Fastener + Fixing Magazine #77

In this September issue‌ Fastener Fair Thailand report Plating + Coating Torque wrenches

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Issue 77 September 2012

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CONTENTS

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com

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Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com

Schäfer + Peters Competence in stainless steel

72-88

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Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Assistant Editor Claire Edwards claire.edwards@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Claire Lake claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com

Fastener Fair Brasil preview

Construction Fixings news

Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

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Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Limited.

130-140 Application Technology news 6

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2012.

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E D I TO R I A L

EU set to reduce tariffs on steel fasteners from China The ‘reasonable period’ during which the European Union committed to bring its anti-dumping measures on steel fasteners from China in line with the rulings of the WTO panel and appellate body ends on 12th October.

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s we go to print, not quite a month prior to that date, it is pretty clear the European Commission aims to meet that deadline. On 5th September I understand representatives of member states considered the Commission’s intentions at the meeting of the Anti-Dumping Committee. On the 13th September the Commission published its 36-page proposal for a new Council Regulation.

Now it has to be said at this juncture that the document is a proposal and it is theoretically possible the Council could choose not to accept it as presented – a remote possibility but nevertheless one that makes the following thoughts conditional on the publication of the final regulation. We will, of course, keep track on that and as soon as the regulation is published report it at www.fastenerandfixing.com - which may well be by the time your read this.

The proposed regulation contains plenty of detail about how the Commission has considered the issues raised by the WTO rulings. For the majority of fastener companies, though, it will simply be the last two pages of conclusions that matter.

From these it is clear the anti-dumping measures on steel fasteners from China will continue. The Commission is explicit that “the injurious dumping determined in the original investigation is confirmed”.

As a result of the review process, though, the Commission has proposed significant reductions in duty levels. The headline reduction is from 85 to 74.1 percent for ‘all other companies’.

The duty level for the companies listed in Annex I of the 2009 regulation (around 90 that opted to cooperate with the original investigation) is set to reduce from 77.5 to 54.1 percent. For nine specific companies, eight of whom obtained individual treatment originally and one as a result of the review process, there are also proposed reductions in tariff levels.

No doubt, over the coming weeks there will be plenty of picking over the bones of the Commission’s decisions. It is clear, though, that the anti-dumping measures remain firmly in place and, while the reduced tariffs might feasibly make some difference to detailed sourcing policies, it is improbable there will be any fundamental shift in patterns of trade.

What comes next? If I was a betting man, which I am not, then I’d lay money on the Commission instigating further circumvention investigations sooner rather than later. I cannot see the proposed regulation having a significant effect on this persistent and contentious issue. Besides, the Commission makes its decisions on circumvention based on historic patterns of trade and evidence, not what might happen in the coming year.

CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World.....................................................................10-20 North America.......................................................................... 22-24 Asia................................................................................................. 26 Russia + CIS................................................................................... 28 South America............................................................................... 30 COVER STORY Competence in stainless steel.................................................32-33 EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar............................................................................ 34 Looking forward to Mumbai.......................................................... 36 Las Vegas Fastener Show preview................................................ 38 STAFDA preview............................................................................. 40 Fastener Fair Thailand report.................................................. 42-44 Fastener Fair Brasil preview....................................................72-88 INSIGHT Fastbolt - Warehouse investments.......................................... 46-47 Delivering complete satisfaction.............................................48-50 Max Mothes visibly moving forward.............................................. 52 A new evolution in bolt security.................................................... 54 STF Trade launched...................................................................... 56 When the best thing is to do it yourself................................... 58-59

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Mark Salmon - “Plus ça change…”......................................... 60-62 News......................................................................................... 64-71 CATALOGUE RACK Targeting Brazil......................................................................... 89-91 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Trivalent passivation systems.................................................. 92-94 precote® - state of the art thread coatings.................................. 96 Two new topcoats for trouble-free assembly............................... 98 News..................................................................................... 100-104 MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS Low cost risks.......................................................................106-108 News..................................................................................... 110-116 FOCUS ON Sheet metal.......................................................................... 128-129 PRODUCT NEWS Tools news............................................................................. 118-126 Application Technology news...............................................130-140 Products news...................................................................... 142-154 INDEX............................................................................................154

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

CHOOSE

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NEWS

THE NEW Turkish import levy aids domestic producers BRIGHTON BEST

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ince 2009 the Turkish Government has applied a threshold CIF value for imported fasteners, which establishes the minimum value per tonne on which importers have to pay Valued Added Tax at 18 percent and the appropriate import duty for the particular country of origin in cash before goods are released from the port.

The regulation applies to imports from all countries, except those of the European Union with which Turkey has a reciprocal customs union agreement, although its primary effect and target is lower cost fasteners originating in China and elsewhere in Asia. The original regulation came into force as the result of a lobbying campaign by BESIAD, the Turkish fastener manufacturers’ association, led personally by its president Mustafa Tecdelioğlu, who is also chairman of Turkey’s second largest fastener manufacturer, Cetin Civata Fasteners.

The initial thresholds varied from US$2,750 to US$3,000 per tonne depending on the type and grade of fasteners – the breakdown is based on the international tariff code system.

Now the Turkish Government has increased the thresholds apparently in response to a major influx of fasteners from China. In 2011 Chinese exports of fasteners to Turkey increased by 46 percent to 78,900 tonnes.

The CIF threshold value for stainless steel fasteners and high tensile carbon steel bolts has increased nearly 29 percent from US$3,500 per tonne to US$4,500. For all other fasteners including screws, nuts, washers and some types of nails the threshold value has increased by more than 45 percent from US$2,750/t to US$4,000/t. The levies apply to import consignments weighing more than 2 tonnes.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine has talked with contacts in the Turkish fastener industry who report a rapid effect from the increased level of protection. Domestic producers have increased their selling prices in response to stronger demand and two producers have already invested to develop an estimated 2,000 tonne per month capacity for chipboard screws. Others are reported to be looking to invest in new machines to increase production capacity.

3i further reduces NORMA stake UK headquartered private equity group 3i further reduced its stake in NORMA Group in September by placing four million shares worth around 77 million euros with investors.

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i floated NORMA onto the market last April taking its share in the company from 73 to 31 percent. The latest move further reduces its stake by 46 percent to less than 17 percent.

NORMA was formed in 2006 through the merger of the German Rasmussen Group and ABA Group of Sweden.

NORMA has just reported 2012 first half sales up 7.4 percent to 317.7 million euros.

Organic growth was 3.4 percent – the group acquired Swiss company Connectors Verbindungstechnik AG in April. Adjusted EBITA improved 7.3 percent to 57.8 million euros.

CEO Werner Deggim said: “NORMA Group is still on course for growth. We are satisfied with our performance in the first half of the year. We improved our sales and earnings once again, despite challenging economic conditions. Our order backlog remains high, showing that global demand for our products remains healthy.”

Growth in the Americas and Asia-Pacific was strong. Americas sales rose 21.9 percent to 104.3 million euros. Asia-Pacific sales increased by 31 percent to 21 million euros. EMEA sales, however, posted a minor decline, decreasing by one percent to 192.4 million euros. www.normagroup.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Arrived

NEWS

Senco buys Expandet in Denmark Senco Brands International, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, has acquired Expandet A/S, the family run fixings manufacturer based at Graested, Denmark.

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he acquisition took immediate effect in August; terms have not been disclosed.

Expandet was founded by the Mortensen family in 1955. Since 1983, when they took over the business from their father, the company has been operated by Laus Mortensen and Lene Mortensen.

During its 57 year history, Expandet established itself as a manufacturer and marketer of premium quality fasteners used in building applications throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company has prided itself on a commercial reputation marked by exceptional customers satisfaction, outstanding product development and commitment to continuous improvement.

Senco, mainly known for its pneumatic tools and related fastener range, was bought out of bankruptcy in 2009 by Wynnchurch Capital. Expandet is its first acquisition since then.

Senco CEO Ben Johansen said: “We look forward to what Expandet can provide our global business in terms of product diversification and alternative markets.” Expandet will report directly to Peter van der Wel, president of Senco Brands International.

Bakfin™ bought by Titgemeyer Baker & Finnemore has been acquired by Gebruder Titgemeyer Beteiligungsgesellshaft (Titgemeyer). A joint release said the purchase increases Titgemeyer’s commitment to UK manufacturing and is complementary to its existing company based in Tipton.

B Stainless Steel A2 & A4 Hexagon Head Nuts Washers

ased in the Jewellery Quarter, Baker & Finnemore was established in 1850 as a manufacturer of pen nibs, graduating to spring steel components. In the late 1940s the company introduced the Starlock® push-on fastener for which it subsequently developed a global reputation. In August 2006 the management team of Derek Sharp, Ian Packer, Paul Yates and John Clark purchased the company from its previous family ownership.

In 2011 Baker & Finnemore achieved a pre-tax profit of GB£840,000 on GB£5 million sales, of which around 50 percent currently goes for export. The company has been a supplier to Titgemeyer since the 1960s.

Manfred Titgemeyer told the Bakfin workforce the company would continue as an independent company within the Group. The intention is to support and grow the new acquisition, taking advantage of the strength of the multinational Titgemeyer Group to further expand export sales. David Harrison, previously MD of Titgemeyer UK and of Lintite Systems within the Linread Group, has taken over as managing director. www.bakfin.com

SFS to buy Unisteel, Singapore The SFS Group has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Unisteel Technology International Limited from Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and management/employees.

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

w w w . b r i g h t o n B E S T. o r g +44 (0) 1384-568144

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nisteel manufactures precision components including fasteners. Headquartered in Singapore it has manufacturing in China and Malaysia. Its key markets are consumer electronics, data storage and mobile telecoms. KKR and employees acquired Unisteel in 2008 for a reported US$575 million.

SFS CEO Helmut Binder highlighted the significance of the acquisition in strengthening SFS’ “positioning as a supplier of highly engineered fastening solutions, as well as to enable us to become a global player in the fast growing electronics market. The addition of Unisteel’s comprehensive and world-class Asian operations will transform SFS intec into a business with a truly global manufacturing platform.” The new group will employ more than 7,000 people globally, operating 25 manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America. The deal is expected to close during the third quarter of 2012.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

NEWS

Würth award for Graewe

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During the suppliers convention in July 2012 themed – ‘Be competitive and grow with us’ - Graewe received the ‘Best supplier in fast growing business’ award from Würth Industry Service GmbH & Co KG.

he strategic cooperation between both companies is particularly in the segment of high-tensile socket-head screws and exterior hexagonal head screws, which has seen a considerable turnover increase. Graewe says that this optimum supplier relationship is a result of short-term supply readiness, short lines of communication and the highest quality.

Graewe points out that the complete quality management and safety of its products is a decisive advantage for the Würth Industry Service, with Graewe accomplishing an even higher quality standard than required by the DIN standard.

Mr Olaf Graewe, owner of Graewe commented: “We are very pleased to receive such an award. It is an acknowledgement for the cooperative and strategic partnership with the Würth Industry Service and proof of the superior quality of our products.” www.graewe.de

Gris Decoupage makes German acquisition Gris Decoupage has demonstrated commitment to its business motto by acquiring a die-cut engineered parts manufacturer based in Herscheid in the Ruhr.

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ris Decoupage expects the growth strategy to create significant new business opportunities by giving it greater access to the German carmaker market, which is already serviced by the new acquisition. Gris Decoupage was founded in 1984 and is based in Lesménils, France. It specialises in the manufacture of mechanical components and flat or conical die-cut washers in medium or large runs.

Seventy-five percent of its output is for the automotive sector and the company is a first-tier supplier to many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Currently 35 percent of revenue comes from exports, half of this emanating from Germany, which is where its major European competitors are based. To break through, what it describes as, the economic patriotism

of German manufacturers, Gris Decoupage made the strategic decision to buy Knipping Umformtechnik GmbH from the LISI Automotive Group with effect from 1st June 2012. Now renamed Gris Unformtechnik GmbH the acquisition has 10 million euros annual sales and employs 50 people to supply parts to Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, MAN, ZF and Daimler, amongst others.

The acquisition extends Gris’ product range by offering GUT’s knowledge and manufacturing skills in engineered washers and mechanical components to complement the Group’s existing capabilities.

The Group says it is also pursuing an organic growth strategy in France, having committed 5 million euros to extend its premises and install a new ultra-high-power transfer press at the end of this year.

PSM appoints Spanish distributor PSM International Fasteners Ltd has announced the appointment of Sistemas Técnicos de Fijación SL (STF) as an authorised distributor for Spain.

F

ounded in 1994, Sistemas Técnicos de Fijación specialises in the technical sales, application engineering and distribution of leading fastener and component manufacturers, offering both fasteners and fastener installation systems to industry.

STF highlights that it has a focussed and highly qualified sales team that understand the commercial and application needs of the customers and the markets they serve. STF’s sales team focuses on providing technical solutions that are both competitive and add value to customers’ operations.

“PSM International is a worldwide market leader in the design, production, and distribution of special engineered fasteners, including: inserts for plastics, multiple ranges of sheet metal fasteners and cold formed products including the proprietary Flangeform® fastener range.” www.psminternational.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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NEWS

More effective EFDA emerges from Paris conference The fourth triennial conference of the European Fastener Distributors Association, held in May at the Hotel Lutetia in Paris, France, produced a new, robust organisation focused on achieving a more persuasive and effective presence in Brussels, according to EFDA secretary Bernd Stapf.

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he main conference, attended by some 90 delegates from across EFDA’s national association membership in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK, followed a familiar structure. Professor Wolfgang Franz of the Centre for European Economic Research presented a not-surprisingly downbeat perspective of the European economy, which subsequent economic and political events have done little to contradict. Members of PRISMEFIX reported rather more progressively on the joint development with its manufacturing counterpart, AFFIX, of a fastener training programme about to be launched in France – the culmination of three years intensive effort. In a guest presentation, EIFI president, Anders Karlsson, counterpointed the beliefs of most of his audience by arguing that the continuation of trade measures against imports from Asian countries was vital to the health of European fastener manufacturers. Jay Queenin, president of the National Fastener Distributors Association of the United States and Steven Fang, director of the Taiwan Fastener Traders Association provided updates on their respective home industries and markets.

As newly elected EFDA president Dr Volker Lederer, from the FDS, concluded the formal proceedings. At the conference Serge Kopinsky, from PRISMEFIX, was elected vice-president of the Association. In the evening delegates enjoyed a festive dinner at this landmark hotel on the Left Bank of the Seine.

Behind the scenes, however, the conference marked a radical development of the EFDA organisation, inspired and driven to a substantial extent by retiring president, Bernhard Berrang and EFDA secretary Bernd Stapf. The assembly of delegates representing the five national associations agreed a new funding structure until 2015, which included a strong commitment from the Fachverband des Schrauben-Grosshandels, which has member companies in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland as well as Germany. This provided the financial platform for EFDA to appoint the Federation of German Wholesale, Foreign Trade and Services (BGA), to fulfil its secretarial requirements and more specifically work to substantially increase EFDA’s presence and effectiveness at the European Commission and Parliament. EFDA’s official headquarters will move to the BGA office in Brussels. Following a transitional period, long serving EFDA secretary, Bernd Stapf, will relinquish his responsibilities at the turn of the year in favour of Dr Helena Melnikov of the BGA. The re-organisation of EFDA represents a highly significant shift from an association of associations, which since its inception has tended to be reactive, responding, some have argued, “just too late” to the initiatives of its manufacturing counterpart, the European Industrial Fasteners Institute, which has worked intensively and successfully to a large extent to engender anti-dumping proceedings against fastener imports from Asian sources.

“EFDA and its member associations has now recognised that, in order to ensure fair and open trading conditions,” explains Bernd Stapf, “it needs to consistently and continuously present its arguments to European politicians and administrators. EFDA’s new organisation will ensure it is effective in doing so.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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Through BolTs

concreTe anchors

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NEWS

New team set to take BST onward and upwards UK based BST Supplies, a specialist fastenings manufacturer, has a new management team in place after seeing turnover more than double in the past three years.

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ames Mee (left of picture) has taken over from his father Stuart as managing director and been joined by financial director Paul Adams (right of picture). An operations director to complete the management trio is due to be announced shortly.

Stuart Mee and co-director Tony Lawless, who have taken non-executive roles on the board, founded the business 24 years ago. BST Supplies manufactures precision special fasteners, threaded and machined components, often in small to medium or prototype-sized batches. The majority of components are manufactured in materials that are corrosion and/or heat resistant and may be required to be chemical resistant with many being safety or life-critical.

James Mee is keen to keep pushing the business hard and build on the foundations laid by his father and Mr Lawless. “We are constantly examining what we do and how we do it, and to that end we recently incorporated a new mechanical testing facility on-site – something we used to sub-contract.

He added: “We are investing heavily in people and training and work with both apprenticeship schemes and the University of Wolverhampton’s graduate placement scheme. We are committed to continuing our growth and we are working hard to ensure that we find the right people.

Warning on channel nut quality Bob Barlow, managing director of Pressed Parts Company Limited, a UK specialist manufacturer of channel nuts for the steel supports industry, has expressed concern over the quality of some galvanised channel nuts finding their way into the UK market.

B

ob Barlow says: “We are concerned that the generally accepted standards of manufacture should be, and should continue to be, both demanded and provided.

In particular the material specification of the raw material, the form and depth of the thread dimensional conformity, and the definition and hardness are all important factors in reaching the desired ‘slip’ and ‘pull-out’ figures.”

He explains his specific concern over the coating of channel nuts he has encountered in the market. “On a recent customerliaison visit we were shown samples of supposedly galvanised channel nuts which were being supplied at an extraordinarily low price. To the naked eye the surface treatment looked strange.

Under test the coating thickness was found to be excessively low and failed, by a very wide margin, to meet the requirements of

BS EN 1461 and certainly had not been galvanised”.

The tests were carried out by B.E. Wedge Ltd – UK West Midlands based specialists in centrifuge galvanising. The test report, a copy of which has been shown to this magazine, concludes: “the sample does not provide to the requirements of the standard and the life expectancy would not be that of a spun galvanised component.”

Bob Barlow says: “A channel nut is as much a structural member as any other part of the system. In the most sensitive applications, such as marine and petrochemical work there is clearly a huge potential for disaster, and in this age of litigation such occurrences almost always result in massive claims”.

“While much of what we are buying might well appear ‘fit for purpose’”, concludes Bob Barlow, “we should ask ourselves if we are really getting value for money.” www.pressedparts.com

Jubilee® Clips unveils its latest signing Jubilee® Clips has recruited a new name to its team in the shape of qualified football coach Chris Wood.

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s UK sales manager for the Gillingham based manufacturer, Chris is responsible for leading its office and field based sales specialists and helping them to develop even closer links with wholesale customers through the provision of training, technical support and point-ofsale marketing materials.

“This is a very exciting move for me,” says Chris. “Jubilee® Clips may be an internationally known name but this is still very much a ‘family’ business. I’m relishing the challenge of winning new orders and maintaining the high profile of our historic brand.”

Chris is working closely with managing director Ian Jennings

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and general sales manager Chris Bunting. His appointment reflects the fact that despite a growing market share and recently extended product portfolio, Jubilee® Clips will not be resting on its laurels.

Chris, who lives in Sittingbourne with his wife and two children, holds a UEFA ‘B’ coaching qualification and is also Youth Development Officer at nearby Faversham Town FC, who play in the Ryman League Division One South.

“I have 20 years experience in sales, much of which was spent working with customers in the industrial/automotive sectors, so I have lots of ideas to offer,” adds Chris. www.jubileeclips.co.uk

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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NEWS

SpringsTec Fair 2013 will have a distinctly international feel The international trade fair for industrial springs technology and sourcing, SpringsTec Fair, which takes place in Stuttgart, Germany, from 26th – 28th February 2013, has already attracted exhibitors from across the world.

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his new show aims to create a market meeting place for the first time, and brings together producers and manufacturers of industrial springs, spring pressings and bent wire forms with technical buyers and other specialists sourcing such items, as well as traders and distributors.

So far exhibitors from eleven countries have signed up to take part. From Europe, French companies Comptoir Général du Ressort and Borrelly Spring Washers, both active in the aerospace supply market, will display their latest technologies.

Italy’s Mollificio Valli Srl and Spain’s RPK S. Coop, both supply to electrical goods manufacturers. UK based company SpringTech Ltd, which supplies the oil & gas industry, has opted for a large stand as has Canadian market leader, Liberty Springs. The Quebec based company is a leading supplier to the automotive industry and wants to use its presence at SpringsTec Fair to grow its business in Europe.

A number of manufacturers from Asia, such as Special Spring (India) Pvt Ltd and Taiwanese company Ming Tai Industrial Co Ltd have already confirmed their participation.

The largest group of exhibitors comes from Germany, which is not surprising, considering the country’s position as Europe’s

largest spring manufacturer and exporter. Confirmed exhibitors include: Christian Bauer GmbH + Co KG and Dr Werner Röhrs KG, expert manufacturer for specialist engineering solutions, as well as Oskar Schwenk GmbH & Co KG, Platzmann Federn GmbH & Co KG, Hans Ziller GmbH, VDF Vogtland Federntechnik GmbH and Zimmermann Technische Federn GmbH, all supplying end-users from automotive and other engineering sectors.

Organisers, Mack Brooks Exhibitions, believe the profile of the exhibition as a niche supply trade event makes it an ideal platform to showcase products to a worldwide audience because it ensures to attract buyers who make purchasing and product development decisions for springs and related products. In this unique environment visitors will be able to see some very diverse spring manufacturers, offering a wide range of expertise and knowledge, which will allow them to evaluate different products and services, meet existing customers and establish new business relationships.

The exhibition will be held in Hall 2 at the Messe Stuttgart exhibition centre, alongside the well-established Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2013. www.springstecfair.com

Handing over a record A record GB£13,700 gave a lift to Willen Hospice’s funding raising efforts.

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lmost doubling previous years the donation was raised at June’s Heinz Storch Memorial Golf Day and was presented to Julia Rogerson, events and promotions manager for Willen Hospice (centre), by Fastbolt’s Hayley Thompson and Graham Joyce.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care and support for families in the Milton Keynes area and has been supported by the Fastbolt Charity Golf Day since its launch. www.fastbolt.com

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor GlobalFastenerNews.com

FDI: July signals contraction for U.S. fastener distributors Mirroring the PMI, July’s Fastener Distributor Index (FDI) signaled contraction (45.1 vs. 51.6 in June).

Building on a June that reflected slowing (51.6 from 56.3 in May), July’s FDI fell to 45.1.

“B

eing below 50 suggests more fastener distributors are experiencing worse-than-expected conditions that point to conditions that are or may soon be contracting.”

Sales was the highlighter, reflecting far worse than expected performance with a reading of 38.2, down from 42.2 in June, but another factor came into play.

“For the first month since the series started employment was not up (50.0 in July).”

Also notable, supplier deliveries (51.3 vs. 60.9 in June) sped up, suggesting that demands on production are moderating.

Automotive was clearly a stronger end market, but construction was mixed in July after a stronger start to the year.

“Mirroring many broader economic measures, more fastener distributors saw worse than expected performance in July, representing a risk to the cycle.”

Erosion of optimism in recent months continued in July: 18%

of respondents expect higher activity in six months (25% in June), vs. 45% that expect lower (38% in June).

At present, pricing remains stable. Respondents with positive annual gains (36.8% of total) outpaced those feeling pricing pressure (13.2% of respondents), while one-in-two respondents see no change in annual price.

“All this makes the trend in the annual rate of change unsurprising: point-of-sale pricing was ~1.5% in July, consistent with June but half the rate of growth through the first part of 2011 (~3.0%). With no impetus to raise prices and past increases anniversarying, annual pricing is drifting toward 0%.”

The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors. As a diffusion index, readings above 50 signal strength and below 50 signal weakness.

The FDI is a joint production of BB&T Capital Markers and FCH Sourcing Network.

Stanley Black & Decker buying Infastech

By Jason Sandefur, www.GlobalFastenerNews.com Stanley Black & Decker has decided to double-down on fasteners, one of the few industries producing solid results for the corporation.

T

he company agreed to acquire Hong Kong-based Infastec for US$850 million in what is reported to be its last major acquisition for the next 12-18 months. Stanley Black & Decker is buying the company from CVC Capital Partners and Standard Chartered Private Equity Limited.

The deal was announced days after Stanley Black & Decker reported that its engineered fastening division achieved its tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth with a strong performance in the second quarter of 2012.

The combined engineered fastening platform will generate approximately half of its revenues from automotive manufacturing, a third from industrial fastening applications and 20% from high growth verticals such as electronics, the company stated.

“With the acquisition of Infastech, the engineered fastening platform will be the first of the company’s recently identified new growth platforms to achieve its mid-decade goal of US$1 - US$2 billion in revenue.”

CEO John Lundgren called the acquisition: “An excellent complement to our current Emhart Teknologies engineered fastening business.”

“It adds to our strong positioning in specialty engineered fastening, an industry which has solid growth prospects particularly in the global electronics, industrial and automotive end markets, and will further expand our global footprint with its strong concentration in fast-growing emerging markets.”

“In addition, Infastech’s diverse revenue base, strong margins, and solid financial track record make it a meaningful addition to our portfolio,” Lundgren added.

22

With revenues of approximately US$500 million and more than 2,000 employees, Infastech is one of the world’s largest producers of engineered mechanical fasteners and one of the largest Asia-based global players in the specialty mechanical fastener market.

More than half of Infastech’s 2011 revenues were generated in the Asia-Pacific region and once combined with Emhart, Stanley Black & Decker’s engineered fastening platform, the enlarged business will generate close to 40% of its revenues from this high growth region. Total company revenues from the emerging markets will increase to approximately 16%, an important step towards the company’s mid-decade goal of 20%+.

Infastech designs, manufactures and distributes highlyengineered fastening technologies and applications for a blue-chip customer base in the industrial, electronics, automotive, construction and aerospace end user markets.

Infastech’s portfolio includes Avdel, ELCO and iForm brands, which the company supplies to customers in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Stanley Black & Decker expects the transaction to result in annual cost savings of approximately US$25 million by the third year of ownership. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Stanley Black & Decker’s engineered fastening business, which largely operates under the Emhart brand, grew 13% in 2011 due to new products and increased customer platform penetration.

Emhart Teknologies has more than 2,500 employees in 39 operating facilities worldwide.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

U.S. fastener demand: a bright spot in global economy

By Jason Sandefur, www.GlobalFastenerNews.com As economic uncertainty continued in Europe and economies in Asia started to slow, many fastener companies found relatively strong demand in North America.

T

his trend is demonstrated by recent sales and earnings releases analyzed by GlobalFastenerNews.com.

While Bossard Group’s overall revenue fell by 0.4% in the opening six months of 2012, sales in the U.S. gained 13.2% — including a 22% jump in the second quarter — at a time when European sales fell 5% and Asian revenue declined 5.5%.

“Whereas America reported double-digit sales growth, customer demand in Europe and Asia was in line with the declining purchasing managers indices,” the company stated.

Grainger saw U.S. sales in the first half of 2012 gain 8.8%, with sales in Canada growing 9%. Grainger also found 21% organic growth overseas, primarily spurred by disaster recovery in Japan.

Anixter’s OEM Supply segment including fasteners, said

six-month revenue grew 5% in the U.S. while Europe achieved a 5.1% increase and Emerging Market (Asia Pacific and Latin America) sales soared 30.6%.

The Würth Group said sales in the company’s home country of Germany increased 4.5% during the first half of 2012. Würth operations in North America grew “above average,” resulting in a 22.9% sales gain to US$588.5 million. Sales in South America improved 7.6%.

ITW organic revenues grew 2.3%, with North American organic revenues increasing 5.3% and international organic revenues declining 0.8%. European organic revenues decreased 1.7%. Asia Pacific organic revenues “underperformed company expectations,” growing only 1.8%. Notably, China organic revenues declined 0.5%.

Fastenal sales up 15% U.S. fastener imports Fastenal Co reported net sales grew 14.7% to US$804.9 million in the second quarter of 2012, hampered by a slowdown in the industrial production market during the period.

P

re-tax earnings gained 19.2% to US$179 million, while net earnings climbed 19.3% to US$112.3 million.

Fastenal said its end-market growth rate slowed to 15.8% in Q2, down from 20.3% in the previous quarter, which was slightly higher than the 20% rate of end-market growth the company experienced in 2011.

“In the first three months of 2012, the daily sales growth in our fastener product line was approximately 15.4%. This dropped to 10.5%, 6.1%, and 8.6% in April, May, and June, respectively.”

Six-month sales gained 17.2% to US$1.57 billion, with pre-tax earnings up 22% to US$340.2 million and net earnings up 22.4% to US$212.5 million.

Vending machine installations are soaring in 2012, driving sales and earnings gains. The company installed 3,238 new machines in Q2, driving its six-month vending machine growth rate up 75% to 13,036.

Daily sales growth to vending machine customers rose 34.3% in Q2.

In the first half of 2012 Fastenal opened 53 stores, bringing its total to 2,635. It increased its workforce 2.7% to 15,578 employees.

fall faster than exports Fastener imports to the U.S. fell 5% to US$392.4 million in June compared with the previous month, while U.S. fastener exports dropped 1% to US$289.5 million for the month, Zepol* reports.

T

he top five import countries to the U.S. in June were Taiwan (US$115.27 million), China (US$95.4 million), Japan (US$63.28 million), Canada (US$23.76 million), and Germany (US$20.98 million).

For June the top five export destinations for U.S. fasteners were Canada (US$94.39 million), Mexico (US$86.56 million), the UK (US$13.6 million), China (US$8.9 million), and France (US$7.63 million). *Zepol Corporation provides reports on US trade data. Web: zepol.com

India’s Sundram sees sales growth in U.S. As India’s auto market slows, Sundram Fasteners Ltd is focusing on the U.S. market for new growth, the Hindu Business Line reports.

M

anaging director Suresh Krishna stated: “Our exports have just boomed. The rupee going down has boosted us quite a bit; the good-old greenback is getting its due.”

He added: “America is not stagnant anymore. It is growing slowly at 2%-3%. We expect most growth from US exports.”

The U.S. reportedly accounts for over 70% of Sundram’s Rs 646 crore (92 million euros) exports in 2011-12, which was 30% of its overall revenue. Among its customers are General Motors, Ford and Cummins.

In the past 12 months exports have risen 35% for Sundram. However, prospects in Europe have faded, with Sundram’s UK division, Cramlington, keepings its “head above water, while Sundram’s Germany division - Peiner Umformtechnik - reporting a Rs 28.81 crore in 2011, according to the Business Line. “Europe has just gone into a shell,” Krishna noted.

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ASIAN NEWS

2013 Tainan Show expects 400 exhibitors Scheduled for April 2013, the international Fastener Show Tainan expects to attract 400 exhibitors, reports Fastener World Magazine.

T

he show is organised by the Taiwan Fastener Trading Association (TFTA) and supervised by Tainan City Government. At 800 booth spaces the organisers say it will be the largest fastener show in Taiwan to date.

Currently 150 suppliers are reported to have signed up for the show and more than 400 booths are reserved.

The show will be divided into six thematic areas in three halls, including: Finished Products, Machinery, Surface Treatment, Hardware, International Products, and Associations. Separate Machinery and International Products areas aim to provide potential buyers additional opportunities to search for information from these exhibitors and see products from different countries.

Seminars on markets, quality and R&D are planned.

The 2012 International Fastener Show in Kaohsiung was the second in a biannual series launched by the Taiwan Industrial Fastener Institute in conjunction with Taiwan’s export promotion agency TAITRA. TFTA announced the launch of its first show in 2013 following the Kaohsiung event.

Kaohsiung proposes new industrial parks The Economic Development Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government has proposed the construction of two new industrial parks.

O

ne is planned at the north of Gangshan Benjhou Industrial Park, covering approximately 80 hectares; the other would be located at the Alian Metal Fastener Logistic Park, with a land area of about 100 hectares. The new logistic park requires Central Government approval, which Kaohsiung hopes to obtain by the end of year. The Economic Developments Bureau reported that many fastener companies had expressed the need to set up factories in the new parks.

China Q1 exports to Malaysia decline After the substantial drop of China’s fastener exports to Malaysia last year (less than 80,000 tonnes), the volume further dropped to 13,070 tonnes in Q1 2012.

T

his was down a substantial 42.65% compared to Q1 2011, according to a Fastener World Magazine report that says market insiders are clear this is the result of the EU anti-circumvention measures, which applied 85 percent anti-dumping duties on Malaysian fastener exporters unable to obtain an exemption from the duty.

26

CSC cuts wire rod prices further Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation has announced further reductions in its wire rod and bar prices for October and November.

C

SC reduced its list price for September domestic deliveries by NT$1,300/tonne (around US$44). The latest announcement applies a further reduction of NY$1,800/ tonne (US$60/tonne). The average list price for wire rod and bar is expected to fall to NT$23,700/tonne but analysts reckon actual selling prices will be nearer NT$22,900/tonne.

CSC said it was making the cuts due to sluggish market conditions caused by the Euro zone crisis and expected the reductions would assist downstream fastener makers to obtain better order volumes from overseas markets.

Taiwanese enterprises to declare carbon footprints Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration Executive (EPA) announced that the six greenhouse gases regulated by the Kyoto Protocol will now be designated as air pollutants, Fastener World Magazine reports.

T

he EPA will now supervise the carbon emissions of enterprises, including restricting the carbon footprint, and imposing air pollution or energy taxes. Taiwan enterprises will also face carbon reduction objectives.

The EPA plans to require major carbon emission sectors, including steel, to declare carbon footprints from January 2013.

2012 Taiwan Fastener exports may decline 3% - 5% As the Eurozone crisis worsens, market analysts consider the high peak for Taiwan fastener exports to Europe has passed, reports Fastener World Magazine. Combined with a slow US recovery, fastener export value in 2012 is expected to decline 3% - 5% compared to last year.

A

fter the financial crisis, Taiwan fastener exports swiftly recovered and reached record high sales of over NTD100 billion (2.6 billion euros) for two consecutive years.

Export volume exceeded 1.43 million tonnes last year.

In recent years fastener export growth has mainly come from sales growth to Europe, primarily as a result of the imposition of anti-dumping measures on mainland Chinese fasteners.

However, the Euro debt crisis has impacted European demand and exports are expected to drop gradually. 2012 Taiwan fastener exports are projected at NTD112 billion, down 3% - 5% compared to last year.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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

Auto component producers to get support

The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to develop a special programme to support automotive component producers in the Russian Federation not currently included in the official list of suppliers.

A

lexey Rakhmanov, the deputy minister of industry and trade of the Russian Federation, announced the plans. According to him, it will be “either a special programme or some anti-crisis measures”. He explained that those producers, who were not included into the official lists of suppliers, can face financial difficulties.

According to data from Russian motor car producers AutoVAZ, UAZ and Ford, Russian companies producing for the Russian OEMs, dominate the structure of auto components production in the country. However, the quality and performance of Russian producers of auto components still falls behind world standards. As domestic motorcar factories are being restructured and foreign OEMs are developing their designed capacity, the auto components market in Russia is becoming more and more attractive for foreign companies. Formation of an effective legislative basis and solving the numerous administrative problems can accelerate the arrival of foreign auto component producers in Russia, Rakhmanov explained.

Wire-Fastener-2012 programme published The current trends of the hardware market were discussed at the First All-Russian Conference Wire-Fastener-2012 that were held in Moscow on 19th – 20th September 2012.

The event was organised by Metal Supply and Sales Magazine. Key speakers and reports included:

• Russian hardware industry yesterday and today Boris Yarantzev, general director, Prommetiz Association.

• Overview and development plans of Severstal-Metiz holding company - Oleg Veter, general director, Severstal-Metiz.

• The hardware industry and development prospects up to 2015 - Yegor Goryunov, deputy sales director, MMK-Metiz.

• Nails and other fasteners production: development programme of Rechitza hardware plant - Adam Vashkov, director of Rechitsky hardware plant.

• Development resources of fastener production in Russia Alexander Ostashov, chief editor of Fasteners, Adhesives, Tools and… Magazine.

• Development of automotive fastener production in Russia Georgiy Bunatyan, independent expert.

• Currents trends in the small wholesale and retail markets of fastener products - Sergey Perimbayev, general director of “Russian Fastener”.

• Overview and development of a large trader of hardware products in Russia - Valery Loshmanov, general director, Hardware Trading Company.

Further information about the conference is available on the website www.metalinfo.ru

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Engineering centre will appear in automotive industry KAMAZ has developed an industrial engineering centre for “modelling of constructions and technologies of automotive industry”, which will be based in Kazan, Russia.

T

he appearance of the centre will contribute to the creation of a modern motorcar assembly industrial complex.

Naberezhnye Chelny, home for the major KAMAZ factories, has all the premises for the creation of an auto-range.

The auto-range will provide facilities for laboratory and road testing and examination of vehicle specimens (including special purpose techniques developed on behalf of the state structures) in order to move to a full virtual design with the use of modern supercomputer technologies. The facility will provide opportunities to run demonstrations of vehicles for partners and customers.

ExpoForum and Messe Düsseldorf expand cooperation ExpoForum (St Petersburg) and Messe Düsseldorf have signed an agreement on cooperation to develop congress and exhibition projects in St Petersburg.

B

esides the development of joint events Messe Düsseldorf GmbH will provide ExpoForum with consulting services for the realisation of a congress and exhibition centre project. Twenty Messe Düsseldorf projects are already leading trade fairs around the world.

ExpoForum has ordered the construction of an international Congress and Exhibition Centre (ECC), planned to open in 2014.

The project will be developed on a 56 hectare site located in the Pushkinsky Region of St Petersburg. ExpoForum acquired the entire portfolio of Lenexpo exhibitions including the brand names and databases of exhibition projects. Since 2012 all these exhibitions have been organised by the ExpoForum Company, which has also rented the LenExpo Exhibition Complex.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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Brazilian Technological Institute for fasteners restarts Known as the ITF, the institute will search for, stimulate and increase research and technological development in fastener systems.

C

láudio Peçanha previously presided over the management of the ITF. Today, he is one of those responsible for its resumption of activities. Peçanha, a civil engineer and economist, is a member of the board of directors of Armco Staco SA Metallurgical Industry. In 1971, he came to São Paulo and began working in the fasteners industry at Metalac (today a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corp).

In 1972, he was hired by Sinpa (the São Paulo association of fastener producers), where he was president, too. In 1989, having worked for several other companies, he returned to the fastener industry sector as president of Metalac.

Peçanha explained the ITF to Revista dos Parafusos: “The ITF is a non-profit institution organised to promote the development and diffusion of fastener technology for partners, and others, in this important sector. In 1985 we started the first version of ITF, with goals similar to those we intend now. A big outreach was made nationwide through workshops and training courses for sellers and specialist engineers, including major vehicle and equipment makers – especially with regard to high strength bolting technology. Most people who have worked for twenty

years in the ITF are now also participating.”

He went on to explain the ITF structure: “I will be participating as part of the Council, while Alfredo Colenci Jr, Lídio Andrade, Rogério Costa, Ivar Benazzi and Erly Syllos will be leading the institution, which aims to aggregate the largest possible number of members of the supply chain and the country’s academia, aiming for excellence in its services and research.”

Outlining the ITF’s objectives, Peçanha said: “The ITF will carry out studies on failure analysis; joint relaxation and load loss by vibration; hydrogen embrittlement; stress corrosion; tightening parameters; and other fastening technologies and knowledge in this area.”

Peçanha sees ITF services as relevant to all companies in the fastener supply chain: raw material, tools, heat treatment, surface coatings, and specific tooling for both hot and cold forging, as well as gauging, fasteners and joints. ITF will serve distributors and end-users, academic researchers, data acquisition systems and be involved in information and technology diffusion. All, says Peçanha, with the guarantee of confidentiality and ethics.

Coventya invests US$5 million in new Brazilian plant Looking to expand its production capacity by 40%, the company is following the world trend to increase investments in South America’s biggest economy.

H

eadquartered in France, with activities in over 40 countries, the Coventya Group is a worldwide company specialised in developing products and services for the treatment of surfaces and equipment for effluent treatment. Now it has inaugurated a new industrial plant in the Brazilian city of Caxias do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The new facilities have 6,000m² of constructed area, 70% more than the previous 3,500m² distributed across five plants. The expansion was required to increase production volumes to meet growing Brazilian market demand. Celebrating the inauguration of the new plant earlier this year the company invited more than 150 customers, partners and local government officials. Coventya Group CEO Thomas Costa (left of picture) and Mr Bruno Mattana, Coventya’s Brazilian CEO (middle of picture), addressed the assembly. Mr Torsten Becker, CFO of Coventya Group was also present.

29th International Machinery Trade Fair With 2,000 exhibitors the event surpassed public expectation and generated good business.

2

012 has been the scene of important events for the fasteners market in Brazil. Among them, the largest fair for the machinery sector and equipment in Latin America.

This biennial event reflects major trends and innovations in local industry. It took place between 22nd - 26th May, in an 85,000m2 area of the Anhembi Exhibition Pavilion in São Paulo. Brazilian exhibitors were joined by companies from 39 other countries, including Germany, USA, Italy, Spain and Argentina.

30

Organiser Reed Exhibitions Alcantara Machado reported visitors from sectors including automotive, foods, papers, plastics and chemicals amongst others. According to Abimaq (Brazilian Association of Machinery and Equipment) this segment is resuming growth, with Q1 2012 revenues up showing growth.

During the first quarter of this year sector revenues were up 5.1% on the same period in 2011.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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C O V E R S TO R Y

Competence in stainless steel Schäfer + Peters’ primary objective is to be “your partner for stainless steel and anti-corrosion fasteners, DIN and standard parts such as wood screws, metric screws, tapping screws, washers, nuts and also products such as heavy-duty fastenings, safety screws and solar fastenings as well as special and drawing parts”.

A

t the heart of that commitment is the company’s ability to bond effectively with its customers. It backs up its customer relationship by holding in excess of 30,000 different items in its Ohringen warehouse, employing 160 enthusiastic and qualified members of staff and deploying modern quality management.

All areas of S+P prioritise quality and this starts with its staff.

More than 160 experienced members of staff ensure that S+P customers can rely on receiving faultless deliveries at speed, that the goods supplied correspond to the specified standards and that the S+P product range is one step ahead of market

and market-leading manufacturers was easy. But the decades of work have paid off and S+P is now one of the largest stainless steel fastener suppliers and a market leader. Quality that pays, says S+P.

Quality assurance built in: that’s S+P S+P has successfully pursued a quality management system for a number of years now in order to guarantee its customers the highest quality products.

Since 1996, Schäfer + Peters has been audited on an annual basis by DQS GmbH (a German company specialising in certification and management systems). At the end of 2008 it was one of the first companies to be successfully certified in line with DIN EN ISO 9001:2008. S+P also holds the GOST certificate for trade with Russia.

Schäfer + Peters doesn’t just put its products through their paces, the quality of all development processes within the company is scrutinised too. This allows S+P to guarantee its customers perfectly adapted and short development processes alongside stringent product quality standards. All products are tested using stateof-the-art technology. An in-house quality assurance department continually carries out quality checks, for example to determine material-specific properties.

This enables S+P to be sure that the fits are correct and that the chemical composition of even the highest quality alloys satisfies requirements.

S+P’s suppliers are also monitored on an ongoing basis. The company’s procurement department uses a standardised process to assess every detail of all suppliers and to only select the best

“ S +P doesn’t just put its products through their paces, the quality of all development processes within the company is scrutinised too.” requirements. The company’s suppliers also have to measure up to stringent quality requirements. S+P would never claim that establishing its international network of expert partners

32

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

partners. Efficient process management now forms the basis for continuous improvements. For Schäfer + Peters: “This is the only way of building solid bonds with our customers and suppliers!”

Many S+P products are already checked by a neutral test institute and regularly inspected according to the requirements of external monitoring. For various products this has been confirmed by way of a building authority approval from the DIBt. In its quality assurance S+P uses a multitude of measurement and test devices, which can perform tests of, for example, dimensional uniformity, torques, screw-in times, strength and even material analyses in its own test laboratory.

Leading European stainless steel warehouse As far as S+P is concerned, organisation is key to maintaining an overview when working with a range of more than 30,000 fastening items - especially when the smallest parts are just

1mm in diameter and the largest up to 52mm. The Schäfer + Peters warehouse is organised in line with more than 300 DIN standards to allow its warehouse operatives to quickly find the parts required, in spite of the what S+P describes as “the massive dynamism of our range”. The 1,000 plus shipments, which leave the warehouse every day for shipping around the world, are evidence that this works.

High levels of precision are ensured in the warehouse by using a computer-assisted, paperless picking system.

Working with reliable logistics partners, who in turn are leading companies in their own sectors, S+P also ensures very short delivery times no matter where in the world it is shipping. The company further enhances the quality of its logistics support by ensuring all its deliveries can be tracked online thanks to continuous documentation. www.schaefer-peters.com

The S+P warehouse - An area of around 12,000m2 with in excess of 60,000 spaces for pallets and chutes

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33

EVENTS CALENDAR

Fastener Fair Brasil Where: São Paulo, Brazil When: 21 Nov - 22 Nov 2012 Web: www.fastenerfair.br.com What: The fastener event for Brazil.

EuroBLECH 2012

Where: Hannover, Germany When: 23 Oct - 27 Oct 2012 Web: www.euro-blech.de What: Sheet metal industry.

PTC - Asia

Where: Shanghai, China When: 29 Oct - 1 Nov 2012 Web: www.ptc-asia.com What: Trade fair for power transmission and control.

AAPEX - Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 30 Oct - 1 Nov 2012 Web: www.aapexshow.com What: Automotive aftermarket products exhibition.

The 8th Fastener Trade Show Where: Suzhou, China When: 1 Nov - 2 Nov 2012 Web: www.fastenertradeshow.info/8th/ What: Specialist fastener show.

Intersolar India Where: Mumbai, India When: 6 Nov - 8 Nov 2012 Web: www.intersolar.in What: Exhibition for the Indian solar industry.

Elmia Subcontractor Where: Jönköping, Sweden When: 6 Nov - 9 Nov 2012 Web: www.elmia.se What: For subcontractors and suppliers

within the engineering industry.

MIDEST Where: Paris, France When: 6 Nov - 9 Nov 2012 Web: www.midest.com What: Subcontracting and services for the processing

of metals, plastics, electronics and electricity.

Construct Canada Where: Toronto, Canada When: 28 Nov - 30 Nov 2012 Web: www.constructcanada.com What: Building and construction exhibition.

STAFDA’s 36th Annual Convention & Trade Show

IndiaMart Handtools + Fastener Expo

The Big 5

Intersolar China

Where: Orlando, Florida, USA When: 4 Nov - 6 Nov 2012 Web: www.stafda.org What: Speciality tools and fasteners.

Where: Dubai, UAE When: 5 Nov - 8 Nov 2012 Web: www.thebig5exhibition.com What: International building and construction show.

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Where: Chennai, India When: 7 Dec - 9 Dec 2012 Web: www.iihtexpo.com What: Handtools and fasteners exhibition.

Where: Beijing, China When: 12 Dec - 14 Dec 2012 Web: www.intersolarchina.com What: Exhibition for the Chinese solar industry.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

CONNECTING QUALITY & FLEXIBILITY

as: rmerly known Stafa Group fo D I GOPAK I NEOFAST AN STAFA HOLL

STAFA GROUP: CONNECTED IN TRUSTED QUALITY Stafa Group: a new name for a trusted partnership. Stafa Group has the best answer to any question in the broad area of fasteners. Always. With maximum flexibility and quality and an approach that is as enterprising as it is personal. Just as you have been accustomed to with us over the past thirty-five years.

ALWAYS ASSURED OF THE BEST Under the strong umbrella of the Stafa Group, Stafa Trading (formerly Stafa Holland), Stafa Assembly (formerly Gopak) and Stafa Direct (formerly Neofast) are combining their expert forces even more effectively. Whether we efficiently take over

your entire logistics system for fasteners, provide the smartest packaging method or arrange your imports under the most favourable conditions: you are always assured of quality and service.

THE STRENGTH OF THE CONNECTION That is the strength of our connection. A connection that we as the Stafa Group share with each other, with our suppliers, with the global market and - above all - with you.

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www.stafa.nl

EXHIBITIONS

Fastener Fair returns to Mumbai in April From 17th - 18th April 2013, the Fastener Fair will return to the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, once again running alongside the well established BLECH India exhibition for sheet metal working.

C

o-location with its BLECH counterpart unquestionably contributed to a lively first Fastener Fair India in April 2011 – attracting some 4,800 visitors to do business with ninety first-time exhibitors, around half of which came from outside India. In the exhibition survey 95 percent of exhibitors reported positive business enquiries at their stands and a large majority of exhibiting companies said they had achieved their aims at the show. This magazine can confirm from first hand experience both the quality in particular of user visitors, many of whom travelled from other regions of India for the event, and the strong activity throughout the opening hours of the show.

With more than six months to go the exhibitor list for 2013 has already outstripped that of the previous edition, with a high number of 2011 exhibitors returning. The majority of exhibitors are fastener suppliers, with a good cross section of Indian producers and suppliers – leading to a good showing of manufacturing technology exhibitors, including National Machinery, Aachener Maschinenbau GmbH and Hariton Machinery. Doerken MKS-Systeme and Magni Group lead a range of coatings and plating exhibitors.

Organisers Inter Ads – Brooks highlight that India’s population is projected to reach 1.22 billion in 2012 and its economy was valued at US$4.469 trillion (PPP) for 2011. A complex and sometimes challenging market, its short term growth has been impacted by world economic trends but the key to the opportunity India represents is the strength of its domestic demand, driven by a highly aspirational population and a long term imperative to upgrade and develop its infrastructure. Automotive production continues to grow with domestic passenger vehicle sales projected to grow constantly in the next decade to an estimated 10 million units annually. Commercial vehicle demand has also grown strongly. Both road and rail construction are fundamental to achieving critical improvements in infrastructure and intercity communication.

The 2011-2012 fiscal budget for road construction was more than US$9 billion; for rail development the figure for the same year was the highest ever committed at around US$12 billion. India is the world’s second largest mobile handset market, with both a strong utilitarian requirement for basic versions and aspirational demand for smart phones. Similarly the Indian consumer electronics industry is expected to grow at an annualised rate of around 18 percent up to 2014, with a major switch to LCD televisions leading the way in a domestic technology sector expected to grow five fold by 2020.

Fastener Fair India will open Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th April from 10:00 to 17:00, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Western Express Highway, Goregaon, Mumbai. Further information for both exhibitors and visitors is available online.

Information for BLECH India 2013, which will run for four days 17th – 20th April, can also be found online.

Both events are organised by Inter Ads – Brooks Exhibitions. www.fastenerfair.com www.blechindia.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

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International Office: Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Email: india@fastenerfair.com India Office: Tel: +91 (0) 124 452 4207 Email: fastenerfair.india@interads.in

www.fastenerfair.com

EXHIBITIONS

Strong expectations for Las Vegas Fastener Expo The 16th National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo scheduled for 10th – 12th October 2012 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, is on track to be the largest since 2008 reported Susan A. Hurley, CEM, general manager in mid-August.

T

his is by far our strongest start since 2008 with 580 companies and 745 exhibit booths already under contract. This includes 65 companies that are either completely new or are returning after an absence of at least two years. This means there are lots more products and services for distributors to see and buy. In addition, the greatly expanded ‘Machinery & Tooling World’ area is brimming with exciting equipment and we continue to grow the amount of mill supply products offered - such as abrasives, air compressors, cutting tools, drills, hand tools, plant maintenance and safety supplies - of interest to today’s multi-line distributors. We continue to receive exhibit space applications and enquiries on a daily basis and fully expect the 2012 Expo to well exceed last year’s event in both size and buyer attendance.

The one and a half day Expo includes exhibiting companies from throughout the USA as well as 17 other countries including Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Vietnam. “We have the largest number of international companies ever represented in the Expo’s proud 32 year history, making this a major, global, industry event not to be missed”, comment Jim Bannister and Mike McGuire, general partners.

Conference programme As usual, the Expo will not only showcase the very latest products and services offered by domestic and international companies but also, provide a full day educational conference on Wednesday 10th October.

The Fastener Training Institute is conducting a Fastener Technology Workshop led by Bengt Blendulf, one of the most dynamic and experienced fastener instructors in the US and Europe. This fact-and-fun filled day will focus on the practical aspects of working in the fastener industry – an opportunity to respond to technical questions from engineers and technicians and how to find the appropriate answers.

The Pacific-West Fastener Association is sponsoring a programme on ‘Protect your company! Technical knowledge policies as a risk management tool’. The speaker is Carmen Vertullo, CFS, a developer and lead presenter of the Fastener Training Institute’s Certified Fastener Specialist training programme. The programme addresses how to put technical knowledge policies to work to keep customers happy, protect profits, and most importantly, limit liability.

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Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI) will have a meeting and programme on ‘Women in leadership: an evolving perspective’.

The speaker is Sandra L. Cardillo, president of Conrad Associates LLC. Sandi consults with both profit and not-for-profit organisations applying accountable management principles in structuring, talent management and improved managerial practices leading to increased profits. The fastener industry finance, controllers, credit & accounting managers meeting will be presented by the National Fastener Industry Finance Manager Network and the Business Credit Management Association.

Welcome reception Get ready for the granddaddy of them all! Join the fun from 18:00 – 19:00 Wednesday evening, 10th October, in the Nevada Ballroom at Harrah’s Las Vegas, as Expo Management presents the biggest and best party of the year to launch “North America’s largest fastener expo”. This always popular and well attended event continues to be the fastener industry’s most anticipated gathering place annually. With an array of tasty appetisers, inviting drinks and good times, who could ask for more. The welcome reception is “Networking Central” - a great setting to get together with old friends and colleagues as well as form new relationships. The event is complimentary for all Expo exhibitors and attendees wearing their 2012 Expo badge.

North America’s largest fastener expo The exhibition will be open from 9:00am to 16:00pm, Thursday 11th October and from 9:00am until 13:00pm, Friday 12th October.

Expo registration fees are US$50 before the show and US$60 onsite.

To plan your visit Expo management encourages everyone to visit its website for complete information about the exhibition, conference and hotel accommodation options. Viewers can also see the current exhibitor list, up-to-date exhibit floor plan and much more.

Website visitors can find what they are looking for by clicking on exhibitors, then clicking on groups and locating companies by product category ranging from abrasives to wire and everything in between. www.fastenershows.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Berardi Bullonerie can supply special parts based on the drawing of the customer in order to meet any kind of screw, bolt and nut requirement which is not envisaged by the unified regulations.

Our internal technical department can offer the necessary advice to support the customer in the choice of the most suitable technical solution for each single need thanks to: The execution of specific drawings The search for qualified suppliers A complete range of thermal and superficial treatments Guaranteed execution times and tailored quality control The issue of technical certificates Product stock design management with scheduled deliveries

WE GUARANTEE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR ANY REQUIREMENT

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PRECISION TURNED PARTS • Medium / High volume • Up to 25mm diameter • CNC & Cam Automatics • Ultrasonic cleaning

SCHNORR® is an international leader in engineering and producing safety washers and disc springs for automotive, aerospace and mechanical applications.

Original SCHNORR® safety washers: • Highly vibration-resistant • Patented technology • Extensive range Original SCHNORR® disc springs: As a result of our merger with HUGO BAUER Nachf. GmbH, we now offer both turned and fine-blanked disc springs: • Various applications • Best price-performance ratio • Customized solutions

Autonic Engineering Co Ltd Salisbury Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0HU Tel: +44 (0)1992 471 101 Fax: +44 (0)1992 471 102 Email: enquiries@autonic.co.uk www.autonic.co.uk

Fastener manufacturer and stockist

Please contact us. Together we will find your tailor-made solution.

Schnorr GmbH Stuttgarter Str. 37 71069 Sindelfingen, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 7031 302-0 Fax: +49 (0) 7031 382600 mail@schnorr.de www.schnorr.de

EXHIBITIONS

STAFDA convention offers sunny outlook Members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) are heading to sunny Orlando, Florida, USA, for the Association’s 36th annual convention and trade show. Catherine Usher, STAFDA’s member services director, explains some of the many opportunities members can anticipate during the 4th – 6th November 2012 event at the Orange County Convention Center.

Sunday 4th November A full day of educational workshops begins with morning sessions featuring STAFDA consultants with topics focusing on issues members have specifically requested. Alan Beaulieu, the Institute for Trend Research, will provide his economic forecast, while Nancye Combs, HR Enterprise, discusses the latest in human resources issues, and Bob DeStefano, SVM E-Marketing Solutions, takes a look at marketing to generation net.

Four 90-minute afternoon programmes led by business experts include Joe Ellers: ‘Take absolute control over time’, Brent Grover: ‘In search of the perfect customer’, Pete Land: ‘Situational leadership’, and Tim Underhill: ‘Collaboration.’

The programmes repeat after a 30-minute break to give attendees the chance to participate in a second workshop.

The spouse/companion programme will highlight the construction skills and willpower as attendees design and build a structure from chocolate bars and ‘concrete’ frosting.

That evening is STAFDA’s Opening Block Party at Universal CityWalk®. Members will have private access to their own section of the Universal Orlando Resort® to enjoy an eclectic mix of themes, cuisine, and entertainment from seven different venues.

Monday 5th November The Islanders Trio and their steel drums will welcome attendees to the general session before the ‘Year-in-Review’ and awards presentation. STAFDA President Kramer Darragh, Darragh Company, Little Rock, AR, will offer the ‘Distributor state-of-the-industry’ perspective. He is a third-generation owner of the family-run business that includes six branches in Arkansas, one in Texas, and five ‘tool central’ locations selling

40

concrete and highway construction accessories, waterproofing and masonry supplies, erosion control systems, scaffolding, tools and fasteners, and fabricates rebar.

Jim Fall, business and operation director, 3M industrial adhesive & tape division, St. Paul, MN, will be STAFDA’s associate state of the industry speaker during the general session and offer the manufacturers’ viewpoint. He has 25 years of experience with 3M and has held numerous leadership positions within the company including: sales and marketing director, 3M personal care division; business manager, 3M converter markets; business director, 3M European industrial adhesive and tape division; product manager; and sales manager. Fall is a member of the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council and chairman of the 3M Converter Markets Advisory Committee for the corporation.

Former U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice will then take to the stage to give her perspective on the next day’s presidential election as well as the U.S. and global economies.

In 2004 Dr Rice became the 66th secretary of state following Colin Powell’s resignation. (Colin Powell was STAFDA’s 2005 keynote speaker.) As secretary of state from 2005 - 2009, she dedicated her department to “transformational diplomacy” with a mission of building and sustaining democratic, well-governed states around the world, particularly the Middle East.

To that end, she relocated American diplomats to such hardship locations as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Angola, and required them to become fluent in two foreign languages. Ms Rice also created a high-level position to de-fragment U.S. foreign aid.

Following the general session, distributors will have six hours to shop the trade show floor for show-only discounts, new product sampling, and relationship building. The ‘Tech & Consultants Fair’ also provides an opportunity to test drive the latest in services, benefits, and meet individually with STAFDA endorsed consultants and service providers. (The Tech Fair is only open on Monday).

Tuesday 6th November Members have six additional hours to work the trade show while the spouse/companion tours visit Winter Park or the Kennedy Space Center. The closing party wraps things up for 2012 as attendees look ahead to the election results and STAFDA’s 37th annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas, 11th – 13th November 2013, at Mandalay Bay.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

EXHIBITIONS

Positive start for Fastener Fair Thailand Heavy rain showers on the opening day could not dampen what was a positive first Fastener Fair Thailand, staged 6th – 8th September 2012, reports Will Lowry.

T

he inaugural Fastener Fair Thailand, which was held at the BITEC exhibition centre in Bangkok, brought together the latest technological innovations and cost-effective solutions for the automotive, electronics, infrastructure, aerospace and general manufacturing industries right in the heart of Thailand and ASEAN region.

The show was opened by Mr David Tellett, managing director of Mack Brooks Exhibitions Limited, and guest of honour Mr Mangkorn Dhanasarnsilp, vice chairman of The Federation of Thai Industries. Speakers during the opening ceremony included Ms Achana Limpaitoon, president of the Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA) and Mr Salanroj Sutaschuto, director of board co-ordination department of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TECB).

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After the opening ceremony Mr Salanroj Sutaschuto and Mr Mangkorn Dhanasarnsilp were given a tour of the show, stopping at various stands to speak to exhibitors about their products and their activity in the Thai market.

Also included at Fastener Fair Thailand was a two-day conference programme for both visitors and exhibitors. Key conferences included: ‘Growth of Thai auto and auto parts industry and fasteners in the auto industry,’ presented by Mr Suparat Sirisuwanangkura, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering & Manufacturing Co Ltd and Ms Achana Limpaitoon, president of the Thai Auto-Parts-Manufacturers Association; and ‘Development of Thailand’s major support industries,’ – Mr Prakob Janma, manufacturing expert for the department of industrial promotion. Other conferences focused on ‘Inventory management by weight monitoring’, ‘Forms of corrosion in industrial fasteners’, ‘Parameters in bolt friction testing’, ‘Fasteners in the railway system’ and ‘Engineering techniques in relation to anchors’.

Over 120 international exhibitors from 12 countries, as well as 20 local exhibitors, took part at Fastener Fair Thailand with a wide range of machinery and equipment on display including inspection machines, packaging machines, thread rollers, bolt forming machines, as well as host of other equipment. Big attractions during the show included Chun Zu Machinery Industry’s CBP-65S Bolt Former which dominated the stand, San Shing’s SNS-45G optical nut sorting machine and Biing Feng Enterprise’s heading machine.

Other notable exhibitors were SACMA Limbiate, National Machinery LLC (China) and Norma Pacific (Thailand) Co Ltd.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Naturally – you demand the best.

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EXHIBITIONS

Key Thai exhibitors at the show included Bangkok Fastening Co Ltd, Thai Union Fasteners Co Ltd and TPC Stainless & Steel Fasteners Co Ltd, all of which export globally and had some of the busiest stands during the three days.

The award for most active exhibitor has to go to Thomas Lie, responsible for international sales at Wan Iuan Enterprise Co Ltd, who took the initiative and stood in the aisle striking up conversations with passing visitors before qualifying them and inviting them on the stand for further discussions.

With temperature levels in the mid 30°C, and humidity at 80%, Rika Industries Co Ltd’s fan hand-outs proved popular with visitors, even with air conditioning in the BITEC exhibition centre.

Most exhibitors reported being happy with the show with Egli Fischer & Co Ltd, exhibiting with its Thai distributor – Bell-Indo Co Ltd, and Jinfast Industries Sdn Bhd saying they had received several quality contacts. Top Stability Machine Industry Co Ltd reported having received twenty high quality leads from the first day alone.

Jörg Tigges, managing director of Tigges Fastener Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, stated that it had been a good show for the

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company with a lot of interesting leads from the first two days, with a lot more international visitors to the stand than the company expected.

The first two days of the show saw a good flow of quality visitors through the aisles - with the final half day still seeing the registrations desks busy right up until the show closed.

From speaking to exhibitors the majority of visitors to Fastener Fair Thailand came from across Asia and Europe. Thai visitors accounted for a high number with India, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia also contributing. Western visitors came from Italy, France, Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany, UK, Sweden and Denmark. Those visitors from further afield included Australia, Chile, USA and Unites Arab Emirates.

A large amount of western visitors were distributors who had come to meet current suppliers, as well as to speak to potential new suppliers. Some had also planned the show into a wider schedule of visiting companies in south east Asia.

Official visitors numbers had not been released prior going to print, but will be reported in the next issue of the magazine.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

INSIGHT

Warehouse investments deliver improved UK customer service Fastbolt Distributors (UK) Limited has used the summer months to put into effect a series of investments at its Milton Keynes warehouse, which are already, quite literally, delivering enhanced service to customers throughout the UK. Warehouse manager, Sam Brown told us more.

E

arly in 2012 Sam Brown identified to Fastbolt directors that the increased volume handled through its UK warehouse was presenting a number of bottlenecks, which threatened to undermine the company’s commitment to delivery service. Characteristically, rather than looking to ‘band-aid’ the issue, Fastbolt took the opportunity to fundamentally review its UK logistics operation. Sam identified efficiency improvements that would not only solve the issues identified but could also provide the platform for Fastbolt to take an important step forward in enhancing the service provided to its distributor customers.

The two major components of the investment were in machinery and systems. Fastbolt invested in the latest generation of Jungheinrich vertical order pickers – the EKS 312 model designed for narrow aisle warehouse environments and providing not only increased versatility but also a startling increase in speed to location. Additional stability wheels and a powerful 3-phase motor mean the platform can travel upwards and forwards simultaneously with assured levels of safety. The new trucks are RFID ready and additional foot controls also contribute to greater operator flexibility.

“At the same time as delivering the new trucks in August,” explains Sam, “Jungheinrich upgraded our existing equipment, so the trucks can reach optimum speed quicker.” The result for Sam, having reluctantly but necessarily consigned the oldest truck to the recyclers, is a completely revitalised, seven-strong warehouse fleet, which is “not only a joy to operate but also

46

delivers massive improvements in picking speed.”

To further enhance both safety and speed, Fastbolt used the summer months to upgrade some of its racking and level and resurface the entire warehouse floor.

Alongside these major improvements in the hardware, Fastbolt is implementing advanced new warehouse management software, already successfully installed and operating in its German operation. The Inconso system interfaces directly with the Group’s established SAP core business system to achieve radical stock handling efficiencies. “I was fortunate to spend time in Gronau operating the new system,” says Sam Brown, “so that I was fully familiar with it before we installed it in Milton Keynes. The time there also allowed me to identify some minor adjustments that would be needed for the UK warehouse.”

Paperless, bar code based technology, the new system delivers a series of important benefits to Fastbolt and, indirectly, its customers. The use of bar code scanning throughout reduces the potential for error in all warehouse processes. Its full integration with SAP, ensuring accurate and automatic transfer of data, eliminates time consuming keying, particularly during the late afternoon pressure period when orders are being packed for despatch.

At the other end of the process the system ensures the correct inspection of incoming goods, improving the accuracy and speed of put away, and making the stock available to the sales department faster. The system will also highlight where incoming box quantities are at variance with Fastbolt’s norm for each size.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

“Fastbolt has extended its order cut-off by a further hour to 5pm, with an immediate positive response from customers.”

It is in between goods arriving and being despatch, however, that the Inconso system delivers maximum benefits both in terms of picking efficiency and inventory accuracy. For the first time Fastbolt UK is able to split orders across warehouse operatives and trucks, with the system determining the most efficient route for each. “We can now pick multiple orders on each truck,” says Sam, “with the bar code scanning system making sure each order is accurate. Multiple order picking reduces travel distance for each truck and therefore picking time. Because the system knows the location and schedule for each truck it also avoids two trucks attempting to access the same aisle at the same time.”

“Condensing is also so much quicker,” says Sam. “The system includes a feature that allows us to carry out stock checks at the same time as picking, which means we can confirm locations are empty. That fits in really well with our cyclical inventory check system and reduces the number of counts we would otherwise have to do to ensure a complete annual check.”

The warehouse management system is flexible in allowing the company to decide, depending on the order flow at any given time, the priority between picking, stock checking and condensing. “For example, if we receive an order for a full pallet of one size at a quieter time in the day, the system can opt to pick three one-third pallets thus releasing these locations, something that is important when your warehouse is running close to optimum capacity.”

This inherent flexibility is one of the major benefits, Fastbolt UK managing director, Graham Joyce sees in the new system: “The ability to improve your efficiency to commercial advantage is phenomenal.” He is also very clear about the motivational benefits of the improvements, alongside which Fastbolt has carried out a wider refurbishment of the Milton Keynes building, internally and externally. “Our people are proud of the business, which makes it even more important we ensure a clean, pleasant as well as effective working environment that justifies that pride.”

Fastbolt’s ultimate aim was to extend its order cut-off by a further hour to 5pm, which it did at the beginning of September,

with an immediate positive response from customers. “We needed to implement all these improvements internally,” says Graham Joyce, “but our relationship with Aspray24, as our long standing delivery partner, was just as fundamental in achieving an improved, and most importantly completely reliable, service.” At a systems level, the Inconso system will integrate with that of Aspray24, again alleviating a substantial amount of administrative work, in producing exactly the labels required for each consignment without additional keying, even where

the delivery is direct to site on behalf of a Fastbolt customer. At a management level, agree both Graham and Sam, it is about the series of relationship links at various levels between the two companies and Aspray’s own commitment to providing an effective solution to its customer’s needs. “It is a very close working relationship,” says Graham Joyce. “Aspray24 are proactive in supporting Fastbolt’s development. It has been a simple case of explaining what we need to achieve. They came back with a series of options from which we were able to select the best to match our new systems.” www.fastbolt.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

Delivering complete satisfaction In the last 18 months Precision Technology Supplies Ltd has launched a new web shop, expanded its product range, and completed an extension of its warehouse - after continuous growth saw its old warehouse bursting at the seams. More than enough reason for Will Lowry to pay a visit and find out what the company is planning next.

S

tarted in 1988 by Steve Edwards, managing director, Precision Technology Supplies Ltd (PTS), based in East Grinstead, West Sussex, UK, is a stockist of stainless steel fasteners and precision turned parts.

Originally focusing on the stainless steel micro fasteners sector the company gradually built business up and expanded its range into Europe and then further afield into Africa, Asia and beyond. In addition to its stainless steel micro fasteners, PTS expanded into standard stainless steel fasteners, as well as American threaded fasteners.

“When I joined the company almost 20 years ago I was immediately given the task of building sales,” states Andy Knight,

co-director. “Since then it has been a case of finding new markets and working with customers to deliver what they need.”

From the beginning PTS has dealt with both merchants and end-users.

“Merchants are our day to day business where as with end-users we normally focus on projects and developments,” explains Andy. “As a company we are able to work with our end-user companies to help fine tune their products and make them more cost effective. We also offer

48

our services to research and development companies, as well as universities.”

He adds: “By working with end-users we can get involved in the nuts and bolts of the business and work with the customer to see what is the best product for the application or how they can consolidate products. Whilst we deal with both merchants and end-users we would never cut out a merchant.”

Five years ago the company had outgrown its old warehouse and expanded into the warehouse next door. However, it didn’t take long before PTS had filled the second warehouse and it needed even more space.

“We looked at various possibilities and we decided that the best option was to extend our current facilities. By extending it would give us enough space to have pallet racking at the front of the warehouse, as well as double the office space, and enable us to install a mezzanine floor. Basically we just gave ourselves more space to breathe,” comments Andy.

The expansion started in April last year and was finished in seven months. “It was a bit of upheaval but we planned it as much as we could so that everything still ran as effectively as possible. We thought that would see us through for the next couple of years, but we are already starting to fill up the space,” laughs Andy. “Luckily we still have a bit of scope to expand as and when we feel it is necessary.”

Looking back at how PTS has developed over the last 24 years Andy describes it as the snowball effect. “It takes you a while to

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

get to a decent size, but you get to a point where every time you roll you start to get much bigger and we are at that stage at the moment.”

Currently exports account for around 30 percent of PTS’ total business, with India and the Far East, including China, areas of interest.

“India is doing quite well,” explains Andy. “Exhibiting at Fastener Fair India last year was good at helping us pick up business, but it is a difficult market and it takes a lot of time to develop. However, we are seeing it slowly start to grow.”

He continues: “The area that is developing the most at the moment is the Far East. It is interesting because we haven’t really targeted this market, but we are picking up business. We have found that in China most businesses are geared for mass production and we are filling in the gap for those companies that are looking for thousands of products instead of container loads.”

PTS covers a wide range of industries - automotive, telecoms, aerospace, computing, furniture, ventilation, photography, electronics, solar, as well as others. By covering a wide range of industries the company has been able to adapt to changes in demand. “Due to our standing in a lot of different industries the recession didn’t have any detrimental effect on us. In fact we continued to grow,” says Andy. “As a company we are always looking at different fields and markets we can go into. You have got to look at the different areas and establish other methods of developing your product and your brand.”

Whilst PTS is always looking at new markets and opportunities it is also conscious of making sure the business grows at a steady pace so that it can handle the growth and ensure the level of service remains at the highest level.

“From a customer service point of view when we say we will do something we will do it,” states Andy. “We are very proud of

INSIGHT our customer service and we want to make sure that as we grow the service stays at a consistently high level. If you keep your customers happy they will come back.”

A sign of keeping the customer happy is the amount of new business PTS gets from referrals. “The majority of our new business comes from customer recommendations,” mentions Andy.

“By somebody recommending you they are saying they are happy with what you are supplying and the service. This is why it is vital we maintain a high level of service to our customers.”

As well as offering outstanding customer service PTS also prides itself on its delivery of the product.

“We pack it well, we ship it on time and our quality of products is very high,” comments Andy.

PTS sources products from all over the world, and works closely with its suppliers to cultivate business. “We are great believers in working with customers and suppliers to develop the business so that they know what you need from them and you know what they need from you,” comments Andy.

“We want our suppliers to offer us the right package, and we work with them to make sure we get the right package.”

Due to its relationship with its suppliers, as well as the extension to the warehouse, PTS has been able to expand its stock holding.

“We like to make sure that we have the stock that we say we do,” says Andy. “We currently have in excess of 38,000 product categories and our product range is constantly growing. Last month alone we added a further 1,000 products to our range.”

PTS’ philosophy is to offer the complete range – long sizes, short sizes and the in-between sizes. “Whilst some companies will offer sizes of 12, 16 and 20. We will offer 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20,” states Andy.

“Some products will be slow selling, but it’s all part of the service we offer. If we say we can provide a full range then we make sure we can.”

He adds: “This is reflected in the number of orders that we are able to send out straight away. If a product is in stock and it is ordered before 4pm a customer will normally have it the next day, including in most major European cities.”

As well as being able to order next day delivery customers also have the

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opportunity to shop online thanks to PTS’ web shop which went live in April 2011.

“We launched the web shop in time for Fastener Fair India 2011,” says Andy. “We were working on it for two years before it went live and even now we are still developing it. Some of it is background work that the customer doesn’t see, but we are constantly looking to improve things where we can.”

The web shop is available in English, German, Spanish, Chinese and Indian, and multi-currency is also offered. Customers who have a login are able to sign in and track orders, look at invoice accounts, see their pricing structure, as well as host of other information. Whilst there is no minimum spend on the web shop there is minimum quantity for certain items, but PTS has tried to keep these as low as possible.

“We knew from the outset that if we were going to have the level of web shop that we wanted to achieve that it was going to be a long arduous process, but we have received a lot of positive feedback so it has definitely been worth it,” comments Andy. “On average we receive 8/10 orders a day through the web shop. We spend a lot of time on online promotion and are constantly updating the site and making sure we are appearing in the right places.

It is about tailoring search terms so that you are getting the right kind of customers

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

coming to you.”

A new edition to PTS’ online capabilities will be an e-Catalogue containing PTS’ full product range, which will be launched in time for the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas, USA, in October 2012, where PTS will have a booth.

“It has been a couple of years since we last exhibited at the Vegas show and with our American threaded fastener range we felt the time was right to go back,” says Andy. “We will be launching our new e-Catalogue at the show and believe that it will become a useful tool for all our customers. The new e-Catalogue enables customers to look at our entire product range and the different sizes/materials we are able to offer.”

Andy adds: “Being an e-Catalogue means that we will be able to supply it on CDs, emails, memory sticks, as well as it being mobile accessible.

This means that customers will be able to check our vast product range whenever they like. Another positive about the new e-Catalogue is that when we bring in new products it will be updated instantly meaning that customers will be able to view our latest products straight away, without having to wait for a new catalogue.”

He continues: “It is about being ahead of the game and using the latest technology to make sure you are always at the forefront. It goes back to the basic principles of making sure you are communicating with both your suppliers and customers in the most effective manner.”

It is this commitment to ensuring that the company is always effective, efficient, communicative and reliable that has enabled PTS to grow as it has done for the past 24 years. With such a strong foundation, and after a busy 18-month period, PTS might be forgiven for resting on its laurels – not a chance.

“It is hard work running a business nowadays, and as you grow it becomes more difficult,” states Andy. “Upcoming changes in legislation and legal requirements, as well as commercial requirements, will start to affect how companies work. Ultimately it comes down to how strong the company is and how you approach the market. Our growth shows that we have been doing something right and we are looking to continue that growth whilst offering the customer complete satisfaction.” www.pts-uk.com

INSIGHT

Max Mothes visibly moving forward A year after its acquisition from insolvency, Max Mothes is evidently benefiting from new ownership and making itself more visible in the market than perhaps ever before in its long history.

Fastener Fair Hannover

More investment…

Max Mothes showed its unique competence in special engineering fasteners and parts to drawing. Its stand at Fastener Fair Hannover was, the company reports, a huge success with contacts leading to more than 180 enquiries for special parts.

Many long term customers and competitors visited the debut stand of ‘new’ Max Mothes after its successful re-launch.

Less than a year after the insolvency in-house manufacturing capacity needs to be expanded. Max Mothes will invest in high-precision CNC lathes to offer better productivity and shorter set-up times for small and large batches. Some of the extensive features are high rigidity, measures against thermal displacement, energy saving performance and a built-in structure, in which the motor is placed inside the turret, dramatically improving both the accuracy and cutting power for milling. The company says turning and milling specifications of customers can now be met with state-of-the art equipment and improved competitiveness. The first two machines from Mori Seiki (example pictured below) will be up and running in the fourth quarter of 2012.

New customer centre in Leipzig In June Max Mothes opened a new customer centre in Leipzig, Germany. Karin Zschau heads the office, joining Max Mothes after 19 years of operating experience in the fastener industry.

The office is shared with FEAG, a sister company and leader in low and medium voltage switchgear solutions in Germany.

Max Mothes present in the Regions The fair, focused on mechanical engineering, in Siegen, Germany, from 26th – 27th June was a further success for the Max Mothes sales team, with an excellent stand that attracted many visitors. Max Mothes also exhibited for the first time at the InnoTrans Fair in Berlin, Germany.

“ ...turning and milling specifications of customers can now be met with state-of-the art equipment and improved competitiveness.” ...in people too Max Mothes has hired former Wilhelmi Schrauben staff, expanding its customer profile at the same time. Former employees and many of the customers of Wilhelmi Schrauben, Essen, joined Max Mothes after Wilhelmi Schrauben, a well known fasteners distributor filed for insolvency. Frank Rademacher will become co-head of the sales team for the west region of Max Mothes with 30 years of experience in the fastener industry. Lars Dümmel, with 17 years of Kanban industry experience, will join the Kanban team of Max Mothes. Christian Pop, Wolfgang Nierhoff and Markus Messner, with combined 55 years of fastener practice, will strengthen the Max Mothes operation in sales and logistics.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

INSIGHT

A new evolution in bolt security Nuts and bolts are often seen as trivial hardware, however a joint with a design flaw, or worse – a joint that fails, can and will cause serious consequences.

Not only in terms of costly down-time but also in terms of worker safety.

T

here are two main reasons why bolts fail: spontaneous bolt loosening (rotation of the fastener) caused by vibration and dynamic loads, and slackening of the joint (no rotation of the fastener) caused by settlements and relaxation.

Solutions that are currently available on the market tend to address only one of the two challenges, offering either a locking system or an elastic system to secure the bolted connection. Traditionally, critical application design has involved trying to figure out which – spontaneous bolt loosening or slackening – will have the biggest effect on the joint, and choosing a solution to handle that single problem. It is a difficult compromise to make, especially when both could cause application failure.

For 30 years, Nord-Lock has focused on providing the world’s most effective bolt securing solutions to the world’s most demanding applications. Nord-Lock original washers are recognised around the world for the ability to safely secure bolted joints exposed to severe vibration and dynamic loads. Now Nord-Lock adds a new dimension of safety to bolt security - introducing the world’s first multifunctional securing system to handle challenges from multiple fronts.

“For those situations when you cannot say with certainty whether spontaneous bolt loosening or slackening is the bigger issue – or when you know both are equal risks and could potentially cause application failure – there simply can be no compromise. You can now count on one solution to meet all your bolt securing needs.”

The bolting experts at Nord-Lock unveiled the new evolution in bolt security during a press conference at InnoTrans Fair in Berlin, Germany, on 20th September. To watch a video from the event and to learn more about the new revolutionary product in Nord-Lock’s market offering visit the company website. www.nord-lock.com

“Soon a new revolutionary multifunctional product will join the wedge-locking range.”

54

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Unveiling a new evolution in bolt security

For years, designers have struggled with how to secure bolts against stresses from multiple fronts, including vibration, dynamic loads, settlement and relaxation.

Nord-Lock adds a new dimension of safety to bolt security with a unique multifunctional wedge-locking solution - ensuring you can handle any challenge.

Now, there’s one solution for all your bolt securing needs.

Introducing the new Nord-Lock X-series washers - for bolt security without compromise.

Interested?

Find out more at www.x-series.com

INSIGHT

STF Trade new online ordering portal

By David Jackson, director and general manager, Stainless Threaded Fasteners As a key player in the UK stainless steel fastener market for more than 25 years, STF can now offer customers easy access to a wide range of products and services via STF Trade, the new online ordering portal.

T

he company was established in 1985 to offer customers an expert supplier in the specialist field of stainless fasteners. Today, we are dedicated to providing all customers worldwide with a range of high quality stainless steel and brass fasteners and associated products.

With more than 2,500 customers worldwide, the launch of STF Trade will greatly enhance our service offering by making sure that our customers get the best quality products for their needs, in the most effective way.

As more businesses utilise online resources and appreciate the benefits of ‘virtual stock’ rather than having to tie up valuable stock holding space, online trading portals play an important role in the modern fastener industry.

56

STF Trade offers a quick and simple solution for anyone wanting to source stainless steel fasteners and fixings.

It is an invaluable tool for customers to access product information, check stock prices and availability and place orders – all in ‘real time’, which means product enquiries and selling prices can be generated instantly. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other features of STF Trade include the ability to store and review enquiries for future reference. Customers can view their order, invoice and credit details either online or by printing them off. The ‘favourites’ facility also enables customers to store details of regularly purchased products.

What’s more, there is a ‘visitor access’ function that enables anybody to simply ‘log in’ to the portal, without having to set up an account, to view our product range. Visitors can then simply contact their local STF stockist with the specific details from STF Trade, including descriptions, product codes, and emailable images, for further information and order details.

It is our aim that customers and visitors alike come to rely on STF Trade as their first port of call when sourcing specialist stainless steel products or generating a quotation.

A diverse offer Over the years our product portfolio has evolved, but the emphasis on quality and service has remained central to our offer.

STF stocks more than 10,000 line items of A2, A4, A4-80 stainless steel and brass fasteners, including hexagon bolts, hexagon setscrews, nuts, washers, machine screws, self-tapping screws, woodscrews, socket screws, studding,

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

security screws and micro screws, in both metric and imperial thread forms. We also have our own ‘Specials’ department, which allows STF to quote for any nonstandard parts, a real plus for customers who need to specify and source for complex or unusual jobs.

Our product offering also extends to a range of associated products, which include the full range of Action Can industrial aerosols, Ace stainless steel hose clips, and a wide range of fastener assortment kits.

Most recently we have launched the range of Timber Construction Screws, which are ideal for solar roof hook installations. The A2 (304) stainless steel screws are corrosion resistant and suitable for many softwood and hardwood construction applications. The range is another indication of how we constantly strive to diversify our portfolio.

We have an experienced 45-strong team with an average of 15 years’ service, so the shared level of expertise is invaluable. Staff not only know our products inside out, they also have a keen understanding of what our customers want from a supplier, and this has been a key factor in the way that we have evolved our business.

Our global perspective, together with our comprehensive understanding of the industry, has enabled us to respond quickly to change and innovations in the marketplace, while our strong relationships with high quality suppliers gives us the advantage of being able to secure the best possible products for our customers. The launch of STF Trade is testament to the efforts we make in ensuring our customers have access to the very best products in the most straightforward and effective way. www.stftrade.co.uk

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INSIGHT

When the best thing is to do it yourself EU anti-dumping duties on carbon steel fasteners from China triggered a flood of duty circumvention via third countries, leading to the investigation on Malaysia in 2011 and, almost certainly, other similar circumvention investigations to come. To avoid the constant uncertainty of sourcing in different countries, one UK importer chose to establish its own factory in Malaysia and apply for an exemption from the European Commission. Phil Matten talked to the directors of Andrews Fasteners Ltd about the experience, the risks and the benefits.

B

ased in Leeds, Andrews Fasteners has approaching a century of experience supplying fasteners. Today the company’s reputation is solidly founded on the supply of assured quality pre-load and non-preload bolting assemblies to the steel construction sector, servicing sites that have recently included London Olympic venues, the Emirates Stadium, Silverstone’s new pit and paddock building, and the Heron Tower in London.

The company is also an expert in the supply of railway fasteners, and offers an extensive range of other fastener and fixings related to its core market sectors.

To ensure its competiveness in these tough markets, Andrews Fasteners had built a long established and close working partnership with a Chinese factory. To ensure products met its stringent quality and service requirements Andrews went to the extent of employing someone in China directly to manage quality control and

58

commercial activities.

As rumours of the circumvention investigation against Malaysia crystallised into reality, the Andrews directors faced a quandary. Initially, as managing director Michael Carey explains, the company believed that circumvention meant the fraudulent process of transhipping products through a third country. “We did not recognise immediately that by setting up its own factory in Malaysia our Chinese supplier would also be considered as circumventing.

Once the real definition of circumvention, including the virtual impossibility of any business with Chinese ownership to obtain exemption, became clear we realised it was pointless to do what many importers were doing and keep moving our sourcing from country to country.”

Having taken expert advice from consultancy TCThree, Michael Carey and his co-directors were under no illusion that there would be circumvention investigations resulting in the extension of anti-dumping duties on fastener imports from other countries.

“We felt it was better to set up a factory of our own that we knew would be reliable and could meet EU requirements,” says Michael Carey. In July 2010 Andrews established its wholly owned factory, Andfast Malaysia SDN BHD – the first step

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

along what was to prove a long, tough road to achieving an EU formal exemption from anti-dumping duties.

“We could see,” explains Michael, “a series of benefits. From a stockholding viewpoint the natural peaks and troughs in our UK market makes predicting inventory requirements, even for the same size in different finishes, a challenge.

A three month production lead time means any importer, however good their inventory control system, will find this difficult. By holding stocks in Malaysia, we reduce duty and shipping paid stock commitment in the UK, increase the flexibility and accuracy of what we are able to source and supply, and reduce costs by shortening the time difference between receiving stocks and selling them to our customers.”

Sound principles and thoroughly considered. However, the practice - in terms of both setting up a plant in Malaysia and, especially, in obtaining EU exemption - required significant personal commitment from the directors.

Andfast was initially refused exemption under the wider Malaysian circumvention investigation solely because it had not, at that stage, shipped sufficient volume to the EU. “We jumped through all the hoops for that investigation,” says financial director, Pat Krause, “to be disappointed.

That meant paying duty on what we had imported from Andfast during that period.

However, it was clear that, once the investigation had concluded, we would be eligible for consideration as a newcomer.”

In addition to the risk of the investment in factory and machinery, and also in blanks inventory ready for further processing, Andrews now also faced the risk of having to import significant

volumes from Andfast to establish a trading pattern, on all of which the 85 percent duty had to be paid. “Anything imported from the date the newcomer investigation was initiated by the European Commission was registered,” explains Pat Krause, “so as long as we obtained the exemption those duties could be recovered. During the required time lapse before which we could make the newcomer application, though, we had to pay the duty with little real expectation of recovery.”

Andrews Fasteners currently has nineteen employees in the UK, and now a further ten at Andfast. That means the directors are hands on in the business, so the time dedicated to the investigation process represented a substantial opportunity cost.

“It was not,” explains Pat Krause, “simply about ticking boxes or filling forms. We had to provide accurate and detailed evidence to back it all up. That included, for example, data about how many bolts we could produce using how much electricity, and then monitoring electricity consumption. There were literally hundreds and hundreds of documents; more than sixty separate spread sheets. Once each phase of documentation was completed, everything previous had to be checked to ensure the integrity of the data.” Nor was it something that could be delegated – the risks and consequences of error were far too great.

“It wasn’t a case of we may pass, we may not pass,” Pat summarises. “We had to pass – once we committed to this path there was simply no going back.” The inevitable question is, was it all worth it?

Pat cannot suppress a wry smile as she

retorts, “Come back in a year’s time and we’ll tell you.”

“It has got to be worth it,” she adds more seriously. “Now we are confident in gearing up production; we know what we are doing; we know what we are getting, and we are benefitting from the consistency of supply and the flexibility.

We do not face the constant worry about whether a supplier we have chosen is legitimate. It is inevitable there will be more investigations on other countries.

They will not affect us. We have taken control of a core element of our supply chain.”

Andrews’ customers have keenly monitored the company’s progress, says sales director, Rob Surr. “They value that our products now come from a UK owned company and that Andrews is underwriting the quality assurance and reliability of supply: plus they know we have the EU approval so the risk of a sudden discontinuity of supply is virtually eliminated.”

“We have control over our own destiny with our own products and can decide which ones are coming in on each delivery – we can also change direction to meet our customers’ needs. We are confident about the quality of those products

because we are exercising direct control – the raw materials are tested on arrival at Andfast, the finished product is inspected before shipping and again on receipt in Leeds.”

Andfast is now fully geared to support Andrews Fasteners in the UK and also ready to start to offer its product to the wider European market. “We want to grow steadily,” says Michael Carey.

“We’ve had a two-year learning curve while we found out whether we passed or

“ A ndfast is now fully geared to support Andrews Fasteners in the UK and also ready to start to offer its product to the wider European market.” not. That obliged us to really understand the processes and the manufacturing business thoroughly. In October Lloyds Quality Assurance will audit Andfast for ISO 9001, CE Approval and for the UK Highways Agency Sector Scheme 3 – approvals that will affirm Andfast’s quality capabilities. Maybe in a couple of years we can then look at how we can expand on the platform we have established.” www.andrewsfasteners.co.uk

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

“Plus ça change…”

The CPR from the importer’s and distributor’s point of view

By Mark Salmon The Construction Products Regulation (CPR)[1] replaces the Construction Products Directive (CPD) from 1st July 2013. Barbara Sorgato has previously looked at the subject (Issue 69 May 2011), mainly from the manufacturer’s perspective. There are also significant implications for importers and distributors. The UK’s Construction Fixings Association has been preparing to help its Approved Distributor members rise to the challenge, so this time we’ve asked Mark Salmon to give us his inimitable consideration.

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hat I aim to do in this article is to summarise the changes being brought about by CPR, as they are currently understood, and then outline the implications for distributors, including importers.

From the point of view of the fixings industry one might well ask, “What’s the point? We can see that things are changing – it’s a regulation and not a directive, various bits of paper are getting new names, there are new bits of paper to cope with and everyone is having to spend a lot of money doing a lot of work to comply with the new requirements, but at the end of the day what will be the benefit?” To be honest I’m blowed if I know!

The CPD was all about “removing technical barriers to trade in the field of construction products in order to enhance their free movement in the internal market” but the Commission felt they had to “simplify and clarify the existing framework, and improve the transparency and the effectiveness of the existing measures.”

How? By replacing it with the CPR.

So what is changing?

From the implementation date of 1st July 2013 it will be mandatory for manufacturers to affix CE marking on all construction products which are either covered by a harmonised European standard (hEN) or carry an ETA. CE marking was already mandatory in most European members states, with the exception of UK, Sweden and Ireland where it was voluntary, so the change is more significant in those three errant states.

In the CPR “ETA” stands for European Technical Assessment and it has been clarified that existing European Technical Approvals, which they replace, will remain valid until their expiry date and may be transferred into E T Assessments (please forgive this awkward abbreviation) after that. Whether or not any changes will be made at that stage is not entirely clear. An interesting development is that E T Assessments will have no expiry date as long as the product remains unchanged. Some long term cost saving here then.

Current E T Approvals are awarded on the basis of tests and assessments carried out to either a European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG) or a CUAP (Common Understanding of Assessment Procedure) which is very similar to an ETAG but developed for an individual product at the manufacturer’s request when no ETAG exists.

New ETAs will be awarded on the basis of European Assessment Documents, which will be more like CUAPs than

60

ETAGs as they can be developed at the request of a single manufacturer. Again existing ETAGs and CUAPs will, we are assured, be transferred to EADs after 1st July 2013. But again, until the formats are decided upon, any differences between existing ETAGs and new EADs will not be clear and while officially work cannot start on these formats until 1st July 2013 unofficially it already has. One thing is clear, to me at least, if the commission had not intended ETAs and EADs to be different to their fore runners they would not have changed their titles, so I suspect ETAs and ETAGs will morph into different documents rather than just have their titles changed.

The biggest change is that for any product covered by a hEN or ETA the manufacturer must publish a Declaration of Performance (DoP) before affixing CE marking. The DoP means that the manufacturer (or importer) is assuming legal responsibility for maintaining the conformity of the product against the declared performance.

The general requirements for what the DoP must contain are listed in Annex III of the CPR and include the following: • A unique identification of the product, type batch or serial number for further identification. The intended use, full details of the manufacturer, or agent, system level of the AVCP, details required for products covered by hEN, details for products with ETA: name of the Technical Assessment Body who awarded the ETA, reference to the ETA, reference to relevant ETAG, the declared performance, the declaration of conformity with that performance.

More specifically for products covered by hEN the requirements will be listed in an annex, ZA, to the hEN, and for those with an ETA, within the EAD. Neither of these has been established yet. I have seen a draft DoP put together by a major fixings manufacturer and it is full of questions suggesting that there is still a lot of clarification required.

The CPR includes the point that the DoP may be supplied electronically. This has been interpreted to mean that it can be made available on manufacturers’ websites. Although that brings the possibility that users may download the wrong one – care from the manufacturer in differentiating product designations and from the user in looking up the correct one should minimise this risk - it does at least make the performance data more readily available than it is now via ETA.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S One new aspect of the CPR is that it places obligations on importers and distributors but before we consider those I need to outline, as briefly as I can, the obligations placed on manufacturers.

Among several detailed in Article 11 of the CPR are requirements that they: • Draw up the DoP and affix CE marking.

• Ensure the product maintains the declared performance and, if that fails to be the case, take corrective measures, or withdraw or recall the product from the market.

• Ensure the product carries identification of the product and the manufacturer on the product where possible or on accompanying documents where not.

• Supply instructions and safety data in the language appropriate to the member state.

• Inform the relevant national authorities if the product represents a risk.

Once the DoP is drawn up the manufacturer is legally obliged to maintain the DoP throughout the production life of the product.

The specification is therefore to be monitored by a system, which replaces the old Attestation of Conformity, called Assessment and Verification of Constancy of Performance (AVCP). This system has various levels (similar to those of Attestation) that will be allocated to each product family by the European Commission depending on the safety implications of that family and will then be stated in the ETA and DoP. Construction fixings conforming to EADs are expected to have a similarly high level of ACVP, which will involve third party monitoring of the factory production control – among other things!

The obligations on importers and distributors are very similar and are detailed in respectively Articles 12 and 14 in the CPR and include:

to information about CE marking where all references are to the CPD. One is given no clue that the CPR exists or is about to affect how products are to be brought to market. Search for “Declaration of Performance” and again not a single reference.

An industry guide to the CPR is however available from the British Board of Agrément and other involved parties[3].

How about some FAQ’s Can I sell construction fixings without an ETA? Can I sell construction fixings without a Declaration of Performance?

Can I sell construction fixings without CE Marking?

Yes* Yes* Yes*

*The “yes” answers above all need qualifying with the statement “Only if they are not covered by a harmonised European Standard or carry an ETA.” If my product carries an ETA must I affix CE marking?

Yes

So why should I bother with gaining an ETA and AVCP, drawing up the DoP and affixing CE marking?

Because for so many applications specifiers realise that the only way to safeguard their liability, and that of their clients, is to specify construction products which do carry these safeguards.

Ignore these issues by selling products without CE marking and you will be on your own.

So what’s the best way to safeguard my liability in this respect?

• Ensure the manufacturer fulfils its duties i.e. gains an ETA (where relevant) and AVCP, draws up the DoP and affixes CE marking.

If you are a distributor of construction products, and want to be selling products you know to be safe and reliable, make sure the manufacturers you deal with are addressing these issues, gaining ETA (where appropriate) and AVCP, drawing up the DoP and affixing CE marking.

If you are an importer of products which are covered by a hEN but are not CE marked then you must do all that’s necessary to affix CE marking. If you import products not covered by a hEN but within the scope of an ETAG then you need to think seriously about going through this exhausting process as products that do not comply with the CPR will become steadily harder to sell and harder to justify to your customers who will be demanding CE marking, with all that that implies, in increasing numbers.

• Take responsibility of the 3rd, 4th and 5th items in the list above.

Which document will specifiers use - the ETA or the DoP?

Where can we get help?

This is not at all clear but while the exact scope of what must be contained within the DoP is not clear my advice would be that they should continue to use the ETA.

• Place on the market only products which comply with the CPR.

One place you are supposed to be able to get help from is the “Product Contact Point” required by the CPR to be established for each product family by each member state. The UK government is taking its usual dynamic approach to helping business by doing what it did with CE marking. “If we ignore it perhaps it will go away.” Googling “Product Contact Point” takes you to the Business Link website[2] on which you will find the interesting phrase “In the UK, Product Contact Point information is provided through the regulation summaries in ‘Your business sector’ area of this site.” All this does is take you to a page where you can select “Construction” and this reveals the Building Regulations.

Search for Construction Products Regulation and it takes you

Conclusion One thing is clear and that is that distributors who work with established manufacturers - like those who make up the Construction Fixings Association - can, to a large degree relax and leave all this complication to them.

Footnotes:

[1] http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:088:0005:0043:en:PDF [2] www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1082512272&type=RESOURCES [3] www.bbacerts.co.uk/ce-marking/a-guide-to-the-cpr.aspx

www.fixingscfa.co.uk

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

YZZY receives ETA Scell-it Group has obtained European Technical Approval for its universal nylon hammer screw anchor YZZY (ETA-12/0090).

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he YZZY is available in countersunk, dome and extra large head in diameters 5mm, 6mm and 8mm, and lengths from 27mm to 135mm, with steel or stainless steel screw.

Scell-it Group highlights that this ETA is its 16th European Technical Approval. The other products with ETA accreditation include the throughbolt BZ (ETA-11/0124), the throughbolt PTBPLUS (ETA-10/0272) and A4-PTBPLUS (ETA-10/0273), as well as the SAPLUS drop-in anchor range (ETA-10/0274 and ETA-10/0275).

Powering to the top Powers Europe, founded in 2000, is daughter of Powers USA which has more than 90 years of fixing experience.

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owers Europe states that it used the experience of its parent company when investing in its high quality products.

During the last four years Powers Europe has received 25 European Technical Approvals on twenty products.

By receiving ETA accreditation Powers Europe’s products have been independently tested to the highest standard of quality and safety – giving the products a product life time of 50 years.

Powers Europe recently received an ETA for nails used in gas actuated tools without pre-drilling (ETA-12/0188). This approval is valid for Trak-It XH and HD nails in combination with the Trak-It C4 gas nailer and Trak-It XH nails in combination with the Trak-It C5 gas nailer. Amongst other applications the new ETA approval is valid for the fixing of suspended ceilings.

In early 2012 Powers Europe launched a polyester mortar that received ETA Option 7 approval. The PV50-Pro (ETA-11/0442) is based on a polyester formula with added vinylester components, a unique composition that allows installing an ETA approved anchor in concrete.

Powers Europe’s customers can also use its Powers Design Assist (PDA) free calculation software to calculate exactly which ETA accredited product they should use for a certain application and the relevant loads. Powers Europe highlights that the design method is based on the ETAG, ensuring the calculations are made with valid and approved data.

GX-L nylon ETA approved G&B Fissaggi, based in Turin, Italy, has announced that its GX-L nylon anchor has achieved ETA approval (ETA-12/0261) for diameters 8mm and 10mm, with several types of screw - countersunk flat head, hexagonal head, hexagonal flanged head, available also in stainless steel version.

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he GX-L nylon is a new anchor for frame fixings designed with a 4x way structure expansion body to increase pull out values on different profiles. Suited for the main construction materials, (stone, concrete, solid, semisolid and hollow brick, light concrete), it is suitable for fixing installation in frame, roofing, insulation panels, and ventilated walls sectors.

The GX-L nylon enables a rapid and easy plug inserting, even on hollow supports, without bending and a screw block system prevents the plug expanding during insertion into the hole. www.gebfissaggi.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION All the fixings you need

Our internal tension bushes: the more demanding, the better.

Always ask for the best quality for your work.

Always ask for G&B quality.

> Our tension bushes offer solutions for your bearing problems under the most demanding conditions

> DIN 1498 Internal tension bushes for bearing bores > DIN 1499 External tension bushes for shaft bearings G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia Corso Savona 22 - 10029 Villastellone (TO) tel. +39 011 961 94 33 - fax +39 011 961 93 82 www.gebfissaggi.com • info@gebfissaggi.com

Spannstiftstraße 2 D-58119 Hagen T. +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de

G&B Fissaggi Iberica G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland G&B Fissaggi Benelux

Professionals choose Tillex Anz.E_Einspannbuchsen_FF_92x135.indd 1

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30.03.11 14:54

Made in Denmark since 1954...

Negotiated with wholesalers, DIY & OEM

Tillex ∙ Skelstedet 1A ∙ DK-2950 Vedbæk ∙ Tel. +45 45 89 12 66 ∙ tillex@tillex.dk ∙ www.tillex.dk

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

New R-HPTII-ZF throughbolt Rawlplug has been granted ETA accreditation (ETA-12/0309) for its new R-HPTII-ZF throughbolt.

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he R-HPTII-ZF is a new generation product with a highly effective zinc and aluminium flake coating, suitable for use in cracked and non-cracked concrete. It features a special anti-corrosion coating which, Rawlplug says, ensures better corrosion and abrasion resistance, comparable with hot dip galvanised coatings, and improves friction characteristics to achieve a much higher level of performance.

Rawlplug states that uniquely, for throughbolts in cracked concrete, the R-HPTII-ZF is approved for two embedment depths – standard and reduced. Anchorages at the reduced embedment depth benefit the installer by minimising the risk of striking reinforcement during drilling, avoiding any potential need to reposition fixtures.

The new throughbolt can be used in a diverse range of applications including cladding, curtain walling, balustrading and structural steel.

“At Rawlplug we are continuously researching and developing solutions for fixing requirements, resulting in the introduction of innovative products. We intend to focus on innovation to strengthen our position in the marketplace and continue our industryapproved high-specification product development.”

WIRE GOODS · SHEET METAL GOODS SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY

All change for CE marking

… made by one of the industry’s leading companies in Europe – steeped in tradition – for decades.

Andrew Way, manager of light gauge steel construction and product assessment LÜSEBRINK today produce and supply wire goods with wood thread and ISO thread from SCI, outlines some of the key changes happening in the and CE ofmarking process. course pecial products in the CNC-bending technology.

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hen it comes to CE marking, construction products these will be replaced by European Assessment Documents fall into two distinct categories; a) products for (EADs) which are intended to be shorter documents with less which a harmonised European Standard (hEN) repetition. Another change is in terminology, ETA will become exists, and b) products where there is no hEN. an acronym for European Technical Assessment rather than As of 1st July 2013 a vital change will occur in the CE European Technical Approval as it is currently.

WILH. LÜSEBRINK GMBH · DAIMLERSTRASSE 16 · 58553 HALVER · GERMANY marking process for products where no harmonised standard Construction Institute (SCI) has· MAIL@LUESEBRINK.DE worked with TEL. +49 (0)23 53-9092-0 The · FAX Steel +49 (0)23 53-13179 · WWW.LUESEBRINK.DE exists. The current process will be stopped and a new process manufacturers of construction products assisting them in will take its place. The details for the new process are not fully achieving CE marking in collaboration with ETA issuing bodies. known at this stage but manufacturers following the current By virtue of its expertise in steel construction, the SCI has been process must complete the process before the 1st July 2013 able to offer great benefits to manufactures on their route to changeover date or switch to the new process. achieving CE marking.

CE marks using the current process will continue to be The SCI is currently working with manufacturers of products valid after 1st July 2013. The current process for products not where no harmonised standard exists; some manufactures covered by a hEN involves a CUAP (Common Understanding have chosen to complete CE marking under the current process of Assessment Procedure) or ETAG (ETA Guideline) followed before the 1st July 2013 changeover date while others have decided to carry out the necessary preparation work but accept by an ETA (European Technical Approval). that they will ultimately achieve CE marking via the new process.

Under the new process there will be no ETAGs or CUAPs;

THE 3RD DIMENSION IN THE 5TH GENERATION

CNC SPECIAL PRODUCTS … made by one of the industry’s leading companies in Europe – steeped in tradition – for decades. LÜSEBRINK today also produce and supply wire goods with wood thread, ISO thread and much more.

WILH. LÜSEBRINK GMBH · DAIMLERSTRASSE 16 · 58553 HALVER · GERMANY TEL. +49 (0)23 53-9092-0 · FAX +49 (0)23 53-13179 · WWW.LUESEBRINK.DE · MAIL@LUESEBRINK.DE

www.custom-art.it

HOCHLEISTUNGSFÄHIGE CHEMISCHE VERANKERUNG FÜR BETON

ANCRAGE CHIMIQUE À HAUTES PERFORMANCES POUR BÉTON

HIGH LOAD CHEMICAL ANCHOR FOR CONCRETE PURE EPOXY RESIN

ETA Benestare Tecnico Europeo European Technical Approval

ETA-11/0345 Ø 8 ... 32 mm

2 EPOXY 1

ETA Benestare Tecnico Europeo European Technical Approval

ETA-11/0344

Option 7

Option 1

M8 ... M30

M12 ... M24

1962 sistemi di fissaggio

2012

®

w w w . b o s s o n g . c o m

BOSSONG S.p.A. fastening systems Italy

Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 - info@bossong.com

Heavy Duty Hand Wipes

Easily removes... ✓ Sealants ✓ Filler ✓ Adhesives ✓ Paints ✓ Oil/Grease ✓ Petrol/Diesel Proper wipes that get the job done!

www.grimeboss.co.uk Leaves hands clean whilst helping to protect & moisturise the skin.

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S Recent European Technical Approvals for fixings Here is a list of recent ETAs granted in the last three months to fixings products, following the agreement with the European Organisation for Technical Approvals.

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t is important to note that existing ETAs may be amended or withdrawn so this list should not be considered definitive.

For further information and a full list of valid ETAs you should visit EOTA’s website www.eota.be

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA - 11/0405

STAHL SVA-VE

STAHL GmbH

ETA - 12/0024

Injection system Chemfix CH+

Chemfix Products Ltd

ETA - 12/0141

VIN CE for rebar connection

FIBRE NET S.R.L.

ETA - 12/0255

Walsywa Injection system WQE-500 Plus for concrete

Walsywa Ind. e Com. De Prod. Met. Ltda

ETA - 12/0256

Novatech Injection system Anchor7

Novatech NV

ETA - 12/0300

sympafix Injection System X150-PLUS for concrete

SYMPAFIX

ETA - 12/0309

Rawl R-HPTII-ZF Anchor

Rawlplug Limited

ETA - 12/0339

SOUDAFIX Epoxy 600 for rebar connections

SOUDAL SRL

ETA - 12/0340

SOUDAFIX Epoxy 600 f

SOUDAL SRL

ETA - 12/0356

Expandet ESL, EVL galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

Expandet Screw anchors A/S

ETA - 12/0380

CM-PS

Trular a spol. S.o.s.

ETA - 12/0381

CM-P

Trular a spol. S.o.s.

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA - 10/0468

SUPER-INCO and SUPER -INCO-M

Desa S.A.

ETA - 12/0055

MCS-CE and MDCE

MUNGO S.R.L.

ETA - 12/0208

termoz SV II ecotwist

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 12/0359

HIP - HIPT - HIPC - HIPR

Simpson Strong - Tie GmbH

ETA - 12/0376

CLOU ISO

I.N.G. Fixations

ETAG 020 plastic Anchors (all parts) ETA - 12/0358

FPN - FPNH - FPNR - FPNHR

Simpson Strong - Tie GmbH

Innovative nylon anchoring systems pgb-Polska is the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe (headquartered in Belgium), and specialises in the manufacturing of innovative nylon anchoring systems.

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INSERTI FILETTATI THREADED INSERTS BLINDNIETMUTTER

he company obtained an ETA approval for its nylon SMART frame anchors and universal wall plugs with screws (ETA-10/0392). pgb-Polska points out that the frame anchors are easy to install (push-through installation) and offer all-round suitability for many substrates such as concrete, solid brick and perforated bricks. The full assortment on offer includes total fixing lengths ranging from 60mm to 230mm. The enclosed screw is available with countersunk head PZ3, T40, hexagonal head SW13, or hexagonal head SW13 with pressed-on washer and T40. pgb-Polska is also able to offer SMART throughbolt anchors (ETA-10/0472): with ETA option 1, as well as ETA option 7 for non-cracked concrete.

“This cost-effective anchor is available in zinc plated version, type SMK from M6 to M20. Stainless steel A4 is also available on demand. A nice feature is the setting marks on the body which assist correct mounting of the anchor.”

ITW launches new website ITW Construction Products UK has re-launched its company website, providing the organisation with a revamped online image and presence.

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SISTEMI DI FISSAGGIO FASTENING SYSTEMS VERBINDUNGSSYSTEME MAIN OFFICE Via Bellardi, 40/A - 10146 Torino - (Italy) Tel. +39 (0) 11 70.72.398 +39 (0) 11 70.70.877 - Fax +39 (0) 11 70.72.521

www.xi.it - info@xi.it

he new website is more interactive than its predecessor, making it much easier to find vital information on ITW CP’s products and services and thus functioning as a valuable and professional sales tool and information base for its distributors and end-users alike.

With its strong online product catalogue, ITW CP says the new website is easy to navigate and functional, and features the full range of Paslode and Spit products available to the UK market.

The website also provides a plethora of other information, such as technical data on all ITW CP products, health and safety information and stockist and service centre locators. This, along with various other support materials and information documents, provides the user with everything they needed to know about the products available from Paslode and Spit.

“The website also offers direct access to the Spit i-Expert calculation software, providing specifiers and architects with the quickest and easiest way to get an accurate specification for any of the Spit anchor products available.”

EuroTec range receives approval EuroTec GmbH, based in Germany, has received European Technical Approval for its whole core product range.

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he ETA accreditation (ETA-11/024) includes EuroTec’s PanelTwistec, Konstrux, GoGix, AG, 4K and Speedo products. EuroTec is also able to use the CE marking on the following products:

• PanelTwistec AG blue - A wood construction screw that EuroTec says has an unique coating that is completely chrome VI-oxide-less but with higher corrosion resistance than conventional yellow zinc plating. The PanelTwistic AG blue also has a new sharp point together with high-tec thread geometry for faster screwing and less expansion.

• TopDuo blue + - A fastener for over rafter insulation with soft insulation material. TopDuo’s main properties are similar to PanelTwistec AG blue + with an additional thread under the head.

• PanelTwistec - Universal wood construction screw. The PanelTwistec is available with countersunk or flange button head and features Tec-drive, cut-point, and yellow or blue zinc.

• KonstruX - A fully threaded wood/wood fastening system that provides a fast and safe wood connection for all wood/wood connections - prefab constructions, hall constructions, carpentry without pre-drilling.

• EiSYS - A combined façade/adjusting screw that can be used to connect substructures – insulation material – walls.

New chemical injection resin ApoloMEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH has launched RESIFIX EY - a new chemical injection resin with ETA approval (ETA-12/0112).

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his new formulation of RESIFIX EY is available with (EY) and without styrene (EYSF), in 280ml and 410ml cartridges.

ApoloMEA highlights that RESIFIX EY is a highly versatile and multi-purpose chemical anchor with load values according to (ETA-12/0112) for EY and (ETA-12/0107) for EYSF. The new ETA (following ETAG 001 part 5) includes values for M8 to M24 threaded rods and different raw material qualities: white zinc plated, hot-dip galvanised and A4 stainless steel.

“With these latest accreditations we are able to offer the most complete range of approved chemical anchors that also include RESIFIX VY and RESIFIX BR. The usage of CE approved resins (made in Germany) also enables users to avoid risks and problems on-site.”

www.don-quichotte.com

Don Quichotte

Fixpin

Speedplug/Total-Fixx

The professional brand for fixings and fasteners Fastening technology for everyday use. High-quality, time-saving application in construction and installation. That is what the products of the Don Quichotte brand stand for.

Snap-on Pipe Clip OPDZ

The short-term delivery of our products and the direct, uncomplicated processing of orders make Don Quichotte a strong and reliable brand for users in the trade.

®

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Strong symposium adds to attractions of Fastener Fair Brasil The second Fastener Fair Brasil, which will be staged at the Expo Center Norte, São Paulo on 21st – 22nd November 2012, promises a varied symposium programme as well as a strong array of domestic and international exhibitors.

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he symposium programme, which covers a diverse range of topics, will be held in a presentation theatre within the exhibition hall on both days of the show. Subjects include: ‘Analysis of fastener failure’, ‘High performance structural riveting technology’, ‘ISO-TS 29001 certification for the oil sector’, ‘Protecting fixings by galvanising’, and ‘How torque does not determine clamp’. There will also be a presentation from Professor Alfredo Colenci speaking about the importance of the new Centre for Fastener Technology and how its research and resources can support professionals working in the fastener sector.

In 2011 more than 2,500 trade visitors attended the Fastener Fair, 98 percent from South American countries – nearly 87 percent from the South East quadrant of Brazil surrounding its industrial and commercial centre, São Paulo. This magazine, reporting on the 2011 event, was impressed by the quality of what was the first Fastener Fair to be staged in Brazil. Eighty percent of exhibitors responding to the post show survey echoed similar sentiments, rating the event as good or very good.

Despite feeling the immediate chill of a second global downturn major fastener markets in Brazil hold substantial promise for the coming years. Brazil already has a robust automotive sector producing more than 3 million vehicles per annum. In 2014 the country will host the Soccer World Cup, followed in 2016 by the Olympic Games – with an estimated US$150 billion committed to infrastructure and development for these two massive events. The Brazilian domestic appliance sector recorded some 13 percent growth in 2011 and its electronics market has drawn substantial inward investment from major brand manufacturers.

As this preview attests Fastener Fair 2012 has another strong line up of exhibitors, including some of the world’s leading names in fastener manufacturing technology, and looks set to again attract a large and high quality cohort of visitors. The Center Norte is located between São Paulo city centre and Guarulhos International Airport, and is well situated for vehicle access as well as having nearby public transport links.

Detailed information and latest updates can be found at www.fastenerfair.br.com

Fastener Fair Brasil Exhibitor List Company Name

Stand Country

A. Jate Steel Co., Ltd B30 Alcoa Aluminio SA B53 Anhui Dongbo Fastener G54 Bi-Mirth Corp.

B82 Borgh E90 Brighton Best International C73 Bufab Sweden AB A91 Câmara de Comércio F65 Carbodies Srl F52 Carlo Salvi S.p.A. C10 Chanczhou Oread Fasteners F53 Changshu Boshide B64 Changshu Fuxin Fasteners A65 Changzhou Junhe Technology B90 Chia-Li Co., Ltd. G34 Chin Lih Hsing Precision Enterprise B70 Chinfast Co., Ltd. A63 Chite Enterprises Co., Ltd. A20 Chong Cheng Fastener Corp.

A73 Chum Yuan Co. Ltd F21 Chun Yu Works & Co., Ltd. B62 Ciser Parafusos e Porcas D65 Continental Parafusos C31 Coventya Química Ltda E53 D&H Components Co., Ltd. A80 Doerken do Brasil Anticorrosivos E34 Eagle Metalware Co., Ltd G56 Editora Suprimentos e Servicos C75 Editoriale UPIVEB G21 F.lli Pirovano S.p.A. D43 Faire S.r.l.

D43 Fastener World Inc. C57 Fasto Industrial Co; Limited A34 Fontana Fasteners do Brasil D35 Forplan AG C52 FTV G20 Gamma Officine Meccaniche s.p.a. D56 Gem International Co. Ltd G30 Gem-Year Group C91 General Fix Parafusos e Porcas E35 Growermetal Srl C72 Haiyan Aright Hardware Co., Ltd. G22 Haiyan Jinniu Fasteners Co., Ltd. G42 Haiyan Mingyang Fasteners Co., Ltd F71 Home Soon Enterprise Co., Ltd A71

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Taiwan Brazil China Taiwan Netherlands Brazil Sweden Brazil Italy Italy China China China China Taiwan Taiwan China Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan Taiwan Brazil Brazil Brazil China Brazil China Brazil Italy Italy Italy Taiwan China Italy Switzerland France Italy Taiwan China Brazil Italy China China China Taiwan

Company Name

Stand Country

Hsin Ho Mfg. Co., Ltd. B71 Hunan Liangang Fasteners Co., Ltd G72 I.M.M.H.S.A Toolings/Machines F21 Ingramatic S.p.A. D57 Inoxdadi S.r.l.

B23 Inox-Mare Srl D62 Irpal Parafusos A14 JFK Global Holding Sdn Bhd D93 Jian Hwa Enterprise Co., Ltd C62 Jiangsu AWD Fastener Co., Ltd G70 Jianxing Chinafar Standard Parts B91 Kingwin Precision Co., Ltd. E71 KS Importação e Comércio Ltda E11 Kuntech International Corp.

A58 L & W Fasteners Co. Ltd. A62 Landmark Fasteners Pvt. Ltd G23 Linkwell Industry Co., Ltd F35 Lu Chu Shin Yee Works Co., Ltd. G35 M.A.B. Di G. Galbusera & C. Snc D56 MDM Special Tools Srl C53 Met@lica A72 A23 Metalbrax Indústria Metalúrgica Metaltork Ind. e Com. A. Pcs Ltda E35 Metalúrgica Agathon Ltda.

G29 Metalúrgica de Toni G25 Metalúrgica Manzato Ltda C25 Nei A26 Ningbo Chaoxin Rivet Manufacture D74 Ningbo Exact Fasteners Co., Ltd C93 Ningbo Jinding Fastening Piece F70 Ningbo Jingle Corporation G40 Ningbo Qunli Fastener Manufacture F73 Ningbo Zhongbin Fastener A76 Nova Fastener Co., Ltd B73 Oesp Mídia Ltda A10 Ofco Industrial Corp.

A56 OJOP Sweden AB A24 Panther T & H Industry Co., Ltd. B75 Peaksight (Shanghai) Technologies A52 PECOL D83 Perfix Perfuração e Fixação Ltda. B10 Regg Inspection S.r.l.

B11 Revista Parafuso B65 Rivex B57 Rotor Clip Company, Inc. F31

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Taiwan China Argentina Italy Italy Italy Brazil Malaysia Taiwan China China Taiwan Brazil Taiwan Taiwan India Taiwan Taiwan Italy Italy Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil China China China China China China Taiwan Brazil Taiwan Sweden Taiwan China Portugal Brazil Italy Brazil Brazil USA

Company Name

Stand Country

RWD International Ltda F21 Sacma Limbiate S.p.A. D57 Sala Punzoni Srl C22 San Shing Fastech Corp.

E25 Sansega Industry Co., Limited / SHARPOWER FASTENER A43 Shandong Tengda Stainless Steel Products B83 Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp.

C74 Shanghai Jingyang Import & Export C82 Shanghai Prime Machinery F41 Shanghai Qiangyi Fastener B93 Shanghai Renzhao Standard Parts C83 Shanghai Rivet Manufacture G52 Shanghai Sunray Co., Ltd F43 Shanghai Wisechain Fasteners Ltd D90 Simufact-Americas LLC A35 Soon Port International Co., Ltd. C90 SouthWind Com. Imp. Exp. Ltda. E43 Special Rivets Corp.

G15 SurTec do Brasil Ltda E65 Suzhou Hengrunda Fastener G31 Suzhou Jinyuan Fastener Co., Ltd D91 Systek Tecnologia B42 TesT GmbH D31 Titan Fastech Ltd E71 Trafilerie San Paolo S.r.l.

E57 Tramev Srl E57 Uniwise Industrial Group Asia A66 Viraj E21 Wa Tai Industrial Co., Ltd. B74 Walsywa Ind e Com Prod Met Ltda E42 Wang Cheng Precise Technology A75 Wenzhou Junhao Industry Co., Ltd. D82 Wenzhou Longwan Shengjia Metal Products F55 Yuo Chun Enterprise Co., Ltd. B31 YuYao Fastener Factory F25 YuYao MingFeng Plastic A30 Zhejiang Shengrui Machinery F57 Zhejiang Zhenhua Fastener Co Ltd A31 Zhuji Sanhui Machinery Co., Ltd. A82 Zincagem Martins E63 Zonbix Enterprise Co., Ltd. B72 Zwez Chemie GmbH C65 Zyh Yin Ent. Co., Ltd. F63

Brazil Italy Italy Taiwan China China China China China China China China China China USA Taiwan Brazil Taiwan Brazil China China Brazil Germany Taiwan Italy Italy China India Taiwan Brazil Taiwan China China Taiwan China China China China China Brazil Taiwan Germany Taiwan

Micro-layer anti-corrosion systems For over 30 years, the company Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG has been producing micro-layer anti-corrosion systems for the trademark DELTA-MKS® in Herdecke, Germany.

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C22

The Italian company Sala Punzoni has been producing high speed steel, powder steel and carbide punches with standard and special profiles according to customers’ drawings for more than 30 years.

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lso specialising in the production of flat dies for thread rolling, Sala Punzoni says it always makes use of the best available technologies in order to manufacture high quality products and offers direct technical support to its customers all over the world.

In 2011 Growermetal launched its GROWER TWIN-LOCK® securing system, developed thanks to its 60 years’ know-how in safety washers production.

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örken MKS-Systeme started in 1980 with a vision of implementing chromium-free lamellar zinc systems (VI) as high-performance anti-corrosion protection for the automotive industry. Today, the use of these systems is a practice that has been proven over the years, making Dörken a leader in the field.

Dörken explains that the DELTA-MKS® systems consist of a base and a top coat. These coats make these systems highly resistant and diversified. It is the base coat that is not only fundamental for the cathodic protection but also determines the anti-corrosion protection of the system. The top coats are a complement, bearing the characteristics of the base coats. Therefore, they affect the chemical or mechanical resistance of the whole system, by permitting a wide range of applications.

“Visit our company stand to get more information about our technology.” www.doerken.de

Punching worldwide

Innovative secure washer system

his innovative securing system works by exploiting tension in spite of friction, which is the basis of traditional fastening methods.

The GROWER TWIN-LOCK® securing system consists of two identical flat washers which have a set of cams on one side and a radial knurling on the other side.

Growermetal states that the best locking performance in presence of vibrations or dynamic loads is guaranteed by the following technical features: • The coefficient of friction of the outside knurled surface of the washer is much higher than the coefficient of friction of the cam surface.

• The hardness of TWIN-LOCK® washers is higher than the strength of all classes of bolt/nut (8.8, 10.9 and 12.9) and the mating surface.

• The cam system allows to get a higher force of the screw in presence of vibrations. www.growermetal.it

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3,000 different sized rivets Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp specialises in different types of blind rivets in aluminum, steel, stainless steel and copper.

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his includes open type, sealed type, multi-grip type, grooved type, peel type and structural rivets. Products meet DIN 7337, ISO and IFI 114, 126 standards and totals over 3,000 different sizes. Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp also has ISO/TS 16949 certification.

C74 www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Quality, reliability and technology the keys to success FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is a reference company in the area of spring, conical and ground washers, as well as many other high-technology products developed for a variety of applications.

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he origins of the Italian company date to the early 1950s, when two brothers, Luca and Rodolfo Pirovano, decided to establish in Casatenovo, in the very heart of Brianza district, a small mechanical workshop. The two founders demonstrated intuition, insight, industriousness and passion in finding the key for their success in the production of bicycle elements. Their ability to address and diversify investments towards an ever-wider range of products became the driving force that allowed the company over time to achieve a leading position on major international markets.

Today, the goal of FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is to meet and even exceed customers’ needs and expectations through offering state-of-the-art technology and excellence in service and product quality. “Made in Italy” represents a guarantee that is assured by the ISO-TS 16949 certification, which attests to the high quality levels reached and sustained by the company. For years now the company has been a leading manufacturer at European level, becoming a point of reference for the automotive industry, as well as for agricultural and earthmoving machines sectors, mechanical transmission, energy, mechanical and electro-mechanical companies in general, and for the fastener manufacturing industry. The highest technological levels combined with a unique know-how achieved high levels of flexibility and an extremely creative and company-oriented human capital. These qualities and resources mean FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is today considered a market leader in many industrial areas, and they represent the driving force for its future development and consolidation on the global market.

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Providing simulation solutions

A35

SIMUFACT Engineering GmbH is a provider of Finite Element simulation solutions and expertise to the metal forming industry.

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IMUFACT works with manufacturers, machine makers and research institutes to deliver simulation solutions that make a difference in its customers’ operations.

The company’s vision is to simulate the whole manufacturing process chain, from shearing of the wire, to multi-stage forming, punching, trimming, heat treatment, die-stress, followed by joining operations, welding and structural analyses.

Through use of simulation during the manufacturing process design, customers achieve the following key benefits:

Targeting innovation

For the past thirty years, Perfix Perfuração e Fixação Ltda has had the target to provide innovative and unique solutions in the field of precision engineering.

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• Improved quoting.

• Optimised manufacturing processes.

• High precision tooling.

• Elimination of forming flaws.

• Reduction of costs and time for physical try-out phase.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

he company has added to its industrial park, forming state of the art technology in manufacturing and in tempering induction of pins with head and screw items. The operation capability comprises pieces with a diameter of 4mm - 20mm and length up to 950mm.

Perfix also supplies the market with shoulder screws, guide pins made of silver steel and uniform hardness, and plugs for sealing systems.

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Stainless steel specialist Inox Mare Srl has been dealing with stainless steel fasteners for more than 30 years. The company was established in Rimini, Italy, in 1977 and in 2007 the offices were transferred to its new premises in order to face market expansion.

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he company’s warehouse was also moved to Bologna, a strategic point of the peninsula that allows the company to rapidly forward the goods all over Italy and abroad.

Inox Mare specialises in the distribution of standard metric screws, nuts and bolts, stainless steel fastening systems for solar installations, marine accessories and fittings.

All the products comply with the DIN/UNI rules and are in AISI 304 (A2) and AISI 316 (A4).

The quality handling system is certified by the ISO 9001/2008 rules, since the company’s priority is to achieve the highest level in every sector.

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Supplying excellence The Italian company MDM Srl has, for over 30 years, produced and developed tools for cold forging in accordance with customers’ specific requirements.

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DM states that its aim is to supply an excellent product within a shorter delivery time. In order for MDM to be able to achieve its aims, it invests 25% of its annual turnover, which this current year has resulted in the purchase of the latest generation of machinery for automation systems for erosion and heat treatment.

MDM has announced that the acquisition of 1,500 square meters of land adjacent to the company will soon be allocated to the expansion of the current production plant.

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FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Global experience Brighton-Best International Inc operates 30 stocking warehouses in USA, Brazil, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with over 80 years of experience in serving the fastener distributors of the world.

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BI offers an extensive range of quality fastener products, world-class service, and a 24 hour online web ordering website. Customers are able to check stock, receive instant quotes, place orders, monitor order statuses and access material certification reports anywhere and anytime.

Brighton-Best International (Brasil) stocks a wide range of socket screws, shoulder bolts, set screws, dowel pins, and hex keys.

BBI (Brasil) provides fully traceable quality fasteners in inch, metric, ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

All products are manufactured to ISO, ANSI, ASTM and DIN standards.

“In the near future we hope to be your one-stop shop for fasteners and will be adding to our range of product lines to include hex cap screws, bolts, nuts, washers, structural products, and threaded rods.” www.brightonbest.org

Stand:

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New cleaning system from Forplan Forplan Ltd, based in Brügg, Switzerland, will be showcasing a new cleaning system at the upcoming Fastener Fair Brasil show.

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orplan states that when creating the new cleaning system it focused on the following properties: • Best cleaning results.

• No mixing of parts.

• Drop height reduction.

• Minimum water consumption.

• Maximum oil recovery.

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Forplan says that these requirements resulted in a highly productive cleaning system. The latest software to interact with a host ERP system was also a part of the project. The throughput capacity of the plant is 4,000kg/h.

friction testing machines for screws, bolts, and nuts sizes from M2 up to M80 types like carriage bolts, tension bolts, self drilling screws, … patented transducers integrated heating-up solution extensometer as option standard-conform to ISO 14399, ISO 16047, company standards from FIAT, GM, Hyundai, PSA, Renault, VW and much more extended range of products vibration testing machines (Junker) tension testing machines TesT GmbH torsion testing machines Helena-Rubinstein-Str. 4 Stand:

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D 40699 Erkrath +49 (0)211 20 99 03-0 test@test-gmbh.com www.test-gmbh.com

Stand:

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SouthWind International

Tel: +55 (11) 3165-9991 www.southwind.com.br

The pure experience in force and torque measurement.

TesT KG

Bösch 63 CH 6331 Hünenberg +41 (0)41 785 60-10 test@test-ag.ch www.test-gmbh.com

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Global fastener Service is the key supplier F31 Fontana Fasteners Do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Fizadores Ltd has headquarters in major European countries, the Americas and Asia, making it a global supplier of fasteners for any applications.

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ontana Fasteners highlights that its products are 100% certified and always available from stock for fast delivery to customers.

“At Fontana Fasteners we go beyond the concept of the simple sale process of order to delivery. We translate our experience of Kanban technique and consignment stock to ensure that our customers receive a high quality service and the right products.”

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In 1957 Rotor Clip Company was founded by Robert Slass in Farmingdale, New York, USA, in a 2,000 square foot building.

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oday, the company’s 238,000 square foot facility in Somerset, New Jersey, USA, specialises in the manufacture of tapered, constant section and spiral retaining rings meeting Inch, DIN, ANSI Metric and JIS standards. This includes manual and automatic tools needed to install/remove every ring the company sells. Rotor Clip also manufactures wave spring rings as well as self-compensating hose clamps, all produced in a lean environment dedicated to eliminating waste and ensuring quality through ISO/TS 16949:2009 and ISO 9001:2008 registration.

“Service is why customers rely on Rotor Clip for their domestic retaining ring needs.

They know technical assistance is a phone call away and available during the critical phases of a new project. They know a Rotor Clip engineer will come to their facility to work on a new design or help with installation issues.” www.rotorclip.com

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Brazilian fastener Tramev gets it straight Tramev Srl, based in Lecco, Italy, is a supplier manufacturer of standard and special accessories for metal C31 ready for show wires and wire ropes.

Industrial fastener manufacturer Continental Parafusos will be exhibiting at the upcoming Fastener Fair Brasil.

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ontinental Parafusos manufactures bolts, screws, nuts and special cold headed parts from metallic wires. The company has a logistics operation complete with a SAP ERP system, including QM-Quality and WM-Warehouse Management, and is certified to ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 14001.

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he Tramev shears line offers a full range of portable tools for cutting, straightening or bending of metal wire, allowing a fast and effective solution to the problems related to wire, cable, strand, as well as bolts and nuts.

“As a company we work together with our customers to provide qualitative and quantitative enhancement of the production of metal wires, wire ropes and wire derivatives.”

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Introducing Alcoa Alumínio At the Fastener Fair Brasil 2012, Alcoa Alumínio S.A and Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS) will present products from the HUCK® brand.

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lcoa Alumínio points out that HUCK® products are not conventional nuts and bolts; they are engineered to provide permanent and anti-vibration clamps to all industrial applications. This means that HUCK® fasteners never loosen even in environments of intense vibration. They are designed for critical applications where the connection must never fail.

“HUCK® fasteners are also a great option for weld substitution as their application is much more efficient, with quick installation and visual inspection, resulting in a significant final cost reduction.”

Committed to satisfaction

SACMA - Precise and reliable machines SACMA Group will present the SP28 and RP42 at the upcoming Fastener Fair Brasil show in São Paulo.

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ACMA will present the combined header SP28 with heading, pointing and thread rolling stations at the exhibition, where the all in one machine will be demonstrating its high efficiency.

Ingramatic will present the RP42 with its SC-Matic touch screen panel to help technicians during the machine adjustment. Visitors will be able to appreciate the ability of the machine adjustments, most of them motorised.

Regarding the quality control, the machines will be equipped with load monitors and discharge units with parts rejection in order to keep control of the quality of finished parts. Adjustment and set up for both machines are achieved through the remote electronic handwheel.

For SACMA, the electronic handwheel allows the whole machine to move in slow motion, in order to check for the correct transfer fingers timing with respect to the heading slide, avoiding dangerous collisions. For Ingramatic threader and SACMA thread rolling stations, the die match checking can be carried out very easily by making the complete part with the electronic handwheel.

“The SACMA S-Forging and Ingramatic I-Thread concepts are the result of a concentration of best technologies applied to cold and warm formers to create the most precise and reliable machines available on the market.” www.sacmalimbiate.it

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Established in 1999 Landmark Fasteners Ltd is an ISO 9001:2008 accredited company located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

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s a manufacturer of aluminium pop rivets and high tensile bolts, Landmark is committed to achieving clients’ satisfaction by consistently meeting their specific requirements in terms of quality, cost effectiveness and timely delivery.

The company achieves this through continued training and the adoption of new technology.

Landmark Fasteners has two manufacturing units and currently employs around 90 people including 30 senior technicians.

Landmark also deals in all types of galvanised, anti-corrosive, SS, bi-metal self–drilling screws, dry walls screws, under the brand name ‘HP’ which is a registered trademark of the company. www.landmarkfasteners.com

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victorycommunication.it

the

Choose the best way in the world for your success.

THE LARGE COLD FORMER SACMA SP670.

Stand:

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SA L UNIVERION T U L O S

SERVICE EQUIPMENT

QUICK TOOL CHANGE

Innovative solutions for big size special parts production.

Nothing by hand but everything computerized.

HYDRAULIC CLAMPING

HYDRAULIC PLATFORM

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Computerized system SC-MATIC TOUCH SCREEN for adjustment automation.

Linear Wire Feeder with wire stop control gauge.

Automatic adjustment of die ejector rods and die kick out levers.

Automatic adjustment of wedges.

Transfer unit with 7 fingers and individual opening/closing for each station.

Automatic positioning of the cam in last trimming station.

Quick change solid die block.

Quick change punch blocks and wedge bolster assembly.

Individual hydraulic clamping for all the adjustments.

Electronic handwheel.

Integrated forming load monitor.

Set of trolley for the toolroom.

Platform for support of die and punch cradles.

Safety platform over the tool area.

SACMA LIMBIATE S.p.A.: Limbiate - Milano - ITALY - Tel. +39 02 99 45 21 - Fax +39 02 99 05 01 85 - com@sacmalimbiate.it - info@sacmalimbiate.it - www.sacmalimbiate.it INGRAMATIC S.p.A.: Castelnuovo Scrivia - Alessandria - ITALY - Tel. +39 0131 87 161 - Fax +39 0131 82 30 70 - com@ingramatic.com - www.ingramatic.com

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Synonymous with high precision Since 1939, with more than 4,000 headers sold around the world, Carlo Salvi is synonymous with high precision and high reliability for the automotive, electronic, military and aerospace field.

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arlo Salvi’s production range includes 1-die 2-blow headers for screw blanks, screws and rivets, solid, semi and fully tubular; 2-die 4-blow headers for parts very short and with complex shapes; as well as up to 6 dies progressive for parts with extremely complex shapes.

Besides cold forming Carlo Salvi’s machines can also be fitted with hot forming equipment. An induction heating system can heat metals up to 900°C which Carlo Salvi says has solved the problem for aerospace and automobile manufacturers where special alloys like titanium cannot be cold formed.

“Through innovation and obtaining patents on our equipment, our machines have become superior to their counterparts. We will continue improving and innovating our development to suit the needs of our customers.” www.carlosalvi.it

The power of human experience and technology innovation Since 1950 Faire Srl has offered to the market the best technical, commercial and logistic expression of the highest quality.

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rom its factory in Monza, Italy, Faire Srl supplies an extensive and varied range of major industrial sectors, including: automotive, agricultural and earthmoving machinery, mechanical transmissions, petrochemical, energy and infrastructure, railway systems, civil and industrial building, mechanical engineering, cycle and motorcycles.

Today the company knows for sure that its disc springs are an integral part of all the products of those companies that have requested not only its commercial cooperation but also, and above all, its technical advise.

The Faire team is motivated by a common goal: to develop and produce special pieces through the use of advanced technologies for the production of parts which correspond exactly to its customers’ requirements, in accordance with the highest standards of quality. For Faire, its disc springs are now a guarantee of quality and technology, they have become an “ambassador” of Italian excellence, of Made in Italy, throughout the world.

“Today”, says Faire, “we know where we are, and that nothing is impossible for a company that always knew, since its founding, how to enhance human resources and finalise its business in strict compliance with the environment in which it lives.”

Cell manufacturing SouthWind International, together with its represented companies – Dagan International Co Ltd, from Taiwan, and Tecno Impianti Srl, from Italy, will be exhibiting at Fastener Fair Brasil 2012.

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outhWind International is a manufacturing cell for the production of screws (Struck Slot, Phillips, Pozidriv, Combined) up to M6 x 60mm. SouthWind’s manufacturing cell is composed of Tecno Impianti’s in-line wire drawing machine Model SKP-6, the one die-two blow heading machine model YH-1564 from the Taiwanese company Yih Woen and Chien-Tsai’s flat thread rolling machine model CTR-6N, also from Taiwan.

SouthWind points out that the machines are easy to use, efficient, with low maintenance and production costs, designed to manufacture standard screws up to the speed of 200 pieces per minute. The manufacturing cell requires a single operator for all the three machines, occupying a floor space of 15m².

“The manufacturing process of this cell begins with the in-line wire drawing machine, which is positioned between the uncoiler and the cold heading machine. The wire drawing machine draws the wire rod to the desired header wire size, feeding it synchronously with the demanded speed of the cold header, which in turn delivers the unthreaded screw to the thread rolling machine’s vibrator bowl, through an interlinked conveyor.” www.southwind.com.br

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Quick, quality responses San Shing offer nuts, bolts and screws, washers, wires, tools and machines.

I

ts tooling and machinery engineering capabilities allow San Shing to quickly respond to the feedback from its customers and internal staff, ensuring the quality of the products produced.

At Fastener Fair Brasil the company will showcase the following:

• SNF-14B-5S basic series nut former: It is going to produce M6 weld nuts at output rate of 320 pcs/min. The machine is designed for high-speed and precise production of nuts.

• SNT-16C nut tapping machine: The tapping machine could tap various nuts, including hexagon, square and weld nuts.

The thread angularity of the product produced could be within 0.8 degrees.

• A variation of hot and cold forming tooling. It also specialises in making fastener tooling. Currently there are 250 employees and 330 fine equipments in its tooling shop. Its production of dies per month is 5,000 pieces while the production of punches is 15,000 pieces per month.

Visit the stand to learn more about San Shing’s technology and range of products. There will be special promotional offers prepared for the event. www.sanshing.com.tw

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High resistant anti-corrosive protection

Phosphate process for E65 wire rod At Fastener Fair Brasil SurTec do Brasil Ltda will be showcasing its SurTec 610 – a phosphate process for wire rod.

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urTec states that its SurTec 610 has excellent characteristics for screws production, with a crystalline phosphate layer formation enabling high deposition speed resulting in between 15g/m² to 20g/m² with immersion time of 5 to 10 minutes.

“The phosphate layer formed has good adhesion to the substrate when subjected to cold mechanical deformation process, increasing the life of the tools.”

Combining technology, equipment and ability Established in 1994, Shanghai Rivet Manufacture Co Ltd, located in Shanghai Jinshan Industrial Park, China, says that its production technology, advanced equipment and great design ability makes it one of the top ranking manufacturers in China.

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Zincagem Martins Ltda has been in the surface treatment market for 33 years, applying electrolytic and non-electrolytic, chromium(VI) and heavy metal free, protective treatment in fixation elements.

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incagem Martins’ processes are developed to comply with the main national and international standard requirements, as well as its clients’ specifications, providing a high resistant anti-corrosive protection and extending the service life of the part.

In 2010, Zincagem Martins launched its second plant with modern facilities and 100% automatic lines, with trivalent passivations and capacity to produce 2.5 tonnes of parts per hour.

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hanghai Rivet Manufacture Co Ltd majors in rivet nuts, blind rivets, insert nuts, and other kinds of auto standard parts. Its rivet nuts are widely used in automobile, railway, elevator, electric cabinet, ventilator, air-condition, furniture, construction and equipment in electric and light industry production.

The company states that it has more than 400 kinds of rivet nuts including cylinder, hexagon, open end, close end, carbon steel, stainless steel and copper. Shanghai Rivet Manufacture also has advanced quality control systems that are ISO 9001:2000 and TS 16949 certified. www.ret-global.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

FA S T E N E R FA I R B R A S I L P R E V I E W

Producing critical parts

Systek inspects Systek Tecnologia, based in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil, is a supplier in the domestic Brazilian market of inspection machines for fasteners.

Metaltork Ind Com de Auto Peças Ltda is a manufacturer of fastener elements with more than 54 years experience in the market.

M

etaltork explains that it produces critical parts for application/security with high quality and precision, treading a path of success and building history, with dedication, seriousness, quality and hard work, looking for the respect of the user and using sustainable forms.

Metaltork has invested heavily in training its employees and in upgrading equipment for the production of high technology manufacturing and quality control. In its product line, the company has bolts, pins, ball pins, studs and special bolts, through the DIN, SAE, physical samples, drawings or customer’s specifications. The company has a production capacity of 1,500 tonnes/month. Cold forming capacity ranges from 6mm - 34mm diameter and 10mm - 330mm length. Hot forming capacity ranges from 6mm to 52mm diameter and 15mm to 900mm length.

Currently the system of quality management of Metaltork is certified according to standards: ISO/TS 16949: 2009; ISO 9001:2008 and ISO14001: 2004.

The company is also certified to VDA level 6.3 “A”.

E35 Stamping its authority

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Metalurgica Agathon Ltda, based in Diadema, São Paulo, Brazil, is a manufacturer of stamped parts in sheets and wires.

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he company’s main products are conical disc springs, coiled spring pins, locking rings, snap rings, conical washers, plain washers, contact washers, special washers, sealing washers, sealing push-in caps and the development of special/to drawing fasteners.

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S

ystek has two models of standard machines, one for screws (model SYS100) and another for nuts (model SYS101). The purpose of these machines is to detect faults and maintenance failures. Operating at speeds up to 400 pieces per minute, the Systek inspection machines detect problems in characteristics such as diameter, length, hits on the thread, thread partial/total, thread pitch, configuration and dimensions of the screw head, open cracks in the flange, damage on the threads, nuts screw inclined, thread angle, hardness, among many others.

“The Systek inspection machines are very simple to operate, fast to set up and have remote controlled access to support the programming and technical assistance to the customer.”

High quality wire rod Trafilerie San Paolo Srl produces drawn wire rods rolls, plain or annealed, with or without phosphate coating, in diameters 2mm - 40mm.

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ince 1996 Trafilerie San Paolo Srl has been producing, besides the drawn wire rods, skin passed wire rod rolls without superficial defects for the production of high quality fasteners. The diameters range is from 5mm to 43mm.

Trafilerie San Paolo Srl highlights that it satisfies the environmental requirements in accordance to ISO 14000, and the health and safety rules on the working places according to BS 8800 standards.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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C ATA LO G U E R A C K

September 2012

Targeting Brazil Fastener + Fixing Magazine provides a unique reference guide that offers the industry a fast and easy way to source both current and upcoming product Catalogues.

Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request a copy of their latest Catalogue and up to date product information.

ACT Fasteners & Components Ltd

If you have a problem fIndIng specIalIst screws, If you can’t fInd them, If no one else can help, maybe you should hIre...

• 20 years of expertise • Extensive stocks • Speedy delivery

• Experts in sourcing ‘hard to find’ items Stock catalogue out now

ACT (FASTENERS & COMPONENTS) LIMITED T: +44 (0)1902 791880 F: +44 (0)1902 791884 E: info@actfasteners.co.uk W: www.actfasteners.co.uk

BBA Srl

Specialist in machine screws, materials steel, brass, stainless steel.

All threads - BA - BSF - Whitworth - Unified - Metric.

All head styles.

Non preferred/odd ball lengths and sizes and head styles over 25,000 difficult screws stocked.

A manufacturer of standard blind rivet nuts and the new Bulge Control Technology series of high performance rivet nuts. Known for excellent product quality and significant inventory levels, BBA provides the highest levels of service to it’s distributors. BBA is now seeking more distributors to join our growing network.

Units 13 & 16, Four Ashes Industrial Estate, Station Road, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7DB, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 791 880 www.actfasteners.co.uk

7862 Advert.indd 1

email: info@bbafasteners.com www.bbafasteners.com

15/6/11 10:50:42

Bülte GmbH Germany

Tel: + 49 2591/9194-0 email: d.martin@bulte.com

Corbetta Srl

Dealing with Bülte, over 50 years experience in mainland Europe, you can be confident of quality, service and reliability. We offer more than 20,000 products.

Activitities: fastenings, nylon screw, washers, spacers, plugs, screw caps, nuts, plasto-metallic screws and nuts, stamped parts, threaded rods, handles, cables ties, cable clips, cable gland, adjustable feet… Manufacture to customer specification.

Bülte is awarded DIN EN ISO 9001-2008.

We have been producing high quality forming screws, rivets and pivots according to drawing for 40 years.

The recent generation change allows us to adapt our experience to the fast market changes.

Our mission: Highest quality and flexibility for a product entirely manufactured in Italy. email: corbettaviti@corbettaviti.it www.corbettaviti.it

D&H Components

Dörken

D&H offers complete solution of fasteners. Our products cover bolts, nuts, screws, washers, thread rods and special designed hardware including stamping, forging, CNC parts at customer’s needs. Besides manufacturing by ourselves, D&H also represents more than 20 professional manufacturers and supplies more than 70 countries all over the world with high quality products.

Dörken MKS-Systeme has been developing micro layer corrosion protection systems for over 30 years. Under the brand name DELTA-MKS®, Dörken produces and configures extremely effective surface protection mainly for the automotive industry. Our worldwide approved products like DELTA-PROTEKT® are without any heavy metals, such as chrome (VI).

email: info@dhcomponents.com www.dhcomponents.com

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Tel: +49 2330 63243 www.doerken-mks.com

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www.fastenerandfixing.com

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C ATA LO G U E R A C K Fastenique Structural Rivets Co. Ltd

EuroTec GmbH

email: info@e-u-r-o-tec.de www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

E.u.r.o.Tec - The specialist for fastening technology - offers professional fasteners made of hardened steel, coated steel, stainless A2/A4, hardened stainless for wood constructions, hardwood and composite deckings, glue wood, roofings, facades, as well as solar fasteners.

All approved and in certified quality.

The main goal is to create fasteners offering the professional enduser a most possible benefit. For detailed information of the most recent developments, please, refer to the EuroTec homepage.

Fastenique Structural Rivets Co., Ltd. is specialized in manufacturing high strength rivets and structural rivets.

Experienced technicians, advanced equipments, complete quality control system and professional sales service are the best guarantee for our clients.

Fax: +86 21 5156 1771 www.fastenique.com

Goebel GmbH

Heroslam

Approved quality in our own labour guarantees the strong growth.

HEROSLAM, SAL is a Manufacturer of top quality thread rolling tools including flat, planetary and cylindrical dies. To guarantee a long tool life, HEROSLAM dies are manufactured in-house “frombeginning-to-end”, including surface coating. Our international customer base benefit from HEROSLAM’s first class technical support for the design of special non-standard tools.

All rivets are tested according ISO 14589.

The high delivery rate based on a well organized central warehouse in Germany.

Join and create the future with us.

Tel: +49 211 24 5000 0 www.blindniete.org

Tel: +39 054 179 4360 email: info@inoxmare.it

email: hpsupport@heroslam.com www.heroslam.com

Inox-Mare S.r.l.

Landmark Fasteners Pvt Ltd

INOX-MARE SRL is an international leading company in the stainless steel fastener sector. We are specialised in the distribution of A2 and A4 standard metric screws, nuts, bolts and also of marine and solar equipment. We guarantee you: competitive prices, ex-stock availability, prompt delivery and excellent service.

Established in 1999, Landmark Fasteners (P) Ltd, an ISO 9001:2008 accredited company is located at Anand Industrial Estate, Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh India.

Landmark Fasteners Pvt. Ltd., a part of the Dun & Bradstreet Global Database with the D & B D-U-N-Sâ Number: 92-038-5718 is also rated SME 3 by CRISIL

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Tel: +91-9810313143 email: landmark1@satyam.net.in

Lindapter International

Lederer GmbH Lederer is one of Europe’s most specialised suppliers for stainless steel fasteners. It has more than 20,000 different articles in stock, primarily normed and standardized parts (ref. DIN, ISO and others).

Industrial consumers, as well as retailers and wholesalers, all over the world rely on Lederer’s almost 40 years of experience.

Fax: +49 2333 8309 18 www.lederer-online.com

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New Oil & Gas Brochure Lindapter has released a new brochure for Oil & Gas Industry Engineers. The brochure illustrates innovative steelwork connections in heavy applications, from piping support to electrical and instrumentation, that eliminate the need to weld or drill. Available in Brazilian Portuguese or English. email: enquiries@lindapter.com www.lindapter.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

TA R G E T I N G B R A Z I L Pecol

Sala Punzoni SRL

Founded in 1983, Pecol is a Portuguese company and the largest manufacturer Iberian standard screws, wood screws, self tapping, machine screws, chipboard screws, among others, plus various fasteners and special parts for the automotive industry.

Our extensive product range also includes silicone, sealants, polyurethane hybrid foams and sprays.

Sala Punzoni srl, established in 1966, is a company manufacturing standard and special high speed steel and carbide punches to customer drawing and high speed steel flat dies for thread rolling.

Nowadays the company is the leader in Italy and even in the international market, always updating its productive and planning processes in order to maintain the best standard of manufacture.

email: joao.cravina@pecol.pt email: Nathalie.farias@pecol.pt

Tel: +86 (0) 21 3728 6065 Email: chinarivet@gmail.com

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Shanghai Rivet Manufacture Co Ltd

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd

Established in 1994, Shanghai Rivet Manufacture Co.,Ltd. located in Shanghai Jinshan Industrial park. We are ISO9001 and TS16949 certificated company.

Now our company is majoring in nuts series: Blind rivet nuts and other kinds of auto standard parts.

We have rivet nuts of more than 1000 styles, including cylinder, hexagon, open end, close end, carbon steel, stainless steel.

ColorGuard® Coating - With nonChrome Zinc plating, high-grade Polymer Organic binder / top coat, it offers strong surface protection but no harm to environment.

Various colors are available.

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Winer Screw® - With specialdesigned thread, it successfully reduce drilling-torque but no obvious affect to fastening function.

Screw-driving can be easier and quicker. email: paul@sce.com.tw www.sce.com.tw

Taizhou Jiaodian Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd

Tecfi Spa

China Manufacture and Service of Fasteners, with ISO9001:2008 certificate. We have 7 sub-factories for different range of fasteners such as Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Rods, Screws, Anchors and Machining Parts.

TECFI S.P.A. is an Italian company specialised in design, production and merchandising of fixing systems with an own brand.

Our daily work strongholds are: the employment of selected raw materials, a large stock availability, quick delivery service, focusing on customer satisfaction and extreme respect for environment.

We will be your reliable supplier in China, if you give a chance to cooperate with you. email: dj@focusly.com www.focusly.com

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Tel: +39 0341 633 237 www.salapunzoni.it

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Tel: +39 0823 883 338 email: sales@tecfi.it

Catalogue Rack November 2012 Coming up in the next issue...

Germany Contact: Claire Lake email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com

•

Tel: +44 ( 0 ) 1727 814 508 www.fastenerandfixing.com

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Trivalent passivation systems - Meeting legislation and exceeding performance requirements

By Alan Gardner, global marketing manager, MacDermid Industrial Solutions Introduction Zinc and zinc alloy plated coatings are applied to fasteners in order to give sacrificial corrosion protection to the base metal.

However, these sacrificial coatings are very susceptible to corrosion themselves particularly in conditions of high humidity.

Corrosion products formed on zinc type deposits are generally referred to as ‘white rust’. Prevention of white rust is usually achieved by application of a conversion coating, traditionally based on hexavalent chromium compounds. These treatments convert the metal surface into a complex mixture of chromium (including hexavalent) compounds giving excellent corrosion resistance.

Hexavalent chromium compounds, however, have long been recognised as carcinogenic. This, coupled with the need to increase the recyclability of vehicles (ELV Directive) and consumer electronics (RoHS) led to the adoption of trivalent based passivation systems in the middle of the last decade, but the story isn’t yet finished as today new regulations, including REACH (SVHC), are raising questions which may be answered by new developments in passivation technology.

Why pasivate?

The primary advantages of hexavalent systems included ease of use, low cost, ability to passivate various deposits (including zinc alloys) and colours. Draw backs consist of factors such as poor application in the supply chain, no advancements to improve corrosion resistance and extremely poor resistance to thermal shock.

Conversely trivalent passivates, which offer at least the same resistance to white corrosion, have exceptional thermal shock resistance, a traceable supply line (www.zinklad.com) and continued advancements to increase corrosion resistance. The various finishes, film thicknesses and relative concentrations of chromium compounds can be seen in the table below.

Type

Film Cr6+ thickness nm (mg/dm2)

Cr3+ (mg/dm2)

Total Cr (mg/dm2)

Clear (trivalent)

25 - 80

Zero

0.3

0.3

Iridescent (trivalent)

200 - 400

Zero

1.2

1.2

Iridescent (hexavalent)

250 – 500

0.7

2.0

2.7

Black (hexavalent)

250 - 100

0.7

9.3

10.0

What is a passivate?

Passivate films are complex films consisting of chemicals such as: • Oxides of hexavalent chromium (hexavalent based formulations).

• Oxides of trivalent chromium (both hexavalent and trivalent formulations).

• Oxides of divalent metals such as cobalt.

• Organic complexants (some trivalent formulations).

• Water.

Depending on the finish desired, a combination of these will be blended to achieve different characteristics (i.e. blue, iridescent, black). The film will evenly coat the zinc layer providing a barrier coating. This can be seen in Figure 1. A film of some 300nm sits homogenously on the zinc layer.

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Figure 1 - Zinc and passivate layers

Passivate layer

Zinc layer

How passivates protect the zinc layer Zinc is a reactive metal, which gets oxidised (corroded) in the presence of humidity and oxygen. Unlike nickel or stainless steels, the formed zinc oxide is a soft, voluminous and porous corrosion product, which does not prevent further corrosion through the zinc layer (see Figure 2). Therefore, the zinc metal needs protection by chemically formed mixed metal oxide films.

The passivate films are hardly soluble in water or water based salt solutions used as anti-freezing agents, thus provide a tough barrier coating.

Figure 2 - The stages of zinc corrosion 1

2

3

4

1) After exposure to neutral salt spray, small areas of white corrosion can be seen.

2) After continued exposure voluminous white corrosion products form.

3) Eventually the zinc will allow the base metal to be exposed.

4) And base metal (red) corrosion will eventually occur.

Thermal shock Thermal shock tests involve subjecting components to high temperatures (e.g. 150°C for one hour) before neutral salt spray testing (ASTM B117). This is to simulate the conditions ‘underhood’ where very high temperatures are encountered on components that are located near to the engine. Trivalent passivates perform very well in this test.

The older hexavalent passivates lose some 90% of their corrosion performance. This loss of performance is due to dehydration and ‘cracking’ of the passivate film.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y Trivalent passivates

Trivalent passivates are generally distinguished in two groups: thin film (typically blue passivates) and thick film (typically iridescent or black passivates).

Figure 3 - Types of trivalent passivation

Iridescent

Black

Future developments

Future developments will be based on reducing the environmental impact and eliminating metals, such as cobalt, which are now becoming a concern. In respect of the longer term, passivation systems which are completely free of chromium are currently being investigated with the aim of improving performance, cost and ecological impact.

High temperature versus lower temperature technology The first generation of trivalent thick film passivates operated at 60°C – 70°C. This temperature range had been required to form the needed passivate film thickness at the fixed immersion times range (60 seconds – 90 seconds) of existing plating lines.

Although these passivates delivered high performance, their operating costs were higher due to the heating input required.

Recently, new organic and inorganic complexants have been developed. These increase the film formation rate at lower operating temperatures (30°C - 40°C). The advantage is the similar higher performance at lower operating costs.

Blue

1. The typical passivate film thickness of a thin film passivate is about 80nm – 100nm resulting in an even blue appearance and prevents zinc corrosion between 24 hours – 72 hours in NSS tests.

2. Thick film passivate films form about 4 – 5 times thicker films (thickness between 300nm – 400nm) resulting in an iridescent appearance and prevent white corrosion in neutral salt spray in excess of 72 hours for zinc, 120 hours for zinc-iron and 150 hours for zinc-nickel.

Table 4 – Comparative values to 5% white rust for passivated coatings Criteria

Zinc

Zinc-iron

Zinc-nickel

Hours to white rust

>72

>120

>150

Market adoption

Cobalt free - Beside mixed oxides of zinc and trivalent chrome, passivate films contain small amounts of cobalt zinc oxide and cobalt chrome oxide. These oxides increase the hardness and temperature resistance of passivate films. By the addition of small amounts of cobalt compounds, the thermal shock resistance of the passivate film is increased to 150°C. However, cobalt salts are under threat of regulation. The European CLP (classification of cobalt salt) classifies the toxicity of several cobalt salts to carcinogen cat. 2. Therefore an increasing interest on cobalt free passivates has been observed in Europe.

Since 2003, high performance cobalt free, trivalent chromium passivates have been commercially available for zinc-nickel deposits. Today the first cobalt free black passivates have been introduced, also for zinc-nickel deposits. Research continues to develop similar systems applicable to zinc plated deposits, particularly in respect to being resistant to thermal shock tests.

So which industries have adopted these systems? Before the year 2000, trivalent chromium passivates were almost exclusively for zinc plated finishes designed to have ‘chrome like’ appearances. This would include fasteners for internal automotive trim and domestic hardware; performance passivation for exterior automotive and construction fasteners being the domain of yellow, green and black hexavalent chromium.

Chromium free passivates - At this time, the replacement of trivalent chrome to non-chrome technologies is being tested in indoor applications such as electronic components that are used in dry environments. Several patents and publications on non-chrome conversion coatings indicate further research on this topic, particularly to develop passivates for higher volume fastener applications such as automotive and construction.

Figure 5 - Before 2000, most zinc plated components were passivated in trivalent chromium for a ‘chrome-like’ appearance

Summary

After the year 2000 iridescent ‘thick film’ systems were introduced.

Testing by leading automotive companies confirmed their suitability as replacements.

During the last decade most American, European and Japanese companies have now replaced hexavalent based passivates and specify exclusively trivalent. This includes specifications such as GM 3044 & 4700, Ford WSS M21 P17 & P51, Renault 01 71 002 and VW TL 153, 217 & 244. Fasteners for other industries such as construction and hardware followed, driven by their concerns and also the reduction in platers offering older hexavalent passivated finishes.

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Environmental directives have driven the change from hexavalent to trivalent passivates in the last decade. Typically these new systems, which are a complex combination of organic and inorganic chemicals, offer superior corrosion resistance.

This is particularly true when they are subjected to thermal shock treatments. Available in colours such as blue, iridescent and black, they retard the formation of white corrosion products and therefore the onset of base (red) metal rusting. Originally used in lower performance requirements, they are now the dominante technology for high performance fastener coatings.

However, the story does not end there. Already new trivalent chromium passivation solutions operate at lower operating temperatures than the original systems. Additionally new directives are driving further change in passivated coatings.

Materials that will be restricted include cobalt salts. Already the first non-cobalt passivates are being introduced into the market, particularly for zinc-nickel coatings.

Additionally developments in total non-chromium passivates is underway, with interior applications such as electronic fasteners already under going in-house testing. www.macdermid.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

precote® - state of the art thread coatings

By Dr. Karin Lüdtke and Mr Anselm Weckerle, omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH

Founded 40 years ago omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH has become a market leader in microencapsulation technology for adhesives. Being a very innovative company we are proud to be in a position to offer the best adhesives available today.

O

ur success throughout the world market is a direct product of our wide base of knowledge and experience, a range of excellent products followed up with first class service.

Another vital key to our company’s success is close co-operation with our customers, often over many years, together with the reliably high quality of our precote® products.

The precote® range comprises a truly comprehensive programme satisfying a vast array of requirements in the area of thread coating. Currently we offer products for locking, sealing, assembly and disassembly. Applications for our products can be found in most industries including automotive industry, commercial vehicle manufacturing, aeronautical engineering, railway vehicle manufacturing and plant and mechanical engineering.

The following technical and economical advantages of pre-coating in mass production environments are also important reasons for continued growth and market penetration of our products: • Maximum locking with dynamic loads.

• Reliable sealing.

• Constant assembly values.

• Compatible with the vast majority of commercially available surfaces.

• Excellent temperature and chemical resistance.

• Automated high-volume coating leading to lower costs.

• Coated parts can be handled in bulk.

• Automatic feeding and assembly are possible.

• Enables easy, non-destructive disassembly.

• Coated parts can be stored for several years before use.

The development of precote® products is based on the patented omniTECHNIK microencapsulation process. In our proven two-component acrylate system both reactive components are enveloped inside a thin polymer wall. precote® is produced by integrating the

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individual microencapsulated components within a lacquer-like, reactive binder system. precote® applied in liquid form dries to create a dry non-tacky coating. Pressure and shear stress rupture the microcapsules when the pre-coated threaded parts are assembled. The liquid content mixes and hardens along with the binder system. precote® adhesives offer the ideal combination of maximum locking effect and outstanding, reliable sealing.

Non-reactive precote® coatings are lacquer-like films which physically dry providing the product specific function directly after assembly. Non-reactive coatings are widely used in sealing and prevail-torque applications.

New developments in market requirements present an ongoing challenge to our precote® products. The omniTECHNIK R&D department is committed to giving a fast and flexible reaction. precote 709 was born out of a direct request from our customers asking us to develop a coating which could avoid surface galling during assembly and enable an easy, non-destructive disassembly even after long exposure times in service at high temperatures. precote 709 is effective up to +850°C (+1550°F).

A second project was to develop a sealant compatible with use in drinking water applications. With precote 15 we can offer a coating product which is released to KTW and DVGW. This highly elastic coating combines an outstanding sealing function with high temperature and chemical resistance.

A team of experts at omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH, with experience over decades in microencapsulation technology and applications engineering, are always on stand-by to support customers.

Our first-rate laboratory allows us to assist customers not only with theoretical information but also with physical test results.

Consistent customer care and consideration have made omniTECHNIK the preferred partner for manufacturers representing a wide range of industries around the world.

Linked to the world market through our global network of more than 50 dedicated coating precote® partners in over 20 countries, we are proud to be able to offer the availability of our quality precote® thread coatings for our customer’s applications worldwide. www.precote.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

This is what we call sustainable: Short delivery time, premium quality, and a full product range.

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Thread connections with precote offer the highest security; optimum sealing; excellent temperature resistance, assembly and disassembly assistance. precote meets or exceeds all current automotive standards.

Further information at www.precote.com

omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH • München • Tel.: +49 89 14 33 81-0

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Two new topcoats for trouble-free assembly

Delta-Lube® 10

Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG of Herdecke, Germany, has introduced two new topcoats for special application situations - Delta-Protekt® VH 301.1 GZ and Delta-Lube® 10.

D

elta-Protekt® VH 301.1 GZ presents an enhancement of the silica-based seal with integrated lubricant.

It offers optimised assembling features against components made of aluminium or against e-coated surfaces, and sets new standards in terms of fulfilling German car makers’ extremely high specifications for the surfaces of screws, used in car body construction and engine building.

Delta-Lube® 10, also recently presented, is a lubricant with multifunctional qualities for large dimension threaded parts used in commercial vehicle production that has been specifically tailored to the MKS systems.

“ In the changeover from surfaces with chromium(VI) content to chromium(VI)-free surfaces, there were problems with assemblies against e-coated components.”

No chance for stick/slip effects In the changeover from surfaces with chromium(VI) content to chromium(VI)-free surfaces, there were problems with assemblies against e-coated components. These are reflected in VDA 235-203 test specifications. These so-called stick-slip effects can currently only be observed in particularly difficult applications. These include, for example, fasteners with extreme outer supports. Another problem is caused by the increasing demands for reduced weight in vehicle construction. It is now leading to the use of appreciably more lightweight metals, such as aluminium and magnesium. The bearing surface for underhead plates range from die-cast parts to milled or polished backings. In the thread area screw-in depths are required of triple diameter into the grooved thread. Here high coefficients of friction at torque/angle of rotation tightening lead to high

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tightening torque levels, which exceed the control limits and even the capacity of the power screwdriver employed.

The new Delta-Protekt® VH 301.1 GZ topcoat has been specially developed for these scenarios. In particularly difficult applications sealing with integrated lubricant prevents stickslip effects when chromium(VI)-free surfaces are assembled against e-coat surfaces and also satisfies requirements for loosening under high temperatures. The new topcoat can also be assembled against aluminium without problems and satisfies the requirements of the new VW standard 01131-1/2, such as double tightening in the yield point against aluminium or five times tightening against e-coat surfaces. It has been employed in various installation areas with both lightweight constructions and the difficult applications stated and has proved itself capable of solving the installation problems there.

Running smoothly With Delta-Lube® 10 Dörken MKS-Systeme also presented a new lubricant with multifunctional properties. The waterbased inorganic material was designed specifically for largedimensioned threaded components. The main area of use is in the field of commercial vehicles and here it was soon specified in plant standard 183 by MAN Truck & Bus AG. Relubrication provides for a dry, non-slip lubricating layer and permits consistent overall coefficients of friction with a VDA-based value between 0.09µ and 0.14µ. For the user this means calculable assembling results with reproducible tightening torque and clamping force, with shorter assembling times. The topcoat is applied using dip spin or spin coating methods and then dried for 15 to 20 minutes at 60°C. www.doerken-mks.com

Delta-Protekt® VH 301.1 GZ topcoat

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Precision parts forming machinery

WAFIOS H670 Cold Former Type KIESERLING Highest repeatability guaranteed by several automatic adjustments Low price of the machine through reduced manufacturing costs and improved manufacturing methods In the H670 Cold Former the die and punch holder kits are interchangeable with unmatched repeated accuracy and without restriction

H670 Cold Former Type KIESERLING with 6 Forming Stations

Join us at the China International Bearing Industry Exhibition from 20th – 23rd Sept. 2012 in Shanghai, China and feel the professional spirit Visit our stand Booth B 212 in Hall 1 WAFIOS Umformtechnik at the WIRE CHINA from 25th – 28th Sept. 2012 in Shanghai, China Talk with our experts at the show: Booth W1D42 in Hall W1

Sales Representative China Jebsen & Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Mr. Ken Cheng, Engineering & Technology Division Phone +852 2923 8751 Fax +852 2882 2017 kencheng@jebsen.com Agent for North America and Canada BW Walden Group Phone +1 905 482 2659 Fax +1 905 482 2663 sales@bwgroupinc.com www.bwgroupinc.com

Sales Representative India MTI Machine Tools (India) Ltd. Mr. Santosh Khare, Metal Forming Division Phone +91 755 2460 616 Fax +91 755 4275 777 sales.bhp@mactool.com

Hilgeland Kieserling MRP Nutap

Manufacturer WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH Im Rehsiepen 35 42369 Wuppertal / Germany Phone +49 (202) 4668-0 Fax +49 (202) 4668-225 sales@wafios-umformtechnik.de www.wafios-umformtechnik.de

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Defined thread locking One of the great advantages of threaded fastener technology is that bolted connections can be loosened easily. However, if this happens in an uncontrolled manner it may quickly turn into a massive disadvantage.

I

f a connection loosens due to a dynamic stress, this may lead to leakage: oxidation and/or abrasion are also possible consequences. Used in safety critical applications complete disassembly of a bolted connection may even have lifethreatening consequences.

In order to avoid this, GESI Plochingen and GESI Thüringen provide highly effective thread locking technologies as well as a variety of other products for the most challenging applications for threaded bolt and screw connections.

In order to prevent complete disassembly, two different possibilities are available:

Loosening resistance

A micro-encapsulated glue is applied to the thread to be secured.

Upon drying, a nonsticky film is built. Upon tightening the coating, which consists of glue and hardener, is activated by shearing force and flank pressure, which releases the hardener and mixes it with the glue. The resulting chemical reaction (polymerisation) creates the securing effect, achieving a secure bond between bolt and mating thread. After this reaction even under high dynamic stress the preload force of the joint – less the setting in the joint – is completely extant. This coating type corresponds to DIN 267 part 27.

The product applied can be exactly adapted to the respective demands of the screw joint element such as operating temperature, the surface and thread friction.

Adjustable thread locking

This form of thread locking will not eliminate partial loosening of the bolted connection but can resist complete disassembly. Upon applying the powderlike material (for this the thread element is preheated to a temperature between 200°C to 230°C) or liquid material, the product is immediately ready to be used. A locking effect is achieved during assembly as the axial space between screw and nut thread is filled with the material. A high pressure contact area is achieved resulting in the locking effect. Screws secured with this technology preserve their pre-load within a range of 30 to 50 percent, although if placed under constant stress this may be further reduced. The key advantage of these materials is that the fastener may be reused several times and this form of threadlocking also permits adjustment. This technology corresponds to the requirements of DIN 267 part 28. www.gewindesichern.de

Ultra Filtration Membranes Atotech says that its new Ultra Filtration Membranes for alkaline zinc nickel processes, increase the process stability and overall coating quality while reducing the environmental footprint.

R

eflectalloy® ZNA XL is the optimised rack process for operating with membrane technology, whereas for barrel plating Zinni AL 450 XL is recommended. Due to membrane technology, both processes always stay close to the status of a fresh made-up solution and perform at their best with highest current efficiency and therefore highest profitability.

The increased plating speed directly results in higher productivity.

Atotech highlights that its new Ultra Filtration Membrane

anode technology avoids the decomposition of organic compounds at the anode, thus preventing the formation of breakdown products. The lifetime of the plating solution is considerably extended. The deposition rate is higher than in conventional installations, ensuring constant plating quality.

“With the new Ultra Filtration Membrane, Atotech continues to pioneer the development to greener technology within the surface finishing industry.”

GG coating increases tool life HEROSLAM, a manufacturer of top quality thread rolling tools for the fastener industry, says that its revolutionary coating GG - which stands for GOGOR (‘Strong’ in Basque language) - helps to significantly increase tool life.

A

lberto Gabika, managing director of HEROSLAM, says: “With our home-made GG coating our customers are seeing their tool life increase by 30% or more. At HEROSLAM we are proud to perform all our surface treatment and coating operations in our own facilities, thus guaranteeing full process control and tool quality consistency.”

Alberto adds: “The GG coating complements our customised range of surface treatments like nitriding or TIN (titanium nitride), which along with our special material range developed in partnership with our steel suppliers; customised RRO (Radiused Root Runout); and quick tooling changeover features; puts our

customers ahead of the competition in terms of threading quality and tool cost-efficiency.”

The application of the GOGOR (GG) coating allows customers to carry out fewer machine preps and changes, minimising machine down time. HEROSLAM says that this results in a significant reduction in manufacturing costs, which translates into lower cost per piece.

“With our GG coating, we provide our customers with the best ratio of quality, service life and price on the market,” states Alberto Gabika.

100 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

egomagazine-280711-BAT.indd 2

Perfect Screw Connections

at Visit us Fair 2013 r Fastene 26.- 28. Feb. Stuttgart, nd L100 Hall 6, Sta

Locking Bonding Microencapsulated adhesives as pre-coating with systems called OT-Precote, System 3M Scotch Grip and Loctite, according to DIN 267, part 27 or to the requirements of work standards.

Locking Clamping Polyamide coating as spots or all around the threads in all required colours, as well as the systems GESI Clemm-Loc, VC-3 Vibratite and OT-PrecoteProducts according to DIN 267, part 28.

Sealing Systems for meeting different demands and applications of OT-Precote, 3M Scotch Grip, polyamideall-around and nylon seals, Loctite, and our special products GESI STR white and red.

Lubricating Sliding lacquers (anti-friction-coating) as solid lubricants and slide coating made of special, highly lubricating adhesives as pre-coating that reduce friction and wear or cause a specified friction with minimal friction coefficient.

28/07/11 14:11

Protecting Complete and partial coatings, to avoid corrosion and sticking, e.g. welding splatters, deposits of lacquer, etc. Here it is possible to apply polyamides, PTFE and products containing PTFE. Coloured polyamide and polyester coatings as decorative or corrosion protection complete the program.

Plastisols Plastisol coating, directly used as seal under the head and on washers, for noise and vibration attenuation of fastening elements and for fixing screws and special components as locking measure (pre-assembly).

Measuring and Sorting We measure and sort for you threaded parts and special parts in tolerance ranges of 5/100 mm depending on the part size.

Stuttgart/Plochingen Tel. 0 71 53 / 20 43 ThĂźringen/Bleicherode Tel. 03 63 38 / 4 56 24-10

www.gewindesichern.de

x

y

z

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y Organisational changes at CAN-ENG John Krediet, chairman of CAN-ENG Furnaces International Limited, has announced the following organisational changes to CAN-ENG Furnaces’ management team.

A

lan Van Geyn has been promoted to the role of vice chairman, Michael Klauck has been promoted to the role of president, and Gregory Stanley has been promoted to the role of sales manager for North America, steel products.

Alan Van Geyn has held progressively responsible roles with CANENG Furnaces over his 18 year tenure, most recently as its president.

Michael Klauck brings extensive leadership experience to his new position having held progressive management positions at CAN-ENG Furnaces over the last 12 years. Mr Klauck was most

recently vice president, steel products. Prior to joining CAN-ENG in 2000 he was division manager for Bohler Uddeholm Thermotech and started his career in the steel industry as chief steelmaking metallurgist at a major North American specialty steelmaker.

Finally, Gregory Stanley joined CAN-ENG in 2003 and has earned progressively responsible roles within the company. Mr Stanley is responsible for business development activities for steel products in the North American marketplace, which includes Canada, the United States and Mexico. www.can-eng.com

Integrated load monitors for SACMA machines Schwer + Kopka GmbH has announced a new family of load monitoring units that have been developed in close cooperation with SACMA Limbiate from Italy.

T

he special feature is that the monitors are fully integrated into the controls of the machine and use the already existing screen to visualise and to operate the monitoring functions. A simple touch on the screen allows the machine operator to switch back and forth between the controls of the machine and, for example, the force curves of each forming station, which are monitored by envelopes. The design of the monitoring screens follows the already existing graphics of the machine controls and creates a common and uniform operating surface for both. The operator does not need to ‘learn’ new screens.

An important aspect to SACMA was the request that the load monitoring software must work under Windows CE and could be loaded easily onto the existing hardware of the machine’s control system. The actual processing of the sensor signals and the analysis of the force curves is performed by a remote monitoring module which is mounted in a protected manner inside the machine control cabinets, and which uses the proven algorithms of Schwer + Kopka’s regular process monitoring products.

This space saving solution can now be ordered for all new SACMA machines straight from the works. Three different versions were developed which ranges from a total tonnage monitor using sensors that are mounted on the frame of the machine up to a full station-by-station envelope monitor, including sensors for the thread rolling station.

Individual Quality.

Enhance the IQ of your wire solutions.

Every coil of wire, which is awaiting dispatch at voestalpine Austria Draht and voestalpine Draht Finsterwalde was produced to satisfy our customers unique requirements. Individual Quality – is created by understanding your expectations. Whether, temperature controlled annealing, precise profiles, special surface treatments, specific chemical compositions, all within the closest tolerances to our customers specifications. In our computer controlled high tech facilities we are able to craft specific materials, which are strong, wear resistant and flexible, just the way you need it. Now that is wire with IQ. voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH www.voestalpine.com/austriadraht voestalpine Draht Finsterwalde GmbH www.voestalpine.com/finsterwalde

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

General Inspection locks in Italian manufacturer General Inspection LLC has announced that it has recently locked in a large sale with an Italian manufacturer of fasteners.

T

he contract includes six Gi-360 sorting machines, all with General Inspection’s new Axial View camera and two machines with Eddy Current. The six machines will be built at General Inspection’s facility in Davisburg, Michigan, USA, and shipped out three months apart, stretching the contract into 2014. This sale is one of the largest in the company’s history to the fastener industry.

General Inspection LLC manufactures a complete line of gauging, sorting, and inspection systems incorporating: laser, eddy current, vision, and acoustic technologies for dimensional measurement, determining metallurgical defects as a method for achieving zero defects.

PEE-WEE® UPW® WANDERER® TECHNOLOGY FROM TRADITION

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PEE-WEE® - Rolling Dies Grinding – Regrinding – Special profiles Profile development – Patented PSS tracking Standard steel Special steel High speed steel HSS 1.

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Raw material from high-alloyed tool steel Mechanical treatment Hardening process in a vacuum furnace Diameter and surface grinding Thread grinding Chamfering of the starts Ageing treatment in a special oil cask Delivery

This special surface coating was developed of PEE-WEE in co-operation with considerable Institute for surface technology.

According to evaluation of different customers is the life time of these tools up to three times higher than the standard tool.

Special surface coating

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Low cost risks With constant pressure on margins and the crippling effect of borrowing restrictions on corporate cashflow, most procurement professionals are negotiating harder than ever. Buyers now have access to a global market and are increasingly turning toward low-cost manufacturers found outside of Europe and North America. In this article, Simon Cox, vice president for procurement EMEA at Anixter, shares his knowledge on global procurement and uncovers the hidden cost of buying decisions based too strongly on price alone.

W

ith the UK and many other markets still in recession, there’s continuing pressure on the value chain.

Manufacturers have implemented efficiency processes to create lean production environments.

This has created few opportunities to lower operational costs without compromising manufacturers’ carefully positioned marketing strategies.

With manufacturers optimising processes, buyers are under greater pressure to cut costs and find improved pricing for fasteners and ‘C’ Class components. This time-consuming process can lead to short-term cost savings but at the risk of serious long-term exposure.

Courting danger In an aggressive market, manufacturers must balance the need to bring in sufficient revenue that contributes to overhead costs with that of protecting margins. If margins are too low, a supplier might not have funds for development and experience reduced cashflow. As suppliers compete for business, a great initial price might not be sustainable because the margin is

too low. This puts continuity of supply at risk and places the manufacturer’s production schedule in a vulnerable position.

If a better price is offered by another buyer, there’s also the chance that the supplier’s loyalties could rapidly shift, creating challenges for the manufacturer. Buying solely on price often means that trust and loyalty is in short supply in the relationship, and if conditions change, supply is unlikely to be in the control of the manufacturer’s buyer.

Far fetched Global sourcing offers scope, but buying overseas requires careful consideration of the total cost of ownership, which goes beyond part pricing. Shipping and lag time must be built into the buying schedule to ensure that production lines stay operational. For example, if sea freight takes six weeks, then an additional six week’s worth of stock must be added to the schedule. With financial borrowing still a challenge, this creates a burden for working capital; it’s important to take into account the cost of capitalising this stock.

In addition to the cost of the product, the cost of shipping also adds to the total cost of ownership. With oil prices likely to stay volatile whilst the Eurozone struggles with financial problems (according to latest reports by Ernst & Young), long haul shipments require built-in cost contingencies.

When comparing prices, buyers should factor in duties required by imports. For Chinese made products, there is the additional anti-dumping duty, an import duty charged in addition to normal customs duties and applied across the whole European Community. As the UK customs authorities explain, the anti-dumping duty allows the EC to take action against goods that are sold at less than their normal value, which is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market. This duty currently stands at 83% - 84%.

106 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S False economy Low price usually requires large volume, which carries its own significant costs. There is the cost of purchasing in bulk, and even though suppliers’ credit terms can cover the stock for a while, it is unlikely to cover the entirety of a bulk purchase. The manufacturer will be forced to use its working capital to fund the inventory. With the credit crunch harming most manufacturers’ ability to access funds, the cost of borrowing increases or opportunities costs are lost if reserved profits are used. Holding excess stock can tie up much needed money.

Beyond the cost of the stock, there are costs associated with holding it. The premises costs in the UK make stock holding a costly and unattractive option: rent, rates, insurance and power costs must be factored into price comparisons.

Managing the stock requires personnel and proper inventory management requires both time and money. When inventory is held in stock, rather than supplied directly to production lines, personnel are required to address the logistics of receiving, storing and shipping the stock, which adds expense.

Quality counts Whilst fasteners and ’C’ Class components are seldom seen in the finished build of a product, they play a vital role in its integrity. In the automotive industry manufacturers use fasteners and ‘C’ Class components to attach steering wheels, bolt airbags or affix brake pad callipers. If any of these small components fail the resultant costs could be severe. Beyond the potential for loss of life, financial losses could result from recalls, remedies, litigation and settlements; production and job losses; share-price losses; and a loss of brand value. Trading quality for low cost is at best risky and at worst business threatening.

team of engineers is devoted to supplier quality assurance and regularly visit suppliers, conduct annual audits, conduct ongoing development activities and monitor performance against a set of objectives.

Is it worth it?

Employing a buyer to negotiate a myriad of contracts of lowcost components might appear to save some money, but the

“ Buying solely on price often means that trust and loyalty is in short supply in the relationship.” savings might not outweigh the cost of keeping a dedicated buyer on staff. It may be more cost effective to outsource supply and divert the buyer’s time to large-scale contracts.

Fasteners and ‘C’ Class components typically represent less than five percent of a manufacturer’s overall bill of materials.

Procurement professionals should prioritise their cost control according to the value of the item. Time spent negotiating large-scale items rather than low-cost components will undoubtedly return greater cost advantages and lower risk.

For smart, cost-conscious manufacturers the best advice is to seek specialist expertise and consolidated buying. By adding the requirements of many manufacturers’ together and building longterm relationships, we are able to create best-price advantage and a value chain benefit that will be sustainable and stable.

About Simon Cox

Quality also goes beyond the parts themselves, into the quality of the supplier relationship. Anixter operates a strict ‘supplier qualification,’ whereby would-be suppliers are put through a vendor rating programme that includes a long list of stringent assessments to establish their suitability. The programme moves beyond the component and tests the strength of the business, the business’ capabilities and the business’ supply stability. Our

Vice president for procurement EMEA, at Anixter, Simon Cox is an expert in organisational re-engineering and motivation. He has strategic sourcing and management experience gained with multinational industry leaders including Anixter, Textron, Ford and Exxon. Simon has delivered best-in-class performance through proven costdown programmes, strategic direction, cultural change, organisational improvement and supply base development. www.anixter.com

108 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Industry Leaders Continuous Mesh Belt Atmosphere Furnace Systems for Fasteners

Continuous Heat Treating Systems for Fasteners Proven Field Reliability • Maximum Fuel Efficiency Carburizing and Austemper Capabilities Superior Quality • Sizes from 100 kg/hr to 3400 kg/hr Reduce Part Damage and Foreign Part Occurrence Can-Eng introduces its New Energy Recovery System (ERS™) for Continuous Mesh Belt Furnace Systems GLOBAL FURNACE SYSTEMS GROUP

Reduction in Atmosphere Consumption 25% • Lower Carbon Emissions Reduction in Natural Gas Consumption • Faster Part Heat Up To learn more about Can-Eng Furnaces Engineering, Design and Manufacturing capabilities please visit Can-Eng at Fastener Fair Stuttgart, Stand P130, www.can-eng.com or email Tim Donofrio at tdonofrio@can-eng.com.

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Wise Software introduce new charts Wise Software (UK) Ltd continues to build on the success of its Version 7 OrderWise stock control and order processing software, by adding 189 charts to the KPI Dashboard Module as part of its regular upgrade schedule.

W

ise Software has been supplying wholesalers, distributors, stockists, manufacturers and web traders with its OrderWise stock control and order processing software solution for over 20 years.

David Hallam, managing director of Wise Software (UK) Ltd explained: “We spend nearly GB£50,000 per month developing OrderWise to ensure our customers have access to the most cutting edge software with relevant features to help their business grow. The KPI Dashboard is essential for companies wanting to make business sense of information gathered

by our end to end commercial software application. It is imperative that in today’s fast moving market, place decisions can be made quickly using relevant information in order to stay ahead of the curve.”

The extensive range of KPI charts available includes credit values, outstanding quotes, late and on time deliveries, stock ins and stock outs, sales person analysis, profit analysis, as well as top and worst performer lists. Users can display this information over their chosen time period by day or month based upon customer, product, product category, order type, supplier, purchasing and sales. Users can overlay KPIs with

previous years’ data for their chosen date range to provide greater insight and context to the information for a more informed interpretation of trends, troughs and spikes.

Careful consideration has gone into the default chart style used to display each KPI, so departments can assess real time information at a glance, to make decisions with confidence.

“This invaluable module promotes a more proactive approach within the business, prioritising tasks which will help maximise sales, reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase customer service.”

Error proof production Solarsoft Business Systems, a provider of enterprise software and IT services to manufacturers worldwide, has announced the release of Production Manager, a new event-based production reporting add-on module for Solarsoft’s iVP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for discrete manufacturing.

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he Solarsoft Production Manager software helps manufacturers overcome typical shop floor reporting challenges including poor inventory accuracy, insufficient capacity and limited production status visibility.

Poor inventory accuracy can be costly, typically leading to excess inventory costs, material expediting costs, late or incorrect customer orders and express shipping costs. Late or incorrect orders create customer compliance and satisfaction issues and can make it challenging to retain customers and win new business. The Production Manager automates and errorproofs production reporting and, combined with Solarsoft iVP lot serialisation, RF scanning and labelling functionality, delivers over 99% inventory accuracy.

Another typical challenge is insufficient capacity. Solarsoft highlights that Production Manager’s automatic collection of

downtime reason data enables machine performance analysis, so process improvement efforts can focus on the largest opportunities to reduce downtime and increase overall capacity.

This also ensures that key metrics like Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) are calculated using real data instead of what the operator had time to manually report.

Limited production status visibility is also a common challenge. The Production Manager ensures that customers know exactly what is happening on the shop floor at all times.

Stewart Baillie, VP of product development at Solarsoft says: “With customer minimum process requirements ever more demanding, we are confident that the addition of Production Manager will help manufacturers meet those requirements and deliver the right number of parts with the right labels to the right customer at the right time.”

aPriori help save costs aPriori, a provider of product cost management software solutions, has announced that another customer has selected aPriori’s software platform to help identify product cost savings and eliminate unnecessary costs earlier in the product development lifecycle.

D

esign engineers can quickly and precisely determine the cost of a new part or product design by automatically pulling geometric and feature information from a computer-aided design (CAD) model, using aPriori’s product cost management software.

The software leverages intelligent cost models based on the manufacturing process, materials and the plant where a product or part will be produced. Using this new level of cost knowledge, manufacturers are able to make more informed new product design decisions and reduce new product costs without impacting product quality.

“With aPriori design engineers can find the optimal balance between functionality, performance, quality and cost,” said Stephanie Feraday, president and CEO of aPriori. “They can

also explore more design alternatives faster, which drives out cost earlier and results in fewer changes later in development when making changes is incrementally more expensive. It enables greater innovation and profitability at the same time.” aPriori states that its software and services generate product cost savings for discrete manufacturing and product innovation companies. Using aPriori’s real-time product cost assessments, employees in engineering, sourcing and manufacturing make more-informed decisions that drive costs out of products pre- and post-production.

“With aPriori manufacturers launch products at cost targets, maximise savings in re-work projects and never overpay for sourced parts.”

110 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Tracking made easier Apriso, a provider of manufacturing software solutions, has announced that its FlexNet Quality application will now include visual Quality Defect Tracking (vQDT), which embeds visual imagery of products and components within FlexNet to more readily address quality defects and other quality related issues on the shop floor.

A

s part of the FlexNet solution for manufacturing operations management, FlexNet Quality allows users to manage all aspects of product and process quality, both within the manufacturing facility and beyond to other facilities, vendors, partners and suppliers.

Apriso explains that the FlexNet enterprise quality management and execution system seamlessly integrates with existing ERP and PLM systems to provide consistent quality metrics across the enterprise as a closed-loop, event-driven architecture. By creating a seamless process between the visual identification of potential quality issues and the required process improvement to remedy, FlexNet’s visual Quality Defect Tracking can help reduce the cost of out-of-conformance quality by EDPimproving QVS F&F the 2012visibility 5/1/12to quality 2:53 pmissues.

Page As 1 a tablet-enabled

application, FlexNet Quality supports how quality managers interact on the shop floor with mobile devices and highlygraphical interfaces.

“This new product enhancement responds to overwhelming industry demand from manufacturers that are challenged with how to best manage quality issues across an increasingly more complex manufacturing environment,” said Milosz Majta, product manager, quality and maintenance at Apriso. “This expanded functionality helps manufacturers to increase the speed and accuracy of how quality defect data is captured and displayed, including how this information can be aggregated to see broader trends of where quality defects are occurring.”

This new capability is now available for all Apriso customers running FlexNet Quality version 9.5 or higher.

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Infor announce new partnership Infor, a provider of business application software has announced a new strategic partnership with Business & Decision, an international consulting and systems integration company, to benefit the complex manufacturing, distribution and service industries.

T

his new partnership will increase the number of trained consultants available worldwide, enhancing the broad spectrum of consulting and technical services available to all Infor ERP customers.

Demonstrating a strong history of implementation and consultation success with the Infor10 ERP Enterprise (LN) solution, Business & Decision brings deep industry expertise to the new alliance that will benefit Infor customers in the industrial manufacturing, high tech, aerospace & defence, equipment service maintenance and rental, distribution, and consumer packaging industries. ERP Enterprise delivers strong control over complex global operations, including greater visibility into

inventory and the supply chain to facilitate more efficient usage of resources and decrease the time to market for products. With more than 30 modules to manage everything from customer relationships to sourcing and procurement, ERP Enterprise enables reduced complexity by allowing businesses to manage all resources as a unified whole.

In addition to working with Infor10 ERP Enterprise (LN), Business & Decision will also focus on a number of key Infor products, including Lawson M3 ERP Enterprise, Infor10 EAM, Infor10 CRM Enterprise, Inforce Everywhere, Infor10 Corporate Performance Management, Infor10 PLM Discrete, and Infor’s Business Intelligence offerings.

Merlin opens new London office Merlin Business Software continues to expand its presence in the south east of the UK.

L

ocated in Fulham, the new offices attest to Merlin’s commitment to enhancing sales operations, training resource and technical support for its customers in London and the south east. The offices will form a virtual extension to the Chesterfield head offices and will be staffed by account manager for the territory, Duncan Wilson and Merlin’s recently appointed project manager and trainer, Lindsay Wilkins.

Duncan commented: “This is a tremendously exciting milestone

in the development of the company, giving Merlin Business Software a secure foothold within our largest and fastest growing sales territory.” He added: “The London office will provide great flexibility to customers in London and the south east of the UK, providing an accessible training resource within the nation’s capital.”

Merlin Business Software is a fully integrated solution for sales and purchase order processing, stock control and financials, specifically designed for merchants, stockists, distributors and wholesalers. www.fastenersuppliessoftware.co.uk

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ONE OF THE BIGGEST MANUFACTURERS OF BLIND RIVET NUTS IN ASIA We have more than 1,000 styles in stock and our production capacity is 5 billion pieces.

We can produce blind rivet nuts in steel, stainless steel, aluminum and brass. We also produce lots of non-standards based on customers drawings and samples.

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Böllhoff launches ECO-Shop For many years Böllhoff has provided its customers and all technically interested people the opportunity to download its whole product range of the Blue Pages as CAD-files. To fulfil demands on B2B-operations, Böllhoff has added shop functionality to the Blue Pages online.

I

n the new ECO-Shop users will find all important information and technical details to every norm and more. Functionalities of the new ECO-Shop include:

Simple search

To find the right fastener, users can search by different functions: either by typing in the article or norm number directly or by full text search. Users can also search by their individual customer article number.

Alternatively, the step-by-step product selector function can be used to get to a desired fastener. Users can filter every article characteristic making the search for a fastener even simpler.

Latest stock information

Users can keep well informed through hourly executed updates of stock information in the ECO-Shop. The availability of the articles is displayed by traffic lights, so users get a direct

overview of the stock for all single dimensions of an article.

Saving and ordering of articles

All available articles can be put into the shopping basket. Before ordering, the amount can be checked and if necessary adapted.

The shopping basket can be sent by one click and can be saved under an individually selectable name. All articles can be stored in a favourite list that can be called up again or directly put into the shopping basket, saving a lot of time.

Interactive 3D-pictures

In addition to CAD downloads, a 3D-picture is available for every norm, making the search for a specific fastener easier.

Tool suggestion

Users can find the adequate tool for all special fasteners (e.g. HELICOIL®) in the ECO-Shop. The right tools are suggested in relation to the number of plugged elements per year.

Motion introduces next generation tablets Motion Computing®, a global provider of tablet PCs and mobility solutions, has announced the next generation F5t and C5t tablet PCs, designed to enhance productivity for mobile workers across a broad range of vertical markets.

P

owered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors, and designed for optimised mobility, the tablets feature a variety of power saving technologies, and can offer up to six hours of battery life. They feature Motion’s hot-swap battery feature for extended, uninterrupted productivity in the field. Built to run on Windows, Motion says that the F5t and C5t tablet PCs offer seamless business integration and virtually unlimited usability.

The F5t is available with the combination of Motion’s View Anywhere® technology for visibility in direct sunlight, Corning® Gorilla® Glass for enhanced display protection, and dual-touch input.

Motion Computing says that the tablets deliver increased performance and responsiveness, and are available with either the Intel Core i3 or i5 processor. Advanced security capabilities are available with the Intel Core i7 vPro platform.

Both are available with performance options to meet the needs of users and IT professionals.

“Motion’s latest tablets with the 3rd generation Intel Core vPro processors are designed to meet the needs of mobile workforces by offering optimised battery life and the high performance these workers demand to enhance productivity anytime anywhere,” said Dan Russell, director of business client platforms and solutions marketing at Intel. “The F5t and C5t tablet PCs enable both the business user and IT managers to compute with confidence through a combination of Intel based security paired with exciting designs and easy automation.”

Building on Motion’s rugged tablet PCs, the new tablets are built around a magnesium-alloy internal frame for rugged protection, and meet MIL-STD-810G and IP-54 standards, offering protection against bumps, drops and exposure to dust and moisture.

116 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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TO O L S

Torque wrenches: the means to set anchors and yourselves apart We asked Mark Salmon of Independent Fixing Consultants, whose very logo hints at the relationship between tightening torque and bolt tension, to give us a reminder of the benefits of torque wrenches in construction fixings applications.

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ears ago I worked for a wonderful bloke, the sort you would do anything for. Over the space of a few months he trained his management team to regard problems as challenges and then to regard all challenges as opportunities. Now I’m sure no one regards selling torque wrenches as a problem but some may feel that it is a bit of a challenge. I hope to persuade you that it simply represents an opportunity - an opportunity to help your customers do a better job and you to sell more stuff.

“ It actually surprises me that very few fixings manufacturers, let alone distributors, actually supply torque wrenches.”

It actually surprises me that very few fixings manufacturers, let alone distributors, actually supply torque wrenches. Drill bits, blow out pumps and brushes but not torque wrenches. I think they are missing a trick, or rather an opportunity.

So I hope to present a few ideas as to why you should and how you can sell these things. The first thing to know is how to persuade your customers of the benefits of using a torque wrench. Put very simply, tightening to the manufacturer’s recommended torque will do two things. It will ensure the fixture is clamped firmly – so that it won’t move – while ensuring that the bolt material (and resin bond) is not over stressed. Yes, it does depend on the threads being clean, dry and undamaged but with new bolts that’s how they come out of the box.

As we tighten any bolted connection, the torque will rise as the tension in the bolt increases and along with it the clamping force. From the article ‘Tightening torques explained’ in Issue 67,

January 2011, you may recall that load relaxation means that the initial clamping force needs to be twice the recommended load.

So we need to tighten the connection enough to ensure we get that high clamping force but not so much that the tensile force in the bolt approaches the yield stress of either the bolt material or the resin bond. The range of torque settings between these limits can be quite narrow and it’s just not possible for most people with an ordinary spanner to judge that.

One thing to bear in mind is that the selection of anchors is now a complicated business with many applications working on small safety margins. Delivering the loading capacity the designer expects depends on every stage of the installation being done correctly including the tightening of the anchors.

Then you need to source a good torque wrench. The problem is that while the best wrenches come from the well-known brands, and are ideal for use by specialist contractors who will take care of them, tools of this type don’t last long on construction sites so expensive ones are hardest to sell. For the degree of accuracy needed with construction fixings a lower cost torque wrench is far better than an expensive spanner. There are wrenches available at very reasonable prices that will tighten most safety critical anchors in diameters from M12 to M20.

Next you need a note of the recommended tightening torques of the anchors you sell, preferably in a table, which also shows the socket sizes for each.

Remember that standard sockets will not suit all anchors. For those with projecting studs, which may project further as they are tightened, deep reach sockets are needed. The popular sizes are best sourced in sets as individual sockets can be expensive.

The installation torque recommended by the manufacturer will usually relate to concrete so when anchors are to be set in weaker materials, such as brickwork, the torque quoted for concrete should be reduced either in proportion to the reduced strength of the base material or in proportion to the ratio of the applied load compared to the recommended load for concrete.

Thus fully equipped you and your staff can confidently remind contractors that they should be using a torque wrench to set all safety critical anchors. Using one every time you do a demonstration is a great way to bring this message home.

For the fixings distributor who takes a professional approach to supplying fixings selling torque wrenches should be just another means of demonstrating that you know what you are ‘torqueing’ about while safeguarding your customer’s interests and adding to your bottom line.

118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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TO O L S

HS-Technik’s new cordless driver At this year’s Motek show (8th – 11th October 2012) HS-Technik GmbH will present its all new PROG-3 cordless driver.

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he new power tool includes a direct torque transducer with an accuracy, that HS-Technik say, is the highest ever seen in power tools. With an accuracy better than 1% of full scale, the tool guarantees high precision screwing results.

The tool also includes new features like the new torque speed system. This enables the user to program the tool in several tightening steps without stopping it when changing from one step to another. The speed of the tool slows down as the torque goes up. HS-Technik highlights that through this new technology the tightening process will achieve the lowest possible process time combined with outstanding accuracy.

In total a tightening process can be split up in up to six steps.

Each step can be programed individually with torque, rpm, angle, time and screwing direction. Furthermore, the tool features a screw counter, OLED display, battery management, latest Li-Ion technology and an internal SD memory card.

The internal memory can store up to 90 individually set programs, and in addition to these programs the tool will store up to 100 screw tightening’s for evaluation and documentation.

The program to work with can either be selected with buttons on the rear of the tool, through an optional barcode scanner or via an optional HST-Connect wireless system.

HS-Technik will offer the new PROG-3 in an angle and pistol version and cover torques from 0.5Nm - 50Nm. www.hs-technik.com

Norbar provides access to tight spots For aerospace engineers, torque calibration, measurement and application play a vital role in maintaining the performance, reliability and longevity of vital equipment. The accurate measurement and application of torque on joints and fastenings is critical for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, where tolerance levels are minimal.

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orbar Torque Tools specialises in the design, development and production of torque tightening and measuring equipment, with involvement in aerospace stretching back to the 1940s, when the company was the first in Britain to commercially manufacture torque wrenches for engineering Spitfire engines.

Torque calibration equipment is used by air forces, airlines and OEMs worldwide and accurate testers are sited in production facilities and aircraft hangars for regular checks on the wide

variety of tools being used. One of the key issues is access to fasteners and the tool operator’s ability to apply the correct torque to a fastening maybe impeded by space restrictions.

Engine streamlining and other constraining factors in aircraft construction mean that frequently torque tools used for manufacture and maintenance must be specifically engineered to order (ETO). Recent bespoke tools produced by Norbar include:

• Equipment to test a range of torque wrench sizes used at permanent service installations and combat situations.

Test kits were produced with two different battery operated professional torque tester units with calibrated ranges of 1.2Nm - 60Nm and 30Nm - 1,500Nm respectively.

• Kits consisting of professional torque wrenches and attachments produced for restricted access maintenance on the RAF Tornado jet fighter, dealing with the hose connector to oil cooler fixing bolts. These tools have a maximum tightening torque of 6Nm.

Norbar exports 75% of its production to over 100 countries worldwide. There are Norbar sales companies in Australia, China, India, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA, but manufacturing is carried out solely in Banbury, Oxfordshire, UK.

120 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

Tentec offer engineers versatility Since their launch, Tentec’s new hydraulic torque wrenches have been put to the test in a wide range of bolt tightening applications throughout industries as diverse as wind energy, petrochem, utilities and general engineering.

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Suzhou International Expo Centre, Suzhou, China For further information, please contact Mack Brooks Exhibitions International Office: Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Email: china@fastenerfair.com China Office: Tel: +86 (0) 21 5228 8248 Email: infochina@mackbrooks.co.uk

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OSS (Mechanical On Site Services), a UK provider of machining and hydraulic bolt tightening services, chose the versatile CD Series of torque wrenches and has recently carried out a successful maintenance project for the gas utility company, Centrica.

Darryl Dixon, managing director at MOSS said that its engineers were delighted with the performance of the new tools. “Having a proven track record of providing first class service and engineering expertise, it is a major decision for us to switch to new tools and equipment. Many of our projects are safety critical and we have to be sure all the equipment gives optimum performance at all times, especially in harsh environments. The new Tentec torque wrenches demonstrated exceptional performance and their unique slim design meant that our engineers were able to reach awkward, restricted bolts.”

Tentec points out that its tools are built by engineers, for engineers, with its range of torque wrenches offering versatility, reliability and speed of use. Each wrench in the series cannot only be fitted with a range of cassettes to suit differing hexagon nut sizes, but each cassette is attached to the cylinder by a single, high-strength locking pin. This means that no special tools are required and the changeover for different nut sizes is quick and easy. A considerable advantage when time is money.

Tentec offer purpose designed air driven and electric driven torque pumps to ensure optimum performance of the CD torque wrenches. Other optional extras include a rugged and ergonomically designed handle and a PE/PA quad kit that allows up to four CD wrenches to be linked together.

JCP adds Drivefast gas nailer JCP Construction Products, a specialist supplier of construction fixings to distributors, says its Drivefast gas nailer DF90 offers a cost-effective alternative in gas nail guns.

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he Drivefast gas nailer DF90 for timber frames comes complete with carry case, two batteries, charger and safety goggles. At 3.6kg, the cordless nailer is powerful, light and well balanced. Features include low battery and high temperature lights, adjustable depth control, 34° angle and a built-in rafter hanger. Using Drivefast gas and nails, the DF90 will take nail lengths from 51mm to 90mm in a 68-nail magazine. Battery life will handle approximately 4,000 nails per charge and the fuel cell approximately 1,200 nails.

Nick Beardon of JCP says: “The Drivefast is a well-designed product that offers excellent value for money. It is robust and delivers a reliable and consistent performance which compares well with other more expensive brands.”

The Drivefast gas nailer is available, along with all JCP products, for next day delivery throughout the UK and account customers can order online 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the online trading portal, OJ Trade. www.jcpfixings.co.uk

TO O L S

Torque wrenches a necessity In an age of constant engineering update and change, the necessity for torque wrenches far exceeds earlier years when the ‘mechanics feel’ was accepted as all that was required to tighten nuts and fasteners.

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ow though, when quoted, safety factors must be adhered to.

In all fields, be it automotive, agricultural or even on sleek bicycles; that extra 5Nm - 10Nm may mean the difference between being safe or a fatal accident.

Removing all of the guesswork, the torque wrenches will handle torque

requirements with ease and there are plenty to choose from. Sealey highlights that one of its best sellers is the STW306 Angle Torque Wrench Digital ½ inch Sq Drive 20Nm - 200Nm. This wrench is digital and has a LCD read-out with a LED/audible alarm which indicates achieved and target torque levels. It features an angle mode, eliminating the need for angle gauges and protractors providing, Sealey says, the most accurate and fastest way to measure torque, plus angle tightening sequences.

It also accumulates angle measurement when multiple turns are required, which is ideal when access is limited. Customers can access preset desired torque levels or track peak and working torques, using

simple pushbutton menus.

Selectable read-outs can be chosen in either Nm, lb.in, lb.ft, kgf.m or degrees and a reversible chrome vanadium 72-tooth ratchet allows torque reading in either direction. Accurate to ±2% between 10% and 100% of wrench’s stated capacity.

The STW306 is even supplied with a test certificate and storage case. Sealey points out that when a user is stowing their wrench away they should remember to do so in its lowest torque setting, as calibration can falter if it’s not looked after correctly.

“We offer a calibration service for a modest fee and recommend users send their torque wrenches in yearly to have them re-calibrated, making them safe for use.”

TO O L S

Torqueleader’s new torque wrench Torqueleader is aware of the potential for over and under tightening of threaded fasteners being more acute at lower torques and has therefore introduced slipping and breaking torque wrench technology. This has gone a long way to eliminate incorrect tightening in both production and maintenance environments.

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ased on Torqueleader’s TBN breaking torque wrench range, which it designs, manufactures and sells, the ATB 5 and 10 adjustable breaking wrenches have been launched. Torqueleader points out that the tools offer a range of benefits in maintenance and repair operations in the torque range of 1Nm - 10Nm including:

• Where space restriction exists, the compact design with its 8mm spigot end fitting system allows easy access.

• Improved control of the tightening process comes from Torqueleader’s unique breaking angle that allows the operator more time to react when the target torque is reached.

• The tools versatility in maintenance and repair applications is achieved by their quick change end fitting system.

• Fast and accurate to set using the quick and clear micrometer setting scale.

• The integrity of electronic components is ensured as the tools are EPA compliant.

• Ideal for general equipment maintenance as the tools can be supplied in standard and bespoke kits with spanner ends, sockets, bits and blades.

“The ATB offers all the benefits of the TBN range with the added benefit of having a quick and easy torque adjustment and rapid end fitting interchange.”

Rivit launches new hex cutter tool RIV990 is a high quality hydropneumatic tool for punching hexagonal holes.

A round off system, thanks to a special punch, housed in the front of the head, can easily transform a round hole into a hexagonal one.

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IV990 is mostly used to place hexagonal Rivsert from M4 to M8. Rivit Srl, based in Bologna, Italy, designed RIV990 to allow the setting of hexagonal inserts into pre-formed round holes. As it is not possible to perfectly fix and seal a hexagonal insert inside a round hole, it is necessary to previously adjust the hole according to the hexagonal shape of the insert to be set. As such, RIV990 allows the placing of hexagonal inserts, even on already bended metal sheets and folded boxes.

The tool comes with no punches and no dies, which must be ordered according to the measure of the insert to be used.

Technical data and features: Nominal air pressure: 6 bar Min/max air pressure: 5/7 bar Air consumption per cycle (6 bar): 2.5 litres Stroke: 6mm Max power: 6 bar/19,000N Weight: 2.3kg Vibrations: < 2.5 m/s2 Loudness: < 80 dB (A)

www.rivit.it

Wera App available on iTunes Wera is going new ways in its approach to contemporary product presentations.

T

he free Wera-Tools App for the iPad® allows staff in the tool trade to provide a multimedia presentation of the product benefits and features of the high quality and innovative screw driving tools at any time and at any place. Even the users of the tools can find a whole host of useful tips here. The App has been available for a short time via the App Store function of the iPad or per iTunes on the internet.

Wera highlights that iPad users have immediate access to the most important products – the ‘Top 20’ – as well as a complete electronic version of the Wera product catalogue. The integrated WeraTV feature offers videos on applications and the most important product benefits of some of the especially innovative Wera tools. The Zyklop ratchet or the Impaktor system are only some of the products that are explained here most descriptively.

In addition, an entire category of its own has been devoted to the latest innovation; Joker. “The App visualises the four most important product advantages with animations: the holding function, the limit stop, the anti-slip effect and the very small return travel angle. This makes the added value that the new combination ratchet wrench offers quite clear to the tool user. At the same time it delivers decisive sales arguments for the trade.”

126 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

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FO C U S O N S H E E T M E TA L

September 2012

Sheet Metal

This issue’s Focus On is dedicated to Sheet Metal. Suppliers of products within this market sector have provided details of their capabilities along with up to date contact and product information.

Coming up in the next issue…

Focus On Nuts, Washers & Locking Systems Contact Claire Lake Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 508 email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com

Autonic Engineering Co Ltd

Goebel GmbH

No Riveting – Self-piercing

Goebel GmbH offers one of the widest blind rivets, blind rivet nuts and setting tool product ranges in Europe. The focus is to give our customers a high grade of service. Under this high grade of service, we understand that the customer will receive the ordered goods in time, at perfect quality and a competitive price level. The customer will also deal with a highly qualified, friendly member of our staff who understands that customer satisfaction is the main focus.

Hardened Self-Clinching Fasteners Manufacturers of ISC and Prestincert self clinching fasteners for sheet metal and PCB’s. We also manufacture espagnolette pins and eccentric studs for window and door fitting companies, binding screws for the print and pattern book industry, and have been making precision turned parts for over 50 years.

Main Products: • Press Nuts • Rivet Bushes • Eccentric Studs • Binding Screws • Prestincerts • Floating Nuts • Electronic (PCB) Fasteners • Self Clinching Fasteners • Self Piercing Fasteners • Self Pierce Rivets • Turned Parts

www.blindniete.org

This all takes place at our central warehouse in Erkrath, by Düsseldorf, and also several warehouses all over Europe with our strategic partners. The huge stockholding of the wide range of products reduces not only the warehouse costs for our customers, as a customer you’ll benefit from this advantage by receiving short and reliable delivery times.

RoHS compliant For further information about Autonic Engineering, please visit the website below Tel: +44 (0) 1992 471 101

RIVET TECHNOLOGY

www.autonic .co.uk

Engineers and highly qualified inspectors in our company are labtesting every batch of product strictly to the ISO 14589 certification – which defines the testing process – and of course to our own developed control system.

Goebel is ISO 9001:2008 certificated. Create the future with us.

Tel: +49 211 24 50 00 – 0

128 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

email: info@blindniete.org

Harrison Silverdale

PennEngineering

Harrison Silverdale Ltd has been supplying sheet metal fasteners to major OEM’s and Fastener Distributors across Europe for 29 years. We have an extensive range of Self Clinch, Rivet Nuts, Cage Nuts and spring steel U Nuts making us your ideal partner.

Genuine PEM® Fastening Systems

Genuine PEM®® Fasteners

Choose only genuine PEM® products for the broadest range of self-clinching fasteners to solve your assembly challenges.

It has always been our core objective to deliver quality engineered fasteners at competitive prices, whilst maintaining our commitment to customer service and technical support. This strategy has proved a winning combination resulting in record sales in 2010.

We are one of the few fastener companies to include a design service within the scope of our ISO9001:2008 approval. Our 3D CAD facility means we can work closely with our customers on special applications. 3D Models of standard parts will soon be available to download saving time and making fastener specification easier.

PEM brand fasteners employ self-clinching, broaching, flaring, surface mount or weld technology to provide strong, reusable and permanent threads and mounting in thin sheet metal, PC board material and both ductile and non-ductile thin material.

www.pemnet.com

Industrial PEM fasteners and the unique PEMSERTER® press offer a complete, thin sheet fastening system; quick, consistent and easy to use, the solution is backed by support from the PEM European manufacturing, R&D and engineering centre.

As part of our expansion we are actively looking for partners overseas to promote our range of Sheet Metal fasteners and Threaded Inserts for plastic.

To speed manufacturing, improve quality and reduce costs visit our website today. There you will find complete product and technical support including 3D models, drawings, catalogues, new products, authorised distributor network plus information about our free iPhone® app, our free Cost Savings Investigation (CSI) program and much more.

Tel: +44 (0) 1246 296 930

Tel: +353 91 751 714

www.harrisonsilverdale.com

www.pemnet.com

Star Fasteners (UK) Ltd

TFC Ltd

Star Fasteners offer the largest stock of Huck Fasteners in the UK. A range of rivets, threaded inserts and screws are also available. We have many years of application knowledge and experience so are happy to offer technical help, support contracts and innovative solutions. Huck products are sold worldwide and include a wide variety of sizes and designs for challenging applications.

TFC, a leading supplier of technical fastener components to industry, can provide a complete design and application service to the Sheet Metal industry.

A popular fastener for sheet metal is the HuckLok® - it is a unique blind rivet fastener offering a wide grip range and an ingenious double-locking action that clamps the assembly from both sides for maximum joint integrity.

With a team of technical field sales managers and quality product in stock at our multiple locations throughout the UK, TFC can supply the right part when you need it.

The Auto- Bulb® is designed to fulfill a market need for a high clamp blind fastener for thin sheet applications. Its large diameter head and broad bulb spread diffuses the load over a larger area.

Our comprehensive technical product catalogue is available now for download from our website. For hard copy catalogues or further information about the products and services now available from TFC, please call our specialist team.

Supplying Self-Clinch Fasteners, Self Broaching Fasteners, Rivet Bushes, Blind Threaded Insert Nuts, Weld Studs & Insertion Tools to a variety of customers.

Service includes the supply, hire, repair and maintenance of a range of hand, hydraulic & pneumatic installation equipment.

Star Fasteners philosophy is based on principles of quality, service & continuous improvement.

Accredited to BS ISO9001: 2008.

To view the full range of high-quality fastening systems visit our website.

Tel: +44 (0) 115 932 4939

www.starfasteners.co.uk

Tel: 0845 643 9024

www.tfcsheetmetal.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

129

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Trends in sheet metal fastening

By Helen Denby-Knight The need to fasten sheet metal plates can be traced back to the Bronze Age The Mycenae Shaft sword dating back to 1950 BC had grips consisting of plates let in between the hilts flanges and held in place by gold-capped solid rivets. During the Middle Ages blacksmiths welded various types of iron tools by hammering.

1950s

M

ore recently, during the construction of the Titanic in 1909, three million iron solid rivets were used to fasten the massive hull plates to her frame.

However, it has been the trends in products made from sheet metal and composite materials that have dictated fastener design during the last century.

Fasteners have always been designed and manufactured in response to the application need rather than as an entity of their own. Since the industrial revolution began in the 18th century many factors and shifts in the economic environment, as well as drivers from the technological world, have had a significant impact on the trends in sheet metal fastening technologies.

During this period there was a transition to machine based manufacturing, the development of iron-making techniques and trade expansion through the introduction of canals, roads and railways.

The critical manufacturing change that marks the Industrial Revolution is the production of interchangeable parts.

Lathes and other machine tools enabled higher precision and the mass production of parts using that precision.

The development of steam powered ships, the internal combustion engine and diesel locomotives would all result in a demand for new sheet metal fastening techniques to be developed.

World War II brought with it a huge demand for millions of fasteners for use in military equipment and aircraft. At this time sophistication in design took second place to volume of production to keep the war effort moving.

The first aluminium blind rivets were developed during this time to facilitate the assembly of the first aluminium alloy

aircrafts such as the AW38, also known as the Whitley Bomber (pictured above).

Blind rivets overcame the challenge of the assembly of applications that were accessible from one side only.

However, it is during the last 70 years that economic, environmental and technological drivers have had the most impact on fastener design and manufacture.

Fastener design is affected by almost every manufacturing sector in the market place.

If you think about it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fasteners are absolutely everywhere, from cars to aircraft, from seating to heating and ventilation, from white goods to mobile phones and computers. So naturally any changes that affect these sectors automatically affect fastener design.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a closer look at these changes starting after World War II.

1940s Following the war shipbuilding enjoyed a period of resurgence with the increased demand for the replacement of destroyed stock and new passenger vessels.

Mechanical fasteners such as solid rivets were still heavily in use but this period also saw the emergence of more sophisticated welding techniques such as stud welding and submerged arc welding, which were also comparatively economical.

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 77 September 2012

Passenger jets entered service and greater demands were placed on fastener design with regard to safety and the need to decrease the labour expense of building aircraft. The need for more reliable joint integrity and increased fastener strength lead to more innovative blind rivet designs such as safe locking collars and mandrels designed to break in the shear plane. Labour times were reduced too because of the development of more efficient setting tools.

Consumer products such as fridges and washing machines required watertight fastening methods and also adjustable fasteners such as threaded inserts for component assembly into thinner sheets.

Plastics became more common in manufacturing items such as televisions, radios and toys creating a need for thread forming and thread cutting self-tapping screws.

1960s - 1980s This era brought serious competition to the American automotive sector with European and Japanese car makers adopting ever-higher technology but car performance remained the priority of car designers. Examples of popular cars of the time would be the Ford Mustang and the Ford Capri. Then everything changed when in 1973 the oil crisis began, sending petroleum prices up by an unprecedented 30%.

Fuel efficiency became a top priority for car designers and more compact cars such

Stand:

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y as the BMW 3 series attracted customers seeking both prestige and economy.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the airbag to high-end car designs and by the 1990s airbags had become standard equipment. The airbag presented both opportunity and challenge for fastener manufacturers. Fasteners had to be batch controlled and optically sorted, meaning that airbag manufacturers would accept only fasteners meeting the highest quality levels. Airbag fasteners could have no sharp edges and needed to be air and watertight. Blind rivets were designed with an oval ‘lead-in’ feature to the body. This facilitated a snag free easy entry to the holes of the application. Grooved mandrels were also introduced. Both of these designs helped speed up production at airbag plants and they became the standard.

and carbon emissions, thinner, softer and composite materials were becoming the standard for a host of OEM transport product designs presenting another challenge to the fastener world.

New terms entered the industry: ‘soft setting’, ‘wider blind side’, and ‘load spreading’ being just a few. Many innovative new fasteners were designed during this period specifically to suit these new lighter applications. Bulbing tail formations and slotted blind rivet bodies provides support to thinner and softer sheets. Thin sheet metal screws were introduced which flanged the thin sheet metal edges of the pilot hole, producing a large thread engagement area and offering much higher tightening torque without stripping.

Thinner sheets made welding difficult but self-piercing riveting provided an excellent alternative solution for ‘nohole’ applications. Other non-fastener mechanical joints made from press drives also became popular.

2000s to present day

1990s The ‘Big Three’ automakers – General Motors, Chrysler and Ford introduced the quality standard QS9000 to the industry.

The aim of the standard was to improve the system and process quality to increase customer satisfaction.

All reputable fastener manufacturers needed to pass the requirements of this regulation if they wanted to be considered as accredited suppliers to these hugely important customers.

Although a time consuming and costly process to fastener manufacturers at the time, the QS9000 system (and the later standard TS16949) did bring about continuous improvement practices, and significantly cut defect rates, which ultimately shrunk waste and cost.

During this time, in a bid to reduce weight and, therefore, reduce fuel usage

Just as things started to get interesting, as the 00s approached, the European union and the automotive and electrical, white goods sectors threw another set of challenges into the mix in the name of protecting the environment. The Reduction of Harmful Substances Directive (RoHS), The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and The End of Life Vehicles Directive (EoLV) were introduced, each bringing their own set of restrictions which would have a direct influence particularly on the way fasteners were plated. (Interesting fact: Did you know that every year, end of life vehicles create 9 million tonnes of waste in the European Union alone?).

Chromium VI had to be removed from finishing processes but resistance to salt spray had to be maintained. The challenge was on to find a suitable replacement for yellow passivation, which contained CRVI. Of course, the only possible substitutes were more expensive pushing extra costs back onto fastener manufacturers because the buying sectors saw this challenge as belonging to the fastener world and one for which they were not prepared to pay extra.

Eventually a cost effective clear passivation was developed to meet the resistance levels of its hazardous yellow sister and another challenge was overcome.

Digital technology was developing at a rapid pace and during the 00s a fast growing number of the population were using computers and mobile phones. In order to

132 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

be part of this evolving market, fasteners now needed to be tiny and space saving.

Little threaded inserts were developed that could be installed into thermoplastic materials by using electrically generated energy to heat the insert to above the melting point of the application material-providing a solution for mobile phone assembly.

Pull-through blind rivets were designed especially for the needs of Silicon Valley – flush setting on both sides of the application for neatness of appearance and to provide no interference with the electronics inside computer cabinets.

As the 21st century progresses, there is no doubt that the influences of technology will continue. Policies surrounding global warming are sure to have an affect too. Government directives relating to alternative energy provide new opportunities but also challenges to fastener suppliers.

Tapping into this emerging market will provide fastener companies with a more secure future. We have already seen a huge demand for fasteners from the solar energy industry in Spain as the Spanish government tries to meet a target of 12% from renewable energy by 2020.

More and more private home owners are installing solar panels on their roofs.

Not all of us are blessed with glorious Spanish sunshine but Northern European countries certainly have enough water and wind energy potential to make this sector worth keeping an eye on.

A friend of mine from the fastener world believes that trends in sheet metal fastening are also somewhat cyclical and that OEMs move from one fastener method to another and then back again depending on the economic drivers of the time.

These combined with the technology and environmental drivers described above ensure that we are in for an interesting future in the world of fastener development.

About the Author Helen Denby-Knight worked in the blind fastener industry for over 30 years and held positions in UK & European marketing. Now working as a freelance marketing consultant for business-to-business customers specialising in helping businesses to grow, Helen would welcome enquiries from Fastener + Fixing Magazine readers. e: helen@hdkmarketing.com w: www.hdkmarketing.com t: +44 (0)121 313 0844

EXPERTS IN COVERHEAD SCREWS

Our range is the most extensive anywhere.

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Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH

Unit 1 Charter Gate Clayfield Close Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton NN3 6QF GB Tel.: +44 1604 790 600 E-Mail: info.mubea.uk@mubea.com

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P.O. Box 120 57564 Daaden Germany

www.mubea-disc-springs.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Innovative solutions for aerospace SACMA Group says that it offers the best solution for the aerospace market with its warm forming headers, which allow production of fasteners made by special materials.

T

he special materials that SACMA is able to offer includes titanium alloys (Ti3, 5Al2V and Ti6Al4V), light alloys (2000 and 6000 series), nickel superalloys (waspalloy, incoloy and inconel), as well as stainless steels (A286 and A310).

SACMA supplies the WF Headers with a set of standard features permitting to manage the production automatically by PLC and interface touch screen panel control. The standard features include: • Induction coils from 30KW to 130KW depending of the size of the machine.

• Coolant liquid system for the cut-off station, die block, and frame.

• Double induction coil (option) for pre-heating the wire to a middle working temperature.

• Spot heating when it is necessary to heat only the wire portion to be caulked.

• Integrated fire extinguishing system, with flame detection sensors and CO2 spray nozzles.

• Automatic motorised adjustments of the positioning of the stock gage tip and of the threaded sleeve, allowing corrections of the cut-off blank length and of the position of the die ejector pins, during production without stopping the machine.

SACMA highlights that to complete the equipment of its warm formers, the patented S-Feed System is supplied as a standard feature to feed the machine automatically and to pull back the wire when the machine stops in order to take back the wire from the induction coils.

“With this new device the operator has only to set-up the length of the blank on the SC-Matic Touch Screen Panel Control and the machine takes care of the over or lower wire feeding.

Another strategical point is the possibility to use the S-Feed in alternate blow mode to reduce the machine load.” www.sacmagroup.com

Rivnut Aero takes off A corrosion resistant, self locking fastener, capable of providing a load-carrying thread in sheet materials where there is access from one side only, has been created especially for aerospace applications by combining the fastening and aeronautical industry credentials of two well known Böllhoff products Rivnut blind rivets and Helicoil® wire thread inserts.

D

esignated the Rivnut Aero, Böllhoff explains that the fastener was developed to meet industry demands for an easy to use, reliable, non-turning blind captive nut that enables manufacturers and service engineers to quickly disassemble, replace, renew or retrofit parts on hollow or double-skin structures such as doors and access panels.

Approved for use on Eurocopter, the Rivnut Aero provides high resistance to rotation and movement between the aluminium and carbon fibre sheet materials widely used in the construction and maintenance of helicopters and other aircraft.

The fastener is based on Böllhoff’s benchmark Rivnut blind rivet nut product, together with a silver coated Helicoil® insert, which provides the locking thread for the bolt and prevents binding of the 316L stainless steel bolts, extensively used for assembly in the aviation sector.

To minimise the use of different part numbers the fastener

can accommodate variations in material sheet thickness of up to 2.5mm while offering flush fixing with assorted sizes and types of ISO J bolts.

In use Böllhoff says the Rivnut Aero is fail-safe, allowing the bolt to remain the weakest and cheapest component to replace within an assembly. Installation is quick, easy and repeatable.

A hole is created and countersunk (if required) prior to insertion of the Rivnut using proven tooling with depth and torque preset controls. During assembly a mandrel engages with the Helicoil insert and pulls the Rivnut up to form a retaining collar.

Böllhoff highlights that the design and ultimate reliability of Rivnut Aero has been tested using FMEA – (Failure Mode Effects Analysis). A step by step approach to identifying failures in design, manufacturing or assembly processes - which involved detailed proving of Böllhoff’s installation tools, kit inserts and operating processes.

134 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Alcoa on Mars Image © NASA/JPL-Caltech

Alcoa Fastening Systems has helped advance space exploration another step recently when NASA’s Curiosity rover landed on Mars following its 352 million mile journey from Earth.

C

uriosity is a car-sized, six-wheeled robot made mostly of aluminium, which makes the craft light, durable and fast. Incorporated into the assembly of Curiosity are high-strength precision aerospace fasteners manufactured by Alcoa Fastening Systems in California. Inconel 718 bolts and standard hexagon nuts produced at Alcoa’s Newbury Park facilities and Keensert inserts manufactured at Alcoa’s Torrance plant were used in the construction of the rover.

Alcoa’s high-strength fasteners connect the many structural components and attach equipment securely to the vehicle, and the threaded inserts are essential in transferring high tension and high loads into the lightweight base structure. Both the

Inconel 718 bolts and hexagon nuts can withstand temperatures of up to 1,200°F (650°C). Alcoa highlights that the Inconel 718 bolts also have excellent strength properties at elevated temperatures making them ideal for spacecraft, rocket motors, and turbines.

“All Alcoans should be proud of our latest contribution to this milestone in human history,” said Alcoa chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “From Kitty Hawk to Mars and beyond, Alcoa solutions have helped shape every major advance in aviation. More than 90% of aerospace alloys in use today were invented by Alcoa, and our fasteners, forgings or other products can be found on virtually anything that flies.”

Starlock Starlock PUSH-ON PUSH-ON FASTENERS FASTENERS

Precision Pressings Baker & Finnemore Limited, 199 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1SN, UK Tel: +44 (0) 121 236 2347 Fax: +44 (0) 121 236 7224 e-mail: sales@bakfin.com Baker & Finnemore Limited, 199 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1SN, UK Tel: +44 (0) 121 236 2347 Fax: +44 (0) 121 236 7224 e-mail: sales@bakfin.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

AvioTech specialists in titanium fasteners More than twenty years of know-how and technological experience in producing fasteners in titanium and light alloys has enabled LLS, based in Brescia, Italy, to begin operating in the aeronautical industry.

T

he aeronautical sector is highly strategic and requires competence, specific certifications and special quality control tools.

LLS specialises in start-to-finish manufacture: cold and hot forging, a turnery for fine and small diameter machining, transfer machine and multiple heads for machining mass-produced components, laser and water jet cutting. The company is equipped with electrocolour technology for screws, nuts and bolts in titanium and aluminium Al 7075. Hardening heat treatments are carried out internally.

LLS has invested in machinery for particularly sophisticated quality controls and is developing specific technology for the aeronautical industry, thanks to contacts with Alenia and Boeing.

The company possesses a certificate for quality management system, in accordance to the UNI EN 9100:2009 standard, valued according to the requirements of standard EN 9104 and Technical Regulation Sincert RT-18 for the manufacturing of titanium and aluminium alloys, special alloys, nickel-based superalloys, screws, nuts and small parts, according to standard specifications or customer requirements for aerospace applications. The company also possesses certification according to AQMS.

Aerospace fastening solutions For companies considering the specification of Spirol engineered fastening solutions, for aerospace applications, a new guide is available.

H

igh Performance Solutions for Aerospace Applications details the vast potential applications for the specification of Spirol products within both safety critical aerospace assemblies and many other applications.

Spirolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products and services are based on a philosophy of offering a lower installed cost for its fastenings than its competitors. Spirol points out that its engineered fasteners can also provide a potentially technical superior solution with coiled pins, threaded inserts, compression limiters, slotted and solid pins representing just some of the products suitable for aerospace fastening applications.

Free engineering support and application advice is also available from Spirol to aerospace industry suppliers. www.spirol.com

ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Supplying Full Range of

Quality Fasteners Since 1980

Sin Hong Hardware Pte. Ltd. No. 3 Kian Teck Crescent, Singapore 628881 Tel: +65-6265 1555 Fax: +65-6265 0555 exportsales@sinhong.com.sg http://www.sinhong.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Fastening CRP materials The automotive industry makes wide use of carbon fibre enhanced plastics (CFRP or CRP).

CRP is extremely strong, lightweight, and energy saving. When considering a fastening solution for CRP, engineers require durable fasteners to create a secure joint but without damaging or deforming the material or slowing down the production line.

O

rnit Blind Rivets offers a wide product range of structural rivets of suitable materials, including aluminium and stainless steel, ideal for fastening carbon fibre enhanced plastics.

Ornit’s structural breakstem fastener Orlock comes in a range of diameters, head types and materials. Ornit explains that Orlock’s extra large head spreads bearing loads over a large area, so it will not damage or deform the joint material but still create a secure, vibration resistant joint.

When carbon fibre composites are cut, the fibres are exposed and risk moisture absorption that weaken and add weight to the structure. Ornit’s Orlock double locking system locks the mandrel in the rivet body, creating a water resistant joint. Orlock is also available in corrosive resistant materials such as stainless steel and aluminium.

Ornit is presently involved in a project with a leading German car manufacturer, using Orlock fasteners to fasten aluminium plates to CFK plates.

Ornit is also part of a project with the largest transportation operator in Israel to install stands made from carbon fibre enhanced plastics for electronic display boards. The design requires the fasteners to be lightweight, to fill possible oversized holes and create a secure, vibration resistant joint. Ornit offers

the structural, lightweight fastener - Or-Bulb.

Or-Bulb is an aluminium alloy fastener with a three wing split tail. Or-Bulb forms a large blind side area, spreading the bearing load so it does not damage or deform the joint material. Or-Bulb also effectively fills oversized and irregular holes.

Ornit’s R&D department continues to work on developing new products and enhancing existing products for fastening CPR materials, in turn increasing the range of its products for these types of applications. www.ornit.com

ORLOCK stainless steel joining aluminium plates to CFK plates

Camlock protects cash on luxury cruise liner The crew of the new cruise liner Queen Elizabeth have the benefit of making cashless payments with a rechargeable payment card, with a lock manufactured

by Camlock Systems Ltd keeping the money safe.

T

he Queen Elizabeth sailed on its maiden voyage in 2011 and combines luxurious accommodation and ornate décor with the latest technology. The ship can accommodate over 2,000 passengers and a crew of over 1,000.

Security problems might arise if each member of the crew had to carry money around with them and to hand over cash for each transaction.

This is why a Xen4 cabinet from Protouch Solution Ltd was developed. Each crew member simply inserts his or her payment card into one of the machines and charges it using cash. After topping up the card can be used for day to day expenditure on board.

In order to protect the cash in the kiosks Protouch selected the P491 high security pushlock, designed and manufactured

by Camlock Systems.

The mechanism of this lock uses Camlock’s patented ‘Octagon’ system that Camlock says offers a major advantage in preventing unauthorised access with a duplicate key. A unique key combination is available for keyed alike suites of this robust and highly durable lock, which can be registered to provide the highest level of key control.

140 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

P R O D U CT S

PSM extends range Following the launch of its TRI-STEP™ insert for plastics range, PSM has released a thin-walled reduced diameter range for applications where space is at a premium.

T

he new thin-walled range is available in thread sizes from M2 to M8, in two standard lengths and in a variety of materials. It offers further design benefits such as a lower fastener installation time and a lower in-placed cost compared to currently available fasteners. The thin-walled TRI-STEP can be used as a value-added replacement to the current Sonic-Lok® insert. Both of the PSM TRI-STEP designs are protected by a granted UK patent as well as a PCT international patent application.

PSM launched its TRI-STEP insert earlier this year. Made from aluminium or brass, it is designed for heat or ultrasonic installation into thermoplastic materials. Its design offers the benefits of both tapered and parallel inserts which incorporates two diameters of opposing helical knurls along with a series on annular vanes.

PSM points out that the aluminium TRI-STEP insert offers a 66% weight reduction and typically a 20% cost saving compared to traditional brass fasteners, whilst reducing installation time and improving in-hole alignment and location.

Nick Price, PSM operations director said: “From the standpoint of customer benefit, the TRI-STEP represents one of the most compelling breakthroughs in insert technology in decades. With the TRI-STEP, we’re not just selling a product, we’re helping our customers reduce cost and improve their manufacturing process. That is truly a rewarding proposition and a win-win for both parties.” www.psminternational.com

BASF expands centre of competence BASF has expanded its coating centre by adding a tailor-made and flexible laboratory coating and laminating facility.

T

he new centre facilitates the development of adhesive systems for flexible packaging, labels, tapes and functional film coatings. It increases the capacity for customer tests and speeds up the development of new products as well as the adaption of existing adhesive formulations to new carrier materials.

Dr Jürgen Pfister, head of dispersions for adhesives and fibre bonding Europe, said: “By expanding our coating centre we are able to further strengthen our technical leadership and innovation power when it comes to water-based adhesive systems and UV acrylic hotmelts. Our mission is the long-term success of our customers.”

The universal laboratory coater produces exact, reproducible coatings of water-based and UV acrylate hotmelt systems, only requiring a minimum quantity of one

kilo of adhesive. The pre-treatment and lamination of a variety of film combinations is possible without any problems.

The centre of competence for adhesive coatings is located in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the global headquarters of BASF. The coating experts closely cooperate with all relevant BASF R&D centres for adhesive raw materials and the respective regional business units. The competences and experiences of those who work in technical service, development, research and laboratory are assembled here.

To further drive innovation, BASF invests every year more than 800,000 euros in the modernisation and maintenance of its adhesive coating facilities. Andree Dragon, technical manager of the coating centre said: “Together with our customers we are working today on solutions to tomorrow’s problems.”

K-Series® registered as trademark Having used the brand name of K-Series® for more than 5 years to market its range of Setzmuttern (press nuts), Lancaster Fastener has been successful in registering the trademark.

K

-Series Setzmuttern offers a permanent female thread in sheet steel and in some plastic applications that are too thin to be tapped by conventional methods. Designed specifically for use in applications with a minimum sheet thickness of 1mm, when installed, K-Series Setzmuttern offer a metric female thread for attaching metric externally threaded fasteners.

K-Series Setzmuttern can be easily installed into the parent material without the need for specialist tooling. When inserted the underhead shank serrations of the Setzmuttern provide a permanent thread with a high prevailing torque and a resistance to turning.

Lancaster Fastener offers from stock K-Series Setzmuttern in all of the standard spigot lengths in addition to intermediate and long spigot lengths that are suitable for use in thicker sheet steel or plastic applications. Stocked sizes are available in RoHS 2 compliant zinc plated (CR3) carbon steel and now A2 – stainless steel.

142 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

American and British

inch sized screws USA - fasteners

Screw thread types:

Over 30 years experience in trading and in supplying customers with inch sized fastening items.

Don´t hesitate to ask us – We shall be pleased to help you.

Peter Schröder GmbH Silcherstr. 38 • D-74172 Neckarsulm Telephone: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-0 Facsimile: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-60 info@schroederschrauben.de www.schroederschrauben.de

Sheet Metal Fasteners

Inserts for plastics

Flangeform®

Tri-step®

PSM International Ferry Lane, Pembroke, South Wales, SA71 4RE, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1646 683 501 • Fax: +44 (0) 1646 687 251 email: europe@psminternational.com • web: www.psminternational.com

Spirol provides alternative to screws Spirol Industries has provided a latch manufacturer with drive studs as an alternative to self-tapping screws for a new assembly.

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he manufacturer had designed a compartment door latch housing to mate with a mounting plate to hold the latch securely in the door. The existing design relied on four self-tapping screws to fasten the steel mounting plate to the zinc die-cast latch body. However, it was recognised that this was not the most effective method for mass production.

After a technical review of the performance requirements, Spirol recommended its series HP210 flat head helical knurl drive stud. This would provide maximum pull out resistance and could easily be fed and oriented, facilitating automated assembly with a relatively simple installation machine.

Spirol explains that drive studs provide an excellent alternative to screws when simplification of an assembly is required for a permanent assembly. The assembly’s host material of die-cast zinc is also an ideal match for Spirol’s low carbon steel pin.

Since this component would not be exposed to significant atmospheric corrosion, Spirol recommended phosphate and rust preventive oil coating as the most cost effective surface treatment for mildly corrosive environments, as it offers 72 hours to base metal corrosion.

“We offered the customer the ideal permanent joining solution and also recommended both the hole depth and hole diameter in order to maximise pin performance and component longevity over the life of the application. Our solution could be easily automated offering optimum manufacturing efficiency and lowering the total installed cost of the door latch assembly.” www.spirol.com

P R O D U CT S

3M launches training programme for distributors 3M has launched an interactive training programme for distributors of its industrial adhesives and tapes division.

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he three-stage modular programme has been developed for all levels of learning, from introductory to advanced and combines online learning techniques with hands-on demonstrations and laboratory sessions with 3M technical specialists.

Mike McCarthy, general sales and marketing manager of the 3M industrial adhesives and tapes division, explained: “We recognised that our distributors value our support in understanding 3M’s broad and constantly evolving portfolio of adhesives and tapes. It is crucial that our distributors thoroughly understand the technology behind our products, so they can provide the right recommendations to the end customer and optimum results can be achieved. The training offers a distributor a focused approach and is designed to optimise the value and pace of the sales process for both the distributor and the end user.”

Mike continues: “The programme offers a combination of product and sales tips and has been tailored for trainees at three levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. The first module is an online product training module which can be completed in the trainee’s own time via the 3M extranet site; the second is focused on hands-on product demonstrations and sales techniques, and the third allows trainees to visit the 3M laboratories to really understand the science behind the products and gain invaluable, in-depth product knowledge.”

“Our distributors can join the training programme at the stage they feel is most appropriate, depending on their existing knowledge and experience, and it can be completed quickly and simply.” The 3M tapes and adhesives training programme will be running for the rest of 2012 and into 2013.

Bring on harsh operating environments Now available in high grade 17-4 stainless steel, Jergens Ball Lock® quick-change mounting and fixturing system can now provide a long service life when installed in the most extreme operating environments.

J

ergens say that its Ball Lock® fixturing system is the first to be produced in high grade stainless steel. This move was driven by customers wanting to extend the benefits of Ball Lock® quick change and precision locking technology within corrosive, wet, caustic and similarly harsh manufacturing environments.

This development also enables the system’s stainless steel shanks, face or back-mount receiver bushings and liners to be used in NSF-regulated, medical-grade, and other purity-stringent manufacturing environments.

Jergan explains that Ball Lock’s popularity among both fixture builders and machine tool operators stems from its ability to locate fixtures onto machine tables. The ability to lock and unlock Ball Lock shanks in seconds permits the exchange of fixtures in less than a minute, with a position repeatability and accuracy of +/-0.013mm or better.

The Ball Lock system utilises a patented locking technology to securely hold fixture plates to subplates with up to 9,000kg of hold-down force per shank. Fixtures can also be quickly exchanged between different machines when both use Jergens Ball Lock mounting system.

“The benefits of using the Ball Lock system include: fast setups and changeover; powerfully strong holding forces; the combination of locking and locating in the same motion; and the elimination of the need for indicating on CNC machines.”

A complete range of stainless steel Ball Lock® accessories are also available.

146

Bäcker offer more variety The times when quality and functionality was all that counted are long since past, even for accessories and standard parts.

Nowadays, manufacturing industry demands not only quality but above all as much variety as possible plus exceptional designs in order to achieve greater brand sales and distinctiveness.

New Everbuild wood adhesives Following the installation of a new state of the art polymerisation plant, Everbuild Building Products, a UK manufacturer of sealants and adhesives, has introduced two new white glue wood adhesives for the furniture and joinery industries.

5

B

äcker GmbH & Co KG of Erndtebrück-Schameder, Germany, a provider of plastic control elements and metal and standard parts, has already reacted to this change in trend with its new product catalogue. Original design ideas and fresh colours and shapes dominate the newly aligned product range of plastic control elements.

“Whether star grips in elegant wind turbine design or knurled screws in bright orange, almost all our products can be supplied in any shape and colour desired, as well as special shapes to customers’ specifications.

Printed lettering or logos can be arranged.”

The catalogue with more than 200 pages is directly available from Bäcker on request or can be downloaded as a PDF document from its website. www.baecker.eu

And The Winner is: Fast delivery, proven quality, full range of products

02 wood adhesive is a D3 high solids, PVAc formula conforming to EN204(D3) and BS EN14256 for stress resistance. It is also fast setting with initial cure in just 10 minutes; it dries clear and is available in 1 tonne totes, as well as 25 and 5 litre containers.

526 wood adhesive is a D2 joinery and furniture adhesive that conforms to EN204(D2) and BS EN14256 for stress resistance, with added body making it ideal for joint and gap filling. It dries light beige and is available in 1 tonne totes, as well as 25 and 5kg containers.

Both products are available from Everbuild alongside similar D1 and D4 white glues. www.everbuild.co.uk

PLASTIC - METAL - STANDARD ELEMENTS

Dimensions > Metric ISO 8752 Heavy Duty > Metric ISO 13337 Light Duty > Inch Series - Heavy Duty > Metric ASME (IFI)

Please contact us for a free catalogue Spannstiftstraße 2 D-58119 Hagen T. +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de

Anz.E_Schach_FF_92x135.indd 1

www.jvu.de

30.03.11 14:49

Bäcker GmbH & Co. KG Industriegebiet Jägersgrund 8 D-57339 Erndtebrück - Schameder Tel.: +49 (0) 27 53 / 59 50-0 Fax: +49 (0) 27 53 / 59 50-44 www.baecker.eu E-Mail: info@baecker.eu

P R O D U CT S

What do you call it?

Allthread, studding, threaded rod or bar – it’s always been described in a variety of ways and has always been stocked by Martyn Price Fasteners. Historically threaded bar has been produced in mild steel, now there is a demand for allthread in various threads, material grades and lengths.

T

he Martyn Price Fasteners’ philosophy of providing popular Metric sizes and adding to its range the more difficult items, has been applied to studding. Martyn Price stock one, two and three metre lengths and the corresponding Imperial lengths and diameters up to M42.

Along with Metric, Martyn Price stocks American UNC, British BSW and BSP. In addition to mild steel, high tensile steel grades 8.8 and 10.9, brass, and stainless steel in both A2 and A4, is also stocked. As well as the normal plain black and electro zinc plated finishes Martyn Price offers a full range with a hot dip spun galvanised coating. To complement studding the company can also provide studding connectors with all the different threads, materials and finishes. It can also rework studding, cut it to any length, drill and machine or work in any way customers require.

“If it is an oddball, special to drawing, bastard length, unusual finish or needs cutting, tapping, drilling or reworking, then it’s in a normal days work for Martyn Price Fasteners. We stock products in American and British Inch threads and a full Metric range; reinforcing our slogan: Fastener people with the stock and knowledge to solve every requirement no matter how unusual.” www.martynprice.co.uk

Innovative tamperproofing for sensitive equipment Arnold Umformtechnik, a manufacturer of innovative fastener systems, has developed the LocTec® screw drive; a new tamper-proof fastener system that cannot be loosened using conventional means, providing maximum security.

T

he LocTec system combines special screw drive geometry with a special assembly tool, making it impossible to loosen or remove fasteners without destroying the joint. The screw head has a special drive recess that only allows the fastener to be screwed in with a matching tool.

The flank shape of the drive recess makes it impossible to loosen the screw after assembly, even with the special tool. Attempting to do so causes the tool to rotate out of the screw head on its own. Dismantling is only possible by drilling out the screw or cutting a slot in the screw head. Both options void the warranty, and they hinder theft due to the considerable amount of noise generated by these processes.

Arnold highlights that other security measures, such as ball bearings, locknuts or thread locking compounds, are no longer necessary leading to enormous cost savings. There is no need to modify the fixing device, the joint or the process technology. The LocTec system can be supplied with design features tailored to individual customer requirements and is available for commonly used types of screws and nuts.

Acument masterlicensee for new ClearDrive® fastener Acument® Global Technologies Inc and ITW Shakeproof, both suppliers of mechanical fastening technology, have entered into a master-licensee agreement for ITW’s new ClearDrive® fastener feature.

A

s master-licensee, Acument is authorised to license the ClearDrive feature with its own licensed products such as TORX® and TORX PLUS® drive systems, to third parties. The ClearDrive feature is available for licensing to qualified suppliers at this time.

When combined with the TORX or TORX PLUS recess, the ClearDrive feature dramatically reduces the occurrence of recess fill, associated with the most common organic coatings applied using the dip-spin process. The ClearDrive feature, designed to eliminate drivability issues for the end user, allows for improved quality and consistency of coated parts. Benefits of improved productivity and reduced costs as a result of less handling, rework, sorting and scrap are shared by the applicator, fastener supplier and end user. The ability to convert away from higher cost electroplates is another advantage the ClearDrive feature provides.

“We are excited to partner with ITW to promote this new generation of TORX and TORX PLUS products with the ClearDrive feature. The benefits, specifically cost savings a fastener manufacturer can realise, are phenomenal,” said Marty Bieschke, director of intellectual property and licensing for Acument.

148 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 77 September 2012

PROTECTION & FASTENERS Rapid product search

For all your Sheet Metal Fasteners Self-clinching, self-broaching, rivet bushes and tools.

Technical Sales Support

Catalogue free on request

Quality Product From Stock UK Regional & International Offices Flexible Supply Solutions call now to speak to our expert team

+44 (0)845 643 9024

www.tfcsheetmetal.com

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®

BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse Carl-Sonnenschein Str.22, D- 59348 Lüdinghausen Tel : 02591 / 91 94-0 - Fax : 02591 / 59 77 bulte@bulte.com

06/09/10 07:46

P R O D U CT S

Double torsion springs – no problem William Hughes has invested in the latest CNC technology machines to fully automate the production process of double torsion springs.

F

or many applications double torsion springs perform better than single and as a result they are widely used in the automotive industry. Typical applications include door handles, seat adjustment mechanisms and console lids. So when a manufacturer of seat and car interior parts needed a double torsion spring for the door handles of a popular small car, it approached William Hughes as one of its preferred suppliers.

The application engineers at William Hughes used their knowledge and expertise to design the spring to meet the exacting specification of the car manufacturer, whilst ensuring that the spring would be easy to manufacture using William Hughes’ CNC machinery.

The spring is used inside the car to return the handle to its normal position and is specially designed to make assembly into the car mechanism easy.

Despite the complex shape of the central section of the double torsion spring, very little tooling was required.

William Hughes explains that by making the spring in two fully automated stages, the difficult central section was easily formed to provide a spring that is compact, cost effective and which encompasses the right performance characteristics and durability. The final stage of the process is to finish and protect the springs using an organic and environmentally friendly anti-corrosion paint containing zinc flake.

William Hughes specialises in the design and manufacture of all types of compression, tension and torsion springs and bent wire components for automotive, aerospace and industrial applications.

“Stringent quality checks to ISO 9001:2008 and TS 16949, combined with the latest design, production and distribution techniques ensure continuity of supply, rapid delivery and competitive prices across the range”.

HB.indd 1

27.12.2010 12:17:06

P R O D U CT S

tesa®’s new range offers performance and aesthetics With 75 years of experience manufacturing and marketing adhesive tapes, tesa® has long been extoling the dual virtues of performance and aesthetics available to the architectural community through the use of its double-sided tapes.

T

he introduction of tesa’s latest range, tesa ACX , has, tesa says, reinvigorated this dialogue because these technologically advanced products compensate for uneven surfaces and the differential thermal expansion of materials extremely well. Specifiers can add to this outstanding resistance to static and dynamic forces plus the ability to withstand temperature and climatic variations.

This check list of product attributes provides reassurance in performance terms and the range of applications extends from relatively ‘lightweight’ functions such as internal trim, to much more challenging areas such as exterior façade panels, signage and solar modules, where the dead weight of the units and aging stability throughout seasonal weather patterns provide a much tougher assignment.

Panel bonding is a virtually ubiquitous requirement in modern commercial, retail and industrial premises. tesa highlights that for both indoor and outdoor applications, tesa ACXplus products offer a significant additional benefit and that is in the matter of aesthetics.

Concealed mounting with the use of double-sided tapes offers the architect a seamless finish where recessed or butted-up panels can be fitted without loss of line and form. Typical examples of this are on façade panels, where the entrance and frontage of buildings require a clean, uncluttered finish. They can also be in specific applications such as decorative door panels and elevator panels, often encountered in reception and public access areas of buildings, where the ambience is of particular importance. “tesa ACXplus tapes are based on high-performance acrylates and have been developed with constructive long-term bonding in mind. For architects and specifiers they offer a combination of functionality and aesthetic integrity which is especially relevant.” plus

Solid mounting of protecting bumper rails to walls or furniture Concealed mounting of aluminium composite panels to metal sub-structures

Invisible bonding of decorative panels to doors

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest . . .

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

Fax:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8570

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

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 And many more . . .

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

Special at specials Unifast provides cost savings to customers, manufacturing captive nuts and quick acting fasteners in addition to a wide range of special fasteners.

S

pecial fasteners are core to Unifast’s expertise, which uses specialised design skills, market knowledge and leading edge technology to develop and manufacture products for individual applications.

Unifast services includes: • Full CAD design and modelling.

• Manufacturing bespoke parts to CAD models or drawings.

• Supplying special purpose machines/systems.

• Providing full on-going support and training.

Unifast emphasises its consistent success in re-engineering existing or obsolete parts, simplifying processes, improving functionality and reducing both process time and production costs. “We work closely with our customers understanding both their needs and the demands of a competitive marketplace,” it says. “We understand the challenges they face and our innovative team helps them solve those challenges providing the right information, getting the right product and achieving significant savings.”

All Unifast’s products are manufactured in accordance with ISO/TS 16949:2009 and the company is certified to UNI EN ISO 9001:2008.

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ACT (FASTENERS & COMPONENTS) LIMITED T: +44 (0)1902 791880 F: +44 (0)1902 791884 E: info@actfasteners.co.uk W: www.actfasteners.co.uk Units 13 & 16, Four Ashes Industrial Estate, Station Road, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton WV10 7DB, UK.

15/6/11 10:50:42

P R O D U CT S

New watertight HX Tubtara® in stainless steel In response to customer demand, Dejond has developed a stainless steel version of the watertight HX Tubtara®.

T

his closed end hexagonal blind rivet nut features a flat cylindrical head with an underhead o-ring seal. The new stainless design of the HX is available in both 304 and 316 stainless steel.

The special HX head type ensures metal-to-metal contact after setting, therefore assuring spin out resistance. The underhead seal provides protection against ingress of fluids, moisture, oil or dirt, even under high pressures. The concept guarantees a well-functioning seal away from the possible burrs at the drilled hole in the plate.

Standard o-ring seal material is NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), also known as Buna-N. For applications requiring specific pressure, thermal resistance or chemical compatibility, other o-ring seal materials can be offered as well (e.g. EPDM, VITON®, Silicone).

“Initially developed for a specific automotive application, the watertight HX Tubtara can be used in a wide variety of markets and applications,” says Dejond. “The steel version became a successful standard part many years ago, and is now available in 3 sizes and 2 surface treatments. The steel HX design has proven very successful in pressure applications up to 10 bar.”

Samples of the stainless HX in 304 and 316 are available in M8.

Other dimensions will be developed later or on request.

Wer rastet …

… der rostet!

Abbey Clamps.................................. 15

M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd.................... 27

ACT Fasteners & Components Ltd.... 153

MacDermid Plc................................ 93

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co. KG...............51

Martyn Price Ltd.............................. 17

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co.............117

Masterfix Products .........................117

Alca Fasteners Ltd..........................151

Mecavit Srl....................................... 19

Alfran Fasteners Ltd...................... 138

Merlin Business Software............. 114

Allbolts............................................111

MKT.................................................. 69

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Inc,...... 23

Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH............ 133

Ambrovit SRL................................... 13

Multiple Overseas Exports................11

Autonic Engineering Ltd.................. 39

Nakashimada Engineering Works... 95

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd........ 152

National Machinery...........................81

Bäcker GmbH & Co. KG..................147

ND Industries................................. 104

Baker & Finnemore....................... 136

Nord-lock......................................... 55

Bendfast Ltd....................................111

Nordic Metalblok SRL........................ 4

Berardi Bullonerie SRL................... 39

Norm Civata AS................................ 45

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co.Ltd................41

Norma.............................................. 43

Bierbach GmbH & Co. KG.................61

omniTechnik..................................... 97

Birlik Baglanti.................................. 57

Ornit................................................. 37

Bossong........................................... 67

Pee-Wee......................................... 104

Bralo................................................... 5

Peter Schröder GmbH................... 143

Brighton Best.......... 10, 12, 14, 16, 156

Pinstructure..................................... 15

Bülte Plastiques SA....................... 149

Precision Technology Supplies...49, 131

Can-Eng Furnaces International... 109

Prelok............................................... 29

Carlo Salvi Spa................................ 77

Pressed Parts.................................. 97

Ching Chan Optical Technology..... 105

PSM International.......................... 143

Degometal.......................................101

Ray Fu............................................ 150

Diager SA....................................... 124

Reyher.............................................. 15

Don Quichotte B.V.............................71

Rivelit ................................................ 7

Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH............ 3

Rivit Srl........................................... 155

DS Fasteners................................. 109

Rosmil Industrial............................. 67

EDP................................................ 112

Rotor Clip Ltd................................. 113

EFC International............................137

Sacma.............................................. 83

Everbuild Building Products Ltd...... 68

Saima Corporation......................... 144

Everest Overseas........................... 149

San Shing Fastech Corp.................. 75

Fastbolt.............................................. 2

Schäfer + Peters GmbH..................... 1

Fastener Expo China (Shanghai)..... 87

Schnorr GmbH................................. 39

Fastener Fair ................................. 153

SD Products Ltd................................31

Fastener Fair Brasil..........................31

Shanghai Fast Fix Rivit.................... 85

Fastener Fair China....................... 122

Shanghai Rivet Manufacture.......... 115

Fastener Fair India........................... 37

Sheh Kai Precision Co Ltd............... 80

Fastener Fair Russia.......................111

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd......... 125

Fastener Fair Stuttgart...................107

Sin Hong Hardware Pte Ltd........... 139

Fixi.................................................... 70

Sipa SRL..........................................151 Smith-Bullough Ltd........................117

Seit über 40 Jahren ruhen wir uns nicht auf unseren Erfolgen aus, sondern wachsen beständig. Dabei stehen der Handel mit Verbindungselementen aus Edelstahl und C-Teile-Management im Mittelpunkt unserer Aktivitäten.

FK Moore & Sons........................... 133 G & B Fissaggi Srl............................ 65

SouthWind International ................. 79

Gesi Gewindesicherungs GmbH.....101

Spirol.................................................31

Zur Unterstützung unserer Vertriebsabteilung "Export" suchen wir eine/n

Global Engineered Products Ltd.....101

Stafa Group...................................... 35

Goebel GmbH................................. 119

Taizhou Jiaodian Imp & Exp............. 78

Graewe GmbH & Co.KG................. 113

Tecfi S.p.A....................................... 145

Verkäufer/in mit langjähriger

Vertriebserfahrung, vorzugsweise in unserer Branche.

Sie beherrschen von Angebotserstellung und Preisfindung über Auftragsabwicklung und Koordination bis hin zu AD-Unterstützung und Repräsentation alle Vertriebsaktivitäten. Auch Acquise und aktive Kundenansprache sind Ihnen nicht fremd, denn Sie können "verkaufen”.

Sie verfügen über eine kaufmännische Ausbildung und organisatorisches Geschick technisches Verständnis und gute Englisch-Kenntnisse in Wort/Schrift vorzugsweise auch weitere Fremdsprachen-Kenntnisse/Muttersprachen gute EDV-/MS-Office-Kenntnisse (gerne auch MS Dynamics/Navision) Sie sind es gewohnt Kunden eigenverantwortlich zu betreuen und wirtschaftlich zu denken selbstständig und initiativ, aber dennoch im Team zu arbeiten im Rahmen der Aufgabenstellung und Erfordernisse zu reisen All´ dies trifft auf Sie zu und Sie haben Lust, im Team eines modernen Unternehmen zu arbeiten?

Dann senden Sie bitte Ihre vollständigen Bewerbungsunterlagen an: Lederer GmbH Personalabteilung Katzbachstrasse 4 58256 Ennepetal Fon 02333-8309-0 www.lederer-online.com

Grime Boss...................................... 67

Tecno Impianti SRL........................ 102

Growermetal SRL.............................. 9

Test GmbH........................................ 79

Hafren Fasteners Ltd..................... 109

TFC Ltd........................................... 149

Harrison & Clough Ltd.....................21

Tillex - Fastex................................... 65

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG... 57

Titibi.................................................. 70

Heinz Soyer.................................... 133

Trojan.............................................. 138

Herbert Knoke GmbH & Co. KG...... 63

UBK spa..........................................141

Hexstone Group............................. 123

Vipa SPA........................................... 53

HS-Technik GmbH..........................121

voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH .... 103

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG........151

Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG.... 65, 97, 147

Italbolt Inox Service Srl.................... 76

Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc.............. 25

Jubilee Clips................................... 143

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH......... 99

Landmark Fasteners Pvt Ltd..........131

Wilh. Lüsebrink GmbH..................... 66

Lederer......................................20, 154

WPI Services B.V.............................. 79

Litmat SpA......................................131

Yi Tai Shen Co., Ltd........................ 135

London Screw Company Ltd.......... 144