Fastener + Fixing Magazine #72

In this November issue…

Fastener Fair Brasil report Light duty fixings Inspection packing technology

124 years

of progress in Hamburg

1887

1990

We`re looking forward to your call: +49 40 85363-0

2011

®

EVERYTHING · ALWAYS · RELIABLE www.reyher.de www.fastenerandfixing.com

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03.11.11 15:55 Issue 72 November 2011

NOT EVERY THREADED PRODUCT IS IN OUR RANGE

We focus on:

Hi Tensile Bolts & Setscrews

Hexagon Socket Head Screws

Self Tapping Screws

Self Drilling Screws

Threadforming Screws for Metal - TRITAP速

Threadforming Screws for Plastics - PLASFAST速

Machine Screws

Chipboard Screws

Mainland Europe Germany Phone +49 (0) 2565 93250 Fax +49 (0) 2565 932593

UK + Ireland United Kingdom Phone +44 (0)1908 650100 Fax +44 (0)1908 650101

Asia China Phone: +86 (0) 21-5836 2280 Fax: +86 (0) 21-5836 2279

w w w. f a s t b o l t . c o m info@ fastbolt.com

We Provide Total Solution.

SANSHING

Automotive Fasteners· Machinery· Toolings

Carbide

I SANSHINGI I 11.�-�� www.sanshing.com.tw

SAN SHING FASTECH CORP.

Tel: +886-6-230-9949 Fax: +886-6-330-3415 Email : machine.tool@mail.sanshing.com.tw

contents

38-39

88-97

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com

Inspection + packing

54-58

Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Claire Lake claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

Reyher: Heading for the future

Exclusive interview with Werner Deggim

46-48

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.

Copyright

xx Fastener Fair Brasil report 6

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2011.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

Annual subscription (6 issues) to non-trade and outside EU is €140.00

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e d i to r i a l

Recurring themes It’s never planned but often an issue of the magazine will reflect a series of recurring themes. This one is a case in point.

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he strongest theme is the disconnect between economists, financial traders and mainstream media’s predictions of economic doom and what is actually happening on the ground in the fastener industry. As normal, I have spent a lot of time in European factories and talked with several business leaders in their companies as well as at exhibitions and association meetings. Consistently, the response to questions about the economic outlook was that it was not, so far, reflected in the day to day trading and order books of fastener companies. OK, that may be tempting fate, and for sure everyone was taking precautions against a business fall off and fervently hoping it will not be another ‘slam into the wall’ experience. Without underestimating the severity of the Eurozone problems we do, though, appear to have talked our way into a downturn again. I don’t understand the practicalities, let alone the ethics, of short selling but we appear to be selling ourselves short in another sense - and real people and real businesses will, once again, take the pain.

One inevitable effect is for inventory throughout the supply chain to tighten. With storms brooding cash unquestionably is king. That tightening comes, though, at a time the vulnerability of supply chains to unexpected events has been highlighted as seldom before. In the wake of Fukushima came the catastrophic

floods in Thailand and further demonstrations of the complex interwoven and myriad-tentacle supply chain to automotive, electronic and other high volume manufacturing sectors.

Will these realisations of vulnerability be positive or negative for the fastener industry? There is a saying that no one understands the value of a fastener until it breaks or isn’t there. Hopefully, that means an opportunity to reinforce that value and underline the true cost of acquisition and the life cycle profitability of these vital components – another theme that occurs in this magazine. The risk, unfortunately, is of a deluge, not this time of water, but paperwork and administration as supply chain managers scurry to protect their rears.

One argument is that more reliable means shorter supply chains. The reality of European manufacturing costs, though, makes recognising the life cycle profitability of fasteners crucial.

The risks and costs of recalls, final customer dissatisfaction, loss of brand reputation must be constantly highlighted to resist the mantra of unit cost down. One other thought on supply chain risk.

Not all catastrophic supply stoppages are the result of natural disasters. As Peugeot Citroen and one of its major fastener suppliers discovered over recent weeks the implementation of a new computer system can generate just as shattering consequences.

CO N TE N TS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World .................................................................... 10-22 North America..........................................................................24-28 Asia............................................................................................ 30-32 Russia + CIS.............................................................................. 34-36 COVER STORY REYHER: Driven by tradition: heading for the future.............. 38-39

CATALOGUE RACK Germany................................................................................... 64-67 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY News.........................................................................................84-88 Inspection + packing................................................................ 88-94 Micro fastener measurement using 3D metrology................. 96-97

EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar............................................................................ 40 News......................................................................................... 42-44 Fastener Fair Brasil report......................................................46-50 NIFMSE report............................................................................... 52

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS News.....................................................................................128-130 RoHS 2: It may affect you…..................................................108-110 A True story........................................................................... 132-134 Cutting costs with industrial vending..........................................136

FACE2FACE Exclusive interview with Werner Deggim................................54-58

FOCUS ON Nuts, washers + locking systems.......................................... 98-102

INSIGHT New ownership at Max Mothes................................................ 60-62 Talking synergies and pre-engineering............................... 103-106

TECHNICAL The basics of bolted joints.................................................... 112-114

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS News......................................................................................... 68-74 HECO-UNIX - top floorboard screw.............................................. 76 BiERBACH - the brand for special nails....................................... 78 Sustainable anchoring.................................................................. 80 CFA doubles up.............................................................................. 82

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PRODUCT NEWS Application Technology news............................................... 116-126 Tools news............................................................................. 138-142 Products news...................................................................... 144-154 ADVERTISERS INDEX...................................................................154

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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NORMA Group on course for record performance Issuing its third quarter report NORMA Group AG confirmed its expectations that sales growth for the full financial year would be at the top end of the range.

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fter nine months of 2011 Group sales improved to 442 million euros, up 22% on the same period 2010. 16.4% of the growth was organic, with a further 7.4% coming from acquisitions. Adjusted EBITA rose to 80.1 million euros, an increase of 23.6% compared to the first three quarters of 2010. The adjusted EBITA margin was 18.1%.

Growth remained dynamic in the third quarter, Norma says, with sales improving 11.4% year on year to 145.8 million euros. “We were able to continue our successful growth path in the third quarter of 2011,” said Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “Demand for our joining technology solutions was even higher than we expected, across all customer segments and regions. Because of this, we have further specified our forecast for organic growth in the 2011 financial year from originally between 10% and 12% to now around 12%.”

Norma’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region (EMEA) delivered nine month sales of 287 million euros (65% of the Group total) up 14.6% on same period 2010. A new production facility opened in Serbia in the third quarter. American sales (North and South) improved 44.2% to 129 million euros, due to strong organic growth. Norma opened a new site in Brazil expanding its distribution activities in South America.

Asia-Pacific performance also remained “positive and highly dynamic”, with sales rising nearly 20% to 26 million euros for the nine months. Norma says facilities in Asia-Pacific, particularly in Thailand, will contribute significantly to the Group’s continued sales growth in the region.

For an exclusive interview with Werner Deggim, conducted prior to the release of these results, go to Page 54.

FinnvedenBulten reports 21.6% YTD growth In its interim report for January to September 2011 FinnvedenBulten reports net sales of SEK 2,282 million (250 million euros) up 21.6% on the same period last year.

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ccumulated profit after tax for the nine months was reported at SEK 85 million (9.3 million euros). Sales for the third quarter were up 19% on same period 2010 at SEK 704 million (77.5 million euros).

President and CEO, Johan Westman, commented: “Our business continued to progress positively in the third quarter, with a strong improvement in profitability compared with the same period last year. The organic growth of 19% in the quarter was driven by production increases in existing contracts and new businesses. We are monitoring the uncertainty in the financial market and the macroeconomic development to see how they affect our customers.

Meanwhile we have good operational and financial contingency plans for potential drop in demand. We still see good opportunities for growth through, for example, our initiatives in China and Russia.”

Fastener manufacturing division Bulten reported third quarter sales up 15.7% to SEK 412.3 million, with operating earnings at SEK 22 million. 2011 nine-month sales totalled SEK 1,307.6 million, representing about 57% of group total sales, with operating earnings of SEK 87.3 million. Bulten reported “continued good development with an increase in market share compared with last year” and said that new business opportunities had occurred thanks to unplanned restructuring activities in the automotive industry. The formation of a joint venture company with GAZ in Russia is said to be continuing according to plan, with final agreement expected at the beginning of 2012.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Bossard: Noticeable slowdown of the economy Reporting Quarter 3 Group results reflecting 3.9% sales growth in local currencies, Bossard Group warns of clear indications of a general slowdown of growth as well as declining PMIs worldwide.

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ositive growth rates in local currencies were reported for America (+10.7%) and Europe (+4.9%) but sales in Asia were down 7.2% year on year. Declining global demand has had an impact on export-oriented customers in this region, particularly those in the electronics sector.

Group sales for the third quarter of 2011 totaled CHF109.3 million (88.3 million euros), an increase of 3.9% in local currencies. However, with the strong appreciation of the Swiss franc against most other currencies, sales in the third quarter expressed in the Group’s accounting currency were down 8.5% year on year.

In the first nine months of 2011 Bossard Group reached sales of CHF361.7 million (292.2 million euros), an increase of 11% year on year in local currency. Sales expressed in Swiss Francs were, however, down 0.5%.

Bossard projects full year sales in the region of CHF460 million (371.6 million euros) and net income of some CHF40 million (32.3 million euros).

Fontana invests in US specials producer Grupo Fontana has committed US$65 million investment in its Lake Erie Special Fasteners subsidiary over a three year period.

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ontana bought Lake Erie in 2007. The LEP Special Fasteners operation is located in Frankfort, Indiana. The investment will include 30 new boltmakers, 3 new furnaces, and new inspection equipment leading to a doubling of current capacity and workforce.

LISI Quarter 3 sales up 25% French fastener group LISI recorded 16.7% organic growth in the third quarter and 25.4% increase overall - amounting to 233 million euros.

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ine months sales totalled 680 million euros compared with 567 million euros for the previous year same period.

280 million euros sales were generated by LISI Aerospace reflecting on target deliveries by both Boeing and Airbus. European forward orders reflect increased Airbus production expectations. While recovery has been confirmed for the division, says LISI, it will not be complete until its Torrance (USA) plant achieves a load level in line with installed capacity. In Europe the new LISI Creuzet division is reported to be benefiting from high levels of aerospace activity.

LISI automotive says vehicle demand remains “well oriented” especially in Germany, despite a slight slowdown expected in Quarter 4. LISI Automotive generated 344 million euros nine month sales, up 15.6% on same period 2010. Operating margins were impacted by the cost of resolving production problems in the spring, which LISI notes did not impact customer service.

Raw material costs have stabilised and even fallen slightly, says LISI, and negotiations to pass on costs have been completed.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Screws certified by:

Trento University Department of Mechanical and Structural Engineering

Ambrovit is one of Europe’s largest wholesale distributors of chipboard, self-tapping, self-drilling screws and bolts.

Thanks to its new automated warehouse, Ambrovit is now able to store around 20,000 ready-to-ship pallets as well as offer a Special Service to guarantee quick delivery.

AMBROVIT S.R.L. • 27026 Garlasco (PV) Italy - Via Giulio Natta, 29 • Ph. +39 0382 810280 - Fax +39 0382 810700 • sales@ambrovit.it - www.ambrovit.it

news

ForgeFix reports record sales UK distributor of fixings, fastenings and associated products, ForgeFix reports that it is 36.5% ahead of forecasted sales for the first nine months of the year.

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he company, which offers over 3,000+ product lines including screws, nails, bolts and drill bits, attributes its success to a combination of continued product innovation and a long standing commitment to providing the highest standards of service and support.

The business has added a number of new products to its range over the past twelve months. These include Dryline Pro which addresses the challenge of fixing heavyweight items into dot-and-dab walls, the popular Torxfast woodscrew and TileMax drill bits, which enable users to drill through tiles with greater precision and ease.

Mike Smith, sales and marketing director at ForgeFix, explains: “As a company, ForgeFix is fully committed to adding value to our customers by combining high quality products with innovative sales initiatives. Over the past year we’ve worked hard to maintain this commitment while also raising awareness of the brand through a sustained marketing campaign.”

ForgeFix has recently invested in a new 10,000 square foot warehouse. Situated next to the company’s existing warehouse, this will provide capacity for an extra 950 pallets and will enable the business to meet increasing demand for its products without compromising on service levels or its ability to offer next day deliveries. It has also taken on four additional members of staff to support its growth and to help further drive sales.

TR plans Malaysian acquisition Trifast plc has agreed conditional terms to acquire the entire issued capital of Power Steel and Electro-plating Works Sdn Bhd (PSEP), a privately owned Malaysian manufacturer and distributor of fasteners.

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he acquisition together with a bank facility drawdown and the placing of 21.6 million shares, aimed at raising £8 million, are subject to shareholder approval at a General Meeting to be held 13th December 2011. Just short of 4.5 million shares have been conditionally placed with two current substantial shareholders.

Trifast chairman, Malcolm Diamond, commented on the acquisition: “PSEP represents an excellent strategic fit for Trifast as PSEP operates as a manufacturer of highly engineered parts to the automotive, motorcycle and compressor industries. This will enable Trifast to offer a full range of threaded fasteners manufactured within the enlarged Group’s facilities to these industry sectors which the directors consider to be strategic for its global aspirations.”

He added: “The PSEP’s operational management team will benefit from Trifast’s global sales and marketing resources and will present opportunities beyond its current customer base, whilst simultaneously allowing Trifast access to PSEP’s client base. The acquisition of PSEP will enable the Group to increase the size of its overall business with negligible overlap with Trifast’s existing business and is consistent with Trifast’s strategy to grow by acquisition whilst capitalising on investment and organic growth opportunities. There is also a significant opportunity to grow the combined businesses in Asia by investing in new facilities, plant and machinery.”

Adolf Schnorr and Hugo Bauer merge Adolf Schnorr GmbH & Co. KG and Hugo Bauer Nachf GmbH have recently merged their professional competences into one company - Schnorr GmbH.

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ugo Bauer Nachf. GmbH (HBN) is a small but well known German manufacturer of disc springs with a long history and high reputation for quality products. HBN has been a member of the Schnorr group since 1995 operating as a separate entity.

In order to improve customer fulfilment, all operational activities were merged into one company - Schnorr GmbH. The new company will offer the full variety of SCHNORR and HBN products with one face to the customer.

“As a result of the two companies merging we now provides the highest flexibility in the marketplace. All variations of disc springs, (i.e. stamping, turning or fineblanking) offer the best solution for the specific demands of each single customer.”

The SCHNORR product line is completed by serrated safety washers and load washers.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Kee Safety acquires Easi-Dec Kee Safety Group Ltd, a global supplier of handrail, guard rail and roof edge protection systems, has announced the acquisition of Easi-Dec Access Systems Ltd, a UK supplier of access equipment for safe working at height.

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he Easi-Dec product range complements the existing Kee Safety portfolio and the acquisition brings into the Group innovative product design and manufacturing skills.

Chris Milburn, managing director of Kee Safety Group Ltd comments: “The purchase of such a well established business as Easi-Dec Access Systems Ltd represents a major opportunity for us to expand our working at height product portfolio. We believe the Easi-Dec products have great potential both in the UK and in our international markets and we will continue to invest in developing creative safety solutions for the global market sectors being targeted by Easi-Dec.” The purchase of Easi-Dec Access Systems Ltd adds a range of solar array installation systems, roofline and window access platforms, ladder safety equipment and industrial edge protection to the Kee Safety portfolio.

The Kee Safety Group portfolio includes Safe Fixings, which offers the versatile BeamClamp® and BoxBolt® steelwork fixing solutions widely used in curtain walling and other secondary steelwork applications.

TFC Group acquires Specialised Fastener Products TFC Europe Ltd, a supplier of technical fastener components to industry, has announced the acquisition of Specialised Fastener Products Ltd (SFP).

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ased in Colchester, Essex, SFP was established in 1989 by Paul & Sindy Jepp. Their focus was to provide threaded fastener technology to manufacturing by providing a complete design and application service for three main product ranges; sheet metal fasteners, electronic hardware, and threaded inserts for plastics, timber and metal.

Paul Jepp, director of SFP, will assume responsibility for the product management of the specialised fasteners within TFC and will assist the growing number of TFC business teams in offering these new products through existing sales channels.

Morgan Burgoyne, managing director of TFC Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Jepp and his team to the TFC family. The joint capabilities and vast expertise will create a strong foundation for both organic and strategic growth with new customers and in new markets. Existing SFP customers can be assured that the quality and service they expect will remain, if not enhanced by the benefits of TFC’s increased stock holding capacity, flexible supply solutions and additional product ranges.”

Doncasters appoints Tariq Jesrai as CEO Doncasters Group Ltd, the global precision engineering group owned by Dubai International Capital, has appointed Tariq Jesrai as chairman and chief executive officer.

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ariq Jesrai replaces Bill Ellis, who has resigned from the company to pursue other interests. Tariq was appointed chairman in May 2011 and will now, in addition, assume the role of chief executive officer.

David Smoot, chief executive officer, Dubai International Capital, commented: “Tariq has already made a significant contribution to Doncasters as chairman of the board.

We now want to bring his experience and dynamic management to bear in a ‘hands-on’ everyday capacity. As we grow the business Tariq’s leadership will ensure Doncasters continues to make strong progress across all its core markets.”

Tariq was previously chief executive officer of McKechnie Aerospace, directing the strategy, operations and integration of all McKechnie Aerospace companies. Prior to joining McKechnie Aerospace, he held senior management positions with Hartwell Corporation, Aeroquip-Vickers and Honeywell International.

Tariq Jesrai, chairman and CEO, Doncasters said: “Doncasters is a strong business with unique market positioning. The business has been reorganised and refocused and I am looking forward to working closely with the senior leadership team to take full advantage of the growth opportunities we see in many of our markets.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

If the world was a disc, it would be made by Pühl.

Maximum Efficiency Made in Germany: that’s Pühl!

We do not only manufacture a comprehensive range of washers according to standards (DIN, NFE, BS, SS, UNI, ASTM, etc.) but also special washers and stampings to drawing or sample for various branches of industries i.e. steel constructions, wind and solar energy, railway and road protection, etc. Everything is done with high requirements as regards to quality, logistics, efficiency and reliability.

Choose Pühl: said and stamped!

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Sinops Distribution moves to new premises Less than two years after opening for business, Sinops Distribution, based in Kendal, UK, has moved to larger premises in Milnthorpe. The move was to accommodate the volumes of stock Sinops’ now handles for its customers and to enable the company to offer customers its extensive stock range from one source, with an excellent delivery service.

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he new premises give the company the facility to stock in excess of 500 metric tonnes of product, making Sinops Distribution one of the largest stockists of threaded bar, fasteners and channel bracketry in the UK. Alongside the move to the new warehouse, the company has also invested in two brand new auto-feed cutting and chamfering machines, giving customers the option to buy cut studs, ready chamfered to their exact specifications.

David Brown, director of Sinops, says of the move: “Our business has grown significantly since we opened and will continue to do so in the future.

This move has enabled us to give customers a choice which they previously did not have. There are very few distributors who are able to provide the extensive range which we stock and, with our new cutting and chamfering machinery, we believe we have the very best offer for our customers.”

He adds: “The implications of this are significant for the distributor, as they are now able to source a wide range of high quality products, for delivery ex-stock, from one single supplier.”

At the same time as moving to new premises, Sinops has also acquired Global Diamond Tools Limited, offering a range of high quality diamond cutting blades and core drilling kits.

Performance Fasteners stocks up Following the purchase of the fastener manufacturing division of RPS Engineering (formerly known as Hydro Stainless) in June of this year, Performance Fasteners says it now has the stock purchased from RPS Engineering in place, identified, qualified and computerised.

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o compliment Performance Fasteners stock of special socket screws it is carrying more than 2,000 lines of BSF and Whitworth hex head bolts and sets, as well as imperial slotted products including countersunk, pan head, cheese heads and fillister heads, all in A2 and A4 grade stainless steel from stock.

“It’s taken a while but we are pleased to announce there is now over six tonnes of finished product available for next day delivery. With our two factory sites we are also able to manufacture any parts not available from stock,” says Cliff Roberts, joint director at Performance Fasteners.

TR: Start preparing now for RoHS 2 With the European Commission formally adopting an extension to the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, many more electronic devices will be impacted by the strict new regulations on the use of heavy metals and dangerous chemicals.

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hat’s the warning TR’s European business process manager, Jenni Morland, is issuing. The scope of RoHS 2 may take some manufacturers outside the recognised electronics sector by surprise. “This sector is aware of its need to comply with RoHS 2 and has been waiting for the publication of the new revision,” says Jenni. “However, manufacturers within other market sectors may be unaware of the regulation and the design and manufacture changes that it requires.”

She adds:“At TR Fastenings the products supplied are compliant with the original RoHS, therefore giving our customers the confidence that their products comply with the legislation. However we need to do more, and have initiated a process of actively partnering with our suppliers and customers to ensure we are able to supply products that meet the requirements of RoHS 2 in the timescales set for introduction of the legislation. The key to this is to provide our customers with a detailed risk assessment that reassures them that our products meet the standard.”

One of the main reasons for the introduction of RoHS 2 regulation is that recent surveys have uncovered that approximately 20% of products affected by the original regulations are still not RoHS compliant. As a result, RoHS 2 heralds a harder stance, with the EU environment commissioner Janez Potocnik stating that it will be unacceptable for manufacturers not to comply with the new regulation.

For Jenni Morland’s detailed evaluation of the implications of RoHS 2 turn to page 108.

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New era and strategy for CBM Britain’s biggest trade association for metalforming companies is set for a strategic shake-up, after the arrival of its new chief executive.

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ennis Kent is best known in the industry for transforming Leicester based Carlton Laser Services from a loss-making business with just fifteen workers, into a profitable venture employing five times that number, with high profile contracts throughout the UK and Western Europe.

Now, having sold Carlton to an MBO team, Dennis is eager for a new challenge, and has taken on the top job at the West Bromwich based Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM).

The affable engineer readily admits that the move wasn’t part of a grand plan, even though he has been a CBM member for six years, and represented the sheet metal sector on its executive board.

“I was invited to take part in the CBM’s strategic review, which began after the previous chief executive retired. I’ve never been one to do things half-heartedly, so I really got stuck into the research. It made sense to ask member companies what they

thought of the CBM, and what more they wanted it to do for them.

Then I started to talk to its own employees, from the directors right down to the kitchen staff. I needed to find out what made the place tick, to see if everyone’s skill-set was right, and to judge if they worked together as a team.”

Three months later, and Dennis had compiled a sizeable dossier of comments, suggestions and strategic options. “What pleased me most was that almost everyone thought the CBM was doing a really good job, but we did need to get closer to our customers. It was also clear that we had to raise our profile, and have more of a national presence,” he admitted.

Dennis thought his work was done…until the board invited him to implement the strategy which he had devised. “It was a bit of a surprise, but I didn’t think twice about accepting. I’m passionate about manufacturing, and given the economic climate it’s essential that we really fight our corner, so I was delighted to come on board.”

NORM Fasteners establishes R&D facility Leading Turkish fastener producers, Norm Fasteners Co., has received certification from the Ministry, Science and Technology for its R&D Centre.

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ORM now employs 64 young and dynamic R&D staff to drive a growing number of high added value, productoriented research and dvelopment projects.

In an age of intellectual property rights and expensive technology imports, R&D has been given its due importance in NORM’s strategy and identified as the best way to launch new products.

NORM Fasteners Co. Research and Development Centre, housed in a custom designed 871 square metre area contains a CAE office, laboratory and test centre as well as a prototype manufacturing workshop. Key responsibilities include design and product development, national and international new product design, patent and utility model researching, continuous improvement, strategic planning, technology and effectiveness, project management, die and model design, material and spare part development, and design verification and test.

Focus areas for the R&D Centre include: • Numerical simulation of fastener production.

• Creative and low cost solutions to customer problems.

• New product design and development.

• Process development.

• New measuring device design and production.

• New machine design and production.

• Mechanical, physical and microscopic investigation of fasteners and die materials.

• New materials for forging industry.

• Mechanical behaviour of fasteners in service conditions.

• Patent research.

NORM emphasises its respect for nature and the earth. The company is currently working on environmental friendly projects and aims to minimise energy consumptions for production and save energy to reduce CO2 emissions. The company also supports education and scientific councils and founds scholarships.

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WASI assures quality at manufacturer in Asia In the context of quality assurance and process enhancement WASI is intensifying the cooperation in Asia to inspect and optimise manufacturing of stainless steel fasteners on-site.

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irk Kiele-Dunsche, managing director of Wagener & Simon WASI GmbH & Co KG explains: “While we audit manufacturers on-site, we are also able to document the whole procurement chain – from manufacturing to delivery.” He adds: “With the procurement of specific components we help our customers to save time and money, because our experts have been examining the possibilities and manufacturing standards of various manufacturers with process audits. On this basis we are able to recommend to our customers the manufacturer with the ideal qualification for their product requirements.”

WASI has integrated the whole procurement process in a quality management system with standardised processes certified according to the international norm DIN EN ISO 9001. As a global system partner for stainless steel fasteners WASI bunches the expertise of more than 300 manufacturers and therefore offers customers a unique service and product portfolio regarding availability, prices and technical solutions.

“With our commitment to quality and our focus on products, processes and services we meet the demands of our customers.

The necessary tools auditing, certification and continuously improving processes are essential to put this strategy into practice”, explains Carsten Balzar, WASI head of technical department. “Furthermore we also offer customised quality assurance agreements, which go beyond standard norms and conduct further requirements concerning for example packaging, order forms and deliveries.”

Assured availability with a good price For 50 years WASI has stood for innovation, customer satisfaction and highest product quality, which it highlights are ensured through chemical, physical and visual tests in its in-house chemical-metallurgical laboratory. Among the different testing instruments WASI has a highly modern x-ray fluorescence spectrometer.

WASI also offers a high level of safety concerning product prices as well as availability of products. “Our global supplier network, our big buying quantity, and our long term experiences in stock exchange based purchase on the global market, minimises prices for customers of WASI and guarantee always ideal availability.” states Kiele-Dunsche.

Record number at BAFD meeting A record number of members attended the October meeting of the British Association of Fastener Distributors to hear presentations on legislation set to impact many UK fastener distributors.

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he BAFD has for several years recognised one of its primary roles as providing its members with as much advance information as possible on issues likely to impact their distribution businesses. At its October meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon it clearly demonstrated its effectiveness in the role with presentations on the Construction Products Regulation from the British Board of Agrément and the new Restriction of Hazardous Substances Regulation from Jenni Morland of TR Fastenings. More than fifty members were in attendance and also heard the latest updates on trade and supply chain issues including developments in EU anti-dumping measures.

In contrast to many trade associations over recent years BAFD has seen a consistent increase in membership, primarily

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through that most effective of mechanisms, the personal recommendation of current members.

The BAFD is a founder member of the European Fastener Distributors Association, which also has association members from Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The Association represents a spectrum of UK fastener distribution companies ranging from many of the major wholesalers, through largescale distributors servicing OEMs, to well-established fastener specialists servicing local industry and construction markets.

Membership is open to distribution businesses for which fasteners are a major product range. Associate membership is available to software, logistics, media and other businesses servicing UK fastener distributors.

For more information visit www.bafd.org or email: info@bafd.org

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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n o r t h a m e ri c a n n e w s

by John Wolz, editor GlobalFastenerNews.com

U.S. Court sends Nucor anti-dumping case back to Trade Commission

The U.S. Court of International Trade sent the Nucor Fastener anti-dumping case back to the International Trade Commission. The 20th September 2011, CIT opinion remanded the ITC’s 2010 unanimous decision to dismiss Nucor’s petition seeking tariffs on fasteners from China and Taiwan.

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he International Trade Commission is due to respond by 7th December 2011. If the ITC again rules against Nucor, the Indiana-based fastener manufacturer can continue to appeal even to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In a 31-page ruling, CIT Judge Evan J. Wallach remanded the case for a redetermination on two “holdings”: first, that the ITC improperly treated its import data as “comprehensive”; and that the ITC failed to identify a “rational basis for unqualified reliance on (unnamed domestic producer’s) questionnaire response”.

In processing the remand, the ITC has decided to keep the record closed, meaning no new evidence will be admitted.

Attorneys will be permitted to submit comments on the judge’s opinion.

If the ITC’s determination on the remand remains negative - that is, if the commission determines imports have caused no injury to the domestic fastener industry - the outcome “strengthens the likelihood” that the case will ultimately conclude in the importers’ favour, Matthew McGrath - attorney for importers - told GlobalFastenerNews.com. If that occurs, Nucor Fastener could continue to pursue appeals, first at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and ultimately at the U.S. Supreme Court. “It may be Nucor’s strategy to keep the case alive to keep some sort of uncertainty in the marketplace,” McGrath speculated.

In its petitions, filed in September 2009, Nucor Fastener alleged average dumping margins of 145% for Chinese imports, and 74% for imports from Taiwan.

New Heads & Threads re-enters market Following a brief period of re-organization, Heads & Threads International has re-entered the industrial fastener market, announced executive vice president Gordon Anderson.

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ill Marthens is now president of HTI, and Anderson - a 35-year fastener industry veteran - is executive vice president.

The new HTI is headquartered in Dallas, TX, and is starting with inventories in Dayton, OH, and Dallas, Anderson said.

HTI unveiled its new business and executive team at the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas.

The company is adding packaged fasteners, kitting services, blister packs, private labelling and custom packaging services, according to Bill Marthens. Some sales staff from the old HTI will be returning as well.

“It is different ownership – a different investor group,” Marthens explained. “We acquired certain assets, but this is a new entity.

From a customer perspective, nothing has changed. The part numbers are the same and the telephone numbers are the same.”

HTI went into receivership early this year with US$16 million (11.8 million euros) in debt. In May, Porteous Fastener Company acquired HTI’s inventory, warehouse racks and other equipment at auction for just under US$12 million (8.8 million euros).

Porteous Fastener closed HTI’s five branches and consolidated the inventory into its own facilities. Porteous Fastener did not purchase the branding rights and intellectual properties of HTI, and is not involved in the re-emerging HTI business.

U.S. to experience “manufacturing renaissance” The founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative will speak to the New England Fastener Distributors Association on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.

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arry Moser, a 40-year manufacturing industry veteran and retired president of GF AgieCharmilles, said: “It is now up to the customers to re-evaluate their sourcing decisions and the suppliers to aggressively promote savings from reshoring.”

Moser founded the Reshoring Initiative to move jobs back to the U.S. The Boston Consulting Group predicts the U.S. will experience in the next five years a “manufacturing renaissance as the wage gap with China shrinks.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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n o r t h a m e ri c a n n e w s

FINdex drops as stock markets fluctuate The FIN Fastener Stock Index dropped 16% in the third quarter of 2011, compared to a 14.7% decline by an index of related industrial stocks.

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nly one FINdex company achieved a positive gain on its share price during the period. Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. stock gained 3.1% to US$16.01 at the market close on 30th September.

During a tough quarter that took its toll on the market, every other publicly traded company with fastener holdings saw its shares decline - most by double digits.

Park-Ohio stock recorded the largest drop (43.2%) to US$12.01 for Q3. Alcoa and Stanley Black and Decker also suffered significant share declines of 30% or more.

For the first nine months of 2011, the FINdex dropped 8.4%, besting the 14.7% decline recorded by an index of related industrial stocks.

Four fastener companies recorded stock gains for the first three quarters of 2011: Carpenter Technologies, Fastenal, Grainger, and Precision Castparts. Carpenter Technology stock rose 17.9% to US$44.89 through 30th September, as aerospace demand has proven resilient in a sputtering economy. Fastenal has achieved a 12.8% increase in share value to US$33.28 in 2011, while Grainger stock has grown 9.7% to US$149.54 so far this year.

Precision Castparts turned in a solid performance as well, with its shares growing 11.7% in value to US$155.46 during the first nine months.

The FINdex grew 8.3% during the first half of 2011, boosted by a 3.4% rise during the second quarter of 2011.

Field Fastener buying Duncan Bolt’s Fastening Solutions Field Fastener has agreed to acquire Fastening Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of Duncan Bolt.

The acquisition, to be completed by the end of the November, will extend Field’s global footprint and provide customers with expanded products and service offerings.

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he acquisition of Fastening Solutions will increase Field’s supply base with over 30 new suppliers, resulting in a broader product offering for its customers as well as the ability to purchase directly from selected suppliers.

“This acquisition continues to strengthen Field’s ability to provide proactive cost savings and robust VMI systems to our customers by expanding our reach and footprint,” said Field executive vice president, Jim Derry. “Field has developed a seamless transition plan, combined with an outstanding Field team and recent facility expansion, that will allow Field to support the current Fastening Solutions customers from our headquarters near Rockford, Illinois.”

In North America, Field will gain a stronger presence in the south-western United States, further establish its presence in Canada, and increase the localization of service in Mexico. As a result of the acquisition, Field will also increase its customer base in China and India. A 43,000 square feet building addition, focused on operation and efficiency excellence, was recently completed at Field’s facility in the Chicago, Illinois area, positioning them to continue meeting the growing needs of their expanding customer base.

Field indicated “key personnel” at Fastening Solutions would continue to be actively involved in the transition.

Würth buys Cardinal Fastener Germany’s Würth Group purchased Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. for US$3.9 million (2.9 million euros) at auction, Crain’s Cleveland Business reports.

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udge Pat E. Morgenstern-Clarren of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Cleveland approved the sale on 27th October. He waived the customary 14-day waiting period to close on the sale of a bankrupt company, paving the way for Würth to close the deal quickly.

Marc Strandquist, CEO of Würth’s Michigan-based Dokka Fasteners unit reportedly will oversee Cardinal going forward as it continues to operate locally under current president John Grabner. Strandquist said Würth will invest further in Cardinal to expand it. “We plan to bring in about US$1 million worth of new equipment” over the next year, stated Strandquist.

By the end of 2012, Würth hopes to return Cardinal to its previous operating capacity, with projected sales of US$10 million and a doubling of its headcount to more than 50 workers by the end of next year. Würth reportedly intends to keep Cardinal operating at its existing location and under its existing name.

At the fastener show in Las Vegas, Grabner told GlobalFastenerNews.com that his company’s growth continued to be strong - just not enough to pay for needed wind energy investments. Now he says Cardinal will be able to grow faster under Würth’s ownership.

Cardinal had nearly doubled its revenues in four years with wind energy fasteners, supplying more than a dozen wind turbine builders, including the Danish wind manufacturer Vestas and Spain’s Gamesa SA. However, court records indicate Cardinal owed Wells Fargo US$1.8 million and the Grow America Fund of the non-profit National Development Council more than US$850,000. Approximately 200 unsecured creditors are owed an additional US$3 million.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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ACT Fastening Solutions Advance Components AeroParts Plus Inc. AFI Industries, Inc. All America Threaded Products, Inc. All American Washer Werks American Fasteners And Components, Inc. Andre Corporation Androck Hardware Corporation Archer Screw AZ Lifting Hardware Big Red Fasteners Inc. Bradley Adhesive Applications Brooks-Jeffrey Marketing, Inc. Cable Tie Express Cambridge Resources Chrislynn Threaded Inserts Computer Insights, Inc. Delta Secondary, Inc Distributor's Link, Inc. Dokka Fasteners Inc. E-Z LOK Fall River Manufacturing Co. Fastener Technology International Forest Products Laboratory Greenslade & Company, Inc. Hanger Bolt & Stud Hill Fastener Corp.

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n o r t h a m e ri c a n n e w s

Park-Ohio revenue and income rise Park-Ohio Holdings Corp reported sales increased 20% to US$243.5 million (179 million euros) in the third quarter of 2011, while net income, before the restructuring and asset impairment charge in 2011, improved 32% to US$8.2 million (6 million euros).

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upply Technologies segment revenue gained 20% to US$124.8 million (92 million euros) during Q3, with operating income growing 33% to US$8.54 million. Manufactured Products segment revenue during the quarter improved 39% to US$88.45 million (65.2 million euros), while operating income rose 43% to US$11.84 million. Overall nine-month sales increased 23% to US$593 million (437 million euros), while net income slid 10% to US$10.5 million.

Supply Technology sales during the first nine months of 2011 increased 26.5% to US$373.6 million (275 million euros), with segment operating income jumping 58% to US$25.6 million. Nine-month manufacturing products sales climbed 36% to US$255.6 million (188.4 million euros), while operating income soared 52% to US$31.7 million.

Automotive fastener demand surges despite downturn North American vehicle production increased 10% in August to 1,228,736 units - the 22nd consecutive month with a year-over-year increase.

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hose figures translate into ongoing demand for fasteners and other OEM parts and components, as well as machinery related to their production.

“We have seen an increase in requests for quotes for vibratory feeding systems for the automotive industry,” stated Automation Devices Inc. president Kevin Smith. “Automotive clips and fasteners, keys and rotor assemblies, are currently in high demand.” Erie, PA-based ADI manufactures vibratory feeder and part system components. Both large and small suppliers have felt the uptick in demand.

Livonia, MI-based TRW Automotive Holdings Corp recently unveiled a number of global business investments, including the expansion of its fasteners plant in Ningbo, China.

The Ningbo expansion is part of TRW’s effort to open or expand 11 plants in 2011 and 2012 in France, the UK, China, Poland, Germany and Mexico.

A decade later: Fastener people caught in 9/11 In 2001, Fastener Industry News reported on three people involved in the fastener industry who were close to the World Trade Center. Here is an update:

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n 11th September 2001, the fastener import specialist for the U.S. Customs Service was in her office in Six World Trade Center. She heard a low flying plane overhead and knew there was trouble. The plane crashed into One World Trade Center, and the explosion sent debris blowing past Kathy Campanelli’s fourth floor window. Campanelli and colleagues evacuated and waited by the river for a signal to go back into the eight-story building neighboring the Twin Towers.

Then the second plane struck.

Today Campanelli is still handling fasteners, but no longer as part of U.S. Customs. In 2003, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection was established within the Department of Homeland Security and she is now in its Office of International Trade.

When the first plane struck the north tower of the World Trade Center at 8:48am, Tuesday 11th September, most of the 30 people working at fastener distributor NABS headquarters were at work five blocks to the north. “Most people were in the office. Some were on the way in and saw the crash,” executive vice president Sam Laufer told FIN days later. “We decided to stay put, because at that point it was difficult to get home.” Police and rescue crews came in during the day for water and the bathroom. About 2:30pm Laufer decided to close the office and allow employees to make their way home.

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NABS, founded by Jack Laufer in 1953 as North American Bolt & Screw Co., was acquired by the ILS business segment of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp in 2006. Today NABS has five domestic and 14 international locations, with sales of US$45 million in supplying the computer, electronics and consumer products industries. Sam Laufer has moved from New York City to rural Connecticut and started an audio distributorship, Laufer Teknik.

When the first plane struck, Richard Hagan of Pinnacle Capital Corp was inbound from New Jersey on a commuter train. His office was just two blocks from the Twin Towers. Hagan never made it into Manhattan that day because the train under the Hudson River was shut down. “I watched the carnage from across the river,” Hagan told FIN. It was eight business days before Hagan could reach his office to retrieve his computer and critical files.

Hagan continues his role as an independent consultant putting together fastener company acquisitions. Since 1997 Hagan has compiled an annual list of the Top 10 Fastener Company Transactions, which is published each spring on GlobalFastenerNews.com The full stories from 2001 are posted in the Fastener History section of GlobalFastenerNews.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Production beginning to restart in Thailand Thai Honda Manufacturing is reported to have restarted some manufacturing after more than a month of halted production, primarily due to disruption of parts supply as a result of the devastating floods.

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hile some production of power products and motorcycles has recommenced, though, Honda’s car plant in the city of Ayutthaya, which halted production on 4th October, is still not able to start production again. Parts shortages as a result of the Thai floods, also impacted Honda production in Indonesia and the United States. Toyota expects to resume production in its three Thai plants from 21st November. Japanese production was also affected by parts supply shortages. Mitsubishi expects to restart production by the end of November at its Laem Chabang plant in Eastern Thailand. Isuzu Motors production facility at Lat Krabang, around 10km from Bangkok’s international airport, was not directly affected by flooding due to massive flood barriers around the industrial area.

Production of computer hard drives was hit almost immediately by the flooding, with Western Digital announcing a serious shortfall in output. Thailand accounted for more than 40% of worldwide HDD production in the first half of 2011.

Analysts predict that PC production for the first quarter 2012 could be down by as much as 20% globally. Camera plants owned

by Canon, Nikon and Sony have all been affected by flooding.

Around one third of Thailand’s provinces, some 1.6 million hectares, are believed to have been flooded with estimates of the number of factories affected ranging upwards from ten thousand.

The impact on fastener production in Thailand has been harder to gauge. Fastener + Fixing Magazine attempted to contact a number of companies, most of whom reported limited impact on production facilities but serious impact on office

operations in Bangkok city. Several said they were protecting their plants and critical machinery and waiting for the water to come, but depending on the depth of the water hoped to avoid serious business interruption. Others expressed concerns over sea levels expected to peak during the early part of November, which meant companies continued to be vulnerable. ECF Precision Company saw its Ayutthaya plant submerged in twometre deep flood water. Parent, Crown Screw Corporation took over production as soon as data could be recovered from the inundated factory. There are anecdotal reports that a stainless steel fastener plant was also flooded with a probable impact on production for several months.

Thailand’s insurance commission estimates that damage claims could top 14 billion euros. Once the recovery programme can be started in earnest those local producers of construction related fasteners will inevitably see benefits from the disaster.

More ominously, though, are warnings that the low-lying capital is vulnerable to future repetitions of the floods. Aggressive ground water extraction in the past caused the city to sink, which it continues to do, albeit at a slower pace. Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation means that areas requiring flood protection continue to grow and the annual deluge of rain has fewer places to go. Until this year a complex set of water level controls had proven reasonably successful in protecting population and industry. The concern now is that much of Thailand’s budget will go on mitigating the effects of this year’s floods, dramatically reducing the cash available to protect against a future repetition.

San Shing shares trade publicly On 16th September San Shing Fastech shares began trading on the main board of the Taiwan Stock Exchange converting from the Over the Counter securities market.

On the first trading day the company’s share price rose 1.7% to close at NT$47.

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an Shing reckons to be the world’s largest nut manufacturer, with gross annual production close to 75,000 tonnes – which equates to around 6.6 billion nuts. More than 95% of production goes for export, accounting for one tenth of the global nut market and a third of Taiwanese nut exports.

In statements to the exchange San Shing representatives indicated that the Corporation had maintained efficient operation throughout this year and credited the supply of steel materials from China Steel Corporation and breakthroughs in processing technology as significant contributors to a projected record NT$3.3 net income per share for 2011.

Founded in 1965 the company develops and manufactures its own tooling and production machinery, both of which are also supplied to external companies. It has a vertically integrated production system, starting from wire pickling, annealing and drawing, through cold and hot forging, to tapping, secondary procession, heat and surface treatment, inspection and packing.

Accreditation includes TS 16949:2002, ISO 9000 and 9001, ISO 14001:2004, OHSAS 18001:1999 and ISO 18025:2005.

(Part of this report contributed by Fastener World Magazine)

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

FASTENER FAIR

International Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

6 - 8 September 2012

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Chinwell expects slow first quarter Quoted in the Malaysian Star, Chinwell Holdings group director, Tsai Chi-yun, said the economic downturn in Europe has been reflected in a slowdown of orders.

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ustomers were evidently exercising far greater control over their inventories to avoid being overstocked at the year-end, she said. The first quarter of 2012 was, therefore, expected to be slower than the corresponding period in 2011. The report says Chinwell is looking to offset the slowdown by achieving greater penetration into the German construction market, where it already has strong sales and sees a less pronounced slowdown.

Chinwell expects to increase its output to more than 48,000 tonnes this year from 36,000 tonnes in 2010. Europe accounts for approximately 45% of Chinwell sales, with Asia another 25% and the balance going into the Malaysian domestic market.

Japanese vehicle production down 18.5% in fiscal half year Statistics from the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) show domestic vehicle production for the period April - September 2011 at 3.9 million units, down 18.5% on the 2010 corresponding period.

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he figures show an improvement on the calendar half year comparison which reflected a decline of nearly 30% in output. Production of trucks, excluding small trucks under 660cc, fell by around 6%. Bus production fell by 7.7%. The greatest shortfall was in the production of larger cars (>2000cc), which was down nearly half a million units to 1.9 million for the fiscal half year. Domestic car sales were down 24.9%. Export sales fell by 16.7%.

(Source: JAMA)

Guangzhou car output to reach 4.5 million by 2015 After years of development Guangzhou has become the largest car production base in South China, reports Fastener World Magazine.

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he vehicle production of the three Japanese giant automakers, Toyota, Nissan and Honda are at the heart of a large auto parts industry cluster in the southern Chinese city. There are reported to be about 140 Japanese joint venture automobile companies in Guangzhou.

The 2010 industry gross output value was about RMB250 billion, which accounted for 79% of the whole city automotive industry gross output value. Total car output reached 1,356,300 million units and the motorcycle output was 810,000 units.

Wan Qingliang, mayor of Guangzhou indicates that Guangzhou car production capacity aims to reach 4.5 million units in 2015 at an annual growth rate of more than 15%.

(Source: Fastener World Magazine)

CSC and Sumitomo JV in Vietnam Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation and Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd have co-invested US$1.15 billion in a cold-rolled steel complex expected to be built on a 109 hectare site near Ho Chi Minh City.

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xpected to be CSC’s largest overseas business project the production unit will be targeted at the sheet steel requirements of the automotive and home appliance manufacturing sector in South East Asia. CSC will hold a 51% share, Sumitomo 40%. Trial production is expected to commence in late 2012 or early 2013.

(Source: Fastener World Magazine)

Shin Chun installs new machinery Shin Chun Enterprise Co., Ltd recently installed brand new heading and threading machines to cope with demand for long-size screws.

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he Taiwanese based company can now produce screws up to 300mm, with diameters up to 10mm and thread length up to 200mm.

Shin Chun also recently received ISO/IEC-17025:2005 for laboratory accreditation. With the company previously receiving certification to ISO-9001:2008, ISO-14001:2004 and ISO/TS-16949:2009.

Taiwan show increases exhibition space The Taiwan International Fastener Show, scheduled for 13th – 14th March 2012, will have two halls increasing the number of booth spaces to 400.

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AITRA expects a total 250 exhibitors occupying 270 booths in the Kaohsiung Arena and 130 booths in the Hanshin Arena. In 2010 the first fastener show in Taiwan for more than twenty years presented 190 exhibitors to 7,200 domestic and 1,500 overseas visitors.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

ru s s ia n + c i s n e w s Alexander Ostashov, editor Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and…Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

Severstal-Metiz develops new HDG range Severstal-Metiz Group of Companies, a part of the division Severstal Russian Steel, has mastered the technology of hot dip galvanised fasteners production.

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n June 2011 the first batch of fasteners with hot dip galvanised coating for use in construction of power lines was produced at the fastener production at the Severstal-Metiz Orlov site. The pilot batch was sent to the customer for which Severstal-Metiz received positive feedback and an initial order for 100 tonnes of the new products. Now specialists at Severstal-Metiz are working on assimilation of smaller diameter fasteners and reducing the process time to fulfil orders.

“We have invested and we will invest in mastering the production of new products, which are unique for Russia and our other product markets. Hot dip galvanised fasteners are among them,” comments Oleg Veter, the general director of Severstal-Metiz.

“Fasteners is one of our key areas of focus. We will continue developing it by widening the product range and services and also by improving the performance of our products, including reliability and durability”.

In connection with the acquisition of new equipment and increasing product quality requirements experts at Severstal-Metiz have been improving their own qualifications. In October a one-day seminar for the specialists producing new types of fasteners took place in Orel. The seminar was dedicated to quality assurance in the production of fasteners. The members discussed the requirement for corresponding laboratory and tooling equipment for the production facility. Speakers included leading Russian specialists in the area of fastener production, who answered questions from the participants.

High tensile fastener production assessed In August 2011 experts from the Science and Production Center of Bridges in St. Petersburg, together with the Certification Body for machine-building products PROMMASH and VNIINMASH (Moscow), inspected the production and carried out certification tests on the high tensile fasteners of JSC Mostovik, which are produced in China.

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ince the initial facility certification of the high tensile fasteners in 2008, the company has brought into operation new equipment for heat treatment of fasteners, cold forming of bolts and nuts. The inspection confirmed compliance of each operation with the requirements of the plant design documentation and the standards of the Russian Federation. According to the results of the inspection and tests the high tensile fastener producer Mostovik has been acknowledged as conforming to the normative requirements of the Russian Federation.

Spit products receive Technical License

Russian auto market ‘running out of growth’

New products for construction (non-standardised materials, goods and constructions), appearing in Russia, are subject to technical assessment of their suitability for use in construction.

On 26th – 27th September, the Analytical Agency AVTOSTAT held a seminar for the specialists in automobile marketing in Moscow.

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he official confirmation of suitability is the Technical License of the Russian Federation Construction Committee (Gosstroy). An increasing number of foreign products, entering the Russian market, receive such documentation. In August, the Bolt.ru Company received a license to use steel expanding anchors and adhesive anchors from Spit Company (France) in construction applications within the territory of the Russian Federation.

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ne of the most interesting parts of the seminar was the analysis of possible variants of development of the Russian automobile market and the collation of a consolidated forecast up to the year 2020. The audience divided to optimists, pessimists and supporters of moderate development nearly in equal parts. In general, the participants came to the common conclusion that the active growth of the automobile market in Russia is almost finished and is expected to stabilise. At the same time a number of specialists believe that, at minimum, two market declines can be expected by 2020. The nearest of these market dips could well occur in 2012, as the Russian automotive industry is affected by the current situation on the world financial markets.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Russian power tool market at Mitex 2011 The Conference “The Russian Market of Power Tools: Condition and Perspectives” took place on 9th November within the framework of the Mitex 2011 exhibition.

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he organisers of the conference are the Russian Association of Trade Organisations and Producers of Power Tools and Small Power Plants together with the Euroexpo Company. The tool exhibition Mitex – 2011 traditionally takes place at the Krasnaya Presnya, Moscow in autumn and is organised by the Euroexpo exhibition company. This year Mitex -2011 was held 8th – 11th November.

High tensile production and use conference A conference about production of high tensile fasteners and their use in various areas of the Russian industry is planned within the context of a new exhibition “Fasteners”, which is a part of the Petersburg Technical Fair.

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he organiser of the Conference is RESTEK Exhibition Union, its media sponsor is the magazine “Fasteners, Adhesives, Tools and…”. The events will take place on 13th – 15th March 2012.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

RosMetiz issues nut production standard The RosMetiz Association has published standard STO PM 1-1.003-2011 relating to threading of Class 8 high grade nuts.

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his standard defines the requirements for threading of nuts with internal diameters up to and including M16, of strength Class 8, according to GOST P 52628-2006 “Screw nuts. Mechanical properties and test methods”, and also according to STO PM 1-1.001-2011 “Screw nuts six-sided with serrated bearing area: technical requirements”. According to the co-ordinator of Council of RosMetiz Association, Alexander Semenov, this is a serious step allowing the introduction of modern technology for production of nuts in CIS hardware factories. This standard is an integral part of the development of production technology for steel nuts, aimed at ensuring CIS produced fasteners are able to compete with the best fastener producers from South East Asia not only at the price, but also quality.

Severstal reports Q3 operational results Severstal’s Q3 operational results show crude steel output for the 9 months up 6% to 11.53 million metric tonnes.

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ong product output rose by a similar amount year on year to 621,889 tonnes.

Total metalware production, including fasteners, was up by 2% to 585,026 tonnes for the nine months but showed a sharp decline in Q3, down 5% quarter on quarter.

MMK fastener output up 14% at half year MMK-Metiz produced 236,000 tonnes of metalware products in the first half of 2011, a 15.8% increase on the same period 2010. Sales value was 7,879 billion rubles an increase of more than 30%.

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astener output for the half year was 14% up on same period 2010.

Wire production increased 30%. MMK-Metiz estimates that it holds a 20% share of metalware production in Russia.

Rechitskiy metal plant wins laurels Belorussian metallurgical plant Rechitskiy has been recognised for supplying the “best goods of Belarus on Russian market during 2011”.

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Belorussian state commission commended the production of 55 enterprises. In the “production-engineering” designation twenty one steel enterprises received recognition, with a further twelve companies announced as laureates in the category “industrial goods for the consumer”.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Powerful and Ergonomic.

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c o v e r s to r y

REYHER - Driven by tradition: heading for the future Ferdinand Reyher founded the company as a ship’s chandler directly in the Port of Hamburg in 1887.

Karl Tede and Otto Meyer took over the company in October 1901. From then on the company has been called F. REYHER Nchfg. – with family members in management positions. After the complete destruction of the offices and warehousing, a new age was heralded with the rebuilding in 1949. REYHER specialises in trading with fasteners, setting the stage for today’s business.

New top management for REYHER For 124 years REYHER has been a highly competent, reliable supplier in the field of fastener and fixing technology. Since the start of this year REYHER has had a new top management.

Hartwig Müggenburg and Harm Schmitt have moved from senior management into the advisory board, handing the baton over to Peter Bielert and Winfried Gretz, both holding Ph.Ds. Peter Bielert is responsible for logistics, accounting and finance, human resources, product and quality management, IT, and e-Business/ product added value. Winfried Gretz is responsible for sales and marketing, material management, market services and processes, and advertising. This means the start of a new era for REYHER. Parallel to the top management changes at REYHER in Hamburg, REYHER Asia Pacific has been restructured. The

Shanghai office has been managed by Thomas Haug since mid-summer. With the branch in Shanghai REYHER can support quality control on the spot, coordinate sourcing activities and intensify contact with its suppliers.

Expanding capacity In the past 10 years the technical trading company REYHER has invested more than 40 million euros in its Hamburg operation, both in logistics capacity and office buildings.

Now a further logistics complex is being built involving the investment of 15 million euros.

The new complex has a capacity of 7,500m² of space that will be home to an additional dispatch centre. The three-storey building with four additional loading bays and 30 jobs will be

“ R EYHER is continuing its tradition of recent years of aligning itself with market requirements through wise investments and developments.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

completed at the end of this year. On the roof of the new building is a new conference centre with a capacity of up to 90 people.

REYHER’s objectives with the new building lie in increased productivity in the manpower intensive, high quality Kanban stock management system, as well as proper handling of higher quantities and quality demands into the future.

The new warehouse extends over three floors. At its heart are ergonomically optimised dispatch workplaces. Here the order containers with picked goods as well as the empty Kanban containers come to the operators fully automatically. Cuttingedge conveyor technology facilitates the delivery of 1,000 containers per hour to the dispatch workplaces. These were developed by a team from various technical and operative areas to considerably improve productivity and ensure a high level of

acceptance by the staff, through the ergonomically optimised workplaces.

New RIO Webshop As one of the first companies in the field REYHER introduced its browser-supported RIO Webshop, Reyher Internet Order, eight years ago. To improve the system architecture the Webshop is undergoing further technical development and being modernised, so that users will have unfettered access to the Webshop into the future.

Valued, proven functions are being positioned by applying the Magento shop system. Additionally, the users will have a new layout available commensurate with current Internet standards.

Combined with this are numerous user improvements, without having to deviate too strongly from well-established routines.

Mail integration for messages is being improved. The detailed view is being restructured and the content extended. Each user will have a number of favourites and shopping carts available for use. Moreover the order processes are being considerably simplified.

Parallel to the renewal of RIO Webshop, is the remodelling of the Internet page www.reyher.de. A common layout was developed for the Homepage and Webshop to create a unified online presence with a high level of brand recognition.

Additionally, a unified design and the visualisation of a shopping cart on the Homepage should create a closer intermeshing between the Webshop and the Internet page.

The Internet page is being programmed using TYPO 3, facilitating further features such as an online catalogue, for example.

REYHER is continuing its tradition of recent years of aligning itself with market requirements through wise investments and developments. This means that REYHER is excellently equipped for future success in the field of fastener and fixing technology.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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e v e n t s c al e n dar

International Hardware Fair Cologne Where: Cologne, Germany Web: www.hardwarefair.com

When: 4 Mar - 7 Mar 2012 What: Hardware and DIY sector.

Intersolar China

bautec

Intersolar India

Intertool Kiev

IndiaMart Handtools + Fastener Expo

Taiwan International Fastener Show

Swissbau

Fasttec Expo

Where: Beijing, China When: 7 Dec - 9 Dec 2011 Web: www.intersolarchina.com What: Exhibition for the Chinese solar industry.

Where: Mumbai, India When: 14 Dec - 16 Dec 2011 Web: www.intersolar.in What: Exhibition for the Indian solar industry.

Where: Mumbai, India When: 18 Dec - 20 Dec 2011 Web: www.iihtexpo.com What: Handtools and fasteners exhibition.

Where: Basel, Switzerland When: 17 Jan - 21 Jan 2012 Web: www.swissbau.ch What: National construction fair.

Where: Berlin, Germany When: 21 Feb - 25 Feb 2012 Web: www.bautec.com What: Building and construction technology.

Where: Kiev, Ukraine When: 29 Feb - 2 Mar 2012 Web: www.intertool-kiev.com What: International exhibition for hardware, tools + DIY.

Where: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan When: 13 Mar - 14 Mar 2012 Web: www.fastenertaiwan.com What: Specialist fastener show.

Where: Moscow, Russia When: 13 Mar - 15 Mar 2012 Web: www.fasttec.ru What: Russia’s specialist fastener technology fair.

BUDMA - International Construction Fair Nordbygg Where: Poznan, Poland When: 24 Jan - 27 Jan 2012 Web: www.budma.pl What: Building technology, equipment and materials.

Totally DIY, Tools & Secure

Where: Birmingham, UK When: 5 Feb - 7 Feb 2012 Web: www.totallydiy.com What: Tools, metal-working and manufacturing technologies.

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Where: Stockholm, Sweden When: 20 Mar - 23 Mar 2012 Web: www.nordbygg.se What: Nordic construction industry.

WIRE Düsseldorf 2012

Where: Düsseldorf, Germany When: 26 Mar - 30 Mar 2012 Web: www.wire.de What: Wire and cable, including fastener

manufacturing technology.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

exhibitions

Six months to go until wire 2012

In just under six months that time will have come around again. Wire 2012 and Tube 2012, the trade fairs for the wire, cable and pipe and tube industries, will be presenting technology highlights from their respective sectors in the exhibition halls on the Rhine from 26th – 30th March 2012.

C

urrent registration figures for both trade fairs make the Düsseldorf trade fair organisers more than confident.

At this early stage (correct as of mid-October 2011) 1,005 enterprises from 45 countries have already registered for wire. 2012 will again see the traditionally strong participation of exhibitors from Italy, Belgium, France, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and Germany. The majority of overseas companies come from the USA, China, India and Taiwan. All of these 1,005 companies together currently occupy approximately 55,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Wire 2012 will present wire production and finishing machinery, tools and process engineering auxiliary materials, as well as materials and special wires. Also on display will be innovations from the areas of cable, measuring and control technology and testing technology. Special segments such as logistics, conveyor systems and packaging round off the ranges.

Wire, cable and fibre glass machines, as well as wire and cable producers, and wire and cable traders occupy Halls 9 to 12, 16 and 17. Hall 15 houses fastener technology while Hall 16 follows on with spring making.

Tube 2012 boasts similarly positive interim results. With 805 exhibitors from 44 countries, here most European enterprises come from Italy, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, Germany and the United Kingdom.

At present, the exhibitors of Tube occupy 45,500 square metres of net exhibition space.

Tube occupies Halls 1 to 7a. Pipe and tube accessories can be found in Halls 1 and 2, trade and manufacturing follow in Halls 2, 3, 4 and 7.0. Forming technology is located in Hall 5. Pipe and tube finishing machinery is exhibited in Halls 6 and 7a, not forgetting the segment of plant and machinery in parts of Hall 7a.

Tube presents the complete spectrum ranging from pipe and tube production to processing. Ranges include raw materials, pipes and accessories, pipe and tube manufacturing machinery and second-hand machinery, tools and auxiliary materials for process engineering, and measuring and control technology.

Pipelines and OCTG technology, profiles and profile technology, testing technology and special areas such as warehousing automation and control systems complement the extensive ranges on show.

All American Fastener Show updates website The third annual All American Fastener Show will be held at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel in Branson, Missouri, United States, on 17th – 18th May 2012.

I

ndustry professionals from around the world are invited to attend the show, which had 57 exhibitors in 2011, to network with U.S. fastener manufacturers and to learn more about new products and technology available from the American market.

To assist attendees in planning for the 2012 conference, the All American Fastener Show website now includes specific travel and transportation details, as well as additional information on entertainment, dining, and attractions in the Branson area.

Attendees from around the world are encouraged to utilise the enhanced website to register for the show and to plan their 2012 All American Fastener Show itinerary.

Enhancements to the All American Fastener Show website include additional travel information on the airports and transportation page. The site now features specific information

42

on direct flights to Branson (BKG) from major cities throughout the U.S. including Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Milwaukee, Orlando, and Phoenix. Many of these airports serve as major hubs for international flights to and from European cities, minimising flight transfers for attendees from abroad.

A complete list of contact information for airlines providing service to airports within a 300 mile radius of Branson is also included on the site to assist travellers.

The Branson & area entertainment page of the website has also been enhanced to feature details on attractions and entertainment options available nearby the Hilton Branson Convention Center, including the adjacent Branson Landing shopping and entertainment complex.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

join the best 26 – 30 March 2012 Düsseldorf, Germany

Wire, Cable, Fibre Optic, Wire Products and Machinery

Spring Making

Fastener Technology

International Wire and Cable Trade Fair www.wire.de

wire 2012: Focus on Innovations Welcome to the No. 1 trade fair for the wire and cable industry!

This is where you meet international experts, specialists, innovators and world market leaders of the industry. And find out about all the latest developments and ground-breaking trends in everything to do with wire and cable. At wire 2012, the focus is especially on: Fastener and spring-making technology, the most modern machinery and plant for the manufacturing of springs and fastening elements.

A firm date for your calendar – visiting wire 2012 in Düsseldorf!

Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Postfach 10 10 06 40001 Düsseldorf Germany Tel. + 49 (0)2 11/45 60-01 Fax + 49 (0)2 11/45 60-6 68 www.messe-duesseldorf.de

exhibitions

Record breaking visitor numbers at parts2clean Companies around the world are focusing more and more attention on industrial cleaning technology.

This is substantiated by visitor numbers which rose by roughly 18% at the 9th parts2clean exhibition at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from the 25th - 27th of October 2011, reported exhibition organisers.

4

,779 visitors journeyed to the event from 49 countries on all five continents. 18.4% of the visitors came from outside of Germany. With 237 exhibitors, this year’s parts2clean experienced an increase of around 7%. The exhibiting companies from 15 countries presented products and services covering the entire process sequence on a marginally increased floor space of just over 6,000 square metres net exhibition space.

Event organisers fairXperts GmbH believe the show was not only distinguished by quantity, but by quality as well. Exhibitors were able to profit from visitor expertise - 88.2% of the visitors said they were involved in company decision making processes.

“Parts2clean is now well established and is becoming more and more international. In addition to visitors from the German speaking countries, we also had visitors from Hungary, Poland, England, Brazil, Turkey and Singapore at our booth, and they brought along concrete problems that have to be solved.

Parts2clean has gone very well for us this time too, and we’ll exhibit again in 2012 in any case,” reports Karl-Heinz Schoch, director of the cleaning technology business division at Elma – Hans Schmidbauer GmbH & Co. KG. Dr. Uwe Anton Schubert, global area sales manager at Dürr Ecoclean GmbH, was also very satisfied with the way things went.

“On the one hand, we took advantage of our trade fair presentation to introduce new products and to exhibit our broad ranging product portfolio. On the other hand, we set ourselves the goal of refreshing business relations with existing customers and establishing contact with new companies, and we succeeded in both areas in a well-balanced fashion.”

Offerings presented at parts2clean, which covered a broad range of industry sectors and materials, met the expectations of the visitors. 95% were satisfied or very satisfied with the exhibition portfolio. These high levels of satisfaction, says fairXperts GmbH, are not least due the fact that parts2clean presents products and services covering the entire process sequence – for simple, as well as for highly complex cleaning tasks. At the same time, the trade fair programme offers solutions which meet demands for a holistic approach to the cleaning process, which is becoming more and more common at innumerable companies. Amongst other aspects, this includes workpiece carriers, bath maintenance, cleanliness inspection, avoidance of recontamination and temporary corrosion protection.

The 10th parts2clean will take place at the Stuttgart Exhibition Centre from the 23rd - 25th October 2012.

St. Petersburg Technical Fair confirmed for 2012 The 7th edition of St. Petersburg Technical Fair (PTFair) will be held on 13th – 15th March 2012. As the main industrial exhibition event for Russia’s North-West, it includes international exhibitions and informative conferences covering metallurgy, metalworking and industrial innovations.

S

how management reports that over the years the PTFair has become a major industry event in the Russian Federation and has become a reliable marketing tool for business matchmaking. At the show experiences are exchanged, innovations are presented, and mutually beneficial links between industrial leaders are strengthened.

The significance of the PTFair is affirmed by the 2011 show results, which saw over 500 leading industrial and innovation companies from 27 countries, including Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Taiwan, fill three halls of St. Petersburg’s largest exhibition venue. The total number of specialists and experts attending the PTFair events was 8,200.

The PTFair exhibition programme combines several major sectors in one show. Besides the traditional exhibition which embraces the metalworking, metallurgy and casting, mechanical engineering, high technologies and innovations. Additional topics to be highlighted in 2012 include: fittings, non-metallic materials and services for industrial enterprises.

Alongside the exhibition is the St. Petersburg Industrial Congress - the main PTFair event aimed at discussing industry problems and prospects, innovations and high-tech. The ‘Nonmetals in machine building: production, treatment and usage

44

assembly of chief technologists’ and ‘Anti-corrosion protection of metal constructions’ round-table meetings are to be held within the Congress’s framework. The ‘Modern power saving technologies in metallurgy assembly of chief power engineering specialists’, as well as specialists of metallurgical and casting enterprises, will also be on the agenda.

The PTFair will be accompanied by the VI St. Petersburg Partneriat, which is a unique communications platform for inter-regional and international networking and cooperating.

The Partneriat will provide experts, specialists and businessmen with an opportunity to discuss one-on-one the measures for maintaining economic stability and supporting small and medium business through inter-regional and border industrial collaboration.

“Companies that have already confirmed their participation include: Alflet Engineering AG, Arsenal Komplekt, ASMservice, Weber Comechanics, Measurement technologies, Irlen-Engineering, ITA-SPB, Krasnokamsky RMZ, Petrostal, Finval Industry, Hightech Instrument. Furthermore, industrial and research organisations of the Republic of Belarus, Germany, Finland, the Czech Republic, and China will be widely represented at the PTFair exhibition.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

WWW.EISENWARENMESSE.COM

HEAVY METAL INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE FAIR COLOGNE 4 – 7 MARCH 2012

Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany, Tel. +49 180 527-7766, eisenwaren@visitor.koelnmesse.de

exhibitions

First show – but you’d never know it For the first time the Fastener Fair was staged, 8th and 9th November, in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city.

The quality and range of stands, though, belonged to a far more established event - matched by visitor traffic exceeding expectations on both days.

W

alk from the sun-immersed check-in area to the entrance of Fastener Fair and it became clear this was no ordinary first time show. Visitors were immediately presented with an array of stunningly designed feature stands. The message was clear – the Brazilian fastener industry had taken the Fastener Fair to its heart, with an enthusiasm and flair that epitomises this vibrant and aspirational country.

In fact, organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions attracted an impressive 171 exhibitors to Fastener Fair Brasil; well over a

46

third Brazilian companies. With more impressive feature stands throughout the hall and a wide spectrum of well-presented shell stands, exhibit quality was consistently high.

Noticeably, alongside international suppliers from across the globe offering an extensive range of fastening technologies, manufacturing technology companies were well represented. National Machinery, Wafios and Weighpack, all have wellestablished business links to Brazil’s fastener manufacturing sector but nevertheless received continuous interest. Front of the National booth was the Mectron First Scan 150R, a fully automatic non-contact precision measurement system.

That it drew consistent attention is a reflection of the quality requirements in the Brazilian fastener market. Centre stage of the stand shared

by Weighpack and Brazilian representative, Southwind, was an automatic packing system, already destined for delivery to a Brazilian customer. By the end of the show Weighpack managing director Dries Kout was able to confirm orders for two more systems had been signed.

Other manufacturing technology exhibits included tooling specialists Sala Punzoni.

Also from Italy, Carlo Salvi and Regg Inspection shared a stand, and MDM Special Tools, with a stand that combined the jewellike attractions of its tooling display with a few Brazilian ‘jewels’ to greet customers.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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exhibitions

Brazilian stands unquestionably drew the greatest visitor attention: not just because of their welcoming hostesses, plentiful cafezinho and beer, and occasional caipirinhas. Ciser, the largest fastener manufacturer in South America and an early and strong supporter of the potential for Fastener Fair Brasil, reaped reward for that commitment with a stand consistently inundated by visitors for most of the show. It was not all networking with existing customers, however talented Brazilian companies undoubtedly are at that process. Many domestic suppliers reported making new contacts during the show, with visitors travelling from across Brazil and beyond – several exhibitors reported a strong contingent from Argentina as well as visitors from Columbia.

For Riline Machado, responsible for marketing at SurTec de Brazil, Fastener Fair was a positive experience, not least because it resulted in contact with companies not previously known to the coatings application specialists. On behalf of SuperPar, Brazilian manufacturers and owners of one of the series of impressive stands that greeted visitors, Meire Paixão was similarly pleased

48

with Fastener Fair: “It has been a very positive experience for us.”

Jomarca manufactures for primarily the furniture and construction sectors, supplementing own production with imported ranges. Director commercial João Cavaco, with 42 years fastener manufacturing experience not an easy man to impress, expressed himself well satisfied with Fastener Fair.

For Paulo Pastorelli, marketing and new business manager for Ciser, Fastener Fair Brasil filled a need identified by his company more than four years ago for a dedicated fastener exhibition in São Paulo. “When we first saw the proposal for the Fastener Fair, we knew it was exactly what was required and were very pleased to give it Ciser’s full support.” He added that he had encouraged other Brazilian companies to support the event.

“Some committed,” he says, “but many were more cautious and took the view that they would assess the first show and see whether it would be worth exhibiting.” Surveying a packed Ciser stand he concurred that many might well now be wishing they had made the commitment first time but he said, for sure, would be exhibiting at future editions.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

exhibitions

For international stands a key success determinant was clearly whether they had invested in a translator. Only a minority of Brazilian business people speak English, and many others understandably believe that exhibitors should be able to communicate in Portuguese. For many international exhibitors Fastener Fair Brasil represented a concise opportunity to assess a complex market and gain a first hand feel for the distinctive Brazilian way of doing business. In a business culture that requires the establishment of relationships first that is likely to prove a rewarding approach. It was one demonstrated admirably

by Belgium’s Dejond, which had a small but well presented booth shared with Titgemeyer. “Our translator has been an absolute essential,” said Annemie van Ockenon the first day. On the second she had begun to evaluate contacts and was able to confirm: “We were not sure what we could achieve at the show.

We came to explore potentials and to understand how to do business here in Brazil but I can see now that there are some very definite opportunities for us to follow up.” Pier Giuseppe Montevecchi from Bolognese rivet and tool manufacturer FAR

also finished the show in upbeat mood, pleased with prospects.

Other international exhibitors, it must be said, were not so enthusiastic. Those without translators undoubtedly struggled, drastically reducing contact potential. A fuller realisation of the challenges presented by Brazil’s substantial import tariffs and complex import procedural requirements also caused concerns. Developing business in Brazil is unquestionably not a straightforward or rapid process. Fastener Fair Brasil, though, provided a time and cost effective way of getting to grips with these issues – and the crucial opportunity to start building relationships and explore, perhaps, potential partnerships.

Opening at 1pm the show ran until 8pm on day one and 7pm day two – a strategy justified by the number of visitors still arriving late afternoon and into the evening. Show manager, Candyce Costa, told Fastener + Fixing Magazine she was delighted by the level and quality of attendance. “Everyone is very happy,” she whispered - the organisation of the show, alongside a small and extremely hard-working team from Mack Brooks Exhibitions, finally having taken its toll on her voice.

“The quality of the stands was really amazing and I am so grateful for the commitment and support from all our exhibitors.

The quality and quantity of the visitors has also exceeded not just our expectations but those of many of the exhibitors.”

Mack Brooks Exhibitions has conducted a detailed survey of all exhibitors. The spectrum of responses will be interesting and, no doubt, influential on timing of the next Fastener Fair in Brazil – the question in the organisers’ mind at the close was clearly ‘when’ not ‘if’.

Our own estimation is that, all round, this rated as a remarkable first show, clearly demonstrating Mack Brooks capability to launch excellent shows at long range. There is no question Fastener Fair has immediately and very effectively been established as a regular event for the Brazilian fastener industry.

Every visitor to the show received a copy of Fastener + Fixing Magazine Supplement

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

exhibitions

Vegas Fastener Expo a huge success

The National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo held 19th – 21st October 2011 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada USA, was a huge success from every standpoint, according to Expo Management.

H

ailed as “North America’s largest fastener expo”, the 3-day event attracted 4,238 visitors and exhibitor personnel from throughout the USA and 32 other nations from around the world. Distributors led the way in Expo visitors with 1,253 registrants, followed by 240 suppliers, 173 independent sales reps, 172 cold forming manufacturers and various other industry related people.

The full day conference on Wednesday 19th October was packed with a variety of programmes, workshops and meetings presented by Expo Management and a number of industry associations including the Fastener Training Institute (FTI), National Fastener Distributors Association (NFDA), Pacific-West Fastener Association (Pac-West), Fastener Industry Financial Group Network & the Business Credit Management Association and Women in the Fastener Industry (WIFI).

The always popular ‘Welcome Reception’ sponsored by Expo Management on Wednesday evening at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino was packed with upwards of 1,600 persons buzzing with excitement and furiously networking while enjoying a great assortment of complimentary food and drink. “The party atmosphere was definitely upbeat”, noted one happy attendee and the Harrah’s banquet manager said: “I haven’t seen the ballroom this crowded for several years”.

The two day Expo opened at 9:00am, Thursday 20th October and aisles were immediately jammed with thousands of eager buyers looking to see what was offered by the nearly 600 companies spread over 757 booths (75,700 square feet).

Exhibiting companies from all across the USA as well as Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and Vietnam showcased their latest lines of products and services including fasteners, inspection and testing equipment, fastener machinery and tooling, packaging equipment, mill supplies and a variety of industry-related services. The steadily growing ‘Machinery & Tooling World’ area featured 43 companies including many members of the International Fastener

52

Machinery & Suppliers Association (IFMSA). “Over 70 of the exhibiting companies were either new to the Expo or returning after a three year absence and we are very encouraged by this,” informs Susan A. Hurley, the Expo’s general manager.

“This year’s Expo is the third largest in our 30-year history and we are delighted with the results. We received numerous compliments from exhibitors and there are many signs that the industry is recovering”, said Jim Bannister and Mike McGuire, general partners.

Dana McLaughlin of Stelfast commented: “The show was great this year. I really liked the new location and the turnout was great”.

George Chismark of Trinity Hardware Headquarters wrote: “We have had great success with finding new customers and growing existing customer business by being an exhibitor at NIFMSE. We’ve used the show as a platform to introduce many new products and plan to introduce many more in the years to come”.

The 2012 Expo is scheduled for 10th – 12th October 2012 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

ALLBOLTS LTD

Unit 18 Fortress Close, Brome Industrial Estate, Eye, Suffolk IP23 7HN

Tel: 01379 872910 Fax: 01379 872915

allbolts@btconnect.com

Fa c e 2 Fa c e

Werner Deggim Chief Executive Officer, NORMA Group In April this year, the NORMA Group carried through a successful initial public offering of 18.4 million shares, raising 386.4 million euros - an implied market capitalisation for the Group at 669 million euros. Despite coming little more than one month after the Fukushima disaster rocked international markets, the IPO was healthily oversubscribed. NORMA CEO Werner Deggim talked to Phil Matten about the track record that inspired investor confidence, NORMA’s strategy and ambitions.

T

he NORMA Group was created in 2006 as a result of a merger between ABA Group of Sweden and NORMA, formerly Rasmussen GmbH of Germany. Funding for the merger and establishment of the growth came from 3i, which prior to the IPO held a 73% stake. “It was the merger of two major competitors,” explains Werner Deggim. “Both were very successful privately owned companies with a lot of history.

At the time both companied achieved around 9% organic growth year over year. Our target was to create a global technology market leader.” A key factor in a remarkably smooth merger was the balance of the two companies’ historic business. Around

“ N ORMA created a unique business model, which has two distinct ways-to-market: Engineered Joining Technology and Distribution Services.” seventy percent of Rasmussen’s business supplied technology direct to user, primarily in the automotive sector. ABA, having developed through the acquisition of a series of regional brands, had a similar proportion of its business dedicated to sales through distribution. From this basis NORMA created a unique business model, which has two distinct ways-to-market: Engineered Joining Technology and Distribution Services.

54

Growth through acquisition as well as organically “It was, and still is, a very fragmented market, with a lot of competitors, most of them family owned with a regional business,” explains Werner Deggim. “So we added acquisitive growth to the equation. As European manufacturers looking to become global technology leaders we defined the acquisition strategy to allow us to fill white spots on the global map and begin to consolidate the market. Another pillar of the acquisition strategy was to enhance our product portfolio and technology. In terms of distribution services it is also about getting closer to our end customer in regions where we have already been active and also those where we have not been so far.”

NORMA’s first large acquisition came in 2007, twelve months after the merger, when it bought Breeze Industrial Products in the United States. “Breeze strengthened our presence in North America, which was weak at the time. We either invested effectively there or stayed out – there was no point in doing it half hearted.” Breeze, with a particular strength in exhaust clamping technology had previously acquired Torca, so both brands joined the NORMA stable. “Breeze also added to our product portfolio,” says Werner Deggim. In 2010, having weathered the 2008-9 economic crisis, NORMA made a second American acquisition. “R.G. Ray was at the time the market leader in heavy duty clamps,” explains Werner Deggim, “bringing the missing part to Breeze, which was in the exhaust market but not the heavy duty one.”

The latest acquisition, again in America, came in December 2010. “For our fluid business we need injection moulding, which we have here in Maintal but did not have in the US at the time.

We wanted to grow this important part of our business and had been outsourcing injection-moulded parts. Craig Assembly is a small but fine injection moulder. Right now we are insourcing all the injection-moulded parts and no longer have to consider shipping from here in Germany. They are also a tool maker so we are growing their business and they are very proud of it.”

Responding to environmental needs Returning to the development of NORMA’s business model, Werner Deggim says: “We defined our whole philosophy into a value added approach to the customer. Our business is

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Fa c e 2 Fa c e driven by growing environmental awareness – in particular the requirements for emission reductions but also by rising energy costs generally and in very broad terms the cost pressures on all industries.”

“Out of these megatrends there were certain customer requirements. Reduction of emissions I have already mentioned but also elimination of leakages, weight reduction, in-vehicle space reduction and assembly time reduction. In the case of distribution services we also needed to address availability of products and local presence.”

“We adopted these specific requirements developing from these megatrends into our business model. We know that where we see one of these requirements and treat it as a driver for our business we will create a value – not only for us but also for the customers.”

“We have always set our focus on future trends and what requirements are coming. Look at emission standards – in Europe right now the Euro 6 standard is being developed and our engineering and product development has to anticipate its requirements. We also have to engineer our products to take account of the reduced space in the vehicle for the engine assembly, while still enhancing production efficiency. So with the addition of a pre-positioner to our Quick Connector the operator on the assembly line can very quickly get to the stage where he can install it virtually blindfold.”

NORMA Group currently spends about four percent of its sales on research and development. “We want to keep it at that level,” says Werner Deggim, “because we understand that innovation is driving our business response to the megatrends. For our own production we introduced lean manufacturing principles, recognising that we too had to achieve cost savings year over year.”

“We like to say that we changed the DNA of the company from very successful privately owned businesses and started to build a global market leader. Of course, that meant a lot of changes and that was one of the challenges. In hindsight, though, our people adapted very fast to the new mentality. You have to explain to people that they need to work as before but there are somewhat

different visions and targets. After a while they find out that being part of a globally growing and successful Group is also fun – and that is also important in being successful.”

Multiple brand strategy “One of our key philosophies,” outlines Werner Deggim, “is to keep all our brands in the market. We rename the companies as part of NORMA Group but we recognise that people see and relate strongly to the brands. There are two global brands - ABA and NORMA – supported by a series of local brands, which is very important for the Distribution Services business.”

“In Italy we have Serratub, in France Serflex, in the UK Terry maintaining local brand loyalties that have been established over many years. The NORMA brand has a presence in Europe, North America and Asia. Elsewhere, if someone wants the NORMA brand we may well say yes but the buyer will need to import it, which means a higher price position or prefer to use the local Group brand.”

“ T he emission reduction trend makes weight even higher priority so everyone tries to save it wherever they can.”

NORMA has revived one brand to achieve local penetration in China. Gemi was previously an ABA owned, direct competitor in Germany to NORMA in DIN standard hose clamps. “We took the Gemi brand off the market here in Germany but kept the equipment and shipped it to China, where we are now recreating Gemi as a local Chinese brand. The plant has semi automatic equipment appropriate to Chinese production.”

“For us, brand management means to figure out what markets need and how to balance the brands, a current example is the Breeze penetration in Europe.”

Thermoplastic connecting technologies Quick Connector, the Group’s plastic connecting technology, owes its existence to NORMA’s previous owner, who in the 1990s realised that an integrated assembly could replace a hose clamp. “He said, ‘OK, before someone else does it, let’s do it ourselves’,” smiles Werner Deggim. “He started from scratch to get into the necessary technologies. It proved very successful and today we are replacing elastomer hoses and saving a lot of weight as well as improving vehicle assembly efficiency.”

So successful in fact that NORMA has just announced it

56

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

won a huge contract with an internationally operated vehicle and engine manufacturer to develop and manufacture fluid systems to reduce nitrogen oxides in exhausts. Production will start in 2014 and annual order volume is described as “in the lower double digit millions of euros for a four year period”.

“We are very proud of it,” says Werner Deggim. “We try to patent all our products, to preserve a certain advantage in the short term but we recognise the crucial importance of constantly innovating and delivering improved value.”

While the Maintal plant, outside Frankfurt, takes the lead in Quick Connector research and development and has a very highly automated injection moulding facility, forming of the ‘hose’ elements and assembly of the entire component is more labour intensive. NORMA has an established plant in Poland, which is running close to capacity. This is one reason why the Group has just formally opened a new plant in Serbia. On the other hand, NORMA´s presence in Eastern Europe is further strengthened.

Global solutions – locally engineered Weight reduction and assembly efficiency have been important criteria in Europe for a long time. NORMA’s experience in developing solutions to meet these needs in the most stringent world market, together with its recognition of the importance of local engineering expertise is paying dividends. “The emission reduction trend makes weight even higher priority so everyone tries to save it wherever they can. Today, here in Europe we are working on Euro 6 solutions. China plans to introduce Euro 6 in 2016 so we are engineering products today that China will need in 2016.” It is not, though, as easy as taking a sophisticated solution and trying to sell it into a market not currently operating to the same standards. Werner Deggim spells out an example.

“We were approached by a leading Indian tractor manufacturer who wanted help to develop a leak free tractor. We already had a solution here in Europe. Elevated emission standards meant it needed a flame resistant surface and had to be a three layer thermoplastic extrusion. Our Indian engineers took this solution and talked to the customer. Lower emission standards meant that it did not need the heat resistant layer, just a leak free solution. So we developed a one layer extrusion.”

At the heart of the story, for Werner Deggim, is NORMA’s ability to use its Indian engineers to achieve the technical bridge between local requirements and the European technology. “That is why it is our philosophy to have local engineering expertise, to localise the solution. That way we maintain a very important advantage in our field of specialism. We know if we have a business model driven by growing environmental awareness, in all kinds of industries and markets we can create value for our customers throughout the world. That is part of our success and will be in the future.”

Witness to the effectiveness of the strategy, NORMA plans to expand its existing operations in India as well as in China.

“Our facility in China has been doubled in size at the beginning of this year,” says Werner Deggim. A fluid plant in Mexico serves the North American market. Another opened earlier this year in Thailand serves the South East Asian market and 1,000km south of Moscow a plant supports Russia’s traditional automotive production area. So far NORMA has not established

production in South America but the recent announcement of opening a sales and engineering office close to São Paulo is indicative of intentions. “We view Brazil as a key market for growing our business on the South American continent,” says Werner Deggim. “In terms of production it is for now a white spot on the map. We have been looking to acquire a business

“ We know if we have a business model driven by growing environmental awareness, in all kinds of industries and markets we can create value for our customers throughout the world.” for sometime but Brazilian companies are very aware of the attraction of their market to global companies right now. Our strategy is to come close to our customers and markets. So we will be expanding soon in Brazil.”

www.fastenerandfixing.com

57

Fa c e 2 Fa c e Drivers in other market sectors Inevitably the automotive sector absorbs much of the conversation. There are though specific drivers that NORMA clearly identifies in other market sectors. “We are trying to adapt new solutions to different markets and applications,” says Werner Deggim. “For example in infrastructure there are new challenges. The whole drainage system of the Moscow Federation Tower is equipped with NORMA products and required new solutions. You might say what’s new in drainage systems but the higher the building the greater the pressures developed in the system. The drainage couple we offered five or six years ago does not work any more in these buildings.”

Water supply is equally important. “For the huge irrigation systems in Australia now the critical challenge is to eliminate leaks. In many city water supplies there are also huge losses through leakage. We see water as an important sector for our future, whether it is desalination systems or eliminating waste of an increasingly precious commodity.”

Emission standards are also not exclusive to the automotive sector – requirements are toughening globally in power generation, construction and agricultural equipment, and in marine applications.

Next year is the question “Let’s start with this year,” says Werner Deggim. “We are very pleased with our half year result. We increased our guidance after the half-year taking organic growth from 10% to 10%-12%.

If we include acquisitions then the guidance figure for the full year is now up to 570 million euro sales.”

Since July, though, surely the economic indicators have become substantially more troubling? “An investor asked me recently whether I would still issue the same guidance figure today as in July. I replied, absolutely. NORMA´s business is thriving. Our order books are at record highs with about five months visibility. Of course, we are carefully assessing other factors in the market to detect signals of a change. We are listening to experts, talking to our customers. We will unquestionably see organic growth next year but we are, of course, adjusting our top line sales projections before we conclude our budgeting process.”

Looking to the longer term NORMA is also evaluating widely varying scenarios towards 2020, particularly in the automotive sector. “We have a range of scenarios from the most aggressive green picture, in which we still see no more than 20% of vehicles being electric or hybrid to a scenario where oil remains at a reasonably affordable level. The hybrid and electric vehicles offer tremendous opportunities for NORMA – cooling lines are longer and weight saving is even more critical. In the end, though, value creation comes from an engineered solution, which is unquestionably NORMA’s strength, so we will watch, study and as necessary adapt our business model.”

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About:

Werner Deggim Joined NORMA Group in 2006. Previously vice president and general manager, TRW Automotive and before president, Kautex North America, Werner Deggim lived and worked in the US and Canada for seven years.

About:

NORMA Group NORMA Group is headquartered in Maintal, Germany.

It currently employs around 4,000 people worldwide. NORMA Germany employs 800 people; 700 in Maintal with around half involved directly in manufacturing operations.

Across three categories - clamps, connect (joining elements) and fluid (fluid systems and connectors) - it supplies more than 35,000 joining products and solutions to some 10,000 customers in over 80 countries.

The company holds over 350 patents.

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Insight

New ownership at Max Mothes Word of a catastrophic system implementation and a cascade of senior management changes had long before permeated the fastener industry but the announcement that Max Mothes was insolvent still came as a real shock. A seemingly impregnable bastion of fastener tradition had been revealed as riven by crippling fractures. In August Schüring & Andreas acquired the assets – sufficiently unusual white knights to make Phil Matten want to discover more.

O

ne of Schüring & Andreas’ four partners, Frederik Roth extends an amiable welcome to Max Mothes office and former warehouse in Düsseldorf. This magazine once described it as an Aladdin’s Cave of fasteners, a maze of storage racks, twists, turns and corners concealing an extraordinary multiplicity of fastener treasures. No longer: even before the insolvency the inventory had been relocated to an expanded facility across the Rhine. By the end of the year the sales and administration personnel and functions will also have moved – which is why we also head for Neuss.

Max Mothes first moved to the Düsseldorf site in 1937, nineteen years after its establishment. Once in an industrial area, as the city prospered it was surrounded by residential building, so that the last permitted development was an upwards extension of the offices in 1990. Max Mothes relocated its production operation to Neuss and added three warehouse halls.

In 2010 the Neuss site was further redeveloped to accommodate the main inventory – some ninety thousand fastener stock lines.

Inevitably, theories abound on the reasons for Max Mothes failure. An apparent attempt in 2008 to radically adapt a newly installed Navision ERP system to accommodate traditional procedures unquestionably had a devastating short-term impact on the company’s ability to locate and make sales of its massive product range. Losses ensued, says Frederik Roth, with a consequent collapse in confidence on the part of the, surprisingly, seven banks involved in the business. “The banks put in a restructuring officer,” says Roth. “Another in a series of external managers and advisors. These are situations I have seen many times, no-one listens to the people in the company who normally know exactly what should be done, instead millions are spent on reports from people that have no understanding of the business.” The banks, says Roth, halved the working capital in the business, pulling out some ten million euros. “That makes sense in recession but not when the recovery takes off and the customer needs more supplies.” The impasse, according to Roth, then was that the banks were not prepared to extend further credit unless the main shareholder committed sufficient cash to convince then. It didn’t happen and the cracks in the edifice

60

rapidly widened.

Be these things as they may the discussion is insightful – revealing some of Frederik Roth’s personal business philosophies. Trained in Switzerland as a mechanical engineer, he worked initially as a sales engineer. His father’s illness brought him home to Frankfurt and a family engineering business heavily reliant on sales to General Motors. The business sold to Eaton, which rapidly demonstrated an unwillingness to invest strategically, Roth joined ABB and entered the rolling stock industry. Responsible for engineering at a plant in Berlin, a merger with Daimler presented him with managing its closure. “I decided I did not want to do that and left ABB.” He joined a fund that bought Mittelstand companies. “What I never liked, though, was selling the companies. I believed we should continue to develop them in the long term.”

In the run up to Schüring & Andreas acquisition of FEAG GmbH, which had been a ‘captive’ electrical engineering business within Siemens, Roth was approached by Hermann Andreas and Tom Peiffer, two of his now partners. “Hermann was a friend from my Berlin days in the nineties. I joined them because I believe in their values of long-term investing and it put me in the position of owning the company but not having to sell it.”

Which is exactly why these white knights are unusual. Since 1996 Schüring & Andreas has built its holdings by acquiring at-risk Mittelstand companies, investing in them but retaining them in the long term. The partnership has so far invested in five groups comprising fourteen operating companies, which employ 1,400 people and generate annual sales of 190 million euros.

Since 2000 Schüring & Andreas has invested 60 million euros in these operations. “The investment strategy is very simple,” says Frederik Roth. “Peter Schüring and Hermann Andreas realised that there is a need in Germany to save Mittelstand companies that have fallen on harsh times. We acquire businesses that have become the victim of insolvency. The only criteria are that the company has a solid core business and actually that we like it that we fall in love with it. We follow a simply buy and build strategy.

We buy it with our own money but we do not exit. We change the top management and we run the businesses ourselves.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Insight That means literally. Frederik Roth is responsible for sales and purchasing, “with the assistance of my colleagues who are really the important people”. Two other partners are directly involved in the operational management of Max Mothes. Hermann Andreas covers the financial and control functions, including analysis of inventory and other data now being drawn from the computer system – itself firmly in the hands of a Schüring & Andreas Navision specialist, a veteran of seven other Navision installations within the group. Partner Tom Peiffer has overall responsibility for IT as well as personnel issues, the quality department and logistics. “We all live in the companies,” says Frederik Roth. “We do not have headquarter offices, we simply share one secretary in Berlin.”

Each acquisition - investment is only ever as a majority stakeholder - must be capable of becoming an independent sustainable business unit. In the longer run, typically around four years, senior operational management transfers to people from within the business. “Then we look at the next project,” says Roth, “although it should be said we are very opportunist so the timeframe is not fixed.” Reporting systems are transparent: a so-called scorecard provides exactly the same information to

“ We have visited major suppliers, something that had not been done for a very long time, to re-establish trust and demonstrate there is a solid balance sheet to underpin a new long term relationship.” the works council and employees as is received by the banks.

“The employees are actually the assets of the business and we want them to have the information to be responsible for it,” says Roth. “In our experience the employees almost invariably know what needs to be done.” It is something often said but observing Frederik Roth’s personal conduct with people from engineering shop floor to management in Max Mothes it has the ring of truth in this case.

Max Mothes projects 40 million euro sales in 2011. Frederik Roth does not envisage fundamental changes in strategy to achieve this and a return to profitability for 2012. “Max Mothes has been renowned for having the widest range of fasteners in Europe and we do not see that changing. We will focus on building a profitable business; the revenue level is not in itself the issue. Our aim is to make the customers happy – but we expect a fair price for the services and skills we provide.”

Virtually all employees transferred to the new business. “We did let some people go who did not have the confidence of the employees or in some cases that of the customers,” says Roth.

“We have visited major suppliers, something that had not been done for a very long time, to re-establish trust and demonstrate

62

there is a solid balance sheet to underpin a new long term relationship.” The majority of those suppliers are European – a policy that will continue under a strategy developed by new head of purchasing Peter Heumüller, who joined the business in 2010 following ten years with the Würth Group. He acknowledges the challenges presented by a 650 strong supplier base. The complexity is increased by a definite continuation of Max Mothes policy that sales people have end to end responsibility, including purchasing, for special and customised parts. “This has been at the core of Max Mothes success,” says Frederik Roth, “and we do not want to lose the connection or create delays or errors by filtering it through a centralised purchasing operation.” It is a decision that places a critical requirement on Heumüller and the ERP system to ensure he knows what is going on at an early stage in each transaction.

On Asian sourcing Frederik Roth is adamant. “We would be fools if we bought fasteners from China. The German and European mechanical engineering industry wants to have the quality of European fasteners. For our customers part of the success of Max Mothes is that we have shorter communications along the supply chain.”

Equally important is Max Mothes own engineering and logistics capabilities. Schüring & Andreas are committed to investing in both. “We are fortunate that investment in the new warehouse at Neuss had already been made prior to the insolvency and provides us with the capacity we need,” says Frederik Roth. “We just need to improve the processes.” Similarly he sees only strength in Max Mothes manufacturing operation and particularly its responsiveness to customer requirements.

“In-house production is an entry ticket. If we solve the customer’s problem we will be offered additional business.” Currently own production represents around ten percent of total sales. Roth rules out any fundamental changes, in particular moving into cold forging. ”It is not our strategy. That is where we want a very close cooperation with our supply partners.” Investing and updating CNC and machinery capabilities are, though, on the cards; with the potential for a second shift also providing additional capacity.

Export presents growth opportunities also. Currently accounting for 30% of sales, Max Mothes is servicing key customers with operations across the world, ranging from Brazil and North America to Turkey and India. Perhaps surprisingly, given Max Mothes’ long reputation as lender of the last resort within the trade, less than 20% of the total business is from other fastener distributors, a ratio that has not significantly changed in the last five years. The company has operated Kanban services to key customers for many years, although the impression is that in most cases Max Mothes represents a secondary supply position - picking up lower volume, more specialist items, for which its combination of a diverse, if not on occasions esoteric, stockholding and in-house engineering capabilities makes it admirably suited.

Of course, it is early days but the Schüring & Andreas track record in turning round Mittelstand companies that have lost their way is impressive. Nor are the challenges of the fastener sector alien to it – the partnership acquired Honsel in 2002, investing heavily in modernisation of the rivet maker and, distinctive from Max Mothes which has no aspirations in this direction, building up its automotive business.

Most convincing, though, is the open relationship with the people at Max Mothes, which is clearly reciprocated at the moment by a level of confidence and enthusiasm that appears to bode extremely well for the company’s future prosperity.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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adunoX GmbH adunoX is specialized in the collation of screws in belt or coil system. We offer from our stock in Germany a wide range of high quality auto-feed-screwdriver, collated screws, stainless screws and more for professional craftsmen.Our newest development is BLUEfast500, the drywall screw with a 10 x higher rust protection.

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Albert Pasvahl offers you its experience and expertise in special connection elements and accessories resulting from over 70 years in business. In the course of this time, we have become a leading stockist of special standard screws.

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BÜLTE GmbH Kunststofferzeugnisse

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Bülte is an ISO accredited supplier of plastic fasteners and protection products, with more than 20,000 articles.

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Manufactured in Germany, Bülte’s fasteners have proven themselves over a period of years to be reliable, high quality products.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

C ATA LO G U E R A C K Verbindungselemente Engel GmbH

E.U.R.O. Tec GmbH

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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 deckings, glue wood, roofings, facades, as well as solar fasteners.

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Goebel GmbH

Actual catalogue 2010/11 with enlarged stock range.

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All rivets are tested according ISO 14589.

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

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Graewe GmbH & CO KG

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Our high rack warehouse in Weingarten (Germany), which houses more than 8,000 pallets, accommodates everything our customers need for their day-to-day business.

Fastbolt GmbH Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors only.

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C ATA LO G U E R A C K Lederer GmbH

Lindapter GmbH

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S+P Software & Consulting Solutions GmbH

Reyher Reyher is one of the leading wholesalers for fasteners and fastening technology in Europe.

Various services are at customers’ disposal, i.e. the widest and most abundant assortment, quick and reliable delivery, good product quality, many e-business possibilities, i.e. Webshop RIO Reyher internet order. email: export@reyher.de www.reyher.de

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We support European construction product enterprises in the development, implementation and sustained successful operation of individual and innovative design and calculation software. Products include: computer software and services, fully integrated software solutions, and internet solutions.

Tel: +49 34297 16153 www.sup-scs.de

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

C ATA LO G U E R A C K Schäfer + Peters GmbH Competence in stainless steel

Your specialist in stainless steel fasteners.

An independent & reliable partner.

We carry a stock of over 25,000 different products from the DIN/ISO standard parts sector which are available to you immediately. Our logistic partners guarantee shortest lead times worldwide. We combine quality and service. Take advantage of our excellent business connections.

Schäfer + Peters GmbH│Zeilbaumweg 32│DE-74613 Öhringen Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0│Fax +49 (0) 7941 6094-700 info@schaefer-peters.com│www.schaefer-peters.com

Schäfer + Peters GmbH

Schröder Schrauben

Your specialist in stainless steel fasteners. An independent & reliable partner.

Over 30 years experience in trading and supplying customers with inch sized fastening items.

• Inch sized screws available from stock.

• Availability of every current type of screw threads and materials.

• Special parts available as well.

• Large availability from stock of high quality as per ISO9001-2000 don’t hesitate to talk to us we will be pleased to help you.

We carry a stock of over 25,000 different products from the DIN/ ISO standard parts sector which are available to you immediately.

Our logistic partners guarantee shortest lead times worldwide.

We combine quality and service.

Take advantage of our excellent business connections.

Tel: +49 7941 6094-0 email: info@schaefer-peters.com

email: info@sicatech.com www.sicatech.com

Tel: +49 4321 96 71 71 www.vvg-fasteners.com

Tel: +49 71 32 99 600 www.schroederschrauben.de

Sicatech GmbH

Vöhrs GmbH & Co. KG

Sicatech is a quality orientated importer and stockist selling self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws, thread-forming screws, thread-cutting screws, Sica-Plas 30º screws for plastic at competitive prices.

For many years we have been the partner for fastener distributers in Europe with top service also for smaller quantities and fast deliveries.

One of the leading international manufacturers of nuts and stamping. Whether made out ordinary steel, high-grade steel, bright or standard finish surfaces we offer the perfect solution for all your requirements.

Our progressive and flexible production allows us to manufacture to your exact specification so you get the product you need - with no compromises!

Tel: +49 2359 7011 www.voehrs.de

VVG-Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co.

Wagener & Simon WASI GmbH & Co. KG

THE EXPERTS IN RIVET TECHNOLOGY. More than 80 years experience in development, manufacturing and sale of fastening systems within the HONSEL GROUP guarantee an extensive product range of high quality standard rivet products up to individual special solutions, combined with fast and reliable deliveries.

Now included in the new catalogue: The battery rivet tool “RIVDOM”!

WASI Product Catalogue NORM With about 26,000 listed products Wagener & Simon WASI GmbH & Co KG is a global player in the trading of stainless steel fasteners. On www.wasi.de you will find further information about packaging, logistics and services, which simplify procurement management. The product catalogue WASI Norm shows the entire product range of standardized products.

Tel: +49 202 26 32 0 www.wasi.de

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

International Hardware Fair Cologne Contact: Claire Lake email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com • Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 508 www.fastenerandfixing.com

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Bierbach introduces versatile QuickDrill Screw BiERBACH® is now offering a new fastening solution for wood constructions in the form of the new Euro - QuickDrill Screw Type A21.

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iERBACH® explains that the new Euro – QuickDrill Screw Type A21 combines the many advantages of a hardened steel screw with those of a stainless steel fastener. With the Euro – QuickDrill Screw Type A21 it is possible to carry through fast, secure and high quality joints, especially on wood-wood joints in outdoor areas with increased climatic requirements. For instance the installation of harder wood material on garden-landscape (GaLa-) constructions.

Hybrid material technology

The hardening of the high grade stainless steel provides excellent fracture resistance allowing for high torque, thus ensuring fast and secure setting. The rust-free stainless steel used for production combines outstanding longevity with decent appearance meeting high esthetical demands.

High corrosion resistance

BiERBACH® highlights that one of the main characteristics of the Euro-QuckDrill Screw Type A21 is its everlasting corrosion resistance. The neutrality of the material against wood, tannic

acid and wood preservers allows value ensuring weatherproof constructions in indoor and outdoor areas.

Application for all weather conditions

The new BiERBACH® wood fastener is highly qualified for fastenings in outdoor areas exposed to climatic conditions as well for damp rooms. The application fields extend from simple horticultural auxiliary constructions for tendril up to constructions of garden furniture and demanding constructions for garden and landscape design.

On account of the high quality of material the Euro-QuickDrill Screw Type A21 can also be used in especially humid environments such as pond buildings or sauna installations.

Pragmatical design

The design of the Euro-QuickDrill Screw Type A21 has been developed from point to head pertinent to requirements of practice. The grooved slot integrated into the point allows precise positionning with reduced action of wedging or cleavage permitting screw settings close to brim without problems. The intelligent geometry of the point does not require predrilling on most wood materials, thus saving time and costs on installations.

The cutting notch of the thread provides fast screw setting with reduced cleavage and cracking. An additional grinding thread reduces torque. Milling ribs beneath the head simplify flush sinking of the head without need for pre-countersinking. The integrated BiROX®-Drive ensures excellent torque on setting.

The overall plastic glidecoating facilitates considerably the continuous ‘screwing in’ action.

The BiERBACH® Euro - QuickDrill Screw Type A21 is available in dimensions from 4mm x 30mm up to 6mm x 120mm.

Con-serts making a loud statement New and improved brightly coloured packaging and labelling for concrete screws, multi-purpose/wood screws and baypole screws, all under the umbrella of Con-sert, are being launched by SEAC.

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big change from the old plain white boxes, SEAC highlights that the new packaging has helpful graphics such as image of the product, range of sizes available, as well as material and screw head information. There is even a line drawing on the label and the content is indicated in big, bold typeface.

The Con-sert screws are made to a high specification and have been popularly used in the UK for a number of years now. The demand for SEAC’s direct-insert concrete screws in particular, has been growing for the past three years since its launch in the market. This screw does not need a nylon anchor plug and can be inserted directly into a pre-drilled hole within masonry or concrete materials. A Star T-30 driver bit is included in every box of concrete screws.

The screws come in boxes of 100 or 200 units depending on size of the screws and are available from SEAC ex-stock.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

WONDERS NEVER CEASE

As the UK’s No. 1 builders wipe WONDER WIPES have become a toolbox essential for tradesmen all over the country, and a great profit maker for stockists.

With trade demand for wipe products continuing to grow strongly, there are now three new Wonder Wipes to add to the toolbox and bring in even more profits for stockists.

Heavy Duty Wonder Wipes – Textured wipes ideal for ingrained dirt.

Glass & Shiny Surface Wonder Wipes – For a quick, streak free finish on glass, high gloss surfaces, granite and stainless steel.

Home & Garden Wonder Wipes – Environmentally friendly with biodegradable and compostable fabric for around the home and garden.

Everbuild Building Products Ltd. Site 41, Knowsthorpe Way, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds LS9 0SW Tel: 0113 240 3456 Fax: 0113 240 0024 Website: www.everbuild.co.uk

WONDER WIPES - THE WIPE THAT WORKS!

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G&B Fissaggi goes GX-L G&B Fissaggi, based in Turin, Italy, says that its GX-L is the new anchor for frame fixings.

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esigned with a four way structure expansion body to increase pull out values the GX-L can be used for through fastening of profiles up to 200mm.

G&B Fissaggi highlights that the GX-L also features an anti-rotation system, as well as screw block system, that prevents plug expansion during insertion into the hole. Knot expansion offers high performance on different profiles, with the GX-L being suitable for various construction materials including stone, concrete, solid, semisolid and hollow brick, as well as light concrete.

“The GX-L is essential for fixing installation in frames, roofing, installation panels and ventilated walls. It offers rapid and easy plug insertion even on hollow supports, without any risk of bending.”

Technical centre at the heart of new facility In August 2011 fastener and fixing supplier Rapierstar completed a move to a new 100,000 square foot purpose designed head office and distribution centre near Congleton, Cheshire, UK.

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t the heart of this extensive facility is a purpose built technical test laboratory and customer information centre. This research and development resource enables Rapierstar to continually check fasteners and fixings under various types of load occurring in practical use. Fixings are also continually tested for speed of insertion, plating depth, recess fit, accelerated corrosion and other vital performance criteria.

Managing director, David Furness, commented: “We sell experience and quality – our products are manufactured to our design and to our exacting standards. As well as extra storage capacity, ensuring continuity of supply for our customers, the new facility affirms our commitment to quality, putting Rapierstar at the forefront of raising the standards of speciality fasteners.”

The company’s allied strength lies very much in the technical knowledge and expertise of the team it has assembled. With that knowledge Rapierstar has widened its branded product range over the years to include StarPVCU™ - for all window, door and conservatory applications; StarTurn™ - a range of universal woodscrews; StarFix™ - masonry fixings; StarPin™ - stainless steel, high impact polymer headed pins and nails; and StarDeck™ - specially developed exterior decking screws.

“Our industry demands high standards and we set out to exceed these in terms of both product quality and service offered,” added David.

Vorpa keeps it light The evolution of building materials, and new elements such as thermal and soundproofing properties for internal building structures, means that specifically designed lighter fixing systems are always required.

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orpa is aware of the evolution of construction techniques, and ensures that it is able to offers a wide range of light qualified fasteners, which are specially designed for applications on materials of limited strength.

The Vorpa light duty fixing range includes: nylon plugs, ceiling hangers, plasterboard fixings, frame fixings, hammer fixings, window frame fixings and insulation material fixings suitable for every trade in the building industry.

Vorpa also studies packaging to meet the various requests of the customers. Universal light fixings and particularly nylon plugs can be packed in small carton boxes, plastic bags or in bulk. Moreover, different kinds of fixings are also available in DIY versions.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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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.

ETA NUMBER

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

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TRADE NAME

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ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA - 11/0124

THROUGHBOLT BZ

Scell-it

ETA - 11/0240

MKT Nail Anchor N

MKT Metell-Kunststoff-Technik GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 11/0255

MAUSA Chem

MAUSA

ETA - 11/0285

CHEMOFAST PASF

CHEMOFAST Anchoring GmbH

ETA - 11/0286

Chemofast PA

CHEMOFAST Anchoring GmbH

ETA - 11/0319

Tecfi wedge Anchor AJE

Tecfi S.p.A.

ETA - 11/0320

Atrion injection system AVM TOP QUATTRO for concrete

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co Kg

ETA - 11/0339

Würth Nail Anchor W-NA

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co Kg

ETA - 11/0344

BOSSONG BCR EPOXY 21

BOSSONG SPA

ETA - 11/0345

BOSSONG BCR EPOXY 21 for rebar connections

BOSSONG SPA

ETA - 11/0354

Injection System HILTI HIT -CT 1

Hilti Corporation

ETA - 11/0377

NWS-CE anchor, NWS-CEX4 anchor

BOSSONG SPA

ETA - 11/0378

MaxxFast THRUMAXX, MaxxFast THRUMAXX A4

FABORY Nederland BV

ETA - 11/0382

BTI simplex anchor BA

BTI Befestigungstechnik GmbH

ETA - 11/0399

BIT V

Mungo SRL

ETA - 11/0400

BCM-MAX

Borgh B.V.

ETA - 11/0441

MA Multi Anchor

G&B Fissagi S.R.L.

ETA - 11/0442

Polyester PV 50-PRO

Powers Fasteners Europe BV

ETA - 11/0443

FIRST POLYVALENT

SCELL-IT

ETA - 11/0444

ECO-FIRST POLYVALENT

SCELL-IT

ETA - 11/0445

MA Green Plus

G&B Fissaggi S.R.L

ETA - 11/0447

Soudafix P300-SF

Soudal NV

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS N/A

N/A

N/A

ETAG 020 plastic Anchors (all parts) ETA - 10/0392

SMART universal and frame anchors

A cost effective alternative to chemicals Spit is expanding its nylon anchor range with the launch of ProLONG, a push-through system which it says offers a quicker and more cost effective alternative to what is generally considered to be a chemical solution.

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ast and easy to use, the ProLONG can be used to fix medium loads for a wide variety of construction applications faced on a daily basis by carpenters, joiners and plumbers amongst others. Spit says that the anchor is unique in its flexibility and can be used in many different hollow, flexible and solid materials successfully, without compromising the stability of the fixing and thus achieving high pull out values.

The ProLONG anchor is available with two different heads and has a range of special features. The hexheaded ProLONG HS is unique in its design, with a wide and long contact area that provides high grip in solid and semi-hollow materials. It has a large, flat head which is ideal for fastening metal brackets and preventing contact corrosion.

The ProLONG F contains a specially developed premounted countersunk screw, which permits high loads and boasts features such as anti-rotation fins to ensure engagement to base materials and a flexible plastic sleeve for a reliable knot formation into the cavity of any hollow wall materials.

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pgb - Polska Sp z o o

Index presents the SLRT and ANCU Index Fixing Systems, an industrial manufacturer and supplier for anchors, screws and other fixing systems, has launched two new anchors - the certified SLRT and ANCU.

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he Spanish company explains that its two new anchors help to consolidate its range of products for suppliers and professionals in both centimetre and inch metric markets.

The SLRT anchor is ETA Option 1 approved (ETA 11/0323) and is made of high performance class 8.8 zinc plated steel, which provides a high resistance both to traction and shear. It is suitable for both cracked and non-cracked concrete C20/25 and C50/60, and for high-load structural applications and heavy duty machinery fixings.

The SLRT anchor is available in different versions (bolt and screw) and gives a fire resistance rating of R120.

The ANCU anchor is zinc plated and has a self-expandable wedge, which ensures a safe installation. It expands according to the base material’s resistance, thanks to its variable geometry. It is easy to install through the piece to be fixed, which reduces installation time considerably. Index highlights that the ANCU anchor is directed to easyto-install and low-middle loads, as no special tools are required. Being totally metallic, it is also possible to use in places where a high fire resistance is needed, and also for fixing metallic sheets or false ceilings.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Index’s new SLRT anchor

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

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gb-Polska states that it offers high performance fixing systems and a full range of packing possibilities to provide fastening solutions for every customer in the construction industry.

Recently, the company obtained an ETA approval for its SMART universal and frame anchors (ETA 10/0392). The range of applications applies to multiple fixings of all non-load-bearing structures (e.g. facades, doors and gates).

Pgb-Polska explains that great attention was spent on the design of the frame anchor. It is easy to install (push-through installation) and has 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.

The company’s full production range covers SMART universal wall plugs, hammer nail plugs, frame anchors and special cavity anchors.

Sormat launches shop-in-shop concept The Finnish fixing manufacturer Sormat Oy has teamed up with long-time Russian partner F-Expert, and local specialised distributors, in launching Sormat Centre shop-in-shops in major Russian cities.

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smo Laitakari, managing director at Sormat, emphasises: “We wish to support our distributors with a presentable and functional point-of-sales concept so they can fully concentrate on providing end-users with the best service and solutions.”

Sormat Centres can be tailored to fit existing shelf structures, available floor space and product range or be delivered as a complete turnkey solution.

The first Sormat Centre was opened in Kazan city, labelled as “the third capital of Russia”, in October this year.

The new Sormat Centre at the sales office of OOO ”CSK-Kazan”

Spit’s new Epomax + New range of structural screws Spit continues to expand its chemical anchor range with the introduction of the Epomax + resin.

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his fast curing vinylester resin comes in a handy 280ml tube, which makes it compatible with standard silicone applicator guns, and functions using a ‘peeler system’ which Spit says guarantees a perfect resin mix and dosage every time.

Epomax + is designed to be used for stud and rebar applications and can be used in submerged holes and underwater. It is suitable for use when fixing guardrails and cable trays, amongst other applications, comes in a rigid cartridge, which reduces waste, and with two mixer nozzles attached.

“If you would like further information about the Spit Epomax + resin, and the range of accessories available to support this product, or would like a product demonstration, please contact ITW Construction Products customer services.”

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2011 has seen Simpson Strong-Tie introduce a number of new products to its portfolio and this autumn looks set to see the launch of another innovative new range - structural screws designed to meet the growing demands of the construction industry.

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he screws are available in a number of lengths, from 40mm up to 400mm, designed for joining multiple timbers together to make stronger single structures. They can also be used to join trusses, I-joists and open web joists, glulam timbers, engineered wood panels and composite panels. Simpson points out that the screws are particularly easy to use and feature a six lobe drive head.

Head of Simpson’s engineered timber division, Jon Head, comments: “Our expanded range of screws is a complimentary fit to our connectors, particularly the 200mm - 400mm screws which are ideal for the glulam, CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) and SIPS (Structurally Insulated Panel) sectors which require high performance fixings in lengths not always readily available.”

This new range is supported by a technical brochure, which includes performance data, safe working loads data and characteristic performance values to aid the designer. As ever, the range is backed by Simpson’s dedicated support service and technical support.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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ETA

European Technical Approval Option 7 non cracked concrete

Fire Resistance

ETA Option 7

A S S O C I A T O

Confindustria Unione Industriali

European Consortium of Anchors Producers

European Technical Approval Option 1 cracked and not cracked concrete

ETA Option 1

M E M B E R

The Specialist for Fastening Technology

Topduo for timber structures

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Associazione Italiana per il restauro architettonico, artistico, urbano

BOSSONG S.p.A. Sistemi di fissaggio e consolidamento

Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 51 - 24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 - info@bossong.com

• For all kinds of joints in load bearing timber structures.

• For fixing of on-rafter insulation. (compression-proof and noncompression-proof) • New high-tech coating for much higher corrosion resistance than conventional zinc plating.

Solar-hook fastening

E.u.r.o.Tec GmbH Unter dem Hofe 5 · D-58099 Hagen Tel. 0049 (0)2331 62 45-0 · Fax 0049 (0)2331 62 45-200 email: info@e-u-r-o-tec.de · www.e-u-r-o-tec.de

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HECO-UNIX-top floorboard screw - the quick and precise way to lay wooden flooring The HECO-UNIX screw family is growing: The full-threaded screw with contraction effect is now available with a small raised head for use as a flooring screw. Thanks to its technical properties, floorboards can now be fastened quicker and with more precision than ever before.

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he new thread design of the HECO-UNIX has more than proven its worth in the interior finishing sector. On insertion, the variable thread pitch pulls the boards together despite the full thread, making it ideal for fastening floor boards. The HECO-UNIX draws the boards together and, at the same time secures them axially via the thread. This not only enables quick and costcutting assembly but also prevents the annoying creaking of the wooden flooring on the screw shank, also known as the “jacking effect”. Since the loads are transferred via the thread, the screw head is only required for inserting the screw with screwdrivers thus the very small head. The design of the screw also enables easier access with tight installation spaces within tongue and groove joints, as the screw won’t protrude into the adjacent board this also ensures precise fastening of profiled timber.

In addition to the head and thread point the HECO-UNIX offers a further bonus when working with tongue and groove; the patented HECO-UNIX thread point reduces the risk of splitting the board, which means that it can be used in the thinnest of cross sections with small edge distances.

The HECO-UNIX-top floorboard screw draws the boards together and secures them axially via the thread

The patented drill point of the HECO-UNIX-top floorboard screw reduces the risk of splitting

New applications in interior finishing

The new HECO-UNIXtop floorboard screw ensures the precise fastening of profiled timbers

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Its new screw design makes the HECO-UNIX even more versatile when used in the interior finishing sector. The possibilities range from the laying of floorboards and wood fibre boards on wood and the securing of an existing substructure to the fastening of skirting boards. In addition, the HECO-UNIX-top floorboard screw is also suitable for installing glazing beads in the hardwood window sector.

The new floorboard screws are available in diameters from 3.5mm to 4.5mm and in lengths from 40mm to 80mm, with a cosmetic bright zinc finish and anti-friction coating. The screws are supplied in the tried and tested HECO packages.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

The screw head of the HECO-UNIX-top floorboard screw is only required for inserting the screw with screwdrivers.

Its small diameter makes it particularly suitable for use where space is tight

HECO-UNIX – The fully threaded screw with contraction effect ®

White. Since 1921.

PART N E R FO R YO U R P R I VAT E L A B E L We take care of everything for our partners from start to finish.

Purchasing · production · making-up · labelling · packaging and logistics of fastening and installation materials. Full service for house brands and private labels.

w_anzeige_FF.indd 1

www.dewit-helmond.nl

Patented HECO-UNIX full thread ®

Contraction effect thanks to the full thread with variable pitch The HECO-UNIX combines the characteristics of a part threaded screw with the advantages of a full threaded screw ®

Patented combi screw head for mounting in fittings and on wood Precise fit in fittings Milled effect in wood thanks to milling grooves

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co.KG Dr.-Kurt-Steim-Straße 28, D-78713 Schramberg Tel.: +49 (0 )74 22 / 9 89-0, Fax: +49 (0 )74 22 / 9 89-200 E-mail: info@heco-schrauben.de, Internet: www.heco-schrauben.de

04.03.11 09:24

co n s t ruct io n fi x i n g s

BiERBACH – the brand for special nails BiERBACH Befestigungstechnik offers a remarkable programme of fixing products – timber connectors, screws, fastening technology and powder actuated systems. When it comes to nails, though, there is something really special about this German manufacturer…

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ore than ninety percent of the fastening technology programmes that BiERBACH offers in its massive catalogue range are manufactured at the company’s plant in Unna, near Dortmund. Nor is BiERBACH new to manufacturing; one way or the other the company has been making fasteners since 1855. Which means, of course, its 200 strong, highly qualified staff knows a thing or two about fastening technology.

When it comes to nails BiERBACH holds stock of an astonishing 1,700 variants. Hardly surprising that the company claims with confidence, “great competence throughout Europe by diversity of types” and the ability to supply nails for all purposes.

Not a place, then, to suggest a nail is a simple fastener. Or if you make that error don’t be surprised if technical manager Ingo Röllecke ripostes with a series of quite extraordinary statistics.

• BiERBACH produces nails in wire gauges from 0.9mm to 10mm, and in lengths from 4mm to 380mm.

• The company offers nine head designs, seven point specifications, three cross section profiles, with six shank threading options.

• Nails are produced in steel (unhardened and hardened), stainless steel (A2 and A4), copper and brass, and aluminium – plus special materials to customer requirements. Surface treatments include galvanising or hot dip galvanising, as well as organic and inorganic coatings, and stove enamelled or colour coated heads.

• Production capability includes 28 cold forgers, 13 thread rollers plus a diverse range of cutting, rolling and other machinery.

• Quality assurance that includes highly demanding test regimes and inspection.

So not just a nail – in fact quite the opposite, BiERBACH is capable of producing and supplying seemingly any nail you can think of and a good few you’ve never thought of. Quite literally here is a company that can supply nails that other people cannot.

Not that BiERBACH is content to rest on that particular laurel.

In fact, the company is constantly coming up with new nail variants. The latest includes Concrete and Masonry nails that eliminate the necessity of nylon anchors. A special thread profile on the shank provides high frictional grip and pull-out resistance in pre-drilled holes. The nail is finding particularly value when used to secure wire safety netting to prevent rock falls onto hill and mountain roads. There is also a variant that has a collar and a male thread to take a nut for securing pipework.

A new A2 Construction nail ensures high levels of corrosion protection in exterior and interior wood joints, fastening cladding

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and a multitude of garden and landscape applications.

The Slimline Antisplit nail, which is extra hardened, is designed for securing narrow finishing ledges, skirting boards and decorative profiles. It’s easy to hammer in because of its slim, hardened shank, resulting in an almost invisible joint as it deeply countersinks. Add to that a pressed anti-split point and rim setting distances can be reduced in the confidence that the risk of splitting is minimised. Finally a 10 micron surface coating provides effective protection against rain and humidity.

BiERBACH’s Terrace Floor Board nail and Decknail, are both supplied in hardened stainless steel, with glide coating, grip twisted threading and ring profiling under the head. The convex ring profile under the head prevents loosening of boards with differing moisture contents. The twisted shank threading minimises splitting, allowing reduced rim setting distances. Both are also resistant to tannic acid obviating the risk of staining or rust patches.

“ B iERBACH are the specialists in special nails.”

Look out also for a Demountable Construction nail that can be hammered in and demounted without damage using a reversed power screwdriver, making it ideal for applications such as temporary fastening of display boards or signs. A sturdy shank ensures high bending resistance and the barbed shank threading means the installation is secure until deliberately demounted.

Convinced? Well just a couple more points to be sure.

When it comes to testing BiERBACH is, well, thorough. A single example will do: the bending characteristics of its ballistic concrete nail are tested by bending it three times to 90 degrees.

Now, if you cannot find what you need in the way of nails from the BiERBACH catalogue - and remember that means an inventory profile of 1,700 variants – then all you need to do is explain what you are looking for. BiERBACH are the specialists in special nails. Of course, it depends on economic manufacturing quantities but BiERBACH really does spend a lot of time producing nails to meet precise customer requirements.

That includes, just as an example, producing tens of thousands of euros of aluminium nails every year.

What next? How about calling BiERBACH to discuss your nail requirements?

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Managing maximum force – even in extreme conditions.

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SCHNORR® is an international leader in engineering and manufacturing of safety washers and disc springs for the automotive or aerospace industry and machine constructions.

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Original SCHNORR® safety washers: • high resistance to vibration • patented technology • extensive range Original SCHNORR® disc springs: • manifold applications • optimal price/performance ratio • tailor-made solutions Just talk to us! Together we will work out individual solutions for a wide range of applications.

Out now!

The SCHNORR® APP for your iPhone® 3, 3GS and 4 at the App-Store!

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

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Sustainable anchoring The European Consortium of Anchors Producers is part of a winning project for the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7) of the European Union.

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ne of the biggest challenges in the European construction world, is to adapt existing buildings to the European regulations on energy. Indeed, if you have been living, like I have, in multi-owner buildings of the 1960s and 1970s, you know how little attention was given at that time to the energy efficiency, starting from the poor thermal insulation. On the other side, a strong and massive intervention on an old building could have social consequences. Just think about the many sad efforts that were done to renovate the façades of whole quarters in the countries of the former Eastern bloc, which then appeared even sadder and nobody felt at home.

Also it could cause problems for sustainability, for which the social aspect is just one of its components.

“ T he main objective of EASEE is to give to construction SMEs a ‘Toolkit’ to reduce energy demand, while minimising the impact on occupants during the retrofitting of existing buildings.”

When interventions are made on existing buildings, anchors are the most sustainable way to intervene. For example, on a façade when a huge intervention is concentrated on a few fixing points. Using anchors on a façade brings advantages for energy, costs, and it implies a less invasive intervention and, therefore, easier possible dismantling of materials for their recycling or disposal. All this favourably affects the sustainability balance.

For such reason, anchors are an integral part of a winning European project, that faces the issue of developing an energy efficient envelope retrofitting of multi-storey and multi-owner buildings built before 1975.

The project is called EASEE – “Envelope Approach to improve Sustainability and Energy efficiency in Existing multi-storey and multi-owner residential buildings”. It is formed by a well balanced group of multinationals and SMEs, coming from all across Europe.

ECAP, the European Consortium of Anchors Producers, is

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one of the partners. Its role is to support in the standardisation issues, in the selection of best anchoring systems for the retrofitting, and in the dissemination/training to SME installers.

The main objective of EASEE is to give to construction SMEs a ‘Toolkit’ to reduce energy demand, while minimising the impact on occupants during the retrofitting of existing buildings.

There is a strong need for the development of new, flexible and easy-to-apply solutions for the envelope retrofitting while keeping the original appearance of the façade.

EASEE wants to preserve the original aspect of the façade, so a combination of modular prefabricated components is used, which give the final appearance without additional finishing on site: • Solution for the external façade: modular pre-fabricated components that have the final appearance without requiring wet finishing and with scaffolding-free installation.

• Novel loose fillers for the cavity wall.

• Solutions for the inner walls. Proper combination of textile membranes, plasters and coatings.

And finally…how do you fix all that? ECAP members and a big German anchoring systems company are involved in this challenge: to conceive anchoring systems according to the aim of the project, whose duration is estimated to be forty eight months starting from January 2012. Other partners of the projects are producers of insulating plasters and renderings, prefabricated façade panels, advanced technical and protective textiles, insulating materials, software solutions, reconfigurable moulding, and construction companies. Research institutions experienced on energy efficiency and energy performances are from Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and Greece.

One full scale demo building will be retrofitted with the proposed method, from assessment of the starting conditions to the installation of the modular elements and to the monitoring of performance after retrofitting. A social housing in the Milan, Italy, area has been chosen as a demonstration site.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

This article was provided by Barbara Sorgato, general secretary, ECAP. For more information on ECAP or to contact Barbara visit www.ecap-sme.org

c o n s t r u ct i o n f i x i n g s

CFA doubles up For the second year in a row the UK Construction Fixings Association elected to stage its conference in dual locations, one hosted by ITW Construction Fixings Ltd in Crawley and one by Hilti GB Ltd in Manchester.

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n addition to delegates from the six full members of the CFA, all fixings manufacturers with a significant market presence in the UK, the conferences welcomed representatives from CFA’s nineteen Approved Distributors and twenty six Approved Testers (eight companies are members in both categories).

General manager, Mark Salmon, started proceedings with a CFA activity report, which included in-depth consideration of plans to completely overhaul the CFA website. The current site already acts as reservoir of knowledge, particularly in the form of downloadable CFA Guidance Notes on a wide range of safety and performance critical fixings issues. Following a careful evaluation of alternative web designers the CFA has now committed to a re-design that will improve navigation and search engine optimisation, incorporating for the first time a news feed and video clip capability. There was then an open discussion on other potential improvements for the website with a wide range of suggestions to further enhance support for members and to improve contractors and specifiers ability to identify and contact CFA approved testers and distributors. Above all, members were clear about the need for real impact on the homepage to highlight the importance of fixings and motivate visitors to explore the extensive resources available throughout the website.

Mark Salmon then focused on the BS8539 Code of Practice for the selection of and installation of post-installed anchors for use in concrete and masonry.

The CFA has been the lead driver in initiating the development of a British Standard equivalent to the highly regarded Irish Fixings’ Code of Practice, which sadly gained its momentum from a fatal site accident involving the incorrect use of fixings. Despite some resistance from the standards body, Mark Salmon reported, that the CFA was succeeding in injecting a significant level of practical detail to the Code, so that it can be used as “an educational document”. A key requirement of the Code, which while not having the force of law is expected to be extremely influential on construction professionals, is a clearly defined procedure for making specification and product changes on-site.

The document clarifies the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the fixings chain from manufacturers and specifiers through distributors to contractors and installers, and places clear emphasis on the importance of specifying and using European Technical Approved products and conforming to Eurocodes.

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For the syndicate sessions the Approved Distributors and Approved Testers split into separate groups. Approved Distributors focused on legislation as it impacts distributors, with Alistair Little of 2K polymer systems considering the additional complexities presented by recent updates in REACH and the Global Harmonisation System for classification and labelling of hazardous substances.

David Russhart, also from 2K, explored some of the issues following the enactment of the Construction Products Regulation earlier this year, particularly looking at responsibilities for the storage and transportation of anchor resins. He emphasised that there remained a number of areas in the new legislation that required further clarification – something the CFA was active in trying to achieve through its relationship with the Comité Européen de L’Outillage.

For the Approved Testers Mark Salmon introduced the idea of identity cards for competent testers, which was seen as being beneficial by attendees. Mark also outlined the significant changes that have been introduced in the TG4:11 Anchorage systems for scaffolding – testing regime compared to TG4:04.

Changes included drop-in anchors no longer being approved for masonry and higher factors for testing nylon anchors. A reduction in proof testing to 1.25x had been introduced at the request of the scaffolding industry. Additional guidance for brickwork now includes use of concrete screws.

Both groups then came back together for a presentation from Steve Osborne of web designer Aura Creative Communications entitled ‘Refresh yourselves’. The presentation concentrated on attracting new customers and gave four key steps to follow: • STEP 1: Sort out your brand.

• STEP 2: Sort out your website.

• STEP 3: Devise a digital communications strategy.

• STEP 4: Pass hot prospects data to sales or telemarketing.

Both events concluded with practical demonstrations on torque and clamping forces and the importance of understanding the idea of ‘load relaxation’ and why users need to keep it in mind when testing resin anchors.

About CFA The CFA’s primary goal is ‘Ensuring Best Fixings Practice’.

Its full members are fischer Fixings UK Ltd, Hilti GB Ltd, 2K Polymer Systems Ltd, Simpson Strong-Tie Liebig, Rawl Fixings and ITW Spit Fixings. In recent years it has extended its influence in the UK fixings supply market through developing associate membership categories for Approved Distributors and Approved Testers.

The CFA has an authoritative website at www.fixingscfa.co.uk which hosts a wealth of information and articles covering the spectrum of fixings installation practice and providing, in particular, a range of Guidance Notes targeted at improving the selection and safe installation of fixings.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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National Machinery extends machine warranty National Machinery LLC’s world-wide operations has announced that is has increased the warranty period on its FORMAX® machine product to a two year machine warranty with a five year drivetrain warranty. The new warranty programme, which is effective now, applies to FORMAX® machines including the newest members LeanFX and PumaFX.

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ational specialises in the design, development, and manufacture of cold forming machinery and applications to produce metal parts and fasteners.

“The increased warranty programme supports what is already the highest quality standard in the industry” says Tom Hay, executive vice president engineering technology, quality and new products. The FORMAX® product line includes machines that can form a wide range of specialty parts and fasteners at net shape while running at exceptional forming speeds.

National enforces a global quality policy that includes material testing, a machine design created for performance and longevity, expert technical personnel, safety analysis, and a thorough final machine run-off test period.

Tom Hay adds: “The extended warranty is a bold step punctuating our confidence with the performance and reliability of these machines and National’s continuous improvement processes. We want to make sure customers know that no matter what type of FORMAX®, from our Large FX and Plus models all the way through to our new LeanFX and PumaFX models, we ensure the same calibre of quality.”

National’s current products focus on advanced cold forming machinery, process and tooling technology, aftermarket parts and service, and used machinery. The company is headquartered in Tiffin, Ohio, with service centres in Germany, Japan, China and sales offices all over the world.

The best of both worlds – servo drives for flat-die thread rolling machines EWMenn GmbH focuses on an innovative and energy efficient drive concept.

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t is no coincidence that servo drives have increasingly become the first choice for manufacturers of industrial production machines. Simply speaking, they combine the advantage of a conventional AC motor with the positive features of a hi-torque motor without adopting their weaknesses. Servomotors are as maintenance free as AC motors and do not require external, often expensive, cooling. They also offer high torque, efficiency and precise positioning capability.

Incorporating a servomotor into a machine’s design allows the machine builder to utilise the positive characteristics of an AC motor drive by, for example, allowing the use of a flywheel for energy storage where the flywheel serves to store kinetic energy.

EWMenn high-speed thread rollers use this energy to handle load peaks typical to the thread rolling process by using energy from the flywheel instead of the main motor.

Clear efficiency advantages Unlike a hi-torque motor a servo drive combined with a flywheel system offers very high forming power while using comparatively little motor power. Hi-torque motors alone usually do not achieve significant increases in forming power since they are often missing the flywheel for energy storage. This results in the need for much higher main motor ratings (up to 100%) than required for a servomotor in combination with a flywheel system.

Therefore, the later allows much more energy efficient production.

Precise and energy efficient drives with a concept Servo drives are not only convincing through their precise positioning capabilities but also through their energy efficiency. EWMenn uses this technology in the company’s concept for building thread-rolling machines with high energy efficiency. This concept focuses on creating controlled drives designed to specific purpose that are then combined with electronic management for main and auxiliary drives to make the most intelligent use of energy. On a parallel basis only highly efficient motor and transmission components are utilised. This concept includes a flywheel system for energy storage. The stored kinetic energy is used to cover load peaks. For high forming loads the EWMenn concept is very advantageous since it offers high torque and forming power without requiring external cooling. “Besides energy savings this drive concept also offers easy operation and comfortable setup using an electronic handwheel,” states Ernst W. Menn, president of EWMenn. Servo drives are available for all EWMenn thread rolling machines.

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New extrusion machine from Videx Videx has recently released a brand new extrusion machine that allows extrusion of hot-rolled, scaled bars from major diameter to pitch diameter, allowing thread rolling of the bars without having to peel or turn the scale.

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idex explains that the extrusion die breaks the scale and draws the bars to the pitch diameter, leaving a clean face that results in very good thread quality.

The VEM machines can be fed either manually or be equipped with bar feeders. When hand feeding, an operator slides the bars into the machine through a hole, so he is not exposed to any danger. Being open in front, the machine has no maximum length restrictions, and can also be used with very long parts.

Automatic feeders are available for both short and long parts. In this case, the machine is equipped with a one-row magazine, from which the feeder takes the parts, feeds them into the machine and ejects them at the end of the operation, without operator interference.

The machines are also equipped with a spray system that applies extrusion oil around the bars before the extrusion starts. Alternatively, the bars can be fed already oiled with extrusion oil.

The major advantage of this magazine is the ability to feed both short and long parts into the machine, using one set of gripper dies for the entire range of part lengths.

Each model in the VEM line covers a large range of wire diameters. The smallest machine in the line will cover the diameter range of 5mm to 25mm, and will handle short parts starting from 70mm long. The largest model will extrude 100mm bars.

The VEM models are available with higher tonnage ratings for upsetting and heading. The machines can be supplied with 1 or 2 stations with either open dies and closed dies and heading tonnage up to 400 tonnes.

High efficiency nail production ENKOTEC’s in-line nail manufacturing solution features a balanced combination of well-proven systems and modern technology enabling it to achieve its wish of constantly putting its customers first.

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NKOTEC’s current high-capacity nail machines, the NX series, are designed according to a modular principle with a basic machine and six machine variants.

ENKOTEC has widened the dimension range of its nail manufacturing machines, as it is possible to cover nail lengths from 32mm up to as much as 130mm (1¼ inch to 51/8 inch) and wire diameters from 1.8mm to 4.2mm (0.071 inch to 0.165 inch). The NX machines come with a PLC control system and touch screen operator interface, which is easy to navigate and allows quick setup of nail parameters.

ENKOTEC’s newest nail machine, type MI01, intended for small and midsize capacity needs, is producing 1,000 nails per minute at diameters 2.3mm - 3.8mm (0.090 inch to 0.150 inch) and nail lengths 50mm - 90mm (2 inch to 3½ inch). The MI01 features simple adjustments, quick tooling changeovers, easy access for cleaning and service, and long tooling life among other advantages.

ENKOTEC sees its MI01 model as a strong alternative for its customers’ capacity needs, whether they produce one single nail type or several different nails. The MI01 combined with its high-end NX series allow ENKOTEC to offer a complete range of nail machines, where many tooling parts are common for all machine models, thus increasing their cost effectiveness.

The latest innovation from ENKOTEC is its movable stand-alone packaging machine, type NCP02. The system offers the possibility of in-line nail production in a complete, automated nail manufacturing process. The NCP02 automatically feeds the nail cartons, fills them with the accurate number of nails, and transports the nail cartons via automatic drive belt conveyors. All of this can be done in-line with a standard ENKOTEC nail machine or thread rolling machine.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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

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New tech centre for ‘green’ electroplating Dörken MKS-Systeme has opened its own electroplating technology centre. The entire coating process can now be recreated in close-to-production form on a highly-modern coating unit. The first test series using the newly developed ‘green’ electroplating Delta-Prozinc® are set to roll off the new line by mid 2012.

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örken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG, Herdecke, opened its new technology centre for electroplating technology on 28th September 2011 as part of an international sales meeting. The centre was officially opened by Christian Mohr, head of electroplating, and Dörken-MKS managing directors Dr. Gerhard Reusmann and Dr. Martin Welp (left to right in picture).

The centrepiece is a 25-metre-long, fully-automated coating facility with the entire process - from pre-treatment to acid and alkaline galvanising baths, to passivation and sealing, with and without lubricant additives - capable of being simulated for both bulk and rack parts in close-to-production form.

Developed by German plant engineers it is intended as the standard for all finishing plants used in future by licensees of the new Delta-Prozinc® electroplating system. Through the takeover of LP-Oberflächentechnik GmbH of Schalksmühle in September 2010, Dörken MKS-Systeme has further extended its area of expertise to cover ‘green’ electroplating. The ecologically-aligned electroplating systems of the LPO series are set to be developed further, with a focus on high-quality, functional corrosion protection. In this context the new tech centre will perform a key function. The first test series with new products are due to be underway here by mid 2012. In addition to the investments in the new plant technology the electroplating team will be expanded.

The new technology centre also offers all the service performance that customers are accustomed to worldwide from Dörken MKS-Systeme. Sampling can be carried out here, alongside the entire range of performance coating and application tests.

These include salt spray testing, various mechanical tests and wet chemical analysis. Further tests on the coated part, such as coefficient of friction testing, can be implemented in close co-operation with the technology centre in Herdecke.

For good vibrations SKAKO Vibration says that its vibratory storage feeders are the best possible solution to make sorting and inspection machines run as long as possible, always with the right quantity of products, and without the need for an operator.

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KAKO Vibration explains that there are two possible solutions to feed inspection and packing machines.

For very small and good flowing bulk material (e.g. nuts, washers and very small/short screws) the SKAKO Vibration silo feeder can be used.

The Skako Vibration silo feeder includes a 900mm x 900mm container, with sliding gate in the bottom, which is placed on top of the silo feeder. After opening the gate in the transport box the product flows into the silo of the feeder and can be fed into the following machine, being started and stopped with a level detector which is installed above the vibration bowl of the inspection/packing machine.

The second solution for longer, bigger and interlocking products is the storage feeder type FVE which is available in different sizes (70 litres/125kg content up to 2,240 litres/4,000kg).

To complete the feeding equipment in front of an inspection/packing machine there is the SKAKO Vibration – lift and tipping system TILDE to empty all sizes of transport boxes (10kg – 3,150kg per box) into the a.m. feeders.

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Knight Vision has the solution Singapore based Knight Vision says that automatic high speed non-contact checking of nut thread integrity is now made possible with its patented Vision solution.

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night Vision explains that this new innovation enables fastener makers to greatly improve sorting process efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost. Additional benefits are avoidance of cost associated with return parts and defects liability, providing real quality assurance and peace of mind to fastener makers and end-users.

Knight Vision states that unlike other automatic optical sorting machine that can only check for limited missing thread or thread pitch, its comprehensive solution can check for nut perpendicularity, burrs inside thread, mixed thread size, flat thread, broken thread and incomplete thread.

Incorporating advanced optical technologies and software algorithm, thread integrity inspection is made possible by specially designed and patented optics using a single camera and special software. Concurrently, parts will be checked for other defects by high speed cameras using a special glass platen ensuring high efficiency and accuracy.

Other Vision Inspection stations include: • 360º side-surround surface cracks/defects inspection.

• Side view dimensional measurements.

• Top view dimensional and surface defects inspection.

• Bottom-view dimensional and surface defects inspection.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Fastener testing breakthrough Fastener manufacturers can now simultaneously demonstrate the self-loosening behaviour of two competing bolted joints, secured with lock-nuts or wedge washers, using Vibrationmaster’s new J150 Junker Test Bench Dual Demonstrator. Fastener product performance can be compared and contrasted to the DIN 65151 vibration test in minutes, and because the J150 unit is portable, it is ideal for sales presentations and trade exhibitions.

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ibrationmaster CEO Morten Schiff explains: “Until now, fastener buyers have been forced to rely on published test results and performance reports when specifying new fasteners for their products. For the first time, fastener manufacturers can actually demonstrate the resistance to self-loosening behaviour of their bolted joints using wedge washers, lock nuts and other securing elements. They can also test them against competing anti-loosening solutions, live and in front of their clients.”

The Vibrationmaster J150 Junker Test Bench Dual Demonstrator, which was successfully launched at the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo in Las Vegas in October 2011, can simultaneously test two fasteners in ISO metric and UTS sizes.

Its innovative features include transverse vibration displacement set at ±1mm and a frequency default of 12.5Hz. According to

Schiff, an added advantage of the J150 Dual Demonstrator is that the self-loosening behaviour of one fastener will not impact on the other – the motor delivers the same load to each, providing two completely independent test results.

“The test bench operator can run two independent tests side by side, comparing competing products or demonstrating the performance of the same fastener in secured and unsecured conditions,” he says. “The independent performance of a single fastener to DIN 65151 can also be demonstrated.”

The test rig chassis is made from high-strength aluminium with a fibre reinforced plastic cover to maximise rigidity and reduce weight for portability. Optional leather-bound handles and covers can be custom built, incorporating company logos, and are available in carbon fibre or Kevlar®. Weighing only 56kg (123.4lb), the J150 is easily transportable and only requires a single phase voltage standard power supply. The J150 has a handheld tablet with pre-installed software that can be used to demonstrate the test results and loosening curves of both fasteners, simultaneously in real time.

“The overall impact of the J150 Dual Demonstrator, with its high-end display options and superb performance, is dramatic and crowd drawing,” continues Schiff. “When connected to a digital projector, the hand-held tablet with its unique ‘VM Test’ software displays the test results live and in real-time.”

Schiff concludes: “Fastener manufacturers using the J150 to demonstrate their product performance in front of live audiences when at trade shows and in client presentations will clearly differentiate themselves from their competitors.”

Available to order now, the first Vibrationmaster J150 Junker Test Bench Dual Demonstrators will be delivered in early 2012.

Leave it to Gopak Gopak has over 15 years’ experience in sourcing, purchasing, packaging and making up, as well as stocking, all types of fasteners and fixings, plastic articles and small technical components for the European industry and trading companies.

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opak highlights that it can source and supply all of the products that need to be packed, or it can purchase them from customers’ chosen suppliers and keep them in stock. This optimises customers’ supply chain and results in lower total cost of ownership and greater availability with less strain on capital.

“For you as a customer the purchase of a single product (with a single product code) rules out obscure overheads and makes for a transparent cost structure. You no longer have the processing costs that come with the purchase of individual components from different suppliers,” says Joep van Gool, company manager.

He adds: “By taking over expensive operational processes (such as purchasing, monitoring, administrative, stock-keeping, packaging and internal logistics activities) we can help you achieve

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substantial savings on your organisational and logistic costs.”

Gopak highlights that it is also able to supply complete bags as a single set, which offers many organisational and logistic advantages and enables customers to save costs before, during and after the production process. All of Gopak’s assembly sets are checked after production which virtually eliminates the possibility of errors.

Gopak’s range of services include: • Automated, high-speed bagging and kitting.

• Fastener and hardware packaging (in boxes/blisters).

• Process outsourcing and sourcing services.

• Comprehensive range of standard fasteners (DIN/ISO)

and special parts.

• Sub-contracting manufacturing and logistic processes.

• Assembly. C-parts Management.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Fastener Manufacturing Technology Directory

2012

SPECI

AL

WIRE

D Ü SS E LDO EDITIO RF N

012 2 e h t Be i n ing r u t c a ory M a n u f lo g y d i re c t o m Te c h n randfixing.co stene a f . w w w

www.fastenerandfixing.com

WIRE Edition 2012

Making waves in testing

Vibration testing for self-loosening on the new J600? \ Self-locking technology requires a J600 Junker Test Bench.

Develop. Test. Prove.

Vibrationmaster ApS \ Saltgade 10 –14 \ Postboks 32 \ DK– 6760 Ribe \ +45 53 55 53 45 \ vibrationmaster.com

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In the bag There is no second chance to achieve a good first impression – which is why STRUBL KG is convinced famous companies choose its Plug&Pack systems.

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TRUBL has more than one hundred machines installed all over Europe, including WÜRTH, Dresselhaus, Electrolux, ITW, and fischer operations. As a result STRUBL has extensive experience and competence in realising customer requirements.

STRUBL highlights that the advantages of its packing system, which are especially appropriate for packing screws, dowels and all DIY parts, include: •

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High flexibility and low set-up time/set-up costs, which allow efficient automation of the packaging process even for small and varying product lot sizes.

Attractive bag design and convenient bag sizes allowing perfect product handling. This leads to competitive advantages at the ‘Point of Sale’ compared to expensive blister packages.

Customers can design the bags according to their individual requirements. Decoline bags have a special reinforced header with eurohole for a premium designed hanging presentation. Functionline bags are made for cost efficient service packing and with Zipline bags customers receive re-sealable bags for more customer convenience.

STRUBL points out that the machine packing process for its Plug&Pack machines consists of four steps: • • • •

The bags are fed to the system and fixed into the transport chain.

Printing of individual product data is done by thermo-transfer printers; the customer decides the printer model.

The bag is opened by air for manual or automatic product filling – all commercial systems are applicable.

The bag is closed by seal-and-cut technology. A multiple chamber sealing system can be used for making multipacks.

Weigh-control is also possible. The sealed bags are laid on a conveyor for further handling operations.

The STRUBL Plug&Pack technology can handle a bag size range from 50mm × 50mm up to 400mm × 800mm, with different materials or mono-composite films.

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

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

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Offering material testing solutions In October the 20th testXpo, an international forum for materials testing, was hosted in Ulm, Germany.

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ver 2,000 visitors and customers from around the world took the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest methods in materials testing. As ever, the event was organised by the Zwick Roell Group, together with 25 co-exhibitors from the field of quality assurance.

The comprehensive range of exhibits was complemented by specialist talks and practical demonstrations. The focus this year was on testing solutions from the plastics, metals, automotive, medical engineering, textile and paper industries.

A feature of the testXpo is that visitors get hands-on time with Zwick’s testXpert software, and have the opportunity to speak to service staff and find out about the innovative grips and other

tools available for materials testing.

Highlights included the new laserXtens Array extensometer for non-contact measurement of small and large strains, together with fully automatic robotic testing system roboTest.

From the field of medical engineering, a compact testing system to determine behaviour during tightening is now available to manufacturers of bone screws. Zwick has also developed new automated systems for testing reinforcement steel and for puncture tests on multi-layer corrugated board.

A key element in all tests is the new testXpert II testing software, featuring simple, intuitive operation.

TextXpert Research provides a uniform user interface throughout, including parameterisation of the testControl II electronics, test definition, performance and evaluation. All data describing the test, such as sensor calibration, limits, PID parameters, set values and test data are stored in one file, allowing the test to be traced in full detail and if necessary repeated whenever required.

“Operation is remarkably easy, with informative icons and a clear menu structure to guide the operator through the program step by step, while the intuitive nature of the menus allows even the most demanding activities to be completed quickly and effectively. This sophisticated, well-thought-out operation concept is available for all applications and all servo-hydraulic testing machines, regardless of whether dynamic or static tests are involved.”

With over 25,000 visitors, more than 1,300 exhibits and testing solutions and some 500 lectures in the course of the last 20 years, testXpo has become a fixture in the testing industry calendar.

Mobile station for SPC checks Eldes snc di Bellotto Paolo & C. believes its Themis 2K Optical Version is a dream come true for every manufacturer of metallic parts needing to organise recurring measurements in production for statistic process control.

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frame with up to five parts is provided, adjusted when the Themis 2K is set up for a new process. Both sides of the frame contain customisable parts to fix fasteners. An indenter can be used to infer, by optical measurement, the penetration.

First the operator selects a process on screen; they then receive the related control plan and insert the frame in ‘load’ position. Each time a part is located in front of the camera the screen displays the image of the part. If the measurements are correct, the sequence proceeds until all the parts are controlled. For those parts that are out of tolerance, the system prompts the operator to select whether the measurement is to be accepted or repeated.

The Themis 2K can measure diameters, lengths and threads, as well as depth recess and holes on the shank. Parts can be rotated with a resolution of 1/10 of a degree to detect ovalities, misalignments in complex parts, threading integrity, ‘key’ of a hexagonal head and the corresponding measurement at 90° with respect to it, which provides the width measured on the edges.

The Themis module offers complete SPC control, starting with immediate visualisation by the operator of the place of the new point acquired on the SPC chart. The user friendy touch screen monitor and the presence of an industrial PC on board displays the operator annexed files for the article. The operator can also see plans, characteristics, every kind of SPC alarm, as well as being able to easily insert comments and notes. The Themis module also allows the supervisor or quality manager to immediately see the situation of all the processes that are on-going on the related machines.

The Themis station is not a standalone product: optical control is managed by the Themis-Quarta software solution, which acquires and performs statistical analysis on dimensional measurements, where control plans, job order launches, SPC analysis and measurement tools are managed.

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Micro fastener measurement using 3D metrology Advances in microelectronics, biomedical and many other industries have increased demand for micro manufacturing, or micromachining, of fastener components at smaller, more precise sizing, in many different materials. Traditional gauging methods cannot assure the precision of such components. Nanovea Incexplains why non-contact optical measurement has become a vital tool for quick and reliable quality control measurement for these small parts.

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D non-contact measurement of micro parts is not a capability provided by just any optical measurement technique; in fact few can do so properly. And because roughness, shape, forms and dimensional characteristics of a micro fastener is vital to its end use, it will be crucial to monitor and control the end result with reliability. Understanding these parameters allows for best selection of processing and control measures. Assuring the quality control of such parameters will heavily rely upon quantifiable, reproducible and reliable inspection. The Nanovea 3D Non-Contact Profilometers utilise chromatic confocal technology with unique capability to measure the steep angles found during fastener measurement.

Where other techniques fail to provide reliable data, due to probe contact, surface variation, angle, or reflectivity, Nanovea Profilometers succeed.

Measure objectives In this application, the Nanovea ST400 is used to measure a micro set screw. There is an endless list of surface parameters that can be automatically calculated after the surface scan.

Here we will review a 3D profile and select areas of interest to further analyse, including the 3D dimensions of the tip and 2D extractions for depth and dimensional calculations of the fastener threading.

Measurement set up and tips Measurements area randomly selected on the sample, drastic changes in surface topography are not an issue for Nanovea Profilometers. Small height variation down to nanometers up to 27mm of height variation can easily be measured.

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Measurement principle The axial chromatism technique uses a white light source, where light passes through an objective lens with a high degree of chromatic aberration. The refractive index of the objective lens will vary in relation to the wavelength of the light. In effect, each separate wavelength of the incident white light will re-focus at a different distance from the lens (different height).

When the measured sample is within the range of possible heights, a single monochromatic point will be focalised to form the image. Due to the confocal configuration of the system, only the focused wavelength will pass through the spatial filter with high efficiency, thus causing all other wavelengths to be out of focus. The spectral analysis is done using a diffraction grating.

This technique deviates each wavelength at a different position, intercepting a line of CCD, which in turn indicates the position of the maximum intensity and allows direct correspondence to the Z height position.

Nanovea optical pens have zero influence from sample reflectivity. Variations require no sample preparation and have advanced ability to measure high surface angles. Capable of large Z measurement ranges. Measure any material: transparent/opaque, specular/diffusive, polished/rough.

Measurement includes: profile dimension, roughness finish texture, shape form topography, flatness warpage planarity, volume area, step-height depth thickness and many others.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Results: Fastener tip surface

Results: Fastener thread surface

3D profile of side surface 3D profile of tip surface 3D roughness parameters

2D surface extraction

ISO 25178

3D roughness parameters

2D surface extraction

ISO 25178

Height Parameters

Height Parameters

Sq Ssk Sku Sp Sv Sz Sa

Sq Ssk Sku Sp Sv Sz Sa

108.8 0.04808 1.608 183.7 174.7 358.3 96.52

μm

μm μm μm μm

131.8 -0.1714 2.080 274.2 340.8 615.0 111.2

μm

μm μm μm μm

2D surface extraction results

2D surface extraction results

From 2D extraction pitch, height, angle, surface area, roughness and many others can be automatically calculated.

From 2D extraction pitch, height, angle, surface area, roughness and many others can be automatically calculated.

Conclusion: In this application, we have shown how the Nanovea ST400 3D Non-Contact Profilometer can precisely characterise both the topography and the nanometer details of a micro threaded surface. From the 3D surface measurements, areas of interest can quickly be identified and then analysed with a list of endless measurements (dimension, roughness finish texture, shape form topography, flatness warpage planarity, volume area, step-height and others). A 2D cross section can quickly be chosen to analyse further details.

With this information threaded surface areas can be broadly investigated with a complete set of surface measurement resources. Special areas of interest could have been further analysed with an integrated AFM module. Nanovea 3D Profilometers speeds range from 20mm/s to 1m/s for laboratory or research to the needs of hi-speed inspection; can be built with custom size, speeds, scanning capabilities, Class 1 Clean Room compliance, with Indexing Conveyor and for Inline or online Integration.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FOCUS ON N u t s , wa s h e r s & lo c k i n g sy s t e m s Aerotight Manufacturing

Bülte

Aerotight® all-metal self locking nuts

FLAT ANTI-LOSS WASHERS

Aerotight Manufacturing offers the time-proven solution to vibration problems. The Aerotight nut has built a reputation for quality and reliability over many years, with a well-proven design that has become established throughout industry. It is the leading all-metal stainless steel self-locking nut and is also available in brass, aluminium or steel. There are no vulnerable inserts to be affected by heat or oil and it is re-useable, with the self-locking function remaining effective. In both its steel and stainless forms it can be used up to 300°C. The Aerotight nut will remain in position whether tightened down or not, providing the locking element is engaged, and does not have to achieve recommended torque to be effective. No additional parts are required for the Aerotight to function so no special tools are needed. All stainless steel bar used in the manufacture of the M5 to M20 range achieves an ultimate tensile strength of 700N/ mm2. The nut is available in most thread forms, including Metric, UNC, UNF, BA, BSW and BSF. Customer specials - for example thin types - are available to order. Aerotight Manufacturing is part of the Apex Stainless Fasteners Organisation.

Tel: +44 (0) 1788 537 979

www.apexstainless.com

NEW DIMENSIONS Don’t lose your washers during assembly

Our washer can easily be slid onto the thread where it is retained by the specially designed lips, helping to speed up, and reduce the cost of assembly.

“Flat”: the thickness of the washer varies from 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

“Anti-loss”: to remove the washer from the screw you will have to unscrew the screw from the washer.

It will be necessary to use the clearance hole sizes indicated in the catalogue in order to be certain of total locking and sealing.

Flat anti-loss washers are available in the following sizes: M10, M12 and M16 + “New”: M5, M6, M8.

The standard material is natural nylon (Polyamide). Nylon washers insulate against moisture and electricity and resist corrosion, abrasion and most chemicals. These washers can also be manufactured in other materials such as: PE, PP, POM, black Nylon… and feed quality or more flexible on request.

www.bulte.com

email: bulte@bulte.com

DS Fasteners

Fabory

Stover Nuts • Nylon Insert Nuts Cleveloc Nuts • Castle Nuts Phillidas • Vargal HDG • Stainless Steel

Locking with confidence

DS Fasteners Products Ltd was established in 1976 as a specialist self locking nut supplier.

Flange Bolts Serrated Flange Bolts

We set out to stock a large range of the more unusual sizes and pitches with the emphasis on higher grades also. This allows us to reduce lead times and get orders delivered quicker.

Our main stock items are the Stover nut (DIN 980V), Nylocs (DIN 985/982) and also Flange nuts (plain & serrated) and Stover Flange (DIN 6927) Nyloc Flange (DIN 6926).

These are available in most finishes and in Grades 8, 10, 12.

(Metric & imperial).

To further compliment the range we also stock Serrated Flange Bolts (DIN 6921) in a range of sizes.

We are also increasing our stock of Stainless Steel (A2 & A4) parts again in the fine pitch and the more unusual sizes.

Recently added to the stock is a range of Philidas nuts.

We have also added Hot Dipped Galvanized Nylocs to our range.

If it’s a locking nut you require, with our knowledge and stock we are sure to be able to help.

For locking a threaded joint, engineers make use of products that can be grouped according to the cause of possible loosening and their intended action.

If the problem concerns only embedding and creep then products such as conical spring DIN 6796, 2093 and NFE contact washers can compensate for the reduced clamping length. In case of self-loosening as a result of internal loosening torque and transversal displacements, prevailing torque nuts with nylon insert DIN 985, 982, 6926, all metal DIN 980, 6925 and SNEP are applied, having the advantage to lock against loss and the disadvantage that they do not secure clamping force.

Additionally, other categories of locking products are needed to lock successfully against rotation, including: • Flanged bolts/nuts with Tensilock and Ripp serrations • Some types of adhesives • Nord-Lock and Schnorr washers.

All of the above items belong to FABORY’S product range.

FABORY, international fasteners and tools distributor, boasts over 100,000 items enabling customers to adopt whatever locking solution is necessary.

For further enquiries, or to request a copy of FABORY’S technical brochure Locking Confidence In Threaded Joints, please contact:

Tel: +44 (0) 1842 763 000

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www.dsfasteners.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 121 556 3474

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

email: sales.faboryuk@fabory.com

FOCUS ON N u t s , w a s h e r s & lo c k i n g sy s t e m s Faster SRL

Freeway Washer Ltd

Italian’s leading manufacturer of: • CAGE NUTS FOR ANY PANEL HOLES AND THICKNESSES • CAGE NUTS FOR MASS CONTINUITY • IN CARBON STEEL ZINC PLATED CHROME FREE, RoHS COMPLIANT • IN TOTAL STAINLESS STEEL, A2 AND A4 • CAGE SCREWS • DEEP THREADED U-NUTS FOR HEAVY DUTY APPLICATIONS • U-NUTS AND CLIPS • SPRING LATCHES WITH RETAINERS AND STUDS Established for over 30 years, we manufacture specials to customer drawings, including cage nuts in most thread forms such as metric, UNC, UNF, BA, BSW and BSF. All cage nuts, both zinc plated or ALL STAINLESS STEEL, are usually available and exported to any European or worldwide destination, because we have: • excellent quality • competitive prices • no minimum order charge • sameday despatch of exstock items • certificates of conformity if requested • technical help for individual projects and furthermore, we can supply all our products with special protective coatings (GEOMET and its various versions), 1000 hours salt spray, in a very short time.

Established for over 60 years in North America, Freeway Washer now has manufacturing sites in Canada, England and the USA, plus established supply routes out of the Far East. The facility in Keighley, England product offering includes Din standard washers but specialises in Lock washers, Double Coil lock washers and pressed washers.

Stocked washers to Din 7980, 127B, 6797, 6798, B5, are readily available but we also manufacture Double Coil lock washers, both regular and tangleproof from our own in house wire drawing facility, allowing quick turn around times, substantially better than the industry average. Pressed washers are manufactured in line with customer’s specification/drawings, being used in safety critical applications for the automotive industry.

With a significant drive to expand further in to the European market place, the goal is to build on the reputation for quality and customer service to offer the total solution for washer requirements for all different market segments.

Further information can be obtained at our website or on the contact number below.

Our most important customers are the Automotive and Domestic Appliance Industries, electrical cabs industries, etc.

For any enquiries please contact Mrs. Caterina Monopoli email: fasterviti@libero.it

www.fasterviti.com

Tel: + 44 (0) 1535 610 600

Icon Fasteners

Inoxdadi SRL

Icon is proud to be associated with Philidas Limited, in stocking their range of Self Locking Nuts, Philidas Industrials, Turrets, and MKV’s; all are available on a next day delivery service. We can reserve stock for a call off, or work to your schedules.

INOXDADI S.R.L. is one of the most important producers of stainless steel and brass nuts, washers and fasteners certified ISO 9001.

This, coupled with Icon’s extensive range of Grade 8, 10, and 12 DIN 934 Full Nuts in Self Colour, Bright Zinc Plated, and Galvanised finishes, makes us unrivalled in Locking and Standard Nuts.

Not forgetting our range of DIN 985 coarse and fine pitch and DIN 982 Nylon Insert Nuts.

To complement our range of 10.9 and 12.9 Bolting, we offer DIN 6916 C45 Through Hardened Washers, again in Self Colour and Bright Zinc Plated. To complete our extensive stocks of DIN 931/933 Galvanised Bolting, we offer a complete range of DIN 125 Form A Washers.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 491 122

email: icon@icon-fasteners.co.uk

www.freewaywasher.com

For the great experience developed on the field of nuts for over 30 years, INOXDADI S.R.L. can boast a wide range of items produced in various grades of stainless steel such as: AISI 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 321, 309, 310, 314, 904L, Duplex - W. 1.4462 - W. 1.4529, W. 1.4923, Monel 400, Hastelloy, Titanium besides aluminium, brass, steel and zinc plated.

Upon request, all the items produced can be provided with certificate of chemical test.

“INOXDADI S.R.L.” is specialist in production of: • shear nuts • lock insert nuts • cage nuts • domed cap nuts • hex nuts • wing nuts • pressed insert nuts • castellated nuts • weld nuts • flat washers • flange nuts • spring washers • square nuts • special nuts and washers Tel: +39 (0) 363 914959 56

www.inoxdadi.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FOCUS ON N u t s , wa s h e r s & lo c k i n g sy s t e m s Martyn Price

Navgrah Fastners Pvt. Ltd.

BIG & SMALL, STANDARD & SPECIAL, NUTS AND WASHERS

We are premier manufacturer of Washers made from Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper or any other stampable material from India. We are manufacturer of Stainless Steel Hooks (Haken) (Fix & Vario) various types, Adapter blech, Winkels, Connectors and other solar panel mounting parts as per customer requirements and drawings.

‘Big and small we do it all’ is the slogan that embodies the Martyn Price philosophy; our depth of range from the micro size M1 to the monster M110 in standard Full nuts is unequalled; also in Metric Fine, American Unc/Unf and British BSW/BSF. 32211 MP Ad(finger)2.indd 1

08/09/2011 14:37

Our depth of range includes Lock, Wing, Square, Dome, Castle, Pal, Weld, and Flange; also V type, Aerotight, Philidas Binx, and Nylon insert locking nuts.

‘Big and small’ also applies to the Martyn Price Washer range that extends in Metric to 48mm and in Inch to 3” diameter from stock.

Arguably the largest range of washers in the UK; available in Metric form A to G and in Inch from table 1 to 8. Martyn Price also stock, Spring, Shake proof, Taper, Thru hard and square plate washers. The difficult to source double coil spring washers, load indicating and Nord-lock are available off the shelf.

If we don’t have it we can get it made for you!

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 424767

email: sales@martynprice.co.uk

Our production team is rich with experience of washer and solar items manufacturing work hard to meet any urgencies. In house tool room facilities help us to produce tools faster to respond to our customers quickly. Our extensive Tool Stock and skilled work force help us to supply at committed time. Our rigorous quality testing do not allow any discrepancy to pass through and this leads to full customer satisfaction.

Our product range includes, Flat washers according to DIN 125 -433 -9021 -440 -1440 -7349 -436 -93 -463, Conical Washers 2093-6096, NFE 25 513-514, BS 4320 -3410, Penny washers, MS 15795, NAS 620C, AN960C, Commercial washers and any other special washers as per drawing.

We are an ISO 9001-2008 company.

Our main aim is to supply quality products with timely delivery at competitive prices.

Fax: +91 260 237 0700

email: dakshesh@navgrahfastners.com

ND Jig & Gauge

Nord-Lock International

Square Plate Washers, Round Washers Standard & Non Standard

Your global trusted partner in bolt optimization

With over 60 years in the manufacture of washers, N D JIG & GAUGE has the knowledge and expertise to suit your requirements.

Joining parts together is one of the most critical steps when delivering a product or a system. The Nord-Lock Group is focused on solving the toughest bolting challenges.

We hold extensive stocks of standard black washers, square plates, through hard washers, taper washers and stainless steel washers.

We offer a unique combination of bolting expertise and a wide product range, including wedge-locking technology and Superbolt tensioners, all designed and developed in-house.

As manufacturers we have the capability for non-standard washers, special nuts and pressings at our factory in Wednesbury and with this, we can turnaround special square plates and round washer requirements in days. We have extensive stocks of raw material whether it is mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass or an exotic alloy specials are also held in stock for call off.

Nord-Lock holds decades of documented success in every major industry including oil & gas, energy, transportation and mining.

Our Production System includes rigorous internal testing and full traceability. Our products hold several certificates from independent institutes including AbP, ABS, DIBt, DNV and TÜV.

The standard washer ranges we stock are, BS 4320 form E, F & G. BS 3410 Table 7 & 8. BS 4395 thru hardened washers, square plates from 40mm sq x 3mm thick upto 150mm sq x 25mm thick. Specials made to order, self colour, zinc plated, hot dip galvanised, sheradized and dacromet.

The tools available through Nord-Lock Performance Services add value throughout a project and ensure that your bolting application pays back multiple times. We can also assist you in the design phase with joint simulation and testing. Additionally, we help you ensure successful operations over time with our on-site support and remote product training.

Phone your enquiries to our sales office direct, for immediate response and for more information on our products and services please visit our website.

Our mission is to safeguard human lives and customer investments by securing the world’s most demanding applications. The Nord-Lock Group looks forward to being your partner in bolt optimization.

Tel: + 44 (0) 121 556 0824

Tel: +46 (0) 31 71 92 310

www.ndjig.com

100 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

email: info@nord-lock.com

FO C U S O N N u t s , w a s h e r s & loc k i n g sy s t e m s Norm Civata

Owlett-Jaton

Norm Fasteners is a unique company who produces Specials & Standards, Bolts & Nuts for Automotive and many other industries with 48,000 tons capacity 60% special production.

Since 1973 Norm Fasteners has been on the leading position as an Automotive industry supplier for both Turkish Automotive and Global markets. As the Turkish Automotive Industry has recently been quite attractive for the leading Automotive companies such as Ford, Renault, FIAT, Honda, Hyundai; Norm Fasteners has completed the process of necessary investments and certifications in order to meet the needs of this growing market including having Dörken and MacDermid Licences for plating (Zinc Nickel coating in-house will be available at the beginning of 2009) and tooling manufacturing in-house.

Quality Certifications; ISO/TS16949:2002 by BV, ISO14001, Ford Q1.

Typical Female Products: Self Locking Nuts Weld Nuts Flange Nuts Security Nuts Bushing / Spacer Sleeves Rivet Nuts Prevailing Torque Type Hexagon All Metal Nuts Prevailing Torque Type Hexagon Nuts with Non-Metallic Insert Hexagon Nuts with Flange

Owlett-Jaton is the UK’s largest wholesale supplier of fastenings, fixings, ironmongery, hardware, and associated items, to the distributor and merchant trade. With over 30,000 product lines available ex-stock, we provide a fast, reliable, nationwide delivery service from our central warehouse in Stone.

Tel: +90 (0) 1 232 376 76 10

Tel: +44 (0) 1785 819 819

www.norm-fasteners.com.tr

Our range of nuts include DIN 934 Full Nuts, Lock Nuts, DIN 982 and 985 Nylon Insert Nuts and are available in Self Colour, Bright Zinc Plated (CR3), Zinc & Yellow, and Galvanised. We also offer Full Nuts, Lock Nuts and Nylon Insert Nuts in A2 and A4 Stainless Steel.

DIN 934 are also available from stock in guaranteed Grade 8 and Grade 10, standard and fine pitch.

To complement our range of nuts, Flange Nuts, Weld Nuts, pronged Tee Nuts, Wing Nuts, Dome Nuts and Self Locking Nuts are also available.

A comprehensive range of imported and British manufactured Washers are available from stock in Self Colour, Bright Zinc Plated (CR3), and Galvanised finishes. Washers in A2 and A4 Stainless Steel are available, too.

Just one call gives you immediate access to a wealth of experience and our complete product range – it’s the ultimate one-stop-shop.

Fax: +44 (0) 1785 819 699

Prelok

Premier Washers Ltd

With almost 50 years experience in the field Prelok is the European market leader for pre-applied locking, sealing and dry film lubricant solutions for fasteners and threaded components. We have strategic global alliances and are constantly working in partnership with material manufacturers to develop new products and processes, which offer innovative jointing solutions to meet the ever changing industry demands.

­­ Premier Quality and Service @ Premier Washers Ltd

The primary advantages of these technologies include the elimination of any secondary locking and sealing systems such as lock nuts or washers; the replacement of hand applied tapes or gaskets and controlled patch positioning instead of difficult to target liquid adhesives or sealants.

Our flexible and high technological processing capabilities ensure we offer a complete service, exceeding the high quality expectations of our customers.

• From miniature items for mobile communication to M30 bolts for bridge construction, we have the ability to process a vast range of components • Ability to work with a wide range of materials including stainless steel and non-ferrous materials • Approved by a majority of OEM’s and have been recognised with a number of industry approvals and standards • Complete fastener finishing service including a comprehensive range of corrosion resistant surface treatments Tel: + 44 (0) 1902 600 000

www.prelok.com

A Midlands based manufacturer, with comprehensive industry knowledge, supplying washers and pressings to the automotive, construction, white goods and other industries.

An extensive range of machines including CNC and high speed coil fed presses enable us to supply high and low volumes with production capabilities from outside diameter of 6mm up to 150mm, in thickness from 0.2mm up to 10mm.

We can supply our products in a large range of materials including mild steel, carbon, brass, stainless steel, copper and other exotic metals and in a wide variety of finishes including heat treatment, grinding, machining and surface treatments.

In house toolroom facilities enable us to produce tools quickly in response to customers ever-changing needs.

An excellent service and competitive prices, supported by our registration to BS EN ISO 9001:2008 places Premier Washers in a position to fully satisfy the requirements of all of our customers.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 307 121

Email: sales@premierwashers.co.uk

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FO C U S O N N u t s , wa s h e r s & loc k i n g sy s t e m s Staytite Hardlock Nuts

TR Fastenings Ltd

Staytite has been dedicated to meeting all your fastening requirements for over 30 years.

Our unrivalled knowledge, industry experience and outstanding customer service has come to be regarded as the best in the industry.

TR Fastenings is a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality fastenings to all industry sectors. With operations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, TR supplies over 150 million components every day to thousands of customers.

Our experience makes us the premier supplier of All Metal Self Locking Nuts. We are the number 1 trusted source for both technical advice and extensive range of solutions to the age old problem of sourcing the right nut for the right application at the right price, not to mention availability from stock.

Our extensive range of All Metal Lock Nuts starts from the most basic deformed thread type, to the complete engineered solution offered by the use of the Hardlock Nut.

The TR Binx® All Metal Self-Locking Nut is one of the many parts sold globally, exclusively manufactured

by TR. The Binx® Nut is an industry standard, used in applications where vibration or stress is present.

Strong – The Binx® locking mechanism acts on both the effective diameter and the pitch of the thread, countering the threat posed by vibration and stress.

Compact - The Binx® locking mechanism is incorporated into a nut head of no greater height than that of a standard nut and is ideal for use in restricted places.

We have in depth experience of advising customers within the Automotive, Construction, Distribution, Railway and White Goods industries.

Versatile and reusable – The Binx® is all metal and can be confidently used in environments containing oil and other contaminants and its torque resistance is maintained after many applications.

For help sourcing and specifying the correct All Metal Lock Nut for the relevant application, please call 01494 462 322 or email distributors@staytite.com where one of our experienced team will be happy to assist.

Available in a wide range of sizes, from M3 to M36 and materials including mild steel, brass and stainless steel. Contact us today for more information.

email: distributors@staytite.com

email: info@trfastenings.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1494 462 322

TR Fastenings has recently increased its range of Self Clinch products from 750 individual items to 1000! www.trfastenings.com

Vöhrs GmbH & Co. KG

Washer Factory Ltd

Innovative, flexible, competent words which will lead you to our company!

We are the premier manufacturer of non-standard washers and light pressings, offering a quick turnaround in steel, stainless, copper, brass and other exotic materials, especially duplex stainless and nickel alloys.

With 50 years experience, quality products, and professional service, we have become one of the leading international manufacturers of nuts and stampings.

Whether made out of ordinary steel, high-grade steel, bright or standard finish surfaces - we offer the perfect solution for all your requirements.

Our progressive and flexible production allows us to manufacture exactly to your specifications so you get the product you need with no compromises!

Nuts and Stampings Forms: square nuts and rhombic nuts (in flat or profiled versions), hexagonal nuts, rectangular nuts (thread in centre or one-sided, one or more threads), special parts (diverse special shapes, f. ex. contact nuts for the electrical industry with riffle, waffle-type and/ or lifted edges. Also oval nuts and pointed nuts for different areas of application).

Materials: steel, high-grade steel, brass, aluminium, in flat or profiled versions.

Surfaces: bright/blank, any kinds of electroplated coatings, thermally zinc-coated (TZN), Geomet, Dacromet, other finishes on demand.

Material Thickness: 5mm x 1.3mm - 40mm x 8mm, length 6mm over 200mm.

Threads: M2.5 - M12, 1/8”-5/16”, thread in center or one-sided.

Tel: +49 (0) 2359 7011

www.voehrs.de

We strive in all that we do to maximise customer satisfaction. Technical advice is offered freely, where required and we believe in treating customers fairly so if we know that a standard washer is available we will say so.

Our production team has many years of washer making experience. Whilst traditional methods of manufacture are employed, our flexible approach, extensive tool stock and skilled work force mean that we can offer a fast turn around.

Having a national supplier base we are able to quickly source most materials (including non-metallics). Products can be supplied in any surface finish ranging from simple zinc to organic plating, they can be heat treated or machined.

We currently supply to a diverse customer base across many markets including construction, automotive and white goods. In many cases our products are far from the standard perception of a washer, take a look at our web site to see some examples of what we can do!

We have no minimum manufacturing quantity or minimum charge so for a friendly fast and reliable service supported by a quality product please contact us.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 865 777

102 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

www.washer-factory.com

i ns i g h t Elisabet Ă–sterlund director, global sales & marketing, Nord-Lock International AB.

Talking synergies and pre-engineering In August Nord-Lock heralded the acquisition of Superbolt and P&S as a giant step in its vision to be the undisputed global leader in bolt securing.

Little more than six weeks later Nord-Lock afforded this magazine a unique access to senior commercial and technical managers to explore the implications of the merger.

Place: Nord Lock Research & Development Centre, Saint Priest, France

Origins:

Maxime Thonnerieux global research & development director, Nord-Lock International AB.

Norbert Schneider Dipl.-Ing. TU head of engineering and proxy holder, P&S Vorspannsysteme AG.

Nord-Lock washers were first produced in Sweden in 1982 by then privately owned company Nobex. Originally developed in the United States Nobex acquired the rights to the locking washer concept and brought it to Mattmar, near Ă–stersund, in Central Northern Sweden, where it continues to be produced.

In 1994 the business was sold to its main Swedish distributor, a subsidiary of Investment AB Latour, to which Nord-Lock continues to belong. Initially a relatively small element of the Nobex business, the Nord-Lock washer system took time to gain market recognition, with much of the marketing through personal networking.

From the beginning the potential for Nord-Lock outside Sweden was recognised and Nord-Lock developed significant export markets, particularly in Germany and Italy. It opened its own subsidiary in the United States in 1998, followed later by the UK, France and Finland. Four years ago Nord-Lock began a systematic vertical integration of its business. The primary consideration was to ensure effective service and consistency of support to customers operating globally. In 2008 Nord-Lock acquired its distributor in Germany, already trading as Nord-Lock GmbH. It also acquired similar channel businesses in Benelux and Japan, and later in Italy. In Poland, Czech Republic, Norway and Switzerland, Nord-Lock opened its own companies. Nord-Lock now has seventeen subsidiaries worldwide, including centres of technical excellence in North America, Europe and Asia. The group employs 330 people. In addition to the Nord-Lock washer programme delivered in both steel and four stainless steel grades, Nord-Lock manufactures wheel nuts and has just launched the combi bolt, both ranges incorporating the same locking washer principle.

Superbolt was invented to solve a persistent bolt loosening problem on large scale steel processing machinery built by the Steinbock Machinery Corporation. Rolf Steinbock was inspired to try replacing one large torque with a number of smaller torques, developing the multiple jackbolt system that remains at the heart of the Superbolt system. With rented

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i ns i g h t

The Nord-Lock Group now holds a broad range of innovative products, all designed and developed in-house space and three employees, Superbolt Inc was formed in 1988, growing to become Steinbock’s primary business. Today manufacturing is carried out at Superbolt’s Pennsylvanian facility and in St Gallenkappel, Switzerland, by sister company P&S Vorspannsysteme AG, a partnership that brought the concept to the European market and adapted it to meet the specifications and materials used here. P&S employs 50 people; nearly a fifth are qualified engineers, essential when more than half of all Superbolt assemblies are supplied to specific application requirements.

Talking synergies At the most obvious level, of course, here are two companies that have developed innovatively engineered but quite distinctive solutions to the perennial problem of loosening of bolted joints.

Each, too, has demonstrated a single-minded commitment to the development of their solution. As Elisabet Österlund, who joined Nord-Lock around four years ago, expresses: “I think the key to success for Nord-Lock as a company was its focus on the one product, its courage in doing this and its unwillingness to be diverted by other things.”

Inherent in that focus is an absolute commitment to product quality and performance. That hardly comes as a surprise.

These are after all products that come into their own in the most challenging of bolted joint applications – Elisabet again: “Even though it is a small component it has a very big impact.”

However, as the conversation progresses it is abundantly clear that there is an almost genetic determination to ensure quality and safety – which even in a few weeks has developed a resonance between the senior engineers in each company.

Maxime Thonnerieux, for example, is quick to reinforce Norbert Schneider’s description of P&S traceability and quality assurance procedures. “What is impressive is taking care of the supply chain, controlling the raw material supply, exercising tight control over sub contract processes.” For Nord-Lock the approach to quality necessarily runs hand in hand with the achievement of high productivity levels in a Scandinavian plant. That has meant adopting lean manufacturing principles that place high levels of responsibility for quality assurance throughout the production sequence, but then overlaying an intensive final inspection regime. “We control the whole chain,” says Elisabet. “From the design, we have the engineering resources, we have the people who understand the applications and customer needs. We have our own production, to control the quality and supply.”

“Pre-engineered products” Both Nord-Lock and Superbolt products are the culmination of a very substantial level of both physical and intellectual engineering to meet what Maxime Thonnerieux describes as a binary issue. “In bolt security there is failure or no failure.” The awareness of that criticality pervades everything the company does. “There is a lot of unseen engineering behind two apparently simply washers. They have to allow a perfect tightening process, absolute resistance to vibration and loosening, and still permit straightforward, deliberate untightening. They also have to work totally reliably across an extraordinarily diverse spectrum of applications – a lot of different materials, a lot of different loads applied to the system. We have to envisage all the potential applications for the product worldwide and ensure that its design and manufacture will never create a problem for a particular application.”

For Norbert Schneider both companies are supplying essentially a “pre-engineered” product. “We are offering engineering solutions that make it simple for the customer. They can select a product to suit their application and all the design work, all of our knowledge about the application, is already integrated into the product ensuring it will perform as required.”

Where Superbolt is unique, in Elisabet Österlund’s eyes, is in its responsiveness to the special requirements that make up more than half of its business. Norbert Schneider concurs: “The experience we have gained in different industries and applications allows us to react very quickly to a special demand.

We have a range of standard parts that we can mix to produce something new, very quickly. The whole system is based on the jackbolt and we have a very extensive inventory, every size, every length, every material. That’s the core. The nut body has a straightforward function, to transfer the load from the jackbolts to the main bolt so that is something that can be machined to suit an application very quickly. Then we have the hardened washer, for which we hold a full range to match the jackbolts.”

Again not surprisingly, P&S and Nord-Lock share an almost identical - and extensive - list of approvals attesting to their products assured capabilities across applications.

Securing so much more Given the intensity of engineering invested in both Nord-Lock and Superbolt and the critical applications and extreme environments in which they are most likely to be installed a discussion on understanding life cycle profitability is inevitable.

104 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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The products in the range from the Nord-Lock Group are approved by independent institutes and certification authorities “Costs of failure are increasing every year,” stresses Maxime Thonnerieux. “Personal injury claims; product recalls; warranty claims; production stoppages. Added to all those monetary costs no company today can afford to jeopardise its reputation. As a group our brand promise is to secure critical joints. In doing so we deliver life cycle profitability to our customer.”

All too often that delivery is under pressure to resolve a serious problem. Maxime Thonnerieux and Norbert Schneider both accept that is inevitable but they are at one in actively seeking involvement in the customer’s earliest design phase.

“Both our companies started as problem killers,” concedes Norbert. “That is our heritage. Now we are spreading the word that you don’t need to suffer the problems, nor do you need to go through all the effort and pain of understanding the complex engineering of a bolted joint. We have a massive reservoir of knowledge and the infrastructure to apply that experience effectively to the design of new bolted joints.” Wryly, Maxime Thonnerieux acknowledges that sometimes the first hurdle is to win recognition of the complexity involved. He recalls one senior director of a prestigious European project who, in front of a big audience of engineers, said: “I don’t want to hear that we have a problem with a bolted joint. Just tighten the thing”. “There is no school for the bolted joint,” he reflects, “and sometimes not enough comprehension of the complexity of assessing the risks involved in one.”

Anticipation rather than purely response is integral to NordLock’s Performance Services partnership project. Offered to key customers it adopts a clear return on investment and life cycle cost approach. Its objective is to increase profitability for the customer by developing a comprehensive and detailed view of bolted connection design and security methods. Field application engineers assist the customer in arriving at an understanding of the real cost of bolted connections - verifying design through application of analytical software based on VDI2230, which also incorporates simplified finite element methodologies to reach beyond the limits of conventional calculations where the shape of the part demands. Physical testing carried out at one of Nord-Lock’s technical centres provides further verification of performance. “All the know-how we possess,” says Maxime Thonnerieux, “is made available right at the beginning of the design process.”

Nord-Lock has taken a bold step in its transition from a Swedish inventor and exporter to becoming a global solutions provider. Prior to the acquisition of P&S and Superbolt it had evidently re-engineered its business structure to ensure a far more immediate dialogue with its end customers, in the process enhancing the commercial returns it is able to reinvest in strengthening its global footprint. The engineering and technical synergies between Nord-Lock and Superbolt are evident: the commonality of understanding amongst its senior managers, at least, equally clear. Both are also a long way through the transition from product based to knowledge and engineering based businesses.

Geographically, there is a good fit. For the Superbolt product there are now well-structured and necessarily engineeringoriented channels to global markets, which previously might have been difficult to access without jeopardising its highly responsive service model. For Nord-Lock there is a significantly stronger presence in the North American market. Both brands stand to benefit substantially from strategic development in high growth Asian markets. The Group already has its own companies in Osaka and Tokyo, as well as a business in Singapore. This year it intends establishing a business in China and is looking towards both Korean and Indian markets.

Over the last year, Nord-Lock has also clearly grasped the strategic importance of new product development as well as the effective projection of its brand identity and values. Last year it launched its wheel nut programme, which incorporates the Nord-Lock twin washer security mechanism, and the product effectively provides a huge safety impact on-road and off-road vehicles. Acknowledging that the washers remain the major part of Nord-Lock’s business, Maxime Thonnerieux nevertheless sees huge potential for the wheel nut. Literally just launched is the Nord-Lock combi bolt, again incorporating twin washer security. Initially it appears to be strongly targeted to applications where installation is difficult or potentially hazardous – notably assemblies of steel structures that are difficult to reach, such as transmission masts. It will be interesting to see whether it also develops potential in higher volume applications where automatic installation systems are used.

We will look to revisit the development of Nord-Lock including a greater insight to the combi bolt and maybe a more detailed look at Nord-Lock’s manufacturing and quality processes and the extraordinary variations and applications of the Superbolt.

Above all, we’ll look with interest as two distinctive and extremely competent businesses integrate and seek to develop an unshakeable grasp on the global bolted joint market.

The strong focus of Nord-Lock, P&S and Superbolt also includes an absolute commitment to product quality and performance

106 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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management + systems

RoHS 2: It may affect you…

Some fastener manufacturers and distributors may be unaware that the new RoHS 2 directive is likely to affect their businesses. Jenni Morland, European business process manager at TR Fastenings, looks at some of the implications for the fastener supply chain.

B

e prepared. The European Parliament and Council formally adopted a revision to the Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive in July this year. The new Directive 2011/65/EU commonly referred to as RoHS 2 has a far wider scope than the original legislation, affecting many industries outside the electronics sector.

In 2003 the EU adopted the original RoHS, which took effect in 2006. The directive was revolutionary when it came into force. It identified six hazardous substances that were either banned or restricted within the production of electrical equipment: namely lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB and PBDE. Eight years on, the legislation has been rewritten and no longer applies just to products with a primary electronic function, such as televisions, computers, washing machines and other

“ T he scope of RoHS 2

material may have been RoHS compliant in the past it may not comply with the new directive, since the legislation affects not just the material but the processes it goes through right up to the finished product. For sheet metal manufacturers, this means that stainless steel, previously a compliant material may not adhere to the new directive, due to the passivate finish.

All fastener manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers now need to consider in detail whether the legislation affects them and whether their processes are RoHS compliant. They therefore need to take a long hard look at their processes and risk-assess them.

In the past, proof of compliance to RoHS has been difficult to police. In recent years, compliance authorities in Sweden and the Netherlands carried out checks on electrical products from importers, wholesalers and retailers, and found that around 20% of the products were non-compliant.

CE marking

could previously be seen

One of the measures included in RoHS 2 to ensure more effective policing is to include RoHS compliance as part of the CE marking requirement. As such a declaration of compliance has to be submitted by the OEM in accordance with Annex 2 of Directive 768/2008/EC – which details the requirements for CE marking.

Under Annex 2 of the CE marking requirements, the technical documents should include:

as non-electronic markets

An assessment of RoHS compliance and an assessment of the risk of non-compliance within:

has radically changed.

Fasteners sold to what

may now fall under the legislation.” household goods. Instead, with RoHS 2 any product using an electric current needs to be compliant.

For example, a manufacturer of reclining chairs would previously not have had to conform to the original RoHS directive, since the primary function of its product was as a chair, and to work as a chair no electronic current is required. However, under RoHS 2, because one of the intended functions of the chair is for it to recline using an electronic motor, the motor will now need to be compliant in order for the chair to be approved for sale.

The scope of RoHS 2 has therefore radically changed.

Distributors and wholesalers need to be aware that fasteners sold to what could previously be seen as non-electronic markets may now fall under the legislation. In addition, even though a

• The design of the product for example: raw materials, plating finishes, patching materials, etc.

• And the production processes for example:

•

•

•

Contamination of trace chemicals during the manufacturing processes.

Mixing compliant and non-compliant product within the manufacturing processes.

Mixing compliant and non-complaint product within the distribution chain.

Also where applicable, the documentation should include:

• A description of the product.

• A breakdown of the materials used.

• An assessment of those materials.

• And possibly test reports.

108 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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management + systems Test reports are required where the OEM does not view the risk of non-compliance to be low enough, through the conformity risk assessment documentation, or where technical documentation is not available. However, if testing is required, because a manufacturer cannot prove its processes are robust enough to comply with RoHS, this will result in multiple testing – every batch of products will need to be trialed adding to the costs and lead-time.

Ultimately, if an OEM cannot prove that every component that makes up a product and the processes used to make it adhere to the directive that manufacturer will not gain a CE marking for its product. For example, a washing machine manufacturer may have a complete product but without the technical documentation file and risk assessments it will not be able to apply a CE mark.

Without the CE marking the manufacturer cannot put the product to market.

OEMs will have a responsibility to inform the supply chain when a product needs to be RoHS compliant. However, to avoid problems further down the line fastener suppliers will really need to ask questions regarding the destination of the products. The whole supply chain has its part to play.

Original equipment manufacturers must supply the technical file and implement any actions identified as being at risk.

Meanwhile, importers must review the technical file and ensure actions are taken if non-conforming products/risks are identified, such as introducing further manufacturing controls or testing.

Finally, distributors must not sell a product if there is a ‘reason to believe’ that the supply chain is at risk and non-compliant product may be supplied.

“…the directive has changed the requirement from one of ‘Due Diligence’ to ‘Due Care’ - an important difference.”

What is key is that the directive has changed the requirement from one of ‘Due Diligence’ to ‘Due Care’ - an important difference. Due Diligence requires the identification of threats and risks. Due Care requires action upon findings to mitigate risks. The target of this change is to drive increased compliance.

The implications of non-compliance No technical documentation file No risk assessments = No CE mark of approval No product to market Penalties for lack of ‘Due Care’ Technical file The technical file is an essential document, which is added to along the supply chain. OEMs produce the technical file for the design and production process. This includes materials, chemicals and contamination. The same details need to be available for all the sub contract processes. Distributors must then add their own file for their internal processes.

TR Fastenings is looking at purchasing compliance – through a supplier risk assessment that will include: • Storage processes.

• Picking processes.

• Delivery methods.

Ultimately the OEM must then produce the final, complete documentation to achieve CE approval.

TR Fastenings has already started to work with its internal manufacturers to create technical documentation, and has just completed the first of three stages to provide technical documentation to one of its major OEMs.

BOMcheck One way to streamline the technical document process for the whole supply chain is to join the BOMcheck system (BOMcheck.net). TR Fastenings has taken the decision to join the BOMcheck system, alongside many of the major OEMs. There is a cost in being part of the system but it supplies a robust tool for submitting full material declarations and compliance declarations to our customers, and allows us to receive the same from our suppliers.

All technical documentation can be attached to the submissions, to provide our customers with the evidence they need for their CE marking requirements.

The system not only provides RoHS compliance details but also takes into account many pieces of major legislation affecting our industry today.

RoHS 2 is legislation that has industry-wide ramifications along the whole supply chain. Everyone needs to embrace the changes now to ensure processes comply with the directive.

Proving the process will radically change the way the supply chain works and the industry needs to pull together to successively manage this change.

110 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

technical

The basics of bolted joints

By Dr. Bill Eccles, Bolt Science www.boltscience.com

Over the last sixty years great improvements have been made by the fastener industry in improving the design and reliability of their products. However, no matter how well designed and made the fastener itself is, it cannot alone make the joint more reliable. Fastener selection, based upon an understanding of the mechanics of how a threaded fastener sustains loading and the influence that tightening procedures can play, is also needed. This article provides an introduction to the basics of bolted joints and the major factors involved in the design of such joints.

I

t is not widely understood how a bolted joint carries a direct load. A fully tightened bolt can survive in an application that an untightened, or loose bolt, would fail in a matter of seconds. When a load is applied to a joint containing a tightened bolt it does not sustain the full effect of the load but usually only a small part of it.

This seems, at first sight, to be somewhat contrary to common sense but hopefully this article will explain why this is the case.

Bolts are made from elastic materials such as steel. When a bolt is tightened the bolt is Figure 1 stretched like a spring (figure 1).

The joint itself is usually made of a metallic material which is also elastic. As the bolt is tightened, the joint is compressed and acts as a compressive spring (figure 2).

Figure 2

Figure 3 bolted joint is to realise that the only way that the bolt can be loaded is by applying a load through the joint.

Loading the joint with an axial load will change the bolt extension and the joint compression (figure 4).

Because the stiffness of the

Put together, the bolt and the joint act as a combined spring system.

In a tightened joint, the tension force in the bolt is balanced by the compressive force in the joint (figure 3). A key point to understanding how forces are transferred in a

Figure 4

joint is typically five times or more the stiffness of the bolt, the effect of the axial loading is to primarily reduce the compression in the joint rather than extending the bolt. This point can be difficult to appreciate, but this is key to understanding why bolts are tightened rather than left loose.

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 5 shows a bolt and nut securing a bracket to a support plate. With the nut loose on the bolt, if a weight of 1 is added to the bracket, as shown in figure 6, then the force in the bolt shank will increase by 1. However, if the nut is now tightened and the weight applied, the force in the bolt shank will not increase by 1 but usually by only a small fraction of this amount. An understanding of why the bolt does not sustain the full effect of the applied load is fundamental to the subject.

A model can often be of help in understanding why the bolt does not sustain the full effect of the applied load. Figure 7 is an attempt to illustrate the load transfer mechanism involved in a bolted joint by the use of a special fastener. In the case of this fastener no significant load increase would be sustained by the fastener until the applied load exceeded the fastener’s preload (preload is the term used for a bolt’s clamp force).

With the special fastener shown, the bolt is free to move within its casing, a compression spring is included within the casing so that if the bolt is pulled down the spring will compress. A scale on the side of the casing indicates the force present in the spring and hence the force present in the shank of the bolt. Figure 7 illustrates this special fastener in its untightened condition.

The bolt is now inserted through a hole in a support plate and a bracket attached to the special fastener by securing a nut to the Figure 7 threaded shank. If the nut is now rotated

112 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

technical so that the head of the bolt is pulled down, the spring will be compressed. If the nut is rotated so that 2 force units are indicated on the casing, the compressive force acting on the spring will be 2 and the tensile force in the bolt shank will also be 2. This is illustrated in figure 8; this is like a tightened bolt without any working load applied.

If a weight is now added to the bracket (figure 9) of value 1, Figure 8 then the initial reaction is to think that the load in the bolt must increase, otherwise what happens to the additional force? Surprisingly it will keep at its existing value of 2 - it will not ‘feel’ any of the additional force. To visualise why this is so - imagine what would happen if the load in the bolt did increase. To do this it would compress the spring more and a gap would be made between the bracket and the plate. If such a gap was to form then it would mean that there would be 2 units of force acting upwards - due to the spring, and 1 unit of force acting downwards from the applied weight.

Clearly this force imbalance would not occur. What does happen is that the effect of the applied load is to decrease Figure 9 the clamp force that exists between the plate and the bracket. With no load applied, the clamp force is 2 units and with the load applied this decreases to 1 unit of force.

The bolt would not actually ‘feel’ any of the applied force until it exceeded the bolts clamp force.

Figure 10 shows the condition when a load of 3 is applied. The joint will separate and the 3 units of weight acting down will be balanced by the 3 units of force in the spring. The point of joint separation, from a design perspective, is usually taken as the point at which the joint will have a finite length. Besides sustaining the full applied loading there are usually bending forces induced into the bolt because of eccentricity of the Figure 10 applied loading. Repeatedly applied this will rapidly lead to fatigue failure of the bolt.

Older design procedures proposed calculation methods based upon the idea that the bolt will not ‘feel’ any of the applied load until it exceeds the bolts clamp force. That is, the bolt should be sized so that its clamp force is equal to the external load after a factor of safety has been included. Practical fasteners differ from that shown in figure 2 in that elongation of the fastener and compression of the clamped parts occurs upon tightening.

This compression results in the bolt sustaining a proportion of the applied load. The actual amount of the load being sustained being dependent upon the relative stiffness of the bolt to the clamped material.

In actual practice, the bolt will sustain a proportion of the

applied loading prior to the joint separating. This is due to the joint compressing, as well as the bolt extending, when tightened.

This is illustrated in figure 11. When the loading is applied, the compression of the joint is reduced. This, in turn, increases the distance between the two joint faces which, in turn, increases the loading on the bolt. The bolt and joint stiffness can be computed and, from this, the proportion of the load sustained by the bolt and the amount that the joint compression is reduced can also be computed. The key aspect of the success Figure 11 or otherwise of the majority of bolted joints is the residual loading that acts on the joint interface.

That is, will joint separation or joint movement occur when loading is applied?

As the applied load acting on the joint increases, the force clamping the joint together decreases. If the clamping force decreases to zero as a result of the applied load, the bolt will have to totally sustain any subsequent increase in this load.

Research has shown that bolted joints usually fail as a result of the applied forces acting on the joint decreasing the clamp force, present between the joint layers, to below a required level.

Failure can include leakage from a joint (if it contains a gasket) or the bolts coming loose or failing due to fatigue. Initially it may appear that the joint failure is not due to insufficient clamp force, but a more detailed analysis often shows that this is indeed the cause rather than defective or sub-standard bolts or the bolts sustaining too much load.

Many applications require that the plates comprising the joint be clamped together tightly so that any possible movement is prevented. Effectively the plates are prevented from moving by friction increased by the bolt’s clamp force. In such applications, a level of clamp force must be maintained in order that movement is prevented. If the clamp force reduces to below this level, joint movement can be caused that dramatically increases embedding (plastic deformation under the nut/bolt head) resulting in the bolt quickly losing preload and then loosening or failing by fatigue. If the joint contains a gasket, a minimum level of clamp force is usually required in order that leakage is prevented and the sealing function is maintained. Maintaining a high initial bolt preload is essential to ensuring that a bolted joint will survive.

Prior to forming his company, Bolt Science in 1992, Bill’s original background was in design engineering. The company is a provider of independent technical expertise in bolted joint technology. He is a chartered engineer and has a Doctorate in Engineering on the self-loosening of threaded fasteners.

Bill has delivered training courses around the world on the analysis of bolted joints and bolting technology.

114 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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RotaBolts for live pipeline intervention RotaBolt measurement technology is now being used by GL Noble Denton on all its live onshore pipeline intervention systems, which have been developed to allow operators to maintain gas and oil flows during major pipeline work.

R

otaBolt® fasteners up to M64 size are being fitted on the company’s ‘grouted tees’ originally developed for intervention work on gas transmission pipelines in the National Grid, but now being used further afield in Brazil, Norway and Kazakhstan.

Traditionally, when pipeline flows had to be either diverted or repaired, a welded tee connection was used to make the intervention, causing lengthy and costly interruptions to production. The grouted tee system was developed as a safe and quick method of intervention for high and low pressure pipelines of varying diameters.

“We have switched to using RotaBolts because they are giving us the operational assurance we are looking for,” commented Anthony Wood, senior consultant for Asset Management at GL Noble Denton. “They are simple to install, easy to monitor and give us a highly accurate measurement of tension across the joint. Feedback from everyone has been very positive.”

Each grouted tee piece is custom manufactured to the appropriate size and is made up of two half-shells which are then RotaBolted around the host pipe. A special rubber seal is installed and retained in position by a steel containment ring inside the half shell within the tee piece.

Opposite the branch in the other half shell, spreader plates are located to allow seal compression during the tightening process.

Once the half shells have been clamped around the host pipe and the RotaBolts tightened to the predesigned load, the gaps between the ends of the half shells and the host pipe are filled with rapid-setting epoxy putty as a seal.

An epoxy grout is then injected to fill the space between the inside of the tee piece and the host pipe. This adheres to both surfaces to keep the tee securely in place and also transfers the load from the main pipe to the newly-installed outer shell.

Solutions using this technique have also been developed for installing multiple branch tees of similar or different sizes, and for diver-installed use of the technology subsea. The grouted tee is suitable for operations with numerous pipeline fluids and gases in the temperature range –50°C to +125°C, and can be manufactured to suit a host pipe diameter from 2 to 56 inches.

Installing fasteners during the stamping process PennEngineering highlights that its PEMSERTER® In-Die Fastener Feeding System is uniquely engineered to install self-clinching nuts, studs, and standoffs in assemblies during the stamping process.

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orking in tandem with a stamping press (and properly tooled die) to feed and install fasteners, the portable PEMSERTER® In-Die Fastener Feeding System eliminates secondary operations typically required for fastener insertions.

PennEngineering points out that this means users can realise increased assembly-line productivity, quality, and savings as two operations (stamping and fastener installation) can be performed simultaneously in the die.

The PEMSERTER In-Die Fastener Feeding System is virtually “plug and play” by utilising multi-pin twist lock connectors to interface with the die and stamping press. The system can be configured for multiple or single insertions, generally matching the rate of the stamping press.

Operators are guided by a touch-screen (for set-up and operation) and online library of fault/help screens. Removable tooling can handle complex workpieces and offers considerable adaptability capable of reaching into areas generally considered inaccessible. Customised tooling can also be engineered to meet particular application needs.

“The In-Die Fastener Feeding System consists of die tooling, fastener-feeding system, and die-sensing system. Customers are fully supported from die design through installation and in-house training.”

116 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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3M helps shape wheelchairs of the future Great Britain’s wheelchair basketball team can be assured of optimum reliability in the wheelchairs in which they compete thanks to a novel solution from 3M.

S

taffordshire-based RGK Wheelchairs designs and engineers a range of state-of the-art wheelchairs for both daily use and specialist sports, including basketball, tennis and sledge hockey.

An issue that the company was keen to address was the deformation of the titanium or steel bearing housings, which control the direction of the castor wheels, when they are welded to the main wheelchair frame. The welding process was on occasions causing the housing to become misshapen and exceed the tight manufacturing tolerances – as low as 0.02mm. This could potentially cause premature failure of the bearing which could itself become misshapen, resulting in substandard performance of the wheelchair.

The engineering team contacted 3M’s industrial adhesives and tapes division who proposed the use of 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Adhesive DP460, a two-component gap filling epoxy adhesive, which offers heat and environmental resistance and is designed for applications where toughness and high strength are required.

3M Scotch-Weld EPX Adhesive DP460 was used to secure a machined part into the bearing housing which would hold the bearings in place rather than relying on the main housing to do so. This completely eliminated the need for rework plus the fact that the bearing performance is no longer affected by any deformation of the titanium or steel housing.

Mike Sheen, design engineer at RGK, commented: “The reworking of the tubes as a result of the welding process was something we were keen to eliminate.

Meanwhile, we were keen to take every opportunity to optimise product reliability and the 3M solution has contributed significantly to that as bearing performance is not affected by any distortion of the housing shape caused by welding.

At the top of its game Jubilee Clips were specified and installed on the roof of the Forsyth Barr Stadium – one of the venues at the recent 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

L

Robinson & Co. (Gillingham) Ltd, manufacturer of the Jubilee hose clip, via Auto Agencies Limited the company’s distributor in Christchurch, New Zealand, fulfilled a contract to supply a batch of its High Torque clips to contractors constructing and installing the roof on the new Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The clips, 208 in total, were air-freighted out to New Zealand in July 2011 in double-quick time to meet the tight construction deadlines and to ensure the project was signed off and handed over prior to the Stadium’s 5th August opening ceremony.

“Being involved in such a high-profile project is great news for us and is testament to the solid reputation, built on high-performance and value that Jubilee Clips enjoy throughout the world,” commented Dave Jennings, managing director, Auto Agencies Ltd. Jubilee High Torque clips were specified for the project from the start, with performance characteristics and attributes including durability, strength and resistance to corrosion particular advantages that the stainless steel Jubilee High Torque clips had over other competitor products.

“Jubilee Clips are ubiquitous and the High Torque clips, now being used on the Forsyth Barr Stadium’s roof, are popular and are always in demand,” says Ian Jennings, managing director of L Robinson & Co. (Gillingham) Ltd. “Our High Torque clips are part of an extensive product range (over 580 different product types) we offer to customers and all our products are manufactured to the same exacting quality standards.”

118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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a pp l i c at i on t e c h no lo g y

Prepreg enables higher output UK based wind turbine designer and manufacturer FuturEnergy has announced a new 10kw wind turbine which it says generates 50% more output, at wind speeds of 6 meters per second, than any turbine on the market.

I

n addition to a carefully engineered design, FuturEnergy’s success came from developing the processes to fabricate their blade design with a highly uniform surface quality and thickness made possible by using prepreg from Amber Composites. Using prepreg helped to create significant efficiency gains and decrease wear on the entire turbine.

Previously thought to be cost prohibitive, FuturEnergy and Amber Composites worked together to create a process to manufacture these high-quality blades with less material and labour.

“Amber Composites really partnered with us, helping us at each step of the design and development of the blade.

Their composites knowledge complemented our design expertise, resulting in a very high-quality turbine with a 3-year payback period,” said Peter Osbourne, president of FuturEnergy.

Araldite® rides the waves Huntsman Advanced Materials has been working with Italian yacht maker Persico to build a pioneering new design of Volvo Open 70 racing yacht, for the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

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uilt at Persico SpA, Nembro, in Italy, the ‘Abu Dhabi’ is a 70 foot long, ergonomic lightweight vessel, designed to weigh less and be more robust than other yachts in its class.

To achieve the super-high levels of component endurance and performance required to compete in some of the world’s longest and most demanding yacht races, Persico used Araldite® AW4859/Hardener HW4859, a high performance structural adhesive, to complete the yacht.

Araldite® AW4859/Hardener HW4859 fixes together different highly loaded components, from bonding titanium fittings to the yacht’s carbon structure to assembling the hatch, rudder bearing sleeves and components, bow sprit, chain-plate, mast and keel structure. Another Huntsman adhesive, Araldite®420 A/B, is also used to bond many other details on the boat.

“We selected Araldite® AW4859/Hardener HW4859 for its proven ability to deliver outstanding performance to marine applications. When it comes to delivering the exact levels of stiffness required to ensure the ‘Abu Dhabi’ performs well in racing conditions, Araldite® AW4859/Hardener HW4859 is certainly living up to our expectations,” said Mark Somerville from Persico.

The key features of Araldite® AW4859/Hardener HW4859 are sag resistance, gap filling properties up to 4mm, high temperature resistance (140°C) and good moisture and chemical resistance.

tesa eases turbine blade production tesa reports that its high performance adhesives tapes are finding success in the resin infusion moulding process used to manufacture wind turbine blades.

T

he resin infusion mould process enables the manufacture of high quality composite parts in a wide range of fibre and resin combinations. Central to the structural integrity and performance of finished parts made this way is saturation of the glass fibres with the resin to eliminate voids and provide a pinholefree surface finish. The resin infusion moulding process (RIM) delivers on all these fronts and is used to produce parts for marine, aerospace, transportation and infrastructure applications.

RIM relies on vacuum-assisted resin transfer provided through spirals located in the moulds. These are temporarily fixed and removed after processing with tesa 51960 fabric reinforced double sided PP film with a differential (different adhesive coat weight either side of the carrier) acrylic adhesive. The side with the highest adhesive coat weight bonds to the spiral preventing lift-off during moulding while enabling residue-free removal after processing.

Similarly, resin infusion profiles which speed up preparation process before RIM starts are securely positioned and fixed into the resin distribution net using tesa 4970, a double sided PVC tape with acrylic adhesive, and tesa 4914, a double sided non-woven tape, again with differential adhesive. In the production of wind turbine blades the acrylic adhesive is essential as a natural rubber based adhesive system would contaminate the blade structure and affect its life cycle performance properties.

Essential anti-stick surfaces inside RIM moulds are created with tesa 4810, a single sided PTFE laminated glass cloth tape with a silicon adhesive. The use of this tape eliminates the time-consuming process of using liquid mould releasing agents and avoids the potentially damaging transfer of liquid release agent to the surface of the turbine blades and other finished components.

Once produced turbine blade leading edges are permanently protected with tesa 54994. This tape extends the performance to the gel coat on the part of the blade under most stress. Already approved by some major OEMs and Tier 1s the tape does not stain, lift or dry out.

120 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

The use of lockbolts in rail track applications The safety critical nature of rail track applications such as switches and crossings, arc rail suppression and cold hole expansion lends itself perfectly to the use of a range of lockbolts, or as they are commonly known, multigroove locking pins (MGLPs).

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nvolved in the rail industry for over 40 years and currently with Huck fasteners and tooling solutions in use on a number of applications in rail track Alcoa Fastening Solutions explains more.

How lockbolts work Lockbolts provide greater vibration resistance than common nuts and bolts and can withstand the vibration of rail tracks without working loose. Lockbolting technology works on a different principle to regular bolting, where instead of a threaded nut, a cylindrical ‘collar’ is used that has a smooth inside bore.

The collar is placed over a pin with locking grooves that either follow the form of annular grooves or a special form helical thread. During installation this collar is ‘swaged’, permanently deforming the collar material into the locking grooves of the pin.

This joining process offers a number of significant advantages over regular bolting. Firstly, the joint is maintenance free as once the collar is swaged, it will not work loose under vibration.

This offers significant savings in labour costs by not having to re-torque bolts periodically in order to ensure joint integrity as well as safety benefits, in that the joint is guaranteed to maintain clamp and not become compromised over time.

Additionally the installation process is fully controlled by the tool, the operator only starts the installation. The installation tool is designed in such a way that a perfect installation is achieved every time. Operators need training in the safe use of the tool only.

The tooling solutions offer additional benefits for the end-user.

Firstly a much quicker installation time compared with conventional bolts, typically a Huck C50L product will install in just 55 seconds.

The tooling has the additional capability of performing cold hole expansion with a simple and effective mandrel.

Huck offer two main types of C50L family products for the rail sector, the C50LR lockbolt and the C50LH lockstud, both fully approved. The C50LR offers easy and quick installation in applications where clearance is not an issue where as the C50LH is used where access is an issue from one side.

The installation sequence for Huck C50LR lockbolts is shown in Figure 1.

In an installed lockbolt there is near full contact between the pin’s annular groves and collar material, whereas with a conventional nut and bolt there is significantly less surface contact. It is this extra contact that leads to the superior vibration resistance of the lockbolt.

Switch and crossing applications Typical switch and crossing (S&C) applications include: Crossings: 1. FB checked block joint.

2. FB CWR tight joint.

3. Non-raised checkrail blocks.

4. Vee splice.

5. All vee blocks.

6. Wing rail blocks (limited access).

Switches: 1. Stockrail bolts.

2. Distance block (CHOG).

3. Back heel block.

The initial installation costs of lockbolts are little more than the traditional types of bolt used on track, but the subsequent elimination of maintenance makes the whole life cost very attractive. In new S&C (switch and crossing) work, these fasteners eliminate forged blocks or cast washers and can save money overall.

Significant savings are possible in other cases, for example broken stockrail bolt replacement. Experience has shown that on most sites bolts can be replaced with Huck fasteners without the need for track possessions.

If a section of switches and crossings is systematically converted to Huck fasteners then savings will emerge from the following benefits: • •

•

•

A reduction in costly checking and maintenance by patrolmen.

Patrol staff will be less exposed to risk; by reduction of bolt tightening work in the four foot more patrolling can be done from the cess.

S&C secured with lockbolts will not develop the wear and tear typical of bolted units. There will be less need for fettling, crossing welding and other attention, and component life will be extended even when retrofitted to old layouts.

Major concentrations of S&C offer great potential, whether in running lines or sidings. On other routes where CWR (Continuous Welded Rail) is standard many of the issues associated with using threaded, maintenance prone fasteners can be eliminated.

122 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y Arc suppression applications In addition to the standard switches and crossing, lockbolting has been used in some unique applications to overcome a specific engineering challenge. One such recent application was the design of arc suppression rails on the London Underground.

On the London Underground, track fires had been a problem for a number of years in some cases causing line closures and delays for commuters. The fires were being caused where there were connections and disconnections of the trains to the live power rail, leading to energy discharges that were arcing over and igniting litter and debris in the tube tunnels. In an effort to stop this, an ingenious solution was developed by the engineers at Metronet.

A special arc suppression rail was created to capture and dissipate this energy discharge in a controlled and safe manner. The theory behind the rail is to channel the energy and subsequent fireball from the contact between the live rail and contact shoe, down a sloped piece of rail and into a chamber that is enclosed with insulating material.

After the contact shoe loses connection with the live rail after passing over the insulated chamber, any bounce will be levelled out by the sloped lead-on rail before reconnecting with the live supply rail.

The greatest challenge faced by the engineers in designing a functioning arc suppression rail was in finding the correct angle so that the arc could be reliably channelled into the discharge chamber. A number of test revisions were made before the final design was realised.

This was not the only challenge faced however. It was found that over time the bolts in the rail were working loose due to vibration. This meant extra maintenance to keep the bolts

correctly torqued to ensure joint integrity. The solution to this challenge was solved by using Huck C50L fasteners. As in the standard rail switches and crossings, their vibration resistance made them the ideal solution to the problem. Since switching to these fasteners there have been no further issues with joint integrity, meaning only a visual inspection is required giving significant time savings.

Cold hole expansion A problem that has come to light in the rail industry is with star cracking of drilled holes in rails, which is predominantly a problem where fishplates are used. The problem is with micro defects in the material created during the drilling process that act as stress concentration sites that can lead to eventual fatigue failures where the mechanical fasteners are used. To eliminate this problem, fish plate holes must now be cold hole expanded. During this process, an oversized tapered mandrel is drawn through the drilled hole that essentially irons out any surface defects leaving a smooth surface that is free from stress concentration sites.

There is specialist equipment available to complete this task, however Huck distributor Permalok has developed a special mandrel that can be used with existing Huck track bolting installation tooling to perform the task of cold hole expansion.

Using the existing installation equipment offers significant logistical and cost benefits.

This cold hole expansions kit consists of the tapered mandrel and ironing sleeve as pictured above.

The sleeve is placed inside the drilled hole and the mandrel slid through. The operation is then to simply draw the mandrel through the hole using a standard Huck track bolting tool.

124 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Railway operators require secure bolted joints which are crucial for safety in operation and additionally to minimise time consuming inspections

“ Reliability of bolted joints with locking elements for railway vehicle applications” - About the DIN 25201-4 norm

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he modern lightweight construction of railway vehicles results in shorter clamp lengths of bolted joints.

However, for the joint integrity a shorter clamp length increases enormously the risk of self-loosening, especially under dynamic loads. The securing characteristics of bolted joints are crucial for the safety in operation of railway vehicles. Additionally, regular inspections of bolted joints are not practicable because the operators require a high availability of the railway vehicles. Underfloor inspections are especially time consuming since sufficient visual checks can only be done in depots at inspection pits.

During summer 2001 the Suisse Federal Railways (SBB) had to withdraw temporarily their entire fleet of tilting intercity railcars (ICN) from operation due to loose or even lost bolts. This incident, and the fact that many commonly used bolt-securing elements emerged to be ineffective, prompted actions to ensure safe railway operations. A comprehensive research, financed by the railway industry, was performed. The aim was to investigate systematically the parameters that influence the loosening of bolts, and to develop a detailed norm procedure in order to evaluate the performance of securing elements.

The initiators of this research were Alstom LHB Salzgitter, Bombardier Transportation Henningsdorf, Siemens Transportation Systems Krefeld, Deutsche Bahn Systemtechnik and three OEMs of securing elements including Nord-Lock GmbH, who were preselected by the above-mentioned companies. The washers of Nord-Lock were the only securing element based on wedge-locking function included in the test.

The analyses have been done by ‘IMA Materialforschung & Anwendungstechnik GmbH’ in Dresden and by the Institute for product development and design engineering of the University of Applied Science in Cologne. The influence of these parameters on the self-loosening of a bolted joint was systemically investigated through specific parameter studies, which were determined by means of test rigs.

The research results have been reviewed regarding their relevance for the joining technology and their implementation into the DIN 25201-4. The overall assessment result states that based on this quantitative test result, the securing characteristics of the tested Nord-Lock cam washers are proven to be fully effective.

The official release of the DIN 25201-4 by the DIN Norm Committee is imminent.

126 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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Chatsworth’s IT seminar a huge success Chatsworth Computers, authors of Merlin Business Software, has reported that its IT Seminar at the Casa Hotel Chesterfield on Wednesday 12th October was a tremendous success.

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he event offered local businesses and existing customers the opportunity to meet with Chatsworth and its vendor partners to explore the latest hot topics in IT. The theme of the seminar was how to help businesses run more efficiently and profitably during the current economic climate, with the investment in modern IT solutions.

A number of guest speakers addressed the seminar; the first was Chris Bones of Fujitsu UK who spoke on the subject of ‘Cloud Computing’ and explored the various different services available to businesses looking to benefit from this technology.

Following on, Chatsworth’s own senior networking specialist, John Barber gave a compelling presentation regarding the benefits of the use of virtualisation technologies to help companies reduce their business IT cost and provide affordable “high-availability” computing solutions where down time cannot be considered.

Bright Masih, sales director of Sales-i gave an overview of how his company’s sales intelligence software solutions can highlight and unlock sales opportunities within ERP software data, with tremendous results.

The benefits of a complete business software solution over a bolt-together “off the shelf” packages were outlined by Chatsworth’s sales and marketing director, Ashley Jones, whilst a presentation of the company’s wide range of hosted business

services was given by Chatsworth’s engineering department manager, Martin Williams.

The final presentation was given by Steve Holdstock, managing director of LeaseMaster Limited, on the benefits of financing capital IT purchases allowing a business to take the benefit of the technology from day one whilst spreading the cost over a manageable period and avoiding the use of existing lines of credit.

The seminar also proved to be an excellent networking event for Chatsworth, their customers and the contributing vendor partners with many follow-up meetings scheduled on the day.

The seminar’s prize draw of a new Fujitsu Notebook Computer was won by Richard Tennant of The Tennant Group, Nottingham. The prize was co-sponsored

by Chatsworth Computers and Fujitsu UK. The draw was made by Chatsworth Computer’s executive chairman, Andrew Wilson.

Kerridge announces acquisition of TIS Software Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd (KCS) has announced the acquisition of TIS Software Ltd. KCS, based in Berkshire, supports an extensive customer-base across the UK, Ireland, Holland, Africa and beyond.

TIS Software, based in Buckinghamshire, supports an extensive customer-base in the UK and also boasts customers in Australia and New Zealand managed through a local distribution partnership.

I

an Bendelow, CEO of KCS Ltd, commented: “Kerridge Commercial Systems and TIS Software already share some customers and in some areas operate in similar markets.

We complement each other very well. I am confident that the blended skills, resources and capacity that the organisations offer together will further strengthen our solutions and services.

He added: “In other markets we add to each other’s capabilities and solutions. In those areas, we look forward to extending our reach and growing business together. The combination will bring our joint customers a much more comprehensive solution and deliver even greater value to customers who are constantly innovating and building their own service. It’s our role to support customers. This acquisition helps us continue to bring our customers the tools, resource and expertise that they need from a focused software solution company driven of continuous investment.”

Mike Johns, CEO of TIS Software, commented: “We feel the

two businesses are a great fit together, with very similar history, culture and values. TIS Software has grown through the hard work of its people and constant support of its many customers.

As a part of the larger Kerridge Group I am confident that our customers and staff will benefit from broader opportunities and further enhanced longer term options”.

Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd specialise in business management solutions to the distribution industry. Its core solution, called K8, includes; advanced sales order processing, purchasing, rebates, e-commerce, finance, transport management, customer relationship management and warehouse management systems.

TIS Software, trading as Strategix OneOffice and Global Business Systems, provides ERP solutions specifically designed for the wholesale and retail distribution, logistics and service sectors, and SmartPoint.

128 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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m anage m ent + sy s te m s

Apriso announces availability of FlexNet MPI Apriso, a provider of manufacturing software solutions, has announced the general availability of FlexNet Manufacturing Process Intelligence (MPI). This application enables real-time access to manufacturing operations intelligence as an extension of Apriso’s Manufacturing Execution Systems.

A

priso explains that MPI permits a broader, deeper range of analytics over traditional tools by delivering an integrated reporting analytics platform with prepackaged analysis cubes, new user interfaces, reports and dashboards. What results is greater, faster visibility to an expanded suite of manufacturing KPIs. In addition, MPI includes a Microsoft Excel Add-in that helps to simplify the use of this innovative analytics product.

FlexNet Manufacturing Process Intelligence also helps to enhance supply chain responsiveness by better linking manufacturing operations to the product supply network. By leveraging standardised reporting metrics and KPIs from across the extended enterprise, MPI helps manufacturers to quickly and accurately measure and analyse performance, letting manufacturers operate with greater agility.

“Over my 15+ years as a data warehouse and business intelligence consultant, I have spent considerable time analysing business intelligence. Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to work with Apriso’s MPI product,” explained Claire

Chen, CEO, BI Global Networks. “MPI helps manufacturers to streamline production process planning and measurable business intelligence with greater end-user convenience, accelerating eventto-report awareness and providing time-critical quality alerts.”

Apriso highlights that MPI leverages industry standard technologies, so it is intuitive and easy to use, supporting quick user adoption. Manufacturers implementing MPI are afforded many benefits, including: • Out-of-the-box Manufacturing Intelligence, built on

an industry standard platform, supports broader

Business Intelligence initiatives.

• Ubiquitous access to FlexNet’s Data Warehouse and Data

Cubes expands and accelerates analytics performance.

• Greater access to analytics data spanning broader range

of operations, delivered in near real-time.

• Pre-configured Microsoft Excel Add-In enables ad hoc

analyses or custom dashboards.

• Support for global deployment, including multi-location

and multi-language capabilities.

Increased dynamics and flexibility With the new mini load family - Rapid Store ML- Dematic says it has introduced the latest generation of highly dynamic, energy efficient storage and retrieval machines (ASRS) for automated mini-load warehouses.

T

he modular concept and scalable mini-load innovation is designed for overall heights of four to twenty metres and combines proven Dematic technology with revolutionary product design. The result is a high-end performance with a driving speed of up to 6m/sec and a lifting acceleration of maximum 4m/sec2.

The new mini-load ASRS is available as standards in three height groups, the two single mast machines RapidStore ML 10 and RapidStore ML 14 are designed for heights of 10m and 14m respectively, the double mast RBG RapidStore ML 20 for up to 20m.

The new ASRS family can be equipped with diverse load carrying devices (load support) and can be used for the transportation of cartons, containers or trays. Depending on type several load supports can be used in different positions (on top of each other or

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

side by side). Due to specially developed sliding axles the load handling device is able to store containers and cartons in variable sizes between 200mm and 650mm width up to quadruple depth. Thus, RapidStore is an additional component for highest flexibility in the AKL. Dematic points out that the innovative mast design, for which a patent has been filed, with intelligent joint support connection reduces weight by 20% compared with conventional ASRS with rigid mast connections. Nevertheless, the optimum mass distribution with the centre of gravity positioned as low as possible gives the machine and the modular split control cabinet the highest stability.

“With the compact construction and the optimised load levels the new RBG family achieves an excellent space and surface utilisation.”

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A True story In August Fastbolt Distributors (UK) Ltd appointed Amanda True to the board of directors after 14 years with the company. Will Lowry took the opportunity to visit the Milton Keynes based company to find out how Amanda progressed from management trainee to IT director.

A

manda True joined Fastbolt straight from University in 1997 as a management trainee, after achieving a first class BA Hons in Mathematics and Management Studies. Her original role was to gain experience in the different departments to enable her to get an overview of the company, with the aim to recommend how improvements could be made.

It was an experience that she says still helps in her role today. “Because of the knowledge I obtained whilst working in the different departments, and understanding how they are organised, I can improve how they work together to make processes more efficient.”

After spending a year working across the company Amanda was appointed as IT manager, with a primary responsibility to evaluate the risks of established computer systems moving into the year 2000, the so-called Millennium bug.

“There was apprehension whether the German system and UK system would be year 2000 compatible,” explains Amanda. “At this point we started looking at a new computer system and I was appointed as the key contact to manage its implementation.”

Amanda worked with the logistics director to implement the new SAP system across both UK and German offices, organising and liaising with the provider of the customised software.

“We went live in the UK in November 1999 and in Germany in April 2000. I can remember the date we went live in the UK, it was Monday 22nd November and I woke up with a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach,” laughs Amanda. “Whilst it was worrying what might happen, it was also exciting. We had done a lot of preparation and although there were going to be three to six months of hard work, we knew it would be worth it.”

Looking back would Amanda change anything? “In hindsight we probably tried to make the SAP system too similar to the old system, and it would have been better to have started with

a clean slate and seen what we could do better,” says Amanda.

“However, any problems we did have were quickly resolved and I think it is the best decision we made, especially using the SAP system.”

The SAP system gave Fastbolt a lot of opportunities to improve processes and the company’s overall efficiency. Before the installation the UK and German offices used different systems, making it difficult to exchange data. The SAP system enables both offices to view each other’s inventory and to share an extensive range of other information.

“From a stock management point of view it enables us to see the stock in both offices,” highlights Amanda. “This gives us the opportunity to accurately predict what we are going to need in the future. We benefit from economies of scale combining the requirements of both companies to a consolidated purchase order. That enhances our purchasing power, ensures more effective use of our working capital and, most importantly, higher levels of availability and customer satisfaction.”

Amanda continues: “We can also easily view customer history and a range of other transactional information. Those capabilities in turn provide the basis for a stronger, more effective relationship with our customers.”

It is clear that Amanda has a real passion for her role, and her natural curiosity has enabled her to expand her experience and knowledge. “I love to know how things work. When the installation company were setting up the SAP system they spent a lot of time showing me how things were customised, and what they were doing. Because I saw the background work and know how the system has been set up, I am able to confidently and accurately make changes to the system.”

Since the installation in 2000 Amanda has managed the system and uses the knowledge she obtained from the installation process to customise the SAP system and

“ I love to know how things work. When the installation company were setting up the SAP system they spent a lot of time showing me how things were customised, and what they were doing. Because I saw the background work and know how the system has been set up, I am able to confidently and accurately make changes to the system.”

132 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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m anage m ent + sy s te m s enhance procedures. “Over the years there have been so many things that we have tweaked and developed and we are always looking at what else we can do to make things simpler and better. That is another big benefit of choosing the SAP system; I don’t think we would have been able to make as many changes if we hadn’t chosen it.”

As well as being responsible for the current IT systems, Amanda is working on introducing a new Warehouse Management System (WMS), which will enable Fastbolt to automate many of the operations in both UK and German warehouses.

“At the moment we are using a paper based system, involving printing of picking sheets, which isn’t very productive or efficient,” explains Amanda. “The new WMS will automate it.

Barcode scanning will reduce picking errors and pickers will be told in what order to pick the products. The usage of the trucks will also become more efficient, as the system will know where trucks are and won’t send another truck down a busy aisle. Put simply it will enable us to make everything more productive, efficient and less hard work.”

Depending on system compatibility, Amanda also intends to link the new WMS directly to the carrier system, so that immediately the picker confirms an order the labels and the paperwork will automatically be printed and ready for when the boxes are packed.

Fastbolt is currently in the process of getting the test system for the WMS up and running, which will enable it to make sure the flow of information between the WMS and its SAP system is smooth and there are no problems.

Amanda’s main responsibility is the link and flow of information between the two systems, making sure it is seamless. “To connect the two systems we will be using IDocs, which are electronic files that contain all the necessary information. Every time we send a picking note to the warehouse, it will contain an IDoc, which will be read into the WMS. The challenge at the moment is to get the different programs to run from different entry points in the system, and to make sure the system recognises the IDoc. We also need to ensure that the new WMS will link into the customisation that we have made in the SAP system.”

An IDoc, incidentally is an intermediate document, used by SAP for electronic data interchange (EDI) between application programs. It’s a self contained text file that can be transmitted directly to a chosen workstation.

To thoroughly evaluate the WMS before it is fully implemented Fastbolt has a test environment, which is a mirror image of the real system.

“With the new IDocs and WMS I am testing as much as I can to ensure that we are fully prepared for when we go live,” says Amanda. “The simplicity of the IDoc makes it easy to transfer between the two systems. The fun part is going to be keeping the flow between the two systems up to date, because, especially within the UK, the requirements of the market mean that you have to be able to offer a quick service.”

Whilst the test environment will allow Fastbolt to prepare for when the WMS goes live, Amanda is only too aware that the important part will be effectively handling any issues that may arise.

“You can test as much as you like, but there is always something that will happen when you go live,” states Amanda.

“It is important to be prepared and think quickly on how you can resolve the issue and move on. The experience we had when implementing the SAP system will help us with this as we have been through the process before.”

The German WMS is planned to go live in December 2011, with the UK WMS (requiring some extra customisation) due to go live within the first six months of 2012.

“Everyone is keen to see the new WMS on board and benefit from the efficiencies and improvements that the new system will bring,” says Amanda. “There is a real excitement in the company at being able to develop how we currently do things. We are always looking to make sure that the flow of information, from taking the order to getting the delivery out, is as efficient and quick as possible and the new WMS will help us to get a step closer.”

It is this dedication to developing Fastbolt’s IT system and Amanda’s ability to constantly enhance procedures, based on a first hand understanding of all of the company’s processes, which has seen Amanda rise through the company. Her contribution to Fastbolt’s continuous commitment to improving its efficiency and already high customer service standards, has now been deservedly recognised through her appointment as director. She, though, remains modest as ever.

“I just enjoy doing my job. I’m naturally an inquisitive person who needs to know how things work and how they can be made better. Luckily, with our test environment, I am able to play around with the system and can introduce processes that will answer my own curiosity, and more importantly help all the departments become more efficient, which ultimately enhances Fastbolt’s reputation as a company absolutely committed to meeting its customers’ needs.”

“ You can test as much as

you like, but there is always

something that will happen when you go live… it is

important to be prepared and think quickly on how

you can resolve the issue

and move on.”

134 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

by

buy better

m anage m ent + sy s te m s

Cutting costs with industrial vending Here Tony Goodwin the CEO of Propeller GB, a provider of inventory management solutions and advanced stock control systems, highlights ten ways in which industrial vending helps customers cut costs.

I

nventory, stock, parts or MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) consumables, call them what you will, provide the ‘oil for the engine’ in manufacturing and processing plants. They can represent up to 20% of total enterprise spend and account for more than half of all indirect purchasing transactions, yet many organisations do not have the systems in place to restrict access to inventory and monitor the usage of spares and consumables down the line. Too often, storerooms are free-for-all facilities, where users take parts on autopilot, squirrelling stock away in lockers and, worse still, pilfering company property as a perk of the job. As a result, inventory costs run out of control, storeroom data is totally inaccurate and the inevitable stockouts of critical spares lead to costly downtime, lost production and cancelled orders.

Emerging from much the same technology as coin-operated snacks and drinks machines, industrial vending equipment dispenses MRO consumables, PPE, tooling or whatever in a similar semi-automated manner, except that instead of payment transactions, access is normally by means of time and attendance swipe cards, biometrics or personal identification codes. Known as point-of-use or lineside vending machines, because they are located close to the production line or work area, they are nowadays advanced inventory management systems, enabling strict control of stock access, monitoring of usage down to user level and automatic reordering of out-of-stock items.

For those new to the technology, semi-automated parts vending offers a secure environment in which to store and dispose a whole range of items and an effective way of driving down inventory spend. In fact, here are 10 ways that point-of-use vending will help you cut costs:

Reduces inventory holding – As much as 70% of inventory items are never used or obsolete, so an initial data cleansing exercise and plant-wide amnesty on parts in lockers and toolboxes, as part of a vending machine implementation programme, will bring about immediate stock reductions; add to that subsequent opportunities for weeding out low turnover items and eliminating duplication across the whole enterprise.

Frees up valuable floorspace – New lines mean storing spares to meet service and maintenance needs, putting pressure on storerooms already overstocked with excessive inventory; by utilising vertical space and high density storage technology, modern vending machines are designed to hold a vast array of products within a highly compact footprint, freeing up manufacturing floorspace, a commodity usually in short supply.

Improves staff productivity – A major cause of downtime is when staff have to spend time collecting spares from a central storeroom, building cumulatively into hours of lost production; point-of-use vending machines serve the location where they’re installed, dramatically cutting the times taken to travel, locate and retrieve parts, while touch-screen interfaces with ‘shopping basket’ functions speed transaction times.

Drives down inventory spend – The most powerful way to reduce spend is to restrict access to inventory, with a complete lock-down ensuring that only authorised users can remove items; a full audit trail and subsequent monitoring of usage down

to user level will identify wasteful employees or departments and indicate excessive maintenance activities, in turn highlighting issues of asset reliability.

Optimises costly parts usage – Modern machines, like our own British made Pro-Vyda equipment, can allocate a unique status to each compartment, so that refurbished or reconditioned parts can be dispensed instead of new items, saving on routine costs; the machine will also deliver the exact amount of parts required, rather than automatically dispensing standard packs of 10 or 20, again optimising usage.

Eliminates staff pilfering – As economic pressures mount, workplace theft tends to increase, whilst at particular times of the year certain items are consumed at greater levels than normal, such as gloves around bank holidays, paint pens and markers during school vacations and batteries at Christmas; locking down access and making staff fully accountable for what they are consuming, has a remedial impact on such behaviour.

Reduces employer liability – As all transactions are logged against a user, an employer can identify precisely what an individual has received, providing vital evidence of access to essential personal protective equipment in the event of a health and safety incident and helping avoid expensive litigation; realtime access to vending machine data also enables supervisors to immediately question why incorrect items are being taken out.

Provides 24/7 parts availability – One of the issues that management has to balance is the cost of either paying stockroom staff to support shift workers or allow unmanned stores access out of hours; vending machines eliminate that problem by providing 24/7 controlled access and monitoring, while a feature like Pro-Vyda’s reservation facility enables off-site staff to pre-book parts for planned maintenance whenever they arrive.

Minimises costly downtime – With manual storerooms where there are no routine stock checks, there are often discrepancies between inventory records and physical items on the shelves, leading to stockouts at critical points and consequent downtime; vending machines ensure accurate data and user-defined depth of stock on vital parts, as well as incorporating expiration and calibration dates against any part.

Improves budget control – As well as avoiding bloated inventories and restricting access to parts, vending machines like Pro-Vyda can allocate budget ceilings to individuals, cells and departments, ensuring budget compliance; given strict control of parts distribution and automatic restocking, stockholdings can be kept below one or two months in hand and complete stock checks can be carried out within hours, rather than days.

Finally, contrary to the view that workers might object to pointof-use vending machines, we find that hardworking staff respond positively to the idea of having the right parts in the right place at the right time, rather than wasting energy tracking down items themselves. They also appreciate facilities for reserving MRO consumables for upcoming maintenance and repair jobs, instead of finding much-needed parts out of stock at the last moment.

136 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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tool s

Makita refines its lithium-ion power tool range Makita says that its policy to continuously improve the fundamental elements of its lithium-ion cordless power tool range, and to regularly introduce the latest edition of tools, means that it is constantly setting the market standards for performance, reliability and operational comfort and safety.

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he latest versions of the 14.4V LXT Combi drill, LXT Drill driver and LXT Impact driver have improved design features including more compact motor body housings, refined hand-grip sizes and surfaces, and are lighter than previous models.

The ergonomics of these tools have been improved with the position of the battery in relation to the hand-grip angle, which has been altered to improve the centre of gravity position that makes the tool more comfortable in use over a longer period. This also aids tool accuracy by lifting the chuck direction in the normal grip position so that the operator does not have to change the tool position quite so radically when engaging the fixing or drilling target.

The new BHP446 Combi drill produces 44Nm of torque and will punch a 13mm hole in steel and masonry with up to 22,500 blows per minute. Weight is reduced to 1.7kg whilst the weight of the BDF446 LXT Drill driver is now down to 1.6kg with torque improved to 45Nm and maximum speed increased to 1,500rpm. The 16 torque settings provide drilling capability of 13mm in steel and 38mm in wood.

The popular impact driver in the Makita 14.4V li-ion range also benefits from increased torque, up to 160Nm. With up to 3,200 impacts per minute available the BTD133 will drive home M14 fixings. It features the Makita brushless motor for power and reliability and has a new belt clip design for greater on-site convenience and an improved switch and electronic control system for enhanced durability. The same attributes have been awarded to the 18V version of this tool; the new BTD145 brushless impact driver can install a M14 standard bolt, an M8 machine screw and an M12 high tensile bolt. Weighing just 1.3kg, and with 160Nm of torque available, this is a powerful tool for all installation and assembly operations.

PGM mark stands for fit-for-use drill bits Safe anchor fixing requires a lot: approved anchors, trained installers and suitable drill bits. Such drill bits can be easily identified by the PGM mark stamped on the drill bit.

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his mark is granted by the “Prüfgemeinschaft Mauerbohrer” (Certification Board for masonry drill bits) located in Remscheid, Germany. Drill bit manufacturers have to prove that they run a state-of-the-art quality system, which is checked by PGM auditors. The drill bits are monitored with yearly spot checks.

Standard drill bits with one cutting plate have to fulfil tolerances derived from the European Technical Approval Guidelines (ETAGs) for anchors. According to these guidelines, anchors are tested with standard drill bits, which have the same tolerances as the PGM marked drill bits. This creates a closed loop between the approval tests for anchors and their later installation.

For so-called multicutters with three-dimensional head geometry, the certification process is more complex, because standard tolerances cannot be used. For these drill bits, comparison tests are required in order to prove that they are suitable for safe anchor fixings. These tests are carried out by specialist institutes, which also are involved in approval tests for anchors. In a first step, holes in concrete plates are drilled using standard drill bits and multicutters with the same diameter. In those holes, ETA anchors are installed and then pulled out. If the

pull out forces of the multicutters are nearly the same or higher than for the standard drill bits, the multicutter is certified and can be stamped with the PGM mark. For the yearly spot check of these multicutters additional tolerances apply, which include the diameter of the minor cutting edges and the angle between the main and the minor cutting edges.

Since 2009, one additional requirement for manufacturers of PGM certified drill bits is to fulfil a “Code of Conduct” related to social and environmental aspects, which are derived from international standards like the UN Global Compact.

The PGM mark is an international registered trademark. PGM is very active in defending these rights against counterfeit by companies that do not fulfil the relevant requirements. Since 2009, authorities in China have carried out five raids on drill bit manufacturers using the PGM mark without certification. During these raids, more than 34,000 drill bits with faked PGM mark were confiscated. Currently, PGM traces two other counterfeiting cases in Korea and Iran. The main goal of these actions is to guarantee that anchor installers can always rely on drill bits carrying the PGM mark.

138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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tool s

Senco® adds two 16 gauge models Senco® is adding two 16 (1.6mm brads) gauge tools to its award-winning line-up of Fusion™ cordless pneumatic nailers.

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owered by a self-contained compressed air cylinder, the new F-16 drives up to 500 nails per full battery charge. It is available in either a straight (model F-16S) or a 20-degree angled version (model F-16A), and comes equipped with one battery, a charger and a rugged canvas carrying case.

“We’ve had tremendous success converting pneumatic, battery, and gas-powered customers to the F-15 and the F-18,” says Dave Moore, Senco’s director of Fusion technology. “Now we have solutions for people who prefer a 16 gauge finish nailer.”

Senco highlights that Fusion combines the best features of cordless and pneumatic technologies. The patented Reflex Shot design delivers an instant trigger response so there isn’t any ramp-up time. Fusion also eliminates fuel cells, along with the expense, fumes and cleaning associated with them.

“Many gas tool users who have switched to Fusion technology report savings of up to 300 euros a year. Plus, we’ve eliminated the downtime cost of running out of fuel in the middle of a job,” adds Moore.

Fusion’s 18V lithium-ion battery can reach an 80% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in under an hour. Senco also points out that the Fusion battery can be charged “hot” to save time.

Senco says that at 2.7kg, the ergonomically balanced Fusion nailers are nearly 1.1kg lighter than competitive battery powered models, and can be comfortably operated with one hand. Users can choose either sequential firing or contact actuation depending on the job. The tool-free adjustable depth-of-drive feature combined with the nose mounted LED work surface light ensures accurate fastener placement and countersinks.

Dormer’s Threadsize Calculator App An iPhone App capable of calculating the exact diameter of drill required for precise thread-creation operations has been developed by cutting tool specialist, Dormer Tools.

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he Dormer Tools Threadsize Calculator has been designed by Dormer to help engineers and machinists quickly and accurately select the optimum drill diameter needed to create a thread.

Thomas Junfors, senior project manager at Dormer Tools, comments: “When you want to create a screw thread using a tap, you first need to pre-drill the hole. There are formulae that can be used to calculate the recommended tapping drill diameter, but as there are numerous different types and standards of taps available, the recommended dimensions can vary, so it is crucial to get this right. The App takes the user through each of the various steps and factors to calculate the right diameter.”

Unlike similar Apps currently available, Dormer’s Threadsize Calculator is free to download from the iTunes App store and is the first in a series of Apps set to be launched by Dormer.

A Product Selector App which will promote increased productivity and efficiency by giving users personalised advice on the best cutting tool and operating parameters is currently in development and is due to be launched in 2012.

Thomas states: “At Dormer we are committed to helping our customers carry out their machining processes in the most efficient way possible. We invest significantly in research and development so that we can share our expertise with industry partners and customers alike. This App and the Apps to come all fit in with that ethos. It’s about selecting the right tool for the job in order to get the best results.”

140 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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to o l s

Continuous innovation Rivit Srl, based in Bologna, Italy, has recently launched the RIV941 a hydro-pneumatic tool which joins Rivit’s comprehensive range of tools for setting rivets and rivet nuts.

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he RIV941 has been designed for installation of rivet nuts from M3 to M10 and it is fitted with an innovative system that allows two modes of control in one tool: pressure (force) or stroke.

RIV941 can be used with Rivsert female threaded rivet nuts, from M3 to M10, and with Rivbolt male threaded rivet nuts, from M4 to M8.

The new tool for rivet nuts has been designed so that the hydro-pneumatic system, and the mechanical parts that make up the internal structure of the tool, ensure a higher reliability, due to reduced components wear, resulting in increased durability and functionality of the tool.

Technical features of RIV941 include: Nominal air pressure:

6 bar

Min/max air pressure:

5/7 bar

Air consumption per cycle (6 bar):

5 litres

Max stroke:

6.5mm

Pull force (6 bar):

19,000N

Weight:

1.9kg

ISO reintroducing old hexagon sizes to tool standards The experts of the ISO Technical Committee ‘Assembly Tools for screws and nuts’ have decided to reintroduce the old hexagon sizes, such as 17mm, 19mm, 22mm and 32mm, into the International Standards for tightening tools.

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homas Holland-Letz, of the Fachverband Werkzeugindustrie e.V. (German Association Tool Manufacturing Industry) and current chairman of ISO TC 29/SC 10 ‘Assembly tools for screws and nuts, pliers and nippers’, explains the decision.

The 1979 revision of ISO 272 ‘Fasteners; Width across flats for hexagon products’ replaced these hexagon sizes with the sizes 16mm, 18mm, 21mm and 34mm. This was the responsibility of the ISO TC 2 Technical Committee for fasteners. After this revision, it was expected that the market would follow the change. Consequently, ISO TC 29 SC 10, the committee responsible for tools, started to adapt its standards to the new sizes.

Today, 32 years later, far more screws and tools with the old hexagon sizes rather than with the new ones are produced and sold. To avoid that the relevant tool standards do not cover a major segment of the market, it has now been decided to reintroduce these sizes into the tool standards, starting with the basic standards ISO 1711-1 and 1711-2 (technical specifications for hand- and machine-operated sockets and wrenches). The product standards will be adapted during their systematic reviews, which will take approximately 5 years.

The Technical Committee ISO TC 2 “Fasteners” decided to maintain the decision of 1979 and not to re-introduce the old sizes into their standards.

More about the work of the Fachverband Werkzeugindustrie e.V. can be found at www.werkzeug.org The direct link to the homepage for the ISO TC29/SC10 Committee is: www.iso.org/iso/standards_development/technical_committees/list_of_iso_technical_committees/iso_technical_committee.htm?commid=47562.

Wera Tool-Check A new tool combination comprising some 38 pieces in a particularly compact ‘Tool-Check’ is the latest product from the Wuppertal based screw driving tool specialist - Wera.

A

s a universal companion for a number of screw driving applications, the set comprises a Bit-Ratchet, a Rapidaptor bit holder as well as a total of 28 bits, seven sockets and a socket adaptor.

The bits and sockets can be used with the Bit-Ratchet, with the Rapidaptor –with rapid sleeve and fast bit change serving as an extension. The bits are suitable for screw driving jobs both in wood and metal, and the hand/machine sockets can be used in either manual or power tool operations.

All tools are clearly arranged and securely housed in a robust plastic box. Despite the comprehensive range of tools included, the Wera ‘Tool-Check’ only measures 15cm x 8cm.

142 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

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p r o d u ct s

New fire retardant epoxy adhesives ITW Devcon has developed two new fire retardant epoxy adhesives for bonding metals, fabrics, ceramics, wood, vinyls and concrete for use in the aerospace, marine, electricity generation and rail industries.

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hese new IFR adhesives are white, two-part self extinguishing structural epoxy systems. They include a five minute working time version with a fast cure time (one hour) and a 10 minute non-sagging version which cures in three hours and is suited for use on vertical and overhead surfaces.

The products are available in cartridges, are easy to mix and can be applied using a dispensing gun.

ITW Devcon says that both systems come with very high performance levels. The five minute version includes a tensile lap shear strength of 11.9MPa, service temperature range of -40°C to +93°C, and a shelf life of two years. Both versions meet the requirements of FAR 25.853 [a] [60 Second Vertical Burn Test], FAR 25.853 [d] Smoke Density and BSS 7239 Toxicity of Combustion Gas – Flaming Mode UL 94 V-O. No halogenated flame retardant additives are used in the formulations and these approvals make the adhesives ideally suited to the needs of the aerospace sector.

ITW Devcon points out that a key environmental benefit is the fact that less smoke is created if the material burns. Other benefits include fast cure, noise and vibration dampening, low coefficient of thermal expansion, lightweight but strong and flexible longlasting bonds, high corrosion and fatigue resistance, as well as good impact and peel strengths.

“These adhesive systems lend themselves to use in a number of different types of applications such as potting inserts, edge sealing of aircraft interiors, and applications where a self-extinguishing structural epoxy system is required.”

Aptino® thread-forming fastener Infastech™ has introduced Aptino®, a new thread-forming fastener for thermoplastic materials, to its iForm™ brand.

I

nfastech™ explains that the steep pitch of Aptino® trailing flank is designed to reduce radial thread-forming stress in thermoplastic moulded bosses/nut member applications. The Aptino® thread profile also enhances resistance to pull-out and vibration loosening forces associated with typical field use.

The Aptino® thread-form delivers a narrow tip asymmetric profile which efficiently displaces material and therefore requires minimal drive-torque to form an internal thread. The steep trailing flank minimises plastic deformation resulting in high resistance to internal thread strip out. The Aptino® thread root is designed specifically to reduce radial stress resulting in an optimum fastening solution where restrictive size and maximum strength is critical. Reduced radial stress enables a reduction of boss wall thicknesses and thermoplastic material usage and further lowers manufacturing cost.

Aptino® fasteners can be manufactured in thread sizes from 1mm to 6mm, in a wide range of materials and surface finishes along with various head styles and drive systems.

Infastech™ is a producer of engineered mechanical fasteners with applications across diverse market sectors including electronics, aerospace, construction, automotive and industrial. The Infastech™ portfolio includes the lead brands of Avdel®, Elco® and iForm™.

Inox Mare offers robust fastening system Inox Mare, based in Rimini, Italy, has developed a long term mounting stainless steel fastening system for solar installations, which it says is both robust and durable, and is easy to use regardless of the various types of roof structures.

W

ith nearly forty years of experience in the field of stainless steel fasteners and fixing devices, Inox Mare has combined its technical expertise and produced a high quality system which it says satisfies the needs of customers for the practical and ease of assembly for solar installations. Inox Mare points out that its mounting system has been designed to withstand snow and all weather conditions.

Inox Mare has also recently opened a new 9,000 square metre warehouse, with storage space for 10,000 pallets, in Bologna, a

strategic point of the peninsula which allows Inox Mare to rapidly forward the goods all over Italy and abroad.

“We handle more than 25,000 stainless steel standard metric screws, nuts and bolts, stainless steel fastening systems for solar installations, marine accessories and fittings. Thanks to the vastness and the efficiency of our warehouse we are able to deal with over 300 orders a day and can send goods within 24 hours from the receipt of the order.”

144 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 72 November 2011

Providing advanced technical support Since early 2011, Swedish spring supplier Lesjöfors has been using a new FEM program for various spring calculations. With the investment enabling Lesjöfors to provide even more advanced technical support within the spring industry.

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esjöfors explains that the acronym FEM is a shortening for Finite Element Method which is a method that uses numerical mathematics to solve complex problems in physics such as strength, flow and heat conduction. The method can briefly be described with that the original problem is divided into small pieces, so-called finite elements. The problem is then solved relatively easy in a mathematical way for each individual piece, under certain given conditions and in accordance with a predetermined procedure. The results from the smaller pieces are in the end put together and give a result for the original problem.

Lesjöfors uses the FEM program to make strength calculations for springs with different geometry compared to standard springs or springs that are loaded in an unconventional way. In addition, it is also possible to do detailed analysis of spring components in order to optimise the product or to increase the understanding of it.

Lesjöfors’ FEM program takes into account many of the non-linearities which usually occur in spring calculations, such as large deformations and parts that come into contact with each other during the deformation process. It is also possible to calculate some dynamic phenomenon, to use non-linear materials and to make buckling analysis.

“The FEM program is a great asset for us and our customers, particularly concerning strip components where geometries often are very complex and therefore difficult to analyse. When it comes to springs made of wire, not only complex geometries are common, but also very unusual loading conditions. The program has already proved useful in several customer projects and the future opportunities are endless,” says Mattias Hartvigsson, product specialist and the person responsible for the FEM program operations within Lejsöfors.

p r o d u ct s

You can still work with Work-It Fasteners and fixings provider, Owlett-Jaton, is fulfilling growing customer demand for the Work-It brand of personal protective equipment, by championing the range as part of its extensive PPE and workwear offering.

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he sought after workwear is part of a range which is double the size of Owlett-Jaton’s original PPE and workwear portfolio, featuring over 500 product lines. The OwlettJaton service promise also means that Work-It products are available via next day delivery with no minimum order restrictions.

Tony Williams, national sales manager (Jaton), explains: “Work-It is hugely popular with customers, and stands pride of place as part of a range which is far more comprehensive and diverse than any we’ve seen before. The demand for these products is high, and we’re striving to ensure that we meet this with the same high level of efficiency and service that customers have come to expect from Owlett-Jaton.”

He adds: “There are different levels of product available, from the cost effective basic kit needed for one off and low risk jobs, to high quality specialist workwear that offers additional style and comfort features – something that may need to be considered if it is going to be worn over a long period.”

The popularity of the Work-It range is echoed in

the success of Owlett-Jaton’s dedicated PPE and workwear product guide, which can now be personalised and distributed under customers’ own contact details and logo, generically titled ‘Work-MASTER.’ “By personalising the catalogue in this way, customers can maintain an identity and relationship with their customers whilst benefiting from the security and added value that comes from purchasing product from one of Europe’s leading suppliers,” comments Tony. “It has been so successful that the first batch of white label catalogues has completely sold out.”

Owlett-Jaton’s product branding service also allows customers to follow three simple steps to add any logo and personalise the product they are ordering quickly and cost effectively.

The Work-It range is also available on OwlettJaton’s online trading portal, OJ Trade, where visitors can view these and other products without obligation. Account holders can access instant quotes and stock availability at the click of a button.

workwear Owlett-Jaton offers a comprehensive range of PPE & Workwear.

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p r o d u ct s

Solving the problem of bonding to silicone 3M has used its continuous innovation and creativity to develop and introduce two new lines of 3M silicone laminating adhesive tapes, giving OEMs and converters the ability to achieve high bond strengths to silicone, one of the hardest to bond surfaces because of its very low surface energy.

3

M Adhesive Transfer Tape 91022 and 3M Double Coated Tape 96042 are designed with a single liner and a high performance adhesive, enabling productivity improvements for users through faster and easier processing.

“3M’s new silicone laminating adhesive tapes help address several key problems for customers and are likely to prove particularly popular with designers and engineers as they strive to meet their design challenges”, says John Fyall of 3M’s industrial adhesives & tapes division. “The adhesive tapes 91022 and 96042 are designed with a 55µm pressure sensitive silicone adhesive that adheres on contact, without priming.

They hold with high shear and good peel strength, resulting in a high initial bond for immediate part processing, and possess excellent high temperature performance – up to 260ºC for the adhesive tape 91022 - and reliable chemical resistance.

He adds: “The 2mm PET single liner feature of the adhesive tapes 91022 and 96042 reduces waste by 50%, which saves users the time and cost to remove and dispose of a second liner. In addition, the liner can be diecut to precise shapes with clean edges, and offers good tear and moisture resistance.”

In addition to their capabilities of bonding to difficult to stick to LSE (low surface energy) silicone substrates, offering good initial quick stick on contact and dwell over time when compared to other silicone PSAs, the adhesive tapes 91022 and 96042 also provide excellent adhesion to other hardto-bond surfaces, such as leather and silicone rubbers and foams.

p r o d u ct s

Keeping it compact FDB Panel Fittings says that its new IP65 1071 compression latch is especially compact, offering an unusually low profile of only 22mm in its open condition and yet providing 3mm of compression.

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his enables the benefits of compression lock technology to be achieved in situations where space is at a premium – such as vehicle applications or where an interior panel or other equipment requires clearance from the lock cam.

The 1071 provides IP65 sealing and vibration proof operation in LH or RH orientation with quiet and secure fastening. Operation is by a ¼ turn which will latch the cam in position, followed by a further ¼ turn which completes the 3mm compression cycle.

The pre-assembled 1071, together with rigid H section cam, may be quickly and toolessly installed in doors of up to 2mm thickness.

bigHead JackNut® fixing for sandwich panels On a recent major project bigHead was tasked to come up with a secure fixing for large sandwich panels to be used in a suspended ceiling.

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he client needed the installation to be quick and simple and, due to the materials and processes involved, wanted to avoid the use of adhesives. bigHead came up with the bigHead® – JackNut® concept.

The bigHead® – JackNut® combination solves the specific problem of how to fix to a single skin of a sandwich panel without adhesive bonding. bigHead explains that the fixing can spread applied loads onto a very thin substrate (3mm thick) and can be installed with access from one side only. bigHead highlights that combining its technology with that of the JackNut® offers the following benefits: • • • •

• • • • • •

Installed from one side of the panel.

No adhesive bonding.

Fastens into blind holes.

Fastens securely despite burrs or uneven substrate.

Hole size tolerant.

Provides large ‘open-side’ bearing area.

Provides large ‘blindside’ bearing area.

Will not distort or deform soft plastics or thin sheet.

Accommodates a wide grip range.

Set with manual or pneumatic tool.

Elesa has a handle on it Elesa points out that its new CLT latch/handles particularly suit large standalone or suite style cabinets with single point closure – or in conjunction with the CAR rod controls for 2 or 3 point locking.

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lesa explains that this spreads the gasket pull-down loads across the door so ensuring optimal sealing and security on control cabinets and electronic racks.

The CLT latch/handle itself is sealable to IP65 and so is suited to most commercial/industrial cabinet applications.

The CLT latch is available with a varied selection of locking possibilities, through many key lock number possibilities to a double winged key type. Rod controls to complement the CLT handle are available with either 100mm or 200mm flat rods to interface with rod extensions which may be supported by black technopolymer rod guides. Handle fitment is via two off standard 50mmx25mm rectangular punchings.

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

RIVET NUTS

Ikitelli Org.San.Bolg.

Pik Dokumculer San.Sit. A-3 Bl.No:9 Ikitelli Istanbul - Turkey

t: +90 212 485 92 07 f: +90 212 485 20 06 e: sales@emekpercin.com

www.emekpercin.com

Small parts – big possibilities The right items for every project

Your partner for fasteners and fastening technology We’re looking forward to your call: +49 40 85363-0 Everything · Always · Reliable www.reyher.de

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Bulten launches FastCalc App Choosing the correctly dimensioned fastener can be hard, even for the most experienced engineer. Calculations need to take into account several parameters such as dimension, friction, and type of goods, if the optimum, most appropriate solution is to be found.

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or Bulten AB, a supplier of fasteners to the automotive industry, the choice of the correctly dimensioned screw joint, for instance, is something taken very seriously.

“Every day we work to choose the right type of screw for a particular application,” says engineer Philip Lejon. “If for example you tighten the screw too hard, it should break, but the goods shouldn’t. To make sure this is what happens, you have to calculate a sufficient thread depth in the goods. It’s cheaper and easier to change a screw than a whole component.”

This is why Bulten recently launched an application on the popular AppStore for iPhone and iPad users. The App is called Bulten FastCalc, and it simplifies a technical designer’s job of choosing new or evaluating existing fasteners. The App enables customers to assess more easily what type of joint is most appropriate. Bulten highlights that although the FastCalc App does not provide definitive answers, it does give a pointer as to the choice to make.

The App costs SEK 22 (2.4 euros) and is available to download now. Philip Lejon explains that FastCalc will be further developed, partly with information about new technology and new materials.

Users will also be able to watch demo films and send in any questions they may have. The iPad version will be launched later this year, with the iPad’s large screen making it possible to present more information about how the calculations can be used. An adaptation of the App for Android is also planned.

“The FastCalc App clearly shows that Bulten is a futureoriented company that’s at the forefront of technical development. We are the first in our segment to offer this type of advanced engineer application,” says Philip Lejon.

DUE TO RETIREMENT

FIXING AND POWER TOOL COMPANY FOR SALE BASED IN THE EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND A very good and loyal customer base covering Fife, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth Excellent potential for growth All company information available Interested parties should email: fastenerbusinessforsale@gmail.com or reply to the address below: Fastener + Fixing Magazine FAO Claire Lake Romeland House Romeland Hill St Albans AL3 4ET Tel: +44 (0)1727 814 508

Your requirements are satisfied immediately: for example tension bushes in special designs.

> Tension bushes in inch sizes / with lubrication groove inside, outside, or both / with grease holes and cruciform lubrication grooves / with nib / with rhombus-shaped surface dents as reservoir for solid lubricants for lesser bearing loads / with flanged edges / eccentric tension bushes ...

SpannstiftstraĂ&#x;e 2 D-58119 Hagen T. +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de

www.jvu.de

p r o d u ct s

Rescue it with Bond It New to Bond It’s range is the stretch and wrap Rescue Tape which Bond It says is the ultimate multipurpose repair tape.

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elf-fusing the stretch and wrap Rescue Tape will fix anything from leaking hose pipes, plumbing repairs, insulate electrical cables, protect against corrosion, waterproof, as well as seal connections and fittings.

It can be used in the building, plumbing, automotive, marine, agricultural industries and in the military.

Silicone Rescue Tape resists fuels, oil, acids, solvents, salt water, road salt and UV rays. Available in six colours - black, blue, yellow, red, white and clear – the tape is simply stretched and wrapped for a permanent seal.

“Easy to use, with outstanding performance, the tape is pressure sensitive up to 8 bar, resists 260ºC and insulates 8,000 volts, making it ideal to keep in a tool box for emergency repairs.”

QRP puts a pin in it

Abbey Clamps...................................15

Koenig Verbindungstechnik GmbH... 117

ACT Fasteners & Components.......115

Lederer..............................................20

Action Can....................................... 141

London Screw Company Ltd...........146

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co. KG...............17

Lucky-Winsun Enterprise Co Ltd.....53

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co...............37

M&W Fastener Co., Ltd....................35

Alfran Fasteners............................. 137

Mectron.............................................89

All American Fastener Show............27

MKT................................................... 71

Allbolts Ltd........................................53

Multiple Overseas Exports................ 11

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Inc,.......25

Nakashimada Engineering Works, Ltd....95

Ambrovit SRL....................................13

National Machinery..................... 29, 33

Anochrome Group.............................23

ND Industries............................ 19, 127

Arpel Ltd...........................................43

NOF Metal Coatings Europe...........119

Aspray 24...........................................63

Nordic Metalblok Srl...........................9

Autonic Engineering....................... 117

Nord-lock........................................105

Avon Stainless Fasteners................150

Norm Civata AS................................. 21

Baker & Finnemore........................115

Norma...............................................55

Bendfast..........................................125

NSJ....................................................45

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co.Ltd..............113

omniTechnik GmbH.........................123

Biing Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd.........85

Ornit Blind Rivets............................ 137

Birlik Baglanti................................. 137

Owlett Jaton (Hexstone Group)....... 147

Bossong............................................75

Pee-Wee.......................................... 151

Bralo................................................133

Peter Schröder GmbH....................109

Brighton Best...........4, 5, 10, 12, 14, 16

Pinstructure Ltd................................15

Bülte Plastiques SA........................115

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd.... 61

Chatsworth Computers Ltd............129

Prelok................................................15

Chemfix Products Limited................79

Ray Fu.............................................148

Ching Chan Machinery......................93

Reyher......................................... 1, 151

Crest Industrial Ltd...........................23

Rivit Srl............................................155

De Wit B.V..........................................77

Rotor Clip..........................................53

Deepak.............................................. 51

Saima Corporation..........................146

Degometal.........................................37

San Shing Fastech Corp.....................3

dk Business Solutions....................129

Scell-it.............................................149

QRP Inc has introduced a line of shackle pins offering increased tensile strength to satisfy the most demanding heavy lifting applications.

Don Quichotte B.V...........................125

Schnorr GmbH..................................79

Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH.........156

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd..........145

DS Fasteners Ltd..............................45

Sipa Srl............................................109

E.U.R.O. Tec GmbH...........................75

Smith-Bullough Ltd........................135

hese shackle pins are manufactured from stainless steel (except for their aluminium button) to promote high corrosion resistance in the harshest environments.

Among noteworthy features, the shackles can pivot when unobstructed to move 90º on both sides of vertical to correspond with application dynamics. Full visibility of a contrasting colour groove on these pins indicates pin status as ‘fully locked’ to promote safety in use. The latest design features a red button allowing for easy identification and serving as a caution in activation.

The shackle pins are body hardened to 180/210 KSI or ASTM 2759/3. They are available with shank diameter ranges from ¼ inch (handling up to 2,000lbs maximum load) to 5 /8 inch (accommodating up to 7,000lbs maximum load).

EDP................................................. 131

Stafa Holland BV............................... 61

EFC International............................ 127

Sun Grace Holdings - Keyang.........143

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Electra Engineering Services......... 107

Super Nut Industrial Co Ltd...........152

Emek Rivets Co Ltd......................... 151

Tecfi S.p.A..........................................73

Emhart Teknologies............................7

Tecno Impianti SRL...........................83

Everbuild...........................................69

Test GmbH.........................................92

Everest Overseas..............................77

TFC Ltd............................................ 107

EW Menn GmbH & Co. KG................ 91

Titibi...................................................75

F K Moore Limited............................83

Top Screw Metal Corp..................... 131

Fastbolt...............................................2

Totally Tools..................................... 141

Fastener Fair Hannover.................. 121

TWTC................................................. 41

Fastener Fair Thailand...................... 31

UBK Spa..........................................123

Fixi Srl.............................................135

Vibration Master............................... 91

G & B Fissaggi Srl.............................83

Vipa SPA..........................................135

Goebel GmbH.................................. 111

Vlier Products...................................49

Graewe GmbH & Co.KG....................37

voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH . ...87

GWI....................................................43

Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG.... 23, 107, 153

Hafren Fasteners............................ 117

Vorpa Officine Meccaniche snc......... 81

HECO-Schrauben GmbH & Co. KG....77

VVG - Befestigungstechnik GmbH & Co..59

Heinz Soyer GmbH..........................109

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH..........47

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG........ 127

WASI................................................153

INTERNATIONALE EISENWARENMESSE....45

wire Düsseldorf.................................43

ITW..................................................139

WPI Services B.V. .............................49

J Cooke Engineering Ltd.................125

INNOVATION

DELTAÂŽ protects surfaces.

While you are reading this, we are still working on new technologies.

The most important thing in any company is the people who work there. And that is particularly true in our case. Because it is purely down to our colleagues, their know-how, their commitment, their expertise and their passion, that we are able to offer the world what it expects of us: innovation in zinc flake technology and now in electroplating systems too. That’s what we work 365 days a year for. Even while you are reading this. More info at www.doerken-mks.com