tool provider such as UK-based Norbar Torque Tools Ltd.

The effect of badly tightened bolts can be seen in lost time, money and lives.”

Techniques for using a torque wrench

The largest part of the uncertainty comes from the operator.

Problems will arise if the torque value cannot be set correctly.

Unfortunately, many wrenches have a scale that is difficult to read or becomes worn away with use. It can also be difficult to position the cursor accurately. Some wrenches have a vernier scale to help.

These will only work with one set of units. Be sure the vernier scale is graduated in the units required.

The operator will also impact the torque by using the wrench too fast. The ‘click’ wrench is designed to give a physical signal when

136 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

Made in

Advertise in the special feature this July Get your company featured in our in-depth look at Taiwan fastener manufacturers and show the world what your business has to offer.

Contact Mac Rahman on +44 (0)1727 743 882 or email mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com

PRODUCTS + TOOLS TORQUE WRENCH FEATURE

One wrench to rule them all Designed to be interchangeable with a wide range of hydraulic torque wrenches and cassettes on the market, the new Enerpac HMT Series is a flexible, two in one tool that can be used with a low profile hex or square drive cassette. Its modular parts eliminate the need to select and purchase separate tools, helping to reduce the cost of ownership.

E

nerpac says its ATEX and CE approved HMT torque wrenches are the most durable wrenches in their class, with up to 2.5 times longer life expectancy than other leading tools. Housed in superior, lightweight alloys, the HMT provides strength and versatility to a variety of bolting applications, all in a single tool.

The tool is also low maintenance with only three moving parts – all of which are enclosed, minimising pinch points. Additional features and benefits include 30 degrees of stroke, allowing up to 25% faster bolting than other known brands, while the tool’s fine tooth ratchet prevents the tool from locking on, thus speeding up the bolting process.

Supplied with an ergonomic safety handle as standard, the Enerpac HMT torque wrenches include a push button, quick release, reversible square drive, while the HSQ square drive reaction arm has a single dial lock for rapid change. The Enerpac HMT Series’ square drive reaction arm also allows the body to move away from any obstacles.

Used with hex sizes from 1 1 /16 inches to 3 15/16 inches AF or 26mm – 100mm AF, the torque wrench has an accuracy of +/-3%.

For additional safety, a link pin retainer prevents dropped objects.

TORQUE WRENCH FEATURE

TORQUE WRENCH FEATURE

Sykes-Pickavant’s industrial torque wrench with split design

New scanner function for MAD and MED

The latest addition to Sykes-Pickavant’s popular torque wrench range is the new generation industrial torque wrench available in two models – the 80240000 and 80250000 – which can be split into two parts for easy and economic storage and transportation.

From now on, torque wrenches of the MAD and MED series from Matjeschk-PowerTools (M-PT) can also connect to a barcode scanner via Bluetooth, meaning data no longer has to be typed in, but can be conveniently scanned using a barcode or QR code.

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he unmistakeable torque signal system featured on Sykes-Pickavant’s heavy-duty ‘Motorq’ range is also utilised for the new models, offering a clearer indication when torque is met to reduce the possibility of over torquing. The push-through ratchet provides two directional torquing, doubling the tool’s possible applications.

Operation is comfortable due to the ergonomic handle, which guides the user’s hand into place and improving ease of use.

Torque control is increased with an accurate scale that can be easily adjusted using the setting tool included with the wrench. This scale is shielded from dust, dirt and spray, allowing for easy reading. The robust construction of the tool gives accurate results to ±4% even in arduous working conditions, supported by the Declaration of Conformance, which meets the requirements of ISO 6789-1:2017 – included with the torque wrench.

The 80240000 model covers 200Nm – 800Nm / 150lbf.ft – 600lbf.ft and the 80250000 model covers 300Nm – 1,000Nm / 200lbf.ft – 750lbf.ft, both with a ¾ inch square drive.

138 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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user must simply scan in the worker ID from the ID card and assign it to the tool. They must then scan the serial number of a component into the documentation, thus assigning the screw connection data to a specific component. Lastly, the user must attach preset torque values to assembly lines as cards with QR codes and scan them in quickly and easily. The torque wrench then takes over the stored parameters, such as torque, angle of rotation, upper and lower limits, etc.

The scanner function can be purchased separately or in combination with the smart documentation system from M-PT, which is software for reliable recording and transmission of screwing and loosening processes. After work, the data can easily be exported to a PC via Bluetooth and archived as a PDF, CSV or Microsoft® Excel file.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

A new year and new start The demand and market for screws with six spline drives is constantly increasing. Achilles Seibert GmbH has therefore expanded its high performance product range to include these products and to further establish itself as a reliable supplier in the sector.

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he following standards will be added with six spline drives – ISO 14585 / ISO 14586, ISO 15481 / ISO 15482, DIN 7500, as well as ISO 14579 to 14583. The company also wants to offer its customers further additional products, so has also added hexagon nuts with flange or locking elements and set screws to its delivery catalogue.

This includes DIN 6923/DIN 985, as well as DIN 913/914. “All in all, we have a wealth of new offerings and we believe 2021 will be a very exciting year for us. Let’s make the upcoming year successful together,” comments Achilles. www.achill-fasteners.com

Sustainable wooden packaging In 2021 both companies and individuals are becoming more eco-friendly and pushing for greater sustainability. This includes companies across the fastener and fixing industries who are looking to Kronus Ltd for ideas in how to follow this trend for sustainable packaging. hen choosing packaging solutions companies are grappling with questions such as “Will the packaging impact the sustainability of my product?” and “How can I make my operations more eco-friendly?”

Replacing metal, plastic and cardboard boxes with wooden packaging could likely solve a large part of the ‘eco’ problem. In a TÜV test, wooden packaging was superior to all other types of packaging solutions. The pallet collar was also recognised as the most reliable, practical and eco-friendly packaging type.

Classical wooden boxes seem to be the solution that provides exactly what is needed – sustainability. However, there are a lot of innovative ‘out of the box’ ideas for packaging. Companies can also choose pallet collars instead of standard wooden boxes.

Pallet collars, which are manufactured by Kronus, are an environmentally friendly and practical packaging solution that solve most handling issues associated with the storage and transportation of small products such as screws and fastener products. They offer the possibility to store relatively large amounts of specific goods and are stackable, which means the height of the packaging can be adjusted to make them easier to work with. Pallet collars also provide the possibility to store different types of small objects such as screws or other fasteners in a single packaging, without them mixing together. There is no doubt that pallet collars are the more convenient and green solution.

Using reusable packaging is also a simple idea for becoming more eco-friendly as well as saving money. The possibility of replacing individual parts of the pallet collar makes this type of packaging solution maintainable with a life cycle of up to 10 years.

Kronus says its ‘Buy And Sell Back’ scheme is the biggest manufacturer developed service for buying back used pallets and pallet collars. The service helps companies around the world to manage and save space in warehouses because it eliminates the need to store empty packaging and provides savings of up to 32% thanks to the possibility of returning undamaged and/or broken, unclaimed pallets and pallet collars. This is a step towards becoming eco-friendly because using the ‘Buy And Sell Back’ service means disposal is no longer required. www.kronus.eu

W

SPIROL introduces extra clearance compression limiters The new CL220 split seam extra clearance compression limiter from SPIROL features a flexible diameter to accommodate wide hole tolerances, as well as a seam designed to prevent interlocking in the free state.

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he spring force generated during installation provides self retention of the limiter within the plastic assembly. Once installed, the CL220 provides a minimum clearance of 1mm over the bolt diameter, which is a 0.5mm greater clearance than that provided by SPIROLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CL200 split seam compression limiter.

The larger inner diameter also accommodates the protective coating of ArmorGalvÂŽ, a zinc alloy thermal diffusion coating that provides up to 1,000+ hours of salt spray protection for highly corrosive applications such as marine, automotive, mining and industrial manufacturing. The benefits of ArmorGalv include no insignificant surfaces on the limiter, whilst making sure the entire inner diameter receives full coating and protection.

SPIROL engineers will also review application requirements and work with a design team to recommend the best solution at the lowest total assembly cost. www.spirol.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

New improvements for RIV949

The RIV949, a hydropneumatic riveter for rivet nuts from Rivit Srl, has been designed for sectors where work automation has become necessary, as well as fixed workstations with vertical applications.

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increase the f a s t e n i n g possibilities and the mobility of the tool, Rivit has developed solutions that provide the riveter with the necessary support to ensure easy and precise balancing and tool handling.

The triple articulated joint arm was already available in the Rivit range, but the new upgrade added supports enabling its use with riveting tools RIV503, RIV504 and RIV506 – both horizontally and vertically.

The chrome hardened steel cartesian arm with balancer for RIV949, has been projected with a new modern concept. Thanks to the movement on recirculating ball bearings, the tool enables a fast and precise alignment on the holes and high smoothness.

Its main advantages include a multidirectional head that allows riveting in any position; great flexibility in extension and rotation; as well as a fluidity of movement and reduction of operator fatigue.

The arm has a minimum – maximum radius of 500mm – 850mm, a load range of 2kg – 7kg, as well as a working height range of 200mm – 1,000mm.

To ensure maximum mobility, Rivit also proposes a housing workbench with wheels and lower shelf. www.rivit.it

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

New inserts from Fixi

Fixi Srl has introduced a brand new catalogue for self-tapping and special threaded inserts, which it says are easy to install by manual or machine operated tools, as well as being high resistance fixings.

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ixi self-tapping inserts are metal bushes with an internal and external thread. These inserts are designed with a cutting slot or cutting holes that allow the self-tapping feature. They are used in both hard materials such as steel and stainless steel, as well as soft materials such as light alloys, plastics, copper, cast iron and wood.

These inserts are available in different geometries with specific technical features and are suitable for many applications in several industries such as automotive and railway, household appliances, medical devices, furniture, composite products and more.

Self-tapping inserts are also easy to be installed.

A user must simply drill the right hole diameter in the receiving material and insert the fastener by using a manual or machine operated installation tool.

The use of self-tapping inserts can also result in a reduction in thread size required, saving material, reducing weight and costs. By using the self-tapping inserts, the base material can be thinner and less expensive too. Self-tapping inserts ensure a higher pull-out force compared to the one given by pre-tapping the receiving material.

As well as this, Fixi is also introducing a new range of special threaded inserts – the KN-KNH series – available in thin wall or heavy-duty versions. The inserts feature 2 or 4 locking keys that once installed – by a punch or hammer – lock the insert against the rotation due to torsion or vibration. The insert can be used to obtain high performance thread on light alloys, steel and cast iron or to repair worn thread. www.fixi.it

Bolting in tight spaces

The importance of threadlocking

The five piece double ended ratchet spanner set by GEDORE red has been developed to tighten and loosen connections under limited spatial conditions.

Henkel, whose brands include LOCTITE®, is on a mission to demonstrate the importance of locking threaded assemblies against vibrational self-loosening and has released a powerful new video and education guide to support this initiative.

he set combines spanners in five different sizes and ring spanners with a ratchet mechanism, which means it contains the right tool for a variety of uses. The side of the ring ratchet spanner is angled by 15° and also features a fine toothed mechanism with 72 teeth, which grips the screw piece precisely and performs the task effortlessly. These properties ensure a permanently gentle power transfer even in hard to access areas. There is also a lever to switch the ratchet from a clockwise to anti-clockwise operation.

Even if the workpiece cannot be accessed from above, ruling out the possibility of using a ratchet spanner, there is no need to change tools. In these cases, the spanner can be used for loosening and tightening, because the opening on the tool can also be placed laterally on the screw.

The GEDORE red set includes metric tools in spanner openings 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 17mm and 19mm, which covers all the most usual sizes of nut and bolt. The spanners are all made of matt frosted chrome vanadium steel, which means they are especially robust and reliable.

here are several different methods of addressing the problem of self-loosening and most of them include the use of mechanical devices to lock threads and maintain the desired clamp load.

Common solutions are a double nut that increases contact through more thread interface, a spring washer to increase bolt tension through its spring action, or a nylon insert which creates interference between itself and the bolt threads.

The limitation of all these methods is that none tackle the gap that exists between the threads of the bolt and nut. The gap appears tiny to the naked eye, but it is still large enough to allow side to side movement of the bolt within the nut caused by operational vibrations. This movement will eventually cause the bolt to loosen, regardless of the mechanical device used to lock it. Henkel’s new video shows how catastrophic such a failure can be.

The accompanying threadlocking eBook released with the video expands on why threaded assemblies fail. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the merits of adhesive threadlocking, either as a standalone solution or to complement a mechanical threadlocking device. It also guides the reader on the choice of adhesives available and how to disassemble the fixture once thread locked.

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144 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 127: JANUARY 2021

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advertisers index 310 Express........................................................ 140 Abbey Clamps......................................................15 Achilles.................................................................. 25 Acton.................................................................... 129 Advance Spares............................................... 123 Albert Pasvahl......................................................9 Alloy & Stainless Fasteners........................ 146 Ambrovit...............................................................13 Apex...................................................................... 125 APM Hexseal..................................................... 143 ARK..........................................................................51 Astrotech Steels Private Limited................72 Atotech.................................................................. 79 Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd.................... 129 Awafast............................................................... 123 Beijing Jinzhaobo High Strength Fasteners...................................131 Bendfast.............................................................. 146 Berardi Fasteners..............................................21 Berdan Bolt.........................................................117 Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San................. 109 Bossong................................................................. 59 Bralo........................................................................15 Brighton Best International....................... 139 Bülte...................................................................... 143 Carlo Salvi.............................................................35 CEIA........................................................................ 83 Cetin Civata........................................................ 23

Changzhou Canty Electric Industry Co,. Ltd........................................ 139 Chavesbao............................................................ 49 Ching Chan Optical Technology Co...........87 Colombo Special Fasteners........................... 11 Don Quichotte..................................................... 69 DS Fasteners..................................................... 143 Fastbolt....................................................................2 Fastener + Fixing Magazine...................... 137 FastFixSearch.com................................... 90, 91 FastFixTechnology.com................................121 Fastener Fair Stuttgart...................................53 Fixi Srl.....................................................................37 Fong Prean Industrial Co Ltd.....................119 G & B Fissaggi Srl.............................................. 68 Gala Precision Engineering Private Ltd........25 H.S. Automazioni Srl........................................81 Hafren Fasteners Ltd.................................... 132 Hang Zhou RET Trade Co Ltd........... 129, 142 Harrison Silverdale....................................... 120 HASPL.................................................................... 45 Hexstone................................................................73 Honsel.................................................................. 135 Index..........................................................................3 Industrial Recence......................................... 109 ING Fixations...................................................... 63 INOXDADI............................................................119 Jeveka.................................................................. 127

Jiaxing Kinfast Hardware Co Ltd.............. 69 Johan Smit......................................................... 103 Joker Industrial Co. Ltd................................. 63 Jubliee clips (L Robinson & Co)..................119 Klimas Wret............................................................ 7 Kronus..................................................................141 Lederer GmbH............................................. 20, 22 Lesjofors..............................................................116 Lusan...................................................................... 63 Marposs................................................................ 95 Mayes & Warwick............................................. 95 Mecavit...................................................................31 Merlin Business Software Ltd................... 105 Mustad SpA....................................................... 107 National Machinery........................................ 29 ND Industries............................................ 4, 5, 27 Ningbo Londex................................................... 33 Nord Lock....................................................... 1, 148 Norm Civata.........................................................17 PGB Europe...........................................................67 Pinstructure........................................................15 Precisium d.o.o.................................................. 97 Pühl..........................................................................19 Ray Fu Enterprise Co.................................... 135 Remaches Factory Srl..................................... 25 Remaches Tudela...............................................57 Rexlen Corp........................................................115 RFKS........................................................................37

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