Fastener + Fixing Magazine #140

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EDITOR'S NOTE

Will Lowry, content director, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Show time!

After four long years since the last show, I am sure Fastener Fair Global will not disappoint and the atmosphere is sure to be electric. The whole Fastener + Fixing team will be at the show and of course our magazine will be on full display – either through the exhibitor stand drop (which I can testify takes a very long time the night before the show), via the Fastener + Fixing Magazine stand (Hall 7, stand 3874) or the multiple media points throughout the four halls of the show.

As visitors, and our loyal readership, will be able to testify, this edition is a ‘big one’ at exactly 200 pages, underlining that when it comes to staying informed on the latest developments across the global fastener industry, Fastener + Fixing Magazine cannot be beaten.

Our Cover Story for this issue is focused on German washer manufacturer Puehl and how the company marked its 125th anniversary, as well as what the next steps will be in its development as a modern forward-looking business.

Within our Insight section we have an abundance of articles on key developments within the fastener sector and at individual companies. Firstly, Gary Peters, director at The Metals Warehouse, discusses why confidence in the nickel market is so low, and what might happen next for this commodity. Next up, Bontempi Vibo highlights how the restructuring of its sales department, and a new sales strategy, will enable it to continue to grow as a business –

Assistant Editor Rebecca England rebecca.england@verulammedia.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

Published by

Managing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@verulammedia.com

Content Director Will Lowry will.lowry@verulammedia.com

Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@verulammedia.com

Sales Director Mac Rahman mac.rahman@verulammedia.com

Business Development Manager –Italy

Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@verulammedia.com

Business Development Manager –DACH & Europe

Chantal Ridings chantal.ridings@verulammedia.com

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

whilst getting even closer to its customers. Another article within the section concentrates on Brazilian manufacturer Continental Parafusos and how it has introduced an investment strategy to upgrade its production machines to continue meeting customers needs around the world.

Within our Construction Fixings section, we have excellent pieces from Barbara Sorgato, secretary general at the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP), who discusses the circular economy and the European industry; as well as Dr Ulrich Bourgund and Thomas Holland-Letz of Construction Fixings Europe, who give the manufacturers’ view on UKCA Marking based on European Technical Assessments. To add to this, there is also a special feature on structural steel and cladding fasteners, with some insightful articles.

The special feature within the Manufacturing Technology section is on heading and forging, for which we have received some excellent content, including SACMA Group and its passion for inventing; Jerry Bupp, vice-president sales and marketing at National Machinery LLC, looks at the use of technology within cold forming; and Carlo Salvi reports on how its wide range of machinery has helped ‘shape’ the fastener industry.

So far, I have only scratched the surface on the huge number of articles and insights included, but I am already running out of space. Therefore, do make sure you go through every page, to make sure you stay better informed.

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 Verulam Media.

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Verulam Media Ltd 2023. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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For most people, the first time they will see a printed version of this March issue will be at the Fastener Fair Global show – so if you are there and you are reading this, how does it feel to be back?

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BREAKING INDUSTRY NEWS AND ANALYSIS

Bossard achieves record financials despite challenging times

In a challenging environment, and despite the impact of the strong Swiss franc, Bossard Group achieved new records in all three of its market regions – with sales in the financial year 2022 amounting to CHF 1.15 billion (€1.15 billion), against the previous year’s CHF 995.1 million, which corresponds to organic growth of 15% in local currency.

All regions performed well in the fourth quarter, when sales increased by 13.3% in local currency to CHF 276.2 million against the previous year’s CHF 250.8 million. The broad-based growth for Bossard, which began in the fourth quarter of 2020, continued in the fourth quarter of 2022. America posted impressive double-digit growth, while in Europe, growth slowed significantly. The situation in Asia was impacted by the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in China and the resulting wave of infections, although strong global demand only led to a slight improvement of the tense situation on the procurement market.

In addition to Bossard’s sustained high delivery capability, the group also experienced a stronger trend toward nearshoring and an increased demand for Smart Factory Assembly (SFA) solutions.

In Europe, Bossard recorded fourth quarter sales growth of 0.8% to CHF 141.2 million (in local currency: +6.1%). Demand remained at a consistently high-level despite continuing geopolitical tensions and their resulting challenges. In an environment marked by inflation and a shortage of skilled labour, Bossard’s smart factory services drew even more attention from customers. However, the strong Swiss franc did slow down growth.

In the final quarter of 2022, sales in America increased by 43.5% to CHF 80.2 million (in local currency: +37.3%). The positive business

development was driven by dynamic economic growth. In the electromobility sector, exciting commercial vehicle projects were implemented. Asia achieved sales in the fourth quarter at a level similar to the previous year (in local currency: +5.4%). After two years of double-digit growth, the high base of the prior year was evident. In December, China’s lifting of Covid-19 restrictions caused a wave of infections, and the resulting production downtime impacted the industrial environment negatively. Although Bossard was able to ensure the best possible delivery capability to its customers, the situation in China continues to cause uncertainty.

SFS realises leap in growth

In the 2022 financial year, SFS Group generated gross sales of CHF 2.746 billion (€2.77 billion), which corresponds to strong growth of 45.1%. Good organic growth was generated in most end markets and regions throughout the year as a whole. The consolidation of Hoffmann in May caused sales at SFS to soar.

Due to the war in Ukraine; sustained disruption in supply chains; further waves of Covid-19; as well as sharply rising energy costs, interest rates, and inflation; considerable uncertainty and high volatility were constant companions during the 2022 financial year. These circumstances notwithstanding, SFS exploited the opportunities that arose and generated good organic growth in most end markets and regions. With the inclusion of Hoffmann, SFS seized the exceptional strategic opportunity to establish a strong international position in the attractive quality tools market and boost sales considerably.

Breakdown of sales by segment

With respect to the segments, the sales trend was broad-based. Development differed between the areas of application within the Engineered Components segment. Overall, sales followed a steady trend over the course of the two half year periods and culminated in good growth of 5.4%.

Driven by the continuing dynamic market environment in the construction industry, the Fastening Systems segment posted another impressive 12.2% increase in sales during the reporting year. The two divisions’ successful market position, and robust supply chains, enabled them to take advantage of steady demand in most areas of application and serve their customers reliably.

The Distribution & Logistics segment set a decisive course to achieve forward-looking development during the 2022 financial year. With the inclusion of Hoffmann, the segment implemented a leap in growth of 212.8%. Both divisions generated attractive organic growth.

2022 strongest sales year in Böllhoff history

Despite multiple challenges in the global environment, Böllhoff Group closed the year 2022 with a new sales record – achieving annual sales of €783 million. Corresponding to an increase of 16.6% over the previous year (2021: €671 million).

Managing Partner Michael W. Böllhoff explains:

“The German economy in general, and the Böllhoff Group in particular, have proven to be extremely resilient in 2022, despite all crises.”

So much so, that for the first time in its history, the family-owned company surpassed the €700 million mark in annual sales. “Overall, we benefited from our position as a strong partner for companies in all sectors and industries – all around the globe,” adds Managing Partner Wilhelm A. Böllhoff.

While demand from the automotive industry continued to be more restrained than before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the general industry increasingly relied on joining technology from Böllhoff. Compared to 2021, annual sales with customers from general industry increased by 15% to around €369 million in total. Böllhoff also achieved significant growth in joining solutions for the aerospace sector. Here, sales have more than doubled – from around €10 million in 2021 to €21 million in 2022. “This is where our recent investments are paying off, such as in further production capacities, as well as in specialised manufacturing know-how for the aerospace sector,” empasises Michael W. Böllhoff.

In recent years, the company fully acquired two French manufacturers of special fasteners for the aerospace industry: French-based SNEP SA in June 2021 and Gillis Aerospace from Dieupentale, France, in June 2022.

Broken down by region, Böllhoff grew in all parts of the world in 2022. The strong upward trend of previous years continued, particularly in Asia and in the Americas – across all customer segments. In Asia, sales rose by 23% to €96 million (2021: €78 million). In the Americas, Böllhoff was even able to increase sales by 41% to €108 million (2021: around €77 million).

“We owe the successes of 2022 to the extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm and passion of our employees, even more so as the general conditions were quite challenging due to crises and inflation,” says Wilhelm A. Böllhoff.

Outlook for 2023

Böllhoff is cautiously optimistic for 2023, the order volume is good – especially in Germany and Western Europe. However, crises and inflation are expected to have an impact on the company’s results in future. To what extent yet remains to be seen. “Despite all the uncertainties, we are looking boldly to the future. We are offering suitable solutions for a wide range of customer requirements in different regions and industries,” mentions Michael W. Böllhoff. “We also continuously invest in the further development of our group of companies and in the further training of our employees.”

In 2023, a major investment in employee training is taking shape at the Böllhoff headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany. For the end of the first quarter/beginning of the second quarter, the company plans to start construction for the Böllhoff Education Campus, an open training and further education space for apprentices, students and employees. On approximately 1,600m 2 , this new building will bring together technical workshops, modern rooms for exchange and training, as well as a smart factory laboratory for topics such as networking and robotics. Böllhoff will invest a total of €5 million in this expansion of the company headquarters in Bielefeld. “In 2023, we have been based in Bielefeld for 100 years now,” emphasises Wilhelm A. Böllhoff. “As a family business, we want to make our own contribution to constantly developing the region as a strong business location.”

The company is also investing heavily in its own infrastructure around the globe. Since June 2022, construction work has been underway in Wuxi, China, for what is now the fifth expansion stage of the local Böllhoff site. Almost 12,000m 2 of building space will be added there for Böllhoff’s Thread Technology division. This corresponds to an area of 1.7 football pitches. The grand opening of the modern building complex, with production and office spaces, as well as a staff restaurant, is planned for late summer of 2023.

Michael W. Böllhoff and Wilhelm A. Böllhoff, managing partners of Böllhoff Group

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NORMA Group reports significant growth

NORMA Group stabilised its business at the end of 2022 in the midst of a challenging environment. According to the preliminary figures, Group sales were up 13.8% year-on-year to €1.243 billion for the financial year 2022 (2021: €1.091 billion).

Positive currency effects, particularly in connection with the US dollar, contributed 6.7% to sales growth. Organically, sales grew by 7.1%. This growth was driven by NORMA Group’s consistent pricing policy in the face of dramatic increases in the cost of materials and intermediate products; a strong final quarter in the European business; and continued robust business with water management products in the USA.

CEO Miguel Ángel López Borrego commented: “The headwinds we faced throughout the past financial year were quite severe at times – drastic increases in the price of materials; uncertainties surrounding energy supplies in Europe; the lengthy and strict Covid-19 measures in China; and production backlogs at some sites. NORMA Group did a good job overall of holding its own

and growing in the face of these multiple obstacles. However, we are not satisfied with the result. We want to expand on the momentum from the decisive spurt we had in the fourth quarter. We will use the weeks and months ahead to focus on previously untapped growth potential in the high margin industrial and water businesses.”

Strong fourth quarter result

According to preliminary figures, sales in the fourth quarter showed significant growth of 17.1% year-on-year to €302.1 million (Q4 2021: €258.1 million). Organically, currency adjusted sales were up 11.3%. At €19.3 million, adjusted EBIT was 7.5% higher than in the prior-year period (Q4 2021: €17.9 million).

Würth Group achieves record results

Würth Group ended the financial year 2022 with record results, according to its preliminary annual financial statements. Annual sales for the year of €19.95 billion were well above the 2021 figure of €17.06 billion, corresponding to growth of 16.9%. Adjusted for currencies, sales grew by 15.1%. The operating result rose from €1.27 billion in 2021 to €1.5 billion in 2022.

Robert Friedmann, chairman of the Würth Group’s central management board, commented: “We are operating in difficult economic and political conditions. The war in Ukraine, material and supply shortages, and price increases, continue to be challenging. I would, therefore, like to thank our more than four million customers, worldwide, for their trust in our services, and our suppliers for their co-operative partnership. At the same time, we can rely on the strength of our corporate culture, the solidarity of all employees and, of course, the support of a family business in times of crisis. This gives us the necessary stability.”

For Würth Group in Germany, sales volumes increased to €7.85 billion compared with 2021’s €6.94 billion. The group’s companies outside Germany generated €12.10 billion compared with 2021’s €10.12 billion. The company’s Electrical Wholesale unit was particularly successful, reporting growth of 25%. Service leadership, a very high level of product availability, combined with

above average logistics expertise, were cited by the group as reasons for this development, as well as the sector benefitting from the renewable energy boom. The Electronics Group – selling passive electronic components, circuit boards and electronic and electromechanical solutions – also showed very strong business development, achieving sales growth of 22.5%. Würth’s Industry Division also reported above average sales growth of 20.1% and E-business sales grew by 21.2% compared to the previous year, accounting for 20.7% of total sales.

Confident for 2023 despite crises

According to the German ifo Institute (the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich), material shortages in the industrial sector have improved to an extent and bottlenecks are easing in many sectors. Mechanical engineering and the automotive industry, however, remain the sectors most affected by material shortages and in the construction sector projects are

still being cancelled or postponed due to rising construction costs and interest rates. Robert Friedmann concluded by predicting that current challenges will continue to be an issue in 2023, adding: “It remains to be seen how consumer behaviour and energy prices will develop, and what impact China’s relaxed zero Covid-19 policy will have on supply chains. Operating in this fragile, interdependent environment will remain a key challenge in 2023. Despite all crises, we will maintain last year’s momentum and positive spirit, as well as staying optimistic and acting with caution.”

Hall 1, Stand 712

Record sales and rapid changes

Bulten AB has reported record sales for the financial year 2022 with it achieving net sales of SEK 4.47 billion (€404.7 million), an increase of 19.9% on the same period last year (2021: SEK 3.73 billion). Operating earnings (EBIT) totalled SEK 180 million (2021: SEK 232 million), equating to an operating margin of 4%.

Anders Nyström, president and CEO at Bulten AB, commented: ““It is pleasing to see that once again in 2022, as a whole, Bulten achieved the highest ever sales in its almost 150 years in business, and that in Q4 we achieved an operating margin (7.6%) in-line with our financial target for 2024. This is a sign of strength in a time of uncertainty – characterised by inflation and component shortages.”

There were several key developments at Bulten throughout 2022. In January, Bulten signed an FSP (Full Service Provider) contract for a new European vehicle program for an existing customer – with Bulten underlining that its clear sustainability focus was a key factor in winning the contract –worth in the region of SEK 100 million a year at full production. In March, Bulten signed another FSP contract for a new European electric vehicle for an existing customer. The contract is worth in the region of SEK 75 million a year at full production.

In June, Bulten completed the divestment of its Russian operation. The operation was bought by the Russian company CAR SEATS LLC and all shares in the joint venture company previously owned by Bulten and GAZ were redeemed.

In September, Bulten was nominated as a supplier of fasteners for a new global electric car platform, to be produced in China. The order value is estimated at approximately SEK 155 million a year at full production. Also in September, Bulten began a collaboration with Polestar on the development project Polestar 0, which aims to build a climate neutral electric car by 2030 – by eliminating emissions in the supply chain. Bulten’s contribution will be the delivery of climate neutral fasteners.

Bulten increases holding in TensionCam

Bulten AB has also acquired an additional 36.5% of the shares in TensionCam Systems AB at a purchase price of SEK 4 million. The acquisition makes Bulten the majority owner of TensionCam with 63.5% of the company’s shares.

TensionCam specialises in developing sensors for the measurement and monitoring of clamp loads in screw joints and the company has initiated several pilot projects with third parties in areas such as wind turbines, water and sewage, and the process management industry, in which its sensor technology has been integrated to complete screw joints. The aim of these projects is to accelerate development and finalise a concrete customer offering.

Anders Nyström explained: “Pilot projects over the past year using TensionCam’s sensor technology have produced positive results. It is now time to begin industrialisation and commercialisation of the product. This is completely in-line with our strategy to diversify our offering with new, practically applicable technology.”

Emmy Pavlovic, SVP technology and innovation at Bulten, commented that TensionCam has a highly interesting product that’s particularly suitable for installation and monitoring of critical fastener applications, such as large pipe joints and machines that are exposed to various types of stress and strain. “These are the kinds of applications we believe to be of interest, and ones that can bring new business opportunities for Bulten.”

In addition to Bulten, TensionCam is owned by Emergera AB, which holds remaining 36.5% of its shares.

Hilti Group achieves double-digit sales growth

Amid a volatile environment, Hilti Group increased sales by 10% in local currencies in 2022. This resulted in sales of more than CHF 6.3 billion (€6.27 billion) and corresponds to an increase of 6.2% in Swiss francs.

The strongest sales growth, 16.5% in local currencies, was recorded by the Americas region. Europe achieved an increase of 9.6%. In Asia/Pacific, growth was 8.2%, significantly slowed by the impact of Covid-19 restrictions in China. As expected, the war in Ukraine and the corresponding sanctions against Russia resulted in a decline in sales for the Eastern Europe/Middle East/Africa region (-2.3%).

The Swiss franc continued to appreciate against most currencies, the US dollar being one exception. Overall, there was a negative currency effect on sales of 3.8% points.

“The last four months of the 2022 business year remained challenging, but we could nonetheless accelerate growth and were able to close the year with double-digit growth in local currencies. The launch of our new Nuron battery platform in North America and Europe was one important growth driver,” concluded CEO Jahangir Doongaji.

The environment is expected to remain volatile given continued inflation and increasing interest rates; ongoing geopolitical tensions; and a softening economic growth. Benefiting from significant investments in market reach and innovation, Hilti Group expects a high single-digit growth, in local currencies, for 2023.

fischer increases turnover to exceed €1 billion

The fischer Group of Companies has successfully concluded the 2022 fiscal year with a turnover of over €1 billion, a first in the company’s history. With a gross turnover of €1.14 billion, the family business exceeded its excellent figures of the previous year by 14.7%.

At the same time, the fischer Group of Companies used its growth strategy to increase its independence from negative global influences, such as Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, rising inflation, high energy prices and the Covid-19 crisis.

fischer’s largest division, fischer fixing systems, once again made an above average contribution to the success of the Group of Companies with an excellent 14% year-on-year increase in turnover. Numerous innovative, new products and systems, as well as a comprehensive range of services for various customer groups, had a positive effect. fischer also achieved substantial growth in the field of solar fastenings. The company additionally established a new logistics centre in Vietnam for the Asian market in 2022.

fischer Automotive recorded an increase in orders across all the division’s locations. fischer is currently establishing additional production capacity at its sites in the Czech Republic, Serbia, and China, for the purpose of this growth. Around the world, fischer Automotive products are installed in the vehicles of

many prestigious vehicle manufacturers, with a substantial and continuous increase in installation in electric vehicles. fischer Automotive concluded the year with a 17.8% increase in turnover. Nevertheless, the company division continues to operate in a challenging market environment due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in China and the semiconductor shortage.

The fischertechnik division has recorded a positive turnover development in the global teaching material market, with a significant recovery following two years of lockdown due to Covid-19. fischertechnik will increase its presence in the education market over the coming year with a new learning concept. In the toy division, the rising cost of living has had an impact on consumer behaviour for the past several months. In 2022, fischertechnik recorded an increase in turnover of 7.2%.

SurTec acquires omniTECHNIK

SurTec International GmbH has acquired omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH. The transaction also includes the acquisition of all the shares in the joint venture Precote USA LLC, by SurTec subsidiary SurTec Inc.

SurTec is a division of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities GmbH (FCS). The acquisition contract lays the foundations for the two companies to be integrated in the SurTec Group in the future.

As an innovative family company, omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH has developed into a market leader in the field of reactive and non-reactive coatings for fasteners since its foundation over 40 years ago.

The company’s success on the world market is based on extensive knowledge and experience, first-class application technology consulting and outstanding products. Close cooperation with sales and consultancy partners over many years is a further key to the company’s success. With its precote® product range, the company covers a wide variety of thread coating applications throughout the world in the automotive, machinery, aerospace, and domestic appliance industries, among other sectors.

The acquisition of omniTECHNIK and precote® will lay the foundation for the strategic further development of the two companies. “The business strategy of FCS is based on the continuous expansion of our business portfolio. This includes an active acquisition approach. Our main focus is on attractive, highly promising services, technologies and products with an outstanding market position,” said Filip Krulis, CEO of FCS.

“Our acquisitions focus on companies that can help in reinforcing our market position in highly specialised segments. Through the acquisition of omniTECHNIK we will be able to significantly expand and continue the strategic development of our existing business in chemical surface technology,” added Dr Jörg Matthias Großmann, CFO of FCS.

“The business success of omniTECHNIK is based on helping industrial customers achieve greater success with high performance products and outstanding service,” said Heinrich Kuhn-Weiss, proprietor of omniTECHNIK GmbH. “We always wanted to be among the top suppliers of thread locking products and have succeeded in reaching this position over the past 40 years or more. As part of SurTec, it will be easier for us to grasp the market potential for innovative coating technologies even more effectively. As the representative of the family proprietors, it was important for me to find a partner that sees itself as a strategic investor with long-term orientation.”

“The company is in good hands with the FCS Group and SurTec,” Dr Karsten Grünke, CEO of SurTec International, commented. “FCS has already acquired one company from the Kuhn-Weiss family, OKS Spezialschmierstoffe GmbH, and successfully continued its development. We expect that we will be just as successful with omniTECHNIK.”

INDUSTRY

Kistler Group continues its growth trajectory, with sales of €434 million in 2022 – representing a year-onyear increase of 5.5%. The company aims to achieve double-digit growth in 2023 thanks to technological innovations and expansion of the Chinese market.

R

Targeting China

Kistler is continuing to target the development of its sites in regions that hold out promise for the future. China, in particular, which is already Kistler’s largest market at present, harbours yet more major potential, and is set to become an integral element of the Kistler Group going forward. This is reflected in plans to expand on-site production and strengthen local responsibility in 2023.

Focus on innovation

Innovation always was, and still is, the driving force that motivates Kistler to grow as a company and tackle the challenges of the future. To consolidate its technological edge, Kistler will make targeted investments in pioneering technologies and product innovations. A total of around 8% of annual sales revenue is channeled into research and development. Kistler’s own Business Incubator also provides an environment for the ongoing development of special business fields with potential for innovation and growth, in a protected setting where the start-up mentality prevails. In 2023, the company’s entire Biomechanics area will relocate to the Business Incubator.

olf Sonderegger, CEO of the Kistler Group, explains: “In spite of a persistently volatile environment – dominated by the shortage of skilled professionals, as well as high energy and raw material prices, with material availability still at a critical level – we are optimistic. Our order backlog is excellent; our order intake in 2022 exceeded €500 million –marking a record high; and both our organisation and our strategy are in good shape to face the challenges of the future.”Hall 1, Stand 804

21 - 23 March 2023

Stuttgart, Germany

Stand 2104

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A.S.F. Fischer acquires Herag

Fasteners specialist Herag has been taken over by A.S.F. Fischer B.V in an acquisition involving a 100% share transfer. Both companies operate as specialists in fasteners within the Dutch construction market and are known for their conceptual market approach with leading A-brands, own brands and private labels.

Herag has been a leading family business in the field of fasteners, such as bolts, nuts, screws, and plugs, since 1966. Bert Kieberl, director at Herag, commented: “Our customers, suppliers and employees are in good hands with A.S.F. Fischer.” His positive words were echoed by Arnoud Booij, CEO of A.S.F. Fischer, who indicated that the acquisition fits perfectly into the growth strategy of the organisation. “We would like to remain a solid, stable and future-oriented partner for our relations in the future. With this acquisition, we strengthen our position in the

market and broaden our brand and product portfolio. Through the acquisition, customers of both parties benefit from the synergy opportunities in both logistics and commercial areas.”

A.S.F. Fischer B.V was founded in 1945 and is known for Woodies®, InterDynamics®, QlinQ®, Steelies®, Grabber®, Fis®Profi and Perfectmate® brands.

The transfer of all Herag activities to A.S.F. Fischer was scheduled for completion last month (mid-February), with a full integration of the two companies’ sales, purchasing and logistics activities.

Local ‘Made in Germany’ production strategy

With ongoing challenges in the supply chain in terms of shipping, price, and availability, GOEBEL has responded by launching its own, local production line, branded: ‘Made in Germany’, which will start productionin mid-2023.

GOEBEL Group is firmly convinced that regional purchasing is an important and strategically sensible addition to ensure more security in supply. At its site in Erkrath, Germany, it intends to manufacture 250 million parts annually, all of which will meet ISO 9001:2015 standards.

The product range that GOEBEL intends to produce locally includes many different kinds and qualities of blind rivets, such as open type, multi-grip, peel type, closed end and grooved blind rivets. In addition, the company’s rivets will be checked by optical sorting machines, and mill certificates will be provided to customers upon request, with each batch QR coded and trackable.

In addition, all steps in the manufacturing process wil be checked by the company’s certified in-house laboratory and in-house R&D will develop the capability of designing special types of rivets from fresh designs. GOEBEL’s new line of locally made blind rivets can also be painted in any RAL colour. The company states that its strategy is based on close co-operation with local tool manufacturers, wire suppliers, and skilled personnel, to ensure independence. In addition, GOEBEL aims to make its production as ‘climate neutral’ as possible by installing solar panels on its roofs to generate electricity.

The company’s ‘Made in Germany’ strategy will be a topic for discussion on its stand (4130) in Hall 7 at Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart, Germany. www.goebel-group.com

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21 - 23 March 2023

Stuttgart - Germany Hall 3 - Stand 1950

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

Renewable energy a growing fastener trend

Sustainable energy made inroads in the fastener industry in 2022. Electric vehicle and hybrid automotive sales in the US nearly doubled in 2021 – EV sales rose 83% to 434,879, while hybrid automotive sales climbed 76% to 801,550. EVs are estimated to total 70% of the US light vehicle market by 2040.

Such strong market growth caught the eye of prominent fastener manufacturers looking to capitalize on the trend. For instance, in the past four months, France-based ARaymond acquired two companies – CGA Technologies SRL and Costello Italia SpA – to bolster its EV fastener product offerings. “The automotive industry is shifting to electric and autonomous vehicles, and we want to actively contribute to this extraordinary transition,” stated CEO Antoine Raymond.

Meanwhile, Chin Well signed a 25 year solar power purchase agreement to power their fastener manufacturing operations in Asia. Chin Well fasteners are exported to Europe (60%), the USA (30%), Japan (5%) and Southeast Asia (5%).

The installation of the solar power generating facilities reportedly will reduce Chin Well’s energy expenditure and carbon footprint. Both plants are expected to achieve commercial operation by the Quarter Four of 2022.

The news wasn’t all positive for EV fasteners. Rivian Automotive recalled more than 13,000 vehicles after flagging a problem with its steering system. The EV manufacturer explained that a fastener connecting the upper control arm and steering knuckle may have been installed incorrectly. If “insufficiently torqued”, the issue could create excessive wheel camber.

The recall of the 2022 Rivian R1T, R1S, and EDV models represents about 90% of vehicles produced by the automaker thus far and more than half of its 2022 total production guidance of 25,000 vehicles.

FINdex bests industrials amid market turmoil

During 2022 fasteners remained a comparably safe investment in a year when markets convulsed on economic data that increasingly warned of recession, causing the Dow to fall nearly 9% while the S&P 500 lost 20% of its value for the year.

The FIN Fastener Stock Index lost 11.5% during 2022, besting a 15.5% decline by an index of related industrial stocks. Amid the uncertainty, at least four publicly traded companies with fastener products achieved nearly double-digit gains, though significant losses were more likely.

Howmet Aerospace rallied to a 17.1% increase during 2022, topping the FINdex for the year. Howmet reported Fastening Systems revenue grew 15% to US$291 million in the third quarter of 2022 “due to growth in the commercial aerospace market of 24% with narrow body recovery more than offsetting Boeing 787 production declines, as well as an increase in material cost pass through”.

Nine month Fastening Systems revenue improved 5.5% to US$832 million (€788.8 million), with adjusted

EBITDA down 1.6% to US$176 million and margin of 22%. Segment capital expenditures rose 36% to US$30 million.

Other FINdex companies recording nearly double-digit growth during the year included Carpenter Technology (up 13.8%), Nucor Corporation (up 13%) and Grainger (up 9%).

With more modest gains, Chicago Rivet & Machine Co achieved a 7.3% increase in share value during the year, boosted by continued automotive demand.

However, other prominent fastener companies saw losses during the year. Fastenal Co stock dropped 25.7%, despite 18.2% fastener sales growth to US$614.5 million (34.1% of overall sales) in the first nine months of 2022.

Fastenal outperformed other FINdex companies that suffered significant

share loss during 2022. Topping the list was Stanley Black & Decker, which saw its share value slip 60% despite 15% organic Engineered Fastening revenue in the third quarter of 2022, with growth in the aerospace, automotive and general industrial markets.

Other FINdex companies losing significant share value during the year included Tree Island Steel (down 52%), Park Ohio (down 46%), Simpson Mfg (down 34%), Dorman Products (down 27.4%) and TriMas Corporation (down 23%).

During the third quarter, the FINdex declined 3.5%, besting a 5.8% drop by an index of related industrial stocks during a quarter when the market plunged on recession fears.

During the first half of 2022, the FINdex lost 17.1% of its value compared to a 19.1% decline by an index of related industrial stocks.

Innovative Parts Output PTS – Pneumatic Transport System

Innovative, clean transport of parts out of HC 4 cold forming machines

WAFIOS FORMING TECHNOLOGY is revolutionizing the output of finished parts from the machine.

The new PTS takes the finished parts directly at the die and then guides them through a pipe system out of the machine to the desired location.

Good and bad parts are carefully separated by a sorting gate. This effectively avoids the mixing of parts when changing products.

The new PTS can also be retrofitted on existing machines in order to benefit from the advantages in existing production setups as well.

Reduces air consumption and carry-over: therefore resourcesaving

Patent Pending

SPAX® taps online ‘influencers’ to market fasteners

SPAX® Engineered Fasteners is expanding its marketing through a crew of 'influencers', a nationwide network of contractors and craftsmen who use social media to showcase projects made with SPAX® structural fasteners – driving demand for its products at lumber yards and building supply stores.

While 'influencer marketing', a form of social media marketing also known as branded content or working with creators, isn’t new, it’s just not widely utilised in the fastener industry. However, that didn’t stop SPAX®.

Marketing Director Robert Knecht said the influencer program began with contractor trade shows. SPAX® welcomed contractors to drive screws in the SPAX® booth. Actual contractors “started seeing” how SPAX® installs and began “taking a liking to our brand and posting it on websites”.

Individual woodworkers started posting on Instagram or other social media. Most were time-lapse videos. “We love it when they slow it down and show hard-to-see screw applications,” Knecht said.

The 'influencers' get watched by colleagues looking for tips on “getting around sticky situations” in woodworking. “Our product line is traditionally big box retail and DIY customers,” Knecht told GlobalFastenerNews.com.

“Among pro contractors and advanced DIYers who use our fasteners, SPAX® has extremely strong recognition and brand loyalty,” Knecht said. “Our goal with the SPAX® crew is to build relationships with these 'influencers' and amplify their voices, letting them tell their unique stories about why they choose SPAX®.”

“The SPAX® crew program aims to engage multiple audience levels, from everyday product users to larger-scale 'influencers' with hundreds of thousands of followers,” Knecht said.

SPAX® crew members share social content about their projects and receive branded SPAX® swag and product samples. However, most 'influencers' aren’t looking for anything from SPAX®, Knecht finds.

“They may gain an audience and respect as an 'influencer'.” In some cases, SPAX® has shared videos and there could be situations where SPAX® could compensate influencers. “Homeowners want to show off their work,” Knecht said.

D’ondra Howard of Workboots & Glasses, a furniture maker and custom woodworker in Sacramento, CA, is a SPAX® influencer. “I’ve been using SPAX® fasteners for the two years that I have been creating custom home furnishings,” Howard said. “I like the products and they were easy to get and use. They don’t strip like others I’ve used before.”

SPAX® launched a website for its crew influencer program: SPAX.us/SPAX-crew

The SPAX® crew started with about 20 influencers and Knecht says the number has grown to over 300. Knecht noted that while it’s difficult to show specific sales results from SPAX®’s influencer program, there has been sales growth in the channel. The growth also has led to a contractor advisory group where SPAX® asks five people for a one-year commitment in advising on products.

Beyond the SPAX® marketing team, Knecht credits Interrupt, its Ohio advertising agency. “It was not on our own. We developed together with our agency.”

Founded in 1981 as TruFast, today SPAX® is owned by Germany-based Altenloh, Brinck & Co Group. SPAX® fasteners are German-engineered and manufactured in Bryan, OH, at a 200,000 square foot facility with engineering, manufacturing, administration and central warehousing.

Bossard looks to North America for growth

Bossard Group reported record sales in 2022, driven by double-digit growth in the USA. Quarter Four sales in the US increased 43.5% to CHF 80.2 million (€75.3 million) as the Swiss fastener manufacturer “significantly” expanded its market presence in Canada by acquiring PennEngineering’s Canadian distribution business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bossard said the acquisition is in line with its strategy to “expand its capabilities in the US”. Founded in 1970, PENN Engineered Fasteners Corporation (PEF), based in Concord, Ontario, Canada, was acquired by PennEngineering in 2017. The company supplies fasteners to automotive, energy, agriculture and appliances markets, generating annual sales of US$25 million with 30 employees.

Other US developments helped as well, including production achievements at Bossard customer Telsa. “In the electromobility sector, exciting commercial vehicle projects were implemented,” the company stated.

Full year US sales climbed 36.8% to CHF 309.4 million. Meanwhile, Q4 growth in Europe slowed, with sales up 0.8% to CHF 141.2 million amid high demand despite

continuing geopolitical tensions. Full-year growth rose 8.7% to CHF 624.2 million.

Results in Asia were impacted by the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in China and the resulting wave of infections. Q4 sales in Asia gained 5.4% to CHF 54.8 million.

Bossard noted that the situation in China “continues to cause uncertainty”. For the year, Bossard consolidated revenue rose 15% to CHF 1.15 billion, including a 13.3% increased to CHF 276.2 million in the fourth quarter.

During the year, Bossard experienced a stronger trend toward nearshoring and an increased demand for Smart Factory Assembly (SFA) solutions amid inflation and a skilled labour shortage. However, the strong Swiss franc slowed growth.

QCOs on the cards for 50 Indian products

India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is working with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and relevant stakeholders, to identify products for which quality control orders (QCOs) exist.

The intention is to bring as many as 50 products, such as aluminium, copper items, and household electrical appliances, under quality standards by Q2 of 2023 – 2024, and without the BIS mark items cannot be produced, sold, traded, imported or stocked.

The DPIIT is currently developing QCOs for various products, and these orders are issued in accordance with the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) for industries under its jurisdiction.

To meet its 50 QCO target date, the DPIIT has asked stakeholders, including industry, apex industry associations (CII and ASSOCHAM), sectoral industry associations, respective administrative ministries, and concerned R&D institutions/ organisations, to provide feedback to the department on 16 draft QCOs by 31 st December 2023.

Taiwan CSC announces Q1 2023 price adjustments

Taiwan China Steel Corp (CSC), the largest integrated steel maker in Taiwan – with its main steel mill located in Siaogang District, Kaohsiung – has announced its latest price adjustments for steel products.

As part of these price adjustments, the price of wire rod –of most relevance to fastener manufacturers and including low carbon, medium-to-high carbon, cold forged, and low alloy – has been reduced by NT$1,500 (about US$49.2) per metric tonne.

The price of automotive material, however, will increase by NT$500 (about US$16.4) per metric tonne, making the average price adjustment for all steel products -0.83%.

Source: Fastener World

These draft orders cover 16 product categories, including: aluminum and aluminum alloy products, bolts, nuts, fasteners, ceiling fan regulators, conduits and fittings for electrical installations, copper products, deep-well hand pumps and components, drums and tins, fire extinguisher hinges, household and similar electrical appliances, laboratory glassware, solar DC cable, fire survival cable, steel wires/strands, nylon/wire ropes, wire mesh, valves and taps, and welding wires.

Previously, the department issued QCOs for a variety of products, including household refrigerating appliances, certain steel and cable items, toys, and bicycle retro-reflective devices. These orders also aid in limiting non-essential imports.

Between April and November 2022, India’s imports increased by 29.5% to US$493.61 billion (€467.9 billion).

Source: Fastener Association of India

EV orders drive Boltun plans for new plant

Fastener World reports that Boltun is planning to build a new 160,100m 2 plant in the Guiren District of Tainan City, Taiwan, to handle EV orders and expand capacity.

Although 70% of its automotive fasteners are used on conventional cars and just 30% on EVs, Boltun sees the conventional car as having reached its potential and has, therefore, shifted its focus in recent years towards the EV industry.

The company has budgeted NT$1.7 billion (€55.9 million) for investment in the new plant, although it has switched from land purchase to land rental, which amounts to NT$871 million. Boltun reports that the land purchase is a huge expenditure, but that by switching to rental the company can increase its capacity and has more flexibility in using the budget. Boltun sees EVs as its drive for growth in 2023, making capacity adjustments imperative.

Sheh Fung Screws breaks ground on Vietnam plant

In order to fulfil its global manufacturing aims, reinforce international market expansion, and satisfy further business reach desires in Europe and America, Sheh Fung Screws is establishing its first overseas manufacturing operation in T Ì nh Bình Thuân, Vietnam.

Sheh Fung Screws is investing NT$0.7bn (€21.5 million) to establish the Phase 1 plant, which is expected to conduct a trial run after Q4 2023 and officially begin mass production around Q1 2024, at the earliest. The new plant is planned to be completed in two construction phases. The Phase 1 plant will be used to manufacture medium to short sizes of tapping, drilling and coated screws. Its monthly capacity is projected to be up to 800 tonnes (around NT$670 million). Sheh Fung will eventually make proper adjustments between the order books of both its Vietnamese and Taiwanese plants in order to maximise on its investment.

Source: Fastener World

Joker plans ETA seismic accreditation for anchor bolt

Joker Industrial will be showcasing, amongst other solutions, a new product to replace conventional anchors bolts at the upcoming Fastener Fair Global show in Stuttgart, Germany, from 21 st – 23rd March.

Thanks to its expertise in understanding the different environments and regulations in different countries, Joker Industrial has been able to design a new anchor bolt. The company reports it is also currently in the process of acquiring Seismic C2 certificates for its M8, M10, M12 and M14 cement anchors, which it anticipates will happen before the Stuttgart show.

Joker offers a ‘one stop’ solution service, ranging from order taking, design to manufacturing. The company also has its own laboratory to provide test data and welcomes customers with special design requests, or those with which it can work collaboratively to create 'one of a kind' anchor bolts.

As cement comprises different materials, which varies from country to country, and can also contain impurities, such as stones,

SUMEEKO takeover of Max Mothes to complete by July

Having previously acquired a 51% share of Germany’s Neuss-based Max Mothes GmbH (MMG) for €6.5 million in July 2018, it was recently announced that specialist Taiwanese fastener maker, SUMEEKO, is to acquire the remaining 49% of MMG for €6.24 million in cash, by the end of July this year.

Once completed, MMG, currently a subsidiary of CS Beteiligungs GmbH, will be fully owned by SUMEEKO. Through a 30-month adjustment period, MMG is back on track with profits gained in 2021 thanks to orders from European carmakers. By fully acquiring MMG shares, the new Taiwanese owners can tap into the supply chains of Benz, BMW, Bosch, Ford, Siemens and Volkswagen.

Source: Fastener World

Rungta Mines opens wire rod mill in Jharkhand

Rungta Mines Ltd has commissioned a new facility, the Rungta Steel Wire Rods Mills at its Chaliyama steel plant in Jharkhand, India, to expand its product portfolio and provide customers with a diverse range of solutions.

Wire rods from the new plant have a smooth and shiny surface and are packaged in coil bundles. They also have a hot charging plant, as well as optional ladle refining furnace and induction furnace routes. The wire rods will be marketed to the HB wire industry, cable industry, electrode manufacturers, and special grade end users, as well as being used in the fastener industry and for wire drawing, binding wire, barbed wire and other applications.

Wire rods from Rungta Mines Ltd will now be available across India, and sales of wire rods will be made available, not only to wire rod traders, but also to end users.

Source: Fastener Association of India

quartz, lime, and rebar, Joker’s anchor bolt, as a result, adopts a patented, triple-thread structure, in which the high and low threads can deal with various types of materials and impurities, making it a ‘universal anchor bolt’ suited to different cement environments in different countries. Special grooves on its tip also make it easier to install while, at the same time, its load capacity, according to its ETA certification, is more than double the industry required level. In addition to the existing carbon steel anchor bolt, Joker will launch a stainless steel, bi-metal anchor bolt with the same structural design at Fastener Fair Global, which, according to the company's laboratory test data, offers the same strength profile as its carbon steel counterpart.

Source: Fastener World

US$250 million auto deal for Sundram Fasteners

Sundram Fasteners Ltd has been awarded a US$250 million contract by a leading global automobile manufacturer to supply electric vehicle (EV) sub-assemblies, which will be used in EV for a wide range of segments, including mid-size trucks, SUVs, and sedans, and will be launched in North America in 2024.

During manufacture, Sundram Fasteners will use special processes, such as axial-forming technology, which can withstand extreme temperatures. It will also conduct rigorous durability tests to ensure high torque requirements are met.

The contract is the largest in the India-based company’s 60 year history and is said to be one of the largest for an Indian supplier of this range of products for EV platforms. Sundram Fasteners intends to invest approximately US$50 million to support the new orders under the six year purchase package, which includes the supply of input and stator shaft sub-assemblies, as well as drive gear subassemblies. The parts will be shipped from Mahindra World City, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu and Sri City, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, and will be serviced from Sundram Fasteners’ warehouse in North America. With a supply of 1.5 million transmission sub-assemblies per year, the company expects annual sales to peak at US$52 million in 2026.

The contract will help to expand Sundram’s global business, as it works on its strategic roadmap for the future. Arathi Krishna, managing director at Sundram Fasteners Ltd, said that the US$250 million supply contract, is testimony to the company’s commitment to manufacture and supply high-quality, industry leading products.

Source: Fastener Association of India

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

More than US$1 billion of fasteners imported by Brazil

Starting in January 2022, named after the traditional symbology of the mythological Roman god Janus – a divinity that we learned through our colleagues from the Fastener + Fixing Magazine, the last twelve months has seen a busy period for both the import and export of fasteners within Brazil.

When it comes to the 2022 import of fasteners, such as bolts, screws, nuts, rivets, nails, and other types of metallic fasteners, Brazilian customers purchased a little over 207,000 tonnes, that cost a total of US$1.052 billion (FOB priceUS$5.08 per kg). Ten years ago the total exceeded 191,000 tonnes and the value was US$1.048 billion (US$5.48 per kg). Both in 2021 and in 2022 imports surpassed the barrier of 200,000 tonnes – 205,000 and 207,000 respectively.

Exports from Brazil over the same 12 month period totalled 38,400 tonnes, at a total price of US$184 million (US$4.79 per kg), which is a larger tonnage than in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is only slightly under the US$194 million achieved in the same year. From looking at the bar charts (pictured right) it is clear to see how the segment has grown over the last ten years.

The

automotive sector rises, but still below 2019

The number of vehicles produced within Brazil has increased for the first time in three years. However, it is still below the numbers achieved in 2019 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The automotive sector is one of the most important markets for the Brazilian fastener sector, involving the manufacture of cars, buses and trucks, as well as motorcycles.

Over the last twelve months the number of passenger and commercial vehicles produced locally increased by 5.4% to 2,369,800 units compared to 2021, which totalled 2,248,300 units. However, the 2022 production still represents only 75% of the total that was produced in 2019 (2,944,900).

Brazilian motorcycle production continued to show positive results with 2022 production totalling 1,413,200 units, which is a 18.2% increase on the 1,195,100 units produced in 2021. Since 2019 the local motorcycle production has continued to increase, except in 2020 where there was a slight dip but mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dragão dos Parafusos founder passes away

Dragão dos Parafusos, one the largest and most traditional fasteners and tools companies in the north east of Brazil, has lost its leader after Álvaro Machado passed away.

Founded by Álvaro Machado in 1957, Dragão dos Parafusos is at the forefront of the industry for bolts, screws, nuts and also tools. The company currently employs 135 employees across six different stores.

Álvaro Machado passed away on 23 rd January in the Fortaleza state capital city of Ceará.

Álvaro Bezerra Machado (1935 - 2023)

Founded in 1897, the family behind Puehl is still involved in the day-to-day running of the business – with Dr Goetz and Ralf Kaltheuner part of the operational board together with CEO Joachim Rohwedder – father-in-law of Ralf. Our great uncle founded the company, before it moved over to our grandfather and then father,” explains Ralf. “We are the fourth generation and we are very proud of the success Puehl has achieved in becoming a leading name within the washer sector and in reaching its 125th anniversary. Our aim is to continue to develop the family business for the future and go on offering a reliable and flexible service, which Puehl has become renowned for within the industry.”

Celebrating 125 years

To celebrate its 125th anniversary, Puehl held a party in September last year for its employees and their families, with around 200 people attending the event, which included speeches from the owners, as well as the Mayor of Plettenberg.

The new logo, alongside a new website… will be a better representation of who we are as a business and what our identity is as a washer manufacturer.”

Hall 1, Stand 622

We shape the future

This year Puehl celebrates its 125th anniversary as a leading washer manufacturer within the European market – with the company also looking to mark the occasion by taking the next steps in its development as a modern forward-looking business.

The event was held in Puehl’s material building, which was transformed using floor-to-ceiling curtains and decorations to make it an ideal location to mark such a special occasion

COVER STORY

“We did not invite any customers or suppliers, as we wanted the party to be purely for our employees and their families,” states Goetz. “The event was held in our material building, which we transformed using floor-to-ceiling curtains and decorations to make it an ideal location to mark such a special occasion.”

The party included a DJ and a live band, as well as singing waiters who unexpectedly surprised the guests with opera songs. “We wanted to make it a celebration and to say thank you to our employees for their hard work and to show we are all part of the Puehl family,” adds Ralf.

Shaping the future

Puehl also decided the party was the perfect opportunity to unveil its new logo and brand – with the motto: ‘We. Shape. The. Future’. “We felt the party was the right moment to look forward and introduce a new corporate design and underline to our employees the steps we are taking as a business to ensure we continue to grow from an employee point of view, but also a corporate point of view,” explains Goetz.

Ralf adds: “We are a company with a lot of history and experience, which we are very proud of to have achieved. However, at the same time we are a young, modern and aggressive business and we want to showcase this fact. The new logo, alongside a new website that will be launched in March during Fastener Fair Global in Stuttgart, will be a better representation of who we are as a business and what our identity is as a washer manufacturer.”

To further underline what it stands for as a business, Puehl has developed company guidelines. “These company guidelines will be shared in the near future with our employees, so they can understand what we are looking to do as a business, so everybody can be focused on the same aims and targets,” explains Goetz. “It also means we can speak in the future with ‘one voice’ and we ensure we are seen as a strong and modern operation. It is a mission and vision statement, and we are confident the guidelines will help us grow in the future.”

Standing out from the crowd

Another key point of Puehl’s plans going forward is further connecting with both its existing and potential new employees. “Within the Plettenberg area we are working in a cluster of companies where there are a lot of similar businesses looking for the same kind of employees,” points out CEO Joachim Rohwedder. “This makes it very difficult to get good reliable people that are highly motivated, which is why we have taken extra steps to make ourselves more attractive – with additional employee incentives, such as working from home options, eBike leasing, opportunities for development, as well as a host of other benefits.”

Due to the lack of employees available, Puehl has increasingly relied on refugees – with the company supporting them and helping them to integrate into the organisation and local community. “We offer these employees language courses and further support, such as help with administrative tasks outside of the business, which has proved very popular,” highlights Goetz. “It is important that potential employees see us as a good and modern employer, where they can develop for the future, which is why we offer so much to our employees and have looked to develop a better employer brand within the market.”

Ongoing investments

Alongside investing in its employees, Puehl has continued to invest in its capabilities to ensure it goes on meeting the needs of

its customers and the market. “We introduced an investment plan in 2021, which we continued throughout 2022 and will continue in 2023,” states Ralf. “As a business we are focused on the European washer market and we have made a lot of investments to remain at the forefront of the industry – both now and in the future.”

A prime example of Puehl’s investment strategy is the further investment in its in-house tool shop, where all the tools for its production are produced.

“We already have a high level of machinery within the tool shop, which enables us to build our tools in-house with good quality and shorter reaction time,” explains Goetz. “The investment means we have been able to replace older milling and eroding machines with the latest technology. These newer machines are quicker, faster, with a better quality, and help improve the overall department. Improving the efficiency of our

“We are very proud to have this capability within our business, but our focus is still ‘leading the standard’ and supplying all of the standard washers needed by wholesale customers throughout Europe.”

tool shop is crucial, because if you cannot produce the tooling it can hold up the entire production process.”

Other investments include the creation of a new punching and coining department, including two new pressing machines. “As a business we already owned several punching machines, but they were located outside the company at a supplier,” points out Ralf. “We decided to bring these machines back in-house and this has proved a very good decision, as we are able to be much more flexible in terms of products, as well as batch sizes.”

Within the punching and coining department, as well as across the entire production process, there has been investment in a highlevel of automation, which Puehl believes is a necessity if you are to compete within the European market. “Automation is a key aspect of our business and as a European manufacturer it is what helps us to be competitive within the market,” mentions Ralf. “Whilst it is not always easy to automate, such as with stamping machines, we continuously look at ways we can optimise processes.”

Focussing on sustainability

An area Puehl has also looked to continue investing is sustainability, which it believes is becoming more of a requirement within markets. “As a business we can certainly see that sustainability is becoming more and more important in all the markets, especially within Germany,” states Joachim. “From every customer we hear they are looking at sustainability when ordering, which is why we have made several investments with sustainability in mind.”

These investments include new LED lighting, a heat recovery system, as well as changing from natural gas to liquid gas. Plus, the company has installed a new photovoltaic system, which was introduced at the end of last year. “This new system will enable us to create our own energy and will not only help us become more sustainable, but also help us to manage and reduce costs due to the current high energy prices. In fact, through the steps we have taken regarding sustainability, we are looking at a saving of between 20% - 30% of our energy costs, which is a significant amount.”

Committed to wholesalers

All of these investments are an essential part of Puehl providing a reliable service of high-quality products to its existing wholesale customers and in attracting new business. “At Puehl we are a partner to wholesalers and can provide them with the products and services they need to meet every customer request,” states Ralf. “It is important to be flexible and guarantee you can meet small and big demands through good stock availability.”

Puehl is able to provide two types of service, depending on individual customer needs. Firstly, it can provide standard products, with big volumes, as well as frame orders – that can be 'called off' as and when needed. “Customers can come to us and place an order for half year or yearly demand, which we then stock at a certain level and the customers can 'call off' as and when they need it.” mentions Ralf.

The other type of business is the day-to-day business, where customers are asking for specialties and a smaller order volume. “This is an area that is increasing and we are able to work with our partners to provide special solutions,” adds Ralf. “As a company we have the employees, and knowledge, where we can help customers with technical questions, such as quality, etc, and provide the right solution.”

The company’s ability to work with customers is thanks to the knowledge and capabilities within its quality department, as well as its tool shop. “Thanks to the investments we previously mentioned, our tool shop puts us at the forefront of the industry and means we can help provide answers to technical questions,” explains Goetz. “We have approximately 1,500 tools in stock – all owned by Puehl – and have a CAD system that means we can be flexible and react quickly to any requests from customers.”

Goetz continues: “Through this capability we are able to work with wholesalers, or with wholesalers’ customers, and offer technical help and support in order for them to find the right solution, which we can produce straight away.”

“We are very proud to have this capability within our business, but our focus is still ‘leading the standard’ and supplying all of the standard washers needed by wholesale customers throughout Europe,” emphasises Ralf. “Some companies are focusing on special parts and stepping away from standard parts, but at Puehl we are committed to the standard side of the business and we want to be the leading company for washers in Europe. Furthermore, Puehl will also be a constantly developing manufacturer in the field of special parts.”

He concludes: “As a business we are well known within the industry and by working with our wholesale customers we can continue to provide the products and service that have established Puehl as a leading brand from stamping parts. Through our investments and company guidelines we will be able to optimise processes; provide a complete service to our customers; react quickly to customers’ needs and requirements; as well as be more competitive within the European market – as a modern and focused family business.”

INSIGHT

IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS AND REPORTS WITH FASTENER SPECIALISTS

With confidence in the nickel market so low, what’s next?

By Gary Peters, director, The Metals Warehouse

Last year the commodity industry witnessed a lot that you can consider unprecedented. The tip of that iceberg was what happened to nickel during the first half of 2022, when it increased to a price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) that had never been seen before, leading to trading being ceased, for days, before finally being reversed.

One of the biggest nickel producers on the planet had bet heavily on the nickel price falling. When their short position was squeezed, the nickel price soared, reportedly resulting in an US$11 billion trading loss. All in all, it was a bit of a mess.

The result of that crash was the implementation of a tolerance –one that allowed for a 15% fluctuation in the price either way –to prevent huge spikes or drops similar to that which happened back in March 2022 from happening again. The rule was simple: If the price superseded that 15% the market would cease trading for the remainder of the day. However, it seems to have done very little towards restoring confidence in traders, as prices are still fluctuating aggressively.

In December, nickel rose significantly – to as high as US$33,000 before dropping again to US$28,000. So, with Christmas and New Year out of the way and business back in full swing, what’s going off with nickel and what ramifications will it have on the rest of the metals market in 2023?

What were the factors behind nickel’s increase?

There are two big reasons why the price of nickel swung so heavily before the end of 2022. The first is the growing confidence in the EV market and short-term predictions on demand and production. The demand for nickel in that market is only going to continue to increase. Projections show that global sales of electric passenger vehicles are projected to surpass 10.5 million, exceeding 2021 levels by about 4 million. By 2030, electric vehicles are also expected to occupy 40% of global sales of new cars.

However, this shift to EV is not isolated to the UK. It’s global, every country around the world is jostling for the same supplies and materials to facilitate their ambitious move.

With each passing year, the technology supporting this transition continues to improve in quality and increase in volume, making it more readily available. Generous government initiatives, like the introduction of subsidies and tax credits, are also becoming the norm – making it more appetising for consumers to embrace the technology.

This is the dominant factor in the supply and demand conversation and will be for several years to come.

The other factor to consider is China coming out of lockdown, although the country’s battle with Covid-19 continues to be incredibly unpredictable. The latest reports show that approximately 900 million people (64% of the country’s population) currently have Covid-19, with that number continuing to increase since the easing of lockdown measures in the final quarter of 2022.

China’s manufacturing economy over the last three years has been hit hard and it’s clear they are attempting to push through this situation to get back to normal. That easing of the restrictions created renewed confidence and led to people investing in nickel once again, which naturally drove the price up.

However, that price is higher than what natural supply and demand would justify. That has led to longer term projections believing prices will fall back in 2023, while the even longer market forecasts for nickel’s value state it will slowly increase with the ongoing demand from the EV market.

INSIGHT

What does all this mean for 2023?

If 2022 taught us anything, it is that nothing is linear. Forecasts never account for the unforeseen and, ironically, the most foreseen circumstance we have is that there are always unforeseen circumstances.

Right now, it is impossible to commit to any projections or forecasts – especially for months or even years ahead of the position the industry is currently in, in my opinion. However, we can begin to paint a picture of how the first quarter of this year will unfold:

1. The price of nickel could increase further: The first thing we will see is a gradual increase in the price of nickel, with peaks and troughs in between, due to China’s economic recovery post lockdowns. However, China and Indonesia will possibly increase nickel production by 20% in 2023. This could create a surplus, which would undoubtedly put pressure on nickel prices.

2. Other commodities, like aluminium, could also see price rises: What is possible is that we will see these price increases with nickel reflected elsewhere across the market, with stainless steel and aluminium also seeing price hikes. Where it has smoothed off slightly in the UK is that a lot of stainless steel and aluminium is imported from the Far East and traded in dollars. After initially plummeting to a two-year low, as a result of the disastrous UK Government mini-budget, the exchange rate has recovered and the UK is getting more for its money again – albeit at rates that are still as high as we have seen for a long time.

Container rates have also dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. You don’t have to stretch your memory too far to recall paying US$20,000 for a container. That has since returned to US$2,000 but remains part of the cost of

About The Metals Warehouse

With over 20 years of experience in supplying the manufacturing industry, The Metals Warehouse is an ISO-accredited company that offers a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and an unrivalled inventory of stainless steel and aluminium sourced from reputable mills.

The business’ standard stock range consists of sheets and plates, tread and floorplates, square and round tubes and bars, as well as flat bars, angles, and channels – all available to cut to size. The Metals Warehouse also offers handrail systems and all the fittings that support multiple industries across the UK.

importing stainless steel and aluminium, which is reflected in the final price it is sold for.

3. The correction in stock levels could lead to mills passing on their price increases: With energy costs soaring, the cost of production is considerably higher than it used to be. However, for the latter part of 2022, that price hasn’t filtered down from the mills to the customer – a result of the amount of stock that has built up since the beginning of the pandemic. After initial shortages, there has been so much stock in the marketplace that the mills have felt they haven’t been able to pass on these increases earlier – because they’ve just needed to move the capacity that has been built up. That situation is the same right through the supply chain, filtering down to distributors and customers. Because prices have been going up for the last two years, it has been a rock solid investment to buy more stock than has necessarily been needed. However, that has now changed and stock across the market has nearly been corrected. As a result, we could see the base price from the mills increase in the first quarter.

Final thoughts

Over the longer term, it’s hard to predict what will happen with the price of these commodities. In the UK, it is looking increasingly likely that the country will enter a recession – if it isn’t already in one. If that happens, people will spend less and everything will come down to supply and demand.

If distributors aren’t seeing huge demand for certain products, that is going to make them more competitive to win the business that is on the table. By this, I mean we cut our margin and the price falls. The first quarter of 2023 has a lot of uncertainty surrounding it. The prices are almost certainly going to be rising, but how that then runs through from whatever businesses have paid, to the price they sell it at, is anyone’s guess.

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Bontempi targets sales growth

In order to go on meeting the needs of its customers, Bontempi Vibo has restructured it sales department and introduced a new sales strategy, which will enable it to continue to grow as a business, whilst getting closer to its customers.

Historically Bontempi Vibo has been on the market for over 60 years and has established long-lasting partnerships with distributors across Europe – gaining a reputation within the industry for its production capabilities and product quality. “To ensure that we can continue to be a partner for both existing and new customers, today and in the future, we introduced a new business strategy last year that involves growing our production capacity and ranges,” explains Andrea Barbisotti, export sales manager at Bontempi Vibo. “As part of this business strategy, we have also restructured our sales department and introduced a new sales strategy that will allow us to grow our market share and enlarge our business with current customers, whilst also bringing in new opportunities. This strategy will ensure we remain a manufacturer to whom customers can address all their requests for standard and special parts.”

Bontempi Vibo sales department

Job title: Export sales manager

Responsibilities: Sales and customer management for foreign customers.

Experience: Andrea has 12 years’ experience in sales and has been constantly in touch with customers in quality and sales for automotive and industrial markets – mainly in the fastener industry, but also in other fields such as injection systems and electronics.

Andrea Barbisotti

Hall 1, Stand 652

INSIGHT

As part of its sales restructuring, Bontempi Vibo has decided to separate its sales team to focus on the Italian and foreign markets independently. “The split in turnover between the two markets is roughly 50/50 and therefore it makes sense for us to have individual groups focusing on each market and looking at how we can not only further build relationships with customers, but also grow as a business,” explains Andrea. “With that in mind, I am following the foreign market, alongside Paola, Cristina and Natalia, whilst Mario, Simona and Camilla concentrate on the Italian customers.”

Dedicated to distribution

Since its foundation, Bontempi Vibo has been committed to serving the distribution market and creating long-term partnerships with customers. “In recent years we have seen many of our competitors decide to move away from the distribution market and to focus directly on end users. However, at Bontempi Vibo we remain loyal to our partnerships with distributors and we want to grow them even further,” mentions Mario Montagnini, sales manager Italy at Bontempi Vibo. “A key aspect of the restructuring of the sales department is based on the fact we want to get even closer to our distributor customers – so that we can understand their needs and requirements even more.”

Known across Europe for its quality and service level, Bontempi Vibo believes that a key part of working with distribution customers is being able to quickly respond and help with customers’ requests whenever possible. “Since the beginning, the Bontempi Vibo sales team has been focused on meeting the needs of its customers. Through the restructure we will be able to further improve our service levels, including the quickness of our answers, and improve the flexibility the company has when it comes to meeting customers’ requests,” points out Mario.

He adds: “At Bontempi Vibo the majority of our products are standard products. However, that doesn’t mean that our customers have standard requests. Being able to understand what our customers’ need and providing quick responses is a fundamental part of our strategy. Working with distribution means that a lot of the times these needs are very similar, and of course price and quality are a fundamental base of every customer enquiry, however, there are often other little details that could be decisive factors and we want to be close to customers in order to understand these additional needs. If you are going to have customers that are loyal to you as a business, you need to ensure you understand what they need and show how you can help them. By restructuring the department, it has enabled us to get even closer to our customers and to understand these little differences.”

Meeting customers’ needs

A recent example of Bontempi Vibo being able to provide solutions to customers’ individual needs includes a customer who require a very urgent order to be fulfilled. “One of our customers had an issue with one of their other suppliers and they needed somebody to provide the parts as fast as possible,” explains Andrea. “This was a part that could not be found in stock, as they were special fasteners and not available ‘off the shelf’.

To help the customer, Bontempi Vibo worked closely with them and, by fully understanding the requirements, it was able to confirm and deliver the products within just four weeks – from the initial drawings to the final product being delivered. “This is a good example of how understanding the needs of the customers can result in new solutions and business,” states Andrea. “The personal relationship with customers is crucial and by regularly having conversations we can make sure we can meet their needs.”

Andrea continues: “Another advantages of being close with our customers is that you get to understand what is happening within key markets. In many ways our customers are our ‘front office’ with the market and provide information and insight into not only

Job title: Sales manager Italy

Responsibilities: Sales and customer management for Italian customers.

Experience: Mario has 20 years’ experience in sales and customer management, 12 of which has been in the fasteners industry. “Continuous growth and improvement are the guiding aims of my commitment.”

Job title: Area manager Italy

Responsibilities: Sales and contact person for Italian customers.

Experience: Simona has 23 years’ experience in the sales department of Bontempi Vibo and has been the contact person for German customers for many years. Since 2019 Simona has also been working with Bontempi Vibo’s domestic customers. “Daily contact, kindness, good product and service, collaboration, and loyalty, are the key points I believe in to build a long-lasting business relationship.”

Job title: Area manager

Responsibilities: Sales and customer care for the European market.

Experience: Paola has five years’ experience in Bontempi Vibo’s sales department and is responsible for the daily contact with foreign customers – following their needs from the inquiry to the after sales, including drawing up commercial offers, receiving the order, monitoring goods preparation and shipments.

Simona Amadini

Paola Sirani

Mario Montagnini

INSIGHT

their business, but also their customers’ businesses. By speaking to them we can ensure we are informed about what is happening in the distribution and end user markets – meaning we can react quickly with the right strategies to follow what the markets’ need.”

Experienced in manufacturing

Bontempi Vibo has a lot of manufacturing capabilities, as well as experience and knowledge within the business, which means it can help customers, and even customers’ customers, to resolve issues with products or applications. “A prime example is that we recently helped a distributor customer, who had an ender user customer who believed there were quality issues with products,” explains Andrea. “The distributor got in touch with us and we worked with them and analysed the situation. Through the use of a third-party external laboratory, we were able to demonstrate that the issue was actually down to the end user customer – who was not handling the bolts in the correct way. This led to a completely different approach by the end user customer and helped improve the way they were handling all fastener products. Our customer, the distributor, thanked us for our help on behalf of the end user, as the reliability of the company was improved, and the end user was able to improve their processes.”

Mario adds: “Thanks to the vast experiencing within Bontempi Group, we are able to demonstrate to our customers how they can have a more reliable and cost-effective product by working with us. We want our customers to think of Bontempi Vibo for whenever they need a standard product in Europe or have a challenge within an application or installation.”

Mi.Me.Af. collaboration

In addition to the work on Bontempi’s sales strategy, Andreas has also been continuing to work on Mi.Me.Af.’s approach to the market. “We purchased Mi.Me.Af. in March 2021 and we immediately set to work on understanding the relationships with the customers. The company was founded in 1952 and is well known within the industry. I wanted to ensure Mi.Me.Af. was meeting the needs of its customers and supplying the products and services they needed. It is now two years since the acquisition and we are getting customers coming to us and saying we are one of their best suppliers for products, service, and reliability, which shows that the work we have been doing is working.”

Going forward, the sales strategy for Mi.Me.Af. is to become more competitive regarding price, as well as to develop the capacities and capabilities of the business. “We are well known for our ability to make a wide range of special parts and we are currently expanding our portfolio of items with existing customers, as well as working with new customers on new products,” underlines Andreas. “This includes customers in our main markets of automotive and furniture, as well as new markets such as appliances and kitchen utensils. Whilst automotive is undoubtedly the number one market for us, we are always keen to work in new areas and by working closely with our customers we can further understand their needs.”

Being part of the Bontempi Group means that Mi.Me.Af. can also help Bontempi’s distributor customers when it comes to special or bespoke parts. “One of the projects we are putting in place is with distributors that are already Bontempi Vibo customers,” highlights Andreas. “Bontempi is well known for the quality of its product, and service, which means that as soon as customers know that Mi.Me.Af. is part of the Bontempi Group, they are interested in working with us –thanks to the reputaiton. We already have a couple of projects that are ongoing and we have some further projects planned for 2023. The aim is to grow this area of the business in the future and to develop even more of a connection between Bontempi Vibo and Mi.Me.Af. – in order to develop both markets and help both companies to grow.”

www.vibo.com

www.mimeaf.it

Job title: Sales area manager Responsibilities: Sales and customer care for European customers.

Experience: Cristina has 9 years’ experience in the sales department of Bontempi Vibo – building long-lasting relationships with foreign customers thanks to her ability to speak different languages and through daily contacts and exchanges.

Job title: Area manager Responsibilities: Sales and contact person for Italian customers.

Experience: Camilla has one year of experience in the sales department at Bontempi Vibo, but has already become a main contact for Italian clients – providing quotes, individual customer support and guaranteeing exceptional service.

Job title: Area manager Responsibilities: Sales and customer care for the European market.

Experience: Natalia has five years’ experience in sales and customer care with a strong focus on the German and UK markets. “My main purpose is to give our customers day-by-day active support, as well as meeting their needs and delivering a top rate service.”

Camilla Tonini

Natalia Jazic

Cristina Bettoncelli

The highest quality products by FAR

A proud Italian manufacturer, FAR has the ability to produce 100% of its product range at its factory in Bologna, in the north of Italy. Through an extensive stock capability, the company is also able to deliver its goods everywhere in just a few days – either by truck, sea or air.

FAR (Fabbrica Artigianale Rivetti) was founded by the Generali family in 1957 and the company is still 100% family owned. The initial phase of the company’s growth was in the 1960s when it focused on the manufacturing of blind rivets – in an era where English and American manufacturers were the fastening market leaders and the only ones capable of dominating these technologies.

The first challenge for FAR was to enter the Italian market, at the time one of the most important markets in Europe for industrial manufacturing processes. A few years later, FAR also started the development of its manual tools range.

In the 1970s, FAR started developing its range of pneumatic and hydro-pneumatic tools and invested heavily to achieve significant results in the Italian market during the 1980s. The growth was continuous and solid, which enabled FAR to target other European markets throughout the 1990s.

The manufacturing of rivnuts was also started in the 1990s, which was supported by massive investments in machines. Next, FAR entered the millennium with a widened range of portable tools, as well as tools for assembly lines. In the early 2000s, with the growth of Asian fastener manufacturers in Europe, FAR took the strategic decision to focus its production only in Italy and to specialise in a high-quality range of products.

After 2010, the R&D department at FAR started designing the first customised semi-automated systems and the company looked to expand its distribution both in Europe, North America and Oceania. Today, FAR sells to over 75 markets worldwide and is one of a few manufacturers of fastening technologies that specialises in rivets, rivnuts, professional tools and automated systems.

FAR distributes its technologies to several, and quite different, profiles of clients, such as distributors and dealers, as well as system integrators and end user manufacturers – who often require customised technologies.

All of these different profiles of clients have different needs, which is why FAR ensures it supplies a unique level of service to every customer.

“This service is an untangible part of the FAR offer, especially when it comes to prompt answers on

technical and commercial matters; a first class stock management service for the shortest lead times; as well as support with logistics and connections with qualified forwarders; plus consultancy on all documents for export and support with imports as well,” explains Massimo Generali, owner and managing director of FAR Srl.

When it comes to customised fastening technologies the team at FAR can also provide consultancy and cross-competences on fasteners, tools, and automated systems, to make sure it covers ever client application.

To guarantee it can provide this level of service to every customer, FAR invests its time, energy and money in ensuring it keeps up to date with the latest developments, which enables it to anticipate the requirements coming from markets in different parts of the world. “FAR managers regularly visit customers and attend national and international exhibitions to check markets, sectors and main competitors’ innovations,” adds Massimo.

“New video communication systems and new after sales methodologies have also been implemented over recent years to provide technical assistance and training to technicians in different part of the world. Plus, the network of tool repair service stations has been further strengthened to make sure original spare parts and solutions can be submitted to clients. In addition, demonstrations of tools and automations are now facilitated in several markets thanks to local FAR showrooms recently activated in the UK, Poland, the USA, Canada and in Oceania,” mentions Pierluigi Cassani, export sales & marketing director at FAR.

“A lot of our focus is also being paid to digitalisation in quality control in production; in automatic warehouses; and the entire logistic area; with the aim to increase traceability, detect faulty

products and minimise errors,” adds Massimo. “Increasing care is also paid to the selection of suppliers and to validate the entry of the raw materials and components. In fact, the entire FAR organisation is monitored to increase efficiency and productivity in every day operation.”

Massimo concludes: “‘Made in Italy’ means a lot to us. This phrase means to work responsibly; to serve our clients promptly; to continuously innovate our technologies and increase our productivity; as well as to keep our engineers developing new solutions and ensure we are dedicated to the most promising projects. ‘Made in Italy’ means to focus on a high-quality range of products, respect quality protocols and improve services. It means having passion in all we do, everyday. It also means to renew the Italian tradition in manufacturing technologies and serving clients, which was one of the strongest in the world until the 1990s and is now facing new global challenges and changes.”

www.far.bo.it

60 years of Unifix

Established in 1963, Unifix is celebrating its diamond anniversary as a strong and recognised brand – having been embraced by the market and become trusted by merchants, distributors and tradespeople alike.

With a rich history within the fastener and fixing market, Unifix has been able to stay at the forefront of the industry thanks to its commitment to quality and reliability. “For Unifix to still be leading the industry after sixty years is a testament to the reliability and quality it has delivered to generations of trade customers,” points out Ian Doherty, CEO at Owlett-Jaton. “As soon as customers use Unifix products, they understand the attributes, as well as consistency provided, and they build trust with the brand. This is something you can only build over time and it is what we have been able to do with Unifix, which is why it is still so strongly supported within the market.”

Unifix was acquired by Owlett-Jaton in 2012 – with the company working over the last decade to continue growing and developing the brand, whilst ensuring it remained true to its leading reputation. “We quickly recognised that Unifix was best known as a brand for the value it delivers to customers,” explains Ian. “We have therefore looked to keep this as a consistent message when it comes to the product portfolio. We have done this by ensuring that the Unifix range, as with all Owlett-Jaton products, is sourced exclusively from ISO 9001 factories, that have been physically visited and audited to ensure product quality.”

In addition to ensuring the ongoing quality of the product range, Owlett-Jaton has also looked to continue the brand recognition, which Ian believes is becoming a vital part of the fastener market. “Undoubtedly branding has become very important within the fastener sector and to have such a strong brand in Unifix really does put us at the forefront of the industry. Our customers trust in Unifix and know it can deliver the reliability and quality for every product within the portfolio.”

The Unifix range has continually grown over the last 60 years and now features a bigger portfolio than ever before – with over 6,000 products. “Unifix is a generalist brand and is not focused on a particular product or assortment,” mentions Ian. “This has enabled us to create a comprehensive selection of Unifix branded products – supplied in the packaging required for different needs and supported by the stock and service associated with Owlett-Jaton.”

One area where that has been a big development for Unifix was the launch of the Trade and Retail bag range in 2017, which was introduced to meet the different needs of trade people and how they use fasteners. “The decision to launch the Trade and Retail bag range was based on speaking to customers and understanding their requirements,” points out Ian. “It has been nearly six years since the launch and the Trade and Retail bag range is now a key part of our offer – with a very strong demand.”

Ian adds: “When it comes to packaging, we look to meet the needs of ever customer, which is why, in addition to the Trade

and Retail bag range, we have a variety of options available depending on the individual needs. It is about giving the customer the best solution for what suits them and their customer base, which is why we are always looking to develop new packaging solutions to meet the needs of the marketplace.”

Our customers trust in Unifix and know it can deliver the reliability and quality for every product within the portfolio.”

INSIGHT

Another area in which Owlett-Jaton has looked to develop the Unifix brand relates to its merchandising at stockholders, which has become another key area within the market. “Brand recognition and merchandising is relatively new to the trade side of the fastener industry, but there can be no doubt that over recent years a lot more is being sold in the trade counter environment and they are becoming more and more like a regular retail shop. Of course, there are still those customers that simply want a product number, but the majority no longer want just a ‘hole in the wall’. They want to look and browse the products on display, so with that in mind we have developed our merchandising capabilities,” highlights Ian. “Being able to provide support with merchandising, and create bespoke solutions for individual stockholders and merchants, has enabled us to continue to grow the Unifix brand and make sure it is in front of customers.”

Owlett-Jaton has also introduced a merchandising service, where it can work with stockholders to create the most optimal shelving system for their trade counters. “We have recently invested in this side of the business and developed new merchandiser executions, which will again directly benefit Unifix and its customers,” adds Ian.

As part of the Owlett-Jaton family, Unifix also benefits from the overall services and capabilities available to Owlett-Jaton customers. “Unifix is at the forefront of the business and is now our core range brand,” states Ian. “Being part of Owlett-Jaton means that Unifix customers can benefit from our high stock levels, technical support, as well as our carriage paid service and next day delivery.”

He adds: “As we continue to invest as a business this will also benefit Unifix, the product range, and the customers’ that trust the Unifix brand. For instance, we are continuing to invest in people and have recently added three additional area sales managers, and a new merchant

channel manager, so that we can get ‘boots on the ground’ and go out and talk to customers face-to-face.”

Owlett-Jaton is also regularly investing into new product lines for the Unifix range. “We are continuously looking to develop and add to the range depending on customers’ needs and where we see niche opportunities within the market. For instance, we will be shortly introducing a new range of flange bolts,” explains Ian. “Customers want products that they can rely on and through the Unifix portfolio they have products and a brand that they know and trust.”

Ian concludes: “Sixty years in business is a real achievement and we are very proud to be celebrating another exciting milestone, having recently marked the 75th anniversary of Owlett-Jaton. We are immensely proud as to how Unifix has flourished; and through our brand strategy and investment we are confident it will continue to succeed over the next 60 years and beyond.”

www.owlett-jaton.com

We are continuously looking to develop and add to the range depending on customers’ needs and where we see niche opportunities within the market.”

This is SARIV

SARIV is an Italian company that has been designing and manufacturing fastening systems for over 30 years –with competence and know-how characterising its team of professionals in Italy and at the company’s five distribution points around Europe.

With two production plants covering a total area of 9,000m 2 , and all processes, except for zinc plating, carried out in-house in order to guarantee the full control of each manufacturing step –SARIV has a manufacturing capacity of 3 million blind rivets and blind rivet nuts per day.

Thanks to its commitment to internal production, from design to finished product, SARIV can satisfy custom requests and provide full traceability on the production steps of each batch – with a continuous data flow ensuring control of processes and quality.

“From year-to-year, SARIV also makes sure it implements new processes and production options to best meet customers’ needs,” points out Nicola Sartore, CEO of SARIV.

Constant growth

SARIV’s growth path is continuously evolving in order to provide constantly improved products and services to its customers, whilst at the same time making processes more efficient. For this reason, for more than ten years the business has been investing heavily in implementing digitalisation within the company.

“Quality, digital control and traceability are the key aspects of SARIV’s production and quality system,” states Nicola. “Each step of our production chain is digitally monitored by software, thanks to a computerised production progress platform in which the quality system is also integrated, including measuring tools.”

This means from just the batch number, SARIV can trace all details of the product, including the raw material used; processes carried out; tests and measurements; as well as statistical process indices Cp and Cpk and OEE.

Other important investments that have been carried out in the last year have been dedicated to making SARIV’s production department more efficient. For instance, a new bay for the automated warehouse; the creation of a direct connection between the two production areas; the installation of a second automated vertical warehouse for equipment management; and a new assembly department.

“The will to invest in evolution and efficiency is always deeply rooted in SARIV’s corporate culture and will continue be so going forward,” highlights Nicola.

Unique customised solutions

The development of customised solutions is one of SARIV’s main strengths, with the company having the ability to custom make products according to customers’ demands. “This is what allows us to stand out, and also to collaborate with the major brands in the automotive industry,” points out Nicola. “We are also certified according to IATF 16949:2016, which is essential.”

Starting from a customer’s application, SARIV’s dedicated consultancy office designs and develops the most suitable fastening solution – with possible customisations including product design; ad hoc materials and surface coatings; anodisation and RAL upon sample; branded packaging and labelling; camera sorting to guarantee PPM beyond the standards; as well as all the necessary tests and certificates.

A philosophy of sustainability

As part of the philosophy that guides SARIV’s business model, the environment

has always been a main topic and making sure the company is sustainable is a process that is constantly evolving.

In addition to ISO 45001:2018, SARIV also achieved ISO 14001: 2015 certification. By respecting its standards, the company also created an Environmental Management System based on a dynamic and cyclical process, to manage its environmental risk through the search for continuous improvement.

In order to reduce its impact and reduce waste, SARIV also uses the energy produced by a photovoltaic system of 250kW – installed above the roof of the two factories – to power the activities carried out within the plants.

Additionally, until a few years ago, the process of degreasing products was done using water. However, SARIV has been implemented an innovative washing system that has allowed it to completely remove water from degreasing. The innovative washing system uses a vacuum cleaning machine that separates the mechanical oil from the washing solvent, so that it can be reused in the circuit.

Other steps include digitilisation helping to significantly reduce the use of paper, and, when it remains necessary, only recycled paper is used. Plus, for several years now, SARIV’s two production plants have been enriched with plants, as ‘sentinels of the sanity of the air’. “If the plants themselves are fine, the air in the department is healthy and operators are working in a healthy environment,” mentions Nicola. www.sariv.it

Hall 1, Stand 1308

Continental confirms

Brazilian manufacturer Continental Parafusos S.A. has introduced an investment strategy to upgrade its production machines – focusing particularly on introducing quality controls and sensors throughout every production step, in addition to the final inspection stage.

Afamily-owned company now in its 3 rd generation, Continental Parafusos S.A. was founded during the 2 nd World War, when its parent company was facing supply difficulties.

Set-up initially as just a department of the parent company – a producer of timer switches, capacitors, electric hardware, harnesses and related products for the Brazilian market – the business had to initially design and manufacture its own machines and tooling for the production of small screws.

In 1974 the fastener production department had grown enough to establish itself as an independent fastener company – Continental Parafusos S.A. – with it already supplying a variety of markets including automotive, home appliances and other industries.

Today, Continental Parafusos has its headquarters, factory and distribution centre in Diadema City, São Paulo State, Brazil, as well as a branch in Taiwan, which it established in 2011.

“Our factory in Brazil is equipped with fully automated production lines with a total built area of 50,387m² and total land area of 103,711m²,” points out Continental Parafusos. “With our vast production capabilities, as well as almost 50 years of experience, we are able to produce a complete portfolio of hightech quality industrial fasteners.”

The company is specialised in the manufacture of screws, bolts, nuts, rivets and special cold formed parts in carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, as well as aluminum, in sizes from 2mm up to 24mm diameter and lengths from of 3mm up to 180mm.

“This enables us to serve customers’ high-speed assembly lines, such as those seen in automotive, home appliances, construction, electronics and other industries,” explains Continental. “Over the

years we have been able to develop more than 20,000 items, focusing on special parts, according to customers drawings and requirements – supplying to our valued customers around the world.”

Across all of the sectors it supplies, quality is mandatory, which is why Continental Parafusos also has a robust quality and environmental management system in compliance with the main certifications, such as IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, as well as ISO 14001:2015 – besides the CQI-9 for its internal heat treatment.

The company has also achieved several certifications, such as VDA 6.3 Grade A for Volkswagen, BIQS for General Motors, plus Q1 for Ford, with strong experience and partnerships with other customers.

“Today, Continental Parafusos offers more than just fasteners,” states the company. “We offer a safe and optimised operation and state of the art service, where customer can rely on punctual deliveries and safety stocks.”

To guarantee that it provides a complete service to its customers, Continental Parafusos has ‘real time’

investment strategy

integrated management at its headquarters in Brazil, through its SAP ERP system, introduced in 2008, which includes QM –Quality Management, WM – Warehouse Management, as well as CO – Controlling and CO-PA – Profitability Analysis. The same SAP system was also implemented at its Taiwan branch in 2011, which enables the management of the entire company – with a focus on reliability and traceability throughout the entire production chain.

To enable it to continue to provide a complete service to its customers, and to guarantee the highest quality products, Continental Parafusos has also been investing in additional quality controls and sensors for its machines at every production step.

“A good example of this is that we have recently applied the newest technologies through the digitalisation of our 1,000kg/hour continuous heat treatment ovens,” points out Continental Parafusos. “We have also invested in new air compressor installations that include digital monitoring of air consumption, which enables us to optimise the process and ensure there is no wastage.”

The company adds: “These investments are crucial to the continuous improvement and sustainable grow of the business. That is why we will continue to invest in the company structure; in the production equipment; in our people; and in our management. We are a modern and ethical company that ensures integrity in all our production processes, as well as all our relationships – both with suppliers and customers. “

“We are a full service provider to all of our customers, not only for standard bolts and for nuts, but also for any specific customer needs – thanks to our flexibility in production, technical developments, as well as customised international logistic. As a business we are prepared to support and work with our current customers, as well as create partnerships with new customers, in order to meet every requirement.”

www.continentalparafusos.com.br

INSIGHT

Since 1992 NOBEX Srl has been designing, manufacturing and distributing fastening technologies for construction, industry and hardware – emphasising the universal value of Italian manufacturing.

Established as a leading player within the Italian market, NOBEX also exports its products across the EU and Europe, with the international reputation of the business growing day-by-day.

“ NOBEX ’s mission is to be the chosen partner for fastening professionals, by blending functionality and product quality with experience and innovation,” states NOBEX . “For over thirty years our daily purpose has been to support our customers in the many activities of their work.”

To ensure NOBEX continues to be the fixing partner of choice for every business, its new ownership and management, who took over in 2021, have introduced several development projects – including the rearrangement of the internal and distribution processes.

Alongside the rearrangement of these processes, the new ownership and management have also focused on other aspects of the business. This includes, the renewal of the Italian, export and product departments, as well as new marketing operations that will focus on customers’ needs, such as researching and introducing new and improved products.

“A key factor in NOBEX ’s ability to support customers, and its growth within the global market, is its commitment to the continuous innovation of fastening solutions,” points out NOBEX . “This has enabled the company to develop a comprehensive and articulated range of products – guaranteed to satisfy the needs of a constantly evolving market, which is why we will continue to research and develop new solutions.”

Other developments at the business includes the release of a new ‘Building industry’ focused catalogue in addition to NOBEX ’s general catalogue, which has a ‘Learning to fix’ section that includes theoretical and practical training on fastening.

Complete range of high-quality nylon plugs

A key part of NOBEX ’s wide product range is its complete range of high-quality nylon plugs, from universal to classic frame fixing, and multi-expansion, which are suitable for any building material and industrial construction – from windows and doors to electrical and plumbing solutions.

“We are proud to be an Italian manufacturer of the most common and used nylon plugs, such as type A and AB (without and with edge) to the multi-expansion NC plugs – available from diameter 6mm to 14mm and also in the extended sizes diameters 12mm x 60mm and 14mm x 80mm. We can also supply NC-PS for windows, in diameter 8mm and 10mm – with a length from 80mm up to 200mm, ABPROL from diameter 12mm specific for windows, as well as ABP extended plugs with diameter 14mm and 16mm and lengths from 100mm up to 240mm, which are used in construction.

Hall 1, Stand 1246

Via per Carpiano, 18, 20077 Melegnano (MILANO) ITALY

Customised stainless steel screws

Leonix has developed a reputation within the fastener sector for its ability to produce high-quality customised stainless steel screws –100% made in Italy – with the company planning to use Fastener Fair Global 2023 to show its new projects and how it is growing internationally.

Afamily-based company located in Chiuduno, in the north west of Italy, Leonix Fasteners Srl is able to produce a range of screws in diameters from 4mm to 20mm – in lengths up to 350mm. These screws can also be supplied assembled with washers and with all main thermic and surface treatments (i.e anti-corrosion, lubrication, threadlocking, etc).

“At Leonix we have an integrated in-house production model that covers over 5,000m2 ,” points out the company. “This includes a raw material warehouse, a cold forming department – with up to five blocks machines, a modern mechanical workshop, a threading department, turning/milling department, packaging department, as well as a laboratory fully equipped with the most modern control devices for inspect incoming goods and screws in all production stages.”

Leonix highlights that its investments are constantly focused on combining the implementation of new technologies, according to Industry 4.0, with sustainability. “With this in mind, we have recently installed a 250Kw photovoltaic system on the roof of the company, which is an important step in our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, as well as to decrease energy costs,” explains Leonix.

In response to the markets and customers’ needs, Leonix has recently dedicated its efforts and research to further develop a range of machined screws. “These items are the result of the synergy between the economic competitiveness of the cold forging process and the flexibility and precision of the turning process,” mentions Leonix. “Compared to traditional bar production, the product is more replicable, has excellent mechanical properties, and it is cheaper. We see a lot of potential in this area and will continue to conduct research into opportunities.”

After the unpredictable events of the last three years, which has put the markets and society as a whole to the test, Leonix is looking forward to the Fastener Fair Global show in Stuttgart, Germany, so that it can showcase its capabilities and once again get face-to-face with visitors and customers.

“The shortages in raw materials, price volatility, as well as energy cost increases, have all been challenges for our business, which we have been able to overcome thanks to the long-lasting cooperation we have with our valuable customers and suppliers,” states Leonix. “Moreover, these challenges have created the opportunity to retain new customers thanks to our flexibility and efficiency – driven by our highly skilled and dedicated team and their excellent purchasing and production planning capabilities. Going forward, we will continue to remain a point of reference for long-lasting business and we look forward to meeting visitors at Fastener Fair Global to discuss future work together.”

Hall 3, Stand 1964

Full range supplier Partner for distributors

Bringing innovation to the US

Growermetal’s commitment to safety has contributed to the development of innovative projects and new designs. The Fastener Fair USA in Nashville, Tennessee, from 16th – 17 th May, will be another occasion to showcase the latest technologies of the Italian company.

Fastening solutions and parts are the perfect example of how even the smallest detail plays a key role in enhancing safety and Growermetal is well aware of this fact.

Since 1950 the Italian company has worked to provide high-quality safety washers, railway washers, and blanked parts, to its local and international customers. Throughout this time, the company has guaranteed it meets the most demanding standards by putting innovation at the centre of its strategy, combining it with a full range of internal departments, such as treatments and coatings, production and testing, material selection and storage services.

In this journey, the attention to the latest trends has sustained the growth of the business, making the company one of the leaders in a variety of areas. Thanks to this, and after more than seventy years of history, Growermetal delivers its service worldwide, bringing integrated and innovative solutions to the European and global markets.

To allow clients to make an overview and experience the results of this process, trade shows represent one of the most strategic occasions for the company. Among the next events on the global scale, Growermetal will soon travel to North America, to attend the Fastener Fair USA, stand 722, which takes place from 16 th – 17 th May 2023.

Fastener Fair USA: An overview

Fastener Fair USA is one of America’s most important shows dedicated to the full scenario of the supply chain and distribution, addressing mechanical and design engineers, purchasers, wholesalers and OEMs but also master distributors, equipment makers, processors and end users.

The variety of the proposal extends to the sectors involved, with companies and products from every segment, including aerospace, automotive, construction, furniture, appliances and other fastener professionals.

Growermetal stand: 722

With such a proposal, Fastener Fair USA also represents access to the latest industry trends, which attracts an international audience and provides a platform where Growermetal will be able to connect with other experts and show the potential of its solutions to visitors, providing an insight into its developments.

The latest innovations and solutions

With an exclusive set-up, stand 722 will be the perfect stage to present Growermetal’s services along with its latest products. During the fair days, a great focus will be reserved to the functions and characteristics of new washers and parts, with a preview of the recently developed fastening technologies.

However, there will be space also for the other flagship products that represent Growermetal’s fastener range, which includes more than 4,500 standard washers and more than 2,500 different customised parts. A portfolio that includes the more diverse applications, ranging from the automotive and railway sector to the aerospace and electronic segments. This vast array of services and products is the result of Growermetal’s innovation strategy, sustained by the continuous investments in research, testing and cutting edge technologies, but also by a completely in-house manufacturing model.

Aware of the market’s trends and eager to provide compelling solutions to its customers, during recent months all Growermetal’s departments have been focusing on R&D, working on the different fields related to the company’s production – including the electric vehicles industry and the busbar for EV batteries projects.

INSIGHT

A complete collection for the electronic industry

Within the electromechanical and electronic segment, Growermetal produces a series of standard washers and parts, according to customers drawings, in different raw materials –such as heat treated carbon steel, stainless steel AISI 304 and 316, copper, brass and bronze – which includes:

Electric terminal washers: The square or rectangular geometries of Growermetal’s special electric terminal washers for SEMS and metric are the most suitable to offer a user-friendly fixing and an improved electric wire clamping. The combination of the screw and the square washer makes the fixing of wires in electrical facilities particularly easy and these products allow a good performance for the crimping of electrical appliances, such as switches and terminal blocks. Thanks to the distinctive flat or ‘roof’ shapes, and with ribs on the underside, the range enables safe clamping of different sizes of cross section electric wire – with the possibility of the maximum personalisation according to customer specification.

Conical elastic washers and Sperrkant washers: The designs of the conical elastic contact and conical elastic Sperrkant washer range offer an elastic preload in a bolted joint connection – reducing the risk of unwanted loosening. These products are indicated whenever it is necessary for vibration resistance, whilst preserving the bearing surface from damages, but also for applications where parts are subjected to temperature variations or in presence of slotted holes. This performance is guaranteed by the combination of the ribs on the upper surface of the washer and its conical geometry, offering washers which are also ideal for applications with hexagonal bolt head screws, flanged bolt head or oversized holes and socket head screws.

External and internal teethed lock washers: When it comes to electrical applications, the teeth of the external teethed washers and internal teethed washers create a grounding surface that improves the connection with products that are suitable for light applications, and soft materials, such as mild steel, aluminium or plastic. The design of these ranges, with a geometry according to the DIN 6798 and DIN 6797 standards, is made of teeth respectively on the outer profile of the part or extending inwards

from the inside edge of the washer – offering an effective action against loosening. For external teethed washers, this effect is maximised on flat bearing surfaces that are larger than their outer diameter, whilst internal teethed washers are recommended when the head of the bolt is smaller than the external diameter of the washer and are effective in particular on non-flat bearing surfaces.

Internal-external teethed lock washers: In this particular category, washers are characterised by the presence of teeth that extend both inward from the inside edge of the washer and on the outer edge. A geometry that makes these products highly effective on flat bearing surfaces, when the diameter of the bore is significantly larger than the diameter of the screw. Thanks to the teeth that bite into the bearing surface and the underhead of the bolt, the design of Growermetal’s internal-external teethed washer opposes to the loosening force.

“When it comes to washers for electronic applications, the strength of the complete range lies in the flexibility of the proposal; the quality of the treatments; and the possibility to manufacture special items according to the customer’s needs. Characteristics that have contributed to the creation of long-term partnerships, keeping Growermetal up with the times,” explains Paolo Cattaneo, CEO at Growermetal SpA.

“Fastener Fair USA will be an occasion to build new networks with colleagues and make new contacts. It will also be the final chapter of Growermetal’s Fastener Fair tour after the Italian edition and the global event in Stuttgart. The US show will not only provide a unique setting to get in touch with the latest developments in the industry, but also represents a stage to share skills, ideas and projects with other international leaders. Aspects that Growermetal holds in high regard, in order to grow and innovate its business model.” www.growermetal.com

Growermetal delivers its service worldwide, bringing integrated and innovative solutions to the European and global markets.”

PREVIEWS AND REPORTS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS

Taiwan International Fastener Show returns

The Taiwan International Fastener Show will return from 3rd – 5th May at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Centre after its five-year hiatus – helping to bring together Taiwanese manufacturers with global customers.

Organisers of the Taiwan International Fastener Show –including the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI) – were delighted that the show was set to bring the fastener industry together once again in Taiwan, after several postponements since the last show in 2018, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This year’s edition of Taiwan International Fastener Show promises to be one of the best ever, with the exhibition focusing on the three key aspects of Taiwanese fasteners – high-quality, high technology and high added value,” stated the organisers. “The show will include nearly 300 exhibitors, across nearly 900 booths, with a range of additional services to help attract international buyers.”

The last edition of the Taiwan International Fastener Show attracted close to 2,200 international buyers, from 73 countries, across the three days of the show. Organisers reported that the show also drew over 30,000 domestic and foreign visitors.

“Taiwan is renowned for its long fastener manufacturing history and has always been a stable supplier to the fastener

sector,” highlights the show organisers. “The unique industrial clusters that synergise every facet of the fastener related supply chains enable these products to gain great popularity around the world, with Taiwanese companies known for their prompt delivery, excellent quality and competitive service. We are very excited to once again be hosting the show and we invite everybody to Taiwan and to discover the ‘kingdom of screws’.

Solutions for environment and climate conscious construction

Organiser Messe München has announced that BAU 2023, taking place from 17 th – 23rd April in Munich, Germany, will present solutions for environment and climate conscious construction across its exhibition areas – including presentations in its forum.

BAU 2023 features materials, technology and systems for commercial and residential construction, and interior work, for both new-build and modernisation, as well as renovation –covering more than 200,000m 2 of exhibition space. The show also focuses on the complete range of state of the art technology in the international building industry.

The different areas of the show are broken down according to building materials, products, and themes, and includes aluminium, BAU IT, chemical building products, construction tools, floor coverings, roof constructions, energy/building systems/solar technology, tiles/ceramics, light/smart building, glass, wood, stone/ cast stone/marble, locks/fittings/security, steel/stainless steel/zinc/ copper, modular construction/architectural building materials and joining solutions, gate/parking systems, as well as doors and windows.

For this year’s show, BAU 2023 will also offer solutions for the energy refurbishment of buildings, as well as for their robust implementation through solid constructions and components. In addition, presentations by exhibitors will be supplemented by talks on the main topic: ‘The challenge of climate change’.

Control – international and invaluable

The 35th Control, an international trade fair for quality assurance, will take place from 9th – 12th May 2023 in Stuttgart, Germany, with the show focussing on the issues of vision technology, image processing and sensor technology, as well as measuring and test technology – across all industries.

Control is one of the most important, large international trade fairs covering the field of quality assurance.

“We’re pleased that more bookings have now already been received than at the same time in 2022”, reports Fabian Krüger, project manager for trade fair promoters P. E. Schall. “At nearly 37%, the proportion of foreign exhibitors already exceeds the figures for 2022. The innovations in quality control and quality assurance presented in halls 3, 5, 7 and 9 are sure to arouse lots of interest and curiosity.”

Measuring and test technologies continue to develop at a rapid pace – on the one hand because new fields of application are opening up, and on the other hand because increasing automation continues its role as a key driver. “As representatives of the exhibitor community as a whole, our exhibitor advisory committee recently reiterated the importance of Control,”

adds Fabian. “Control is by far the world’s best trade fair in the field of quality assurance. It’s entirely unique throughout the global market because it features different types of metrology and is thus relevant for all industry sectors.”

That is why Control 2023 will present further developments covering all aspects of measuring and test technology, materials testing, analysis equipment, vision technology, image processing and sensor technology, weighing and counting technology, as well as AI supported software tools.

“We’re looking forward to the 35th Control in the spring of 2023,” explains Bettina Schall, managing director of P. E. Schall. “Exhibitors, as well as expert visitors, appreciate the thematic focus of Control as an industry highlight. This makes the trade fair a highly esteemed business platform.”

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

INSIGHT AND NEWS ON THE CONSTRUCTION MARKET

Circular economy and the European industry

By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general, European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP)

Thinking in terms of circular economy, whilst living in a capitalistic system based on the principle ‘take, make, waste’, is a bit of a challenge and it will take some time for society to think in different terms. However, it seems that there may not be any time – with sustainability and the circular economy one of the challenges that the European industry is called to face now, whilst continuing to sell and compete on the global market.

To tackle this topic, the first exercise to do is to remove the magnifying glass from the world of fasteners, from our daily life, possibly even from our country and, once in space, look at the earth from afar and examine our economy system. In our current economy, regardless of the degree of economic development of states and populations, the basic principle is that we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste. This process is called ‘linear process’.

...the bad news is that by 2050, the world will be consuming as if there were three planet Earths, whilst we just have one.”

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Why is it a challenge?

Global consumption of materials such as biomass, fossil fuels, metals, and minerals, are expected to double in the next forty years, while annual waste generation is projected to increase by 70% by 2050. If we stick to our actual production system based on our linear system – ‘take, make, waste’, the bad news is that, by 2050, the world will be consuming as if there were three planets Earths, whilst we just have one.

What shall we do, starting from now?

We need to stop waste being produced in the first place. This means that we need to decouple economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. However, this is not going to be possible with our current linear system. We have to move from our linear system to a circular system (circular economy). As this is a change of systems, which is no small thing, we need to start thinking of this solution as a systems solution framework.

What is a circular economy?

The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design – eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature.

The circular economy system diagram (pictured above) is known as the ‘butterfly diagram’ and shows the continuous flow of materials in a circular economy.

There are two main cycles – the technical cycle and the biological cycle. In the biological cycle, the nutrients from biodegradable materials are returned to the Earth to regenerate nature. In the technical cycle, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes such as reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling.

What has the European Commission done so far?

In 2019 the European Commission launched the European Green Deal – a package of policy initiatives that aims to set the EU on the path to a green transition, with the ultimate goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. One of the initiatives is to align EU laws with the EU’s climate goals.

When it comes to European manufacturers from the construction

sector, they have been asked to deliver products designed, constructed, used, maintained, and demolished, in such a way that, throughout their life cycle, the use of natural resources is sustainable. Every construction sector, including fasteners, faces this challenge.

The legal tools to enforce this will mainly be the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which includes sustainable use of natural resources in construction works as one of the basic requirements for construction works – taking on board the concepts of reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling. The new CPR also includes digitalisation, which is an important pillar of the circular economy.

What are the next steps?

When mentioning sustainability, green deal, and circular economy, manufacturers think about how much time and money they need to invest to get certification that will possibly cover all of these aspects. Once achieved, marketing should do the rest.

Whilst facing the circular economy with certifications is most likely to be inevitable, it will certainly not be exhaustive. Manufacturers should start thinking in terms of circular economy for all the functions of their company, in order to accelerate the transition.

References:

For this article, I used several definitions given in the website of the Ellen MacArthur foundation https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/. For those of you who don’t know, Ellen is an English sailor, holder from February 2005 to 2008 of the world record for the fastest single-handed circumnavigation of the globe. Looking at the world from inside her boat, alone for months, she understood that it is necessary to behave economically as she behaved in her boat, that is, with the awareness that the world’s resources are finite. So, after her retirement from professional sailing, she has founded the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity which works with business and education to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Every construction sector, including fasteners, faces this challenge.”

M anufacturer & distributor

Your partner for all fasteners and fixings!

Fasteners and Fixings. From small screws to ETA approved construction bolts. From nylon plugs to seismic tested anchors. These are the visible or invisible connections that keep building projects together. They are indispensable links.

For pgb-Europe and pgb-Polska it is our daily aim to provide our customers with quality products and a matching service. We have been an established supplier and manufacturer of fasteners and fixings for more than 60 years.

Let’s talk soon at the Fastener Fair Global!

More information: www.pgb-international.com

UKCA Marking based on European Technical Assessments: The manufacturers’ view

By Dr Ulrich Bourgund and Thomas Holland-Letz of Construction Fixings Europe

On 31 st December 2020 the UK left the EU and also left the European rules for product qualification of construction products. Those rules typically have been documented in hEN (harmonised European Standards) or EAD (European Assessment Documents). Both routes can lead to CE Marking, one mandatory and the latter one voluntarily – similar to the legal situation in the EU.

In the meantime, the UK has developed its own ‘Mark’ for declaring compliance to technical requirements, the UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessed) Mark, which confirms that the product is compliant with the UK regulations. It is a product marking for goods being placed on the GB market (England, Scotland and Wales). The UKCA Mark demonstrates that certain goods are compliant with UK regulations. It signifies that the product has been assessed on a common technical basis to meet high safety, health and environmental protection requirements.

In the absence of UK specific reference documents, like UK Assessment Documents (UKAD), currently the UKCA Marking process references to all European documents (hEN, EAD, ETA, etc), which were published in the official EU Journal (OJEU) prior to 31 st December 2020. In case of doubt, the respective list of accepted documents is published on the UK government website 1

For products that are qualified in the EU by ETAs in the UK, first a UKTA will be developed and issued. The UKTA (United Kingdom Technical Assessment) is the criteria for non-harmonised products to get the UKCA Mark. The UKTA is the

equivalent to an ETA (European Technical Assessment). Results of the assessment tests used for the ETA can be used also for the UKTA to avoid double testing.

In order to arrive at the UKCA Mark, the respective DoP (Declaration of Performance) will be developed by the manufacturer and the CoC (Certificate of conformity) will be issued by UK organisations, e.g an accredited UK-based assessment body from the UKMCAB database.

The UKCA Mark is a voluntary marking for all ETA based products. For construction products the due date of the CE Mark recognition is 30 th June 2025. This extended deadline will be needed by both manufacturers and UK TABs to further streamline the UKTA process and to solve some open questions.

As explained earlier, only EADs cited in the official EU Journal (OJEU) before 31 st December 2020 can be used as a basis to issue UKTAs. In the meantime, most of those EADs have also been developed further and replaced by updated versions. Additional EADs have also been developed for new products or applications. Currently, it is not possible to issue UKTAs for products with ETAs based on those updated or new EADs.

The same is true for products with ETAs based on former ETAGs, which are not covered by the UK list of references of pre-Exit European Assessment Documents for construction products mentioned above. For example, the widely used plastic anchors with ETAs according to ETAG 020 is not listed in the UK, which means it is not possible to issue an UKTA, although the respective ETAs are still valid in the EU.

Companies that have already started or finalised the first UKTA processes have also experienced high bureaucratic and financial burdens. Therefore, some companies have applied for UKTAs in a first step for their best selling standard products only. To encourage companies, especially SMEs, to apply for UKTAs also for their innovative or niche products, a further optimisation of the UKTA processes is necessary.

The most preferred option for the European manufacturers of ETA products would be that the UK would continue to accept the distribution and the use of CE Marked products without deadline. Although UKCA Marking for construction products with ETA will remain voluntary also in the future, such an acceptance would lead to more legal certainty for manufacturers, distributors and end users. Since this option may not be realistic for purely legal reasons, at least a clear procedure to allow mutual recognition of CE/UKCA Marking could be developed jointly between the EU and the UK to avoid unnecessary administrative burden and additional costs for the industry.

www.construction-fixings.eu

References:

1 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ pre-exit-european-assessmentdocuments-construction-products

STRUCTURAL STEEL + CLADDING FASTENERS FEATURE

Lindapter launches Hollo-Bolt plug-in tool

Working in partnership with Trimble Solutions (UK), Lindapter has launched a new Tekla plug-in tool, which will help facilitate the efficient and accurate detailing of the company’s Hollo-Bolt system into structural steel models.

Available to download from Tekla Warehouse, the time saving tool enables Lindapter’s innovative Hollo-Bolt system to be incorporated directly into a Tekla user’s 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) software in Tekla Structures.

Known in the industry for manufacturing and supplying innovative steelwork connections, Lindapter’s Hollo-Bolt system is a range of CE UKCA marked expansion bolts that only require installation access to one side of the steel. Suitable for both end-plate and profile-to-profile connections, and with three bolt heads available – hexagonal, countersunk and flush fit, the products provide a faster alternative to welding, or through-bolting, enabling steelwork contractors to reduce construction time and labour costs. The new Tekla plug-in tool, however, takes these time saving benefits even further, providing a more efficient and accurate detailing process.

Prior to the launch of the tool, Tekla and Lindapter customers have, previously, had to manually model a generic steel bolt connection with no specific attributes.

Not being linked to any manufacturer, the generic connection makes it impossible to generate precise take offs. Now, using the new tool, users can automatically detail the Hollo-Bolt connection with the associated product specific information and data (including product codes and attributes), leading to more accurate quantity take-offs and estimates. In addition, rather than detailing a bolt connection in isolation, the tool creates a parametric component; effectively a more intelligent detailing experience, which automatically prevents users from going outside set parameters. For example,

further enhance our digital journey. For us, it’s all about providing our customers with a product that’s easy to use, right from the initial design and detailing stage, through to on-site installation.

…the time-saving tool enables Lindapter’s innovative Hollo-Bolt system to be incorporated directly into a Tekla user’s 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) software...”

INDIVIDUALITY is very important to us - if you are also looking for customized solutions, then visit the valuemakers at trade fair stand 1362 and let the specialists for C-parts-management advise you on DIN and standard parts storage, modern Kanban solutions, as well as special and drawing parts.

STRUCTURAL STEEL + CLADDING FASTENERS FEATURE

EN 14399 sets one of Rawlplug’s fastest developing product

Koelner Rawplug reports that its EN 14399 sets, manufactured at its Łańcut factory in Poland, are one of its fastest developing products in its sales portfolio.

When it comes to HV high strength bolts, Koelner Rawplug is clear that there is no place for unreliability. “Defining and preventing potential risks before producing HV sets is the key to success and building long-term customer trust,” explains Koelner Rawlplug. “At Rawlplug, we know that we are not just selling a product but also the reliability and safety of the connections that our products create. We know our customers and we know that they need a product that is reliable and easy to use, with no room for compromise in either of those key areas. Our offer of EN 14399-4/6 sets is a direct response to the requirements of our customers, from intermediaries to end users.”

First class production

The HV high strength bolts are produced at Koelner Rawlplug’s Łańcut factory, which is often described by visitors and customers as one of the most modern fastener production sites in Europe –thanks to the modern machinery, advanced technology and over 65 years of experience of producing fasteners.

“Thanks to the continuous modernisation of the Łańcut factory machine park, it has become one of the most modern production plants in the fastener industry – widely recognised for its reliability and high production standards,” points out Koelner Rawlplug. “Products with the ŁF mark are well known for meeting even the strictest customer requirements – with fasteners made in the Łańcut factory suitable for a wide variety of industries, from automotive to construction building.”

Almost all processes in the cycle of production are performed on-site in Łańcut, which ensures independence and absolute certainty of maintaining the highest production standards.

Complete packaging solutions

In addition to its vast manufacturing capabilities, with Koelner Rawlplug sets available from M12 – M36, the company is also able to provide customers with a choice of packaging methods. “The components can be packed in separate boxes or all together in one box – with packaging of pre-assembled sets

points out Koelner Rawlplug. “It all depends on what are the individual expectations of our customers.”

The company also ensures that the labels on the boxes are easy to read and include all the information necessary for handling in both small and large warehouses. “We also made sure to provide clear assembly instructions, supplemented by more detailed descriptions in the HV User Guide, available on our website,” mentions Koelner Rawlplug. “At the same time, we ensure full traceability of our bolts and nuts. Our marking method, combined with the record in our ERP system, allows us to quickly identify the exact batch of the product, which in turn ensures full traceability of production and easy access to detailed test results.”

Guaranteed quality

Due to the environments and applications HV sets are used, Koelner Rawlplug is under no doubt about the essential role its products play in installations – with no room for compromise. “Whether in heavy snow, fog, or rain, our HV sets are resistant to even the harshest weather conditions – making them a safe choice even in the most challenging constructions, such as wind turbines at sea or bridges,” states Koelner Rawlplug. “With an improved, customised coating of our nuts we continue to provide the reliability that our customers require. The improved coating is less susceptible to the influence of moisture and provides greater adhesion, thanks to which the K-factor value is within the requirements for the combined and modified method. An additional advantage is the reduction of soiling by molybdenum disulfide.”

Utilising experience

From the very beginning of the HV set project the Koelner Rawlplug team has utilised its experience from the automotive

Products with the ŁF mark are well known for meeting even the strictest customer requirements.”

Hall 1, Stand 718

Threaded rods in

Stafa supplies threaded rods according to DIN 976 in 1000, 2000 and 3000 mm lengths, but also threaded rods/threaded pieces can be cut to any desired length in our own sawmill with our cutting machines.

There is no limitation in order size, even small batches are possible with short delivery times. The deburring of the sawn thread ends is always included. Request

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

industry and implemented the same standards and quality in the steel construction field. “Our automotive industry know-how, especially in the field of friction coefficient tests, made it possible to develop a lubricating coating on the nut that provides high repeatability of the clamping force rate. It is thanks to the refined nut coating that we know that our sets will meet the requirements of assembly using the combined K1 and modified methods,” explains Koelner Rawlplug. “This allows our customers flexibility of choosing the preferred method of assembly. We deliberately narrowed down the K-factor gates to always be ready to prepare an order dedicated to the K2 controlled moment method. In the case of the most popular K1 method, this solution gives high repeatability of the results obtained.”

Another area in which relevant experience is essential is in obtaining high strength classes in the production of fasteners. “We have used our achievements in the production of high strength

fasteners for the automotive industry and ensured the heat treatment process is carried out in our modern continuous and chamber furnaces,” points out Koelner Rawlplug. “Additionally, we closely monitor every batch of steel delivered to our factory in order to ensure high repeatability of the mechanical parameters of the bolts. Our bolts are also hot dip galvanised without the use of acid, thanks to which we have reduced the risk of hydrogen embrittlement generated from the production process. We have implemented our own original method of testing the susceptibility of high strength bolts to hydrogen embrittlement and regularly check our HV sets this way. “

To complement its offer, Koelner Rawlplug is also able to provide active technical support in the challenges related to the design and assembly of steel structures. The company can guarantee the assistance of its engineers in case of any quality concerns. Well equipped in-house laboratories also make it possible to confirm process and product compliance, as well as to carry out advanced research and development work.

“Exhibiting at the Fastener Fair Global show in Stuttgart will enable us to showcase our HV bolts, as well as present the full range of possibilities of our Łańcut factory,” states Koelner Rawlplug. “With so many new investments and modernisation projects going on, it is hard to keep up with everything. That is why visitors need to visit our stand to make sure they do not miss out on any exciting developments.”

www.klfs.pl

ƒ Suitable for preloading constructions according to EN 1090-2; EN 14399:

- combined method – K1: 0,10 ≤ k ≤ 0,16*

- torque method – K2: 0,10 ≤ km≤0,16; Vk≤0,06*

*possibility to meet both in same product

- modified method (DASt 024) (fitted K-factor)

ƒ Guaranteed property grade 10.9/10

ƒ Full control over K-factor, reliable and repeatable assembly (in house testing)

ƒ Solution for wind energy application on sea:

- Hot dip galvanization process eliminating the risk of hydrogen embrittlement

- Special MoS2 formula – more resistant to weather conditions

- Higher fatigue resistance due to lack of ferrite delta

ƒ Customized coating system depending on application

ƒ Full component identification and traceability

ƒ Excellent thread fit and durability

www.klfs.pl lfs@rawlplug.com HV SOLUTION FOR SAFE CONNECTIONS Available for sale from the warehouse in the M12 – M36 range

STRUCTURAL STEEL + CLADDING FASTENERS FEATURE

Thousands of spacer screws hold Swiss façades in place

REISSER , the international supplier of high-quality wood screws and power tools, has met a project requirement to hold 6,000m 2 of rear ventilated façades in place on a building project in Winterthur, Switzerland.

To solve the challenge in the town’s Rümikerstrasse, REISSER-Schraubentechnik calculated an exact need for 18,000 of its spacer screws to be used; the precise calculation for the number of screws per square metre was made based on static pull-out tests, carried out at the construction site by REISSER , as well as by determining the façade load. This made it possible to establish an exact requirement for 18,000 spacer screws for the Rümikerstrasse building, to service the total 6,000m 2 façade area.

Unlike conventional screws, the spacer screw has two different threads on the head and tip. The wood or aluminium profile to be fastened is held at a distance with the head thread and the anchor thread is used for fastening into the substrate, by means of plastic frame anchors for tensile and compressive load transfer. This can be read in the corresponding room data sheet (RDS) requirements, Z-21.2.2130 – RDSs can be used for all commercially available insulation materials and profiles, both in new buildings and renovations.

As the final installation is no longer visible, or accessible, the use of A4 building material is required in this rear ventilated façade and REISSER claims to be the only ‘Made In Germany’ manufacturer to offer a spacer screw in the required A4 building material. The material itself displays the positive characteristics of having low thermal conductivity, resulting in only a minimal heat loss; A4 can also be used on façades that need to be resistant to de-icing and salt water, e.g in saltwater zones and outdoor wellness areas.

“By using the RDS when mounting substructures for the rear ventilated façades with approved frame anchors,

considerable time and material savings are possible compared with conventional installation,” points out REISSER . “With fewer steps required, a shorter assembly time can be achieved and, thus, greater economic efficiency derived. Easier installation without cumbersome cutting out of insulation materials also results in less insulation waste, improving sustainability, at the same time as preventing insulation faults and air pockets.”

As a fire protection compliant connection system, stainless steel RDS-based A4 material fulfils current fire protection requirements and is, therefore, a safe product for use with rear ventilated façades. In addition, it can also be used for subsequent visual changes to façades, such as to elements made from Maxplatten, Alucobond, Eternit (Cemprit), advertising board fixings, wood panelling or certain solar panel installations.

REISSER RDS-based spacer screw types are currently available in lengths from 190mm to 370mm. RDS-CA is suitable for mounting secondary aluminium substructures in front of masonry; while RDS-CW is intended for mounting secondary wood substructures in front of masonry; and RDS-CTS is aimed at the testing of existing masonry.

In addition, a number of accessories are available for mounting the spacer screw. These include the RDS-DJ, a screw-drilling template that acts as an auxiliary tool for pre-drilling masonry and primary wood sub-structures at the correct angle, between 0° and 15°; the PRHOSB precision spiral wood drill, intended for use with wood/hard wood and plastics to ensure optimum centring and chip removal; the MEZWBO multi-purpose drill bit, a rotary drill for drilling in various masonry substrates and especially suited to brick, perforated brick, lime sandstone and lightweight concrete; the SDS hammer drill bit, HBSDS3, with three cutting edges for concrete and natural stone; and, lastly, the sliding and fixed point RV4-B5 screw for fastening pre-punched aluminium and stainless steel wall brackets.

www.reisser-screws.com

Think Fixing

G&B UK warehouse

Quality products with a service to match available for next day delivery direct from our branch in Sheffield (UK mainland only).

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

www.gebfissaggi.com

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

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

G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland johnengebfissaggi@gmail.com

MAREFIX marefix @marefix.com

G&B Fissaggi Benelux export @gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi France export@gebfissaggi.com

MADE IN GERMANY EXCELLENCE IN STAINLESS STEEL

We develop and produce high-quality products made of A2, A4, A5 and A8 stainless steel. REISSER-Schraubentechnik GmbH

• www.reisser-screws.com

G&B FISSAGGI, the Italian company

Secure, maintenance-free, structural bolting assemblies

In a positive development for bolted joint security in European steel construction, Nord-Lock Group and Peiner Umformtechnik are now collaborating to provide a maintenancefree, structural bolting assembly – consisting of an EN 14399-4/-8 spec Peiner HV bolt, together with a pair of Nord-Lock steel construction (SC) wedge-locking washers, which meet ETA requirements.

The fundamental idea behind bolting assemblies is to provide a solution whereby all components come from one manufacturer, who is responsible not only for the components themselves, but also for the friction coefficients, i.e. torque/preload ratios. Replacing commonly used flat washers with the more secure Nord-Lock SC washers, however, turns this basic idea on its head, and is permitted through approvals issued on both a national basis in Germany, via the Deutches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt, Z-14.4-629), and on a European basis via the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (ETA – 20/0010). However, friction coefficients and required torques differ between the two, details of which can be found in the respective approval documentation.

As Europe’s largest HV bolt manufacturer, Peiner Umformtechnik supplies more than 20 million structural bolting assemblies each year and is now the first manufacturer to offer the entire bolting assembly from a single source. This new offering underpins the basic idea that structural bolting assemblies should come from one supplier. The company has conducted many internal tests and is in favour of improving its assemblies with Nord-Lock SC washers, the addition of which increases the security of bolted connections.

While regular HV assemblies with plain washers are common to the steel construction industry, and have proven themselves over time, they only have limited integrity when exposed to dynamic loads. Bridges, crane tracks, storage racks, conveyor systems, and all manner of warehouse infrastructure, or steel constructions, are exposed to extreme vibrations, dynamic loads or thermal movements. With this new development, however, Peiner HV bolting assemblies, used in conjunction with Nord-Lock SC wedge-locking washers, will help prevent loosening under these conditions, maintaining high preload and secure bolted joints.

Frank Götz, Nord-Lock’s senior steel construction expert, comments: “While in some places it’s already standard practice to replace flat washers with Nord-Lock SC washers, in other countries there are still major reservations. The main points of discussion are the standards EN 1090-2, EN 14399 and the associated CE Marking.”

Accordingly, Nord-Lock SC washers are only to be used with components that have a CE Marked structural bolting assembly,

which effectively results in a new assembly meeting Z-14.4-629 or ETA specifications.

Junker test results

At Nord-Lock’s R&D laboratory in Mattmar, Sweden, plain washers (EN 14399-6) were compared with Nord-Lock SC washers (ETA – 20/0010) in Junker testing to measure the locking security when used with M30 Peiner HV bolts. The results of this Junker test – the world’s most severe vibration test to determine the point at which fastener securing elements fail when subjected to vibration, and based on DIN 65151 – prove the Nord-Lock difference.

With plain washers, tension drops dramatically within a few seconds of running the test and preload falls completely to 0kN in just over 60 seconds. With Nord-Lock SC washers, however, after a small loss in preload, due to initial settlements, a strong and stable clamp force remains in the bolted joint throughout the testing –proving that even under demanding conditions Nord-Lock SC washers are prevented from spontaneous loosening – thanks to the wedge geometry created when using the two solutions as a pair.

Renè Tomasch, Peiner’s manager sales engineering, stated that by meeting the specific demands of the market and its customers, Peiner has been able to offer the “best solution for every requirement” using these high strength, maintenance-free bolt assemblies, together.

www.nord-lock.com

“With Nord-Lock SC washers... a strong and stable clamp force remains in the bolted joint...”

Hall 3, Stand 2204

Hobotec screw in black

The Hobotec screw from Eurotec, which can be used to create wood-to-wood connections easily and safely, is now available in black for special kinds of façade designs.

Eurotec explains that the Hobotec screw is particularly useful where there is an increased risk of cracking or splitting – because the milled ribs facilitate countersinking in different types of wood. A new type of thread and innovative drilling tip also ensure a tight fit, as well as high pull-out resistance. This makes the Hobotec screw ideal for use in façade, deck and fence construction and especially for brittle woods.

Elegant façade with carbonised wood

Eurotec points out that the Hobotec screw in black is ideally suited for fastening black (carbonised) façade planks, which are proving popular within façade designs. Carbonised wood is wood that has been charred on the surface. This treatment originates from Japan where it is known as ‘Yakisuki’ (Shou Sugi Ban), which means ‘Charred Cedar’. It involves heat treating wood under

controlled conditions so that it carbonises (chars) in its upper layer, thus changing its properties.

Since this process seals the pores of the wood, it becomes weather-resistant, requires no additional protective coating and can be installed outdoors without any treatment at all. However, if the intention is to use carbonised wood indoors, the burnt surface must first be treated with a special coating to prevent it from rubbing off.

Hall 5, Stand 2704

Continuing to stand out from the crowd

LUSAN is a manufacturer and distributor with a wide range of products, including its Fixbolt sleeve anchor and best selling blister packs, which it supplies to a wide range of industries.

LUSAN Fijaciones y Anclajes’s flagship product is Fixbolt – a metal anchor in Grade 8.8 with CE certification and available in multiple diameters. LUSAN also has a wide range of wedge anchors in steel and stainless steel, resins of different qualities – with multiple accessories, chemical capsules, nylon cable ties, standard screws, nylon plugs, blind rivets, eye nuts and snap hooks.

“In order to serve a number of industries, we have the capacity to adapt to the necessities of our clients through our export department, which is specialised in all scenarios that might rise. We also have an ISO 9001 certificate that validates our quality when it comes to products, internal processes and service,” proudly states LUSAN.

With the aim of promoting products in hardware stores and the supplies industry, LUSAN has also developed a range of POS board displays that help to show products in an efficient and attractive way to the final customer. The range includes

a blister pack – showing an elegant and attractive image – providing easy item identification thanks to a new label design, which identifies each type of product with different colours. LUSAN also provides a self-service dispenser and a bulk Mix Fix dispenser that enables customers to create bespoke mixtures.

“2021 and 2022 were a challenging year with price rises, storage shortage, as well as demand and availability challenges. At LUSAN, we have strived to lessen the impact for all our clients with our stockholding, as well as by providing the maximum quality in service and product,” comments LUSAN. “We want to keep standing out, working hard, getting better day-by-day and offering our clients the best. We are also really excited to be able to exhibit at Fastener Fair Global, after such a long time without doing so – due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We invite all visitors to our stand (588) in Hall 1.” www.lusan.es

Hall 1, Stand 588

Preservation of historical structures with MCI® technology

Cortec Corporation is committed to providing world-class corrosion solutions for industries across the globe, with the company recently supplying its MCI® technology to help preserve the famous Zagreb Cathedral.

Zagreb Cathedral is the tallest and one of the most beautiful buildings in Croatia – attracting thousands of tourists worldwide. Its construction dates back to 1093 with continued enrichment of the cathedral by famous architects during the following centuries.

Reconstruction of the cathedral in the late 1800s was led by Hermann Bollé, who brought the cathedral to its most recent architectural form – in which it stood until the earthquake on 22 nd March 2020, which damaged the cathedral’s southern spire.

Over the last 30 years, extensive restoration work has also been undertaken on the cathedral, with ongoing repairs to this day. During reconstruction work on the south tower of the cathedral in 2012, damaged steel joints were found surrounding the tower – 10cm (4 inches) below the surface at approximately every 3m between the 1 st and 25th rows. Most of the joints were only partially exposed in order to replace the surface layer of stone on the belltower, while the back of the joints remained embedded in stone and lime mortar. The joints were covered with a layer of rust and in drainage areas corroded all the way through the cross-section.

In order to define the optimal solution for maintaining or improving the mechanical resistance and structural stability of the tower, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of Zagreb was called in to examine the joints. At their laboratory, they performed experiments on steel joints removed from the cathedral. They recommended doing the following: Remove corrosion from accessible joint connections. Apply corrosion protection to accessible joint connections. Strengthen the joint connections where damage had occurred.

It was suggested that a minimal range of intrusion be used to keep the mechanical resistance and stability of the tower structure

at their existing level – while keeping costs at a minimum. Cortec’s CorrVerter® MCI® Rust Primer was recommended for corrosion protection. CorrVerter® is a water-based product that quickly converts rust into a protective layer – and is capable of penetrating into corroded surfaces. It contains a novel chemical chelating agent that modifies surface rust into a hydrophobic passive layer.

During application, a metal brush was used to remove loose rust from the joints. Then, two layers of CorrVerter® MCI® Rust Primer coating were applied directly onto the metal. A brush was used for CorrVerter® MCI® application on smaller metal joint surfaces, while spray application was used for larger areas. The first coat was applied at a thickness of 100 microns. A second coat was applied at a thickness of 75 microns. During application, the coating temperature was 13°C. The joints were then reinforced with steel fishplates that were welded onto the joints and also protected with CorrVerter® MCI® Rust Primer. The final step was to replace the stones around the joints. With the help of a skilled team and good project management, the entire project was completed successfully with minimal cost and intrusion as specified. The coating penetrated into the metal and stopped further advancement of the corrosion process.

A.S.F. Fischer adds new Blackline range

A.S.F. Fischer has introduced the new Blackline brand, which includes black coated articles from its Woodies® Ultimate, QlinQ® fasteners, QlinQ® door fittings and GB (Gebroeders Bodegraven) range of products.

A.S.F. Fisher B.V has been an international partner in fasteners for more than 77 years and has various own brands that it can supply to customers. The Blackline range of screws are made of hardened steel and then provided with an environmentally friendly EP5 coating. Because of this, A.S.F. Fischer reports the anti-rust wood construction screws are much stronger and more durable than stainless steel screws. The EP5 coating ensures a high corrosion resistance – with the screws meeting the highest standard of corrosion resistance – quality mark C4.

QlinQ®’s Blackline fasteners also have an anti-rust coating, so that they can be used outdoors in combination with, for instance, GB Blackline hinges and latches. Plus, the QlinQ® door fittings in

fasteners consist of hexagon head wood screws, carriage bolts, hexagon nuts, cap nuts and mudwing repair washers. QlinQ®’s door fittings range consist of door shields, door handles, hinges, hinges rustica and other accessories.

The Blackline range from GB includes (classic) hinges, screw-in thumbs, claw thumbs, (rustica) plate thumbs, cross hinges, tail hinges, handles, door bar hooks, large and small latches, wind vortices, anti-climbing strips and door catches.

The entire Blackline range can be found in the A.S.F. Fischer Webshop. There customers will also find the new Steelies® Ultimate brand (including drilling screws, metal screws, plasterboard

Hall 3, Stand 1656

Choose the right screws for what you need

Screws constitute a fundamental part of any DIY or construction project. Here INDEX – A Perfect Fixing looks at the wide variety of types available and how users ensure they choose the right screw.

Depending on their size, thread, head or tip, different types of screws are effective for different purposes. For instance, a fundamental part of a screw is its head and drive, which together determine the strength and torque of a screw. There are a variety of different types of head and drive types available within the market, including:

Phillips screws: This type of screw is one of the most used and has slots in the head in the shape of a cross. The heads are designed to avoid the screwdriver slipping, thus facilitating use. The Phillips screw doesn’t usually require a lot of torque when installing and is very useful, for example, for work with wood.

TORX® screws: TORX® screws have grooves in the shape of a star with six points and are very resistant. The tamper resistant TORX® screw, especially designed to be extra secure, falls within this classification. It is characterised

by its protruding pin in the middle of the six-point star that requires a special tool to turn.

Slotted-head screws: Slotted-head screws have a slot in a vertical line and are perfect for joining together two pieces of wood. It is one of the most commonly used types of screw and is recommended for medium torque jobs.

Socket screws: These screws have a cylindrical head with a hexagonal hole in the middle. To work with them, you need an Allen key, a tool capable of exerting greater torque than a conventional screwdriver.

Pozidriv screws: Pozidriv screws are similar to Phillips screws but have greater torque as they have eight points of contact in the slots, which guarantees good fixing to the surface. They are ideal for work with materials that require a strong hold.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Hexagonal head screws: These screws have a hexagonal head. Unlike the other screws, hexagonal head screws do not have any slots and are perfect for fastening metal parts together with the right tool. Also, screws with a hexagonal head that include a flange don’t need to have a washer incorporated.

Classifying screws by use

In addition to the different screw heads that are on the market, it is also fundamental to know about the different uses each one has according to the material the user will be working with or the particular features that apply. Some of the most common types of screw are detailed below: Wood screws: This classification includes various types, but coach screws are the most common. The distance between the thread lines is greater than with conventional screws, which facilitates a much stronger joint thanks to the fact that the screw fastens to the wood more securely. If the screws are going to be visible, there are different types of covering to make the installation more aesthetically pleasing.

Self-drilling screws: Self-drilling screws are those that, as their name suggests, don’t need prior drilling to install them as their tip acts as a drill. Within this classification you’ll find screws for roofs and façades, which are principally hex head selfdrilling and favour the joining of metal elements. They have a washer or flange incorporated with EPDM rubber that seals the material being worked on.

Screws for laminated plasterboard: Most of these screws have a trumpet head, which allows easy insertion of the screw into the material and provides a gentle but strong torque. Depending on the thickness of the material to be drilled, the tip of the screws for plasterboard may be sharp, perforating or selfdrilling. Additionally, the thread tends to be wide in most cases. This guarantees the perfect, long-lasting fastening of laminated plasterboard panels to each other or to wood.

Sheet metal screws: This group of screws includes a large variety of different types of screw, diameters, and lengths, depending on the flexibility of the material to be perforated. They are designed to fasten metal elements to each other or to other materials. In this case, they require prior drilling to guarantee the fixing. They have a fine thread, which means they can be used at the edges of the material to be fixed.

Standardised screws: This classification includes all screws with a metric thread, which are those where the thread follows standard measurements used internationally.

There is a large variety of types of head and they can be half thread with a neck or full thread covering the whole body. Another main characteristic is that metric threaded screws have no tip. They are mainly used in machinery with nuts or washers to achieve better fixing of the elements.

Types of screws according to material

Another thing to bear in mind when choosing a screw for any project is the material used. Taking this classification into account, different screws are suitable for different surfaces. The most common are steel screws with a biochromatic or zinc coated finish, recommended for interiors as they have an average level of corrosion resistance. If work is to take place outdoors, stainless steel screws (A2 and A4) are the best option as they are highly corrosion resistant in outdoor environments and/or in coastal areas. Additionally, as we have indicated before, biochromatic screws are suitable for projects with wood if they are going to be visible as they make the project more aesthetically pleasing.

Within this same point, it is important to consider the different categories and levels of corrosion in order to make the right choice as shown in the following table:

Therefore, in heated spaces with low humidity and dry or cold areas, we recommend opting for classification C1. However, for spaces with frequent condensation and warm, subtropical areas, the C5 corrosion category is perfect.

In short, the choice of the different types of screw will depend on the characteristics of each application. It is important to be aware of their differences to find the screw that will perform best in each case. At INDEX – A Perfect Fixing we specialise in fixings that suit customers’ needs and have a wide range of screws for all types of application.

...the choice of the different types of screw will depend on the characteristics of each application.”

In the case of installations with approved products, the use in these environments is not covered by European Technical Approval (ETA) of anchors, where it is established that only stainless steel anchors may be installed outdoors and assuming a working life of the anchor of at least 50 years

EUROPES LARGEST SUPPLIER FOR WINDOW FRAME SCREWS

ALU, PVC, WOOD

• STEEL AND A2

• FROM 42 TILL 440MM

• APPROVED QUALITY BY IFT

• RC3 TESTED

Securing Venice’s Procuratie for the future

Large parts of the Procuratie Vecchie (Old Procuracies) in Saint Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy, are being opened to the public for the first time in 500 years following a five year restoration programme – with the help of fischer fixing solutions.

Three connected buildings, known as the Procuratie, surround Saint Mark’s Square. The Procuratie Vecchie is located to the north, the Napoleonic Wing lies to the west and the Procuratie Nuove (New Procuracies) lies to the south. They have served as the residences and offices of the procurators of Saint Mark – city officials who held the second highest positions in the Republic of Venice, second only to the heads of state, the doges.

After 500 years, the three storey building, measuring 152m

design, as well as during the selection of the products for its thorough and careful restoration. Sacaim SpA, which has operated in Venice since 1920, was primarily responsible for these tasks. This general contractor has previously worked with fischer on numerous projects and, on this occasion, selected the fastener specialist to supply the fastening solutions for the restoration work. Daniele Penzo, an engineer at Sacaim, explained that it was a very unique project, which involved using the same methods that were used centuries ago – during the original construction

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.

It 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@verulammedia.com

ETA NUMBER TRADE NAME COMPANY

Bonded fasteners for use in concrete

ETA - 22/0501 fischer Injection system FIS RC II fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 22/0586 Injection system EP 131v2 for concrete Hard Produtos para Construção Ltda

ETA - 22/0614 beko Anchor Resin,beko Anchor Resin Winter,beko Anchor Resin Summer

beko GmbH

ETA - 22/0620 Kalz Injection system UM-H+ for concrete Shanghai Kalz Construction Technology Co Ltd

ETA - 22/0625 DESA-CHEM VSF-H AND DESACHEM VSF-H TROPICAL Desarrollos Especiales de Sistemas de Anclaje S.A (Grupodesa)

ETA - 22/0672 ANCORANTE V400S SEICO COMPOSITI Srl

ETA - 22/0743 Injection system STRONGHOLD SH-EP5

STRONGHOLD Systems (Asia) Pte Ltd

ETA - 22/0746 Anchor Pro Plus  Anchor Pro Plus

ETA - 22/0747 BOND & FIX and FIX IT  Tech Masters Trading GmbH

ETA - 22/0755 Ultra-Bond 100 Epoxy Resin injection system for concrete

ETA - 22/0758 Injection System Resina Poliester / Resina Poliester sin Estireno

ETA - 22/0759 Resina Epoxiacrilato sin Estireno

ETA - 22/0760 Resina Vinilester sin Estireno fast curing chemical anchor VE-SF

ETA - 22/0781 CHARCOT II

JCP Construction Products

DAMESA DIFUSORA ARTÍCULOS MECÁNICOS ESPECIALES S.A

DAMESA DIFUSORA ARTÍCULOS MECÁNICOS ESPECIALES S.A

DAMESA DIFUSORA ARTÍCULOS MECÁNICOS ESPECIALES S.A

Legallais

ETA - 22/0782 CHARCOT PREMIUM II Legallais

ETA - 22/0796 Ankarmassa BILTEMA Nordic Service AB

ETA - 22/0797 DESA-CHEM PEX 1:1 and DESACHEM PEX 3:1 injection system for concrete

Desarrollos Especiales de Sistemas de Anclaje S.A

ETA - 22/0822 SCELLEMENT VINYLESTERE FIXH SOGEDESCA

ETA - 22/0824 SPIT MULTI-MAX XTREM SPIT

ETA - 22/0825 SCELLEMENT UNIV MULTIMAT FIXH SOGEDESCA

Sika Services AG

ETA - 22/0893 Sika AnchorFix®-2020, Sika AnchorFix®-2020 Arctic, Sika AnchorFix®-2020 Tropical

ETA - 22/0896 Mungo Injection system MIT-SVE, MIT-SVE Tropical, MIT-SVE Winter MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG

ETA - 22/0903 VORTON V9 injection system for concrete VORTON CP Ltd

ETA - 22/0905 Injection system Chemická kotva polyester bez styrenu Den Braven Czech and Slovak a.s.

ETA - 23/0081 REPIKIT VE 40 SEISMIC RESIMIX Srl

ETA - 23/0152 Chemická kotva VINYLESTER SF Den Braven Czech and Slovak a.s.

ETA NUMBER

www.eota.eu

TRADE NAME COMPANY

ETA - 23/0153 Chemires Epoxy SF Anchor System

ETA - 23/0154 Chemires Polyester SF Injection anchor

Lusavouga - Máquinas e Acessorios Industriais S.A

Lusavouga - Máquinas e Acessorios Industriais S.A

Fasteners for use in concrete for redundant for non-structural systems

ETA - 22/0455 TDA drop-in fasteners Trutek Fasteners Polska Sp z o.o.

ETA - 22/0629 WDI2, WDI2L, WDI2 SSt, WDI2L SSt, WD2IR

ETA - 22/0639 ESSVE EUS

J. van Walraven Holding B.V

ESSVE Produkter AB

ETA - 22/0801 TURBO SMART TSM L PGB-Polska Sp z o.o

Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete

ETA - 22/0440 ESSVE concrete screw EUS2 A4, EUS2 HCR

ESSVE Produkter AB

ETA - 22/0481 Mungo concrete screw MCSsr, MCSshr MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG

ETA - 22/0520 TOX screw anchor Sumo Max 1 A4 TOX-Dübel-Technik GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 22/0541 FM 753 Crack I FRIULSIDER SpA

ETA - 22/0550 CELO Concrete screw BTS in stainless steel CELO Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA - 22/0551 Concrete Screw BSZ2 MKT Metall-Kunststoff-Technik GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 22/0630 WDI2, WDI2L J. van Walraven Holding B.V

ETA - 22/0720 TURBO SMART TSM concrete screw PGB-Polska Sp z o.o

ETA - 22/0794 PROFIX concrete screw PBS-R, PBS-HCR PROFIX AG

ETA - 22/0803 BTP, BTP-G, BTP-X, BTP-A4 Ningbo Bigood Metal Technology Co Ltd

Plastic anchors for redundant non-structural systems in concrete and masonry

ETA - 22/0588 KPR-FAST, KPS-FAST, KPR/ FAST,KPS/FAST, KPR-STRONG and KPS-STRONG

Klimas Sp Z o.o.

ETA - 22/0653 ELEMATIC TRIDER, TRIDER/B ITW Construction Products Italy Srl

ETA - 22/0850 Cheville Longue Universelle Nylon OLERON Legallais

ETA - 22/0883 SPIT TRINEO AND SPIT TRINEO/B ITW Construction Products Italy Srl

ETA - 23/0094 Nail anchor NH/NHH/NHZ Ø 6 mm GMS-Bautechnik GmbH

Systems for post-installed rebar connections with mortar

ETA - 22/0757 Resina Vinilester sin Estireno Injection System for post-installed rebar connections

Spectre launches new screw sizes

Spectre, the advanced multipurpose woodscrew range from ForgeFix, has launched two new sizes of screw to help the trade sector comply with UK building regulations.

Designed to bring performance and value to merchant customers, the Spectre range has now been expanded to include 6mm x 200mm and 6mm x 240mm woodscrews and will shortly also include 8mm x 180mm, 200mm, 240mm and 280mm versions too.

The UK building regulations for roof insulation were updated in 2022, and according to the updated regulations, all new-build homes and extensions must have a minimum roof insulation level of 0.18 W/m 2K. The insulation material needed to achieve this is now thicker and therefore longer screws are needed for the thicker insulation, because they provide a more secure grip and help to penetrate the full depth of the insulation – ensuring that it is properly supported.

If shorter screws are used with thick insulation, they may not reach the framing behind the insulation, reducing the stability of the insulation and potentially causing it to sag over time.

Additionally, using longer screws can prevent damage to the insulation, as it helps to distribute pressure more evenly.

ForgeFix points out that the range was specifically designed to make the tradesperson’s life just that little bit easier and incorporate a long list of features, often only found in premium products. As with all Spectre screws, the size of the product is included on the packaging so merchant customers do not have to open the box to size up the product. Spectre products are also available in 100% recyclable tub packaging – made with a minimum of 30% recycled plastic.

ForgeFix highlights that as well as the popular Spectre Advanced Multi-Purpose Wood and Timber Fixing Screws, a comprehensive range of holesaws and screwdriver bits are available, as well as eye catching point of sales for the trade counter.

www.forgefix.co.uk

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

HEADING + FORGING FEATURE

Inventing machines is what SACMA does

Well known as a leader in the design and manufacture of combined headers for the production of M3 to M24 fasteners, SACMA Group’s thousands of combined headers are responsible for the manufacture (by its global client base) of a wide range of bolts and special screws, directly from wire, across many industry sectors.

SACMA Group states that its machines are the best solution for high productivity requirements; production method consolidation; floorspace usage optimisation; and workflow streamlining in the manufacturing process – all because they have forming, pointing and thread rolling operations all in one machine.

In the mid-1980s, the first KSP, one die two blow combined header with roller, left the SACMA factory for delivery to a French customer. Since then, the company has built and delivered more than 200 of those KSPs, most of which are still producing small screws all over the world and are still well supported by the company’s network of service and spare parts agents.

As a design, the KSP is a SACMA original, which, for a long time, has been the only one of its kind on the market. However, iconic products are always copied and, in this instance, it’s SACMA itself doing the copying. At wire® Düsseldorf 2022, the company introduced its new KSP12-R, in response to requests from faithful customers, who wanted

60mm, the new KSP12-R fits the bill and is a double blow header with an integrated threading station –representing the new generation of the world renowned KSP11-R. This latest machine combines typical SACMA features with the most advanced mechatronic technology available in the market. The one piece mainframe, cast from pearlitic iron, which has been left to ‘age’ for at least 12 months, results in a highly precision-machined end product that has its rigidity and stability guaranteed for the life of the machine.

One new feature of the KSP12-R is its brand new drive system, with the clutch brake unit pneumatically operated and installed on the gear transmission’s fast shaft, which enables it to drive the heading station and the threading station with only one motor. A new generation inverter also allows energy from the motor to be recycled once the machine has stopped. This makes the header more efficient and environmentally friendly.

To complete its bed frame design, SACMA’s R&D department came up with a new slide body to improve precision positioning of the two strokes; increase longevity of the structure; and to guarantee 24/7 use; which SACMA points out is one of the most important qualities for which its headers are recognised. The machine is also equipped with the latest release of S-Feed 2.0, which consists of the mechatronic solution with a direct drive motor, combined with the motorised wire stop, allowing for a very precise cut-off length and volume. The system, from its motorised wire introduction, the rewind, and pull back function, is easy to set-up. The DKO of the machine is adjusted through an innovative device for an easy and reliable screw length set-up, from 6mm to 60mm.

As for the loading conveyor, the use of new generation motors allows the fine tuning of the conveyor’s speed, so parts from the heading station can be transferred to the feeding rolls, which ensure the

Hall 1, Stand 774

HS ASPE will display the new tapping machine model T10-S

Come to see the demo at the Fastener Fair Global

The T10-S and T10-HC Automatic Tapping Machines are equipped with n.2 or n.4 reversible spindles mechanically driven by lead screws with an output rate up to 200 pieces/minute. Internal threads, within the range M2 to M10, can be executed using standard taps in both technologies, cutting and forming

Modularity is at the core of the machines with the double spindles which is enabling one or two autonomous working areas.

Flexibility is maximized with the possibility to work two geometrically different parts in completely independent processes with the n.4 spindle machine.

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

Ask for more information to : info@hsautomazioni.it

Messe

right orientation, with the right speed – according to the length of the headed blanks – before their introduction into the threading station. For product that’s difficult to orientate, it is possible to set the feeding rolls so they rotate in opposite directions. To support orientation of blanks, there is also a rotating wheel over the rolls to remove any parts displaying incorrect orientation.

After the feeding rolls, rails convey blanks for introduction into the threading station. The starter unit is driven by a torque motor, so that the introduction of the parts is accurate, with adjustable loads applied to the blank, if necessary, during the introduction. This function is useful, especially when producing self-tapping screws. Another feature of the machine is its starter-unit-stroke self-learning adjustment function, which makes the set-up of the roller extremely user-friendly and accurate.

The machine’s complete set-up parameters are stored on the PLC and can be recalled when producing the same part code. This new feature of the latest KSP machine enables a rapid production changeover, not possible using the older model. Depending on the parts to be produced, customers can also install a scrap separator device, as well as a dedicated, finished parts conveyor. Plus, coolant can also be collected, which is then recirculated to the machine tank.

As quality management is a key factor on any production line, the machine can be equipped with n.2 quality sorting flaps in order to select any NC (non-compliant) parts detected, thanks to the SACMA K-Loadmatic, which monitors heading and threading operations. In addition, the motorised wheel over the feeding rolls rejects any parts with a defective head. The K-Loadmatic also protects the machine against overload, measuring the forming load at the start of production by means of a piezoelectric sensor inside the frame.

SACMA Group is very careful about the ergonomics of its machines, as well as the working conditions in which the technicians using them will operate. With its new KSP, manual operation is guided by a tutorial and a crowning achievement of this new machine is that its noise output does not exceed 78dB, making it a very quiet one die two blow header.

All the mechanical parts for the new KSP12-R are manufactured in SACMA’s factories in Limbiate and Vimercate, Italy, a factor that ensures 100% spare parts availability, at any time. Electrical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic components also come from leading European suppliers, as well as other sources, worldwide, to ensure uninterrupted production for the company’s global customer base.

With all these factors considered, SACMA believes its new KSP12-R is the highest performing one die two blow combined header on the market.

www.sacmagroup.com

New 1D2B combined header model KSP12-R

ALL-IN-ONE to run fasteners from M3 to M8

The KSP12-R combines typical SACMA solutions, proven by thousands of machines, with the most advanced mechatronic technology available in the market. Major set up adjustments are motorized for a quick and friendly changeover: S-feed wire feeder driven by torque motor, motorized wire stock gauge and DKO, threading starter driven by torque motor with self-learning function borrowed from Ingramatic rollers. The quality management is facilitated by two gates interfaced with the load monitoring system and discharging NC parts respectively after the header and after the roller. An optional sophisticated load control system is protecting the machine against overloads and is monitoring the forming and rolling processes. Scraps separators in different sizes are available when producing self-tapping screws.

Ask for more information to : info@sacmalimbiate.it

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

HEADING + FORGING FEATURE

Technology in cold forming

By Jerry Bupp, vice-president sales and marketing, National Machinery LLC

Technology is defined as the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. So what could be more practical to those of us in cold forming than technology on the equipment that drives our industry?

Technology can be utilised in various ways and take on various forms. FORMAX® cold forming machines are a good example of how implementing technology can yield impressive results for those that use them for production. We typically think of a machine as different mechanisms and components, but for this technology topic, we’ll look at it from the standpoint of different types of technology applications related to production and operation.

Keeping operators safe

Safety is always at the top of the list in any manufacturing plant, and the operator is likely the most important resource. FORMAX® machines have guarding, an enclosure and redundant safeties as standard. The die area is protected by both a gear jamming segment physically and a control switch electronically. What is another great way to ensure safety? Keep the operator out of the die area as much as possible! ‘On the fly’ adjustments of the kickout and feed mechanisms are not just convenient for production, but they also keep the operator away from harm. Taking it another step further, on FORMAX® XXV, a robot can be used to switch out die cassettes, punch cassettes, IFO camshaft, transfer cassette and the cutter/quill cassette.

The robot literally does the heavy lifting, so the operator doesn’t have to handle those components. The robot can also ‘present’ the tooling to the operator, so they don’t have to physically reach into the die area. This mode allows them to inspect or repair a tooling component in a safe manner. Finally, another key advantage of the FORMAX® concept is the Formapak off-line set-up with external fixtures, which is not just efficient for production but also keeps the operator out of the machine for job change set-ups. The set-up fixture is a more ergonomic way for the operator to setup the next job, rather than reaching into the die area, all while keeping the machine running. These are all examples of how FORMAX® does the best job of keeping the operator safe.

Workforce recruiting and retention

Hiring and keeping workers is a global issue. Being able to show a prospective operator a clean and organised facility that utilises modern equipment is beneficial. The use of FORMAX® and its large, high resolution touchscreen operator interface, which has all the right information that is needed for operation and maintenance, speaks to the next generation of operators.

Operators are also given alerts about the function of the machine, along with additional data on the machine and

production via the Industry 4.0 features. Sensors and automatic detection of machine functions – like fluid pressures, reservoir levels and tooling counters – all help operators do their job more efficiently. The latest analogue devices are utilised, which allow for continuous electrical signals to give ‘real time’ data to operators. All of these technological features help to make for a happy operator that is easier to retain.

More energy efficiency

Energy and energy management is a bigger topic than ever before, with the costs of power supplies; the impact on product margins; and even the specific analysis of how much electricity is used to produce a part. Again, FORMAX® is able to provide a solution with its lights now LED for the enclosure and operator station, while the control circuit is 24V DC – all allowing for more energy efficiency. The Digital Machine Positioning option also reduces air and electricity normally consumed while jogging the machine, in addition to reducing operator changeover time. Industry 4.0 and its related technology is also something that is

Hall 1, Stand 1384

FORMAX® XXV using a robot for die operations

available as a standard feature, with even more features offered as a special option on FORMAX®. As related to energy, the Industry 4.0 feature includes current and historical usage of both electrical power and compressed air – both being key resources. More importantly, the machine is ‘smart’ in that it analyses device usage and has an ‘auto shutdown’ of idle devices to allow for savings. This includes all air and electrical motors based on a timed setting.

Protection and prediction

A full list of operator and maintenance tasks can also be created, along with normal prompts such as warnings or reminders, to ensure those tasks are completed on the machine operator screen. The interface also sends preemptive prompts for items like adding die coolant and it also allows the operator to view the current statuses of different aspects of the FORMAX®, such as machine fluid levels, and it even goes so far as to state the causes for stoppages. Another example is the Punch Clamp Monitor (PCM) option. Sometimes an operator can make a simple mistake and not properly align or tighten the nut on the punch holder. This can result in tooling and machine damage. The solution is PCM, which is designed to give the operator an indication of an improperly clamped punch, utilising a pneumatic flow switch. Additionally, PCM also accommodates the full heading wedge adjustment range, so the machine is protected.

Production management

Production management is an Industry 4.0 feature that involves the tracking of the job status, like recalling the setup from the last time a job ran on the machine, which provides

efficiency and consistency. This system can also track how many parts have been made in the current lot run and when the predicted completion will be of that lot, so the operator can prepare for the next changeover sequence.

As you can see, there are many ways that FORMAX® uses technology to improve production. Contact your local National Machinery representative to learn more or check us out online. www.nationalmachinery.com

HEADING + FORGING FEATURE

Shaping the fastener industry

With over 3,000 cold headers installed throughout the world, Carlo Salvi has become a leading supplier of machines for the fasteners industry – with its machines used by well-known producers of fasteners for the automotive, aerospace and petrochemical industries.

Established in 1939 by Mr Carlo Salvi, with the purpose of building mechanical descalers to process hot rolled rod, the company’s aim was to always manufacture new and more complex machines – with a new adventure beginning int the late 1940s through the design and production of Carlo Salvi’s first flat die thread roller. This was quickly followed by a family of head slotters until, finally, in 1952, the company built its first single die two blow toggle header.

Producing a reliable, low priced and high speed machine ensured that success was immediate, with the machine performing particularly well for the production of recessed head screws (Phillips and similar) – leading to a complete range of these machines being produced within just a few years.

From this point, the machines were exported throughout Europe with the main market, besides Italy, being Germany. In the early 1970s, Carlo Salvi decided to devote all its efforts to cold headers and discontinued the production of slotters and thread rollers. With that, a completely new line of single die, high-speed models was designed, followed by a range of single die two blow machines for semi-tubular rivets. Then, in the early 1980s, a line of single die two blow headers for fully tubular rivets was added.

The growing success encouraged Carlo Salvi to develop multi-die machines and at the beginning of the 1990s a complete range of two die four blow and progressive headers was completed. By the end of the 1990s, the company had also established Carlo Salvi USA Inc in Toledo, Ohio – a modern facility equipped with advanced tooling machines, which had the aim to better serve the areas of North America, Canada and Mexico.

In additional to the new facility, Carlo Salvi also added well trained technicians, who were able to provide immediate technical

support to rebuild machines, as well as a complete stock of spare parts – always available for immediate delivery. This enabled Carlo Salvi to build up a strong reputation in customer service.

Since the 1990s, Carlo Salvi has continued to invest in the development of new machines in order to build cold headers with innovative electronic systems – designed to provide the highest levels of performance output. Since then the company has developed a complete range of cold headers, up to six stations, capable of handling wire from 1mm to 22mm in diameter, and with the ability to process materials such as stainless steel, titanium and special alloys – in combination with induction pre-heating.

Hall 3, Stand 2244

your dreams.

Carlo Salvi today

Part of the Swiss Hatebur Group, Carlo Salvi’s headquarters, in Garlate, Italy, covers an area of about 25,000m 2 – with every part of the business located here: The management, accounting and commercial offices, as well as its development department, the production area, the assembly room and the spare parts warehouse.

The company is known for its ability to offer turnkey solutions from a single source – with its entire production process having the flexibility to be tailored, managed and coordinated for the customer – from initial consultations, through development and manufacture, to customer service.

“Carlo Salvi forming machines offer enormous possibilities: Thread rolling, drilling, and tapping, are just a few of the many applications,” explains Federico Uslenghi, CEO at Carlo Salvi. “The forming machines are specifically developed to meet customer requirements and to master complex shapes without any problems.”

All Carlo Salvi headers are equipped with a management system that enables the processes to be monitored and controlled at any time via remote access. “We offer an extensive Industry 4.0 service package for maintenance and operation. For us, the interconnectedness also is an opportunity to continue to deepen our expertise and drive market expansion. Looking to the future, we will continue to increase investments in research and development.”

An example of this commitment is Carlo Salvi engineers are currently working on a machine that combines high performance heading with a thread rolling unit. “This project is central because it creates a new product line and enables expansion into new industries,” points out Federico.

Employees the backbone

Throughout its history Carlo Salvi has been aware of the crucial role that its employees and in-house know-how play in the growth and development of the company. “The employees are the backbone of Carlo Salvi, which is why we are striving to expand our team and to be able to welcome more highly specialised experts,” mentions Federico. “The planned recruitment of skilled workers affects various areas of the company, in organisation, management and development. As a leading company that is active in a niche, we always have to be prepared for new trends and market requirements. We want to have the answers before the questions are even asked. This requires an international team of experts and we believe that additional specialist staff, and

investments in research and development, can give our company a further boost.”

Shaping the industry

Carlo Salvi has been shaping industry in the province of Lecco in northern Italy for more than 80 years, using experience, innovation and capability to ensure its machines, and the business, are an asset to customers.

To also underline the importance of team spirit and solidarity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, Carlo Salvi, in 2021, launched the digital project ‘Carlo Salvi Stories’ and it’s already working on the second edition.

On the web portal www.carlosalvistories.com the numerous collaborations of the company; the successes in Italy and around the world; as well as the interpersonal collaboration; are in the spotlight. The value of human cooperation and the entrepreneurial spirit are two factors that are examined. The digital project, which is divided into different chapters, is based on the experiences of a storyteller – be it a customer, partner or employee of Carlo Salvi.

“The pandemic withheld a lot from us. The meetings in person, the handshakes, and the joint toasting of new contracts and collaborations. For this reason, we started ‘Carlo Salvi Stories’ – to celebrate the people we work with. It is essential to highlight these relationships and collaborations and to demonstrate authenticity and entrepreneurship,” concludes Federico.

www.carlosalvi.com

Annual NOF Metal Coatings Europe Conference full of announcements

By Marco A. Guerritore, editor in chief, Italian Fasteners Magazine

Towards the end of 2022, Mario Caracciolo, director and market manager Italy and Turkey for SIE Srl, welcomed guests to the large conference hall of the Environment Park in Turin, Italy, as the host of the annual NOF Metal Coatings Europe Conference.

For many years, SIE Srl, as the representative of NOF Metal Coatings Europe S.A in Italy, has organised a conference for customers, technicians and fastener operators in Turin. For the 2022 event, the meeting was held at the green technological park of Turin’s Environment Park, where green spaces are harmoniously and sustainably blended with architectural structures.

SIE considered this edition of the congress to be of particular importance, to the point of requiring the participation of the president and CEO of NOF Metal Coatings Europe S.A, Vincent Le Berre, who was accompanied by his closest collaborators.

Opening the proceedings, Mario Caracciolo welcomed all the attendees and particularly President Le Berre and colleagues who came from France. “2023,” emphasised Caracciolo, “will be a very important year and full of changes for SIE, with the company changing its name to NOF Metal Coatings Europe Srl as of 1 st January 2023.”

Another important announcement included a change in headquarters, with the company now based in the prestigious technological Environment Park where the conference was being held.

After analysing the market situation, Caracciolo also noted that the demand for zinc flakes coatings is growing despite the gradual transition to electric vehicles. After other interesting technical analyses, he concluded his speech by mentioning the problem of finding new application processes for small screws intended for electric vehicles.

After Caracciolo’s greeting, the President and CEO Vincent Le Berre thanked the attendees for their warm welcome and shared his gratitude for what is being done in Italy, in-line with the philosophy of the Group.

“NOF Metal Coatings Europe,” Vincent Le Berre reiterated, “is continuously reinforcing its European organisation,

with enhanced synergies with the Asian, as well as North and South American business units – from both an operational and sales force point of view.”

He added that “more actions on the market, as well as product and process developments, plus investments in different fields of activities, will take place in the near future – to further serve the business and technical development in Europe and Italy.”

After President Le Berre’s speech, the staff members who accompanied him

took the floor. “Based on advanced data research on the automotive industry,” Steven Kerveillant, COO at NOF Metal Coatings Europe, noted, “we are able to closely monitor zinc flake and GEOMET® development on the market, which have been continuously growing during the past decade. As of today, BEV development is considered as an opportunity to maintain this growth trend, especially with the recent introduction of a new generation of coating equipment, which will allow a better processing of zinc flake coatings on small diameter parts, in both silver and black colours.”

Benoit Millet, technical director at NOF Metal Coatings Europe, summarised the situation: “After several years of product development, to better respond to customer needs in term of climate change and energy savings, we have reached a significant step into the reduction of our curing temperature, which will allow us to start our first scale up phase and industrial trials – beginning in 2023.”

Last to take the floor was Isabelle Perche, quality and training centre director at NOF Metal Coatings Europe, who, in her extensive report, specified: “......that

...more actions on the market, as well as product and process developments, plus investments in different fields of activities, will take place in the near future...”

First Italian Partners day by NOF METAL COATINGS EUROPE

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

with the objective to better support existing and future GEOMET® development activities, NOF Metal Coatings Europe has entered into a modernisation phase of its training program, with 11 years of experience in this field, and the objective to further support its network of GEOMET® licensees and dedicate to part makers and OEM partners specific modules – in-line with their business and technical demands.”

At the end of the conference, the interesting and lively session of questions to the various speakers from the audience began. Once the conference work was over, all the participants moved to an adjacent room where a generous buffet was served, which also proved to be a further opportunity to continue the discussion, initiate new contacts, exchange ideas and impressions.

As a culmination of this interesting and stimulating day, the participants visited the new elegant and modern offices of NOF Metal Coatings Europe Srl – located in the Environment Park area. All the staff were there to welcome visitors to the new offices, including Andrea Erriu, account manager, Mariella Liuzzi, sales administration, Alessandro Asperges, logistics, Marinella Rossi, sales administration, Carlo Zevi, service engineer, and Luigi Scimè, technical service – a team of highly qualified people who guarantee the full satisfaction of customer expectations. With the visit of the new offices, a day full of ideas ended and where there was certainly no shortage of news.

Left to right: Steven Kerveillant (COO), Andrea Erriu (account manager), Mario Caracciolo (director and market manager Italy and Turkey), Vincent Le Berre (president & CEO)

Left to right: Mario Caracciolo (director and market manager Italy and Turkey), Rocco Coviello (Revifa), Camillo Rumi (Primat), Andrea Erriu (account manager) and Marco Cibien (UPIVEB) visiting the new office facility

>1,000 h

NSST without base metal corrosion

Thinking beyond stainless steel

Fulfilling current global environmental regulations such as REACH

Superior corrosion protection with powerful coating systems

Our engineered coating systems for wood screws provide topof-the-line corrosion protection for fasteners. Composed of electroplated zinc or zinc nickel and zinc flake, these coatings satisfy all of the technical requirements of wood construction and meet the industry’s stringent requirements in terms of aesthetics, chemical resistance, and friction behavior. At the same time, they promote properties such as cutting force and self-drilling.

Thanks to our more sustainable high-performance coating systems, wood screw manufacturers can now replace stainless steel as a substrate material for fasteners while lowering production costs and protecting the environment at the same time.

• Dedicated coating systems that meet the full range of industry requirements

• Highest levels of corrosion and chemical resistance

• Improved cutting force and self-drilling ability

• Reduced energy usage resulting in smaller CO2 footprint, lower chemical consumption, and less wastewater

Coating system creates synergy across the production chain

By Tomislav Maric, global product manager zinc flake

Atotech

Fully automated assembly lines in the automotive manufacturing process present constant new challenges for fastener suppliers – with automotive OEMs prioritising a range of factors for fixing elements, such as weight reduction (downsizing fasteners), faster screwing (productivity increase), cost optimisation, and process reliability in fastening.

Financial pressures to reduce the fastener portfolio necessitate coatings that can both be applied universally and work reliably. Furthermore, they must also be effective when used with the various materials that are often involved in the automotive engineering process.

The coatings must demonstrate identical mounting properties, regardless of whether the fastener is screwed against steel, e-coat or aluminium – materials that are increasingly used in varying combinations on internal vehicle components. In addition to the coefficient of friction (CoF) properties that must be fulfilled by fastener surface finishes, additional factors such as heat loosening requirements and corrosion protection functionalities must also be taken into consideration.

Challenging coefficient of friction windows

OEMs have instituted economisation measures to simultaneously increase uniformity across parts, as well as to increase profitability. For instance, the introduction of MBN 10544, the latest Mercedes-Benz standard, coincided with the transformation of various OEM platform strategies, and features,

range of µtot 0.08 and 0.14. For multiple mountings against different washer materials, Mercedes-Benz has specified corresponding CoF ranges that must be met. The demanding MBN 10544 specification requires a coating system that can be used for a vast range of Mercedes-Benz fasteners.

Fulfilling tough requirements

Atotech’s zinc flake coating system Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV meets the complex automotive requirements for the coefficient of friction windows as defined in MBN 10544, as well as VW 01131 and BMW GS 90100

Zintek® 200 is a versatile silver base coat and provides excellent cathodic corrosion protection. Meeting the highly demanding CoF specifications requires a sophisticated top coat – the clear finish Zintek® Top LV. Thanks to its reactive properties, the thin layered, water-based top coat lends effective added corrosion protection. Its integrated lubrication ensures that the complex CoF requirements set by MBN 10544 (Figures 1 to 3) can be met with ease. Zintek® Top LV top coat is especially advantageous for use in the automotive market when combined with the Zintek® 200 base coat.

coatings,

Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV

Hall 1, Stand 956

in corrosion testing, including in trials that involve prior thermal pre-conditioning for 96 hours at a temperature of 180°C, which is a process typically required by members of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

One coating system that fits all

The Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV coating system is a top of the line zinc flake coating system that fulfils the stringent requirements of major German automotive OEMs, such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This approach creates synergy across the production chain and has advantages for both applicators and tier companies. It represents a revolutionary system that is applicable to all three major German OEMs.

www.atotech.com

Figure Two: Constant CoF of the Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV system measured against steel

Figure One: Constant CoF of the Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV system measured against e-coat

Figure Three: Constant CoF of the Zintek® 200 + Zintek® Top LV system measured against aluminium

Automating cold heading and hot forging

Videx Machine Engineering, a manufacturer of machinery for the wire and fastener industry, is automating its cold heading and hot forging lines for greater production efficiency.

Videx states that its hot forging machine is now a complete line, starting from bars or coils. The line will feed the bars; shear them to length; chamfer and extrude their ends; forge a head in a closed die without trimming; followed by cooling and threading. The company’s forging machines are available in 100 metric tonne to 500 metric tonne configurations and can produce a thread range from M20 to M48 upwards, with part lengths from 250mm – 1,000mm. The production rate of the machines is 4 - 6 parts per minute and the automated lines will now automatically and efficiently manufacture long, headed fasteners without trimming.

Videx’s open die cold headers are now also offered as automatic lines, starting from coils or bars. The lines start with a wire straighten, cut and chamfer machine, after which the cut to length parts are fed into a multi-operation transfer machine, which will turn, chamfer and face the ends, stamp them, drill them and even insert aluminium balls for weld studs. Once all these operations are complete, the parts are transferred to a dual station cold header, where they are headed on the opposite side. These newly automated lines are an efficient solution for the production of such products as cold headed long bolts and weld studs.

The Specialist for Mesh Belt Furnaces

Hall 1, Stand 1200

New and used – fastener machines galore!

For nearly 30 years, Savino Manassero was National Machinery’s district manager in Italy and Spain until, in 1990, he started his own company, together with his three sons, and called it Manassero Machines. Today, Savino’s company specialises in both quality used fastener machines, as well as representing manufacturers of new equipment.

Manassero Machines has established itself within the machinery market by representing the likes of Japan’s Nakashimada in southern European countries, RMG of the USA in many eastern European countries and, as of this year, Savino’s old company, National Machinery, in Spain and Portugal.

Back in 2002, Manassero Machines started to buy equipment instead of brokering machines. It then purchased its first 1,500m 2 warehouse in 2011 and, in 2018, built a second facility, the same size as the first, to house over 200 machines in Turin. These necessary investments allowed the company to take on more inventory, with the warehouse space making it easy for customers to inspect all the equipment in stock. Today, one warehouse is dedicated to headers while the other one is devoted, amongst other things, to thread rollers, wire drawers and pointers.

Also offering such things as nail headers, two or three die thread rollers, as well as second hand equipment, Manassero Machines has now become one of the major dealers in this field. The company also recently announced a new SMART thread roller will soon join its inventory – offering customers with a tight schedule the option to look at SMART technology without having to drive to SMART Machinery’s warehouse in Tortona, Italy.

Manassero is actually one of the very few companies to offer both new and used, quality, fastener machines. It either trades back customers’ surplus machines; offers customers new machines, if budget and timing allow; or provides used systems in full working order.

The company has extensive experience with tooling, shipping, rebuilding, and other disciplines, and always works with customers in its business dealings on a confidential basis. Many relationships actually date back to the 1960s when Savino Manassero worked for National Machinery. Today, his own company has its roots mainly in the European market, although it has contacts everywhere and claims there probably isn’t a single country with which it hasn’t done business, either selling or purchasing a fastener machine.

On the company’s website, for every single machine offered there are dozens of pictures showing each system in detail, including high-quality videos often showing machines in operation.

In some cases, a service that Manassero Machines may propose is for customers to rent machines, or simply try them out on approval, while waiting, perhaps, for the delivery of a different machine. After a month, the machine purchased on ‘appro’ can be given back for a full refund if, for some reason, it doesn’t meet the customer’s expectations.

“These are all services that absolutely define Manassero Machines’ policy and ethics in a field where machines are often sold without warranty; where painting has the same meaning as re-building; and where once a machine is paid for, and shipped, any and all problems are for the customer to handle,” states Savino Manassero.

Manassero Machines, instead, stands behind every machine it sells, providing a full report on the condition of a machine; on any interventions needed; and it helps customers to set-up purchased equipment; as well as offers everything to support a client company. Its professional and flexible approach as an organisation also ensures both efficient sales and after-sales service, and languages spoken by staff include Italian, English, German, Spanish, French and Russian.

The company also actively buys stock for cash. Whether single machines, a complete department, or entire plants, it can purchase equipment outright, sell it on a consignment basis, or help liquidate inventory by auction. Whatever the reason may be – a plant closing, a change in product, downsizing, bank foreclosures – Manassero Machines can offer insight, helping stakeholders to extract the best possible value from any relevant assets.

As for challenges being faced by the sector, according to the company, with the current war in Ukraine, as well as energy and material costs, there are major uncertainties in the market, which saw the state of the fastener industry worsen at the end of the past summer, and leaving it difficult to say how long it will take to recover – particularly if these two factors remain in play. For Manassero Machines, however, it doesn’t expect its plans will change – quality fastener machines will be sourced and offered, as has always been the case from the very beginning. The company will also continue to go out and attend exhibitions – its staff was at wire® Düsseldorf and will be at Fastener Fair Global – as well as visit customers all over the world on a regular basis, or meet them at its own warehouses, conveniently located near Turin airport. www.manassero.eu

Hall 1, Stand 1067

Manassero is actually one of the very few companies to offer both new and used, quality, fastener machines…”

6Blows

Nakashimada MST606 Series Part Former

The Nakashimada MST

Series

part formers elevate your production to a whole new level. Six forging stations, maximum cutoff length of 110mm, maximum kickout of 100mm, soft landing blank delivery, arc-action transfer and a standard NCS-III automated control system. Advanced features engineered to take your cold part forming in any direction

New & Improved transfer system

Increased speed, reliability and extreme precision.

Model MST606

TECHNOLOGY

High-end inspection and sorting system

With over 20 years’ experience in such areas as aircraft and automotive fastener inspection, GEFRA GmbH offers a wide range of inspection possibilities based around one of its latest test systems, the OPTISORT W800.

The OPTISORT W800 system’s configuration suits various requirements, whether a client only needs a few testing tasks for a single fabrication part – even in very large quantities – or whether a large number of testing options are needed that can handle a wide range of parts.

A recent solution from GEFRA, the OPTISORT W800 has been equipped with a large number of different test stations, enabling dimensional tests, SFS surface tests, contour tests and hardness tests, which can all be carried out on one single system.

In the first test station, the OPTISORT W800 glass disk machine employs GEFRA’s telecentric measurement inspection system –covering vertical and horizontal planes. In the next station, the surface of a part undergoing inspection is checked from above and below for irregularities and scratches using the company’s SFS (Shape From Shading) technology. This is followed by testing parts using bright field illumination, also from below and above. This station is used, for example, to check a sealing lip on a component. At the next station, an Eddy current test awaits to check material properties and detect any differences/anomalies, e.g in hardness. On the last station, a colour camera is installed to check for colour differences, oxidation, or coating defects, again from above and below. A total of eight cameras in six stations (two as SFS) and one Eddy current device, are used for this highly developed system.

GEFRA points out that the lighting at the individual stations is moved by a motor and the positions are saved in the inspection plan for each production part. If the part is to be checked again later, all lighting will be moved to the correct positions, automatically. In order to ensure efficient use of the system, the machine is also equipped with a special feeding device on which a

vibration feeder bowl can be exchanged in quick, easy steps. This makes it possible to reduce the set-up time to just a few minutes when changing over to test a new part.

GEFRA offers its OPTISORT inspection and sorting machines in two different types: The OPTISORT ST with a steel ring disc for testing fasteners, screws, blind rivets and long rod-shaped parts; and the OPTISORT W with glass disc for testing nuts, washers, rivets and other flat parts.

Up to 2,100 parts per minute can be tested, depending on the size of the parts and the inspection task. Testing begins by checking the dimensional accuracy of production parts, such as shaft diameter, head diameter, thread parameters and contours. In addition, checks for surface defects, scratches, cracks, symmetry, straightness, flatness, ovality, pattern matching, and differences in material quality, or hardness, can also be made. By using the colour cameras already mentioned, it is also possible to detect deviations in surface colours, which may, for example, represent coating errors. The SFS process can also be integrated into the systems for any bespoke, relevant requirements.

Running the system is the company’s user-friendly software, GEFRA AutoControl, which is menu driven with image entry and is mostly self-explanatory and requires minimal training.

All that said, if a customer is unsure as to whether its parts can be inspected to the quality required, GEFRA can run sample parts on its demo machines to ascertain if it can meet specific testing and sorting needs using its OPTISORT system.

A recent solution from GEFRA, the OPTISORT W800 has been equipped with a large number of different test stations… which can all be carried out on one single system.”

MercuryRT software for fasteners

MERCURY RT s.r.o has produced digital image correlation software for users who need to go deep into their non-contact optical image measurement techniques.

Developed by MercuryRT ’s software engineers, this software technology is based on market trends in capturing and measuring complex analysis of displacement and deformation static, and dynamic, events – providing a platform for high strain rates, high speed testing, FEA analysis, vibration measurement, as well as crack propagation on any materials.

Using the MercuryRT software for the testing of fasteners (including bolts and nuts) will allow the user to determine the various material properties, such as tensile, uni/ biaxial properties, extensions and contraction, etc. The measurements can be done either with online or offline modes and the computed values can also be transferred to a connected test rig via analogue or digital outputs. MercuryRT ’s software uses one camera for two dimensional (2D) displacement and for three dimensional (3D) displacement it uses two cameras that must be connected in stereo.

MercuryRT points out that the DIC testing on fasteners can be tested with fixed area of interest – by producing a full field displacement of vector in all directions. Also, the software provides the full spatial information of strain data on velocity and acceleration with comparison against the distributed load.

“Including our software will give an extended option for the user to do Finite Element Analysis of the processed data – allowing users to obtain young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, etc,” explains MercuryRT. “In summary, our software can perform testing on fasteners with no restriction to materials and can perform non-contact optical testing by giving the displacement vector, strain field and strain rates, velocity and acceleration against the distributed load, as well as FEA model comparison/analysis.”

Software suite for the digitalization of metal forming

MARPOSS modular MES software C-THRU4.0 enables via network a direct link between a production machine, its process monitoring system or data collection terminal and the production management and overarching ERP systems. It delivers machine-, operating-, order-, maintenance-, quality- and process data without delay to all departments of the company. C-THRU 4.0 provides the basis for comprehensive, immediate production information, well-founded analysis of the production process with targeted optimization measures along the production chain – from preventive maintenance, process optimization and quality assurance to resource planning.

TESTING ANALYSING

TESTING METHODS FOR THE FASTENER SECTOR

Are your fasteners hard enough?

By John Cross, general manager, Rotech Laboratories

Hardness testing is one of the most important mechanical test methods used to determine if a material is suitable for its intended application. It is a measure of the strength, wear resistance and toughness of a material – by indicating its ability to resist indentation.

Almost every engineering component that is manufactured undergoes some form of toughness test, whether it is raw material from suppliers, industrial treatments during the engineering process or final product testing before shipping.

Quality control and compliance are crucial for manufacturing and production.

Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards gives customers confidence that their products are suitable for their intended purpose. This reduces the chance of product failure, which could result in subsequent legal, commercial and health and safety implications.

Rotech Laboratories tests many different fasteners for hardness, including the tiniest of fasteners and screws, to the heaviest of bolts used in structural and civil engineering. These fasteners could also vary in their fragility; from delicate bolts and screws for medical purposes, to industrial sized fasteners used in aerospace and nuclear applications.

Different types of hardness testing

There are many things to consider when choosing the right hardness test, as different types of materials may not be suitable for certain tests:

Brinell hardness testing: This test is most suitable for uneven or rough surfaced materials, as it uses a greater diameter indenter aimed at testing structural differences and surface inconsistencies.

Vickers hardness testing: Ideal for small, thin metal layers with light loads and a polished, smooth surface prepared for testing. These materials can often be quite delicate, so Vickers uses lighter loads to test at a precise location.

Rockwell hardness testing: A common choice, as it is a good testing option for bulk metal hardness determinations. It is a quick and simple method, that only leaves a minor indentation in the sample.

Metallurgical hardness tests may also be used if further analysis of the material’s structure and characteristics are needed. For instance, micro-hardness testing helps to analyse the surface or coating hardness, as well as case depth or microstructural hardness variations of a particular material. Knoop hardness testing is also another consideration, as it uses very low loads to measure hardness. This is ideal if a sample or metal is extremely fragile or brittle.

Full suite of tests

Rotech Laboratories understands how frustrating it can be to outsource many samples to different test laboratories. Samples can be costly to machine and send out to multiple test houses, and it can be difficult to coordinate testing deadlines with all involved. That is why Rotech Laboratories offers a full suite of tests, including:

Mechanical testing: Hardness, tensile and impact testing.

Chemical analysis: ICP-OES, Spark-OES, carbon, sulfur and nitrogen analysis, as well as copper-nickel alloys.

Metallurgical analysis: Cleanliness testing, corrosion, failure investigations, fracture analysis, SEM and EDX analysis.

Routine testing: Finish, fasteners, product, weld, as well as testing consultation.

The Rotech testing team works together to provide all the testing needs in one place. It can even offer full machining of samples to customer’s requirements and provides a three day turnaround.

Bolted electrical components: Electrical contact resistance is key

By Kay Dierecks, product manager fastening technology, Kistler Group

Bolted joints need to be highly resilient as they have to withstand enormous forces, adverse conditions, high currents and much more. Therefore, the quality of bolted components is essential to make sure they function reliably in spite of these influences. This is especially true if electric current flows through the components – as is often the case in the automotive industry and, more specifically, in the electromobility sector.

For these reasons, manufacturers are well advised to determine key parameters – such as the friction coefficient, preload force and also electrical resistance in the product development phase – and then monitor these values as part of their quality control procedures. Test and inspection solutions, such as the extended ANALYSE system from Kistler, are now coming onto the market and enable users to measure accurately and efficiently the electrical resistance along with other parameters of the bolted joint –in one integrated system.

Moving a car window up or down conveniently at the touch of a button; easily switching the seat heating on; or quickly charging a mobile phone battery – functions such as these used to require manipulations such as manual winding, or didn’t even exist, but now we take it for granted that they can be performed electrically. However, there’s another side to the story; reports about batteries bursting into flames or smoldering fires with unknown causes make us sit up and take notice.

One possible cause of fire in many of these cases is excessive contact resistance in the current-carrying bolted components.

Electrical resistance is increased by factors such as high surface roughness –leading to gaps between the contact surfaces of the connected parts. Although many of these irregularities are only on a microscopic scale, they can still impede the flow of current. Other effects, such as insufficient preload due to sub-optimal bolting parameters, can equally contribute to heat being generated in the component. They may also result in defects or even lead to fires. Hence, manufacturers are right to fear technical problems of this sort, as well as the risks of recalls and recourse costs that they can entail.

Quality control must meet complex requirements

However, measuring the quality relevant characteristics of bolted electrical components is a complex undertaking. On the one hand, the sheer numbers of parts built into modern cars, and the many technical requirements to be met, present challenges for development and quality control. On the other hand, bolted electrical components still have to function safely and reliably – even though the voltages they must withstand are constantly increasing,

because traction batteries (for example) are becoming more and more powerful. What makes measurements particularly complex is the need to measure different parameters, depending on the location and purpose of use.

Making measurements simpler and easier

For many measurands, suitable testing solutions are already available on the market to perform combined measurements of various parameters in one test stand. Yet until now, no integrated solution for electrical resistance has been available, which is why the company is launching new add-on modules for its tried and tested ANALYSE system in the summer of 2023. This includes the test module for electrical resistance, which can easily be integrated into the ANALYSE system without any complications. Developers and designers will now be able to perform, document and visualise a comprehensive and varied range of tests – even before the parts are actually installed. To take one example, they can test how high the electrical resistance will be for any given tightening torque. Thanks to these combined

Hall 1, Stand 804

FASTENER TESTING

tests, they can ultimately determine the correct balance between tightening torque and electrical contact resistance for their products and define the optimal tightening specification of the bolted joint on this basis.

Highly sensitive – and ideal for the microohm range

The new module for Kistler’s ANALYSE system uses the Kelvin method to measure electrical resistance. With this method, leads connected to the Unit Under Test (UUT) impress a constant current into the bolted joint. A connected measuring device registers the voltage loss caused by the resistance. Because the measuring module is highly sensitive, the smallest changes in resistance – even down to the microohm range – can be measured as the bolted joint is gradually tightened and loosened.

For accurate results, it is important that only the resistance in the UUT is registered. To meet this requirement, the test set-up from Kistler isolates the bolted joint under test so that current flows exclusively through the UUT, and the instruments only measure the actual resistance of the joint. The choice of measuring points during the test is of overriding importance here. The closer these highly sensitive measuring tips are

The detailed evaluation shows how the electrical contact resistance and tightening torque of the bolted joint behave in relation to one another

to the bolted components, the more precise the results will be. As an additional option, a camera can be installed to record the entire test procedure. The corresponding module of the evaluation software then synchronises the video and the recording of the measured values, so any unusual or suspicious values can be checked quickly and easily.

Combined testing of quality characteristics

Exact measurements and detailed visualisations of the results provide manufacturers with a sound basis for decisions on whether the current-carrying

parts of the joint meet the requirements for durability, safety, and reliability, as well as enabling them to compare different materials. Providing one solution that combines different measurements –such as friction coefficient, tightening torque, preload or electrical contact resistance – means manufacturers can use Kistler’s ANALYSE system to test components and their behaviour in one single test procedure. Users can now determine optimum conditions and tightening specification for each bolted joint – so the products they bring to market are safer and more reliable.

www.kistler.com

Combined competencies at Fastener Fair Global

At this year’s Fastener Fair Global in Hall 1, stand 804, Kistler will be presenting individually combinable applications for quality control in the fastener industry – with customers able to put together a solution that fits their individual needs exactly.

Quality control in the fastener industry is as diverse as fasteners themselves. In order to meet numerous official and industry specific standards, manufacturers must continuously collect reliable data on the properties of their products. Depending on the type of fastener, however, the data required can vary greatly. In addition, it’s frequently not just one quality feature that needs to be checked, but a combination of different properties.

At this year’s Fastener Fair Global, Kistler is presenting the expanded portfolio of its ANALYSE system – the universally applicable test stand for determining friction coefficients can be combined with additional modules for resistance and length measurement, as well as for fracture testing. Thanks to its modular design, fasteners of various sizes can be tested quickly and precisely, thus allowing for reliable statements on product quality on the basis of various measured variables.

“With the numerous possible applications of the ANALYSE system, we are far surpassing compliance with norms such as ISO 16047. Customers can draw on our combined expertise and will receive an individual configuration entirely in-line with

their requirements. Accurate measurement data ensures that they meet all their quality demands,” explains Kay Dierecks, product manager fastening technology at Kistler Group.

Fastener Fair Global will also mark the first time that Kistler presents an inspection solution for bolts using optical quality control: The KVC 821 test stand, which includes cameras that record bolts, nuts or other fasteners and collect precise data on the dimensions, geometric properties and drive characteristics of the test parts – with the help of the KiVision image processing software. If required, an Eddy current test can also be integrated into the test stand. If the system detects a defect, the part in question will automatically be sorted out.

This quality inspection is not limited to individual parts, Kistler’s optical test stands analyse up to 800 parts per minute, thus maintaining quality requirements even in case of large quantities. The data collected is stored by each test stand in its own database, enabling manufacturers to identify long-term trends in production and analyse them using software solutions by Kistler.

www.kistler.com

Instron’s Industrial Series and New 6800 Series universal testing systems provide SUPERIOR FRAME STIFFNESS and the DURABILITY needed for testing a broad range of fasteners.

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING

THE FASTENER SECTOR

Remote work is here to stay

Here Jason Bader, principle at The Distribution Team, discusses how remote working is now part of every company’s future and it is time that management stopped fighting against it and instead embraced it.

Iwas speaking with a couple of separate clients last month and the subject of remote work and workplace expectations came up in both conversations. In one of the conversations, I was speaking with the owner of the business and she was struggling with the idea of remote workers. This wasn’t the way she grew up in the business and isn’t comfortable with this dynamic we have been living under for the past couple of years.

In the second conversation, I was speaking with a department head who was struggling with an owner who was clearly against the concept of remote work and barely made accommodations during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. He is clearly in the ‘this is a passing fad’ camp and sees no reason to recognise the changing dynamic of work. In both situations, the work environment is being challenged by owners that fail to see the ‘writing on the wall’.

This isn’t a recent phenomenon, and we can’t just blame it all on the ‘Millennials’. They are the easy scapegoats here. We love to bash ‘Millennials’ for bucking the traditions of the past, being lazy, entitled, etc. However, if we really examine the folks who benefit most from a remote environment, it’s those of us from the ‘Generation X’ vintage. We are the fiercely independent ones who hate to punch a clock and like the flexibility of a nontraditional work environment.

‘Gen X’ workers tend to thrive in a non-monitored environment. Where some of the conflict may occur is what we know about the collaborative needs of the ‘Millennial’ worker. Zoom may bridge

this gap, but it is poor substitute for face-to-face interaction and mentoring. This generation was never built to be selfstarters, so it is fair to be concerned about their ability to work remotely. I am not saying that an independent environment should be reserved for the ‘Gen Xers’, but a ‘Millennial’ worker must demonstrate the ability to work independently before this privilege is granted. Like it or not, we are moving to a decentralised work environment. The pandemic, for all it’s upheaval, taught us that many functions in our organisations could be performed away from the traditional office environment. Technology was already in place to allow us to do this, but many of us just discovered the functionality.

Besides the fear of productivity, there are several other barriers that prevent business owners from embracing a remote work concept. If I can’t see them, how do I know they are working? This mentality demonstrates a clear lack of trust and relationship with the workforce. When management fails to connect with their team members, trust breaks down. I would challenge the communication skills of any manager who fears working with a remote team member. Because they only know one way to convey expectations, the potential to lead a nonpremise-based employee is unsettling. Too many managers allow ego to creep into their communication style. Successful leaders understand that it is not about the employee learning how to interpret direction.

Conversely, it is the leader’s responsibility

Like it or not, we are moving to a decentralised work environment.”

to learn how to communicate their expectations in a way that the employee can absorb the direction.

I hear the ‘culture’ argument being thrown around when trying to defeat the remote work scenario. Again, this a fear-based argument. Remote work will not kill your company culture. Was it really that fragile to begin with. ‘Culture’ is not built by people working in cubes and passing each other in the hallway. ‘Culture’ thrives when the associates take pride in the organisation. Employee satisfaction is huge driver of ‘culture’. When associates’ needs are being met, and they feel heard, ‘culture’ thrives. For some, the ability to work remotely has greatly enhanced their personal well-being and life balance. The ability to do valuable work, earn a decent living, and wear their pajamas all day, can drive employee satisfaction. Who cares if they don’t dress up, drive to the office, and ride the desk? It’s about the results, not the path, right?

Some of the roles in the organisation are not eligible for remote work. Operational teams and customer facing roles need to be on premise. Someone has to work in the warehouse, man the counter, and deliver the product. This is where I see the ‘fairness’ argument pop up. If this set of employees is required to be in the office, then it isn’t fair that we let certain roles work from home. Do I have to remind everyone that life isn’t fair? Not all roles are created equal. Do we have a flat pay rate for all employees? Of course not. But wouldn’t that be fair? I know that I am going a bit far here, but the whole argument that everyone should come to the office because some are required is weak at best. I believe that it really a mask for senior management’s inability to figure out how to get past their own fears associated with the decentralised work model.

Beyond associate satisfaction, there is another silver lining to the great shift to remote work – recruiting. As I was discussing with a client, she is no longer bound to recruiting people withing driving distance. Without this natural barrier, her candidate set just multiplied. There are so many talented people who have chosen to live in a place that fits their lifestyle. I live in a place like this. Frankly, those who relocated here during the pandemic are the most eager to be productive. Their goal is to make a living in a place of their choosing. Are they really going to jeopardise that by slacking off? I don’t think so. Those of you still struggling with this change of work environment have two choices –adapt or die. Ok, it’s not that dramatic. You have the opportunity to find peace with this new decentralised work environment or you can ‘hang up the cleats’. Quit trying to ‘push the boulder uphill’. The struggle and angst in your company will distract you from the really important things like making a profit and crushing the competition. This is not a hill you want to die on, and you might just find that your people will rise to the occasion. Good luck and know that I am always here to help.

About the author

Jason Bader is a holistic distribution advisor who is passionate about helping business owners solve challenges, generate wealth and achieve personal goals. He can be found speaking at several industry events throughout the year, providing executive coaching services to private clients and letting his thoughts be known in an industry publication or two. Lat year, he launched his first podcast, Distribution Talk. Episodes can be found at www.distributiontalk.com and most podcast applications. He can be reached via email at jason@distributionteam.com

The ability to do valuable work, earn a decent living, and wear their pajamas all day, can drive employee satisfaction.”

Need this? Get this – directly from stock!

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

Tracking the right KPIs when the goal is growth

By Ian Robertson, sales and marketing director, BrightBridge

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a vital tool for any business seeking to succeed through expansion. Offering valuable insight into a company’s strengths and weaknesses, they can help identify areas in need of improvement, thus driving strategic growth via informed decision making.

When it comes to the ‘bigger picture’, tracking KPIs can help to promote transparency around how a business functions – on an operational and financial level, and beyond. This article explores KPIs in more depth and highlights the KPIs that businesses should consider tracking when striving for bigger and better things.

Setting KPIs that align with business goals

Though it may seem a daunting task, it’s crucial to align KPIs with goals and objectives from as early on as possible. When setting KPIs, be sure to get down to the specifics; if the goal is to increase revenue for example, then revenue growth would be a KPI to track. If the aim is to improve customer satisfaction, then customer satisfaction would join that list, and so on. Another crucial aspect to consider when selecting KPIs is the unique needs and characteristics of the business. For instance, for a high volume, high-quality manufacturing operation, it’s essential to track KPIs that measure production efficiency and quality, such as machine utilisation, cycle time and scrap rate. Armed with the laser-focused insight gained from KPIs specific to the business, you’ll more than likely start to see progress on the journey to growth.

Financial KPIs

Providing a clear picture of the financial health of a business, financial KPIs can help to facilitate expansion on a grander scale. These include highlighting potential areas of revenue growth, as well as gross margin and operating income. Signalling the increase or decrease in income over time, revenue growth is a good indicator of a business’s success and whether revenue goals are being met. A positive growth rate shows a business is expanding and reaching more customers, while a negative growth rate may indicate the need to re-evaluate strategies.

A gross margin KPI specifies the profit left after deducting the cost of goods sold and provides an accurate indicator of a business’s pricing strategy – and crucially, whether the gross margin targets are being met. A high gross margin would indicate a significant profit for instance, while a low gross margin would

suggest re-evaluating the current pricing strategy. Similarly with operating income, this confirms the profit made after deducting all operating expenses, and can help businesses gauge how well they are managing expenses. A high operating income would suggest a more efficient operation in this sense, while a low operating income may result in the subsequent re-evaluation of those expenses.

Operational KPIs

Operational KPIs provide insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations, with a more concrete understanding of how well a business is performing. Regularly monitoring these KPIs is essential for businesses seeking to grow, especially in the fasteners and fixings industry where customers demand high levels of quality and swift delivery times. For this reason, operational KPIs such as inventory turnover, on-time delivery rates, and customer satisfaction, are crucial to track at all times.

A KPI such as inventory turnover for example measures the rate at which an inventory is sold and replaced over a given period, helping a business manage its inventory more effectively. A high inventory turnover indicates efficient selling and restocking, while a low inventory turnover may be due to potential issues with product demand or overstocking. When it comes to exceeding the needs of customers, the on-time delivery rate measures the percentage of orders delivered on or before the promised delivery date. This can prove a key indicator of how well a business is managing logistics, and when acted on successfully can help tackle supplier lead time issues and drive customer satisfaction as a result. As one of the most crucial operational KPIs, customer satisfaction arms businesses with that very knowledge – whether they are meeting the needs and expectations of customers, from providing quality products and services to championing positive customer experiences.

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

How Cloud ERP can elevate KPIs

Implementing the right technology such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help track KPIs can prove a game changer on the path to growth. Supporting businesses with the management and automation of core processes – such as finance, accounting, inventory management and more –Cloud ERP enables businesses to track and analyse their KPIs in dashboards more effectively than disparate spreadsheets; providing ‘real time’ data, actionable insights and the ability to automate routine tasks.

One of the primary advantages of using an ERP system such as Oracle NetSuite in manufacturing and retail includes the centralisation of all business data. This provides businesses with the swifter access and analysis of the intel required to track their KPIs. Integrated software also bolsters businesses with forecasting and automation capabilities. Through harnessing ‘real time’ data for instance, an ERP system can help businesses forecast the demand for their products or services, allowing them to better plan for the future.

In addition, the automation of time-sapping accounting and inventory count tasks can further aid businesses in freeing up time for growth related activities – minus the headcount.

For large and small businesses eager to drive growth, tracking the relevant KPIs can help to equip leaders with a greater understanding of financial and operational performance – making it easier to identify areas for improvement. With the adoption of an integrated ERP solution, the process of analysing KPIs can be further streamlined and more easily acted upon so you can take your business wherever you want.

About the author

Ian Robertson is the sales and marketing director of BrightBridge, a UK-based technology consultancy offering Oracle NetSuite and Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions. Ian has over 30 years of experience in ERP and CRM implementations. Prior to forming BrightBridge, Ian worked for a major US IT corporation, where he acquired a depth of knowledge around time saving efficiencies through technological integration and automation.

Making fastener supply chains more resilient

By Bindiya Vakil, CEO and co-founder, Resilinc

From the Covid-19 pandemic and labour shortages through to natural disasters and geopolitical disruptions, the fasteners industry has certainly not been immune to the challenges presented to global supply chains.

Despite the challenges of recent years, the fastener sector is experiencing significant growth as the market regains momentum. Statistics 1 suggest that the global industrial fasteners market was valued at US$92.16 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach US$131.56 billion (€123.2 billion) by the end of 2031. In addition, the sector is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2022 – 2031 with the biggest CAGR growth this year predicted to be in the construction sector, fuelled by an increase in building projects globally – as projects previously delayed by Covid-19 are put back on the agenda.

With a significant proportion of standard commodity fasteners manufactured overseas, especially in China, it is essential that supply chain risks are properly identified and managed in order to prevent delays and backlogs, which will invariably create a chain reaction of problems further up the supply chain. The solution to this issue lies in improved supplier mapping.

Identify supply weaknesses

Mapping, combined with ‘real time’ event monitoring, enables businesses to get ahead of any potential disruptions that might occur. Businesses cannot overcome any weak links in their supply chains, if they cannot first identify where these weaknesses lie. That’s why mapping supply chains down multi-tiers should be the first priority of any business. This provides a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the supply chain through employing the latest AI, Cloud and enterprise network technology. Once supply chains have been mapped, they should then be monitored, giving businesses the edge in their ability to react to any supply disruption and mitigate its impact – or even avoid its impact altogether.

Fastener businesses that regularly conduct analysis of their supply weaknesses can take swift measures to address any blind spots and prevent problems occurring that could have significant impact on not only their business, but that of their customers too.

Mitigate safety risks

Mapping and monitoring suppliers also has the additional benefit of giving a business insight into whether health, safety and environmental standards and regulations (ESG) are being followed. This is beneficial in two ways, first, it means suppliers can be held to account if they are not following ESG requirements in their region, which continues to pose a risk to businesses who can find their supply chains paralysed if violations around labour, pollution or safety are discovered. For this reason, investing now in multi-tier mapping and monitoring a supply chain is the proactive measure to avoid costly disruption in future.

Second, and of particular relevance to fastener businesses, is that supplier mapping ensures that suppliers are operating as safely as possible, reducing the impact of fires and other accidents. As Resilinc’s 2022 annual report highlighted, factory fires were the number one supply chain disruption for the fourth year in a row. Additional data from Resilinc’s 24/7 monitoring system, EventWatchAI, also reveals that 59% of fires were caused by faulty machinery and equipment. This is why the impact of unmonitored supply chains should not be underestimated, especially considering that nearly half of these fires (47%) caused medium or even high levels of damage upon factories and sites.

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Identify cyber risks

As a general rule before most businesses appoint suppliers, they carry out some degree of IT security due diligence. To identify any potential ‘weak’ links in the chain when it comes to cybersecurity, businesses should treat their supplier network as an extension of their own business when it comes to cybersecurity risk mitigation.

The fastener sector is certainly not immune to the risks of cyberattacks, although it is an area that is often overlooked. The use of smart technology has undoubtedly enabled manufacturing businesses to enhance their operations, productivity, and management, but it has also opened up the door for hackers to significantly disrupt or even completely halt production. By identifying and tackling cyber risks, businesses in the fastener industry can ensure that they are resilient to potential attacks, making them a ‘safer’ supplier choice.

An example of this was reported in Faster and Fixing Magazine last year, when a cyber attack affecting David + Beader GmbH (DBK) knocked out its existing on-site systems and backups. The attack posed a significant risk to the production and delivery times. By working quickly with industry Cloud company Infor, it was able to migrate to a more secure Cloud-based system within weeks, allowing it to ramp up production as quickly as possible –whilst also providing the business (and its future customers) with a more resilient and robust system.

Supplier network visibility is a crucial factor in helping businesses to manage the uncertainties of trading in the global marketplace. Mapping and monitoring supply chains serves to identify potential risks in order to be able to take action quickly to minimise disruption. For businesses operating in the fastener industry, it is essential to recognise the importance of supply chain visibility and the role of maintaining reliable, robust and efficient operations.

www.resilinc.com

References:

1 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ industrial-fasteners-market.html

About the author

Bindiya Vakil is the CEO and founder of Resilinc and is an award-winning expert in supply chain risk management. Crowned Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s inaugural Woman of the Year in 2020, Bindiya’s career spans 20 years. She holds a master’s degree in supply chain management from MIT and an MBA in finance. Bindiya continues to lead the market in risk intelligence and mitigation and is credited with bringing supply chain risk management into the mainstream.

iSCALE sensor controlled weighing bin deployed successfully

The iSCALE system has been transferred from its pilot phase to regular operation, after being deployed successfully at WISAR’s Kloten site in Switzerland since August 2022 – providing uninterrupted replenishment within production supply, even amongst a turbulent supply chain.

Recent global strains have led to a greater need for reliable warehouse processes, especially in times of capacity and supply bottlenecks, combined with rising transport and energy costs. In response to this, Wyser + Anliker AG (WISAR) turned to Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co KG to connect all its processes.

WISAR possesses a wide product range aimed at customers in the fields of installation and building services, industry and mechanical engineering, as well as telecommunications and transport technology. Though C-Parts represent a small portion of purchase volume for the company, the procurement efforts involved are high and the potential of saving time and money lies in optimising the processes.

Over 100 sensor controlled scales were implemented in three different bin sizes at the Kloten site. At WISAR, the storage management is carried out through the traditional Kanban material storage. So, a centralised storage location with three Kanban racks ensures that the required fasteners are stored securely, as per the requirements, and are reordered accordingly. The storage locations were all adapted within two days by a team of three employees of Würth Industrie Service.

The iSCALE system is a sensor controlled scale, which is directly connected with the Kanban bin and is independently movable. As a result, it can be used flexibly in the industrial process, be it at the assembly line, material storage, Kanban storage location or directly at the workplace. Designed for digital storage management, and

uninterrupted replenishment within the production supply, the system effectively measures the weight of components before digitally notifying the requirements of production materials directly to the ERP system of Würth Industrie Service.

Würth Industrie Service also implemented its sensor controlled weighing technology for traditional Kanban material storage, as well as for seamless supply throughout assembly lines and directly to individual assembly stations. Such flexibility is only possible as the system is operated without power and is instead controlled via the new radio technology, NB-IOT.

The Kanban bin W-KLT®2.0, which is equipped with a sensor controlled scale, continuously checks the weight inside the bin directly at the customer’s location and transfers it via an encrypted interface to the ERP system of the C-Parts provider. Once the weight goes below a defined value, a notification is sent automatically to Würth Industrie Service, whereby the scale system automatically determines the optimal time for an order according to the requirement. Once an order is triggered, a subsequent delivery is initiated. The versatile scale system is designed for all the bin sizes of Würth Industrie Service.

“A fully automated logistical stock management replaces the cumbersome stock takings, re-orders and interim storage. As the inventory is continuously audited, any fluctuations and peaks can be identified in time, and thus the supply security can be maximised,” says Roman Anliker, general manager at Wyser + Anliker AG.

Fastener distributor revamps its logistics operations

ICF, a screw and fastener distributor, has modernised its distribution centre in Varese, Italy, with an ‘all in one’ logistics solution from Mecalux, which includes a mini-load system, conveyors and the EasyWMS Warehouse Management Software.

Founded in 1990, ICF specialises in the manufacture and sale of screws and fasteners produced by three different methods – cold forging, hot forging and mechanical processing. The issue facing the company was the difficulty of managing over 1,500 stock items, all with different sizes and turnovers. Therefore, the distributor ultimately turned to Mecalux S.A for an effective logistics operation.

“When we decided to install the automated storage system, our main logistics needs were to speed up order picking and shipping, as well as to expand our warehousing space,” explains Andrea Boeri, IT manager at ICF.

Prior to the Mecalux solution, the company stored its finished products on pallet racking. As the business expanded, and the production rate became more intense, this storage system was no longer effective and it became impossible to continue managing all the goods manually. Now, in addition to optimising ICF’s warehousing capacity, this new storage system enables the business to group all the operations necessary for managing small goods, such as receiving, order picking, and shipping, in the same zone.

“We chose a mini-load system because it’s the perfect solution for maximising productivity in a limited space and dispatching orders more quickly and without errors. We use the mini-load AS/RS to store finished and semi-finished products, standard and special screws, and small parts packed in boxes or bags. Thanks to this solution, we have ramped up operational throughput. We’re now dispatching up to 300 boxes a day flawlessly,” mentions Andrea.

In addition to the AS/RS and conveyors for boxes, ICF implemented Mecalux’s EasyWMS Warehouse Management Software. Through direct, two way communication with ICF’s enterprise resource planning system, the program monitors stock and provides total traceability of all products in the mini-load system. “EasyWMS optimises our box storage and retrieval operations while streamlining order picking,” adds Andrea.

Behind the automated operations

A particular feature of this mini-load system that ICF relies on, is its ability to leverage the available surface area to accommodate a larger number of goods. In ICF’s case, nearly 4,000 boxes are stored in just over 130m².

With a height of 7.5 meters, the AS/RS consists of a single 36.5m long aisle with double-deep racking, which is served by a stacker crane for boxes. Equipped with telescopic forks, the stacker crane can simultaneously transport up to two 50kg boxes, dispatching a total of 300 boxes a day. Mecalux’s EasyWMS software orchestrates operations and the movement of boxes in

the mini-load AS/RS. Product inflows and outflows are organised and the system also controls order picking.

This picking is performed in-line with the goods-to-person method. For this purpose, the front of the warehouse was outfitted with a pick station. Operators remain there as products are brought to them automatically. EasyWMS sends orders to the stacker cranes and conveyors, which execute the relevant movements to transfer the materials to the pick stations.

Behind the mini-load system, Mecalux installed a 25m long two way box conveyor to connect the manual storage zone with the AS/RS. This area also includes a pick station with computers and RF scanners to help operators sort products and fulfil orders. EasyWMS directs this operation to enable workers to process a larger number of orders in the shortest possible time. The software tells them which and how many items they require to put together each order.

The EasyWMS Warehouse Management Software strictly controls all goods, thanks to its permanent two way connection with ICF’s ERP system. For every product that arrives at the mini-load AS/RS, the Mecalux software receives an advance shipping notice from the ERP system. Based on this message, EasyWMS uses a set of rules and algorithms to assign the items a location according to their characteristics and turnover. The SKUs stored in the mini-load system are fully traceable, meaning ICF knows the location of all its products in ‘real time’ and can precisely track all goods movements through EasyWMS.

“We incorporated a mini-load system in our centre to maximise the use of the available space, applying the goods-to-person concept. We also wanted to eliminate mistakes due to manual management to enhance the quality of our customer service,” concludes Gianfranco Mudaro, president at ICF.

Accenture and Körber help digitise warehousing network

The K.Motion Warehouse Control System (WCS) has been chosen by Thermote & Vanhalst (TVH) –a distributor of spare parts and accessories for lift trucks, industrial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery – to digitise its global network of warehouses.

TVH began its warehouse modernisation in 2020, working alongside Accenture to develop a strategy that would enable TVH’s growth ambitions – by streamlining fulfilment operations globally. The configuration involves implementing the Cloud-based solution across five continents and 48 sites – including warehouses in North and South America, western Europe, South Africa and China – and designing a robust warehouse template in-line with the group supply chain strategy.

“At Accenture, we really value our relationship with TVH as a long-term partner. Our role is to build together the future foundation when we look at their roadmap and ambitions. As the implementation partner, we needed a robust technology solution to support this project plan, which Körber delivers. Owing to our long-term partnership, we are also in an ideal position to carry out future ambitious projects like this,” says Lyes Ould Hamouda, EU warehousing lead at Accenture.

TVH’s previous in-house system had reached its limits, so the business chose Körber’s warehouse solution to fulfil existing

requirements – while delivering the flexibility required for future initiatives. As a Cloud-based solution, it offers, among other benefits, cyber and data security.

“With Accenture and Körber by its side, TVH will be able to deliver a consistent customer experience across continents and build a solid foundation for future growth – while staying ahead of its competition. We look forward to continuing to join forces with Accenture to help our customers respond to the increasing complexities in customer fulfilment,” adds Chad Collins, CEO software at Körber.

“The ability to rely on one provider for our supply chain technology needs was particularly important to us, which is what we found in Körber,” explains Kris Thermote, vice-president logistics and supply chain, international at TVH. “Its varied technology stack also gives us the option to implement further optimisations down the line. Paired with the implementation expertise of Accenture, we’re well positioned to realise our growth ambitions and tap into new opportunities as they come up.”

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Tiny fixing key to fusion power

By Ian Parker, freelancer, ianparkerwriter@aol.com

The world needs new, sustainable sources of energy – wind, solar, wave and tide energy might not be enough. Nuclear fission is well established but presents considerable environmental risks. Nuclear fusion has long held the promise of unlimited power from hydrogen, but it is technically very difficult to achieve and sustain.

However, last December a major step forward was achieved with a fusion reaction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the USA – it yielded more energy than was required to start it.

Fission reactions involve heavy metals (typically uranium or plutonium) in which large atoms break apart, releasing particles and energy. This happens spontaneously and steps have to be taken to control it. In a conventional nuclear power station, control rods –made of neutron-absorbing materials, such as boron, hafnium and cadmium – in the nuclear pile control the fission, making the energy release manageable.

However, fusion involves light elements (usually hydrogen atoms or their isotopes) that join to form helium, which also releases energy. This is not spontaneous and has to be driven by huge temperatures and pressures. It’s what happens in the cores of stars and keeps them shining.

Energy release from nuclear fusion has been achieved on Earth since the early 1950s in hydrogen bombs. So, the nuclear chemistry is well understood. However, this fusion is catastrophic in its energy release – hence its use as a weapon. The fusion part of the

bomb is set off by a fission bomb. For the provision of electricity, the fusion reaction will need to be slower and controlled. This is the big challenge for fusion power.

The two extensively investigated approaches to fusion are Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) and laser driven inertial confinement fusion (laser fusion). One of the questions over MCF is, how do you feed fresh fuel into a reaction chamber? This will require injection into the magnetic bottle or a pulsed system in which the fuel is replenished, and the magnetic bottle switched on again. Laser fusion uses fuel pellets, which are crushed and heated using lasers – producing x-rays in the fixture that holds the pellets.

The LLNL’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California is roughly the size of a football stadium and focusses 192 laser beams on the target material. The NIF is using laser fusion to compress a spherical shell of deuterium and tritium, which are hydrogen isotopes and easier to handle and react than hydrogen. The most common hydrogen, protium, has no neutrons; deuterium has one in the nucleus and tritium has two.

The target materials are held in a small fixing called a hohlraum. In radiation thermodynamics, a hohlraum (a non-specific German word for a ‘hollow space’ or ‘cavity’) is a cavity whose walls are in

The target chamber of the National Ignition Facility

All images ©LLNL, Damien Jemison

Full reliability when it counts

precote 15 underhead & thread sealing

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radiative equilibrium with the radiant energy within the cavity. This idealised cavity can be approximated in practice by making a small perforation in the wall of a hollow container of any opaque material.

Up to last December, experiments in both kinds of fusion had always required more energy to start them than was obtained from the reaction. In an experiment on 5th December at the NIF, 3.15 megajoules (MJ) of fusion energy was produced while the lasers made an input of 2.05MJ of energy into the target chamber. For the first time, a controlled fusion reaction had yielded more energy than was required to start it.

To do so, the beams are switched on for just a few billionths of a second and the target implodes inwards on itself at over 1 million miles per hour to heat and compress the fusion fuel to replicate the conditions at the centre of the sun. This is where the fusion reaction starts and releases both neutrons and alpha particles. The neutrons escape, but the alpha particles deposit their energy in the dense fuel, heating it even more. This causes a domino effect between fusion reactions, and more heating, and more fusion reactions, and so on. For a few tens of picoseconds (1 trillionth of a second), the fuel’s own inertia holds it in place while the fuel burns, giving rise to the name inertial confinement fusion.

The NIF laser fusion research is an international collaboration that includes the UK’s Central Laser Facility. Dr Robbie Scott, senior plasma physicist, Science and Technology Facilities Council at the Central Laser Facility and chair of the UK Inertial Fusion Consortium, is a member of the research team working on this project. He said: “…what a huge breakthrough it is for laser fusion research. More importantly, however, is the fact that it paves the way for rapid development of laser inertial fusion energy – power generation by laser fusion.”

UK Science Minister George Freeman said of the breakthrough: “This is a fantastic result that proves the exceptional potential of fusion power, and the National Ignition Facility team should be congratulated on their outstanding achievement. I’m proud that the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy funded Central Laser Facility was able to play a part in supporting the endeavour. Though there is still some way to go to deliver fusion power generation at scale, results like this illustrate that there is a viable route to commercial fusion energy ahead, and the UK is in pole position to build on this work towards a clean energy future.”

Better than fission

All current nuclear power stations derive their energy from the breaking apart of heavy elements, usually uranium. The fuel

is expensive and dangerous to handle and when spent, it remains dangerous as a contaminant. Dealing with spent fuel remains a problem; it has to be stored for a hugely long time before its radioactivity falls to a safe level.

With fusion, there is no such problem. The fuel is isotopes of hydrogen, which is the most common element in the universe. However, to make it fuse, incredible temperatures and pressures are required. In a fission reactor, control rods slow the reaction to the required level, but there is always a fear that the rod system may be damaged and the core will go out of control and become a ‘melt down’. That’s one reason there is such concern about the fission reactors in Ukraine because of the war with Russia. Only a few people will also not know the name ‘Chernobyl’ where a fission reactor exploded in 1986. Fusion reactors have none of these problems. Even though they replicate the reactions at the core of stars (including our own sun), they stop at the slightest opportunity. The big challenge is to keep the reactions going.

Fuel feed in a practical reactor

As part of the process, NIF is using pellets of deuterium and tritium (DT pellets). Deuterium constitutes a tiny fraction of natural hydrogen, only 0.0153%, and can be extracted inexpensively from seawater. Tritium can be made with lithium, which is also abundant in nature. The amount of deuterium present in one litre of water can in theory produce as much energy as the combustion of 300 litres of oil. This means that there is enough deuterium in the oceans to meet human energy needs for millions of years.

Deuterium can be distilled from all forms of water. It is a widely available, harmless, and virtually inexhaustible resource. In every cubic metre of seawater, for example, there are 33 grams of deuterium. Deuterium is routinely produced for scientific and industrial applications. Tritium is a fast-decaying radioelement of hydrogen, which occurs only in trace quantities in nature. It can be produced during the fusion reaction through contact with lithium – it is produced or ‘bred’ when neutrons escaping the plasma interact with lithium.

One of the biggest challenges is how the fuel in a practical reactor will be delivered to the reaction chamber and how will it be secured while the laser impinge on it? Will it be a continuous flow system or will the fuel be delivered in pellets for a pulsed system? Either way, the fixing system will be a big challenge.

Patti Koning, public information officer in the Office of Strategic Communication at LLNL, explains: “One approach to an Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) reactor, using Indirect Drive design (lasers shine into a hohlraum that get turned into x-rays to drive the capsule) would use a target assembly that consists of a fuel pellet (with the DT) sitting inside a hohlraum, where one of these fuel target assemblies would get dropped into the chamber 10 times a second. Both the hohlraum and pellet would get expended with each shot.

The hohlraum in its holder

The laser beams enter the hohlraum and get converted to x-rays that crush and heat the DT fuel pellet

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“There are also approaches where there is not a hohlraum, and the lasers shine directly on the capsule, which get dropped in at 10 times a second. This is called Direct Drive. However, even if there is no hohlraum, the fuel pellet likely needs some kind of protecting shell as it is dropped into the chamber. An advantage of IFE (compared to magnetic fusion) is that it is a pulsed system, and you would not have a continuous supply of deuterium/ tritium. This reduces the tritium inventory needed within the reactor system significantly.”

Whether a practical system uses hohlraums or some other containment, a huge number will be needed, if they are consumed at 10 per second. It would represent a big opportunity for manufacturers of such fixings – to keep the DT pellet in place momentarily while the lasers impinge on them.

The hohlraums being used by the NIF today are peanut-sized, gold-plated, open-ended cylinders with a peppercorn-sized pellet containing deuterium and tritium. Then, they fire a laser – which splits into 192 finely tuned beams that, in turn, enter the hohlraum from both ends and strike its inside wall. “We don’t just smack the target with all of the laser energy all at once,” points out Annie Kritcher, a scientist at NIF. “We divide very specific powers at very specific times to achieve the desired conditions.”

As the chamber heats up to millions of degrees under the laser barrage, it starts producing a cascade of x-rays that violently crush the fuel pellet. They shear off the pellet’s carbon outer shell and begin to compress the hydrogen isotopes inside – heating them to hundreds of millions of degrees – squeezing and crushing the atoms into pressures and densities higher than the centre of the sun.

When NIF launched in 2009, the fusion world record belonged to the Joint European Torus (JET) in the United Kingdom. In 1997, using a magnet-based method called a tokamak, scientists at JET produced 67 percent of the energy they put in. That record stood for over two decades until late 2021, when the NIF reaching 70 percent. In its wake, many laser-watchers whispered the obvious question – could NIF reach 100 percent?

But fusion is a notoriously delicate science, and the results of a given fusion experiment are difficult to predict. Tiny, accidental differences in the set-up – from the angles of the laser beams to slight flaws in the pellet shape – can make immense differences in a reactions outcome. It’s for that reason that each NIF test, which takes about a billionth of a second, involves months of meticulous planning.

“All that work led up to a moment just after 01:00am on Monday 5th December, when we took a shot… and as the data started to come in, we saw the first indications that we’d produced more fusion energy than the laser input,” said NIF Scientist Alex Zylstra.

“To be honest…we’re not surprised,” said Mike Donladson, a systems engineer at General Fusion, a Canadian-based private firm that aims to build a commercially viable fusion plant by the 2030s. “I’d say this is right on track. It’s really a culmination of lots of years of incremental progress, and I think it’s fantastic.”

These numbers only account for the energy delivered by the laser – omitting the fact that this laser, one of the largest and most intricate on the planet, needed about 300 megajoules from California’s electric grid to power on in the first place.

“The laser wasn’t designed to be efficient,” said LLNL Scientist Mark Hermann. “The laser was designed to give as much juice as possible.” Balancing that energy-hungry laser may seem daunting, but researchers are optimistic. The laser was built on late 20 th century technology, and NIF leaders say they do see a pathway to making it more efficient and even more powerful. Even if they do that, experts need to work out how to fire repeated shots that gain energy. That’s another massive challenge, but it’s a key step toward making this a viable base for a power plant.

“Scientific results like today’s are fantastic,” states Donaldson. “We also need to focus on all the other challenges that are required to make fusion commercialisable.”

Whilst inertial fusion seems to have taken a lead over MCF, whichever form of inertial fusion becomes viable, it will need hohlraums or holders in their millions – particularly if they are consumed at 10 per second. This could represent a huge opportunity for the fixings business, as this will be the limit rather than the availability of fuel. The shovel becomes the focus rather than the coal and one hopes it would be ‘goodbye’ to coal – and the other fossil fuels – forever.

Construction of the target chamber

Beamlines entering the lower hemisphere of the NIF target chamber. The chamber itself is highlighted in blue

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

ELECTRIAL + ELECTRONICS FEATURE

Seal stuff in and seal stuff out

By Jackie Hackett, director of global sales & marketing, APM Hexseal

Industrial electronic and mechanical equipment must reliably perform essential tasks, even while operating in challenging conditions. The slightest error or malfunction can lead to time-consuming and costly maintenance or repairs.

Alack of appropriate or complete sealing can cause failure in critical and expensive machinery, so using appropriate sealing solutions, and checking them regularly during maintenance operations, can help to avoid unexpected downtime.

Improper sealing of critical elements, such as switches, circuit breakers, and control panels, can leave them vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions. Corrosion, contamination build-up, as well as electrical malfunction, can arise from unwanted indoor or outdoor environmental exposure.

Sealing boots and bushings are employed by numerous industries to preserve the reliability and longevity of various tools, equipment and their components. These elements act as barriers to protect sensitive components by sealing them from the external environment. Sealing boots are elastomer-based, specially moulded covers that are placed over various types of switch configurations, while bushings are specially designed to protect the mounting holes. They are available in a wide array of elastomers, and configurations, depending on the application and the types of contaminants needed to guard against.

Eliminating the risk of contamination

Sealing products can be used in a broad range of industrial applications to form an impenetrable seal that either keeps contaminants in or locks them out. Boots and bushings are typically used to protect equipment against numerous indoor and outdoor contaminants, including:

Extreme temperatures: Extremely high, or low, temperatures can damage sensitive electrical components in switches and cause a system malfunction.

Oil and chemicals: These fluids can travel down mounting holes and negatively affect internal circuitry. Sealing solutions, such as boots and bushings, are designed to form a 360° airtight seal around the switch, base, and mounting hole, to prevent the intrusion of unwanted fluids. This form of protection also applies to spilled food and beverage items. Environmental contaminants: Contamination from the environment occurs as a result of both indoor and outdoor exposure. Rain, snow, dust and sand are just some of the environmental elements that can seep into the vulnerable areas of electrical equipment and cause a multitude of problems. The presence of salt in the environment can also be especially damaging to various mechanical equipment and components.

Common industrial applications

As technology continues to advance, so does the reliance on electronic and automated mechanisms. These sophisticated systems, however, are highly sensitive to adverse external conditions and prone to frequent malfunction and failure.

Some electrical components also have interdependent systems where the malfunction of one element can impact the entire system. Sealing boots and bushings may be used to protect numerous interdependent mechanical and electrical systems – including HVAC systems, security systems, circuit breakers, communication switches, vehicular components, instrumentation panels, aircraft control panels, emergency systems – fire, ambulance and EMS, utility systems – electricity, gas and water, as well as drilling systems and drilling monitoring systems.

Types of sealing boots

APM Hexseal offers a broad range of sealing products to help protect almost any mechanical or electrical device. The boots are specially designed to extend the life of a wide array of switch configurations in the most demanding environmental conditions. Some of the sealing solutions offered by APM Hexseal include:

Toggle boots: These seals are ideal for switches that are actuated in a back and forth motion.

Pushbutton boots: The pushbutton boots are engineered to protect switches that are operated by a push or press motion. Rotary boots: These boots are designed to accommodate the rotational motion of rotary switches and can also withstand friction without impeding actuation movement.

Circuit breaker boots: Circuit breaker boots help to seal and protect breaker switches, preventing short circuits and potential fire hazards.

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Rocker boots: These seals protect rocker switch panels while accommodating their unique actuating movements.

Bushing seals: Bushing seals complement sealing boots by protecting vulnerable mounting holes.

Sealing hardware

Conventional fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, rivets, and screws, are relatively efficient at mounting a broad range of items to surfaces, or surfaces to each other. However, in some industrial applications, regular fastening is insufficient to prevent the unintentional and unwanted flow of potentially damaging liquids and gases.

Fasteners integrated with embedded O-rings compress when torqued. This compression causes the elastomeric (typically silicone rubber) O-ring material to distort and form an effective seal between the mating surfaces.

Why use sealing hardware

In fasteners subjected to internal or external pressures and excessive vibrations, the thread and bearing faces can act as ideal pathways for the seepage of fluids. Selecting the right sealing hardware is, therefore, essential to ensure that electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems operate at maximum efficiency.

Improper sealing can result in unwanted leaks and loss of pressure in some applications. This can lead to equipment damage, inefficient processes, and cross-contamination, which can ultimately lead to reduced productivity, operational downtime and expensive maintenance or repair operations.

Chemical processing industries, in particular, rely on sealing hardware to prevent the leakage of potentially hazardous gases and liquids. Other sectors, such as the petrochemical industry, require reliable sealing fasteners to contain flammable substances and mitigate the risk of ignition or explosion.

Sealing hardware technology is used in a variety of machinery applications, particularly in harsh or hazardous environments. Depending on the application, and the types of substances encountered, APM Hexseal offers a variety of O-ring materials that will provide an effective and long-lasting seal. This self-sealing hardware ensures that a proper 360° seal is achieved around the base of the fastener through the compression of the O-ring.

Benefits of using sealing hardware

A major advantage of sealing hardware compared to traditional sealants (such as deformable washers and liquid thread sealers) is its reusability. This means that sealing hardware products can be easily removed and reapplied with the same sealing pressure when torqued.

In APM Hexseal’s sealing hardware, the elastomer is positioned within a specially designed groove, which requires minimum compression and deformation when the desired torque is applied. This results in a reliable 360° metal-to-metal fastener contact and minimum friction even over multiple reinstallations.

The various sealing materials available are resistant to a myriad of aggressive chemical compounds, making APM Hexseal’s fastener solutions capable of operating in harsh environments – without the risk of seal degradation. For additional vibrational resistance, self-sealing fasteners

may be integrated with locking features, including self-locking pellets, strips and patches.

Sealing hardware solutions

APM Hexseal offers self-sealing fasteners for almost any fastening and sealing needs, across industries. The company’s range of sealing hardware is available with several elastomers and can achieve pressure seal ratings of up to 20,000 psi. These products include:

Seelskrews® and Seelbolts®: These self-sealing bolts and screws provide reliable seals against various liquid and gaseous substances. Seelskrews® and Seelbolts® products are also vibration resistant and reusable.

Seelnuts®: APM Hexseal’s self-sealing hexagonal nuts are designed to be compatible with conventional screws, bolts and studs. The single piece design features the elastomer moulded directly into a custom designed special cavity in the nut and helps provide superior sealing without compromising the nut’s original thread count. These Seelnuts® are available in imperial and metric sizes, up to M90.

Seeloc® washers: The self-sealing reusable washers are constructed from a custom designed stainless steel disc bonded on one side with a specially designed rubber. Seeloc® washers are capable of controlling pressures of up to 100 psi. APM Hexseal also manufactures Heavy Duty Seeloc® washers, capable of handling torque values at least 50% higher than the original Seeloc® washers.

APM Hexseal’s range of sealing solutions are designed to meet the needs of almost any mechanical or electronic system, in almost any environment. As electronic and mechanical systems become increasingly sensitive and high-tech, deploying them unsealed, in a world full of contaminants and environmental hazards, becomes a risk too costly to take. Protecting equipment ensures that it will function as needed, when needed, and significantly reduces the risk of expensive repairs and downtime. The most

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY ELECTRIAL + ELECTRONICS FEATURE

High strength fasteners for use with new precision load cells

BUMAX has been chosen by Flintec, a precision, weight measurement technology company, for the supply of its premium BUMAX® 88 fasteners for use with Flintec’s new, 55–20 weighing modules/load cells – with the fastener selected ensuring industry strength and reliability requirements, as well as European standards, are met.

BUMAX® 88 fasteners include a range of high class properties, including high strength and corrosion resistance, maintenance-free durability, and toughness when performing at low temperatures. This latter attribute is a crucial property for the 55-20 weighing module and helps avoid breakages in extreme cold – when conventional steel can become brittle. The module has an operating temperature range between -40°C to +80°C.

The enhanced properties of BUMAX® 88 fasteners are achieved through the steel’s higher molybdenum content (minimum 2.5%); the BUMAX manufacturing process; and the company’s sourcing of the highest quality European steel.

As for Flintec’s load cells, these are electro-mechanical sensors used to measure force, or weight, and provide accurate

and robust performance across a diverse range of applications, from automating car manufacturing to weighing shopping at the supermarket checkout. New types of load cells are continuously being designed to meet a wide range of needs and, in the case of the new low profile Flintec 55-20, it enables customers to install load cells beneath the legs of silos, tanks or other storage solutions. This built-in load cell also offers a wide range of high precision weighing capacities, from 7.5 tonnes through to 300 tonnes, and is also equipped with an integrated lift-off system and bump stops.

Klaus Fuchs, engineering manager at Flintec Germany, commented: “When we designed the new 55-20 weighing module, BUMAX was able to meet all our demands for high strength fasteners to ensure performance and reliability.”

Low odour adhesive tapes launched for vehicle interiors

A new high-tech adhesive tape portfolio, the DuploCOLL® LE 59xxx range, which offers low emission and low odour products for bonding applications in vehicle interiors, has been launched by Lohmann – a long-standing development partner to the automotive industry.

The double-sided, pressure sensitive, DuploCOLL® LE 59xxx tapes meet OEM requirements for low VOC, fogging and odour values for materials and components in accordance with VDA 278. Even large area applications requiring a considerable amount of tape, such as bonding rear seat covers, and pillar or door-trim NVH insulation felts, do not adversely affect the interior air quality.

The low emission tapes have been produced using sustainable manufacturing processes. A low carbon footprint, water and energy saving process – using 100% solvent free, TwinMelt® technology based on UV acrylates, with enhanced adhesive performance and further value chain sustainability – is achieved through the use of recyclable liners in the production process. In addition, as no gas is used as an energy source in tape production, this offers a high-level of fuel supply security for customers.

The new tape portfolio enables a wide variety of designs to be made in different materials, such as plastic or wood effect, which can be firmly adhered even on low energy material surfaces – thanks to the tapes’ high initial adhesion and adhesive strength properties. Uses for the tapes, which have been shown in tests to perform well at elevated temperatures, include taping heating systems in seats, armrests and steering wheels, surface heating systems, as well as door panels or dashboards in electric vehicles.

In addition to full surface bonding, an adhesive-stripe coating can be applied, due to its special geometry, for example when bonding heating elements to seats – ensuring that air can still circulate, thus ensuring the seat stays optimally ventilated. The portfolio can also be used to reliably bond sensor systems, such as Hands-Off Detection (HOD) or Driver Presence Detection (DPD) systems.

In combination with flexible and elastic polyethylene foam carriers, the low emission tapes enable compensation of component tolerances, sealing, vibration damping and are easy to process thanks to their dimensional stability. The broad portfolio includes a selection of transfer, paper, scrim, film and foam tapes in various thicknesses, from 0.03mm to 0.8mm. The tapes in this new DuploCOLL® LE portfolio can also be laminated with a wide range of damping materials, such as felts, foams, textiles or knitted spacer fabrics, as well as customised materials for use as a single-sided adhesive NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) solution, including soft-touch surfaces that produce a pleasant feel. The entire portfolio is available as rolls, spools or die-cuts in individual formats.

Liquid adhesive systems for EV batteries

Wevo-Chemie GmbH has developed a range of liquid adhesive systems to meet the demands of high temperature applications in electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

High temperatures are generated in EV battery cells during charging and this heat must be dissipated. Until now, this has mostly been achieved by inserting silicone-based pads between the cells and the cooling system. However, the battery manufacturing process increasingly insists on the use of Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) with adhesive properties, something that silicone pads are unable to provide.

Enter the new Wevo-Chemie liquid adhesives, which can dissipate heat generated during the charging process from the battery cells to the heat sink. The adhesives offer improved surface wetting; optimised heat dissipation; and can also be used as structural adhesives. In addition, these customisable polyurethanes also open up new possibilities in design.

With the automotive industry’s ongoing upgrade of EV voltages from 400V to 800V, this is leading to, among other things, an increase in the efficiency of the battery charging process. This, however, results in high temperatures, including inside the battery cells and for which TIM pads can no longer provide adequate heat dissipation. This is due to inlaid solutions inserted between the cells and the cooling system not fully compensating for the uneven surfaces of the cells or cooling system, in turn leading to hotspots and potential damage to the cells. What’s more, insertion systems, such as pads, can no longer satisfy the complex geometries of modern battery designs.

This is where Wevo claims its customised liquid adhesive systems offer an ideal solution for EV applications, with their flexibility enabling them to be applied directly to the cooling system –in a 3D manner, if required –and pressed together with the battery cells. This prevents air voids from forming and ensures immediate dissipation of the heat generated to the cooling system.

Wevo has set the thixotropy and, therefore, the rheological properties of these adhesive systems, so they can be applied as a vertical bead that doesn’t collapse – even if the components are tilted or rotated during the manufacturing process. At the same time, corresponding special fillers ensure the viscosity of the potting compound does not rise disproportionately in response to thermal change, enabling trouble-free processing in standard dosing systems – despite the compound’s high thermal conductivity. Also, the reactivity of the material is individually adjusted to a customer’s particular process, which ensures fast downstream processing and short production cycles.

With the automotive industry’s ongoing upgrade of EV voltages from 400V to 800V, this is leading to, among other things, an increase in the efficiency of the battery charging process.”

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

ELECTRIAL + ELECTRONICS FEATURE

Three-way EV battery assembly partnership

Combining their core competencies in adhesives, application equipment, and automation technologies, tesa, Vulkan Technic and Liebherr have formed a partnership to establish, and jointly run, a fully automated assembly line for electric vehicle battery packs.

With these packs representing the heart of every electrically powered vehicle – instead of many individual, disparate companies needed to contribute to their bonding and assembly – this new partnership of an adhesive tape producer, a material manufacturer and a general contractor, working closely together, means customers have everything they need from a single source. Battery production, as a result, is also simplified with a new, automated and tape-based line.

A key factor is tesa’s adhesive tape solution, with its suppleness, flexibility, and reliability, enabling it to be attached to battery packs with lids, as well as battery packs directly connected to the underbody of a vehicle. Using the company’s new tesa® ACXplus 76730 Box Seal in the line, for example, does not require any curing times and can be applied easily and automatically without special ambient temperature or humidity needs. This also minimises health and safety risks for users. Liebherr and Vulkan Technic then ensure that various technical customer requirements are met and all partnership input, from design, programming, production, to commissioning, can take place.

Boris Kawa, tesa

corporate marketing director automotive,

76730 Box Seal, we not only wanted to bring an acrylic adhesive tape to the market, which is characterised by strong performance, and high flexibility, but also to offer a proper application concept. We then talked to our partner, Vulkan Technic, to set-up the first tests for such a concept.”

Commenting further on the new adhesive in this application, Sven Neumann, technical sales manager at Vulkan Technic, said that the high flexibility of the adhesive tape – necessary to achieve 100% sealing with different gap dimensions – posed a particular challenge during the development process, adding: “However, we found an optimal solution and then implemented it technically.”

Liebherr was also convinced: “When tesa introduced us to the innovative tesa® ACXplus Box Seal,” said the company’s Viktor Bayrhof. “Our interest was piqued. It promises a secure and automatable sealing of the battery pack, but at the same time allows the battery pack cover to be dismantled for re-work in the factory. This streamlines the production process because individual intermediate inspection testing can be replaced by a later, ‘end of line’ testing, where the cover can be opened non-destructively. This is also interesting for the remanufacturing

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CLAMPING LEVERS, TENSION LEVERS AND EXCENTRIC TENSION LEVERS // INDEX BOLTS AND BLOCKING HANDLES // BALL AND SPRING INDEX

PLUNGERS // BRIDGE HANDLES // START AND SOFTTOUCH KNOBS // LOCKING HANDLES // CROSS AND THREE-STAR KNOBS // KNURLED KNOBS // WING KNOBS // BALL KNOBS // CYLINDER HANDLES // MUSHROOM KNOBS AND T-HANDLES // HAND

WHEELS AND CRANK HANDLES // LEVELLING FEET //HINGES // RUBBER METALBUFFERS // LATCHES

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Tightening a bolt past its yield point

Here Dr Bill Eccles, from Bolt Science, looks at why, when some bolts are deliberately tightened past their yield point, they don’t come loose when an external load is subsequently applied.

When a bolt is tightened into its plastic region, yielding is the result of the combined effects of both tensile/ axial stress and the torsional stress exceeding the yield point of the bolt material. The tensile/axial stress is the result of the extension/stretching of the bolt and the torsional stress, as a result of the thread friction and stretch torque acting on the thread. When the joint sustains an external loading, there are two effects that allow the bolt to be axially loaded without sustaining further plastic deformation.

Firstly, a significant proportion of the torsion in the bolt, typically 50% or so, disappears as soon as the tightening operation is concluded. There is a change in the torque reaction within the fastener. For example, if the nut is tightened, there will be a torsion acting down the shank being driven from the socket and reacted at the bolt head. When the socket is removed, the torsion is then reacted between the nut face and the bolt head – with it being reduced by 50% or so. The remaining torsion is thought normally to disappear as a result of embedding/relaxation losses. Secondly, a new yield point forms at the point on the strain curve that the bolt had been tightened to. This effect is referred to as the Bauschinger effect 1

The net result of these two effects is that even with the bolt tightened plastically, it will perform elastically when external loads are applied to the joint. Obviously there are limits to the magnitude of the load that can be applied before yielding occurs. In many applications, joint separation occurs before the bolt yields. One important exception is for joints consisting of different materials that are subjected to a significant temperature change. One such application is a steel bolt in an aluminium joint. In such joints the bolt can further yield as a result of differential thermal expansion subsequent to it being tightened – the coefficient of thermal expansion of aluminium is broadly twice that of steel and so the joint thickness increases with rising temperature at a greater rate than the steel expands. Effects such as a reduction in the yield strength of the material at an elevated temperature can also play a part. In some of these cases, for example cylinder head bolts, yielding can occur when the engine first starts and heats the block, but the yielding is limited and is stabilised in subsequent heat cooling cycles.

www.boltscience.com

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The advantages of stainless steel for fasteners

Ideal for a wide range of applications, from construction to plumbing, stainless steel fasteners are the most popular choice for many industries due to their strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Here Specialinsert® Srl takes a look at the main features and advantages of this widely used material.

Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting mainly of iron, carbon and over 10% of chromium. The presence of chromium produces a thin, dense, uniform oxide layer that is very adherent to the surface and not very reactive. This ‘passive layer’ protects the surface from corrosion by preventing corrosive agents from coming into contact with the iron in the alloy.

In addition to varying amounts of carbon and chromium, stainless steel alloys may also contain varying amounts of other elements, such as nickel, molybdenum, manganese, silicon and titanium. The variation in the percentages of these elements defines the type of stainless steel; its structural and mechanical properties; and its degree of corrosion resistance.

In mechanical applications, the use of stainless steel presents many advantages. First, stainless steel fasteners provide a greater tightness than fasteners made of brass, aluminum or galvanised steel and are, therefore, usually employed in applications that require higher mechanical strength or where they will be subject to corrosion.

With their corrosion resistance properties, stainless steel fasteners will also have a longer service life even in highly alkaline and humid environments. Some types of stainless steel are also resistant to chemicals, such as oils, solvents, and acids, so they are ideally suited for use in highly corrosive environments.

Types of stainless steel

The main stainless steels can be divided into three categories: Ferritic: With a body-centered, cubic crystal structure – ferrite – these are magnetic and have good mechanical properties, but low corrosion resistance.

Austenitic: With face-centered, cubic crystal structure –austenite – these stainless steels are non-magnetic and have good mechanical properties and high corrosion resistance. Martensitic: With body-centered, cubic crystalline structure –martensite – these stainless steels are magnetic and display remarkable mechanical properties and acquire excellent corrosion resistance – only after annealing, quenching and tempering.

Classifications of stainless steel

Stainless steels can be classified according to their resistance to localised corrosion and, in particular, pitting. This classification is based on their chemical composition and the calculation of the Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) index. The higher this value, the greater the resistance to pitting.

Lean stainless steels: Do not contain molybdenum and the typical value of their PREN is around 25.

Standard stainless steels: Have a PREN value between 25 and 40, e.g AISI 316.

Super stainless steels: Have a PREN index ≥ 40.

Hyper stainless steels: Contain high percentages of chromium and their PREN value can be up to 50.

It is also very important to consider the grades of stainless steel, which indicate different ratios of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and carbon. The grade determines resistance to corrosion, durability, resistance to high temperatures, and other characteristics of the material. For this reason, it is essential to know which grade is appropriate for an intended fastener manufacture application. The 200 series (chromium-nickel-manganese) and the 300 series

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(chromium-nickel-molybdenum) are the most commonly used, austenitic alloys for making stainless steel fasteners, specifically AISI 303, AISI 304 and AISI 316 – also called grades A1, A2 and A4.

AISI 303 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, with high resistance to galling due to its high sulphur content, which also gives it better workability in machine tools for chip removal. It displays good resistance to corrosion in the atmosphere, toward foodstuffs, as well as organic chemicals.

AISI 304 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, the most popular and widely used of the 300 series – containing 18% - 20% chromium and 8% - 12% nickel. It has good resistance to corrosion, including to intercrystalline corrosion, and is used in all industries, from mechanics to design, as well as applications in food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, automotive, marine, and aerospace sectors, and in kitchen furnishings, bars, restaurants and butcher shops, to name just a few.

AISI 316 stainless steel

This is a Cr-Ni-Mo austenitic, non-hardenable stainless steel, where the presence of molybdenum is necessary to give the alloy excellent corrosion resistance. Its mechanical properties at high temperatures are also better than molybdenum-free steels. In jargon, it is called ‘marine grade’ naval stainless steel, because of its remarkable resistance to intercrystalline salt corrosion. It comprises 16% - 18% chromium, 10% - 14% nickel and around 2% –3% molybdenum.

Stainless steel – a product emerges

Drawing on its many years of experience in the fastener industry, and its understanding of stainless steel, fastener maker Specialinsert ®, has launched its FAST-CON® system, a patented metal-snap fastening system in stainless steel that allows panels and coverings to be connected simply by pressing. The new system can be used in a variety of applications with excellent results in terms of corrosion, wear, and flame resistance, as well as its long service life, compared to other types of fasteners. For these reasons, this new fastening system, which consists of two male-female elements available in standard and customised versions, is suitable for the marine, transportation, construction, RV, furniture, industrial and design sectors. Its female product code is FC-01-FE.51 in stainless steel 316; code FC-01-FE.53 in stainless steel 301; and its male product code is FC-01-MA.51 in stainless steel 316; code FC-01-MA.50 in stainless steel 303.

In mechanical applications, the use of stainless steel presents many advantages.”

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Dispelling ten myths about cyanoacrylate adhesives

Here Paul Whitehead, strategic accounts manager at Intertronics, focuses on the capabilities of cyanoacrylate adhesives and looks to dispel some of the myths associated with their use in applications.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives (CAs), also known as instant adhesives, or superglues, are fast curing adhesives, suitable for bonding a wide variety of substrates, including metals, plastics, elastomers and porous materials.

At the molecular level, cyanoacrylates are composed of acrylic monomers stabilised by a weak acid. Cure is initiated when the acidic stabiliser is neutralised by a weak base, typically water, resulting in polymerisation into a long chain polymer. CAs can be based on various monomers but are most commonly formed from ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) or methoxyethyl cyanoacrylate (MECA) monomers.

Myth one: All CAs are the same

While it is possible to walk into your local hardware store and purchase a consumer CA, these are not indicative of the capabilities of all CA materials. Newer entries to the market aimed at industrial and technical use have been formulated to overcome some of the adhesives’ historic challenges and broaden the applications for which CAs are used.

Cyanoacrylates are produced in a variety of formulations, each exhibiting distinctive attributes of viscosity, thixotropy, cure time, bond strength and more. There are materials available for everything from hobbyist woodworkers, and electronics manufacturing, to medical-grade skin bonding materials for wound closure.

Myth two: CAs are brittle

While CAs are generically brittle, some, like the Born2Bond™ Ultra range, are less brittle than conventional products. Rubber-toughened formulations can offer better impact resistance. Adhere ADH9480 cyanoacrylate adhesive, for example, when compared with other grades, offers improved shock resistance and peel strength, and has a longer setting time than other grades – while being specially formulated to achieve the strongest possible bond between well-mated non-porous surfaces. Alternatively, ADH9105 offers higher impact, humidity and temperature resistance than similar materials, resulting in a more flexible bond.

Recent innovations have seen the launch of CAs that are inherently flexible. For example, Born2Bond™ Flex offers >200% elongation, absorbs impact and vibration, and copes with bonding substrates with different thermal expansion coefficients.

Myth three: CAs have a maximum operating temperature of 80⁰C

While 80⁰C is the maximum recommended operating temperature for a lot of CAs, there are several products available that offer improved temperature resistance. Born2Bond™ Structural, for example, can withstand temperatures up to 120⁰C, while ADH9480 can handle heat up to 125⁰C.

Myth four: CAs always cause blooming

A side effect of CA volatility, blooming is the name given to the chalky-white residue that appears on the surface of the part. While it does not affect bond integrity, blooming can be aesthetically undesirable. Because CAs based on MECA monomers are less volatile than ECA products, they are less susceptible to blooming. Manufacturers looking for a low bloom material could consider ADH9408, ADH9640 or ADH9403.

Recent advances have seen the introduction of low blooming MECA materials with fewer compromises, for example Born2Bond™ Light Lock, which has an additional light curing mechanism, or Born2Bond™ Ultra, which combines the fast curing associated with ECA-based CAs with the low blooming characteristics of MECA-based products.

Myth five: CAs have an unpleasant odour

Almost anyone who has used superglue at home will have noticed its distinct smell. When working with traditional CAs, it is important to work in a well ventilated area and with the correct protective equipment. A suitable dispensing methodology can reduce the need for handling and improve health and safety.

However, not all CAs smell and low bloom formulations are also low odour. Born2Bond™ Ultra, for example, has inherently low volatility, which means less odour, less irritation and no CLP hazard symbols on the label.

Myth six: CAs must be dispensed manually

There is no requirement to apply a CA directly from the tube or bottle. Depending on the level of accuracy and repeatability required, as well as the throughput of the application, CAs can be dispensed as part of a manual, semi-automated or fully automated process.

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For example, a pressure pot, or reservoir, can be combined with a suitable diaphragm dispensing valve for a semi-automated, precise dispensing technique. Mounting this equipment onto a robot to automate fully will result in a methodology that requires very little operator intervention. The trick to establishing a successful dispensing methodology is finding an adhesive supplier that is also experienced with the relevant dispensing and automation equipment.

Myth seven: CAs aren’t gap filling

Most cyanoacrylate adhesives are inherently of a low, runny viscosity, which means they don’t work well when there are gaps to be filled; if the parts are porous; or if the bond-line orientation means that the adhesive would drip or run. However, CAs are now available in a range of different viscosities for gap filling. Born2Bond™ Repair, Structural, Flex, and Ultra, all offer high viscosity formulations for gap filling. The high viscosity ADH9454 CA gel, for example, prevents running on inclined or vertical surfaces during its 3 to 60 second fixture time, which enables gap filling up to 0.5mm, as well as minimising the absorption of adhesive into porous substrates to ensure a good bond.

Myth eight: CAs have poor moisture and solvent resistance

This is generally true and, in the past, this has limited CA use in many industrial applications. However, CAs actually have better resistance to non-polar solvents like IPA; it doesn’t seem logical, but cyanoacrylate adhesives also have more chemical

resistance to petrol than they do to water. Advances like the hybrid chemistry of Born2Bond™ Structural now give superior moisture resistance, showing a very small reduction in adhesive strength after 1,000 hours immersed in water, and much improved compatibility with polar solvents.

Myth nine: CAs are not structural adhesives

To date, CA bond strength has been readily compromised by temperature and moisture/humidity, which has limited their use for load bearing applications. However, Born2Bond™ Structural has very high impact resistance (27 KJ/m 2 steel after 24 hours), and toughness. It develops structural bonding performance to steel, ABS, PVC, phenolic and polycarbonate, amongst other substrates, and features particularly good adhesion to aluminium (lap shear strength 12 MPa). With higher temperature, moisture and solvent resistance, it is a good candidate to test for a structural industrial application.

Myth ten: CAs stick your fingers together, forever!

More people than would care to admit have accidentally stuck their fingers together with Super Glue – the moisture in our skin is ideal to initiate curing. Luckily, soaking your hands in soap and warm water will loosen the cyanoacrylate enough for you to slowly peel your fingers apart. If this doesn’t work, an acetone-based nail varnish remover should finish the job. If CA on the skin were left untreated, the fats and oils in your skin would eventually remove the glue and unstick your fingers, though it’s not recommended to test this out.

BT-20 riveter ideal for professional environments

BRALO states that its BT-20 professional battery riveter is ideal for assembly lines and professional environments, as well as those applications where portability and performance are a must, thanks to its capacity to fit a wide range of rivets.

Amanufacturer of rivets, special stamping parts, and riveting tools, BRALO S.A underlines that the BT-20 battery riveter has the capacity for Standard, Versagrip, Hardrip, Hardlock, G-bra, Structural and S-Trevol rivets – from 2.4mm to 7.8mm.

With a robust and durable design, BRALO points out that the BT-20 battery riveting tool hardly needs maintenance and offers professional users a single tool for countless applications. The tool is designed for the most demanding industries, which require high durability of the riveting tool and reliability in the parts, which have been carefully designed to suit every riveting need and to last longer.

“With more than 40 nosepieces to place the widest range of rivets on the market, the BT-20 high performance riveting tool combines portability and reliability, thus adapting to the needs of customers,” states BRALO. “Thanks to its high-speed and power it is able to provide high performance and productivity in assembly lines – placing it at the forefront for high-level professional work.”

Ergonomically designed to be well balanced and provide greater comfort for the user, the BT-20 has a work pressure of 19,600N; a stroke of 25mm; and includes a transparent mandrel collector for quick emptying. The tool also features a powerful 2.5 Ah li-ion battery, and optional 4.0 Ah, as well as a long-lasting brushless motor and a front LED light for better visibility.

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High tensile studs and bolts from Gala Precision

Gala Precision Engineering will be showcasing its latest range of high tensile studs and bolts at the upcoming Fastener Fair Global show – with the products already meeting global market demands and receiving approval from three of the top five global wind turbine manufacturers.

Gala Precision Engineering underlines that it has been able to establish itself as a leading player in the precision engineering sector, thanks to its ability to manufacture high-quality products –with its extensive product portfolio including a range of fasteners.

The company’s commitment to providing high-quality fastening solutions is evident in the range of raw material grades and surface coatings it offers, including hot dip galvanising and zinc flake coating, which meet the specific requirements of customers.

As the largest exporter of springs from India, Gala Precision is already known for its expertise in the manufacturing of DIN 2093 disc springs, and technical springs, for various industrial and automotive applications. In addition, the company points out that its Gallock wedge lock washers have become one of the fastest growing products in the market, and the company’s recent launch of the stainless steel series of Gallock washers has cemented its position as a leading provider of washers.

With a legacy of almost 30 years in the spring industry, Gala Precision has a proven track record of delivering high performance products to a variety of industries – including wind energy, railways, electrical, industrial and automotive sectors, and the company’s products have also been approved by one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers.

The company’s strong design capabilities, and in-house fatigue testing machine, have made it a preferred supplier from India, and its plants, which are spread across more than 15,000m 2 and ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified, have been audited and approved by global OEMs and tier 1 companies.

Exports constitute more than 50% of Gala Precision’s sales, and the company caters to more than 300 global customers in over 25 countries. “Our main goal has always been to produce highquality products and our decades of experience, combined with our commitment to staying up to date with the latest technology, has enabled us to successfully compete with European manufacturers and provide world-class fastening solutions globally,” states Gala Precision. “Those organisations looking for high-quality precision engineering products, manufactured at lower costs, should reach out to us for a unique solution.”

www.galagroup.com

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Non-preferred Metrics ~ Intermediate Sizes

Short and Long Lengths ~ Slotted Grub Screws

A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps ~ 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws

All Metal Self-Locking Nuts ~ Studding Connectors

A pre-assembled captive fastening system

KEBA Fastenings has introduced the KEBAFIXX, a pre-assembled captive fastening system that has been specifically designed so that the screw is completely enclosed within the sleeve fitting – helping to prevent tilting of the screw during the assembly process.

Established in 2002, KEBA Fastenings has developed a reputation for supplying niche fasteners to worldwide distributors and wholesalers. With the new KEBAFIXX the company states it is providing all-around efficiency, thanks to it being a pre-assembled fastening system – meaning that fewer parts are needed; installation time is improved; and assembly costs are reduced.

“A big challenge for users during assembly are production related hole displacements and deformations, which can make completing an installation difficult,” explains KEBA Fastenings. “The KEBAFIXX is able to compensate for such tolerances by up to 2mm, with compensation of up to 3.5mm possible with oblong shaped sleeves.”

Thanks to its compact design, KEBAFIXX also reduces the clearances required for installation – enabling engineers to design applications that are more compact and cost-effective. “The KEBAFIXX has also been optimised regarding its dimensions, so that it provides high load capacity and a high-level of assembly reliability,” concludes KEBA Fastenings.

Blind Rivets

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Steel

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Wood Screws

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Bi-Metal Self-drilling Screws

Stainless Steel (A2/A4)

Decking Screws

Stainless Steel

New line of metric hex flange bolts

Earnest Machine has recently launched a new line of metric hex flange bolts – exclusively available in the UK and featuring both 10.9 and 8.8 metric hex flange bolts – which have been manufactured to DIN 6921 standards and are available with a Level 3 PPAP certification.

Both 10.9 and 8.8 grades are available in a clear zinc trivalent finish, with diameters ranging from M6 to M12. Earnest Machine points out that its line of 10.9 products has also been baked to help prevent hydrogen embrittlement.

Back in 2020, Earnest Machine completed its acquisition of National Threaded Fasteners (NTF), a US-based master distributor of hex flange screws and hex flange nuts. This acquisition enabled Earnest Machine to strengthen its existing product lines and expand into new products and markets in both the US and the UK. Since then, the acquisition of NTF’s product line has strengthened Earnest Machine’s position in existing markets and has enabled it to expand into new markets with the following products: Grade 2 hex flange lag bolts, Grade 5 case-hardened and Grade 8 hex flange screws, hex serrated flange screws, hex flange nuts, hex flange lock nuts, ISO 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 hex flange screws, as well as hex serrated flange screws.

Other products that Earnest Machine has introduced include hex flange nuts, which have helped with Earnest Machine’s market expansion, as well as former NTF 18-8 stainless steel hex flange screws and JIS hex flange screws and nuts, which have also played their part.

AccuBlack 2.0 launched

Since introducing a black stainless steel finish to its standard range of over 500,000 precision components in 2017, Accu’s product line has become popular amongst engineers. Now the company has refined its production process, ensuring the quality of its blackened components is consistently better than ever.

Using a specialist, customised blackening process, which converts the top layer of stainless steel into black magnetite, AccuBlack components boast a durable satin black finish, whilst still maintaining the high precision, corrosion resistance, and tensile strength, of the company’s natural, stainless steel finished products.

The latest update to Accu’s blackened components, however, now offers a dry oil finish, creating a deeper, satin-black colour with a more even surface appearance. In comparison to conventional oxidising methods, the AccuBlack finish has an increased abrasion resistance, making the blackened appearance more durable during installation and removal. Alternative black finishes, such as painting and plating, add a solid layer to the outside of a component, which can negatively affect both precise dimensions and

Accu points out that this is what makes AccuBlack ideal for a wide range of industry applications, including automotive, aerospace and military stealth projects, where a balance between appearance and performance is considered essential. AccuBlack fasteners and fixings are commonly chosen to match a black assembly, in particular when the components need to visually compliment or blend in with a dark or black design.

AccuBlack coatings have also been proven in extensive testing, under strict laboratory conditions, such as passing an independent 240 hour salt spray test, to be superior to standard cold blackening finishes, which are typically carried out at room temperature using a copper selenium compound that leaves a sooty residue on the components. In contrast, the new Accu coating offers a smooth, satin-black finish.

Accu is confident its superior coating will be a success with engineers and innovators, with the change also improving the corrosion resistance of Accu’s blackened nuts, bolts, washers and screws.

Tools no toolbox should be without

A newly developed SmartHolder socket set, 2300SH-1, has been introduced by German-based tool manufacturer HAZET – offering a 39-piece tool holder made up of a newly designed, ¼ inch, mini-all-steel, fine-tooth, reversible ratchet, a magnetic bit holder, two adapters, six ¼ inch sockets and 29 bits with the most common drives. The company says these are tools that no toolbox, workshop or household should be without.

As part of the set, the ¼ inch solid steel ratchet has been completely redesigned by HAZET and is only 90mm long, with 60 teeth that allow an operating angle of 6° to be achieved – making it easy to use even in confined spaces.

The company describes the SmartHolder as stylish, practical, extremely handy, and compact, and it is equipped with an optimum number of tools in a minimal amount of space. It fits in almost any pocket and is ideally suited for all smaller and quick screwdriving jobs – those moments when a screw needs tightening.

Developed and produced under the ‘Made in Germany’ brand, the SmartHolder is durable, with a robust twist lock that ensures a tight fit and immediate access to the sockets. When locked, the sockets are securely fixed, without the possibility of falling out. Pressing the SmartHolder’s push-button on the side activates the bit magazine’s set-up function.

The two bit strips separate each other so that all bits can be accessed effortlessly, at any time. The kit also comes with an additional tool garage where the reversible ratchet and the ¼ inch bit holder are securely fixed. By simply pulling on one of the two

tools, they stand up and can be easily removed.

The set includes a ¼ inch bit adapter, as well as an adapter with a ¼ inch outside square, as the output for the sockets, and a ¼ inch hexagonal drive for ratchet operation. The ¼ inch bit adapter is also suitable for clamping the included bits in an electric drill, and all of those bits are also suitable for use with an impact drill.

In all, the holder contains 18 short bits (25mm) and 11 long bits (50mm), with any desired screw profile found quickly thanks to HAZET’s practical colour-coding system.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Calibration accolades for Atlas Copco

Atlas Copco Tools & Industrial Assembly Solutions has achieved two landmark approvals from the UK’s Accreditation Service (UKAS) for on-site calibration for measuring both the torque (BS EN 7882:2017) and, crucially, angle parameters (VDI/ VDE2648-1) for torque transducers up to 1,400Nm and 360 degree, respectively.

Afurther accreditation for the on-site calibration of torque wrenches (BS EN ISO 6789-2:2017) up to a maximum of 1,500Nm was also received by the company. Atlas Copco’s approval from UKAS to deliver on-site calibration means that a manufacturer’s tools and instruments can now be calibrated by Atlas Copco at the customer’s premises, rather than having to send them to a laboratory – saving both time and money for all parties, by avoiding production downtime, packaging and transportation costs, and the need for back-up tools. Having this level of measurement and traceability assurance is a key asset for manufacturers, helping them to continually improve production quality and efficiency –by minimising the risk of re-work and warranty claims, and negating any reputational damage.

The relocation this year of its UKAS-accredited calibration laboratory to Wolverhampton, in the UK, has enabled Atlas Copco to double its capacity, enabling the business to increase the scope and volume of its calibration services. Typically, the laboratory, which is temperature

and humidity-controlled, is able to turn around equipment within 48 hours. There are also plans to expand the number of trained calibration technicians in 2023, in order to deliver a seamless laboratory and on-site service.

Nicolas Van Zyl, Atlas Copco’s UK calibration manager, commented on the company’s dual accreditation milestones: “Achieving not one but two accreditation firsts from UKAS means that Atlas Copco is well positioned to further strengthen its strategic partnerships with customers, at a time when UK manufacturing is facing numerous economic and resource-based challenges.”

He added that the accreditations had demonstrated the company was at the forefront of error-proofing the factory assembly line, by ensuring accuracy and consistency of tightening procedures to extremely high tolerances, backed up by fully traceable quality assurance.

“Our ability to calibrate at the customer’s facility provides compelling added value, which stands Atlas Copco apart in the marketplace and forms a key part of our Smart Integrated Ecosystem philosophy for 2023, and beyond.”

WHEN SAFETY REALLY MATTERS

Our wedge-locking solutions are used all over the world, from the deepest subsea situations to power stations, bridges and wind turbines. Whatever your bolting challenge, we will be there to help you ensure safer, more efficient operations. MEET

March 21-23 Hall 3, Stand 2204