China Fastener World Magazine No.57_中文版

003 China Fastener World no.57/2019

004 China Fastener World no.57/2019

005 China Fastener World no.57/2019

006 China Fastener World no.57/2019

008 China Fastener World no.57/2019

009 China Fastener World no.57/2019

010 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

011

China Fastener World no.57/2019

013

014 China Fastener World no.57/2019

015 China Fastener World no.57/2019

016 China Fastener World no.57/2019

017 China Fastener World no.57/2019

018 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

019

022 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

023

024 China Fastener World no.57/2019

TSY@sanyung.com

China Fastener World no.57/2019

025

026 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

027

028 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

029

030 China Fastener World no.57/2019

Doug Ruggles of Martin Fastening Solutions (Florence, Alabama) has been elected as the 20192020 president of the National Fastener Distributors Association. Adam Derry of Field (Machesney Park, Illinois) will serve as vice president, Kelly Charles of Sems & Specials (Rockford, Illinois) as associate chair, and Kelly Cole of Hayes Bolt & Supply (San Diego, California) will remain on the Board as immediate past president.

Three new Board members have been elected to serve on the NFDA Board: Don Haggerty of Lindstrom/Stelfast (Edison, New Jersey), Craig Penland of Eurolink FSS (Greer, South Carolina), and Jodie Thinnes of Copper State Bolt & Nut (Phoenix, Arizona).

Continuing on the NFDA Board are Keven Simmer of Wurth DMB Supply (Des Moines, Iowa), Scott Somers of MidStates Bolt & Screw Company (Flint, Michigan), and Bryan Wheeler of Star Stainless Screw (Wood Dale, Illinois).

The new Board was introduced at the NFDA 2019 Annual Meeting, held June 10-11, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The annual meeting also included programs on data analytics by Brian Friedle of MITS, supply chain transparency by Heather Stewart of Wurth Industry North America, industrial marketing by Matt Johnson of Spinstak Growth Agency, and an economic update presented by Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics.

Doug Ruggles (left)

Tribute was paid during the NFDA annual meeting to retiring Board members Rich Megliola of Vertex Distribution (Saint Charles, Illinois), Kevin Miller of Bamal Corporation (Charlotte, North Carolina), Dan Zehnder of Trinity Logistics Corporation (Waukehsa, Wisconsin), and Jun Xu of Brighton-Best International (Santa Fe Springs, California).

Doug Ruggles Elected NFDA President for 2019-2020 Upcoming NFDA events include: •

Executive Summit November 3-5, 2019 Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort, Naples, Florida

• Joint Conference and Tabletop Show with the PacificWest Fastener Association March 4-7, 2020 Westin Hotel, Long Beach, California • Executive Sales Planning Sessions ® June 23-24, 2020 Embassy Suites Downtown, Minneapolis, Minnesota For more information about NFDA and its activities, visit www.nfda-fastener.org or contact Vickie Lester, vlester@nfdafastener.org , telephone 562-799-5519.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Association 31

032 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

34

Fastener World News

Fastener World News

China’s Fastener Export to Europe in First 4 Months of 2019 Shows Growth in Volume and Decline in Price

compiled by Fastener World

Industry Updates China’s Fastener Export to the U.S. Shows a 26% Drop in First 4 Months In the first 4 months of 2019, China exported 225,480 tons of fasteners to the U.S., which is a significant drop of 26% compared to its record last year. The avg. fastener export value of China was USD 1.86 per kg (+6.29% from last year).

Influenced by the additional 25% tariff (which was originally 10% before Jan. 2019) the U.S. Government imposed against China, China’s fastener export to the U.S. last Nov. shows a short-term skyrocketing rise, which has resulted in an excessive inventory level in the U.S. fastener industry. However, China’s fastener export to the U.S. started to decline after Dec. 2018 and still shows no sign of turnaround at the moment.

China’s Fastener Export Drops in H1 2019 China’s fastener export in the first half of 2019 reached 2,094,346 tons, down 2.4% from the same period last year and the average export price per KG was US$ 1.91, up 2.34% from the same period last year. The cumulative export volume in the first half of 2019 was less than 2.1 million tons. Till 2018, China’s fastener export had demonstrated an increase in volume for 3 consecutive years and an increase in price for 2 consecutive years; however, in the first half of 2019, China’s fastener export already showed a decline in its export volume. In Jan. 2019 China’s fastener export amounted to 417,918 tons (the highest volume in a single month of the year); in Feb. 2019 it shrank to 218,447 tons; in Mar. 2019 it started to increase again and this growth continued till May. The export volume in May reached 410,235 tons. In June 2019, the volume dropped again to 370,156 tons. It is estimated that China will suffer a d if f icult t i me i n increasing its fastener export again in 2019.

Inf luenced by the U.S./China trade war, China is currently suffering from its fastener export to the U.S., so lots of Chinese suppliers have switched their focus to the European market. However, the existence of too many competitors on the market has also resulted in the drop of the avg. price despite the increase in the total export volume. In April 2019, China exported more than 70,000 tons of fasteners to Europe, a significant increase of 20.5% from March this year, but the avg. price was USD 1.84 per kg, down 4.46% from March this year and down 7.21% from the same period last year. In the first 4 months of 2019, China exported 0.257 million tons of fasteners to the EU, up 16% from the same period last year and the avg. price was USD 1.91 per kg, down 1.65% from the same period last year.

Changshu Standard Parts Factory's Anti-loosening Screws for China High Speed Rail Changshu Standard Parts Factory is China's largest production base of high-strength fasteners. It was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2017 and was purchased by a private company. It changed the management and invested a great deal in R&D. Within 3 months after the purchase it successfully turned a loss into a profit and last year it achieved a production value of RMB 780 million.

Through years of technical development, the company passed the acceptance check this July titled "high-performing fasteners for high-speed locomotive power system". It became the only fastener company in China selected into "The Industrial Infrastructure Project" proposed by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China.

Yong-Feng Jiang, president of the company, said that China's demands for this type of screws were mostly satisfied by imports.

However, after passing the acceptance check on July 6th the Company is now able to fully replace those imported products commonly used on railroads in China.

035 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

36

Fastener World News

Auto Screw Fastening Machines Drive the Innovation of China Manufacturing Auto screw fastening machines are a new drive for conventional companies in the manufacturing sector to modernize and innovate their production. The annual amount of auto screw fastening machine supply to the manufacturing sector in China will exceed 20 thousand sets. The amount of the machine in possession by this sector will exceed 130 thousand sets. China has been rolling out supportive policies to propel the domestic industry of auto screw fastening machines. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology sets to form a well-established auto screw fastening machines industry by 2020 to meet the demands in national defense, national economy and social development.

Auto screw fastening machines play an important part in the manufacturing and processing industries, and they will be widely applied in the future.

China is Developing Sensor-embedded Bolts Priced at Only RMB 300 China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP) showcased its smart bolts which can inspect prevailing t o r q u e. I n t e r m s of p r e c isio n instruments, airplanes and critical buildings, the existence of yield point in fasteners like bolts affects the running state of machines, stability of buildings and people's safety and properties. Therefore, bolts capable of detecting prevailing torque are becoming widespread in fields such as aerospace, radar and heavy engineering.

Smart bolts used by China are mostly imported and their prices can get as high as USD300. It is not the bolt that is expensive but the sensor and the ancillary test system that come with the bolt. Currently, the smart bolts on the market indicate prevailing torque by color change, misaligned mark on bolt head with the mark on the fastened material, or by means of inspection rings and mark-engraved rings. Unlike other brands that "patch" sensors to smart bolts, CAEP developed a PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) sensor film which utilizes materials technology to enable the sensor to directly "form" on the surface of the bolt.

The formed sensor sends ultra-sound waves to measure the length change of the shank of the fastened bolt. It calculates the prevailing torque of the bolt by comparing parameters such as the speed of sound in different stress states. While the vibration of high-end equipment running on aircraft and space crafts may cause the patched sensor to come off, the sensor film made by CAEP is a natural part of the bolt and can effectively prevent this problem from happening.

Some high-end equipment makers including Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation have made contact with CAEP. CAEP is looking to lower its smart bolt price to RMB300 to expand market share.

Haiyan County of China to Take on Technical Transformation and Smart Manufacturing In recent yea rs, Haiyan County has been optim izing and transforming the local fastener sector. Last year, the county eliminated capacity-incapable companies and cut off low-end companies from the supply chain, shutting down 333 fastener companies. On the other hand, the county is bringing in high-end companies, including the renowned fastener company WĂźrth, to the supply chain in Haiyan.

As leaders in the Haiyan fastener industry, Haiyan Yuxing Nuts and Zhejiang Dingsheng Automotive Fastener actively improve their digital management. Haiyan Yuxing Nuts utilizes big data in production and has gained positive results. Zhejiang Dingsheng Automotive Fastener invested RMB 70 million and built the County's first fastener smart factory integrating R&D, production, logistics and sales.

The future of the Internet era is Data Cloud. Since last year, the County paced up developing an Internet platform for the fastener industry in a form of "Haiyan Fastener Cloud" to facilitate digital transformation of the industry players. Statistically, there were 198 Haiyan fastener companies up in the fastener cloud last year. The County is set to upgrade the local companies from low to high end via cloud management.

Vietnam’s Car Import Volume Hikes by 6 Times in H1 2019 Ac cor d i ng t o t h e st a t ist ics of Vietnamese Customs, in the first 6 months of 2019, 75,437 units of cars were imported to Vietnam. This figure is around 6 times the record in the same period last year. In terms of the import value, the figure also increased by at least 5 times, reaching USD 1.63 bn.

To view the data by car type, 5,427 units are vehicles for 9 or less passengers (increasing by 6 times from the same period last year) and 17,879 units for trucks (also increasing by more than 6 times from the same period last year).

If to calculate one single month in June, 10,540 units (valued at USD around 0.254 bn) were imported to Vietnam (up 26.5% from the same month in 2018). Amongst the figure, 7,145 units (valued at USD 0.137 bn) are vehicles for 9 or less passengers, representing around 67.8% of its total car import. 2,731 units (valued at USD 77.10 million) are trucks. 654 units (valued at USD 40.30 million) are vehicles for special purposes.

In addition, in June 2019 Vietnam imported around USD 0.291 bn worth of auto parts, down 18.4% from the same period last year.

Its main auto parts import origins are South Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, Indonesia and Germany.

Thailand is the largest car import origin of Vietnam. In June, Vietnam imported 7,575 units from Thailand, followed by Indonesia (1,468 units), China (653 units), S. Korea (274 units) and Japan (150 units). These 6 largest import origins represented 96% of the total car import of Vietnam in June.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

037

China Fastener World no.57/2019

38

Fastener World News U.S. DoC Announces Three Affirmative Preliminary Circumvention Rulings on Exports of Steel Products from Vietnam Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced three preliminary affirmative circumvention rulings involving exports of steel products from Vietnam. The circumvention rulings cover certain steel products that are first produced in Korea and Taiwan, which are then shipped to Vietnam for minor processing, and finally exported to the United States as corrosion-resistant steel products (CORE) and cold-rolled steel (CRS).

As a result of today’s affirmative circumvention determinations, Commerce will instruct Customs and Border Protection to begin collecting cash deposits on imports of corrosion-resistant steel products and cold-rolled steel produced in Vietnam using Korean- or Taiwanese-origin substrate. These duties will be imposed on future imports, and also on any unliquidated entries since August 2, 2018 (the date on which Commerce initiated these circumvention inquiries). The applicable cash deposit rates will be as high as 456.23 percent, depending on the origin of the substrate and the type of steel product exported to the United States.

U.S. law provides that Commerce may find circumvention of antidumping duty (AD) or countervailing duty (CVD) orders when merchandise that is the same class or kind as merchandise subject to existing orders is completed or assembled in a third country prior to importation into the United States.

Shipments of CORE from Vietnam to the United States increased from $22 million (in the 40-month period of September 2012 until preliminary duties imposed on South Korean and Taiwanese products in December 2015) to $933 million (40-month period from imposition of preliminary duties in January 2016 until April 2019), which is an increase of 4,076 percent. Additionally, shipments of CRS from Vietnam to the United States increased from $49 million (in the 38-month period of January 2013 until preliminary duties imposed on South Korean and Taiwanese products in February 2016) to $498 million (38-month period from imposition of preliminary duties in March 2016 until April 2019), which is an increase of 922 percent.

These inquiries were conducted pursuant to requests from U.S. domestic producers of CORE and CRS: Steel Dynamics, Inc. (IN), California Steel Industries (CA), AK Steel Corporation (OH), ArcelorMittal USA LLC (IN), Nucor Corporation (NC), and United States Steel Corporation (PA).

The strict enforcement of U.S. trade law is a primary focus on the Trump Administration. To date, the Trump Administration has issued 31 preliminary and/or final anti-circumvention determinations – this is a 417 percent increase from the number of preliminary and/or final circumvention determinations made during the comparable period in the previous administration.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Enforcement and Compliance unit within the International Trade Administration is responsible for vigorously enforcing U.S. trade law and does so through an impartial, transparent process that abides by international law and is based on factual evidence provided on the record.

Japan's Fastener Production Value Sets Historical Record In a general assembly held on May 16, The Fasteners Institute of Japan reported Japan's fastener production value of 2018 at a historical record of JPY 916.1 billion, up 2.6% from the previous period. The volume of production grew 2.4% to 3.285 million tons. This means Japan's fastener production and production value grew simultaneously last year and that the production value broke the past records.

Company Focus Zhejiang Mingtai Standard Component (China) Plans to Go Public Zhejiang Mingtai Standard Component Co., Ltd. has had 30 years of history since its inception. It is the top fastener company in Wenzhou City of China, awarded as "one of top ten quality fastener brands" and "an exemplary fastener enterprise recognized for specialty and precision". It went from the manufacture of standard bike parts to scooter parts and then automotive parts. In the course of the past 3 decades, it undertook the "manufacture of high-strength automotive aluminum alloy bolts" as part of the national technical upgrade project.

Mingtai makes immense investments in product development. In recent years it used 8% of its annual revenues on product development to ensure its product advantage. At present, it is a supplier to many automakers such as local joint ventures between China and Volkswagen, Cummins, Toyota, and Honda. These automakers use Mingtai's fasteners in replacement of their imports.

2019 is a critical year for Mingtai. As a Wenzhou enterprise planning to go public, Mingtai is planning to optimize its equity structure and strengthen R&D capability. To help Mingtai go public, the taxation office put up a team of experts to help the company solve problems in the process and provide instructions on acquiring preferential tax benefits.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

039

China Fastener World no.57/2019

40

Fastener World News

Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz in China Recall a Portion of Defective Cars for Using Disqualified Rivets and Nuts FAW-Volkswagen Automotive and Mercedes-Benz (China) filed a defected car recall plan recently. FAW-Volkswagen decided to announce a recall of a portion of imported Audi A8L models manufactured between September 26, 2018 to February 13, 2019, immediately effective. A total of 200 cars are involved. The cars within the range of recall are involved because of suppliers' incorrect production parameters and erroneous craft that cause the rivets on the rails of front passenger seat to have a head size incompatible to the requirement of Audi.

Mercedes-Benz (China) announced a recall of a portion of imported C class and CLS class cars manufactured on December 6 to 18, 2018, immediately effective. The cars within the range of recall are involved because of possible mixed installation with bolts on the oil tube and air tubes.

Shanghai Prime Machinery's 2019 Mid-term Profits Drop 38% Sha ng ha i P r i m e Ma ch i ne r y Com pa ny Limited reported 6-month profits attributable to shareholders at RMB 114.7 million ended on June 30 this year, down 38.4% and therefore there would be no dividend payout.

In the first half of 2019, the European and Chinese automotive market weakened, the demand from China's thermal power plants declined, the trade condition between the U.S. and China was unclear, and the overall industrial production was slowing down. In this backdrop, the Company's income in the first half of 2019 dropped 4.9% to RMB 4,485 million from the previous period mainly due to the decreased income from the fastener business. The overall gross profit margin was relatively stable between the first halves of 2019 (at 19.3%) and 2018. The total operating expense was RMB 711 million. Compared to the first half of 2018, sales and distribution expense were down 10.8% and administrative expense was up 8.0%.

EBITDA in the first half of 2019 was RMB 318 million. Compared to the first half of 2018, the profits attributable to the owners of the Company dropped 38.4% to RMB 115 million in the same period of 2019.

German WĂźrth Group Celebrates 25 Years in China The China branch of WĂźrth Group held a 5th anniversary celebration event at its second-phase distribution center in Haiyan County of Zhejiang Province, China. Currently the group has deployed businesses in China. To provide modern logistics service for clients, the group set the distribution center in Haiyan County. Spanning an area of 80 thousand square meters, the center is on a 3-phase construction. "We have a great future ahead of us with Haiyan," said CEO Larry Stevens.

The group has been with China's industrial market and seen its rapid growth since the group's founding.

Japanese Nitto Seiko's New Base in Guangzhou (China) to Expand Screw Sales Nitto Seiko set up a new base in Guangzhou City of China this June to boost sales in south China where the automotive industry converges.

The new base is a spin-off of Nitto Seiko's subsidiary "Nitto Precision Screw Industrial (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd." in Zhejiang Province of China. The new base focuses on increasing order intake of industrial screws and automatic screw fastening device which is used for automobiles.

Fastenal's Lower-Than-Expected H1 Revenues as the Negative Outcome of Tariff Battle Fastenal, an industrial and construction materials distributor valued at USD 17 billion, reported lowerthan-expected revenues and profits for the second quarter which underscores the impact of tariff costs and inflation caused by the U.S./China trade war.

Fastenal is the largest industrial fastener distributor in North America. In a press release, Fastenal stated that it raised product price to mitigate the tariff of China's products, but that higher product pricing was not enough to mitigate the general inflation on the market.

Fastenal reported the second-quarter revenue at USD 1.37 billion which was lower than what analysts had expected. Peter Boockvar, Chief Investment Officer of Bleakley Advisory Group, said, "The global manufacturing sector is now in contraction.

Definitely more companies will sound alarms on China tariffs heading into this earnings season."

In May, the U.S. raised the tariff rate from 10% to 25% on USD 200 billion worth of China's products, and China retaliated with a tariff on USD 60 billion worth of American products. Although the U.S. and China agreed on a truce in G20, a long-term trade protocol does not seem to be coming true anytime soon. According to Washington Post, China's negotiation team has a few new members including China's Commerce Minister Zhong Shan who is a hardliner in the eyes of White House officials.

In the re-opened trade talk which is to come, the new development further undermines the hopes for China's concession.

Tr ump said multiple times that the U.S. is imposing a tariff of billions of US dollars on China, but many economists and institutions, including the IMF, have pointed out that the American companies will pay the price. Research by IMF finds that the tariff on China's products are almost absorbed by the American importers.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

041

China Fastener World no.57/2019

42

Fastener World News Atotech Appoints Josh M. McMorrow as Vice President and Group General Counsel Atotech announced that effective June 1, 2019, Josh McMorrow has joined the company as Vice President and Group General Counsel. Mr. McMorrow is part of the company’s senior management team and reports to the CEO, Geoff Wild.

In his role, Mr. McMorrow oversees Atotech’s legal, compliance and intellectual property teams. In addition, he manages the company’s HSEQ matters. Atotech is a company dedicated to the absolute safety of those who manufacture its products, those who use them, and their impact on the environment. As such, Mr. McMorrow will facilitate a systematic approach to ensure the utmost safety while providing the highest quality products and equipment to Atotech’s customers.

Prior to joining Atotech, Mr. McMorrow served as Vice President, Chief Commercial Counsel and Global Head of Litigation at Weatherford International’s global headquarters near Zurich, Switzerland. He began his career as a trial attorney and has worked as a General Counsel for such varied industrial businesses as Air Liquide and PSC (an industrial and environmental services company).

Mr. McMorrow succeeds Mr. Gregor Frank, who is retiring this year.

Vossloh: Another Major Order Won for Rail Fastening Systems in China Vossloh Fastening Systems has won another important order for the delivery of rail fastening systems for high-speed lines in China. This new order encompasses an equivalent volume of more than €40 million. The fastening systems are produced for the new-built high speed line connecting the cities Hangzhou and Taizhou, located south of Shanghai. The deliveries are to be started already in 2019, but are mainly expected from 2020 onwards. This order won confirms Vossloh’s expectation that sales in China in 2020 will substantially increase compared to the current year. In 2018, Vossloh had already received three major orders in China with a cumulated volume of about €85 million. Most of these deliveries will also occur after 2019.

Andreas Busemann, Chief Executive Officer of Vossloh AG: “The Vossloh Group has started the fiscal year 2019 with high order intakes.

This new order from China continues this trend and underscores again strongly our continued good market positioning in the high-speed segment for fastening systems in the Chinese market. Since the first major order in fiscal year 2018, the order backlog in the Chinese company of the business unit has more than tripled.”

Vossloh has been present in China since 2006. Kunshan-based Vossloh Fastening Systems China Co. Ltd. is one of the locally leading providers of rail fastening systems for use on high-speed lines. At about 25,000 kilometers, China possesses the largest and most modern highspeed network in the world. Additional high-speed projects are under construction or in the planning stage, and should expand the rail network to 38,000 kilometers by 2025.

Association News 2019 IFE Hall of Fame and Young Fastener Professional of the Year Awards NFDA would like to congratulate the winners of this years prestigious fastener industry awards! Ed McIlhon and Marty Nolan will be inducted into the 2019 Fastener Hall of Fame, and Baron Yarborough has been named Young Fastener Professional of the Year. All three will be honored in Las Vegas on Wednesday, September 18 at the Sessions Corner on the show floor.

• Ed McIlhon, Assembled Products Inc. - 2019 Fastener Hall of Fame Inductee Ed McIlhon

Ed McIlhon got his start in the industry at his father’s Iowa Industrial Products (IIP), where he served as president, developing IIP into a $60 million company in 1998. IIP was sold to Bossard International in 1999, and McIlhon served as president until 2005 when he purchased their kitting and bundling unit and created API, a key supplier to John Deere. McIlhon played an integral role in negotiating the Fastener Quality Act, serving as co-chairman of the Public Law Task Force and testifying before Congress on behalf of the industry.

• Marty Nolan, R.L. English Co. - 2019 Fastener Hall of Fame Inductee

Marty Nolan

Marty Nolan has been a manufacturer’s representative with R.L. English Co. in Cleveland, Ohio for 34 years. He is currently the vice president of the North Coast Fastener Association (NCFA), previously serving as president for four years where he was instrumental in the development of many initiatives, including the NCFA annual Distributor Social. He also served as chairman on the Fastener Industry Coalition (FIC), and has tirelessly promoted the fastener industry through www.fastenerblog.net and social media.

• Baron Yarborough, Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing - 2019 Young Fastener Professional of the Year

Baron Yarborough

Baron Yarborough is a third-generation fastener professional holding a BBA degree in management from Texas Wesleyan University. In 2014, Yarborough started a hands-on training program at Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing, and currently is director of sales where he leads the sales force, new business development, and marketing functions. He remains active as chairman of the Young Fastener Professionals, previously serving as president, and as a member of the Board of Directors at the Southwestern Fastener Association.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

44

Company Focus

Debut of Chun Kai New Machines R

Round pipes straightening machine and plate flattening machine to advance market applications

epresenting more than 50% of the share in Taiwanese straightening machine market and generating overseas sales more than the double its domestic sales, Chun Kai

by Nai-Wen Chang, Fastener World Machinery Co., Ltd. has released this year the all-new CK230 steel pipe straightening machine and CK-900 plate flattening machine. Chun Kai is one of the leading straightening machines providers in Taiwan and has over 20 years of experience in this field. It cares about customers’ demands for straightening machines to help complete their tasks and offers superior quality and a complete range of service.

The previous straightening machine model functions with the mechanism of “hammering” and the curves of parts are inspected with naked eyes, which prolongs the interval of processing and which cannot be considered cost-effective in terms of the quick pace of modern industries. As a result, through the use of the modern high-speed and highly precision straightening machine, the inconveniences and disadvantages found on the previous straightening model can be solved.

Two New Models on the Market

The Classic CE Certified Straightening Machine by Chun Kai

CK-230 Steel P ipe St ra ighten i ng Machine can be used to straighten various steel and stainless steel round pipes. It can process pipes in lengths of 400mm6,000mm, in outer diameters of 10mm40mm and in thicknesses of over 0.2mm.

Straightening is fast completed without damaging the appearance.

Another bestseller of Chun Kai is the CK-601 step-type auto-feeding oil pressure straightening machine, which has been certified by CE and patented in Taiwan and China.

This specific-purpose straightening machine is applicable to various large-size screws and headed spindles. If used with a step-style auto-feeding machine, it can process longer materials, a larger amount and a wider range. The feeding machine can accommodate 200-300 pcs and is able to straighten parts in lengths of 100mm-600mm and in outer diameters of M8-M24.

The straightening accuracy can reach around 0.02mm (speed: 6-7secs per pcs) and can be customized according to CE requirements.

I n a d d it ion t o t h e st r a ig ht en i ng machine, Chun Kai also developed the new CK-900 plate f lattening machine, which can be used to flatten plates, control thicknesses, press flat and recover the flat appearance. Its applications range from various f lat parts, optical components of cameras, stamped electronics parts, blades of ice skates, scissors, automobiles & motorbikes, to bike gears. The machine is controlled by a stepless frequency converter.

The 1st Choice Among All Straightening Machines Providers

Contact: Mr. Chin Chang Huang E-mail: ck23356525@chunkai.com.tw

The team of Chun Kai continues to develop new models and dedicates to the R&D of new technology and equipment other manufacturers cannot compete with. Chun Kai’s machines can be flexibly adjusted to process various parts as per customer’s request. In order to create straightening machines that completely fit customers’ requirements, both the inspection of materials from suppliers and repeated tests of assembled machines must be seriously conducted before shipments. Such a strict quality control ensures at least one decade of service life of Chun Kai’s machines and clearly shows the durability and high quality of Chun Kai’s products.

In addition to focusing on the R&D of straightening machines, Chun Kai has also developed a series of models, such as oil-pressure straightening machines, “run-through” straightening machines and press-type straightening machines. Chun Kai has been always putting its focus on the R&D of highly automated machines and will also continue the improvement of products and develop more competitive straightening products.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

045

China Fastener World no.57/2019

48

European News

European News Provided by Fastener + Fixing Magazine www.fastenerandfixing.com compiled by Fastener World

Böllhoff Increases Sales for Ninth Consecutive Year Böllhoff Group reported 2018 consolidated sales of €651.6 million, a 5.15% increase over 2017 and its ninth year of consecutive growth. The Group also reported record levels of investment, increasing more than 50% to €65.1 million.

Recording its 142nd year in business, independence has always been the cornerstone for the Böllhoff company, now in its fourth generation of family ownership and management.

Wilhelm A. Böllhoff is responsible for fastener service supply, human resources and quality management. His managing partner, Michael W. Böllhoff, is in charge of fastening and assembly technology as well as production. Of the two other members of the management, Dr. Jens Bunte is responsible for research and development, application technology and intellectual property worldwide. Finance, controlling, legal affairs and IT are managed by Dr. Carsten Löffler.

The Group comprises 45 companies, with 39 locations in 24 countries – including 13 production facilities. At the end of 2018 the Group employed 3,046 people, 254 more than at the end of 2017. Some 1,500 are employed in Germany.

Sales of €312.5 million - close to 48% of the Group total – were generated in Germany, reflecting a 4.8% year-on-year growth. A further €203.8 million (31%) came from the remainder of Europe, increasing 2.6%. Sales in the Americas were €75.5 million, increasing 4.1% - benefiting, Böllhoff notes “from the gentle tailwind behind the South American economy”. Sales in Asia totalled €59.9 million, contributing just over 9% of the Group total, but increasing year-on-year by more than 17%.

By sector, 58.4% of Böllhoff sales emanated f rom the automotive sector, 39.4% from other industries and 1.2% from the aerospace sector.

Noting that the Group had achieved nine consecutive years of sales growth, the Böllhoff management, said “we are now seeing signs of a consolidation phase for the first time”. They attributed this, less to the economic cycles of Germany, “but rather to influencing factors involving geopolitics and European policy”.

Despite such imponderables the management says it remains optimistic as regards the years to come. The full 2018 report highlights investments into the infrastructure of buildings, machinery and IT, totalling €65 million in 2018. These address bottlenecks throughout the Böllhoff value-added chain, the consequence of nine years of steady growth. Many of the projects are scheduled for completion in 2019 or 2020.

The Böllhoff management concludes: “We feel confident that we are perfectly equipped to deal with the requirements of the market, both now and in the future.”

Trifast: “Growth Story Set to Continue” In preliminary results published on 11th June, Trifast confirmed total group revenue for the year ending 31st March 2019 at GB£209.1 million (€233.7 million), a year-on-year increase of 5.8% at constant exchange rate.

Trifast’s European operations had a strong year, with revenues growing 5.8%, driven by double-digit revenue increases across six of eight entities, including Holland (automotive), Hungary (electronics) and Germany (general industrial).

Reduced domestic appliances volumes, as the result of trading conditions in Trifast’s Italian operations, offset some of these increases. Trifast’s Spanish greenfield site successfully secured its first GB£1 million of annual sales in the year.

Asia achieved year-on-year growth of 2.6% to GB£58.7million with strong domestic appliances sector increases in Singapore offset to some extent by the local factory closure of a multinational OEM electronics customers in China, as well as the knock-on effect of additional US tariffs to a small number of multinational customers operating in the region.

Overall, Trifast’s UK business showed very strong total revenue growth of 8.4% to GB£79.1 million reflecting the successful acquisition of Precision Technology Supplies (PTS) in April 2018. Organic trading levels, however, reduced slightly (-1.4%) due to the downturn in UK automotive manufacturing volumes. Outside of this, the Trifast reported another solid year in its most mature market – mainly driven by high ongoing demand in both general industrial and distributor business.

In the USA, a successful site move at the beginning of the year has been rewarded by exceptional revenue growth, increasing by 38.3% to GB£8.9 million.

This reflects ongoing gains in both the automotive and electronics sector, plus good use of existing mu lt i n a t ion a l Tie r 1 a n d OE M cu st ome r relationships.

Underlying profit before tax increased 5.9% (CER) to GB£23.6 million. Organic growth stood at 2% (AER), with PTS contributing a further 3.6% of growth to the topline.

Gross margins remained on target at 30% despite the impact of anticipated purchase price inflation in the UK and upfront costs of ongoing investments in European manufacturing capacity.

Underlying operating margins increased to an historic high of 11.6%.

CEO Mark Belton and CFO Claire Foster noted: "Trifast has delivered a solid performance and the directors remain optimistic about the progress the business will make over the coming financial year. Our highly experienced teams are dedicated to researching, developing, marketing and selling in novative products that meet today's high expectations that all our customers demand in terms of quality, value and price. Despite the potential implications of BREXIT and the continuing trade tensions between the US and China, the board remains confident in its strategy, its people and the Group's flexibility to adapt to change."

China Fastener World no.57/2019

049

China Fastener World no.57/2019

50

European News

Hilti FourMonth Sales up 6.2% Hilti has repor ted Group sales increased 6.2% over the first four months of 2019 to CHF1.931 billion. In local currency the growth factor was 7.6%.

Hilti CEO Christoph Loos explained: “Overall, we had a positive start to 2019 in the first four months and sales are within our expectations. For the entire year, we continue to expect growth in the mid-to-high single digits, even though the dynamics in the construction industry have slowed somewhat in several regions.�

In Europe and North America, the Hilti Group was able to maintain strong growth amid an ongoing positive market environment, growing sales in local currencies by 9.6% and 8.1% percent, respectively. Sales in Latin America grew 5.6% while the Asia/Pacific region saw a rise of 3.2%. The EMEA region grew 3% in the face of economic tensions in Russia, Turkey and the Gulf States.

Sundram Fasteners Reports Record Revenue and Profits Sundram Fasteners, part of the TVS Group, reported standalone revenue for its year ending 31st March 2019 at INR 4,034 crore; a 16.3% increase from INR 3,419 crore for the previous fiscal year.

Domestic sa les g rew 15% to INR 2,469.15 crore, on the back of increased production for commercial vehicles. Sundram also said it had expanded its domestic dealer network in order to increase sales penetration to industrial segments, which contributed to growth.

Export sales increased 18.4% to INR 1,382.99 crore, which Sundram said was partially due to volume growth, partially to a greater contribution from favourable exchange rates. Fourth quarter sales, however, increased by only 4.8%, although net profit increased 15%. Full year net profit after tax was INR 437.12 crore, up 18.9% on the previous fiscal year.

The company announced that its new plant, at Mahindra World City, commenced commercial production of forged and machined parts for cross-overs and mini-trucks on 16th January 2019. Sundram is in the process of setting up a new SEZ unit at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, to manufacture high precision engineering components. This will be used as a hub to consolidate its foray into the non-automotive segment including off-road vehicles for export.

51

NORMA Q1 Sales Increase Moderately NORMA Group reported sales at €275.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, 1.1% up on same period 2018.

Lower organic growth, eroded by automotive sector issues, was compensated by contributions from 2018 acquisitions and currency exchange gains.

Organic sales fell 4.2%. 2018 acquisitions, Kimplas and Statek, “contributed 2.3% and €6.2 million respectively”. Currency effects contributed 3.1% to sales growth. Adjusted EBITA for the quarter fell 13.3% to €39.6 million (Q1 2018: €45.7 million). The adjusted EBITA margin was 14.4% (Q1 2018: 16.8%). Net operating cash flow increased by €13.5 million to -€0.3 million.

NORMA explained: “The business development in the first quarter of 2019 is mainly attributable to the lower production and sales figures in the automotive sector in all three regions. Above all, the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions were characterised by a very volatile market environment: Lower production volumes in the European automobile industry due to the difficulties encountered in the summer of 2018 in implementing the standardised, stricter test procedure for emission values (WLTP) and a sharp decline in demand from the Chinese automotive industry.”

Sales in the EMEA region fell 2.8% to €128.4 million (Q1 2018: €132.2 million) impacted particularly by the continued W LT P issu es a n d lowe r a ut omot ive production.

A mer icas’ sa les “rose solid ly” by 4% to €111.6 million (Q1 2018: €107.3 million). NORMA identified the water management segment as posting strong growth at the beginning of 2019; business with commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery also continued to develop solidly.

However, production figures in the North American automotive sector were negative.

NORMA increased Asia-Pacific sales 7.5% to €35.6 million (Q1 2018: €33.1 million). While the Chinese automotive sector experienced significant production declines, the acquisition of Kimplas in India contributed to additional sales revenues.

Group CEO Ber nd Klein hens commented: “In view of the uncertain market situation worldwide and the more volatile than expected market environment, particularly in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, we have substantiated our forecast for the adjusted EBITA margin in 2019.

We are confident that the situation on the markets will improve in the coming quarters and that we are well positioned for the future with our broad product range and commitment to key markets such as electromobility and water management.”

NORMA Group confirmed its exp e ct e d mo d e r a t e orga n ic g r ow t h , between 1% and 3%, for the full year.

Sa les f r om K i m pla s a n d St a t ek a r e expected to total around €13 million.

The company confirmed it was sticking to its adjusted EBITA margin forecast of between 15% and 17% but expected to achieve the lower end of the range.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

European News

China Fastener World no.57/2019

52

European News Former UK Fastener Manufacturer Owner Admits Bribery

The United Kingdom Serious Fraud Office has revealed that the former managing director and majority owner of ALCA Fasteners Ltd, pleaded guilty to bribery at the end of May. Carole Ann Hodson pleaded guilty at Walsall Magistrates’ Court, on 30th May 2019, to bribery in relation to a scheme to secure GB£12 million worth of contracts for ALCA Fasteners Ltd, a company she owned at the time.

The scheme, which operated between 2011 and 2016 whilst Hodson was the managing director and majority owner, saw nearly GB£300,000 of bribes paid to Terje Moe, a purchasing manager employed by the Würth Group, an ALCA customer.

Under the scheme, which continued until his retirement, Moe would receive 2.5% of the total of every order made by his company to ALCA Fasteners. The bribes were paid in 64 monthly cash payments.

Terje Moe pleaded guilty to two charges relating to the receipt of bribes, contrary to the Norwegian Criminal Code, on 6th July 2018.

False invoices were created to justify the cash transfers, recorded in ALCA Fasteners’ accounts as ‘sales commission payments’ or other payments not related to genuine transactions, with Hodson later lying to her company’s auditors to disguise the true nature of the payments. To maintain the value of her company prior to selling it in 2017,

Hodson then lied to the purchasers by claiming that the company had not been involved in any unlawful conduct.

Lisa Osofsk y, di rector of t he Serious Fraud Office (SFO) said: “Ms Hodson has admitted her part in this crime and pleaded guilty to her misconduct. Bribery has no place in British business. This sort of corruption corrodes trust and distorts ma rket s, ma k i ng it i mp ossible for compa n ies to f u nction a nd undermining the UK’s reputation as a rule of law country and a safe place to do business.”

The SFO began investigating the affairs of the company in December 2017 following a refer ral by the Compa ny’s cu r rent owners a nd directors. The SFO investigation is ongoing with the company and its new di rectors conti nui ng to cooperate.

Bulten Sales Set Back by Automotive Headwinds Bulten Scores Gold for Sustainability Bulten AB has achieved gold-medal status in the EcoVadis sustainability ranking and is rated in the top 1% of companies in its industry.

E c oVa d i s i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t i n t e r n a t io n a l orga nisation t hat evaluates, scores, a nd ra n ks companies’ integration of sustainability issues in their business activities. The assessment is based on 21 criteria in four areas: Environment, fair working conditions, business ethics, and the supply chain. The method used is based on international Corporate Social Responsibility standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the UN Global Compact, and ISO 26000.

“Bulten’s ambition and sustainability strategy is that the entire business should be permeated by a sustainability-oriented way of thinking. We are hugely proud of this recognition, which consolidates our position as one of the best in our industry when it comes to sustainability,” says Marlene Dybeck, Bulten’s senior vice-president HR and sustainability.

An overview of Bulten’s sustainability efforts is reported as part of the company’s annual report, which can be found online.

Bulten Group reported first quarter 2019 net sales at SEK 810 million, down 5.1% on a strong first quarter in 2018. Adjusted operating earnings (EBIT) fell to SEK 59 million (2018 Q1: SEK 67 million). Adjusted operating margin was 7.3%, down from 7.8% in the same quarter 2018. Earnings after tax stood at SEK 44 million (2018 Q1: SEK 48 million). Bulten also reported a 5.9% decrease in its order book value to SEK 733 million (€59.77 million).

New President and CEO Anders Nyström noted that lower global sales of new cars in the second half 2018 had continued into 2019, with the most marked slowdown in China. He attributed the slowdown in Europe’s car industry to “consumer concerns about the effects of a possible hard BREXIT, as well as new environmental regulations, rather than a general economic downturn. The fact that the market for economically sensitive heavy vehicles remained strong substantiates this view.”

Nyström emphasised that investments being made to increase capacity and productivity would increase longer term earning potential. The new heat treatment line in Hallstahammar went into production at the end of March, promising efficiency enhancements during the second quarter. He noted that increased capital had been tied for six months due to the relocation of operations in China, which was proceeding as planned; preparedness for BREXIT; the ramping up of new projects and a slowdown in demand. “Activities are ongoing to normalise and improve control at inventory levels” he said.

Referring to operating earnings Nyström explained that raw material costs that had increased dramatically in 2018 had now stabilised, although at a high level. Bulten has signed a Full Service Provider contract for delivery of fasteners to a new vehicle program, worth approximately €13 million a year at full production in 2021, starting in late 2019.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

053

China Fastener World no.57/2019

54

European News New Generation Takes Over at KEIL

Cooper & Turner and Beck Industries Plan to Combine Andaray (Holdings) Limited and its subsidiaries (Cooper & Turner) have entered into an agreement with Beck Industries (Beck) for potential combination of the two groups.

The planned combined entity aims to be the first truly global manufacturer of safety critical fasteners, together supporting a broader range of industries – including renewable energy, tunnelling, construction, rail, heavy equipment, downstream oil & gas, power generation and nuclear, among others.

Cooper & Turner serves a global customer base with manufacturing and distribution operations across the European Union, China and North America. This worldwide network enables Cooper & Turner to offer a seamless, one-stop-shop solution for industrial fasteners that meet the highest levels of quality. Beck, a France-based manufacturer and distributor of fully certified, high-security bolting components, has built a global operation that complements and expands that of Cooper & Turner.

The proposed combination of Cooper & Turner and Beck will broaden the geographic reach of both companies, enabling the supply of world-class products and services from 17 strategically positioned facilities throughout Europe, North America, Asia and North Africa.

“It’s an exciting time at Beck,” stated Hugues Charbonnier, president of Beck Industries. “Business is strong, our order book is growing, and we have an opportunity with Cooper & Turner to potentially combine our complementary geographic footprint, technologies, and product portfolios to create an unequalled platform to serve our local and international clients.”

“We are energised by the possibility of joining forces with the Beck team to create a new global leader in high quality, mission-critical fasteners,” stated Tony Brown, Group CEO at Cooper & Turner. “Supported by our partners at the Watermill Group, which is a family owned investment company, we see tremendous opportunity to further serve the energy market worldwide.”

The potential combination of Cooper & Turner and Beck is subject to customary conditions, including consultation of the relevant works councils and obtaining required regulatory approvals.

A new generation of managing di rectors is set to ta ke over at KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH. The company will also move into new company headquarters.

Fastening specialist KEIL has stood for quality and reliability for more than fifty years. The KEIL undercut anchor has developed into a global brand since its beginnings in the 1980s.

Cou nt less a r ch it e ct s, pla n n e r s, fa br ica t or s and clients trust the technical solutions of KEIL Befestigungstechnik. Thousands of facades worldwide have been permanently and securely fastened with the KEIL Hinterschittanker.

The family business has been successfully run by owners Petra and Jürgen Bergfelder for many years. On 1st May 2019, the management was expanded to include new managing directors, Gerda Söhngen and Christian Schmidt.

Gerda Söhngen is daughter of the owner and has known the company since childhood, closely following its development over the years. Ms. Söhngen now manages the company in the third generation and is responsible for technology and production.

Ch ristia n Sch midt, responsible for sales a nd marketing, has extensive global experience in sales of technical products. After 13 years in various positions at Akzo Nobel, Mr. Schmidt was most recently sales manager at SFS intec GmbH in Oberursel for seven years.

At the end of June 2019, KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH relocates to new company headquarters within Engelskirchen.

Petra and Jürgen Bergfelder will hand over to the new managing directors in a timely manner. They will continue to support KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH in an advisory capacity and ensure a smooth transition.

British Steel Placed into Receivership On 22nd May a UK court appointed EY as official receiver for British Steel, following the failure of its owners, Greybull Capital, to secure emergency funding from the British Government.

On the previous day, Sky News broke the story that British Steel was in imminent jeopardy of collapse with Greybull seeking an additional emergency funding from the UK Government, which had already provided a GB£120 million loan to cover environmental compliance costs. Greybull was reported to have initially been seeking as much as GB£75 million additional funding, but subsequently reduced the figure to GB£30 million.

UK Business Secretary Greg Clark issued a statement saying: “The government has worked tirelessly with British Steel, its owner Greybull Capital, and lenders to explore all potential options to secure a solution for British Steel. We have shown our willingness to act, having already provided the company with a GB£120 million bridging facility to enable it to meet its emissions trading compliance costs.

“The government can only act within the law, which requires any financial support to a steel company to be on a commercial basis. I have been advised that it would be unlawful to provide a guarantee or loan on the terms of any proposals

that the company or any other party has made.”

He went on to add: “I will be working with the Official Receiver and a British Steel support group of management, trade unions, companies in the supply chain and local communities, to pursue remorselessly every possible step to secure the future of the valuable operations in sites at Scunthorpe, Skinningrove and on Teesside.”

British Steel employs around 5,000 people, primarily in Scunthorpe and Teeside, but various estimates suggest five times this number of people are reliant on its operations for their livelihoods.

UK Steel, the industry’s trade body, said: “This news is significant blow for the company, its employees, and the communities across the UK that it supports. British Steel does not sit in isolation but is a critical part of the UK’s wider steel sector, a strategic British industry underpinning a myriad of supply chains.” The statement continued: “Receivership does at least leave options on the table including providing a time to secure a new buyer. We have every confidence that the government is investigating every available opportunity and pulling out all the stops to ensure a viable solution is found.”

UK Steel believes that despite the challenges faced by the sector currently, the outlook for steel demand in the UK remained positive. Richard Warren, head of policy and representation at UK Steel, commented: “Of course, many of our challenges are far from unique to steel – the whole manufacturing sector is crying out for certainty over BREXIT. Unable to decipher the trading relationship the UK will have with its biggest market in just five months’ time, planning and decision making has become nightmarish in its complexity. I must again state in no uncertain terms the critical need for the UK to reach agreement with Europe as soon as possible, avoiding a no-deal BREXIT at all costs. Those that claim otherwise are breathtakingly callous in their attitude towards manufacturing in this country.”

“Beyond the cloud of BREXIT, long standing domestic issues such as uncompetitive electricity prices and business rates also continue to chisel away at investment and action on these issues, as part of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, must also be a top priority for the government now.”

British Steel’s Wire Rod Mill at Scunthorpe supplies cold heading quality wire, amongst a range of other wire products for construction and automotive applications. At the end of last year, the Wire Rod business announced it had secured investment in order to commence a major upgrade, including the installation of a new modern highspeed wire rod line, aimed at substantially increasing its the range and production quality capabilities.

In September 2017 British Steel acquired FN Steel, based in the Netherlands, which is also a significant supplier of materials to the fastener manufacturing sector.

Bossard Reports Growth Despite More Challenging Conditions Bossard Group reports that 2019 first quarter sales grew 5.4% to CHF 232.2 million (€203.4 million), despite "markedly more challenging business conditions" and a comparatively high baseline.

The Group says its first quarter’s overall solid performance was all the more remarkable because it was achieved in a weakening economic environment as well as the comparative baseline from the previous year being very high.

Activities in Europe and Asia contributed substantially to the Group's positive sales development, while business in America stagnated. European sales increased 5.1% to CHF 138.9 million (+7.3% in local currency), boosting market share in spite of lack-lustre economic conditions. After enjoying dynamic business development in America 2017 and 2018, Bossard says it was unable to realise further sales growth at the start of 2019. American sales were CHF 58.1 million, down 4.9% in local currency. Bossard identifies two reasons for the decline. For the beginning of this year Bossard experienced subdued sales development with several major customers, which could not be compensated by “encouraging growth in new business”.

In Asia, Bossard benefited from preliminary work and capacity expansion in previous years, with first quarter 2019 sales growth of 16.6% to CHF 35.2 million (+17.7% in local currency). The main contributing regions were China and India.

Bossard is targeting full year sales of CHF 900 to CHF 920 million, with first quarter sales on track. However, the Group says the weakening economic momentum, evident from falling Purchasing Managers’ Indices published recently, makes achieving the goal more challenging.

Bossard Further Expands into 3D Printing The Bossard Group has taken a 30% share in Ecoparts AG in Hinwil, Switzerland, continuing expansion of its expertise in additive manufacturing.

Ecoparts has many years of experience in 3D printing services for the metal segment of this innovative technology and is the leading Swiss company in this sector. Bossard’s stake in the company is of strategic importance, intended to secure a leading position in the future market of additive manufacturing. The investment broadens the Group’s expertise and enables it to help customers in the early planning phase of new projects.

Ecoparts is a pioneer in additive manufacturing. Since 2006, the company has offered services in the generative design of metal components, as well as custom and series parts, such as prototypes, toolmaking, lightweight components, hybrid construction and additive manufacturing engineering. As the largest and leading additive manufacturing service provider in Switzerland the company has a wealth of experience in this future market, including in the technologies and materials used.

Bossard has acquired a 30% stake from the two founders, who until now jointly controlled a 50% share of the capital. As a development partner and contract manufacturer, Bossard gains even greater expertise in additive manufacturing through its investment in Ecoparts. In 2018, Bossard acquired 49% of 3d-prototyp GmbH, an expert in the additive manufacturing of complex plastic parts and models. Bossard also announced partnerships with three renowned manufacturers of 3D printers after having handled representation and sales of their products for the Swiss market.

This bolsters Bossard’s proven expertise in supporting customers from the design phase all the way to the production of complex metal and plastic parts. In addition, Bossard is an innovative partner when it comes to selecting the most suitable 3D printers and associated manufacturing technologies. Bossard believes 3D printing will shape the future of a number of manufacturing areas, such as the production of prototypes, complex tools, and lightweight industrial components – all products that do not lend themselves to mass production. New materials are increasingly being used in additive manufacturing.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

European News 55

China Fastener World no.57/2019

56

European News

Bufab Reports 15% Growth in Q1 2019 Bufab Group started off 2019 with a strong first quarter result for the overall Group, repor ting continued healthy growth and increased profit. The International segment delivered but Sweden turned in a poorer performance. Net Group sales increased 15% to SEK 1.091 billion (€88.96 million), driven by acquisitions, increased market share and stable demand. Organic growth was 6%. Operating profit (EBITA) rose to SEK 119 million (2018 Q1: SEK 106 million) and the operating margin was 10.9 percent (2018 Q1: 11.2%).

Bu f a b’s l a r ge s t o p e r a t i n g s e g m e n t , International, enjoyed a particularly strong performance. It continued to take market share, capturing new contracts with many customers. Segment organic was 8%. Growth was particularly strong in central Europe, the UK, northern Europe and southern Europe, but somewhat weaker in eastern Europe.

President and CEO Jörgen Rosengren noted: “Price increases secured a stable gross margin.

Through an effective cost control and increased efficiency, it was possible to translate this into an operating margin that was the segment’s best ever. Accordingly, operating profit rose by a full 20%.”

The qua r terly result f rom Sweden, in contrast, was “poorer than last year”, attributed to a significant weakening of gross margin.

Price increases implemented in 2018 and early 2019 were insufficient in light of the continued weakening of the Swedish krona. For the second consecutive quarter, organic growth was “limited”. Despite effective cost control, operating profit and operating margin were therefore considerably lower than in 2018.

Rosengren emphasised: “This development is entirely unsatisfactory” and committed to further price increases for end customers, combined with purchasing savings, aimed at restoring gross margin during the year.

Despite the Swedish result, Rosengren expressed satisfaction wit h t he Group’s earnings for the quarter. “Our newly acquired companies are contributing to increased sales and profits, while also significantly strengthening our customer offering. It is part of our strategy to make additional value-adding acquisitions also in the future.” The CEO concluded: “We are satisfied with the start to the year. The macroeconomic uncertainty has not diminished, but we are optimistic about the remainder of 2019.”

NORMA Group Increases Sales 1.1 Billion NORMA Group has increased its group sales by 6.6% compared to the previous year to €1.08 billion in fiscal year 2018 (2017: €1.01 billion).

Organic sales growth was strong at 7.7 percent. This growth was mainly driven by the strong recovery of the US commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery markets, a resurgent US water business and high demand for quality joining solutions in China in the first half of 2018.

The acquisitions of Fengfan, Kimplas and Statek contributed an additional €16.5 million to its sales growth in 2018. Negative currency effects reduced growth by 2.8% on the other hand. At €124.4 million, net operating cash flow, including the effects of the acquisitions of Statek and Kimplas, and increased capital expenditure from operating activities, was €8.5 million lower in fiscal year 2018 than the year before (2017: €132.9 million). Due to the volatile environment on the raw materials markets, inventories of finished goods and work in progress were built up.

“We grew strongly in organic terms in fiscal year 2018,” said Bernd Kleinhens, CEO of NORMA Group. “In 2019, we will continue to focus our business model on the future markets of electromobility and water management. In addition, our rightsizing program will enable us to further harmonise our organisation and processes worldwide so we can continue our profitable growth.”

SFS Projects 3% - 5% Growth Despite Market Volatility SFS Group expects the 2019 market to be volatile given trade tensions between the US and China and the recent slowdown in global economic activity. A healthy project pipeline means it still expects top-line growth of 3-5% in 2019. Taking into consideration the uncertain economic situation, SFS expects the adjusted EBIT margin for financial 2019 to be in a range from 13% - 15%. The Group will incur one-off costs for the commissioning of a new manufacturing platform in Nantong, China, but also expects accounting gains on the disposal of real estate.

SFS Group achieved solid sales growth of 6.5% in the 2018 financial year, lifting its consolidated sales to CHF 1.739 billion. Growth for the period was broadly based and the Fastening Systems segment showed the strongest development. Growth in the second half was slower than in the first half, partially due to a strong comparison base and partially due to an unexpected decline in demand during the fourth quarter, especially from customers in the automotive and electronics industries.

Group operating profit increased by 4.2% to CHF 243.1 million. Profitability improved considerably during the second half (EBIT margin of 14.4%) compared to the first half (EBIT margin of 13.6%). The EBIT margin for the year stood at 14%, slightly below the comparable year-ago margin of 14.3%. This contraction is primarily attributed to sales mix effects arising, for example, from the stronger growth rates of the Fastening Systems and Distribution & Logistics segments and the strong decline in demand during the final quarter of the year. Net profit for the year rose by 21.9% to CHF 193.9 million, which corresponds to 11.2% of net sales.

SFS Buys US Construction Fastener Distributor SFS Group has recently acquired Triangle Fastener Corporation (TFC), a leading provider of fasteners and other products for the US commercial construction industry, headquartered in Pittsburgh. TFC produced sales of more than US$70 million (€62.5 million) in 2018 and has approximately 200 employees. The acquisition means SFS will be able to expand access to the market and its customers in the American building sector.

TFC was founded in 1977 and supplies end-users in the commercial construction industry with a comprehensive assortment of customerspecific fasteners, as well as other application solutions. TFC sells its products to roughly 6,000 active customers through 23 separate branch locations in 15 states and is one of the leading suppliers in the eastern United States. TFC will operate as a part of the Construction division within the SFS Fastening Systems segment. The company will be led by the existing management, ensuring continuity.

Würth Builds Innovation Centre Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, parent company of the globally operating Würth Group, is building a research and development centre in Künzelsau, Germany – with the groundbreaking ceremony celebrated at the end of March 2019. The investment volume amounts to the tune of €70 million and will include the state-of-the-art laboratories and workshops which will be built on an area of around 15,000m2. A climate chamber, the latest 3D printers and seismic test rigs for anchor technology will also offer a wide range of options to strengthen and advance internal research in the long run.

Approximately 250 people will be working in the innovation centre. This will include employees from the research and development department of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, from the Group companies active in the manufacturing sector, as well as external researchers.

The cooperation with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT and the universities of Innsbruck and Stuttgart will create a cluster of knowledge and know-how. “These university cooperations allow us to take a scientific approach, thus opening up entirely new opportunities.

We want to develop even more from a trading company to a manufacturer,” says Thomas Klenk, managing director for product, purchasing and export at Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG. “We aim to significantly shorten our innovation cycles in order to bring our new and further developments to the market even faster and to be able to offer our customers solutions with genuine added value.”

The innovation centre helps Würth to be more attractive as an employer and counteract the shortage of skilled workers. “A challenge that we also face here in rural areas,” says Norbert Heckmann, chairman of the management of Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG. “The innovation centre significantly increases the appeal of Würth as an innovative and outward-looking company for technicians and engineers.”

China Fastener World no.57/2019

European News 57

China Fastener World no.57/2019

58

Russian News

Russian News Alexander Ostashov, editor of “Fasteners, Adhesives, Tools and...” Magazine Marina Valiakhmetova, editor of “Metiz” Magazine Compiled by Fastener World

Technical Committee 375 for Standardization of "Metal Products Made from Ferrous Metals and Alloys" is Reorganized By the order of Rosstandart No. 655 of March 27, 2019, a new Technical Committee 375 for standardization “Metal Products from Ferrous Metals and Alloys” was created. At the same time, according to the order, the Technical Committees “Methods of control of metal products”, “Hardware”, “Fasteners” are liquidated. The lists of standards related to the competence of the liquidated committees are assigned to the newly created Technical Committee.

The Technical Committee includes the following subcommittees: • PK1 “Terminology, classification, designations" • PK2 “Rolled products from alloyed and unalloyed steels” • PK3 “Rolled products from high alloy steels and alloys. Rolled products from electrical steel” • PK4 “Reinforcing rolled products for reinforced concrete structures” • PK5 “Powder materials” • PK6 “Methods of control of metal products” • PK7 “Hardware and fasteners”

Round Table "E-commerce in the B2B Market of Fasteners"

SOUDAL Has Invested € 20 Million in Plant Construction SOUDAL, the Belgian manufacturer of mounting foam and sealants, invested € 20 million into the construction of a plant in Bogorodsk. The first SOUDAL plant in Russia will be open in 2020 at the territory of the Bogorodsk industrial park. “The total area of the new factory will be 40 thousand square meters”, said the press service of the Ministry of Investment and Innovation of the Moscow region.

The plan ned production capacity of lines for the manufacture of foam will be 50 million gas cylinders per year. In addition at the plant there will be organized its own laboratory on quality control as well as a department for developing and testing new product formulas. In the future, the company plans to expand its production by launching a line of sealants and adhesives. At full capacity, the plant will provide jobs for about 350 people.

The Ministry of Economy of Tatarstan Sponsored the Modernization of the Plant “Tekhnotron-Metiz” The plant “Tekhnotron-Metiz” received a subsidy of 4.5 million rubles from the Ministry of Economy of Tatarstan.

The money was allocated to modernize the production capacity of the plant. “Residents and companies of the industrial sites and parks of Tatarstan also can count on similar support”, the press service of the Ministry of Economy of the Tatarstan Republic informs. “The main objective of the implementation of this program is to stimulate the modernization of production and expansion of the technical and technological capacities of small and medium businesses. In this case, we take all the interest on loans for the purchase of equipment or the construction of infrastructure on ourselves, thereby helping entrepreneurs to develop their potential in a shorter time” said Farid Abdulganiev, the Minister of Economy of Tatarstan.

Wit h i n t h e f r a m ewor k of the business program of t he Moscow inter national ex h i bit ion M I T E X 2 019, a n expa nde d rou nd t a ble "E -com merce i n t he B2B fastener market" will be held.

The purpose of the round table is to gather representatives of the leading Russian fastener companies-suppliers and to discuss the way that they managed to go in the field of electronic commerce. The format of the meeting includes interviews with the leading participants on a number of key issues and subsequent joint discussion with the audience. The participants with experience in e-commerce will be pre-selected. The organizer of the round table is the Editorial Board of the magazine "Fasteners, adhesives, tools and...".

The Moscow International Exhibition of Tools, Equipment and Technologies MITEX, the central instrumental event in Russia, will be held in November, 2019 from November 5 to 8 at the EXPOCENTRE Fairgrounds in Pavilions No. 2 and No. 8.

Fastener Businessmen Day in St. Petersburg An important part of conferences, business seminars is informal communication, as a result of which new information, new contacts help business development. The participants of the Petersburg club of fastener suppliers decided to hold an extended meeting of fastener businessmen without unnecessary formalities.

059 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

60

Russian News

Such meeting took place on June 19 in the center of St. Petersburg in a cozy Czech brewery.

It was organized by Vyacheslav Tarasov (CKI group of companies) and Alexander Ostashov.

They marked this event as "Fastener Businessmen Day". The leaders of 35 St. Petersburg companies, involved in the production and sale of fasteners, met for free communication and tasted branded beer. If the vacation time had not begun, there would have been more participants - this was shown by the responses to the invitations (about a hundred invitations to participants were sent before the meeting).

The meeting was filled with communication.

It was indicative and "evidence" that in the hall, where the beer was brewed, people, passionate about their fastener business, gathered together. A blitz survey, conducted by the meeting organizers, fully confirmed this. All participants said that they were interested in such format of meetings. Some of the participants formulated their wishes on a list of the topics, actual for fastener businessmen, for future meetings and voiced their readiness to provide a meeting room.

Severstal-metiz Produced the Record Amount of Screws The Company produced 872 tons of various types of screws. The previous record of 788 tons was set in October 2018. Railway screws are widely used for the construction and repair of all types of railways and the underground.

“We achieved this record thanks to coordinated work of operators, mechanics and electricians. They constantly monitored the efficiency of the equipment, timely eliminated the causes of breakdowns and carried out work to prevent downtime. The teams for project development of the product area contributed to the record. They proposed measures that increased productivity, ”commented Sergey Kovryakov, CEO of Severstalmetiz.

Also, this year the Company celebrates its 15th anniversary. Severstalmetiz was established on July 1, 2004 as a management company for three plants: Cherepovets Steel Rolling Plant OJSC (Cherepovets), Orel Steel Rolling Plant OJSC (Orel), and VolgoMetiz LLC (Volgograd).

“Now Severstal-metiz is among the largest hardware companies in Russia. Our share in the domestic market is about 21%. And the product portfolio has over 100 thousand items. All these successes are due to a large team of Severstal-metiz employees, our partners and customers,” says Sergey Kovryakov, Severstal-metiz CEO.

Metinvest Joins Dutch Association of the Metallurgical Industry (VNMI) Metinvest B.V. (Netherlands), the parent company of Metinvest Group, the international vertically integrated group of steel and mining companies, has joined the Dutch Association of the Metallurgical Industry (VNMI).

The Dutch trade association of producers of raw materials, semi-finished products and finished metallurgical products was established in 2000. VNMI unites more than 80% of the players in the metallurgical industry of the Netherlands. The association represents Dutch steelmakers in European business associations in The Hague and Brussels. VNMI focuses on four areas: health and safety; energy and climate; sustainability and CSR; and trade and innovation.

Metinvest Group has been developing these areas since its inception. The Group supports global initiatives and participates in international environmental projects. In 2010, Metinvest joined the UN Global Compact.

Metinvest is also the first and only Ukrainian member of the World Steel Association (worldsteel), whose members represent around 85% of global steel production.

Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest Group: For Metinvest, Europe is a key market. We have four re-rolling plants there. We sell more than a third of our products in European countries. Joining VNMI is evidence that the Group operates in accordance with the best European business practices. Membership in the association will allow us to share our experience with other market players, as well as to participate in the development of new rules and requirements for metallurgy in EU countries.

61

Belarus Steel Work Has a New CEO The new CEO of BSW is Dmitry Korchik.

His appointment to this position was agreed by the President of the Republic of Belarus.

Dmitry Korchik has rich experience in the structure of the Ministry of Industry.

He began his career as an apprentice turner.

From 2002 to 2012 he worked in the central office of the Ministry of Industry, where at different times he had to deal with energy resources, foreign economic activity, and investment. Since 2012, Dmitry Korchik was a director for industrial and technical policy and development of OJSC “Borisov plant of automotive and tractor electrical equipment”.

Since March 2015, he was Deputy Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus.

“Dear colleagues,” said Dmitry Korchik, “In any work, the most valuable thing for me is people. BSW has a professional and wellcoordinated team. I believe that through dialogue we will make decisions that will allow the company to go forward and develop.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Russian News

China Fastener World no.57/2019

62

Brazilian News

Brazilian News

by Sergio Milatias, Editor Revista do Parafuso (The Fastener Brazil Magazine) milatias@revistadoparafuso.com.br www.revistadoparafuso.com

Jomarca: 50 Years In 1969, the same year that American astronaut Neil Armstrong walked on the moon for the first time, a young fastener sales agent began his career as an industrial businessman. So, João Marques Castelhano, a Portuguese immigrant, founded the Jomarca Industrial de Parafusos, at that time just a modest company to produce some few kinds of fasteners. Since then, Jomarca has been expanding, having currently more than 700 employees, capable of producing more than 3.1 thousand tons per month, and created subsidiaries consolidated as Jomarca Group.

The Jomarca President - João, as everybody ever calls him - is a person attentive to all company activities. In addition, currently, the Vice-President, Ricardo Marques Castelhano, the João’s son, is leading the company for a new era. Under Ricardo’s administration the Company has been introduced modern concepts and shown great expansion on the market.

Located in São Paulo state, Guarulhos City, less than 5 km away from the largest South America airport, the Jomarca industrial plant and headquarters, is the center of production and main warehouse of a wide product line of bolts, screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, threaded bars and other fasteners, items present in the industrial sectors of furniture, electrical and electronic materials, auto parts, shoes, toys, civil construction and others.

Brazilian GDP Fell in Q1, but the Automotive Sector Keeps Growing Vale S.A. is the second-largest mining company in the world and leader in iron ore production, with operations in over 30 countries. Some economic analyses attribute the disaster involving the Company last November as the main cause for a 0.2% fall in GDP - Gross Domestic Product, in Brazil, compared with Q4 2018. However, compared with Q1 2018, the result is a positive 0.5%.

However, scenarios still show sectors in better situations, such as the automotive industry that produced more than 1.241 million units between January and May 2019, against the 1.178 million from the same period in 2018, an increase of 5.3%.

From the total above, in the first five months around 45.5 thousand units of trucks were produced (10.9%) against 41.0 thousand units in 2018. However, the agricultural and road machinery fell, producing just 20.7 thousand units (-4.2%) against 21.6 thousand units in 2018.

About “two wheelers”, between January and April, the motorcycle production accumulated to 368,055 units (5.76%), against the 348,009 units during the same period last year.

Peugeot Faces a Recall Due to Inadequate Torque At the end of May 2019, the unit of Peugeot in Brazil began a recall involving 1,078 units of the Expert version, produced b e t we e n 2 017 a n d 2018 due to inadequate torque application.

Poorly fastened, there may be displacement of the wheels, causing risk of loss of control of the vehicle.

The maintenance involves inspection and reinforcement or replacement of the assembly, whose process can last for 1 hour.

Recall: Porsche Has Problems with Rivets According to t he site Garagem360.com.br, the models Porsche 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman and 911 were recalled for maintenance involving rivets used in the trunk. There is a defect in the connection between the longitudinal part and the crossbar of the luggage compartment, which in the event of a frontal collision, failure can compromise the fuel system, cause leaks and lead to serious accidents. The recall involves the models from 2012-2019 , manufactured between February 23, 2016 and February 14, 2019. The repair consists of installing blind rivets, a service that takes about 15 minutes.

Ejot-Fey, 5 Years In October 2014 an agreement was made between the Metalúrgica Fey (Brazil) and Ejot (Germany), which later resulted in the formation of a joint venture, based in Indaial Town, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Since then, the Ejot-Fey Fastening Systems has been operating and providing innovative products to the most demanding sectors in Brazil, such as the automotive and construction industries.

“Our aims are not limited to delivering bolts. We also provide customers with engineering advice as part of the package provided”, said Mr. Yalçin Cihan.

Yalçin Cihan and Ricardo Fey, in Ejot-Fey production unit

BTW: Fey and Ejot are part of the GFA Global Fastener Alliance, a global network of eight high-performance fasteners suppliers, including Richard Bergner and Böllhoff (Germany), Jinhap (South Korea), ATF and the MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (both USA) and Kato Rashi (Japan).

Fasteners Manufacturers in Argentina and Brazil Join to Provide for European and North American Markets During the last Brazil Windpower, the trade fair for the wind energy sector, a partnership between the Metaltork (Brazil) and Taller Baigorria (Argentina) was announced. Together, these two fastener manufacturers will produce bolts, nuts, and other items for fixing in towers and wind turbines, and will also provide for the automotive sector.

Taller Baigorria was founded in 1960 and is a manufacturer of fasteners certified to ISO-9001 and ISO/TS 16949. It provides for automotive lines, machinery, agricultural implements and road transport.

Ivan Reszecki (Metaltork) and Aldo Héctor Lo Russo (Taller Baigorria)

Founded in 1968 by brothers João and Pedro Reszecki, Russian immigrants, the Metaltork produces a complete line of bolts, nuts, and special parts. The company is certified to IATF 16949:2016 and its manufacturing capacity is around 2,000 tons per month, making it one of the most important Brazilian suppliers in the automotive, oil & gas, wind energy and other sectors.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Brazilian News 63

China Fastener World no.57/2019

64

Indian News

Indian News

provided by Abhijat Sanghvi (Fastener Association of India)

Sundram Fasteners Opens Subsidiary for Aero-Def Sundram Fasteners Ltd has now set up a f ully-owned subsidiary firm to foray into the aerospace and defense space.

The TVS Group, in a press release, confirmed that the subsidiary unit Sunfast TVS Ltd will focus on emerging opportunities in aerospace and defense sectors.

According to the release, the company has bagged orders for manufacturing forged, cast and machined parts for all terrain and land systems vehicles used in the defense sector. A top executive of the company said that in addition to tapping terrain and land systems, the company will also look to bag deals for the manufacture of armored vehicles and trucks.

T he of f icial also pointed out t hat t he subsidia r y f i r m wi ll suppla nt Su nd ra m Fasteners business in space vehicles and helicopter components. He further said that the union government’s new Defense Procurement Policy gave a window of opportunity for manufacturing firms to explore this. Union minister for Finance Arun Jaitley in the 2018 budget had announced the setting up of two defense industrial production corridors to boost domestic manufacturing. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh were shortlisted. While the Uttar Pradesh Defense Industrial Corridor was launched at Aligarh in August 2018 at an investment of 3,732 crore, the defense corridor in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated by Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in January 2019 at an announced investment of 3,038 crore.

Sundram Fasteners to Step Up Investments Suresh Krishna, Chairman, Sundram Fasteners Ltd (SFL), has revealed that the company will move ahead with fresh investments despite the current economic downturn that the automotive sector is going through. Recently while addressing the company’s shareholders in Chennai, Krishna said that auto industry is cyclical in nature.

Downturn was bound to happen at some point of time and businesses should be able to manage both good and bad returns.

He elaborated that Sundram Fasteners wouldn’t shy away from investments. The company invested ₹440 crore in 2018-19 and plans to invest ₹350 crore in 2019-20. The investments will pay rich dividends when the economy and the auto sector get back on track, he added.

Arathi Krishna, Managing Director, Sundram Fasteners, said that her company was able to tide over such situations as it has diversified its business ventures through retail and exports which together account for around 45 percent of the company’s sales.

Domestic sales fell to ₹557.22 crore in the first quarter ending 30 June (Q1) from ₹614.29 crore in the corresponding period a year ago. Interestingly, exports in the first quarter this year grew to ₹348.28 crore from ₹321.71 crore in 2018.

SFL has also floated a subsidiary named Sunfast TVS to tap opportunities in defence and aerospace sectors. Arathi was confident that the new company would clock ₹100 crore within the next two years.

Sundram Fasteners is not just a fastener company any more, but a broad-based engineering company capable of undertaking manufacturing of various components and assembly systems for automotive and other engineering applications in India and abroad, she added. Today, of its around ₹4,002 crore revenue, only 30-35 percent comes from fasteners.

Businessmen Protest Delay in GST Refunds Ludhiana businessmen are unhappy with the delay in getting GST refunds and have blamed state and central GST departments.

With inordinate delay in getting refunds affecting their working capital, they are desperately seeking a solution.

Raj Kumar Singla, President, Fasteners’ Suppliers’ Association, said that whether it is state GST (SGST) or central GST (CGST) department, refunds are not happening on time. He further added that years old VAT refunds were still pending with the tax department even after VAT was scrapped. In addition, GST refunds worth crores of rupees have been piled up.

Pointing out that GST refunds served no benefits when situation of refunds were same as earlier, Singla said that his association has decided to approach Punjab finance minister Manpreet Badal to apprise him of the problem and seek a solution.

Harish Kairpal, Finance Secretary, Knitwear Club, said that if the trend continues then the industry wouldn’t be able to survive for long. Munish Sachdeva, a fastener manufacturer said, “We are conforming to all the rules and regulations of the GST law, but still are unable to get refunds on time. The biggest problem is that it is part of our working capital and any kind of delay means that amount is blocked with the government. As a result, we face fund shortage and our businesses suffer.”

China Fastener World no.57/2019

065

China Fastener World no.57/2019

66

Indian News

Auto Sector Waits to Gather Steam Automotive sector has been witnessing headwinds with the sale of passenger vehicles plummeting by over 30 percent. Automobile and auto component sectors see the road to recovery getting difficult by the day.

Lumax Industries, a market leader in automobile lighting solutions has recently laid off around 500 contractual workers in its manufacturing units in Haryana citing poor demand from automakers. With a 20 percent drop in its revenue, Lumax has joined the growing list of component manufacturers that have downsized workforce and trimmed production.

Makers of springs used in vehicle suspensions, Jamna Auto Industries, revealed that it may close down its plants due to stagnating demand. Bosch Ltd has decided to restructure its business with decelerating production. Vineet Sahni, CEO and Senior Executive Director, Lumax, said that the slowdown was significantly high and the drop in the revenue is forcing companies to shut their plants. Small businesses are highly impacted by the sales slowdown. The share of SMEs in auto components is around 30 percent of the turnover and many of them are in fastener production business. Expansion and modernization have been kept on hold. As per Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), almost 15,000 workers have lost their jobs in automobile manufacturing companies.

The slowdown in the auto sector has had a cascading effect on the economy, causing hardships to small businesses which are in the business of providing logistics and raw materials to the manufacturing sector. Truck business has been hit with many not getting orders for ferrying raw materials.

Vedanta Eyes Top Slot Vedanta Ltd., a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Ltd., after having forayed into the steel business, now aims to be among the top four steel makers in India. The company is planning to expand its steel capacity to 10 MTPA from the present 1.5 MTPA in the next five to six years.

In June 2018, Vedenta acquired Electrosteel Steels Ltd (ESL), a primary producer of steel and downstream value-added products for ₹5,320 crore. ESL has a greenfield steel plant with a capacity of 1.5 MTPA near Bokaro in Jharkhand state.

Soon after ESL acquisition, Vedanta, with an investment of $3-4 billion, announced capacity expansion of the Bokaro plant in phases. However, ESL wanted a turnaround before any capacity expansion, which was achieved through operational and commercial initiatives and rebranding of products. At the end of the last fiscal, the company posted an EBITDA of $130-140 per tonne, as against $65 per tonne at the time of the acquisition.

Production stood at around 1.2 MT at the end of FY2018-19, posting 17 percent year-on-year growth. Aiming for a profitable portfolio, the steel maker has now launched a rebranded steel product mix comprising TMT bars, wire rods, ductile iron pipes, billets and pig irons.

LPS Bossard Launches Assembly Technology Expert The Swiss-based Bossard Group is a leading international supplier of product solutions and services in industrial fastener and assembly technology. With a global network of companies in 77 locations and 2,500 employees, it has joined hands with LPS in India and the joint venture is known as LPS Bossard India Pvt Ltd. The company has now launched an Assembly Technology Expert in Gurugram which comes into play when a company develops a new product. According to LPS Bossard, its Assembly Technology Expert Services deliver the smartest solutions for all possible fastening challenges. It uses three-stage methodology that helps in reducing production time and significantly cut costs. Rajesh Jain, Managing Director, LPS Bossard, said, “Our Assembly Technology Expert Services bundle over 185 years of experience in fastening technology with a holistic view of process costs for fastening elements and assembly procedures. By reducing complexity in the relevant areas, we put companies in a position to be more agile, thus ensuring their ability to compete.”

Opportunities in International Trade In a recently held ‘Annual Management Conclave 2019’ in Ludhiana by the Department of Business Management of Punjab College of Technical Education (PCTE), veterans of the Indian manufacturing industry gathered together to reflect on the challenges and the opportunities for Indian businesses in the international trade.

Sudhanshu Pandey, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, GOI, was the chief guest for the event. SC Ralhan, Managing Director, Sri Tools Pvt Ltd and Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, Managing Director, GDPA Fasteners, shared the dais.

Speaking on the occasion, Pandey said, “We are passing through a challenging but an opportune time. Indian exports were around 330 billion last year. Out of this, `210 billion were from the service sector and were considered to be the highest of all times.”

Aggarwalla stressed upon the importance of capitalizing the in-built strength rather than following the Western concept of innovations.

Ralhan spoke on the challenges India faces from the rules and regulations in exports as against other nations. He said that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) was India’s biggest hindrance at the global level.

067 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

68

Innovation Alley

compiled by Fastener World

No Compromise Panel Fastener For the most demanding applications such as firesensitive environments, Buttonfix has designed an allmetal version of their award-winning panel fixings. The Type 1 Metal Button-Fix retains all the benefits of the polymer versions – quick and easy installation, accessibility of services, and amazing strength – but is manufactured in materials that are compliant for use with fire-retardant panels.

Producers of fire-retardant panels have been quick to see the advantages of this new product. With a stainlesssteel spring to grip the Button within the Fix, Type 1 Metal Button-Fix is also ideal for marine applications where vibration may be an issue. The reassuring ‘click’ as the

Button-fix locks home has been tested over 10,000 times, to ensure reliable performance no matter how many times the panel is removed.

Ava i la ble f r om M ay t h is year, Type 1 Metal Button-Fix meets the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Standards: Annex 2.1 for non-combustible materials, making it ideal for all types of interior panelling on yachts and ships.

GO-300 Cordless Lithium-Ion Battery Tool for Threaded Inserts The new GO-300 addition to the GOEBEL cordless tool family offers modern features that provide advantageous benefits to the operator in all job-site applications. It is ergonomically designed for speed, efficiency, and versatility when setting threaded inserts. The cordless battery system allows the user to take the tool to any job-site and have free range of motion.

Performance is what the company strived to provide with this tool ; therefore it added a pulling force adjustment which the user can set to L = low and H = high. The multi-functional switch panel indicates the battery level as well as gives the user the option to adjust the stroke range easily depending on the size and grip range of the threaded insert. The tool set comes complete with battery, charger, interchangeable mandrel & anvils, wrench and operating manual; all stored together in a rugged carrying-case. The easy to identify colored mandrels allows the user to quickly reach for the correct threaded mandrel needed for the application.

WELTAC Resistance Element Welding ®

WELTAC® resistance element welding enables the joining of lightweight materials with steel of all qualities.

For the joining of materials in car lightweight design, especially aluminium and steel, Böllhoff has added another technology to its product portfolio: the resistance element welding.

Resistance element welding is a further development of resistance spot welding.

At WELTAC ®, a rivet-like resistance element ensures, that materials which are not thermally compatible, or only to a limited

extent, are joined. The resistance spot welding systems, existing at the customers’ premises, can still be used for modern body construction architectures.

"invisMX" Invisible Magnetic Screws Screws are a common component. Fastening screws onto an object will inevitably leave the screw head on the connecting part of the surfaces and undermine visual appearance. In light of this, a Swiss company invented an invisible magnetic screw which leaves no screw marks when used to fasten objects. This screw is named invisMX magnetic invisible screw, and it has a strong bearing

capability at a maximum of 400 kilograms.

The screw was invented by Lamello AG Joining Technology from Switzerland. It can stay hidden and fasten the internal part of objects. It is somewhat similar to the mortise and tenon in Chinese building structures but simpler and more convenient.

069 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

70

Special Feature

All that is needed is to punch a small hole on the wood, install the screw into the hole on one end of the wood, and drive in the nut on the other end, utilizing connection of two pieces of wood and a magnetic tool to fasten the screw and nut. This is all done by utilizing unique magnetic attraction repulsion. The removal of the screw is very convenient, and all that takes is to use related magnetic tools which will remove the screw within seconds. The screw can make wood connection very firm and has a strong grip with the torsion force reaching 160 kilograms. It is currently applied to the process of furniture production.

60-Volt Cordless Nutrunner STANLEY Assembly Technologies, a brand of STANLEY Engineered Fastening, is extending its B-Series cordless tool line to include the B44L angle-lever cordless nutrunner. Thanks to its 60-volt DEWALT ® FLEXVOLT™ battery, the B44L is the most powerful cordless nutrunner available to the assembly market.

For added convenience, the B44L can store data for up to 500 fastening cycles and two trace sequences. It also has a built-in controller with wireless capability. This allows seamless integration with the plant’s existing communications system.

The B44L is available in four models with speed ratings from 243 to 573 rpm and maximum torque ranges of 55 to 120 Nm. The ½" drive is also offered in square, double-ended and flush socket configurations.

ProSeries™ “WSTS Truss/Stud Screw” MiTek USA announced that it has released a new ProSeries™ fastener. The new ProSeries™ “WSTS Truss/Stud Screw” provides uplift resistance and lateral load resistance for the following connections: Truss-to-top-plate; rafter-to-top-plate; top-plate-tostud; stud-to-bottom-plate.

The WSTS Truss/Stud Screw is tested in accordance with ICCES AC233 and AC13, and meets 2015 and 2018 IRC and IBC code requirements. The WSTS Truss/Stud Screw offers a “reverse thread angle” on opposite ends of the screw for greater resistance to withdrawal.

The WSTS Truss/Stud Screw is fully threaded along its length for installation flexibility. The head of the screw is designed to countersink when driven, so the screw is taken out of the way of finishing materials like drywall and trim. A Type-17 screw point

“The Better Bit” The dynamic Australian owned and operated construction supplies wholesaler dedicated to supporting the independent distribution channel with an extensive range of products, ICCONS, has recently introduced a new product called” The Better Bit.” This is a decking bit that can cover 8, 10, and 12 gauge decking screws and whose control collet can be simply adjusted to set the countersink depth. According to ICCONS, this new bit is perfectly suited for applications in carpentry, woodworking, furniture making, deck building, DIY construction, and etc.

engages the wood quickly for easier starting and driving of the screw.

T he WSTS Tr uss/St ud Screw package i ncludes a n installation angle tool that makes proper installations easier.

The installation angle tool is also removable so the bit can be used with or without the device.

The screw comes in two lengths: 4½ inch length for studto-bottom plate connections, and 6 inch length for connections through the double top plate.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

071

China Fastener World no.57/2019

72

Special Feature

Improved Anchor Design Software V2.1.2 The most easy-to-use anchor design software has been improved to also be the most powerful. The MKT Anchor Design software V2.1.2 has just been released and allows the designer to calculate seismic loads, including applying the Ω0 factor for your application. All seismic calculations are according to ACI 318-14 and allow the designer to evaluate every load factor and load combination possible.

Test Device Analyzing Self-drilling Screw Performance Kamiyama Tekkosho developed the self-drilling screw fastening test device called "SCR-19S" with an aim to reduce the required time to fasten self-drilling screws by 50%. The company is currently using the device for trial tests and it expects to develop a new type of self-drilling screws by 2020.

acquired data to improve drill tip design.

Kamiyama Tekkosho's "Uni-point" construction self-drilling screws drills into iron plates without the need for pre-drilling holes. The new screw design is expected to further improve Uni-point.

The common way to test self-drilling screws is to improve the drilling tip and then measure the time required for the self-drilling screw to fasten onto test materials. The way that the new device takes is to use sensors to measure the number of rotation of the screw as well as the force applied to the screw's axial and perpendicular direction, and then use the new

TRIBO 3-in-1 Bolt Tr ib o Bolt c ombi n es mu lt iple patented designs into a n original branded product integrating a special head shape, special materials and special threads. It achieves three major functions: lightweighting, high strength and anti-loosening. The head height is 60%-70% of a hexagonal bolt, the head diameter is 80%, and the total volume is 50% of a hexagonal bolt.

• Zero driving angle. Great torque transmission.

• Increases socket durability.

• Makes the socket lighter, thinner, shorter and smaller.

• Special outer shape requiring specified tools. Anti-theft.

• Miniaturized grain structure. Reduced material impurity.

Enhanced delayed fracture resistance. High strength.

• MotionTite asymmetrical thread design increasing fatigue strength by 1.2 times. Resisting impact and vibration.

"MISTOL F" for Inspecting and Sorting Parts of Ultra-small Objects ®

Nitto Seiko launched sales of "MISTOL®F" on June 3 which can inspect the appearance and size of ultra-small screws with diameters from 0.6mm to 3mm. The device can perform an inspection of appearance (damage, color, etc.), size, and mixed materials at a speed of 100 to 500 pieces per minute and can be applied by the automotive parts and household appliances industries. It can check the upper and lower side of an object simultaneously without worrying about clogging objects.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

74

Special Feature

Angled Tip Long-Nose Pliers T he Japa nese well-k nown ha nd tool manufacturer, Lobtex Co., Ltd. has recently developed its new J-CRAFT series angled tip long-nose pliers. Thanks to the direction and angle (30°) of the tip, this tool can easily grip target objects even in cramped spaces where conventional pliers cannot be laterally opened.

Gripping

Cutting

Mistake-proofing Torque Wrench Preventing Repeated Fastening • Repeated tightening on an already tightened bolt or nut would The CSPFHW series wireless torque wrench can detect if the user forgets he or she has tightened a fastener and is trying to re-tighten it. This product comes with no torque sensor but instead comes with the unique ability to check for repeated tightening.

be regarded by the wrench as a repetition and the red NG lamp would turn on.

• This wireless wrench operates in conjunction with a signal receptor, configuration box, and multi-port box.

• 7-digit English and numeric characters and a 3-digit ID can be set for the wrench to trace its usage data.

• The battery can sustain through over 150 thousand times of use. In the case of fastening 3600 pieces of fastener per day, the battery can be used for over two months.

• The wrench head can be exchanged for a ratchet head and other head types for compatibility with various fastening operations.

Small Parts Counting Machine The counting device from Tokyo Electron Device can precisely count the number of small and lightweight parts, and can be used for counting, stock management and subdivision of screws, washers and electronic parts. It can recognize the type and number of parts, preventing human errors such as miscounting and mixing with wrong parts. The company sells it to parts manufacturers and logistics centers.

The device consists of a workbench to which the parts are placed, a counting camera, and a monitor display to show the counting result. The user has to select from the monitor the parts to be counted, and then place the parts onto the workbench for counting. Placing different parts will make the monitor report an error marked in red, thereby preventing the user from taking the wrong parts.

By using this device, parts manufacturers and logistics centers can reduce operating time, facilitate standardized operation and make it easier to record operations.

System Monitoring Wind Turbine Screws The rupture and deterioration of screws are the most critical task of wind turbine maintenance BACS embarked on developing a system monitoring screws used on wind turbine for signs of deterioration. This smart maintenance system collects data through sensors installed on the screws and is expected to be in service by 2021.

The system is being co-developed by the University of Tokyo, a screw maker from Fukushima Prefecture, and a wind power maintenance company. It is expected to cut substantial maintenance costs from wind turbines deployed for 20 years of use.

075 China Fastener World no.57/2019

China Fastener World no.57/2019

76

Special Feature

The system requires sensors to be embedded into screws and wireless transmission devices to be installed on the outside of the screws to form a structure consisting of mother devices and child devices. In phase 1, 64 child devices which connect wirelessly to 2 mother devices are installed on a wind turbine to execute simultaneous detection. If a sensor exceeds a certain amount of numeric values, it will shift to the non-simultaneous state while other child devices continue transmission to the mother devices, thereby knowing the state of screws in advance.

"Beans Anchor" Japan Power Fastening (JPF) developed "Beans Anchor" used on concrete.

It is a female-thread post-installed anchor utilizing fastening torque to control the expansion of the anchor. This patented anchor has internal steel balls that slide to expand the anchor body. It has excellent performance, high endurance and greatly reduces construction noise and impact. JPF is preparing to massproduce it and expects to roll it out to the market in the second half of this year.

Bolt and Nut Automated Spot Welding Device Koyo Giken Inc. developed a bolt/nut automated spot welding device that combines a 3-dimensionaltranslation NC device and a par ts feeder to automatically place bolts and nuts onto a processed object and spot weld them. The device uses a servo motor and disassembling it is easy, and therefore it is convenient for changing between manual or automatic operations. It is connected to a computer panel and can automatically place bolts and nuts onto a specified spot on a metal plate and weld

them, making itself suitable for small batch production of diversified products.

It is supported by Koyo Giken's IoT service to have its status under check and save the trouble of maintenance for users. Koyo Giken will promote it to small and medium enterprises in the automotive and other industries and expects to sell 1,200 sets per year.

SPILEAD Self-tapping Screw Tailored to fasten thin plates, SPILEAD Selftapping Screw gains great disparity in torque by low fastening torque and and high rupture strength.

This disparity ensures secure screw fastening and make SPILEAD suitable for thin plates in 0.1T-0.2T thickness, variable bottom holes and screwdrivers with inconsistent torque. Its front end is a triplethread design to prevent inclined screw insertion

and inclined screw fastening, improving operability. A M4Ă—6 SPILEAD screw, for instance, fastens up in just one and a half turns, reducing fastening time. Furthermore, it is short in length to prevent the threaded portion from coming up from inside the fastened object after the screw is fastened.

'Dios' Thread Rolling Dies High-hardness screws for their reduced weight are increasingly used on car engines and other safety critical components. Therefore, wear of dies has become a task to tackle with. To cope with that, Sanmei Works developed "Dios", a thread rolling die widely adopted by carmakers. The sales of this product in the latest 12-month period grew 50% year on year. "Dios" is for forming threads of highhardness screws which are made of stainless steel or other materials or have been heat treated. Its forming capacity reaches 50-90 thousand pieces and its service life is more than 200% longer.

Sanmei Works is a thread rolling machine maker representing 50% of market shares in Japan. Its revenues in the latest 12-month period reached JPY 2 billion. As a product under the company's diversified business, Dios represents 10% of the total revenues. In the future the company will raise the proportion of the dies business.

High-speed 8mm Threading Rolling Machine THI-8R Evolution" developed by Sanmei Works Co., Ltd is an 8mm (diameter) thread rolling machine with a speed of 400 rotations per minute, 30% faster than old models.

The machine will launch sales within this year and is applicable to automotive screws production. It comes with a cooling device to resist frictional heat. Its panel shows the temperature change of die rams, and if the rams reach a specific temperature, the machine would stop to prevent die galling. Operation is simple because the user can adjust the rams via the rotatable control device and determine the position of dies via the touch panel.

Precise Pickup System for Screws and Parts Professor Harada Kensuke from Osaka University developed a system for robots to accurately determine pickup locations in each operation. When the robot picks up a part, the camera measures the actual pickup location and its margin of error to the target location. The margin of error will be reflected on the next determination of pickup location. After a few times of confirmation, the margin of error will be rectified.

The rectification can be done just by simple mathematic determinants, and therefore, creates less burden. When picking up and placing a certain part, the robot only has to show the part to camera once for measurement and then it is done. In the professor's lab, he set an initial 10mm margin of error to the pickup operation of screws, and the margin was reduced to less

than 5mm after several times of confirmation. This system is simple without requiring additional equipment, and therefore, its implementation is easy.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Special Feature 77

China Fastener World no.57/2019

78

M

iddle East Fastener Markets: UAE and Saudi Arabia

Globalisation has allowed transfer of knowledge and technology across borders, enabling manufacturers to access new markets. Industries are in the midst of the revolution t h rough Indust r y 4.0 suppor ted by high technologies and digital transformations. By looking at the lively, developing demographics and economies of the GCC which includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and even wider Middle East specifically Iran and Lebanon, high technologies are expected to expand and advance manufacturing industry in this region. UAE and precisely Dubai are well known regionally and internationally as one of the pioneer in having Hi Tech infrastructure and Digital Transformation applications.

Ot her cou nt ries li ke Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran also have achieved significant technological advancement in their industries with their own focuses.

The manufacturing sector in the Middle East is continuing its growth, as it is known as the second largest industry, after oil and gas, for most of the countries in the region. There are a number of new industries such as metal, building material, machinery,

by Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

automotive and electrical equipment which have been set up in countries in the Middle East.

The growth of the manufacturing sector plays an essential role in the region for Middle East countries’ non-oil economy. For instance, in Abu Dhabi by itself, within last five years, manufacturing has contributed more than 12 percent in their non-oil GDP as reported by the Industrial Development Bureau in Abu Dhabi.

Basically, the gigantic oil and gas market in the Middle East has improved extremely the region's economic growth and consequently brings excessive opportunities and considerable capital for the countries in the region to invest in various sectors other than oil and gas. Additionally, a majority of countries in the region, such as UAE and Saudi Arabia never had to go through the theoretical phases of development, lacking of capital, which most of the developed countries had to.

Industrial activity is on the rise in the region and a majority of Middle East countries are aggressively diversifying economic and their investment to reduce their dependence on the oil and gas industry. The UAE government, for instance, is planning to grow and expand the contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s overall GDP to 25% by 2025. Currently, the manufacturing sector in UAE is ranked as the second largest market after oil and gas, in terms of revenue.

In last couple of years, many new manufacturing units have been set up and foreign direct investments have also been welcomed into UAE, and recently to KSA and other key players in the region. For instance, if we look into UAE industries, we will find out, Abu Dhabi is focusing more on heavy industries, as they have low-cost energy sources; while Dubai and Sharjah are emphasized mainly on light industries and service sectors.

The fastener industry is not considered and ranked as major industries in the region, but several fastener manufacturing firms are established and currently operating in the region. Those fastener manufacturers are mainly looking into

specific target markets, by producing specialized fasteners for oil and gas, construction and automotive industries. However, there are many other manufacturers selling and exporting their standard fasteners and tools into local and regional markets.

in the region. Construction in the region, mainly in UAE and KSA, is expected to increase fastener demand in the market, mainly due to increasing government funding for large scale infrastructure and residential construction.

Import of a variety of machinery, tools, and materials for fastener manufacturing and many other industries, has slowed down innovation amongst a majority of countries in the region.

UAE and KSA, do not have sufficient historical background of manufacturing and therefore it causes lack of availability of adequate machinery in these countries. Both countries, are very advanced in the construction sector, but innovations in most of manufacturing sectors, in the fastener sector, for instance, are not at par with the levels set in the construction sector. That makes their fastener industry excessively dependent on imported technology, material and machinery.

While UAE is the largest fastener exporter in the region, this country has recorded the highest value of imports in the region, too. Last year, more than USD 356 million of fasteners, imported

by UAE, were mainly from China, India, USA, Germany, UK and Taiwan. Saudi Arabia, as the second largest market in the region, imported about USD 276 million of fasteners last year.

The key exporters to KSA market are China, USA, India, Japan, UK, Germany and Taiwan.

In terms of final products, UAE, exported more than USD 217 million of fasteners (HS Code: 7318) to the global market.

Last year, about 70 percent of UAE fasteners were shipped to the neighbouring countries which include KSA, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq and Iran. That makes UAE, the largest exporter of fastener products in the region and other countries are significantly lagged behind. In 2018, KSA, exported less than USD 12 million of fasteners which is about 5% of the total exports registered by UAE. This could be a good evidence to show that UAE is one of the major export hub in the region. In 2018, more than 20 percent of the UAE fastener exports were delivered to KSA. Economic growth, increasing construction spending and industrialization together are growing demand for fasteners

Looking at the fastener machinery trade statistics, KSA has recorded the higher imports value last year, compared with the UAE. Saudi Arabia imported more than USD 30 million worth of machinery (HS CODE: 8463) in 2018, while UAE registered less than USD 16 million imports in the same year. The export value registered by UAE was only USD 2.5 million and USD 1.7 million by KSA. In summary, physical capital investment, greater exposure to trade, competition in the manufacturing sector, and aggressive advertising through various channels are factors affecting the growth of this market in the Middle East. The setting up of large industrial parks in the region specifically in UAE and Saudi Arabia is on the rise and it is boosting countries’ manufacturing development.

All these factors could bring good opportunities for investors and manufacturers who are planning to start their business in this region or move their operations to the Middle East to reach this lucrative market.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Industry Focus 79

China Fastener World no.57/2019

80

National Machinery LLC Strengthens Presence in China Via High Quality Forming Machine, Technology and Support National Machinery stands as one of the largest leaders in advanced cold and warm forming machinery.

145 years up to this date, its formers are used in more than 130 countries worldwide. Its footprints are worldwide for clients’ contact via its service centers and sales offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia. National Machinery is also a tech-driven innovator with nearly 800 patents in 18 countries, thanks to its “Met-MAX Innovations” division positioned to develop innovative metal net-shape forming processes.

Specifically for the Chinese readers, Fastener World Magazine takes the opportunity to interview Mike Burkes (SVP Customer Support) and Jerry Bupp (VP Sales & Marketing) [herein referred to as “National”] on the company’s development in China and signature products for the Chinese market.

Celebrating 145th Anniversary This September marks National’s 145th anniversary. It has been fortunate to expand in both customer support and machinery technology in recent years. On its achievements during the past years, National said: “An example is the FORMAX® XXV, 25mm cutoff machine with its ground-breaking robot tool changer that was introduced to the market and has been very successful.” FORMAX® XXV is a new version of FORMAX. It combines the best features including servo controlled adjustments, expanded die-space and high production speeds.

Competitive Edge in China Market National’s wholly owned subsidiary in Suzhou City of China (NMGT) has developed into a very key part of the National family. NMGT has approximately 130 employees, many of whom have been with the company more than 10 years – something which is not so common in China. “NMGT has been focused on serving the Chinese market. Many have come to China in search of low production costs. While we certainly do recognize some lower costs there, that was never the driving factor for us in China – rather to provide high quality machines and excellent local technical support,” said National.

While being proud of the quality and performance of the machines it builds in China, National said its biggest advantage for Chinese customers is breadth and depth of technical support in local language.

“If there is no support for machine operators, tool designers, and toolmakers, the chances of success decrease substantially. Our colleagues in China are well-trained, and highly service-oriented. They support our customers not only at installation and startup, but also on an ongoing basis as they have questions or encounter any issues.”

Signature Products: “PumaFX” & “LeanFX” PumaFX and LeanFX produced in China by National are tailored to the high volume production of precision parts and fasteners. They have the same precision, quality, and high speeds as National’s U.S.-built machines, but they contain comparatively less automation. Nonetheless, the precision and repeatability of the punch-to-die registration allow them to be reliably changed over to the next job in 45 minutes. This is still faster than most machines which boast automated “quick change”. “Our Chinese customers appreciate the simplicity and lower cost of the machine, which still has the heart of a National Formax.”

PumaFX is matched exactly to the needs of the local market in China. LeanFX meets the European requirements for noise control and electrical components, and has been installed in 12 different countries.

At International Fastener Show China this June, National demonstrated PumaFX10M5 (5-die 10mm cold former) and Mectron MI8500 (eddy current inspection machine), both built in NMGT facility. The MI8500 can detect crack or material defects.

“Technology and Support” with a Foresight on “Industry 4.0” National’s machines are known for their technology to help customers run parts faster and better and produce net-shape parts. Its support means providing customers with everything from spare parts and rebuilds, to training and assistance to be more productive. Furthermore, National has been improving cold forming efficiency with Industry 4.0. “We identified additional useful

process data from the machine that is then shared with a MES or Load monitor system. In some cases we took existing data, but we’ve also added condition monitoring sensors to gain new information, that can be uploaded. We are exploring even more condition-based sensors to help predict future maintenance.”

Looking ahead, National will continue to expand service footprint. “We have added local service capability in Brazil, China, Italy, Taiwan, and in California (center of the U.S. aerospace fastener industry) in recent years.

Next in our plan is further strengthening in China, as well as establishing local service in Mexico.”

National Machinery’s contacts: Mike Burkes – SVP Customer Support Jerry Bupp – VP Sales & Marketing E-mail: jbupp@nationalmachinery.com

China Fastener World no.57/2019

081

082 China Fastener World no.57/2019

CONTENTS A B

2 AN CHEN FA MACHINERY CO., LTD.

安全發 Straight Line Wire Drawing Machines with Computer Control...

J

71 JIAXING GOODWAY CO., LTD.

嘉興固威 Cold Forming Parts, Hot Forging Parts, Turning Parts, Stamping Parts...

13 JINGLE FASTENERS CO., LTD.

63 BEIJING JINZHAOBO HIGH STRENGTH FASTENER 北京金兆博

75 K&H AUTO PARTS CO., LTD.

10 CHIEN TSAI MACHINERY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. 鍵財 45 CHUN KAI MACHINERY CO., LTD.

K

駿凱 Straightening Machines, Straightness Measuring Instruments...

60 KINFAST HARDWARE CO., LTD.

Bi-metal Screws, Stainless Steel Fasteners...

Specialty Chemicals for Surface Finishing

24 DONGGUAN SANHEWLETT METAL PRODUCTS 東莞三合利 Nuts, Bicycle Parts, Auto Parts...

15 FASTEN FIX CO., LIMITED

F

L

12 LEDA METAL COMPANY 18 MICROGLEIT TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

嘉興捷固

Blind Rivets, Rivet Nuts, Weld Studs, Self-Clinching...

82 FOSHAN CITY GUANGQINGCHANG METAL PLASTIC 佛山廣慶昌 124 HAIYAN WEISHI FASTENER CO., LTD.

M

19 MING TANG MACHINERY CO., LTD. (WEN YANG ) 玟暘 Screw Head Making Machines...

77 NINGBO ECHO FASTENER FACTORY

67 HAIYAN SANHUAN FASTENERS CO., LTD.

寶歐 Brass, Nuts, Bolts, Washers, Screws, Anchors, Threaded Rods...

N

26 HAIYAN YUANYANG STANDARD PIECE CO., LTD. 海鹽遠洋

寧波愛扣 Bolts, Screws, Nuts, Washers, Special Fasteners, Stamping Parts...

81 NINGBO HUASHEN YULU SET SCREWS CO., LTD. 華申羽路 Socket Set Screws, Torx Set Screws and Cross Set Screws...

Wood Screws, Special Bolts, Coach Bolts, Carriage Bolts...

37 NINGBO ZHISHANG SPECIAL FASTENERS CO., LTD. 寧波至上

22 HEBEI XINYU METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

河北鑫宇 T-Nuts, Stamped Wing Nuts, Toggle Wings, Doggie Tooth Washers...

Open End Blind Rivets, Closed End Blind Rivets, Multi-grip Rivets...

R

海寧海迅

Wood Construction Screws, Chipboard Screws, Drywall Screws...

50 RUIAN DOUBLE-GOLD MACHINERY ACCESSORY 瑞安雙金 Standard Fasteners, Retaining Rings, E-Rings, Wave Washers...

1 SACMA MACHINERY (WUXI) CO., LTD.

鴻富

Net-Shape Parts Former

Heading Machine, Thread Rolling Machine, Nut Former, Bolt Former...

47 HUNAN LIANGANG FASTENERS CO., LTD.

87 SAILUK RIVET CO., LTD.

湖南蓮港

43 INDUSTBOX (JIAXING) CO., LTD.

工盒

J

S

The Largest Stock Fasteners Provider in China

32 JENN TAI MACHINE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

西河

All Kinds of Rivet

Rivet Nuts (Insert Nuts), Blind Rivet Nuts, Threaded Inserts...

I

穩得

Inert / Reactive Thread Locking, Masking & Lubricating...

Hex Nuts, Flanged Nuts, Nylon Insert Nuts, Square Nuts...

41 HONG FU METAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

摩特立

Water-based Lubricant, Rust Preventative Oil...

16 ND ELECTRONICS (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.

海鹽衛士

28 HISENER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

利達

Washers, Rings, SEMs Screws, Multistation Screws...

Blind Rivets, Screws, Nuts, Springs, Hardware Parts & Lathed Pieces...

H

嘉興海德

Screws, Fasteners, Anchors...

51 KUABIAO STAINLESS STEEL FASTENER CO., LTD. 跨標

65 COVENTYA ENVIRONMENTAL PLATING TECHNOLOGY 科文特亞

D

坤厚

Rivet Nuts, Self-clinching Nuts, Tee Nuts...

Thread Rolling Machines

C

寧波鈞固

Bolts, Wood Screws, Hex Nuts, Washers, Anchors...

Heavy Hex Bolts, Shear Connectors, Tension Control Bolts...

25 SAN YUNG ELECTRIC HEAT MACHINE CO., LTD. 三永 Aluminum & Low Alloy Melting Furnaces, Annealing Furnaces...

8 SHANGHAI CHUN ZU MACHINERY INDUSTRY

振太

上海春日

Multi-Stage Bolt Parts Formers, Multi-Stage Nut Formers...

Screw Sorting Machines...

23 SHANGHAI DELON SPECIAL RIVET MANUFACTURE 上海狄龍

126 JERN YAO MACHINERY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

正侑 Bolt Formers, Nut Formers, Part Formers, Thread Rolling Machines...

Open Type Blind Rivets, Closed End Type Blind Rivets...

｜專業雜誌發行｜國際展覽會｜採購網宣傳｜全面佈局｜ ◆

發行大中國及海外地區 2, 6,10月 出刊

◆

全球五金、零組件、螺絲 三大組合專業採購年刊 2, 8月 出刊

I

螺絲世界雙月刊

五金、零組件、螺絲雜誌 ◆

發行全球新興國家地區

8月 出刊

◆

發行全球

單數月 出刊

CONTENTS 46 SHANGHAI QIANGYI FASTENER CO., LTD.

上海強毅

Weld Nuts, Retaining Nuts, Nylon Nuts, Hexagon Nuts...

6 SHANGHAI RIVET MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.

上海銳拓 Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts, Carbon Steel Rivet Nuts, Copper Rivet Nuts...

14 SHANGHAI TONE MACHINE CO., LTD.

上海托恩

Battery Tool, Hydraulic Riveters, Rivnut Tools, Automatic Riveting System...

S

61 SHANGHAI YUANMAO FASTENER CO., LTD.

上海元卯

Blind Rivets, Bolts & Nuts & Washers, Self-Clinching Fasteners...

30 SHEEN TZAR CO., LTD.

新讚

Self-Drilling Screw Machines & Dies

4 SRC METAL (JIASHAN) CO., LTD.

73 SUZHOU XINLING ELECTRIC FURNACE CO., LTD. 蘇州新凌 Industrial Furnaces, Heat Treatment Equipment, Hardening Furnaces... 尚嘉

Screws, Bolts, Nuts, Stamping Parts...

49 TAINAN CHIN CHANG ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.

台南振昌

Continuous Type Bright Heat Treatment Furnaces...

T

7 TAIWAN SELF-LOCKING FASTENERS IND. CO., LTD. 台灣耐落 NylokⓇ, PrecoteⓇ, NycoteⓇ, NyplasⓇ, LoctiteⓇ...

86 TONG MING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

浙江東明

Stainless Steel Fasteners, Wire Rods...

35 TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD.

智品

Open Die Machines, Cold Headers, Cold Forming Machines...

39 WENZHOU JUNHAO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.

溫州君浩

Hex Bolts, Socket Cap Screws, Flange Bolts, Silo Screws, Carriage Bolts...

W

27 WUXI ANSHIDA HARDWARE CO., LTD.

無錫安士達

Rivets, Rivet Nuts, Tripple Claw Blind Rivets...

20 WUXI ZHENGYAO MACHINERY CO., LTD. 59 YUSHUNG METAL PRODUCTS CO., LTD.

佛山宇聲 Brass Fasteners, Wood Screws, Machine Screws, Nails, Bolts, Studs...

57 YUYAO BIAOER TRADING CO., LTD.

余姚標二

Eye Bolts and Hinges...

Rivet Nuts-Hex Body Flat Head, Stainless Steel Rivet Nuts...

69 ZHEJIANG HYSTRON AUTO PARTS CO., LTD. Auto Parts, T-Nuts, Weld Nuts, Barrel Nuts, Propeller Nuts...

95 automechanika 2019 (Vietnam) 99 The 2nd Guangzhou International Fastener Expo 2020 101 International Fastener Show China 2020 105 Mactech Egypt 2019 109 SIAF Guangzhou 2020 111 Machine Tools & Hardware Trade Fair (Pakistan) 113 Inafastener 2020 (Indonesia) 125 Korea Metal Week 2020

Machines & Equipment: 2 AN CHEN FA MACHINERY CO., LTD.

安全發

10 CHIEN TSAI MACHINERY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

鍵財

45 CHUN KAI MACHINERY CO., LTD.

駿凱

41 HONG FU METAL INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.

鴻富

32 JENN TAI MACHINE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

振太

126 JERN YAO MACHINERY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.

正侑

19 MING TANG MACHINERY CO., LTD. (WEN YANG) 25 SAN YUNG ELECTRIC HEAT MACHINE CO., LTD.

玟暘

浙江洪揚

三永

8 SHANGHAI CHUN ZU MACHINERY INDUSTRY 上海春日 30 SHEEN TZAR CO., LTD.

新讚

73 SUZHOU XINLING ELECTRIC FURNACE CO., LTD. 蘇州新凌 49 TAINAN CHIN CHANG ELECTRICAL CO., LTD.

53 ZHEJIANG FANGQUAN AUTOMOTIVE FASTENERS 浙江方泉

Z

92 Fastener Expo Shanghai 2020

1 SACMA MACHINERY (WUXI) CO., LTD. 無錫正耀

5 & 6 Stations Bearing Type Nut Formers, Multi-Station Parts Formers...

Y

91 Metalex 2019 (Thailand)

107 Wire Düsseldorf 2020 (Germany) 恆昭

Blind Nuts / Rivet Nuts, Blind Rivets, Air Riveters...

128 T & C FASTENER CO., LTD.

Exhibitions:

35 TZE PING PRECISION MACHINERY CO., LTD. 20 WUXI ZHENGYAO MACHINERY CO., LTD.

台南振昌 智品 無錫正耀

086 China Fastener World no.57/2019

087 China Fastener World no.57/2019

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

88

9 1 0 2 i a h g n o n i t a n h e t S t A o p x uch E M r w e a r n D e Fast latforms

P e c r e m m New e-Co

er World , Fasten g n a h C Wen

by Nai-

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2019 attracted more than 800 fastener producers and equipment suppliers and was visited by over 30,000 decision makers, purchasers and engineers from fastener distributing/trading, automotive, auto parts, construction, machinery, furniture, aerospace, railway, and shipbuilding industries. This year, more new e-commerce platforms came to exhibit during the show, which seems to create a trend in the domestic fastener sales market of China.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary, Fastener Expo Shanghai 2019 held a “Fastener Gala Night” on the opening day, in which the “Most Loyal Exhibitor Award” and the “Largest Contributing Exhibitor Award” were presented. The theme of the Expo this year was focused on “Strengthening Export and Sales of High Value Added Products in the Domestic Market” while several sessions on topics like fastener markets, business models, technology and AI manufacturing were also held.

The booths of Taiwanese exhibitors represented by Fastener World were right on the intersection of major aisles. All visitors to Fastener World’s booth were of high interest in the latest issue of “China Fastener World Magazine” and recognized it as the best and effective approach to locating suppliers best suited to their needs. During the event, many high-ranking purchasers also expressed their will to subscribe to Fastener World publications and asked for free copies disseminated at the Expo.

Fastener World’s cor respondent onsite visited 10 Chinese leading fastener brands and asked them about the quality of visitors, their viewpoints on the current Chinese market and countermeasures to survive trade disputes. Most companies responded that the visitor flow was kind of influenced by the too-close dates of two similar fastener shows in Shanghai in the same month. In terms of international trade disputes, most exhibitors responded that companies must maintain a certain level of product quality in order to pass a ll possible challenges.

Short interviews with exhibitors

SHANGHAI FAST-FIX RIVET: Up to 80% of our products are exported to European and U.S. regions and N. America particularly represents around 25% of our total export. The share of high strength structural parts in our product portfolio is also increasing year after year. This year, the visitor flow is acceptable as it was last year. Perhaps we’ll still register for participation next year.

FOSHAN CITY GUANGQINGCHANG METAL PLASTIC: The dates of similar shows held over the past two years are too close to each other, which seems to have influenced the participation in each show. The total number of visitors coming this year was quite normal and most of the visitors were domestic Chinese. In the future we hope to expand our international sales, and this is also why we established a foreign sales unit this year with a clear aim to penetrate into more different markets.

TONG MING ENTERPRISE: We noticed that there is a declining trend in the number of exhibitors who are manufacturers or focus on face-to-face sales.

Instead, we noticed that the number of exhibitors who focus on sales through their own business-to-business e-commerce platforms is increasing and most of these companies are factories. The B2B platforms are like a 24/7 online exhibition, which have become more and more popular these days.

NINGBO ABC FASTENERS: The visitor flow is basically satisfying to us and most visitors coming to our booth are from the Middle East, Italy and other European countries. Visitors show high interest in our anchoring products and said that they will come to this show next year.

FOSHAN NANHAI SAILUK RIVET: We feel quite satisfied with the visitor flow, which, we think, is not so much different from the record last year. Visitors comprise 50% foreigners and 50% local Chinese. Foreign visitors are mostly from Europe. Facing the current economic challenges, we should be active to optimize our internal structure and keep high product quality in order to get through any difficulties and keep our brand to continuously shine bright.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Exhibition 89

China Fastener World no.57/2019

90

Exhibition DONGGUAN HONGHUI METAL: At this moment we feel focusing on the development in China is really important, as China is the world’s biggest market. Accordingly, we need to strengthen our presence, offer more competitive prices, maintain the required quality and will increase the added value of our products in the future.

SRC METAL (SHANGHAI): Our plan to set up a new factory in Thailand is mainly resulted from the concern over China-USA trade dispute, which is likely to influence our sales to the U.S., as we are an exportoriented company. Foreign visitors coming to our booth this year are mostly from India. We’ve participated in this show for the 10th consecutive year and are considering a change maybe next year.

ZHEJIANG HYSTRON AUTO PARTS: Visitors coming to our booth this year are mostly from trading companies and we are very pleased to meet these old friends on-site.

The U.S. market represents around 10% of our turnover and most of the products sold to the U.S. are non-standard parts, which cannot be replaced easily. As a result, we are not influenced a lot by the trade war this time.

KINFAST HARDWARE: The main purpose of our exhibiting at the show is for meeting our loyal clients, such as some from Italy and Bulgaria. In addition, we also noticed that the number of exhibitors having their own e-commerce platforms is much higher than it was before and more young generations began their careers in this industry. The trade war between China and USA has forced some exhibitors previously focusing on the U.S. market to turn to Europe, so we do feel increasing pressu re f rom t he pr ice cut t ing competition.

HAIYAN WEISHI FASTENER: We met many visitors from different countries at this show and exchanged a lot of info with them. Next year we definitely will come to exhibit, as the entire industry is going into the period of adjustment, as well as the trade war, less market options and high inventory. If we’d like to survive the period, we have to keep stable order intake for sure.

Taiwan Hardware Show Taichung International Exhibition Center

Compiled by Fastener World

Booth No. B11

THS provides exclusive opportunities for foreign companies to meet Taiwanese manufacturers with unique competencies to manufacture complex hardware. International buyers will experience robust sourcing at THS and can later explore the manufacturing facilities of prospective partners directly in Taichung, the heart of Taiwan’s hardware manufacturing hub. Taiwan’s top hardware OEM, ODM and OBM as well as international brands and suppliers continue to showcase new high-competitive value products to global buyers at the country’s biggest hardware exhibition. THS frontlines Taiwan’s valued capabilities in producing hardware that are top-grade, high-value, competitive prices, diversely customized and rapid demand from worldwide buyers. With

proven quality excellence record, international buyers can establish mutually beneficial business relationships with local companies to have their hardware products manufactured in Taiwan.

Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific

10/22-24,2019

Singapore EXPO

Industrial Transformation ASIA-PACIFIC, a HANNOVER MESSE is the Asia-Pacific’s leading trade event for Industry 4.0! The event brings together an ecosystem of manufacturers, government agencies & businesses ranging from multinational corporations (MNC) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to shape and support their transformation initiatives.

Our inspired vision is to create a strategic platform that evolves with the industry and is shaped by leaders and experts in support of their transformative initiatives. It emerged from deep community discussions among players who are keen to discover insights ranging from Industry 4.0, advanced manufacturing and smart supply chain management to R&D, technology transfer and workforce development. The event serves industry sectors such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical sciences, chemicals, consumer goods manufacturing, electronics, marine and offshore, oil and gas, and precision engineering amongst others.

As manufacturers in the Asia-Pacific region begin to understand that their current business models are no longer sustainable, economies and businesses have to embark on their own transformational roadmaps.

However, the pace of each journey is different and uneven, with players at varying stages of adoption. The event is thus designed and curated to help companies in Asia-Pacific START, SCALE and SUSTAIN their adoption of Industry 4.0 processes and solutions. To that end, the event’s unique “Learning Journey” approach engages the community based on where they are in their current journey – new entrants, early adopters or trailblazers. The event will be held at Singapore EXPO.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

10/17-19,2019

EXHIBITIONS PREVIEW

93

China Fastener World no.57/2019

94

Exhibition

Fastener Trade Show Suzhou

10/23-25,2019

Suzhou International Expo Center As one of the most specialized fastener exhibitions in the world and a widely expected fastener event, the 19th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou is dedicated to connecting the upstream and downstream of fastener manufacturing industry. Focusing on end users and building a global fastener trade platform are the highlights of the show.

Suzhou, one of the central cities in Yangtze River Delta, is the most developed and modern cities in Jiangsu Province. In addition, Suzhou enjoys a very convenient transportation, only 80 km away from Shanghai, and less than 200 km away from Jiaxing, Wuxi, Ningbo, Hangzhou and many other fastener manufacturing bases.

Therefore, the Suzhou show can not only help visitors easily connect with most of the fastener manufacturers in China, but also provide them with a good chance to visit the fastener factories.

In recent years, the Suzhou show has expanded into two halls, respectively the Fastener Hall and the Equipment Hall, with total exhibition space of 12,000 sqm. The 19th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou will continue strong momentum with expected more than 400 fastener and supporting manufacturers worldwide. Therefore, the show will offer a great opportunity for professional buyers to do one-stop purchasing of fastener products, production equipment and auxiliary products, as well as raw materials.

According to the statistics of previous Suzhou shows, visitors came from 40 countries and regions around the world. It is expected that the 19th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou will attract over 12,000 local and overseas buyers.

Moscow International Tool Expo Expocentre Fairgrounds 11/05-08,2019

MITEX Moscow provides an excellent platform for all the leading players from the hardware and tools industry to showcase their products with latest innovations under one roof to all the Russia and CIS regional markets.

Since many years MITEX has different sections at the fair like MITEX 3D & Smart, MITEX Barbecue, MITEX Cleaning, MITEX Fastener, MITEX Garden, MITEX Measuring & Testing, MITEX Painting, MITEX Storage & Safety & MITEX Welding.

At the fair you can get an insight into new professional tools and equipment of domestic and foreign manufacturers and compare their offers to choose the best ones.

Finally you can say: MITEX – YOUR TOOL TO GROW INTO NEW MARKETS.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

095

China Fastener World no.57/2019

96

Exhibition

M-TECH NAGOYA

Portmesse Nagoya

04/15-17, 2020

M-Tech Nagoya 2020 is Asia's leading exhibition gathering all kinds of mechanical components and processing technologies. It is held in the middle of Japan’s Manufacturing Cluster- Nagoya. Nagoya is also the area with the largest number of factories in Japan. Heavy industries such as aviation, automobile and machine tools are also flourishing here. Many world-famous Japanese enterprise headquarters are also set up here.

You can see many "Made in Japan" precision products and processing technologies at “M-Tech Nagoya” that cannot be seen elsewhere. One eye-witness is better than hundred hearsays! Come and feel the manufacturing industry’s forefront.

=== Concurrent shows - Held inside Manufacturing World Nagoya 2020 === - 5th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo [DMS Nagoya] - 4th Factory Facilities & Equipment Expo [FacTex Nagoya] - 4th Aerospace Technology & Components Expo [AeroTech Nagoya] - 2nd Advanced 3D Printing Expo - 1st Industrial AI/IoT Expo[Newly Launching]

MACTECH will be held at the prestigious venue Egypt International Exhibition center during the period 14-17 November 2019; as a distinctive trade happening; where steady stream of consistent amazing arrays of metalworking, CNC machinery industrial tools, welding and cutting equipment are obtainable in a prevailing mood; escalating the industrial community’s awareness of trends and tendencies in a market that is poised to be the world’s next foremost industrial hub.

MACTECH

11/14-17,2019

Egypt International Exhibition Center

Gathering the world’s brightest minds in metalworking, CNC machinery industrial tools, welding and cutting equipment; whilst adding new pulse and overwhelming insights to the markets it served; MACTECH acts as the most comprehensive tightly focused trade exhibition serving thousands of Egypt’s most vigorous well-off industrialists, representing Millions of Dollars in investment chattels; in search of a stepping-stone towards sourcing the most advanced machinery and equipment.

For 18 consecutive editions; “MACTECH”; indeed; has shown power to reach, target and attract thousands of qualified trade buyers; structuring the most influential compact trading alliances in industrial markets; the show is targeting 18,000 visitors in 2019.

ENGIMACH-COMFAST

12/04-08,2019

The Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat The Indian industrial fastener market can be segmented into high tensile fasteners and mild steel fasteners. Growing automotive a nd auto a nci lla r y se ctor, i nc r easi ng infrastructure and construction activities, developing heavy engineering industry comprise some of the key factors propelling the industrial fastener market in India.

The market has huge opportunities with an increase in upcoming manufacturing activities in the defense and automotive sectors. Indian industrial fastener market is poised to grow over the coming years along with the steady economic growth of the country.

Over the years, ENGIMACH has been one of the prime contributors to the development of the machine tools industry, that enables its participants and visitors with cutting edge and power house technology that stands for engineering excellence, innovation, quality and reliability. ENGIMACH is not just a trade show but a platform to see, understand and learn where the industry is heading to. The showcase at ENGIMACH shall offer a quintessential launch pad for new ideas, products and services, a conducive environment for forging joint ventures, collaborations and an open marketplace to source ideal solutions with an anticipated 1,00,000 visitors and beneficiaries.

FASTENERS WORLD MIDDLE EAST 01/13-16, 2020 Expo Centre Sharjah Expo Centre Sharjah is all set to stage SteelFab 2020, a successful milestone of 16th edition, from 13th to 16th of January, 2020. As in previous years, the upcoming 16th SteelFab is expected to showcase 250 plus exhibitors displaying close to 800 brands from categories such as Welding & Cutting, Machine Tools, Pipe & Tube Machinery, Grinding & Cutting, Surface Preparation & Finishing, Tools & ancillaries. The fifth edition of a dedicated vertical for the fastener and fixing industry -- Fasteners World Middle East – will also be held alongside SteelFab 2020.

Besides pavilions from Italy, German and Taiwan, SteelFab enjoys support from leading industry associations. SteelFab 2020 will feature a national pavilion from the UK for the second time.

Technical Seminars will be organized along the show on a variety of topics. “We have seen a trend towards automation and integration being of increased interest to the regional audience and this is reflected in the topics presented at the show, added Mr. Saif Al Midfa.

It has been 16 years since the region’s steel fabrication and metal working industry changed the way how it did business.

It’s 16 years ago that SteelFab made its debut! A lot has changed since then, and the event continues to steer the industry through the ups and downs of the economy and the market.

SteelFab has been proving in every edition that there is no match to it when it comes to providing the latest technology and industry know-how for this region. SteelFab 2020 is expected to attract and better equip the visitors.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Exhibition 97

China Fastener World no.57/2019

98

Exhibition

M-TECH TOKYO

02/26-28,2020

Makuhari Messe, Japan Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo [M-Tech] is an exhibition gathering all kinds of mechanical parts such as bearings, fasteners, mechanical springs, metal and plastic processing technology. M-Tech attracts a significant number of professionals every year from design, development, manufacturing, production engineering, purchasing and quality control departments, to conduct lively business discussions with exhibitors.

2020 show is expected to bring together 2,300 exhibitors and 80,000 professional visitors!

04/13-15,2020 CHINA GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE EXPO

Pazhou International Sourcing Centre, Guangzhou, China To promote the huge demand of hardware application market, actively respond to the state's initiative to accelerate the transformation of economic development pattern, help Chinese manufacturing enterprises achieve transformation and upgrade and improve enterprise competitiveness, and preferably meet the peoples’ needs for better life, under the leadership of competent authorities at all levels, Guangzhou Zhongqi Exhibition Co., Ltd, together with industry authorities, will hold the “China Guangzhou International Hardware Expo 2020” (CIHE 2020) in Guangzhou Pazhou International Sourcing Center on April 13th to 15th, 2020. With our geographic advantages, we will help the enterprises expand export channels more efficiently and focus on the huge market with trillions of domestic demands, which will surely bring exports and domestic sales booming. We will provide domestic and foreign Expo participants with an international trade platform for expanding business, exchanging technologies, showing strength,

acquiring information, developing relations with customers, promoting new products and seeking business partners, with new ideas. We will provide more cooperation opportunities for the global hardware industry and vigorously promote the Chinese hardware products into the global sourcing system, to coordinate and cooperate with the hardware industry of various countries in the world for mutual benefit, win-win result, common development and progress. ※ Exhibition Categories- Tools: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Pneumatic Tools, Mechanical Tools, Grinding Abrasives, Welding Tools, Tool Accessories; Lock, Work Safety and Accessories: Locks & Keys, Security Equipment & Systems, Work Safety & Protection, Lock Accessories; Processing Equipment: Metal Processing Equipment, Testing Equipment, Surface Treatment Equipment, Pump & Valve; DIY And Building Hardware: Building Materials & Components, Furniture Hardware, Decorative Metalware, Fasteners, Nails, Wire & Mesh; Garden Tools; Bathroom.

CHINA GUANGZHOU 04/13-15,2020 INTERNATIONAL FASTENER EXPO Pazhou International Sourcing Centre, Guangzhou, China To meet the huge market demand of fasteners, Guangzhou Zhongqi Exhibitions Company will cooperate with authoritative institutions of the industry to hold “ The 2nd China Guangzhou International Fastener Expo 2020 ” (CIFE 2020) in Guangzhou Pazhou International Sourcing Center on April 13 to 15, 2020 under the leadership of competent departments at all levels.

It will fully take geographic advantages to assist enterprises to expand export channels efficiently on one hand, and focus on huge domestic market with billions of demands on the other hand, thus driving the expansion of export and domestic demand. In addition, we will provide all Chinese and foreign exhibitors with an international trade platform where you can expand business, perform technical exchange, show your strength, obtain information, develop relations with customers, popularize products and seek cooperative partners

by virtue of our unique creativity; Moreover, we will also provide more cooperation opportunities for global fastener industry, and effectively promote Chinese fastener products to comprehensively enter global procurement system so as to cooperate with the fastener industry of all countries all over the world, thus achieving all-win result and joint development.. ※ Exhibition Categories- Machinery, Fastener Materials, Molds and Consumption Goods; Fastener Manufacturing Machinery; Auxilia r y Equipment; Inspection Equipment / Measuring Devices; Installation / Measurement And Maintenance; Molds / Consumption Goods; Fastener Technology / Services; Fasteners; Standard Fasteners; Non- Standard Fasteners; Aerospace Fasteners / Military Fastener; Construction Fasteners; Other Related Fasteners and Parts.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

099

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

100

06/03-05, 2020

Fastener Expo Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2020, has been deeply rooted in the industry for 11 years, and has always been developing and expanding with the purpose of being professional, efficient, open and innovative. It can be called the benchmark event in the global fastener industry. The exhibition brings together well-known fastener manufacturers both at home and abroad, and also exhibits fastener supporting equipment, molds, wires and other products, providing a onestop purchasing platform for fastener industry personnel.

Fastener Expo Shanghai 2020 will dig in fastener end market and expand ca r a nd high st rengt h fasteners, const r uction fastener, i ndust rial machinery and other industries of high-end visitors, It is expected to grow 47% of high-end visitors in 2020, The organizer will use 10 years of experience industry accumulation in exhibition to create one-stop trading platform for fastener high-end buyers.

E x h ibit ion sca le - E x h ibit or s: 800+; Professional visitors: 42,000+; Exhibition area: 50,000 ㎥.

Exhibiting product range: Fastener production equipment, fastener materials, fastener molds and consumables, testing instruments, packaging equipment, other related production technology and equipment, standard fasteners, non-standard fasteners, automobile and high strength fastener exhibition area, construction fastener exhibition area, stamping parts and lathe parts, fastener products of various professional application fields.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

101

China Fastener World no.57/2019

102

Exhibition

Exhibitions Review arranged by Fastener World

Fastener Fair USA After the successful event held at Huntington Convention Center (Cleveland, OH) that drew much attention of American buyers in 2018, Fastener Fair USA 2019 was held on May 22-23 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and attracted many different semi-finished/finished products & related equipment purchasers, distributors, retailers to seek collaboration opportunities. In addition to the latest new products and very competitive service provided by exhibitors this year, the organizer also arranged more than 15 technical and processing sessions, allowing more industrial interaction and market intelligence exchange. Fastener World Inc. was also present to act as a bridge closely connecting the fastener industry in the East and the West.

With a new eye-catching stand construction this year, Fastener World was visited by lots of local manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and end-users interested in buying semi-finished/finished fasteners, machines, tooling, wire & materials. Our newly released publications (incl.

Fastener World Magazine, China Fastener World Magazine, and Hardware & Fastener Components Magazine, etc) displayed onsite were also considered by several buyers to be the best way to having their demand fully satisfied. Some buyers also stated that the online B2B System of Fastener World at www.fastener-world.com.tw did help them find out suppliers throughout the world that best fit their real demand.

According to the observation of Fastener World correspondent, though there exist challenges and uncertainties in American/European/ Asian markets, many exhibitors from local America and other European or Asian countries still booked their stands this year, in order to enhance their exposure on the market with fierce competition and outpace other competitors to win the entry ticket to the “Winners’ Club�.

The next edition of Fastener Fair USA, according to the organizer, will move to Charlotte Convention Center (Charlotte, NC) in May 19-20 2020, with an aim at creating more diverse collaboration approaches and business opportunities for the fastener industry.

IFS China International Fastener Show China (IFS China) brought to a successful close in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center on June 13th this year. With an exhibition area of 42,000 square meters, there were breakthroughs of the scale and level for International Fastener Show China 2019 whose exhibition area was increased by 24% compared with that in 2018. IFS China gathered 725 renowned enterprises, attracting 36,080 visitors (including 4,212 overseas visitors from 53 countries and regions) in 2019. A great number of purchasers, dealers, traders, end users, manufacturers and other industrial peers went to seek new opportunities. Well-known fastener enterprises appeared collectively and presented competitive technologies and products during the show. Equipment, wire, mold and consumables suppliers were located in Hall 2, while fasteners, standard fasteners and non-standard fasteners exhibitors were located in Hall 1.

IFS China 2019 boasted an active participation of overseas mainstream equipment manufacturers from South Korea, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, Germany, the United States, Taiwan, etc. The show built a bridge for Chinese and global fastener industry to communicate, cooperate and enhance exchange and understanding, creating opportunities for fastener companies from home and abroad.

Mr. Olaf Daebler, Global Director of Industrial Supply, Research & Technology of Deutsche Messe AG said, " International Fastener Show China 2019 has seen a significant increase in both the exhibition area and the number of exhibitors, reflecting a very high level of internationalization and great international influence."

The next edition of IFS will again take place June 22-24 in 2020 in Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center with 42,000 square meters and 800 exhibitors.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Exhibition 103

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

104

Fastener Fair Mexico The 5th edition of Fastener Fair Mexico opened at World Trade Center Mexico City on June 19 to 20. The show had 104 local and overseas exhibitors from Mexico, the U.S., Taiwan, China, etc. The visitors to this show scattered evenly across the venue. They included the local Mexicans, the American businesspersons with local operations in Mexico, and the Guatemalan industry professionals. The visitors were mainly local Mexican importers and distributors, followed by manufacturers.

Most of them were looking for industrial fasteners.

Taiwanese exhibitors included Chirek, Jern Yao, UniProtech, Home Soon, Ko Ying, Shyang Sheng, Easylink, Chien Tsai, Yeswin, Ony Co., and King Yuan Dar, some of which arranged a visit to local Mexican clients after the show. The American and European exhibitors were major companies including Fastenal, Brighton-Best, Atotech, Accument, Bralo, Conventya, MacDermid, and Nylok.

Chinese exhibitors included Hisener and Hunan Liangang Fasteners. While handing out magazines there, Fastener World utilized its own developed buyers/sellers exchange platform to find suited target of purchase for the show visitors.

The show organizer arranged 12 seminars and a VIP meeting program for exhibitors. An exhibitor welcome gala was also held in the evening of the first day with live bands amping up the atmosphere for exhibitors.

This annual show is held alternately between Mexico City and Guadalajara. Follow the latest show updates on our official website for the next open dates in 2020 and location of this show!

China Fastener World no.57/2019

105

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

106

Chirek

Home Soon

Easylink

Shyang Sheng

King Yuan Dar

Uni Protech

Jern Yao

Ko Ying

ONY

JINZHAOBO

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

108

Korea Metal Week Korea Metal Week 2019 was held at KINTEX on June 19 to 21. The Fastener & Wire Zone covered the following categories: •

Bolt / Nut Products & Equipment

•

Automobile Parts / Fastening Products & Subsidiary Materials

•

Wire Production & Manufacturing

Additionally, the show was concurrently held with Press & Forging, Tools, Automobile & Machine Parts, Tube & Pipe, 3D Technology, Foundry & Die Casting, Fundamental Manufacturing Industry, Aluminum, Metal Surface Treatment & Painting, Laser & Welding, Pump Technology, Composite, Control, Measurement and Automation. This time, experts from Nord-Lock (South Korea) were invited to the show for a seminar speech on the cause of bolt loosening.

The show had the attendance of 350 exhibitors, most of which were local companies including Hyodong Machinery. The overseas exhibitors included Dörken.

Fastener World's correspondent at the show observed that India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) put up an India Pavilion there consisting of Indian industrial companies.

Fastener World as an exhibitor was there as well promoting competitive Taiwanese fastener companies to the Korean market and building up a bridge between the Taiwanese and Korean markets. The annual Korean Metal Week is going to open its door again on June 17 to 20 in 2020.

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

110

Expo Nacional Ferretera Expo Nacional Ferretera was held for the 31st time at Expo Guadalajara on September 5-7. The show boasted more than 1,400 exhibitors in the hardware, construction, industrial safety, electrical and lighting industries from 35 countries. It had an average of 85,000 visitors from 62 countries, covering manufacturers, distributors, developers, engineers, and store owners.

Our correspondent was handing out our latest publications there. She reported that a large portion of visitors were end users and owners with one or more hardware stores. Other visitors included construction company representatives seeking construction materials suppliers. She exchanged business cards with representatives of large distribution companies mostly importing products directly from China to Mexico.

The organizer has announced to hold the next edition of the show on September 10-12, 2020. For other shows of the fastener industry, check out www.fastener-world.com.tw/new/exhibitions.php for upcoming updates.

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

112

The Fastener Exhibition and Conference The Fastener Exhibition & Conference taking place annually was held on September 11-12 in 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham and was co-located with four other thematic exhibitions for flood, contamination, recycling & waste management, and energy & water efficiency. In addition to fastener professionals joining the event, many a visitor from the other four co-located exhibitions was also present to seek possible business collaboration.

Fastener World made its first debut at the Fastener Exhibition & Conference this year, in order to help clients expand their business reach to the local UK market, provide local suppliers interested in developing overseas markets with a faster and more effective approach to getting orders, as well as collecting latest UK industrial intelligence for companies and buyers unable to visit the event.

The thematic zone specifically for fasteners this years was participated by around 80 companies from the UK, India, Belorussia, Taiwan, Austria, Turkey, Italy and China, which showcased their finished/semi-finished fasteners, instruments & equipment, and service. Visitors to the Fastener Exhibition & Conference were mostly local fastener related manufacturers, traders and importers, almost all of whom were looking for certain types of fasteners. One visitor told Fastener World that he had been searching for one certain fastener for more than two years and still couldn’t find any, so he hoped to successfully find one through visiting this annually held event gathering domestic and overseas professionals together. Many other visitors also told Fastener World that due to the influence from US-China trade war and considering that Taiwan is not subjected to high antidumping rates while exporting to the EU, they are very interested in considering Taiwanese suppliers to be a priority in their future outsourcing plans.

On the other hand, some UK suppliers specialized in high-quality fastener machinery (e.g., feeding systems and painting & coating systems) also told Fastener World that they are interested in developing emerging markets with increasing demand for these machines, such as Taiwan, China and Southeast Asian countries and hope to promote their efficient machine models to these fastener manufacturing heartlands.

In addition to the easy-to-distinguish thematic zones, the organizer also invited prominent figures to give their speeches on fastener market trends analyses and manufacturing technologies and arranged participants face-to-face discussions with these speakers.

According to the organizer, the Fastener Exhibition & Conference is not only a specialized platform for showcasing innovations, exchanging expertise and establishing business partnerships, but also offers valuable insights into future technologies and market trends. Next year, the show is scheduled again to take place September 16-17 at the NEC (Gate 3).

Exhibition

China Fastener World no.57/2019

114

Hand Tools and Fastener Expo 2019 Following the last edition in New Delhi, Hand Tools and Fastener Expo took place September 20-22 this year at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, India. The 3-day event was participated by around 290 professional fasteners, hardware, hand tools and power tools exhibitors from Taiwan, Italy, Russia, USA, Japan, Vietnam and China.

The largest exhibitors group was China, with 196 exhibiting companies, followed by 72 from India and 16 from Taiwan. In addition to Hand Tools and Fastener Expo, four other industrial trade shows were also co-located at the venue, which included “WOM” for metal processing, “TECHINDIA” for engineered manufacturing, “CWE/IMEX” for cutting, welding materials & equipment, laser technology, machine tools and applied products, and “UMEX” for used machinery. Such a large event with different relevant shows boosted the enthusiastic participation of a diverse range of visitors.

According to an economic outlook report submitted by Indian Ministry of Finance to its Parliament, India’s GDP growth rate is estimated to grow more than 7% in the next couple of months. On the other hand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to promote his tax concessions, which are for increasing consumers’ demands and facilitating investments in the domestic market, and which are expected to enlarge the demands of local Indian industries as well for hardware, hand tools, power tools and fasteners. In an World Economic Outlook Report IMF released this July, India’s economic growth rate is estimated to reach 7% and is estimated to increase further to 7.2% in 2020. India is currently the country with the highest GDP growth rate in the world, even outperforming China. The show organizer also said that in recent years the Indian market has been gradually moving from being price sensitive to being more quality conscious, and there also show clear signs of increasing demands for hand tools, hardware and fasteners from Indian aerospace, car manufacturing, infrastructure industry sectors. Many a favorable market condition helped increase the incoming flow of visitors to the show this year.

Having been an exhibitor of this show for years, Fastener World was also visited by lots of professional buyers asking for our free supplier directories. According to the onsite observation of our staff, buyers visiting Hand Tools and Fastener Expo 2019 were mostly local Indian manufacturers and importers, who not only came to seek opportunities for collaboration with local product suppliers (especially those from the Greater Mumbai Area), but also for establishing future supply routes with foreign suppliers (especially exhibitors from Taiwan). According to the organizer’s preliminary estimation, the 3-day event already attracted more than 10,000 visitors in total.

The next show will take place in New Delhi on August 27-29, 2020 and is expected to attract several visitors different from those in Mumbai to seek business collaboration opportunities.

Fastener Grades:

Many times, we ta ke products for granted. We know one type of fastener should have so much strength, but how does an engineer know if the properties will provide suitable performance for some of the applications they require? As a guide, this article will provide what the steel chemistry numbers mean to users.

All fasteners, regardless of standard or specification, are identified by a unique marking on the head, in addition to the manufacturer’s unique registered marking. The following is a typical list of the common inch and Metric fasteners used in commerce. See SAE J429 and SAE J1199.

Carbon steels are called such as they contain a certain amount of carbon. The amount of carbon present determines the steels ability to be heat treatable. The addition of certain alloying elements will provide the performance characteristics desired of the finished product.

The base steel or alloy composition type is identified by a series of digits in the steel number, as developed cooperatively by the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) and the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). For example; the first digit of a four or five digit steel number indicates a category, such as ① carbon steel, ② nickel steel, ③ nickel-chromium steel, etc. The second number indicates the approximate percentage of the alloying element, while the last two or three digits indicate the approximate 1/100ths weight percentage of carbon content.

Typica l A ISI /SA E steels, but not limited to, used for fastener products are as follows:

SAE Grade 2 (Metric Property Class 5.8): Hex Head Cap Screws are produced from low carbon steels, ranging from AISI/SAE types 1010 to 1022 and are not heat treated.

What’s In Your Fasteners?

by Guy Avellon

• 10xx—Plain Carbon Steel • 15xx—Manganese Steel • 40xx—Molybdenum Steel (0.25%) • 41xx—Chromium-Molybdenum Steel (1.0% Cr, 0.20% Mo) • 43xx---Chromium-Manganese-Molybdenum Steel • 50xx---Nickel Steel (50B46) • 51xx—Chromium Steel (51B60) (0.80% Cr) • 86xx---Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Steel • 87xx—Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Steel (0.55% Ni, 0.50% Cr, 0.25% Mo) • 94xx---Nickel-Chromium-Molybdenum Steel (94B40) To be considered an alloy steel, one or more alloying elements must be added to the steel. The American Iron and Steel Institute has defined that a steel is considered to be an alloy when the maximum of the range given for the content of alloying elements exceeds one or more of the following limits: manganese, 1.65%; silicon, 0.60%; copper, 0.60%; or in which a definite minimum quantity of any of the following elements is specified or required within the limits of the recognized field of constructional alloy steels: aluminum, chromium up to 3.99%, cobalt, columbium, molybdenum 0.30%, nickel 0.30%, titanium, tungsten, vanadium 0.10%, zirconium, or any other alloying elements added to obtain a desired alloying effect. Where elements are specified in combinations of two, three or more and have alloy contents less than described above, the limit value to be applied for steel class determination is 70% of the sum of the individual values of the concerned elements.

SAE Grade 5 (Metric Property Class 8.8): Hex Head Cap Screws are produced from several different steel types, ranging from, but not limited to, 1032 to 1038, and are classified as medium carbon steels or high manganese steels, such as 1541 or 1335. The ASTM equivalent is the A449.

SAE Grade 5.2: SEMS bolts, flanged head cap screws and studs, made for specific automotive applications, made from low carbon boron steel.

SAE Grade 8 (Metric Property Class 10.9): Hex Head Cap Screws are also produced using many different steel types depending upon their final use. SAE J429 allows the use of non-alloy steels by some manufacturers for their special applications. The similar ASTM product requires that all A354, Grade BD cap screws be manufactured from alloy steels and have documented proof-load testing performed on the products. All Grade 8 and A354 cap screws are heat treated and oil quenched and tempered.

SAE Grade 8.2: Typical of f langed head cap screws, used for specific automotive and truck applications, is usually made from low carbon boron steels, due to easier formability for the flanged head.

Socket Head Cap Screws: Metric Socket Head products come in different grades, or Property Classes, from 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9; therefore these products will use a variety of steels for each Property Class, as listed above, for their mechanical properties.

Inch series standard socket head products are all the same strength grade depending upon diameter; 180 ksi for sizes up through ½” and 170 ksi for larger diameters. Typically, socket head cap screws use 4140-4145 alloy steels for their products. Exceptions for high tensile strengths are the button and flat head products, which produce tensile strengths between 145 to 135 ksi. The ASTM product standards are found under Standard A574 and A574M.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Technology 115

China Fastener World no.57/2019

116

Technology

Steel Chemistry: So, what part do all of these chemical and metal elements play in the development of a steel fastener? The most common alloying elements are listed below, along with their effects. It must be noted that when some elements are combined, a synergistic effect may occur that further enhances the quality and performance of the steel.

Alu minu m: W h ile not a lways intentionally added, it is usually present in steels. It serves as a deoxidizer or to produce a fine grain size, increases notch toughness in medium carbon steels but may also lower creep strength.

Boron Steels: The strength of some steels can be enhanced with the addition of a small amount (0.0005 to 0.003%) of the element boron. It is normally used with low carbon steels (10B20) that have complex geometries to save die life; such as with flange head cap screws and drive screws. However, some alloy steels with large cross-sections, large diameters or complex head geometries will also benefit with the addition of boron; such as 41B37 or 51B60.

When used with a low carbon steel, such as a 1030 or lower, the new boron alloy steel can now be heat treated to produce a hardness and tensile strength equivalent to that of a Grade 8 bolt. This is permissible if used in a shear or static load and is used properly by the purchaser. However, this alloy combination appeared as a critical problem in the mid-1980s when low carbon boron steel was used on hex head cap screws with SAE Grade 8 markings.

Obviously, this was quite a cost savings and garnered huge profits when sold as a Grade 8 product. This sparked a problem with failures from counterfeit fasteners since the presence of a boron steel was virtually undetectable by standard test methods. Hence, the fastener industry and US Government created the Fastener Quality Act (FQA) in the early 1990s.

Aside from not being able to withstand dynamic or cyclic loading, low carbon boron steels have a maximum operating temperature limit. The low carbon boron steels are quenched and tempered to 650° F (340° C), compared with a Grade 8 whose tempering temperature is 800° F (425°C). If the user did not know of the lower operating t emperat u res of t he boron st e el a nd subjected the fasteners to conditions that a full alloy grade 8 could withstand, then a very dangerous condition would exist.

These steels were very susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.

C arbon Content: For fast eners, the last two digits in the steel number indicate the carbon content in 1/100ths of weight percent. For example, a 1541 steel has 41/100 (0.41) percent carbon in its analysis. The amount of carbon and trace elements in the steel will determine its hardenability or ability to respond to heat treatment; too hard and the steel becomes brittle, too soft and there is no strength. Alloying elements are added to the steels to enhance their ability for through-hardening, while the carbon content determines the maximum hardness achievable in a steel.

Carburization: Machine screws and sheet metal screws are typically made from low carbon steels, such as 1010 or 1022. However, there is insufficient carbon present to make the steel any harder by heat treating. Therefore, these products do not have great strength but do possess rather high ductility. They are considered as a Grade 2 fastener.

Thread cutting or self-drilling screws, also made from low carbon steels, are surface hardened by the process of carburization, which is the addition by diffusion of carbon at the surface of the part. Carbon is artificially added to the surface to form a carbon-rich mixture of the furnace gas to produce a much harder surface. The depth of hardness is known as ‘case depth’ or ‘case hardness’ and is typically a few thousandths of an inch in depth, while the core remains relatively soft.

Chromium: Chromium is essentially a ha rdening agent. It will increase corrosion and oxidation resistance. When alloyed with nickel, the combination produces superior mechanical properties of toughness and hardness. It is also used to form austenitic stainless steels.

Manganese: Also cont r ibutes to strength and enhances hardenability during quenching. These properties increase proportionately with an increase in carbon with manganese. Surface quality is also improved with manganese steels.

M ol y b d e n u m: A not h e r elem ent that promotes hardenability but with a m in ima l ef fect on cold for m ing characteristics and provides greater c o nt r ol of it s h a r d e n a bi l it y. T h e t e m p e r i ng t e m p e r a t u r e is h ig h e r to obtain ductility, but alloy steels containing 0.15 to 0.30% molybdenum exhibit a minimized susceptibility to temper embrittlement.

Nickel: A ferrite strengthener, nickel does not form any carbide compounds in the steel, thereby creating a toughness in the ferrite phase. Nickel lowers the critical cooling rate and is therefore very heat treatable. Alloyed with chromium, the resultant alloys have greater fatigue resistance, higher impact strength with higher hardenability than is possible with ordinary carbon steels.

Phosphorus: A high phosphorus content is beneficial in low carbon steels for improved machinability but is detrimental in quenched and tempered steels as it decreases fatigue resistance and ductility. Therefore, in these steels, the phosphorous is kept at a specified maximum amount of 0.025%.

Silicon: One of the primary deoxidizers in the refinement of steel in amounts of up to 0.30%. Silicon aides in promoting notch toughness and provides for a more uniform ferrite grain.

Sul f ur: Wi l l i mprove mach i nabi l it y in some steels, sulfur will also produce a detrimental effect on surface quality with manganese steels and lowers the toughness and ductility in the transverse direction as the content increases. For these reasons, there are maximum limits for most steels.

Vanadium: Used to inhibit austenitic grain growth to promote a fine grain structure.

A fine grain structure will enhance tensile strength and toughness to steels. Vanadium has also been used with Boron in steels, such as 41BV37, etc.

Many steel specifications will explicitly state t hat t here sha ll be no intentional additions of bismuth, selenium, tellurium or lead to the steel. All of these elements are used to enhance machinability, which is not a desirable trait in a quenched and tempered alloy steel fastener. In fact, selenium can form with manganese to form inclusions of manganese selenides.

Next, we will explore heat treating the steels.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

by Laurence Claus

In the United States, if I were to survey a number of average individuals regarding their knowledge of Stainless Steel, I would likely receive very similar answers. It is likely that they would tell me that these materials do not rust, are attractive in appearance, and are not magnetic. If I were to press them further and ask how they intersected with Stainless Steel on an everyday basis, I would be likely to hear a common response that their large kitchen appliances are made of Stainless Steel. In fact, the trend for the last couple of years in United States kitchen design is to showcase a suite of gleaming Stainless Steel appliances (refrigerator, range, and dishwasher). In addition to the appliances, they might tell you that the sink, pots and pans, and silverware are all made of Stainless Steel.

The fact of the matter is, the average American encounters many things, including fasteners, which are made of Stainless Steel. As I explained in an earlier volume of this magazine, in my article, “The Basics of Stainless Steel”, there are five different categories of Stainless Steel. These different varieties, although all being classified as stainless steel and sharing some common traits, are, generally speaking, quite different in performance, behavior, and properties. This makes it important to realize that not all Stainless Steel fasteners are the same, and like any other fastener, require the designer to make intentional and educated choices depending on the design criteria they are trying to fulfill.

In review, Stainless Steels fall into one of five different varieties. They are: Austenitic Stainless Steels: When the average person is asked about Stainless Steel, this is the variety they most likely associate their answer to. Austenitic Stainless Steel provides excellent corrosion protection, is non-magnetic, and the most commonly used variety in everyday kitchen appliances and implements. In the United States, these are designated with 200 and 300 series numbers to distinguish them from other varieties. In Europe they are designated with the letter “A” and a number, such as A2 or A4.

Ferritic Stainless Steels: Ferritic Stainless Steel is much less commonly used than Austenitic Stainless Steel. It has only moderate corrosion protection but is less expensive and easier to form. In the United States it is designated with a 400 series number. (Note: One must be very cautious here, Ferritic Stainless Steels share their 400 series designation number with Martensitic Stainless Steels, so that you cannot determine which variety you are working with unless you either know or look it up in a reference book.)

Martensitic Stainless Steel: Also much less common than Austenitic Stainless Steel is Martensitic Stainless Steel. This has the poorest corrosion protection of the different Stainless Steel varieties, but can be strengthened and forms easily. Like the Ferritic Stainless Steels, it goes by a 400 series number.

Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel: These are Stainless Steels that can be strengthened through solution hardening. They approach the Austenitic Stainless Steels in their corrosion protection qualities. Unfortunately, these materials have reputations for being very difficult to form.

Duplex Stainless Steel: The final variety of Stainless Steels is Duplex Stainless Steel. These are an approximate 50/50 mix of Austenitic and Ferritic Stainless Steel. Although they possess improvements in certain properties or physical qualities over both Austenitic and Ferritic Stainless Steel, on the whole, they do not rise to the same level of performance as Austenitic Stainless Steels.

Selecting the Right Stainless Steel: With so many variations of these five varieties of Stainless Steel available, how does one choose one over the other? The answer to this question, of course, simply depends on what properties and characteristics are most needed by the application.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

Technology 117

China Fastener World no.57/2019

118

Technology Corrosion Protection: As this is the primary property that leads a designer to seek out Stainless Steel, it is probably appropriate to start the conversation with this topic. Stainless Steel achieves its corrosion protection in its ability to form a protective chromium oxide on its surface. This chromium oxide is a passive film that is resistant to further oxidation or other forms of chemical attack.

The designer must evaluate what kind of environment and corrosive conditions the fasteners are going to be exposed to. If the exposure conditions are extreme, like constant wet, turbulent water, or industrial harsh (such as mildly acidic) conditions, the designer must choose an Austenitic or Precipitation Hardening variety. If the exposure conditions are moderate the choices are Austenitic or, perhaps, Ferritic Stainless Steel. If the exposure conditions are mild then Ferritic or Martensitic Stainless Steel may be an appropriate choice.

Although there are specialty metals which exhibit far superior corrosion and oxidation protection, the best corrosion

protection from materials commonly considered Stainless Steel and most often used for fasteners are 316, 304, 302HQ, 17-4PH, and 13-8Mo. The use of these materials, however, does not preclude a designer from choosing a Ferritic Stainless Steel, such as 430, or a Martensitic Stainless Steel, such as 410, when the severity of the environment is only moderate or mild. In fact, many designers may choose one of these grades of Stainless Steel to take advantage of other properties while still outperforming the corrosion protection of a carbon steel part with a protective plating or coating.

Some common applications where Stainless Steel fasteners are used include applications where fasteners are exposed to periodic wet conditions, such as any fastener used on a product exposed to the elements or construction fasteners. Many construction fasteners used on roofs, exterior cladding or siding, and to mount solar panels are made of Stainless Steel. One unique construction application is as a deck screw for cedar decking. The Stainless Steel fasteners not only resist corrosion in the outdoor environment but do not react with the Tannin in the cedar wood which causes staining (a common problem when using galvanized steel screws).

Strength: One of the more serious disadvantages of the Austenitic and Ferritic Stainless Steels is that they cannot be strengthened through heat treatment. This means that the only strengthening opportunity is through work hardening. If strength is a strong design criterion then a heat treatable Martensitic Stainless Steel or Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel must be chosen.

Formability (Ability to Cold Head): Once again, the variation in formability between the different varieties of Stainless Steel can be extreme. As a general rule, the Martensitic and Ferritic Stainless Steels are relatively easy to cold head. In fact, many a seasoned cold header operator will tell you that there is little difference in forming 410 (Martensitic) or 430 (Ferritic) Stainless Steels from an alloy steel. However, their tune quickly changes when speaking about Austenitic and Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels, such as 304, 316, and 17-4PH. In fact, they might have many a story about difficulty in forming parts made of these materials.

Occasionally when a manufacturer has a particularly

challenging part to form from Austenitic Stainless Steel they may attempt to add some additional heat, usually by drawing the wire through an induction coil right before going into the machine.

Additionally, sufficient and effective wire coating is extremely important. Stainless Steel is prone to galling. If the wire coating is not sufficiently effective to prevent galling, the tools will break down very quickly. For this reason, much of the Stainless Steel wire that you will see in a cold heading plant is copper coated. The copper provides an exceptional lubricating surface and is certainly favored by almost any header operator that has ever tried it on Stainless Steel material.

Cost: The final factor we will look at here is cost. Stainless Steel commands a significant premium when compared with carbon and alloy steel. Austenitic Stainless Steel is more costly than Ferritic or Martensitic Stainless Steel. It is for this reason that a designer might chose a Ferritic or Martensitic Stainless Steel over an Austenitic Stainless Steel. They have decided that they need a Stainless Steel for their application, as it provides

superior performance to a plated or coated Carbon Steel part, but they do not need as much performance as they would get from an Austenitic Stainless Steel. It is similar in theory why a resident of Kansas (a very flat state) may not choose to purchase a car with All Wheel Drive. The added cost of All Wheel Drive is simply not worth paying for as they do not need the added performance.

Summary: There are many factors that a designer must consider when choosing the right Stainless Steel variety for their project or application.

Stainless Steels are very versatile and often perform at extremely high levels, which make them attractive to users. The primary advantage is corrosion protection but there are other advantages to Stainless Steel as well. Understanding and having knowledge of all these things is very important to avoid costly blunders and procure the best fastener for the intended job.

公協會報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

2

螺絲貿易協會九月理監事會議與活動預告：

台灣螺絲展歡迎晚宴、 特斯拉參訪、會長盃高球賽、春酒 文/ 曾柏勳

惠達

TFTA(台灣螺絲貿易協會)在理事長張益 在先生的規劃下，為回饋旗下廣大會員的支 持與愛戴，特別在今年9月規劃宜蘭礁溪的團 康活動與參觀「藏酒酒莊」，並於溫泉度假飯 店宴會廳舉辦TFTA第8屆第7次理監事會議。 這次一行約有40人共襄盛舉。

3 China Fastener World no.57/2019

公協會報導

在理監事會議中，理事長以及國際委員長報告，協會將在2020年台 灣國際螺絲展開展的前一日舉行「相見歡歡迎晚宴」。協會已向美國、歐 洲、巴西、南非等各地的螺絲協會發送邀請，目前已確定歐洲螺絲經銷 商協會代表將赴宴，其他協會可望也將陸續跟進。 另外，北區分會宣布將在今年10月18日舉辦台北內湖特斯拉展示區 的參訪活動，預定將由特斯拉人員解說電動車的扣件輕量化趨勢以及電 動車用扣件的特性。至於今年底，協會報告預定將在12月5日舉辦會長盃 高球賽，在12月6日舉辦會員大會暨理監事選舉。最後，將在2020年的2月 7日舉辦TFTA春酒暨理事長交接儀式。(註：2020新任理事長的任期將於 交接儀式之前的1月1日起即正式生效。)

公協會報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

4

Doug Ruggles (Martin Fastening Solutions公 司 ) 近日當選 2019-2020 任期美國扣件經銷商協會理 事長，Adam Derry (Field公司)則當選副理事長，Kelly Charles(Sems & Specials公司)為副主席，Kelly Cole (Hayes Bolt & Supply)則將繼續在董事會以卸任理事長身 分為新任理事長提供顧問諮詢。 另外董事會也新添三位新董事成員: Don Haggerty (Lindstrom/Stelfast公司)、Craig Penland (Eurolink FSS公 司)以及Jodie Thinnes (Copper State Bolt & Nut公司)。 繼續留在董事會的成員有Keven Simmer (Wurth DMB Supply公司)、Scott Somers (Mid-States Bolt & Screw公司)以 及Bryan Wheeler (Star Stainless Screw公司)。 新董事會成員在6月10-11日於美國俄亥俄州辛辛那提市的年 度大會中正式公布。此次年會也邀請了MITS的Brian Friedle 進行 產業數據分析、Würth Industry North America 的Heather Stewart 講解供應鏈透明度、Spinstak Growth Agency 的Matt Johnson 講 解產業行銷以及ITR Economics的Alan Beaulieu講解最新經濟活動 概況。

Doug Ruggles (左)

大會 也在會 議期間表揚己卸任董事成員的貢獻，包括 R i c h Megliola (Vertex Distribution公司)、Kevin Miller (Bamal Corporation 公司)、Dan Zehnder (Trinity Logistics Corporation公司)和Jun Xu (Brighton-Best International公司)的貢獻。

Doug Ruggles當選 2019-2020美國扣件經銷商協會理事長 協會近期活動包括:

•

主管高峰會

2019年11月3-5日 佛州Naples市Ritz-Carlton海濱度假村

•

美國扣件經銷商協會與西太平洋扣件協會 聯合大會

2020年3月4-7日 佛州長灘Westin酒店

•

執行銷售規劃研討會

2020年6月23-24日 明尼蘇達Minneapolis市Embassy Suites Downtown酒店 更多協會活動資訊請拜訪協會網站 (www.nfda-fastener.org) 或聯繫 Vick ie Lester (vlester@nfda-fastener.org)。電話: 562-799-5519.

5

中國首家「外銷」電商服務平臺 工盒網INDUSTBOX 引領螺絲外貿新潮流 工盒網的成立引起緊固件行業、特別是外銷同行的廣泛關注，其 不僅是針對緊固行業這個細分領域成立的重度垂直的產業電商平 臺，也是中國首家提供緊固件外銷電商服務的企業。工盒網CEO楊俊 峰先生認為，互聯網技術正從消費領域向生產領域流通，特別是在 工業領域發展。工盒網的定位為跨境電商，也就是以出口為導向的電 商平臺，目標是替與其合作的廠商開啟銷往世界的大門。

FastenCloud + StockFast + PartsFinder 三大特色服務 當今全球緊固件採購的痛點主要集中在採購模式和交 付模式兩方面。一方面，目前B端客戶採購零部件所採用的 是物料清單模式，需要的是回應服務，而非商城模式。另一 方面，對B端客戶的交付並非只是目前簡單的產品交付，而應 是包含了產品，專業技術支援，物流配送，資金等的綜合打 包服務。 針對這兩大痛點，工盒網通過提供標準化特色服務－ 「FastenCloud緊固件全球數位化產品庫」，「StockFast現 貨商城」和「PartsFinder自動化詢報價」－實現緊固件一站 式採購。 Fastencloud也稱為緊固雲，是自主研發的並申請到專利 的緊固件全球數位化產品庫，收錄了30多個國家地區和組 織的14000多個緊固件標準以及3D圖紙。緊固雲的免費開放 讓來自不同國家的買家能夠精准地查詢產品規格，從而減 少採購失誤。目前，工盒仍以每週不少於250條的速度不斷 更新這個數位化產品庫，為更多機械設計師，工程師和買家 帶來便利。 現貨商城讓採購商在特別要求速度的時代不必等待交 貨期。此外，這個機制還提供較低起訂量(Minimum Order Quantity, MOQ)，採購商無須浪費多餘成本超量進貨，更重 要的是，還能加速消化庫存品、加快周轉，小訂單也可直接 由庫存出貨，更有利於提高工廠的生產效率。工盒網目前能 提供大約兩萬噸的現貨庫存，分佈於中國各地9個倉庫，絕 大部分常規品都能夠做到「今日下單、明日出貨」，海運即便 不滿一個集裝箱，也可採用拼櫃方式運送。東歐客戶可以採 用鐵路運輸，從中國到歐洲只需15天即可到達。

聯絡人：楊俊峰 CEO E-Mail： info@industbox.com

針對沒有現貨庫存的大筆訂單，工盒網也提供PartsFinder 詢報價系統服務，支援快速下單生產。工盒網創新性地做到讓 採購商只需要提供採購數量，就能實現快速報價以及提供最優 的付款、物流方案，並且採購商隨時可以查詢價格。

工盒網開創人與人的另一種連結 工盒網提供了一個連結採購商與製造商最理想的平臺，平 臺上的價格都是由製造商直接報價，工盒網並沒有從中賺取差 價。楊先生比喻：「如同使用UBER叫車，服務由司機直接提供， 收款則由UBER統一管理，平臺交易效率提高。從平臺的角度， 我們的服務提供快速報價、訂單管理和雙方資信認證系統，從社 會交易總成本的角度，互聯網技術讓一切成本降低了，而這就是 平臺的價值所在！」 工盒網由中國緊固件業界10多家廠商聯合發起組成，從籌 備至成立歷時一年。楊先生認為，他並非孤軍奮戰，且大家都看 好電商未來的發展，因此他不能辜負眾人期待，他將會堅持不 懈完善交易系統、提升品質控制系統以及提供更多元化服務(包 括供應鏈金融)，讓這個傳統行業藉由互聯網技術的賦能得以再 次迸發活力。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

封面故事

China Fastener World no.57/2019

6

National Machinery LLC 美國國民機器公司 文/ 曾柏勳

惠達

以高質量成型機械、科技與客戶支援 強化在中國的市場地位 國民機器公司是先進冷熱成型機領域中最大的龍頭之一。自145年前成立至今，全球有超過130國使 用它的成型機。它的足跡遍及全球，橫跨美洲歐洲與亞洲，讓客戶透過服務中心與銷售辦公室聯繫國民機 器。國民機器也是科技導向的創新型企業，在全球18國握有800項專利，這都歸功於它設立「Met-MAX創 新」部門，專門研發創新的金屬淨成形(net-shape forming)製程。這次惠達雜誌專為廣大的中國讀者，取得 獨家機會專訪到國民機械的資深副總裁Mike Burkes先生以及銷售暨行銷副總裁Jerry Bupp先生(以下將 二位統稱為「國民機械高管」)，請他們分享公司的發展情況，以及他們為中國市場端出的主打產品。

歡慶成立145週年 今年九月是國民機械成立的第145週年。近年來它的運勢甚好，在客戶支援以及機械科技的研發方面取得了近一步的拓展。國民機械高 ® 管談論過去數年來達成的成就時表示：「FORMAX XXV機就是一個好例子，這台25mm切割機配有突破業界的治具替換裝置，我們將這台 ® 推出到市場上且一直以來獲得很大的成功！」FORMAX XXV是FORMAX系列機種的更新版。它融合了幾項最好的特點，包括可透過伺服的 控制來做機台的調整、擴增了模具的空間、生產速度很高等等。

在中國市場取得競爭優勢 國民機械在中國蘇州市的全資子公司(NMGT公司)已成為國民 機械事業陣容中非常關鍵的一環。蘇州子公司約有130名員工，多數 都在公司工作了超過十年，這在中國可不常見。國民機械高管表示： 「一直以來蘇州子公司都專注服務中國市場。許多人來到中國是為了 尋求較低的生產成本。雖然我們也有認知到中國這裡的某些成本比 較低，但那決不是趨使我們在中國發展的主因，反倒是為了提供高質 量的機械與絕佳的技術支援服務。」

他們對自家在中國生產的機械質量與性能感到驕傲，並表示公司 面對中國顧客的最大優勢是提供中文技術支援的深度與廣度。「若沒有 提供支援給機械操作員、治具設計師與製造治具的師傅，那麼成功的 機率就會大幅降低。我們在中國的工作夥伴們都受過良好訓練，也都以 服務為初衷。他們不僅支援顧客的安裝與啟動作業，也長期為遭遇任何 問題的顧客解惑。」

主打產品:“PumaFX” & “LeanFX”機種 國民機械在中國生產的PumaFX 和LeanFX機種是專為精密零件 與扣件的大量生產而打造。此二機種與國民機械在美國生產的機種都 有同等的精密度、質量與高速度，但自動化的含量相對少了一些。即使 如此，衝模具匹配的精密度與可重複性讓機體可以安全可靠地在45分 鐘內切換到下一個作業任務，這時間還是比多數號稱「可快速切換」的 機械還來得快。「我們在中國的顧客很喜歡這二機種的簡單明瞭與低 成本，且該機仍搭載Formax系列的技術核心。」

PumaFX的設計正是要符合中國內地市場的需求。LeanFX則是 符合歐洲對噪音控制與電氣零件的要求，且已被安裝到12個不同的國 家。國民機械在今年六月的中國國際緊固件工業博覽會中實機展示了 PumaFX10M5(5模的10mm冷成形機)與Mectron MI8500(渦電流 式檢測機)，這兩台都是在蘇州子公司製造。MI8500 可以偵測裂縫 以及材料的缺陷。

「技術」、「支援」，「工業4.0願景」 國民機械的產品因為能幫助顧客更快速生產零件以及淨成形的 零件，而廣為人知。它的技術支援意味著提供顧客所有一切，包括備料 件、改造服務、訓練以及協助，以促進生產力。此外，國民機械一直透過

工業4.0技術進化冷成形製程的效率。「我們從機械中識別有用的加 工數據，把它分享到工廠營運管制系統或負載監測系統。在某些情 況下我們會擷取現有數據，但我們也追加了運作狀態的監測感知器 已取得新的數據資訊，可將資訊上傳。我們正在摸索更多種 狀態監測的感知器來預測未來的維修時間點。」 展望未來，國民機械將持續擴大服務的足跡。「近年來 我們已在巴西、中國、義大利、台灣、加州(美國航太扣件產 業中心)新增服務。接下來我們計畫進一步強化在中國市場 中的地位，以及在墨西哥提供當地的服務。」

國民機械聯絡人： 資深副總裁Mike Burkes先生 銷售暨行銷副總裁Jerry Bupp先生 電郵: jbupp@nationalmachinery.com

阿聯酋及沙烏地阿拉伯 全球化促成跨國間的知識和技術轉移，讓製造商可以 進入新市場。藉由高科技和數位轉型所支援的工業4.0，各 產業正處於改革階段。透過觀察波斯灣週邊國家（包括阿 聯酋、沙烏地阿拉伯、卡達、巴林、阿曼、科威特，甚至是伊 朗和黎巴嫩）發展中的人口和經濟，高科技預期將會進一 步拓展促進該區域的製造業發展。阿聯酋，或更精確地說 「杜拜」，是該區域和國際上引進高科技基礎建設和數位 轉型應用的先驅之一。其他像是沙烏地阿拉伯、卡達和伊朗 等國家也在其所關注的產業上獲得顯著的技術進展。 中東的製造業成長持續在進行，製造業在該區域多數 國家中是僅次於油氣產業的第二大產業。中東也有許多新 興的金屬、建材、機械、汽車和電子設備產業。 製造業的成長在中東國家的非石油經濟中扮演非常重 要的角色。舉例來說，根據阿布達比產業發展局報告，阿布 達比的製造業在過去五年替其國內非石油生產總值的貢獻 達到12%以上。 基本上，中東龐大的油氣市場已經大幅度地改善該區 的經濟成長，也為該區域國家帶來很多機會和可觀的資金 藉以投資各種非油氣產業。此外，該區域多數國家（像是阿 聯酋和沙烏地阿拉伯）從來沒有經歷過多數已開發國家曾 經經歷的理論發展和缺乏資金的階段。 該區域的產業活動持續在增長，且多數中東國家都很 積極地讓經濟投資多元化以降低對油氣產業的依賴程度。 舉例來說，阿聯酋正在規畫讓製造業對其整體國內生產總 額的貢獻在2025年前提高擴大至25%。目前從營收的角 度來看，阿聯酋的製造業是規模僅次於油氣產業的第二大 市場。 在過去幾年，很多新興製造廠和外國直接投資進入阿 聯酋，以及最近幾年也有很多進入沙烏地阿拉伯和該區域 的主要市場。舉例來說，如果我們深入觀察阿聯酋產業可 以發現，阿布達比越來越專注於重工業，因為他們有低成 本的能源，杜拜和沙迦則主要強調在輕工業和服務產業。 扣件產業在該區域並不是主要重點發展產業，但許多 扣件製造企業都在該區域成立運作。透過生產油氣、建築 和汽車產業用的專用扣件，這些扣件製造商主要鎖定一些 特定產業。不過也是有很多其他製造商販賣和出口標準扣 件和工具進入本地和區域市場。 扣件製造用和其他產業用機械、工具和原料進口壓抑 了該區域多數國家創新的腳步。阿聯酋和沙烏地阿拉伯本

7

文 / Shervin Shahidi Hamedani

身沒有充足的製造歷史和背景，所以這些國家缺乏足夠的機 器設備可以使用。兩國在建築產業都非常進步，但是在多數 製造產業（像是扣件業）的創新程度上遠遠不及建築產業的 水平。這也讓扣件產業過份依賴進口技術、原料和機械。 在終端成品部分，阿聯酋共出口超過2.17億美元扣件 （海關編碼：7318）至全球市場。去年阿聯酋約有70%扣 件輸往週邊國家，像是沙烏地阿拉伯、阿曼、科威特、巴林、 伊拉克和伊朗。這讓阿聯酋成為該區域最大的扣件產品出 口國，且其他國家與其差距也相當明顯。2018年，沙烏地阿 拉伯共出口不到1,200萬美元的扣件，佔阿聯酋總出口的5% 左右。這絕佳的證據也顯示阿聯酋是該區域主要出口樞紐之 一。2018年，阿聯酋有20%以上的扣件是出口至沙烏地阿拉 伯。 經濟成長、增加的建築花費和工業化都在提高該區域的 扣件需求。該區域（主要是阿聯酋和沙烏地阿拉伯）的建案 預期可以增加該市場的扣件需求，主要是因為政府對大型基 礎建設和居住建案的資金投入增加。 阿聯酋是該區域最大的扣件出口國，同時該國的扣件進 口值也是該區域最高的。去年，阿聯酋所進口超過3.56億美 元的扣件主要來自中國、印度、美國、德國、英國和台灣。該 區域第二大市場沙烏地阿拉伯去年則進口了2.76億美元扣 件。沙烏地阿拉伯扣件的主要進口來源是中國、美國、印度、 日本、英國、德國和台灣。 觀察扣件機械貿易統計數據，沙烏地阿拉伯在去年的進 口值是最高的（相較於阿聯酋）。沙烏地阿拉伯在2018年進 口超過3,000萬美元機械（海關編碼：8463），而阿聯酋在同 一年度的進口不及1,600萬美元。阿聯酋的出口值只有250萬 美元，沙烏地阿拉伯則只有170萬美元。 總結來說，資本投資、更多的貿易曝光、製造業的競爭以 及透過不同媒介的宣傳廣告都是影響中東市場成長的因素。 該區域（尤其是阿聯酋和沙烏地阿拉伯）的大型產業園區的 設置也在增加，同時也促進該國的製造發展。 這些因素也為計畫到該區域開創新事業或是把據點移至 中東以更靠近這個獲利市場的投資者和製造商帶來不錯的機 會。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

中東扣件市場分析-

產業報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

8

公司報導

駿凱新機 重磅登場 鋼管矯直機、平板整平機 再創機械市場新氣象 文/ 惠達

張乃文

在台灣矯直機市佔率超過50%的駿凱機械，海外銷售比 例更是國內的一倍之多，今年推出全新機台－CK-230鋼管矯 直機、CK-900系列平板整平機。駿凱機械是台灣的矯直機領 導廠商之一，在此領域擁有超過20年的經驗。注重客戶對矯 直機的需求及任務，提供優良的品質及完整的服務。 舊式的矯直加工一般採用鐵鎚敲擊，並用肉眼目視彎曲 度，在速度上過於緩慢且時間上也浪費很多，不符合現代的 工業腳步。因此，透過現代化的高速及高精準的矯直機可以 解決舊式矯直加工的不便及缺點。

兩種最新力作一次推出

駿凱經典CE認證矯直機

CK-230鋼管矯直機適用於矯直由各 種鋼材、不銹鋼等各類金屬製成的圓形 管材。管材加工可達400mm～6,000mm 不等之長度，外徑10mm~40mm，管厚 0.2mm以上。快速矯直，不傷表面。

另外長年熱銷的CK-601 階梯式自動送料油壓矯直機通過歐盟CE認證，也 已經取得台灣、中國專利。適合各種大尺寸之螺絲及有頭之軸心專用矯直機，搭 配階梯式自動送料機，可增加送料長度、數量及矯直範圍，送料機容量可達200～ 300pcs，矯直長度100mm～ 600mm，外徑M8～M24(尺寸另議)。矯直精度可達 0.02mm左右，速度6～7秒/1pcs，可配CE規範製作。

除了矯直機，駿凱這次也開發了CK900系列平板整平機，可用於整平，厚度 控制、下壓整平、平面恢復。應用範圍涵 蓋各式平板類零件、相機光學、電子衝壓 零件、冰刀刀具、剪刀，汽機車、腳踏車齒 輪，以變頻器控制達到無段變速。

海內外矯直機第一選擇 駿凱團隊不斷研發新機型，挑戰他廠無法加工之新技術與設備，面對各式各樣 的工件時，機台也要做出相對應的調整與變化，可隨客戶需求做改變。不論是廠商 來料時的進料檢驗，或是機台組好時的反覆測試，機台出廠前都經過嚴格把關，以 打造符合客戶標準的整直機。嚴格的品管讓駿凱的機械擁有超過十年的壽命，證明 了該公司產品的耐用度與高品質。 專注於矯直機的研究與發展開發一系列矯直機的相關系列機型，包括油壓矯 直機、通過式矯直機、壓台式矯直機。一直以來以高度自動化機械為研發目標的駿 凱，未來仍將持續改良產品，為矯直機開拓更有競爭力的產品。

聯絡人：黃錦章先生 E-mail: ck23356525@chunkai.com.tw

巴西新聞 <Revista do Parafuso>雜誌主編Sergio Milatias提供 milatias@revistadoparafuso.com.br www.revistadoparafuso.com

巴西Jomarca公司成 立50年 在1969年，也就是美 國的阿 姆 斯 壯 首度 在月 球行走的那一年，某位年 輕 的 扣 件 銷 售業 務 踏 上 了工業商人的職涯。João Marques Castelhano是一位 葡萄牙裔移民，他成立了Jomarca Industrial de Parafusos公 司，當時開這還只是一間生產少數幾樣扣件的小公司。自那時 起，該公司不斷擴張，目前已有超過7千名員工，每個月可生產 超過3,100噸的扣件，並設立分公司，形成一個Jomarca 集團。 現在人稱João先生的Jomarca集團董事長對公司的活動 親力親為，對行政、商務方面和廠區都付出熱誠。此外，目前 集團的副董事長是Ricardo Marques Castelhano先生，他也是 João先生的兒子，正在引領公司走向新世紀。公司在Ricardo 先生的領導下引進現代的觀念並大幅擴大市場。 Jomarca集團的製造廠和總部位於聖保羅瓜魯由斯市， 距離南美機場不到5公里，是生產的中心，也是多種螺栓、螺 絲、螺帽、墊片、銷、鉚釘、螺紋棒與其他扣件，以及傢俱、電 子材料、汽車零件、鞋、玩具、土木與其他產業用之對象的主 要倉儲中心。此外，公司旗下有一個單位生產門樞紐以及自家 品牌的工具箱。集團的子公司則供應傢俱產業用工具箱，拓展 活動至各種產業，例如電視櫃安裝用工具組等等，供應範圍從 北到南擴及整個巴西和南方共同市場。

阿根廷和巴西扣件製造 商合作滿足歐洲和北美 市場扣件需求 在上屆巴西風力能源相關 展會上，巴西Metaltork 和阿根 廷Taller Baigorria宣佈合作。兩 家扣件製造商將一起合作提供 電塔、風力渦輪和汽車產業用 Ivan Reszecki (Metaltork) 螺栓、螺帽和相關緊固產品。 and Aldo Héctor Lo Russo (Taller Baigorria) Taller Baigorria成立於1960年， 是通過 ISO-9001和ISO/TS 16949認證的扣件製造商。其專 為汽車、機械、農業設備和道路運輸領域提供產品。 1968年由俄羅斯移民João和Pedro Reszecki兩兄弟成立， the Metaltork生產一系列螺栓、螺帽和特殊部件產品。該公司 取得IATF 16949:2016認證且每月產能約2,000噸，使其成為巴 西汽車、油氣、風力能源和其他產業中最重要的供應商之一。

9

巴西今年第一季GDP下滑， 但汽車業景氣持續攀升 Vale S.A.是全球第二大採礦公司以及第一大鐵礦石生產 商，在全球超過30國有設立據點。某些經濟分析將巴西GDP 比去年第四季下滑0.2%的主因歸因於該公司去年11月涉及的 災難。但與2018年第一季GDP相比則成長0.5%，前12個月的 GDP則成長0.9%。 情勢仍顯示產業處於較佳的狀態。例如汽車業在2019年 1月至3月生產超過124.1萬台車，比去年同期的117.8萬台多了 5.3%。 以上得知，巴西在前五個月生產了4.55萬輛卡車，比去年 的4.1萬輛多出10.9%。然而農業和道路機械產業下滑了，僅生 產2.07萬台，比去年的2.16萬台少了4.2%。 在雙輪車方面，一月到四月之間(五月資料未取得)摩托車 產量累積達368,055台，比去年同期的348,009台多了5.76%。

寶獅汽車因扭力不足召回車款 2019年三月底，寶獅巴西分部召回2017至2018年間生產 的1,078台專家版車款，原因是扭力施加不足。若緊固不良，可 能導致輪胎錯位而有車體失控的風險。此召回保修包括了車 體組裝的檢查、強化或汰換，過程需要一小時。

保時捷因鉚釘問題而展開召回 根據Garagem360網站，保時捷召回了718 Boxster、718 Cayman和911車款，因為涉及後車箱使用的鉚釘出了問題。後 車箱的縱向部位和車廂閂的銜接出現缺陷，在車頭對撞時導 致的失效可能會癱瘓燃油系統，導致漏油和嚴重意外。此召 回涉及2016年2月23日至2019年2月14日生產的車。修護作業包 括安裝拉釘，將花費約15分鐘。

Ejot-Fey歡慶 成立5周年 2014年10月， 巴西 M e t a lú rg ic a F ey以及德國E j o t 達 成 協議在巴西 Santa Cata rina州 Yalçin Cihan and Ricardo Fey, in Ejot-Fey production unit 的I n d a i a l 鎮 成 立 一家合資企業。自那時起，這家合資企業Ejot-Fey Fastening Systems持續營運並提供創新產品給巴西有大量扣件需求的 產業，像是汽車和建築產業。 Yalçin Cihan先生表示：「我們的主要目標不僅限於提供 螺栓產品，還包括提供客戶工程技術建議，這也是我們提供包 套的一部分。 此外，Fey和Ejot所組成的合資企業屬於全球扣件聯盟 （GFA）成員。該聯盟是由八傢俱優異表現的扣件供應商 所組成的全球服務網路，包括Richard Bergner、Böllhoff （德國）、Ji n h ap（南韓）、AT F以及t he Ma cL e a n-Fogg Component Solutions（美國）及Kato Rashi（日本）。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

巴西新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

10

惠達特搜全球新聞

惠達特搜

中國螺絲前4個月銷歐量增價跌

全球新聞 惠達編輯部 整理

產業動態

中國螺絲銷美前四個月下滑26% 累積2019前4個月，中國螺絲出口美國共22萬5,480 噸，與去年相比大減26%，出口值平均每公斤1.86美元， 較去年成長6.29%，呈現量減價揚的走勢。受到2018年9 月美中貿易戰中，美國對中國扣件課征10%關稅，當時又 公佈會在2019年1月起將關稅提高至25%，導致中國扣件 去年11月銷美暴增，讓美國螺絲目前呈現爆倉狀態，自 2018年12月開始銷美量開始走下坡，一直持續到現在。

受美中貿易戰影響，中國螺絲銷美受阻，各家轉戰 歐洲市場競爭之下導致銷量增加、價格下跌的趨勢，4 月份中國螺絲銷歐超過 7萬噸， 較 3月大增 20.5%，但平均價格 為每公斤1.84 美金，與 3月份相 比下跌4.46%、較去年同期下滑 7.21%。累積前四個月出口歐盟 25.7萬噸，較去年同期成長16%， 平均價格每公斤1.91美金，較去 年同期下滑1.65%。

替代國外進口 中國高鐵防松螺絲將實現 “常熟製造” 長期以來，中國高速鐵路上所使用的防松螺絲一直依賴進口。 近日，常熟標準件廠傳來好消息，該企業研發生產的防松螺絲也即 將應用於中國高速鐵路上。 常熟標準件廠是中國最大的高強度緊固件產品生產基地。2017 年，該公司瀕臨倒閉，被一家民企收購。此後，公司不僅更換了管理 層，還投入大量研發力量，在3個月內就實現扭虧為盈，去年實現產 值7.8億人民幣。 經過幾年的技術攻關，今年7月，該公司的“高速機車動力系統 高性能級緊固件項目＂通過驗收，成為中國緊固件行業唯一入選工 信部工業強基工程項目的企業。 常熟市標準件廠董事長蔣永峰介紹，以前這種產品基本上都是 依賴進口，7月6號順利高分通過後，這個是完全替代國外的，在中國 鐵路施工上的一個配件。

中國螺絲2019上半外銷下滑 中國螺絲外銷上半年累積209萬4,346噸，與去年相 比減少2.4%，平均每公斤價格1.91美元，與去年同期相比 上揚2.34%。累積2019上半年出口不足210萬噸，中國2018 年外銷已連續3年增量、連續2年價格上揚，但觀察上半 年出口量已減少。中國2019年1月螺絲出口41萬7918噸， 為本年度單月最大量，自2月開始萎縮到21萬8447噸，從3 月開始回升至5月，5月外銷量41.0235萬噸，6月再度下滑 至37.0156萬噸。預估2019年中國螺絲外銷量要再增長有 一定的困難度。

自動鎖螺絲機設備是中國生 產革新的創新動力 自動鎖螺絲機是傳統製造業現代化生產 革新的新動力。中國工業智慧自動鎖螺絲機 年供應量將超過2萬台，保有量將超過13萬台。 中國不斷加碼對智慧自動鎖螺絲機產業的扶持政 策。工信部目標2020年，形成較為完善的工業智慧自動鎖螺絲機產 業體系，基本滿足國防建設、中國經濟和社會發展需要。智慧自動 鎖螺絲機在加工製造領域發揮重要作用，未來應用將會很廣泛。

11 China Fastener World no.57/2019

惠達特搜全球新聞

中國中物院把300美元的智慧螺栓做 到300人民幣 中國工程物理研究院帶來了可 檢測預緊力的智慧螺栓。螺栓這樣 的緊固件都存在一個屈服點，這對 於精密儀器、飛機、重要建築而言， 關乎機器運轉的狀態、建築物的牢 靠乃至人員生命財產安全。因此在 航空、航太、雷達、重工等領域，能 夠檢測預緊力的螺栓逐漸得到普及。 中國使用智慧螺栓依賴于進口，單支的售價能達到300 美元。螺栓的成本很低，貴的是上面的感測器和配套測試系 統。目前市場上帶預緊力指示的螺栓主要有變色、轉頭、檢 測環和指針測環幾種。不同于一些同行所使用的貼片技術， 中物院成都科學技術發展中心的研究團隊開發了一種測量預 緊力的薄膜壓電換能感測器，利用材料技術讓該傳感部分直 接原位“生長＂在螺栓的表面。 感測器通過發射超聲波測量螺栓緊固時螺杆的長度變 化，結合不同應力狀態下聲速的變化等參數，對比計算出螺 栓預緊力。 像飛機、航天器等高端裝備，在運轉中經常發生 振動，容易造成螺栓上的貼片脫落，中國工程物理研究院做 的傳感部分和螺栓是一體，可以有效避免這種剝落問題。 目前跟團隊聯繫的企業主要是成飛、西飛等航空航太高 端裝備製造公司。未來，他們想把智慧螺栓的造價進一步降 低，把價格做到人民幣300元，把市場進一步拓寬。

2019上半年越南進口汽車量暴增6倍

海鹽深化扣件行業智慧化技術改造 近年來，海鹽優化整合，深化扣件集聚區改造提升。去 年，海鹽縣實施“四無＂企業和落後產能淘汰整治，去除產 業鏈“低端＂鏈，關停扣件製造企業333家。另一方面，海鹽 積極引入產業鏈“高端＂鏈，德國著名扣件企業伍爾特等一 批項目紛紛落地海鹽。 作為海鹽扣件行業的龍頭，宇星螺帽、鼎盛汽車緊固件 等扣件企業積極提升企業資訊化管理水準，在生產經營過 程中運用大資料技術，取得了良好的效果。目前，鼎盛汽車 緊固件公司投資人民幣7000余萬元，打造了集研發設計、生 產製造、倉儲物流、銷售服務等各個價值鏈環節為一體的 智慧工廠 ，成為海鹽縣扣件行業智慧工廠第一家。 在網路時代，未來的發展要看“用雲量＂ 。去年以來，海 鹽縣加快扣件製造業網路平臺建設，謀劃建立海鹽“扣件＂ 雲平臺，推動製造企業進一步實現“數位轉型＂ 。據統計， 去年海鹽完成扣件企業上雲198家。通過“雲端＂管理，推 動海鹽縣製造企業從低端向中高端發展升級。

根據越南海關總局統計，2019年前6個月，越南總計進口 75,437輛汽車，數量比去年同期增加約6倍。至於汽車進口值 也增加至少5倍，金額達16.3億美元。 在進口汽車類別方面，5,427輛屬於9人座或以下，較去年 同期增加6倍，貨卡車則有17,879輛，較去年同期也增加超過 6倍。 如僅計 6月單月份，越南進口汽車為10,540 輛，總值約 2.54億美元，較2018年6月份增約26.5%。其中，7,145輛為9人 座或以下，金額1.37億美元，占汽車進口總量之67.8%。至於貨 卡車則有2,731輛，價值7,710萬美元。另有654輛特殊用途車 輛，進口值4,030萬美元。 此外，2019年6月份越南進口約 2.91億美元之汽車零組 件，惟 金 額 較 去年同期下降 18.4%。主要汽車 零組件之進口來 源地依序為：南 韓、日本、泰國、 中國大陸、印尼、 以及德國。

美國對自越南出口之源自韓國及臺 灣鋼鐵產品適用456.23%進口稅 美國商務部頃作出初步裁定，若干韓國及臺灣鋼鐵產 品為規避關稅而將在韓國及臺灣生產之產品轉到越南加工 後以不銹鋼及冷軋鋼方式再出口。美國海關單位被要求對 使用韓國及臺灣原料之越南鋼鐵適用456.23%之進口稅。 根據美國商務部之通知，上述之進口稅適用期間追溯 自2018年8月2日。自那時起至今越南出口至美國之不銹鋼及 冷軋鋼數量日益暴增。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

12

惠達特搜全球新聞

電動汽車發展對瑞士汽車暨零元件產業影響 依據瑞士新蘇黎士報(NZZ)及瑞士日報(Tages Anzeger)報導，在2013年 至2018年瑞士汽車暨零元件產業蓬勃發展，2018年該產業之銷售額為123億瑞 士法郎，短短5年間銷售額成長了將近3分之1，同時期之職工人數亦大幅成長， 2013年約10,000人，至2018年約成長至34,000人。 德國為瑞士第1大出口夥伴國，近期德國汽車集團(例如賓士Mercedes)企 業銷售大幅縮水，已連帶重挫瑞士570家汽車暨零組件相關供應商。2019年6月 汽車在歐洲的銷售150萬輛，衰退7.9%。而2019年1月至6月，相較於去年同期， 銷售量減少3.1%。 瑞士Georg Fischer公司(Georg Fischer AG)為瑞士重要汽車 暨零元件公司，於2019年7月18日對外公佈指出，由於西歐國家與中國大陸汽車生產減少，該公司2019年上半年大幅衰退。 瑞士日報分析提出，最主要原因之一系由於美國總統川普策動之美中貿易戰對中國大陸之產品課予高關稅。並指出，美國總統 川普未來倘對歐洲汽車暨零元件提高進口關稅，亦將重挫德國與瑞士汽車相關產業。除了進口關稅貿易障礙將對瑞士汽車暨零元 件產業造成負面影響外，隨著石油資源之日益減少以及大氣環境污染，全球追求交通及運輸工具潔淨與減碳的需求增高。 全球電動汽車之發展速度大於預期，電動車創造出正面的使用形象，例如特斯拉(Tesla)對於有購買能力中產階級極具吸引力， 彰顯社會經濟與文化地位。瑞士商業週報(Handelszeitung)於2018年10月11日曾報導指出，特斯拉(Tesla)電動汽車仍居瑞士電動汽 車市場之龍頭地位。瑞士日報(Tages Anzeger)本年7月19日複指出，全球大型電動汽車生產大廠(例如福斯VW及賓士Mercedes)預估 2030年全球新車之生產發展，2分之1將為電動汽車。 瑞士日報推估，瑞士汽車暨零元件產業亦將受全球電動汽車之發展產生勞動力需 求減少的影響。2018年瑞士職工人數約34,000人，推估2030年職工人數將因汽車生產大 幅改為電動車而將減人力需求約10,200人，但因電動車亦將創造3,400人工作機會，兩種 效應加計後將減少6,800個工作機會。另據德國Baden-Württemberg政府資料，瑞士日報 推估，2030年職工人數將因汽車大幅生產製造電動車而減少2,400至5,000個工作機會。 瑞士在世界電動車市場之供應如在汽車車身、馬達塊、螺絲釘、充電器、電路連接 器及製造零件之機器，以及特殊電動汽車零元件，其客戶包含全球知名之電動汽車製造 商，例如特斯拉(Tesla)、Toyota、Volkswagen、Daimler、BMW、Renault及Nissan等。 面對全球電動汽車來勢洶洶之發展攻勢，瑞士Georg Fischer公司(Georg Fischer AG)面對目前全球汽車與汽車零元件產業銷售衰退的情形將採取逐漸減少對汽車產業 之依附性的經營策略:

1. 該公司已出售其在瑞士境內Singen及Mettmann兩地的車模鑄造廠。 2. 擬將瑞士Georg Fischer公司與位於奧地利Herzogenburg鑄鐵廠分別獨立出來。 3. 至本年年底，Georg Fischer公司將結束在歐洲之汽車的鑄鐵業務。 4. 未來幾個月，Georg Fischer公司將自德國Werdhol外移300個工作機會至羅馬尼 亞與奧地利。

日本扣件生產額達到 史上最高點 日本扣件工業協會在5月16日召 開的總會中，報告2018年日本扣件生 產總額成長2.6%，達到9161億日幣， 為史上最高紀錄。產量成長了2.4%， 達到328.5萬噸。這代表日本去年扣 件的產量與產值同步成長，其中產值 刷新了過去的紀錄。

廠商動態 海鹽宇星螺帽公司入圍中國首批專精特新“小巨人”企業 中國工信部公佈全國《第一批專精特新“小巨人＂企業名單》，海鹽宇星螺帽有限責任公司榜上 有名。入圍的企業中，無一例外都是專注於細分市場、創新能力強、市場佔有率高、掌握關鍵核心技 術、品質效益優的企業。 “小巨人＂的物件為省級“隱形冠軍＂的企業，且符合《工業和資訊化部辦公 廳關於開展專精特新“小巨人＂企業培育工作的通知》，且上年度企業營業收入在人民幣1億元至4億 元之間。 海鹽宇星螺帽有限責任公司，創建於1978年，是一家專業生產高強度緊固件螺帽的民營企業。經過近40年的 經營發展，公司的緊固件生產能力現已達到50,000 噸/年，擁有160台自動冷鐓機，可生產各國標準及各種異型螺 帽，客戶遍佈德國、法國、英國、荷蘭、義大利、美國等國家，現已成為中國螺帽行業中最大的生產廠商之一。

13

浙江明泰標準件有限公司擬上市 浙江明泰標準件有限公司創建至今近30年，先後獲得"中國緊固件十大品質品牌企 業"中國緊固件專、精、特示範企業"等榮譽稱號，是溫州緊固件行業的龍頭企業。從自 行車標準件到摩托車標準件，再做到汽車標準件，經過30年的發展，明泰承擔了"車用 高強度鋁合金螺栓生產"國家級技改項目。 明泰在產品研發上的投入巨大，近年來明泰每年將營業額的8%拿出來用於產品的 研發活動，以保證產品的優勢。如今，明泰已經成為眾多汽車廠家的進口件國產化供應商，如大眾、康明斯、豐田、本田等在中 國的汽車製造合資企業，均使用了明泰的緊固件代替原有的進口件。

2019年，對明泰來說是尤為關鍵的一年。作為溫州擬上市企業，明泰正計畫通過優化企業股權結構、強化研發能力等舉 措，實現企業的上市。為幫扶明泰上市，稅務局組建了專家團隊，幫助明泰解決企業上市過程中的問題，指導企業享受相關的 稅收優惠政策。

中國大眾、賓士因鉚 釘、螺栓不合格召回 部分缺陷汽車 一汽-大眾汽車與梅賽德斯-賓 士(中國)汽車公司，日前備案了缺陷汽車召回計畫。一汽-大眾決 定自即日起，召回2018年9月26日至2019年2月13日生產的部分進 口2019款奧迪A8L汽車，共計200輛。本次召回範圍內的車輛由 於供應商生產參數不正確和工藝誤差，造成前排乘客側座椅導 軌的鉚釘頭部尺寸不符合奧迪的規格。 賓士(中國)自即日起，召回2018年12月6日至2018年12月18日 期間生產的部分進口C級和CLS級汽車，共計5輛。本次召回範 圍內車輛的回油管和通風管的安裝螺栓可能存在混裝。

德國伍爾特慶祝在中國25周年 伍爾特中國25周年慶典暨家庭日活動在伍爾特集 團大中華區供應鏈中心二期（浙江省海鹽縣）舉辦。目 前，伍爾特集團在中國佈局了多項業務，為了更好地為 客戶提供現代化的物流服務，伍爾特大中華區供應鏈中 心落戶海鹽。該專案占地總面積達80,000多平方公尺， 共分為三期建設工程。「我們非常看好海鹽縣。」伍爾特 中國的最高執行長Larry Stevens說，自成立以來，伍爾 特集團一直伴隨並見證了中國工業市場的快速成長。

上海集優2019中期少賺38% 上海集優公佈，截至2019年6月30日止6個月股東應占收益1.147 億元(人民幣，下同)，同比跌38.4%。不派息。

2019年上半年，歐洲及中國汽車市場走弱、中國火力發電設備 需求下滑、中美貿易關係不明朗，以及工業生產整體放緩。在此等 背景下，於2019年上半年，該集團的收入較2018年上半年下跌4.9% 至44.85億元，主要由於緊固件板塊業務收入減少。2019年上半年， 與2018年上半年19.6%的整體毛利率相比，該集團的整體毛利率相 對穩定，為19.3%。總營運開支為7.11億元。其中，與2018年上半年相 比，銷售及分銷開支下跌10.8%，行政開支增加8.0%。 2019 年上半年，EBITDA( 除利息收入、財務費用、淨匯兌差 額、對沖性盈虧、所得稅、折舊、攤銷及應占以權益法核算實體之 業績前盈利)為3.18億元。2019年上半年，與2018年上半年相比，該 公司擁有人應占利潤下跌38.4%至1.15億元。

日本日東精工將在廣州設立據點 並向汽車產業擴大螺絲販賣 日東精工將在今年6月于中國廣州市設立新據點， 對汽車產業彙聚的華南地區強化銷售。這間新據點是日 東精工旗下子公司「日東精密螺絲工業（浙江）」的廣州 分店，將專注擴大工業用螺絲與車用自動螺絲緊固裝置 的接單量。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

惠達特搜全球新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

14

惠達特搜全球新聞

德國Atotech指派Josh M. McMorrow為新任副董事 長和集團法律總顧問 關稅成本衝擊惡果顯現， Fastenal上半年財報遜於 預期 市值達170 億美元的工業和建築材料分 銷商 Fastenal，第二季度營收和盈利低於預 期，凸顯美中貿易戰帶來的關稅成本和相關 通脹衝擊。Fastenal是北美最大的工業緊固 件分銷商。Fastenal在一份新聞稿中表示雖 以提價來抵消目前中國產品的關稅，但這些 增加還不足以抵消市場上的總體通貨膨脹。 該公司表示，第二季度營收13.7億美元， 低於分析師預期。Bleakley Advisory Group 首席投資官布克瓦爾(Peter Boockvar)說： 「全球製造業現在處於收縮狀態，肯定愈多 公司會就中國關稅在財報季發出警報。」 美國5月時對 2,000 億美元的中國商品， 將關稅從10％提高到了25％，而中國則對600 億美元的美國商品徵收關稅以進行報復。雖 然兩國在20國集團首腦會議上同意停戰，但 長期貿易協定似乎不會很快成為現實。據《華 盛頓郵報》，中國談判小組增加了一些新面 孔，其中包括被一些白宮官員視為強硬派的商 務部長鐘山。隨雙方將重啟貿易談判，新動 向進一步降低了中方讓步的希望。 美國總統川普曾多次表示，美國正在從 中國徵收數十億美元的關稅，但許多經濟學 家和機構包括國際貨幣基金組織都指出，美 國公司將付出代價。國際貨幣基金組織的一 項研究發現，從中國商品徵收的關稅收入「幾 乎全部」由美國進口商承擔。

德國Atotech宣佈自2019 年 6月1日起 Josh McMorrow正式成為公司的副董事長 以及集團法律總顧問。McMorrow先生本 來就是該公司資深管理團隊的一員，並直 接向執行長Geoff Wild進行報告。 在這個職位下，McMorrow將監督領導管理Atotech的法治及智財權團隊。 Atotech是致力於確保製造其產品和使用其產品人員安全以及關注其對環境影響 的公司。因此，McMorrow將善用系統化的管道來保障提供高品質產品和設備給 客戶時也能確保其最高安全性。 在加入Atotech之前，McMorrow曾在Weatherford International位於蘇黎世 的總部擔任副董事長、副商業法律顧問等職務。職業生涯從擔任出庭辯護律師 開始，也曾在Air Liquide和PSC等公司之不同產業領域擔任過法律顧問。

McMorrow主要是接替已經於今年退休的Gregor Frank的職務。

德國Vossloh再度取得中國 鐵道緊固系統供應大單 德國Vossloh Fastening Systems再次取得中國另一筆重要的高速鐵道緊固 系統供應大單。此筆新訂單價值4,000萬歐元以上。此批緊固系統主要是生產用 以應用在新建造位於上海南邊的杭州-台州高速鐵道。2019年開始出貨到2020年 之後。贏得此份供應合約保證了Vossloh 2020年在中國的銷售將會比今年大幅成 長的期待。2018年，Vossloh曾在中國取得三份供應大單，累計金額約8,500萬歐 元，這些單主要也都會在2019之後進行出貨。

Vossloh AG 執行長Andreas Busemann表示: 「Vossloh集團2019的財報年 度呈現高接單量表現。而此次來自中國新的訂單將持續這樣的趨勢，更再次凸顯 我們在中國高速鐵道緊固系統供應市場的地位。從2018財務年度接到第一批大單 後，我們在中國的訂單量已經翻了三倍以上。」 Vossloh自2006年進入中國。位於昆山的Vossloh Fastening Systems China Co. Ltd.是當地主要的高速鐵道緊固系統供應商之一。總長約25,000公里，中國擁 有全球最大和最現代化的高速鐵道網。其他高鐵計畫也持續在建造和計畫中，預 計到2025年拓展至38,000公里。

公協會報導 2019扣件名人堂和年度專業螺絲青年獎名單揭曉 美國扣件經銷商協會近日表示，恭賀今年度獲得這項無上光榮扣件產業獎項的得主!

Ed McIlhon和Marty Nolan獲選進入2019年扣件名人堂，另外Baron Yarborough也獲選年度 專業螺絲青年獎。三位獲獎者將在今年9月18日(週三)在展場會議區接受表揚。 •

Ed McIlhon

Ed McIlhon (Assembled Products Inc.公司) - 2019扣件名人堂得主

Ed McIlhon的扣件生涯始于其父親開設的Iowa Industrial Products (IIP)，期間他擔任董 事長並在1998年讓IIP成為年收6,000萬美元的企業。IIP1999年出售給Bossard International，而 McIlhon擔任董事長到2005年。McIlhon在扣件品質法案制定過程中也扮演關鍵整合角色，擔任 公眾法務事務小組的共同主席，並代表產業在美國國會作證。

•

Marty Nolan

•

15 China Fastener World no.57/2019

惠達特搜全球新聞 Marty Nolan (R.L. English Co.公司) - 2019扣件名人堂得主

Marty Nolan過去34年來持續擔任俄亥俄州克裡夫蘭R.L. English Co.的製造商代表。目前則是美國北海岸扣件協會的副董事長，之前也擔任 過協會許多重要計畫的關鍵領導人4年，其中包括北海岸扣件協會年度經 銷商聚會。他也曾擔任過扣件產業聯盟(FIC)的主席，也持續不懈地透過 不同媒體平臺促進扣件產業的發展。

Baron Yarborough (Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing公司) - 2019年度專業螺絲青年獎

Ba ron Ya rborough 是扣件業第三代，具有德州 Wesleyan大學商業管理學士學位。2014 年 Yarborough開始了在Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing的實作訓練計畫，目前擔任該公司銷售經理 領導整個業務團隊並負責新客戶開發和行銷。他目前也是扣件青年協會的主席，先前也是美國西南扣 件協會董事會成員。

Baron Yarborough

2019年1-5月中國嘉興市外貿企業緊固件出口企業50強名單出爐 2019年1-5月份「嘉興市緊固件出口企業五十強」名單最新公佈。統計顯示，海寧市海迅貿易有限公司、嘉興市鋒捷貿易有限公 司和浙江東明不銹鋼製品股份有限公司前三，另外， 晉億實業股份有限公司、浙江君悅標準件有限公司、浙江乍浦科技有限責任公 司等知名緊固件企業也都榜上有名。 排名

公司名稱

金額 （萬美元）

排名

公司名稱

金額 （萬美元）

48182.47

31

浙江上虹貨架有限公司

324.52

1

海寧市海迅貿易有限公司

2923.56

32

海鹽傑聖進出口有限公司

315.02

2

嘉興市鋒捷貿易有限公司

2408.03

33

海鹽聯眾緊固件有限公司

309.94

3

浙江東明不銹鋼製品股份有限公司

2059.62

34

浙江安盛汽車零部件有限公司

308.52

4

浙江中航來寶精工科技有限公司

1362.48

35

海鹽縣富宏緊固件有限公司

300.28

5

晉億實業股份有限公司

1356.22

36

嘉興航太精工科技有限公司

298.08

6

浙江君悅標準件有限公司

1346.92

37

海鹽海馬五金有限公司

291.33

7

浙江乍浦科技有限責任公司

1340.46

38

嘉興正利進出口有限公司

284.52

8

嘉興銘承精工科技有限公司

1299.41

39

浙江洪揚汽車零部件有限公司

274.22

9

海鹽宇星螺帽有限責任公司

1149.11

40

嘉興瑞來五金有限公司

10

浙江俊榮五金工業有限公司

782.53

41

嘉興市金隆貿易有限公司

11

嘉興市嘉友進出口有限公司

689.76

42

嘉興沃達進出口有限公司

254.7

12

嘉興兄弟標準件有限公司

626.26

43

海鹽天碩進出口有限公司

245.05

13

海鹽三馬標準件有限公司

617.42

44

浙江江南鋼構股份有限公司

241.11

14

羅百盛緊固件(嘉興)有限公司

596.11

45

嘉興卓友進出口有限公司

235.2

15

浙江普泰克金屬製品有限公司

574.52

46

海鹽建盛五金製品有限公司

233.6

16

寶勳精密螺絲(浙江)有限公司

573.22

47

海鹽富鑫高強度緊固件有限公司

17

七豐精工科技股份有限公司

565.49

48

嘉興賽立緊固件有限公司

18

嘉興市延鋒進出口有限公司

564.76

49

浙江三林五金製品有限公司

221.28

19

嘉興市華遠標準件有限公司

530.39

50

嘉興海德五金有限公司

210.51

20

嘉興市雙華進出口有限公司

514.33

21

浙江亨特進出口有限公司

486.28

22

浙江摩根兄弟科技有限公司

444.06

23

浙江亦宸五金有限公司

24

嘉興良友進出口集團股份有限公司

429.55

25

海鹽金牛標準件有限公司

410.71

26

嘉善史蒂發貿易有限公司

409.31

27

嘉興尼希米通用緊固件有限公司

397.63

28

浙江天開實業有限公司

385.89

29

海鹽博特進出口有限公司

343.46

30

嘉興市全友標準件有限公司

337.17

合計

430.7

其他

260.6 258.46

228.6 225.89

16905.68

（來源：嘉興市緊固件進出口企業協會秘書處）

China Fastener World no.57/2019

16

扣 件 新品 大 道

惠達編輯部 整理

飾 板扣 件 針對有高度防火需求的環境，英國Buttonfix最近設計一款全金屬制的 得獎飾板扣件。此款金屬Button-Fix扣件維持了先前聚合物版本的優點－快 速和簡易安裝、服務可得性和傲人的強度，但又以符合可以與防火飾板一起 使用要求的材料所生產出來。 防火飾板的製造商已經注意到此款新產品的優點。使用不銹鋼彈簧把 扣件抓住牢固在緊固元件上，這款金屬Button-Fix也非常適合用在非常注重 抗震動問題的海上應用。產品經過上萬次裝卸測試以確保其可靠性能。 金屬Button-Fix符合國際海事組織IMO標準，適合用於遊艇和船舶的 內部飾板。

G O - 3 0 0 無 線 鋰離子電 池 螺 紋嵌 件 鎖固工 具 德國無線工具產品系列最近新添了一款生力軍－GO-300無 線鋰離子電池螺紋嵌件鎖固工具，可提供各種應用領域的工具使 用者多項優勢。具人性化的設計提供設置螺紋嵌件時的速度、效 率和多變性。無線的電池系統讓使用者可以隨身攜帶，操作上沒 有局限性。 效率是此款工具努力想提供的，因此增加了拉力調整裝置， 可以設定低拉力和高拉力。多功能的切換面板可以指示電池電量 以及讓使用者可以根據螺紋嵌件的尺寸和抓取範圍彈性進行相 關調整。不同顏色的心軸讓使用者可以輕易地拿取實際應用時所 需的正確螺紋心軸。

W ELTAC ® 阻 力 零 件 焊 接 系 統 WELTAC®阻力零件焊接系統讓輕質材料可以與各種品質的鋼材 進行接合。 為了車用輕 量化設 計所 需的材料 接 合，尤其是 鋁 和 鐵，德 國 Böllhoff新增全新的阻力零件焊接至其產品專案。 阻力零件焊接系統是舊有阻力點焊系統的升級版。 這款形似拉釘的WELTAC ®阻力零件可確保不適合用熱力或是只 適合限制程度內熱力處理的材料得以接合。現存于客戶廠房的舊款阻 力點焊系統仍然可以被使用於現代化建築結構體的構築上。

inv isM X 磁 性 隱 形 螺 絲 螺絲是一種常見的零件，一旦物品上釘上了螺絲之後， 連接處的表面必定會有螺絲頭的出現，影響了美觀，於是 瑞士廠商便研發出了一種既隱形又帶磁性的螺絲，也就是 說拿它進行物品連接不會留下任何的螺絲痕跡。這種螺絲 叫invisMX磁性隱形螺絲，承受能力強，達到400公斤。 它來自瑞士的拉米諾公司（Lamello），可以隱藏與連 接物品的內部起到固定的作用。這種隱形的螺絲也就和中 式建築當中的卯榫有些相似，但是更加的簡單方便。只需 要在木材上面打出小孔，把一端的木材孔直接將螺絲裝入

另外一端鑽進螺帽，透過兩塊木材的相連接與一種磁性 工具使得螺絲螺帽緊固。這就是利用磁性獨特的相吸相 斥吸附原理完成工作的。它的拆卸也很方便，只需要使用 相關的磁性工具數秒鐘內便可拆卸下來。它可以讓木材 的連接非常牢固，有強大的抓握能力，拉力達到了160公 斤，目前已經應用到傢俱生產。

17

60伏 特 無 線 鎖 螺 帽 槍 美國 S TA N L E Y E n g i n e e r e d Fa s t e n i n g 旗下品牌 STANLEY Assembly Technologies最近擴大其B系列無線 工具產品線，推出新款 B 4 4 L無 線 鎖螺帽槍。使用 6 0 伏特 DEWALT® FLEXVOLT™電池，B44L是目前組裝市場上最具 動能的無線鎖螺帽槍。 為了讓使用更加方便，B44L機型可以儲存最高500組緊固 迴圈資料。內建無線控制器。可與該工廠現有的通信系統進行 無縫式整合。

B44L目前提供每分鐘 轉速從243至573轉且扭力 最大到55至120牛頓米的4 種機型。尺寸½"的鑽頭目 前有方形、雙頭和平頭內 六角。

Pro S er ie s™ W S T S 桁 架 / 螺 柱 螺 絲 美 國 M i T e k 宣 佈 發 表 全 新 的 P r o S e r i e s ™ 扣 件。 ProSeries™ WSTS 桁架/螺柱螺絲可針對桁架固定至頂層 板、椽架至頂層板、頂層板至螺柱、螺柱至底層板的接合提供 向上拉提和側邊負荷的阻抗。 WSTS桁架/螺柱螺絲以ICC-ES AC233和AC13進行測試 且符合2015和2018 IRC和IBC規定要求。 WSTS桁架/螺柱螺絲在螺絲的另一端提供反向螺紋角度 以達到更大的退出阻抗。 WSTS桁架/螺柱螺絲為達到安裝彈性，整支皆有螺紋。 螺絲的頭部設計使其鑽入時能形成埋頭孔。其樣式-17的螺絲 前端可快速嚙合木件達到更快速的起鑽效率。

「 T he Bet ter Bit」 鑽 頭 澳洲專門供應各獨立經銷管道一系列建築產品的經銷大 廠ICCONS最近推出一項新品，產品名稱為The Better Bit。此 款甲板鑽頭適用於8/10/12標規的甲板螺絲攻孔，其控制夾套 可以被輕易調整以設定埋孔深度。根據ICCONS表示，新款 的鑽頭非常適合被使用于木工、木作、傢俱製造、甲板建築和 DIY建構等領域。

改良 版 壁 虎 設 計 軟 體 V 2 .1. 2 號稱最容易使用的壁虎設計軟體已經再次 經過改良以達到最強而有力的效果。此款MKT 壁虎設計軟體( V2 .1.2版)已經正式在市場發 表，讓設計師可以計算抗震負荷，包括在應用 環境中導入Ω0因素。所有的抗震計算皆是根據 ACI 318-14要求，並讓設計師可以評估每一個 負荷因素和可能的負荷組成。

整個WSTS桁架/螺柱螺絲組合包括一支讓安裝更簡便且 具角度的安裝工具。該工具也是可以被移除的，讓起子頭可以 在有無該裝置存在下也能被使用。 螺絲的長度有兩款: 使用於螺柱至底層板接合的4又1/2 英吋以及使用於雙頂層板接合的6英吋。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

特別報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

18

特別報導

自鑽 螺 絲 切 削 性 能分析 裝 置 神山鐵工所開發了自鑽螺絲的擰緊 實驗裝置「SCR-19S」，目標是將自鑽螺 絲擰緊的所需時間減少一半。目前正在 使用該裝置試作，可望在2020年開發出 新型自鑽螺絲。

固到實驗材料的所需時間。新實驗裝 置的做法是透過感知器測量螺絲的 旋轉次數，以及沿著螺絲的軸向與垂 直方向施加的力道。透過取得的新資 料來改善刃口的設計。

一般檢驗自鑽螺絲性能的做法是對 刃口的形狀下功夫，並測量自鑽螺絲緊

該公司的「Uni-point」建築用自 鑽螺絲不需預先鑽孔就能鑽入鐵板，新型的螺絲設計將可望進一步改良它。

「 T r i b o」三 位 一 體 螺 栓 Tribo螺栓是結合多個專利設計的原創 品牌產品，整合特殊頭部形狀、特殊材料與 特殊螺紋。它同時實現輕量化、高強度與防 松脫三大機能。頭部的高度只有六角頭螺栓 的60%~70%，頭部直徑只有六角頭螺栓的 80%，總體積是六角頭螺栓的50%。

• 驅動角度是零，有很大的扭力傳達力 • 增加套筒的耐用性 • 可讓套筒輕薄短小 • 外型奇特殊，需用專用工具，因此防盜 • 結晶細微性微細化，降低不純度，增強抗延遲 破壞的性能，高強度化。 • MotionTite非對稱螺紋設計讓疲勞強度增強 1.2倍。抗衝擊與震動。

「 MI S TOL ® F」超 小 物 零件檢查篩選裝置 日東精工在6月3日販賣「MISTOL®F」超小物零件檢 查篩選裝置，可檢測直徑0.6mm~3mm的超小螺絲的外觀 與尺寸。該裝置可用於損傷與顏色等等的外觀檢查、尺寸 檢查、混料檢查。每分鐘可檢查100~500個，可應用到汽 車零件業與家電業。該裝置可同時檢查物體的上下端面， 不用擔心物件會堵塞住。

J - CR A F T 系 列 彎 嘴 長 鼻 鉗 日本 手工 具 大 廠 近日發 表 一 款名 為 J-CRAFT系列的手工具。此系列夾鉗的尖端 設計呈現30度彎角，即使於狹窄空間都可以 輕鬆夾取目標物，有別于傳統夾鉗。

19

防呆扭力扳手 東日製作所開發的CSPFHW系列無線扭力扳手，可檢測出用戶是否忘了已擰緊過扣件卻又重複擰緊。該產品 沒有扭力感測器，而是搭載獨家的重複緊固之檢測機能。 •

若對一度擰緊過的螺栓螺帽再度執行緊固作業，該板手會判定 為重複緊固並顯示代表NG的紅燈。

•

該無線扳手會搭配訊號接收機、設定盒、多重接點盒使用。

•

該扳手可設定7位元數英數字與3位元數的ID碼，用以追蹤扳手 的使用資料。

•

電池可使用超過15萬次。若每天緊固3600支扣件，電池可使用超 過兩個月，因此降低電池成本。

•

扳手的頭部可替換成棘輪型等等頭部以對應多種緊固作業。

「目 測 君」小 零 件 計 算 器 Tokyo Electron Device推出的「目測君」可以正確計算微小輕量 零件的數量，可用於螺絲、墊片、電子零件的數量檢測、庫存管理、 細部分類。透過鏡頭的影像辨識，目測君可辨識零件的種類和數量， 防止算錯和混料等等人為錯誤。該公司將目測君銷往零件製造廠與 物流中心。 目測君的結構包括承載零件的作業台、計數用相機、顯示計數 結果的顯示器。使用者要在顯示器上選擇將要計數的零件，然後把 零件放上作業台就可計算數量。若是將不同的零件放上作業台，顯示 器就會報錯標上紅色，防止使用者拿錯零件。 零件製造廠和物流中心導入目測君後，就能縮短作業時間、實現 作業標準化，更容易記錄作業的歷程。

風力電塔螺絲監測系統 螺絲的折損與劣化是風力發電機保修的最重大課題。BACS 公司著手開發一套系統可監視風力電塔大量使用的螺絲是否發生 劣化的現象。此智慧化保修系統透過裝載在螺絲上的感測器收集 資料，預計在2021年就可投入使用。 該系統是由日本東京大學、福島縣的某螺絲製造商以及某風 力發電維修廠商共同開發，可望為使用期間長達20年的風力發電 機大幅削減保修成本。 該系統是在螺絲內植入感測器，在螺絲的外側加裝無線傳輸 裝置，形成一個主裝置和子裝置的結構。在第一階段，會在一座風

「 Be an s A nchor」錨 栓 Japan Power Fastening (JPF)公司研發的「Beans Anchor」水 泥用錨栓。它是一種母螺紋的後置式錨栓，可以透過鎖固的扭力 來管理錨栓的擴張量。此專利錨栓內藏的鋼球會滑動，使錨栓擴 張開來。它擁有絕佳的性能、高耐力且大幅降低施工的噪音與衝 擊。該公司準備將它量產並於今年下半年投入市場。

塔上安裝64檯子裝置執行同時感測的作業，無線連 通2台母裝置。某個感測器的數值若超出了某個單 位，它就會切換成非同時通信的狀態，其他的子裝 置的資料仍都會傳送到母裝置，藉此提早掌握螺絲 的狀態。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

特別報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

20

特別報導

螺 栓 螺 帽自動 化 點 焊 裝 置 向洋技研公司開發出一套可以自動化螺栓螺帽點焊作業的裝置，結合三次元位移 的數控裝置以及裝載零件的給料器，可把螺栓螺帽自動放到被加工物體上並焊接起 來。該裝置使用伺服馬達，且容易拆卸，因此便於切換人工或自動作業。它連接電腦面 板，可以自動化將螺栓螺帽置於板金上的指定位置並焊接，適於多品項少量生產。它 還能對應向洋技研的物聯網服務以監視裝置的狀態並節省保養的麻煩。向洋技研會將 該裝置推廣到汽車業為首的中小企業，預計年銷售1200台。

SPIL E A D 自 攻 螺 絲 SPILEAD是透過低緊固扭力與高破斷強度獲得大幅扭力差距的一種薄板專 用自攻螺絲。透過扭力的差距，可以確保穩定鎖固住螺絲，讓它適用於0.1T~0.2T厚 度的薄板、尺寸不一的底孔，或是扭力不一致的螺絲起子。它的前端採用三牙式設 計，可以避免斜插入底孔把螺絲鎖歪了，提升作業性。以M4×6的SPILEAD螺絲 為例，只要1.5個回轉就能鎖固好，減少緊固作業時間。此外它的外形很短，可避免 鎖固後螺絲部位從被緊固的物件中凸起。

「 Dios」滾 絲 模 具 高硬度螺絲由於輕量化，所以汽車引擎等等關乎 人身安全的關鍵零件對此種螺絲的需求越來越高，模 具也面臨到容易磨耗的課題。因此三明製作所獨立開發 「Dios」滾絲模具，大獲車廠的採用，該產品最新年度的 銷售額同期增長了50%。Dios是用於成形出不銹鋼等等 材質或經過熱處理的高硬度螺絲，它的成形產能達5~9 萬支，壽命延長超過兩倍。

三明製作所是一間滾絲機製 造商，在日本 國內的 市占率達 五 成，最新年度營業額達20億日圓。 滾絲模具作為該公司多角化事業下 的一項產品，占了公司總體營業額 的一成。未來該公司將提高模具事 業的占比。

高 速 8 mm 滾 牙 機 三明製作所開發的「THI-8R Evolution」直徑8mm滾牙機每分鐘可達400轉，比舊機型 快了30%。此機將在今年內開賣，可用于車用螺絲的生產。它搭載冷卻裝置以對抗摩擦熱， 它的面板會顯示模具使用的滑枕溫度變化，若達到特定的溫度就會停機，防止模具磨傷。 可透過轉動式操作裝置調整滑枕，透過觸碰式面板決定模具位置，用戶操作很簡單。

螺絲零件精密抓取系統 大阪大學原田研介教授開發出一套系統，可以讓機器在每一次作業中正確 判定抓取的位置。機器抓取零件時，攝像機會測量真實的抓取位置以及其目標 位置之間的誤差，此誤差會反映在下一個位置的判定上。經過數次確認後就能 補正誤差。 誤差的補正只要透過簡單的行列式函數就能完成，因此負擔很小。機械抓 取並放置零件時，只需給攝像機看一次並量測就好了。教授在實驗室對螺絲的 抓取作業起初設定10mm的誤差，經過數次確認後將誤差縮小到5mm以下。此 系統很單純，不需增加設備，因此很容易導入。

美洲新聞 JohnWolz,FIN編輯（globalfastenernews.com） MikeMcNulty,FTI副總兼編輯（www.fastenertech.com） 整理/惠達雜誌社

美國商務部針對中印進口牙條反 補貼案做出初判 美國商務部已經針對中國和印度進口 的碳鋼和合金鋼牙條反補貼案調查做出 確認補貼初判。判決中指出中印兩國出口 商分別收受23.41%～24.89%和6.07%～ 155.03%不等的補貼。根據這些初判結果，美國商務部將通知 美國海關和邊境保護署根據上述初判補貼率向中印碳鋼和合 金鋼牙條的進口商收取現金押金。在2018年，從中國和印度進 口的碳鋼和合金鋼牙牙條總值分別約1.047億美元和3,580萬美 元。該案請願者為美國Vulcan Threaded Products Inc.。

美國扣件股價指數加速成長 美國扣件股價指數（FINdex）在2019年第2季往上攀升， 主要是受到6月強勢的歷史新高股價表現所激勵。FINdex在第 2季上升13%，表現超越只有6.2%成長的其他相關產業類股。 Arconic達到當期最大比例的獲利，在2019年第2季成長35%。 其他在第2季獲利10%（含）以上的企業包括Simpson Mfg.（上 升12.1%）；Tree Island Steel（上升13.3%）；和Wesco Aircraft （上升21%）。 在2 019 年上半，F I Nd ex成長了13.7%，沒有超過相關 產業 股價指數的15.3%成長。A rc on ic在2 019年前6個月達 到最大的獲利比例，在當期攀升53.1%。其他在上半年獲利 也超過10%（含）以上的扣件企業有Carpenter Technology （上升34.7%）；isco Industries（上升39.3%）；ITW（上升 19%）；Lawson Products（上升16.2%）；Simpson Mfg.（上升 22.8%）；Stanley Black & Decker（上升20.8%）；TriMas（上 升13.5%）；和Wesco Aircraft（上升40.5%）。 在2019年第一季，FINdex就收復了2018年失去的獲利，增 加7.2%，其他相關產業股價則是成長8.6%。 FINdex在2018年受到市場多變不定因素影響呈現萎縮， 使2018年成為過去10年來股價最糟的一年。FINdex在該年度 下滑7.1%，其他相關產業股價則下滑7%。在此下滑之前曾經有 連續兩年雙位數成長。

21

Mowins：市場仿冒扣件變多了 Mike Mowins在今年美國底特律螺絲展的一場 會議中表示：「仿冒扣件的問題又再次浮出檯面。」扣 件問題產生後來1999年實施的美國扣件品質法案。 Mowins以Phillips Screw Company的全球授權 總經理身分對外發言。他後來接著退休。Mowins表 示：「因為仿冒扣件的問題，政府機構像是國防部和 能源部又再一次緊盯扣件產業。扣件品質法案衍生出 向美國專利局註冊扣件頭部印記來讓尺寸大於1/4吋 的扣件獲得某種程度的保障。法案中有一些被排除在 外，包括組裝零件、訂單量小於（含）75支、通過ISO / QS9000或是有自己標準要求航空器的零件。

市場環境改變 供應商管理庫存（VMI）角色更加吃重和全球供 應鏈等部分都是自美國扣件品質法案實施以來出現 的改變。B2B的線上市場環境在美國扣件品質法出現 前尚未存在。」 Mowins觀察到：「扣件曾經來自於你原先就知道 的來源。現在，中國『回收』這些電子零件並將其以全 新的樣貌轉賣出去，混淆了其原本的產地來源也缺少 可追溯性。美國海岸巡防署在2017年發現仿冒的扣件 後發出安全示警。一份調查顯示一艘渡輪的推進器 失效主要是因為不正確標註的扣件被使用在驅動軸 系統上。很多安裝上的螺栓頭部與螺身分離，導致變 速器分離以及水滲進引擎室。SAE G-21仿冒原料委員 會是試著確保扣件品質的因素。」

Mowins建議 • 如果你要和國防部和能源部做生意，對你供應鏈的 要求會源源不絕出現。 • 了解自己的供應鏈以減少仿冒的風險。 • 若價格似乎太優惠，那麼它可能就是太優惠。 • 訓練旗下人員確保他們了解品質和供應鏈。 • 商標提供額外的品質保障，因為商標可以找出產品 源頭。 Mowins表示對付進口仿冒扣件最好的方法之一 就是在美國邊境出入境海關所實施的註冊商標法。海 關執法單位扣留和通常會銷毀找到的仿冒扣件。

Touhy：機器人簡化資料獲取的途徑 在先前美國底特律螺絲展舉辦的一場名為「不自動化就等著被淘汰」的演講上來自Fanuc America 的John Touhy表示：「機器人的時代正在來臨」。 Touhy表示：「自2012年起機器人的佔比每年皆成長20-30%。害怕的商人開始表示機器人將會讓很 多工作消失，不過那些都是比較髒亂和危險的工作。反之，機器人創造了職業，而機器人也讓克萊斯勒 車底翻身。」

China Fastener World no.57/2019

美洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

22

美洲新聞 Fanuc是一家提供自動化產品和服務（包括機器人和電腦數控無線系統）的全球性企業集團。

Touhy表示：「機器人提供一種預測性的未來，像是用機器產生663條應該避免的問題。機器人可以計算出接下來3-4個月 可能發生的失效。我們可以收到油脂檢查示警，避免日後可能發生的製造時間浪費。如果你有更多有技能的員工你能夠創造 更多工作嗎?當機台操作員不在或休假時，你能完成多少工作?機器人可以全年無休運作且一台機器人就可以操作多台機器。只 要保養得宜機器人就可以穩定重複運作也很可靠。機器人可以簡化資訊取得的途徑。南韓、日本和德國在機器人的使用都居 領先地位。瑞典和丹麥則排在之後以及第7位的美國和第10位的台灣之前。 Touhy觀察機器人絕對不會回嘴的特性羅列出這些優點。

Innovative Components添購新自動組裝機提升指旋螺絲產能 位於美國伊利諾Schaumburg的塑膠旋鈕、快放銷、繩索和螺紋確認器供應 商Innovative Components, Inc.最近全新引進可以大幅增進該公司組裝指旋螺絲 產能的自動化組裝機。此外，新自動化組裝機也能幫助省下資源來使用於公司在 其他手動輕型組裝作業訂單的實踐上。

Fastenal慶祝第 1,000處客戶廠 內服務據點設 立成功 六月初美國Fastenal宣布其產品零售販賣機的設 置已達100,000台，七月還達到1,000處客戶廠內服務據 點設立目標，每個點專責滿足該客戶的在地客製產品 供應需求。第1,000處廠內據點設置在加拿大Nutrien 肥料廠位於Saskatchewan 的工廠。這個Fastenal現場據 點是Nutrien的第三座專責服務/倉儲地點。Fastenal這 種廠內服務據點概念原先是為了回應1992年一家個別 客戶的需要，當時那家大型製造廠需要的產品存貨量 遠高於Fastenal在當地據點架上所能供應的量。該公 司也想要Fastenal駐廠以評估其每日所需產品量並即 時補足庫存。因此，那家公司提出這個想法來引進庫存 和Fastenal代表來支撐營運所需。Fastenal之後也繼續 開設更多這類廠內服務據點，在2014年底達到200處， 2018年底速度加快達到90 0處。多虧有Fastenal銷售 和執行團隊，現在廠內據點已經突破1,000處門檻，佔 Fastenal總營收25%以上。

美國MFCS與德國 RIBE合資成立高 強度鋁扣件製造廠 Aluform USA MacL ea n-Fogg董事長兼執行 長Duncan MacLean日前宣布位於 德國Schwabach的Richard Bergner Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG（RIBE®）以及位於美 國伊利諾州Mundelein的MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions （MFCS）將合資成立 Aluform USA公司。RIBE公司旗下的 Aluform®鋁製產品在汽車產業用之輕質和抗腐蝕高強度鋁 螺栓、螺絲和螺柱扣件領域具市場領導地位。Aluform USA 結合了RIBE®和MFCS的優勢，目標在透過應用工程、客戶支 援和美國製造把Aluform產品系列推廣至北美市場。 Duncan MacLean表示：「RIBE®公司是家很棒和創新的 扣件企業。其RIBE-Aluform® 產品項目為高強度汽車用鋁扣 件設下了全球標準。車輛輕量化將持續成為主要產業趨勢，同 時代工廠也在努力改善燃料效益和電池的最大使用效能。我 們非常興奮可以進一步透過使用Aluform高強度鋁螺栓在我 們具領導地位的扣件方案中來協助在北美市場客戶達到輕量 化目標。」 R I BE ® 管理夥伴F r a n k B e r g n e r 表 示：「M a c L e a n Fogg過去94年來一直是創新扣件和高質生產的知名領導角 色。MacLea n-Fogg優異的製造能力、應用工程和客戶服務 使他們成為支持A lu fo r m在北美成長的理想支持夥伴。」

ParkOhio主席兼執行長辭職並出任美國駐 愛爾蘭大使 位於美國克里夫蘭的供應鏈管理服務和高精密製品領導供應商ParkOhio宣布擔任Park-Ohio控股集團26年主席兼執行長 的Edward F. Crawford已經正式辭職和退出董事會成員，且於2019年6月17日生效。他將出任美國駐愛爾蘭大使。美國總統唐納 川普於2018年10月23日提名Edward F. Crawford出任美國駐愛爾蘭大使。美國參議院也於2019年6月13日以90票贊成對上4票反 對的勝利通過Crawford的大使任命案。他於2019年6月26日宣誓就職並於2019年7月1日向愛爾蘭總理Michael D. Higgins遞交 國書。ParkOhio將在現任主席兼執行長Matthew V. Crawford帶領下繼續以不同的管道向前邁進。Crawford表示：「我想要藉 此機會感謝所有股東有遠見的支持讓公司變得更好。」

23

Enduralock在美國太空總署iTech競賽中 獲勝

American Elite Molding 支付350,000美元與管束 製造商進行訴訟和解

扣件製造商Enduralock是今年7月10-11日在加 州舉辦的美國太空總署iTech Cycle I競賽三個獲勝 者之一。該競賽匯聚來自全球各地的菁英爭冠。

American Elite Molding（AEM）已經發布兩項道歉聲明並支 付 Advanced Cable Ties 350,000美元以進行訴訟和解。

位於坎薩斯Lenexa的Enduralock主要設計高抗 震永久性鎖固扣件，不過這些扣件以標準工具就可 以被拆下和再使用。 該公司形容其專利扣件是「正向鎖固、高度抗 震、易於移除和安裝、可再使用、可輕易使用於艱困 環境，可以在看不到的情況下再次被使用，喪失預置 荷載時也能抗震。」 Enduralock表示其扣件通過300,000次震動循 環，是航太產業要求的10倍。這類產品包括輻射防 鬆扣件、輻射防鬆螺栓和螺帽板材緊固系統。 Enduralock 執行長和共同創辦人Harold Hess 表示：「我們投入大量時間精力開發用來解決太空 常見艱困環境所使用的特殊扣件解決方案。我對團 隊達到的成就感到無比自豪也非常興奮能夠和美國 太空總署一起進行未來計畫。」 在美國太空總署馬歇爾飛行中心工程師的評估 之後，該公司的扣件目前已經通過太空應用認證。 美國太空總署iTech是為了找出能解決地球和太 空中所遇到挑戰創新解決方案的提案。

以AEM信頭為底並由公司擁有人兼董事長Robert Sires簽名的 聲明中提到：「2018年5月11日，American Elite Molding發出公開媒 體聲明表示AEM相信其競爭者之一Advanced Cable Ties（ACT） 公司內部存在不公平的勞動作為。在該聲明中，AEM錯誤陳述有關 ACT公司聘用了無文件證明的工人，以及提到該公司工人是從其他 國家引進並透過檯面下程序支付薪水。AEM也對該媒體的會員做了 類似錯誤陳述。AEM的聲明是錯誤的，兩造在訴訟中所取得的跡證 也顯示如此。AEM無條件收回關於ACT聘用非法勞工的指控聲明。 A EM也非常懊悔這些聲明對ACT可能已經造成的傷害。A EM和 ACT已經針對此事解決歧見。我們也祝福ACT未來事業發展順利成 功。」 而第二項聲明指出：「Advanced Cable Ties, Inc.向聯邦法院控 告其競爭者 American Elite Molding, LLC和BuyCableTies.com, LLC，其宣稱從2011年開始，被告從中國和台灣進口各種尺寸的管束 配件，並不正確地向其客戶表示他們所有的管束皆在美國佛羅里達 一家工廠製造。被告對此指控有爭論，目前此案件已經被解決。該 案送交審判後有充足的跡證顯示在2016年之前，某些實際上不在美 國製造的產品在相關網站或目錄文件上並沒有被清楚地標示。」 該協議由ACT董事長和共同創辦人Ken Tomasetti和Sires所簽署。 2016年，ACT向美國地方法院提出被告American Elite Molding, LLC違反Lanham法案、涉及詐欺和故意錯誤陳述的訴訟。 雙方在「充足的證據發現交換後」達成協議。 協議要求雙方除非在美國製造否則不得宣傳廣告產品（包括管 束）為美國製，向他處採購的產品必須精確地標註原產地。

瑞士Bossard在美國波士頓設立新設 計中心

同一時間，Tomasetti將 AEM的訴訟案定調為直接競爭者的 「報復性指控」。

在大規模的建造和改裝後，Bossard在美國 波士頓地區正式開設全新的辦公和設計中心。 整個遷移到位於麻州Stoughton市新址的計畫從 今年2月就開始進行。

Tomasetti 表示：「ACT更早前也針對AEM（當時稱作Bay State Cable Ties）向聯邦法院提告 ，因為Bay State不當挪用ACT的貿易 機密。」

嶄新的空間備有現成的緊固方案素材、工 業4.0供應鏈管理和先進的測試服務。該中心將 提供Bossard客戶取得第一手Bossard組裝技術 和智慧工廠物流服務和將之應用於其組裝和生 產流程的解決方案。除了舒適的辦公空間和新 設計中心外，該場所也以擁有符合ISO 5級的清 潔室自豪。 Bossard在6月5日與來自美國新英格蘭州超 過30名製造商和工程師舉辦盛大開幕儀式。

AEM的新控告案還宣稱ACT向市場及美國政府做了錯誤表述。 American Elite Molding宣稱約60%的ACT勞工為非法聘用並 由 Twin City Temporaries Inc.所提供，這家公司從其他國家仲介勞 工並以檯面下的方式支付薪水以進行逃稅。 位於麻州Gardner的Advanced Cable Ties成立於1994年，且其 網站聲明該公司是家絕對可靠的美國製造公司。 成立於1998年Bay State Cable Ties的公司名在1996年更名為 American Elite Molding。位於佛州Crestview的American Elite主 要生產尼龍管束。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

美洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

24

美洲新聞

美國扣件進口商漲價以因應新關稅 美國扣件進口正在提高產品價格以因應對中國扣件產 品的關稅。美國Brighton-BestInternational董事長Jun Xu 表示：「公司已經啟動複合式管道來處理關稅問題。我們 必須增加價格來彌補增加的關稅成本，且也希望可以多元 化進口國家來源。」 總部設於俄亥俄州的Stelfast董事長Don Haggerty表 示公司正在提高價格。他說：「因為我們開始看到後續進 來產品所產生的額外成本，因此我們將會調整販售價格。 這類價格調漲將會在接下來幾個月展開。」 Xu表示Brighton-Best對關稅調高感到訝異。Xu表示： 「所有事情都指向協商進行得很順利。不過在這個階段， 我們相信關稅是長時間的議題，因為中國和美國已經把自 身進一步逼到牆角。」除了漲價之外，進口商表示他們也在 找尋中國以外的扣件採購來源以彌補關稅造成的影響。 Haggerty表示，Stelfast已經重新檢視了中國、台灣、 韓國、越南、泰國、德國、義大利、克羅埃西亞、印度和墨西 哥的報價。除此之外，兩家進口商也正在尋求從其他國家 採購扣件。Haggerty表示：「我們已經開始把許多產品的 生產移轉至中國以外的國家來讓衝擊最小化。」Haggerty 表示重新進行扣件採購實際上是讓所有產品的成本都增 加。 Xu表示他並不期待美國關稅會有很快的解決方案。 Xu說：「美國想看到中國經濟有結構性改變並導入智慧財 產權的新法和執行。」中國已經清楚表明將不會執行任何 結構性的法律改變以迎合美國。中國可能會持續奉陪直到 川普行政團隊卸任為主，因此我們不認為這樣的情況會很 快的解決。」

航太扣件股表現優於工業股 FIN的扣件股表面評比含括19家上市公司的扣件事 業。在最近一季，航太扣件股取代了工業股成為霸主。重 點包括以下： A r c on ic公司財報 顯示工程產品與解決方案是業 的營業額（主要是指航太扣件）在2019年第一季上升了 5%，達15億美金。有機營業額成長了7%，成長動能來自 航太引擎和國防領域的成長。航太部門的營業利潤率達 16.8%，同年上升了210個基準點。 Bossard集團財報顯示，即使面臨更具挑戰的情勢， 2019年第一季銷售仍成長5.4%，達2.322億瑞郎（2.034億 歐元）。 集團在歐洲的銷售成長5.1%，達1.389億瑞郎（以當 地匯率換算則成長了7.3%）。在美國的銷售下跌4.9%，落 在5810瑞郎，原因是集團對幾家重要顧客的銷售減少。集 團在亞洲的銷售成長16.6%，達3520萬瑞郎（以當地匯率 換算則成長了+17.7%）。 Chicago Rivet & Machine Co.公司財報顯示扣件部 門營業額在2019年第一季下跌15.1%到7600萬美金。第 一季對美國汽車業顧客的銷售下跌21.5%，落在106萬美 金。因為美國在2018年對鋼材和鋁材課徵關稅，生產成 本跟著原料成本升高。 Fastenal公司財報顯示扣件產品單日銷售在2019年 第一季成長11.8%到4.556億美金，占了總銷售的34.8%。 單日扣件產品的銷售在三月的成長率達到13.5%，高於 2018年三月的12.4%。第一季的非扣件類產品單日銷售成 長12.7%，達8.537億美金，占銷售額的65.2%。 Grainger的財報顯示2019年第一季銷售（包括扣件） 成長3%，達到28億美金，成長動能包括3個百分點的銷量 長和1.5個百分點的價格調漲。營業收益成長8%，達3.63 億美金，營業利潤率為13%。 毛利率39.1%，對比2018年第一季的39.5%。第一季淨 收益增加9%，達2.53億美金。 ITW公司財報顯示2019年第一季汽車代工部門（包 括扣件）營業額下跌10.5%。該部門營業收入下跌23%， 落在1.67億美金。同期，建築產品的營業額（包括扣件）下 跌6.3%，落在4.01億美金，部門的營業收入下跌8.4%，落 在8700萬美金。

G.L. Huyett公司開設新的技術中心 總部位於美國明尼亞波利斯市的G.L. Huyett在雪梨開設 了一座科技中心。該公司相信未來製造業B2B商務很重要以及 電子商務會更加息息相關，新技術中心的開設則支持了這個信 念。該中心是由公司的科技與行銷副總Sarah Sinnett女士領 軍，她同時也兼任公司的執行委員會。為管理公司電商網站的 永續發展，公司也雇用了Alan Beard先生擔任新的電商經理一 職。公司也雇用了Charles Chuck Hoffman先生擔任特別計畫 管理人推動數據分析。

Stanley Black & Decker公司工程扣件的2019年第一 季有機營業額下跌4%，因為「輕量化汽車產量下跌，產品 出貨量低大幅抵銷了扣件持續的增長」。該公司工業部門 的銷售（包括扣件）增加10%，達到5.55億美金，但產量下 跌3%。該部門利潤下跌12%，落在7100萬美金。 Tri Mas公司財報顯示2019年第一季航太部門（包 括Monogram Aerospace Fasteners、Allfast Fastening Systems、Mac Fasteners等品牌）的銷售成長1.4%，達 3830萬美金，成長動能來自扣件的需求水準穩定。該部門 營業利潤成長25%，達5700萬美金。

25

SPIROL公司位於康乃 迪克州的全球總部完 成重大擴建 Semblex公司推出輕金屬合金專 用扣件 伊利諾州的S e m b l ex新推出的 FastFlow™ FDS®扣件可解決週期時間方 面的挑戰。它的多螺旋牙設計可以將鑽螺 紋和擰緊的階段縮減超過65%。若將它搭 配強力的程式設計策略以及它頭部擁有的 FastStart™尋找功能，就可實現0.4到0.6秒 的週期時間。FDS是德國EJOT公司的註冊 商標。

Kevin Menke先生獲得 ASTM International 扣件委 員會頒發最高年度的殊榮 ASTM International扣件委員 會(F16)將最高年度獎項(功績獎)頒 給了Kevin Menke公司，他是明尼 蘇達州Fastenal公司的工程主任。 這個滿腹盛譽的獎項是A S T M 對 個人 對 標準制定之貢獻的最高肯 定。委員會頒獎給他是因為他優秀 又全心全意任職於委員會，也認同 他對制定ASTM標準的全力投入， 以及他的技術專業、可做為典範的 專業態度，以及他持續不懈促進全 員共識。自2005年起他就是ASTM International會員。

SPIROL的員工、經理主 管人員、委員會成 員、康乃 迪克州代表與其他貴賓集聚 一堂，慶祝S P I RO L完成 總 部暨當地最大國際級廠房的 重大擴建。這次的擴建始於 2 016年 初，新增的項目包括 廠區、存放原物料和完成品的先進倉庫、品質實驗室、辦公空間、室內地面、採光 更新、大幅投資新的生產科技。整體來說，生產區擴增了40%左右。最高執行長 Jeff Koehl先生與創立者的孫子Herman Koehl都上台向在場的全體，表達自己為 71年前以發明螺旋彈簧銷起家的SPIROL公司所達成的成就感到驕傲。今日的 SPIROL在扣件緊固、接合、組裝產業中已成為國際認可的領導品牌，在全球4大 洲和13國設有據點。它總共有13個製造、銷售和全方位服務經銷據點遍布南北美 與歐亞，在今日的動態市場中為SPIROL帶來獨特的垂直整合陣勢。

Motor City Industrial公司併購Quality Fastener and Supply Co.公司 密西根州的Motor City Industrial公司(以下略 稱為Motor City)宣布併購了同州的Quality Fastener and Supply Co.公司(以下略稱為Quality Fastener)。這是Motor City的第三個併 購案，且進一步擴大了它供應給多產業多地區顧客的產品和服務陣容。Quality Fastener經銷工業消費性產品與配件，它成立於1982年，提供1.5萬件單品的供 應鏈方案，透過供應商管理庫存系統服務績優股顧客與當地企業，隨時庫存 重要零件以提供即時交貨。Motor City最高執行長Joe Stephens先生表示：「我 們很高興有Quality Fastener的加入，也期待我們共同的未來。Jim Hiatt和John Shepard先生已打造出這間很棒的公司，我們很感謝他們相信我們能延續他們 的事蹟。」 Motor City是一家有附加價值的扣件與相關消費性工業產品的經 銷商。

徵稿中

歡迎踴躍投稿!讓扣件產業一同成長!!

國貿糾紛案例稿件 募集

案例分享來稿請寄 惠達編輯部

design@fastener-world.com.tw

國際貿易日趨複雜，糾紛事件頻頻發生，欲求完全消弭貿易糾紛 實屬不可能，惟有針對發生糾紛之原因，詳細分析探討，並事先 儘量做好預防之工作，或許可使糾紛與損害減至最小程度。惠達 雜誌在此向扣件業界強力邀稿，如貴司曾有國貿糾紛案例，歡迎 來稿分享（本社可將公司匿名處理），我們會將您的案例刊載於 螺絲世界雙月刊與網站中，讓業界有案例可尋，避免重蹈覆轍！

China Fastener World no.57/2019

美洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

26

歐洲新聞

歐洲新聞 Fastener + Fixing雜誌提供

www.fastenerandfixing.com

惠達編輯部整理

德國Böllhoff銷售連續9年提高 Böllhoff集團公布2018年綜合銷售額達6.516億歐元，比2017 年增加5.15%，是連續第9年出現成長。集團也公布投資金額創新 高，增加50%以上到6,510萬歐元。 成立142年來，獨立自主一向都是Böllhoff的基石，現在也紮 根在第四代的接班人和管理團隊。 Wilhelm A. Böllhoff 負責扣件服務供應、人資和品質管理。 他的管理夥伴 Michael W. Böllhoff負責緊固組裝技術和生產。團 隊中另外兩名主管，Jens Bunte博士負責研發、應用技術和智慧財 產權。 財務、管控、法務和智財由 Carsten Löffler博士管理。 集團在24國39個地點共有45間子公司（其中包括13座製造 廠）。2018年底集團聘用3,046名員工，比2017年底還多出254名。 在德國約聘用1,500名員工。

德國的銷售為3.125億歐元-將近集團總額的48%，年 比成長4.8%。2.038億歐元（31%）的銷售來自於其他歐洲 國家，增加了2.6%。美洲的銷售為7,550萬歐元，增加4.1% （主要是受惠於南美洲經濟的小幅轉好）。亞洲銷售共 5,990萬歐元，只佔集團全部銷售的9%多，但年比增加超 過17%。 從產業類別來看，Böllhoff有58.4%的銷售來自汽車 業、39.4%來自工業和1.2%來自航太業。 提到集團已經達到連續9年的銷售成長，Böllhoff管 理團隊表示：「我們現在首度看到更穩固階段的信號。這 些信號主要來自於地緣政治和歐洲政策的影響因素，而 非德國的經濟景氣循環。 」 縱使非常難以衡量，管理團隊仍表示對接下來的表 現很樂觀。完整的2018報告著重在對建築、機械和人工 智慧基礎設施的投資，在2018年總計6,500萬歐元。這些 論述在Böllhoff 附加價值鏈設下一道瓶頸-也就是九年穩 定成長的結果。許多計畫預計在2019-2020完成。 Böllhoff管理團隊總結表示：「我們有信心可以完美 地處理現在和未來的市場要求。」

英國Trifast：續抱成長佳音 在6月11日公布的初步財報中，Trifast確認結算至2019年3月31日的年度收 入為2.091億英鎊（約2.337億歐元），以一致的匯兌來算，年比增加5.8%。 Trifast的歐洲據點年度表現強勢，受惠於8個據點，包括荷蘭（汽車領 域）、匈牙利（電子領域）和德國（一般工業領域）中6個的兩位數收入增加影 響，整體收入成長5.8%。由於義大利據點貿易狀況的影響所導致的國內家電 量減少稍稍抵銷了這些成長。Trifast在西班牙創建投資廠則首次成功達到100萬英鎊的年銷售。 某家電子代工的跨國中國企業客戶關廠倒閉以及美國追加關稅對一小部分在該區域運作的跨國企業所產生的連鎖效 應，某種程度抵銷了新加坡強勁的國內家電業成長。Trifast在亞洲達到年比2.6%的成長來到5,870萬英鎊。 整體來看，Trifast因為2018年四月併購Precision Technology Supplies（PTS），在英國的總收入非常強勁，成長8.4% 至7,910萬英鎊，不過因為英國汽車產量下滑的緣故，公司貿易水準稍稍下滑1.4%。除了這個之外，Trifast在多數成熟市場 因為在一般工業和經銷業務需求的刺激下表現都相當穩固。 在美國，年初時的遷廠反映於額外的收入成長，增加38.3%$至890萬英鎊。這反映在汽車和電子產業的獲利成長，以 及對現有跨國T1和代工客戶關係的善加利用。 稅前獲利增加5.9%至2,360萬英鎊。企業內成長約在2%，先前併購的PTS貢獻了3.6%的成長幅度。 儘管受到預料中的英國採購價通膨以及對歐洲製造產能持續投資成本影響，毛利仍維持在30%的目標上。營運利潤 增加至11.6%的歷史新高。 執行長Mark Belton和財務長Claire Foster表示：「Trifast表現相當穩定且主管經理對接下來財務年度的進展也非常 樂觀。我們具豐富經驗的團隊致力於研究、開發、行銷和銷售創新產品來滿足我們客戶對品質、價值和價格的高度期待。 儘管英國脫歐可能產生的潛在影響以及美中之間持續的貿易緊張，董事會對於其策略、人員和集團適應改變的彈性持續 維持高度信心。」

Hilti前4月銷售上升6.2% H i lt i公布了集團銷售在2 019年前4 季銷售增加 6.2% 至19.31億瑞郎。以本地貨幣計算，成長了7.6%。 Hilti執行長Christoph Loos解釋道：「整體來說，我們 到2019年前4個月期間的銷售有非常正面的開始，且銷 售也在預期之中。以整年度來看，雖然在某些區域建 築業的動能已經趨緩，我們持續預期會有中至高水準的個位數成長。 在歐洲和北美，Hilti集團先前都能夠在持續發展正面的市場環境下保 持強勁成長，以本地貨幣計算銷售分別成長9.6%和8.1%。拉丁美洲的銷售成 長5.6%，亞太區域成長3.2%。歐洲/中東/非洲區域面對俄羅斯、土耳其和波 灣國家的緊張情勢則成長3%。

印度Sundram Fasteners公布新高營收和獲利 屬於TVS集團的Sundram Fasteners公告 結算至2019年3月底的單獨營收達到403.4億 盧比，比去年同期的341.9億盧比增加16.3%。 國內銷售受惠於商用車產量增加，成長 15%至246.915億盧比。Sundram也表示為了增 加在對成長有貢獻度的工業領域的銷售，已經拓展了國內的經銷商網絡。 出口銷售增加18.4%至138.299億盧比，Sundram表示這部分是因為量 的成長以及部分來自有利匯率的貢獻。不過第四季銷售只增加4.8%，雖然 淨獲利增加15%。全年稅後淨利為43.712億盧比，比前一年增加18.9%。 該公司宣布其位於Mahindra World City的新廠於2019年1月16日開 始跨界休旅和迷你貨卡鍛造及車修件的商用生產。Sundram正在Andhra Pradesh州的Sri市建造新廠，用以製造高精密零件。該廠將會是使用來鞏固 該公司打入非汽車產業（包括出口用越野車）的樞紐。

前英國扣件製造廠擁有者承認賄賂 英 國重 大 詐 欺 案 辦 公室 最 近公布A L C A Fasteners Ltd 前總經理和主要持有人已經在五 月底承認進行賄賂。Carole Ann Hodson今年5月 30日在 Walsall Magistrates法院坦承進行賄賂來確保ALCA Fasteners Ltd 能保有價值1,200萬英鎊的供貨合約。 這樣的違法行為發生在2011至2016年間，Hodson當時是該公司總經理 和主要持有人，以30萬英鎊金額賄賂ALCA客戶 Würth集團所聘僱的採購經 理Terje Moe。依照這個進行到他退休的計劃，Moe可以在每一筆其所屬集團 向ACLA Fasteners所下訂單的總額收取2.5%的回扣。賄賂金被分成64個月以 現金支付。Terje Moe也於2018年7月6日針對兩項違反挪威犯罪法的賄賂指 控進行認罪。 假發票被開立來正當化在ALCA Fasteners帳戶中被紀錄為銷售傭金支 付或是其他與真正支付不相干的現金轉帳，Hodson之後則對所屬公司的查帳 員扯謊以掩蓋相關付款的實際用途。為了讓該公司在2017年出售之前可以維 持原本的價值，Hodson接著又欺騙採購者該公司從未涉入不合法的行為。 英國重大詐欺案辦公室經理Lisa Osofsky表示：「Hodson小姐已經承 認其犯行部分並對其不檢行為表示認罪。賄賂在英國企業是不被允許的。 這種貪污賄賂侵蝕了信任感且干擾市場運作，使公司無法正常運作且傷害了 英國身為法治國家和可以安全進行商業活動的聲譽。」英國重大詐欺案辦 公室從2017年12月起在該公司目前持有人和經理指示下開始調查這家企業 所發生的事件。該辦公室正持續與該公司和新主管經理合作調查。

27

NORMA第一 季銷售溫和增 加 NORMA集團 2019年第一季的銷售為2.756億歐元，比2018 年同期上升1.1%。因為汽車產業問題所造成的 較低企業內部成長藉由2018年的併購案和匯 兌獲利獲得彌補。 企 業 內 部 銷 售 下 滑 4 . 2 %。2 0 1 8 年 的 Kimplas和Statek併購案分別貢獻了2.3%和 62 0萬歐元。貨幣效應貢獻了3.1%給銷售成 長。該季調整後稅息攤銷前獲利下滑13.3%至 3,960萬歐元（2018年第一季：4,570萬歐元）。 調整後稅息攤銷前獲利為14.4%（2018年第一 季:16.8%）。淨營運現金流增加1,350萬歐元來 到負30萬歐元。 NORMA解釋道：「2019年第一季的業務 發展主要可歸因於在三大市場區域中汽車產 銷數據下滑。尤其歐洲/中東/非洲和亞太區域 被列為非常劇烈波動的市場環境：歐洲汽車產 業2018年夏季因實施標準化和更嚴格的排放 測試標準所遭遇困難而產生的產量下滑以及 中國汽車產業的需求驟降。」 歐洲/中東/非洲區域受到持續的排廢測試 問題和較低的汽車產量影響銷售下滑2.8%至 1.284億歐元（2018第一季：1.322億歐元）。 美洲銷售穩定地增加4%至1.116億歐元 （2018年第一季：1.073億歐元）。NORMA表 示水資源管理產業在2019年初出現強勁成長； 在商用車輛和農用機械的業務也持續穩定發 展。不過，北美汽車產業的生產數據則呈現負 向發展。 NORMA亞太銷售增加7.5%至3,560萬歐 元（2018年第一季：3,310萬歐元）。當中國汽 車產業經歷了顯著的生產下滑，併購印度的 Kimplas貢獻了額外的銷售收入。 集團執行長Bernd Kleinhens評論道：「有 鑑於全球市場狀況的不確定性以及比預期變 化更激烈的市場環境（尤其是歐洲/中東/非洲 和亞太區域），我們已經證實了我們對2019年 調整後稅息攤銷前獲利的預測。我們有信心市 場的狀況在接下來幾季將會有所改善以及在 未來的廣大產品項目和對電動和水管理等關鍵 市場的變化做好準備。」 NOR MA確認全年度預期的穩固企業內 部成長介於1-3%之間。來自Kimplas和Statek 的銷售預計達到約1,300萬歐元。該公司證實 調整後稅息攤銷前獲利的預測介於15%和17% 之間，但預期會是該範圍內較低的數值。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

歐洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

28

歐洲新聞

Bulten獲永續企業金質獎

Cooper & Turner 及Beck Industries計畫合併

Bulten AB已經獲得EcoVadis永續企業排名金 質獎，在所屬產業排名前百分之一。

Andaray控股有限公司及其子公司 Cooper & Turner已經與 Beck Industries （Beck）達成協議將進行兩個集團的合併。整合後 的公司目標在成為第一個真正是全球安全關鍵扣件的製造商，替 再生能源、隧道、建築、鐵道、重型設備、下游油氣、發電和核能等 產業提供一系列產品支援。

EcoVadis是專門針對企業在其所屬產業整合 永續要素程度進行評估、評比和排名的獨立國際 組織。這類評估以4個領域21項標準為基礎：環境、 公平作業條件、企業道德和供應鏈。使用的方法 是根據國際企業社會責任標準（像是GR I和ISO 26000）。 B u l t e n資深人資和永 續發展副總 M a r l e n e Dybeck表示：「Bulten的抱負和永續發展策略是整 個企業應該沉浸於具永續導向的思考模式中。我 們相當自豪能取得此認可，這也鞏固了我們在永續 經營發展中最佳產業之一的地位。」

Bulten集團的銷售因汽車業的逆境而 受挫 Bulten集團2019年第一季淨銷售額8.1億克朗， 與表現強勁的2018年第一季相比下跌了5.1%。調 整後的營業收益（息稅前利潤）跌至5,900萬克朗 （2018年第一季為6,700萬克朗）。調整後的營業 利潤率為7.3%，比2018年同一季下跌了7.8%。稅後 收益落在4,400萬克朗（2018年第一季為4,800萬克 朗）。集團的訂單額也上升了5.9%，達7.33億克朗 （5977萬歐元）。 新上任 的董 事長 兼 最高 執 行 長 A n d e r s Nyström先生提到，2018年第二季全球新車銷量的 走低趨勢仍持續到2019年，在中國的走低情勢最 顯著。他將歐洲汽車業增速減緩的原因歸因於「顧 客對可能的硬脫歐所帶來的後果以及新的環境法 規感到擔憂，他們擔憂的不是整體的經濟下滑」。 經濟敏感性高的重型車市場仍很強勁的現象則坐 實了這項觀點。 董事長強調，用以增加產能和生產力的投資長 期而言會增加收益的潛在可能性。集團在哈爾斯 塔哈馬市的熱處理產線在三月底開始生產，承諾在 第二季期間強化效率。他提到過去六個月來集團在 中國遷廠的資金增加，且正如預期進行中，也提到 為脫歐做準備、增加新企畫以及市場需求的減緩。 他說：「集團的活動正在持續進行，以將庫存的水 準正常化並改善庫存的控管。」 在營業收益方面，他解釋說2018年急遽增加的 原物料成本如今已趨穩，雖然成本的水平仍很高。 集團已簽訂一份全面服務提供商合約，將提供扣件 給一項新車企劃，年金額價值達1300萬歐元左右， 將在2019年尾開始供應，在2021年達到全面產能。

Cooper & Turner服務全球客戶，在歐盟、中國和北美都有製 造和經銷地點。這樣的全球網絡讓Cooper & Turner可以提供滿足 最高品質標準工業扣件的無縫及一站式解決方案。法國具全面認 證的高安全性栓合零件製造經銷商Beck已經打造了與Cooper & Turner相輔相成的全球據點。Cooper & Turner和Beck整合後將會 擴大延伸雙方公司的市場，讓其17座位於歐洲/北美/亞洲/北非的策 略性工廠順利供應世界級的產品和服務。 Beck Industries 董事長Hugues Charbonnier 表示：「這對 Beck來說是非常令人興奮的時刻。公司發展持續強勁，我們訂單量 持續成長，而且我們也有機會可以和Cooper & Turner一起整合彼 此互補的市場、技術和產品來打造一個無與倫比的平台來服務我 們本地和國際客戶。」 Cooper & Turner 集團執行長Tony Brown 表示：「我們對於與 Beck團隊一起在高品質具任務關鍵性扣件領域創造全新的全球領 導地位的可能性感到精力充沛。在來自Watermill 集團的夥伴支持 下，我們看到了可以進一步服務全球能源市場的龐大機會。」 Cooper & Turner和Beck的合併尚須走完慣例程序，包括相關 作業委員會的諮詢並取得必要的法規同意。

KEIL交棒新生代 新生代的總經理團隊目前已經就定位準備 接手領導KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH。 該 公司也將 會 遷 入 新 的公司總部。緊固專家 K EIL以品質和穩定度聞名超過50年。K EIL在 19 8 0 年 初所開發出的下切壁虎也已經 發展成 全球品牌。無數的建築師、規劃師、建造者和客戶都信賴K EI L Befestigungstechnik 的技術解決方案。全球數千棟房屋樓面也隨 處可見安裝有KEIL Hinterschittanker的扣件產品。 這家家族企業多年來一直由擁有人Petra和Jürgen Bergfelder 進行管理。2 019年5月1日，管理團隊也加入G e r d a Söh nge n 和 Christian Schmidt兩位新經理。 Gerda Söhngen是公司擁有人的女兒，從小即對公司事務耳濡 目染。Söhngen小姐目前是管理公司的第三代，負責技術和製造部 分。負責銷售和行銷的Christian Schmidt在技術產品的銷售上有 廣泛的全球經驗。在Akzo Nobel擔任13年不同職位後，Schmidt 先生最近是擔任位於Oberursel的SFS intec GmbH的銷售經理， 且已經擔任了7年。在2019年6月底，KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH遷移到德國Engelskirchen的新企業總部。Petra和Jürgen Bergfelder將會按時程交接給新經理團隊。他們將持續提供KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH諮詢確保交接程序順利。

29

英國鋼鐵進入破產接管程序 今年5月22日在英國鋼鐵擁有人確定無法獲得英國政府緊急救助資金挹注後，英 國法院指派EY為英鋼的官方指定破產接管人。 在此前一日，新聞媒體報導雖然英鋼擁有人Greybull積極向已經對其提供1.2億 英鎊貸款來支付環境合規成本的英國政府尋求額外緊急支援，英鋼仍將陷入倒閉險 境。據報導Greybull原本尋求多達7,500萬英鎊的額外資金協助，但最後將其金額降至 3,000萬英鎊。 英國商業司秘書Greg Clark發表言論表示：「政府不眠不休與英鋼、其擁有人 Greybull Capital和領導團隊合作以找出確保提供英鋼合適解決方案的潛在選項。我 們已展現出誠意並且已經提供該公司一座價值1.2億英鎊的過渡性貸款來滿足其排放 交易合規成本。」 「政府只可以在法律允許下且在商業的基礎上提供鋼鐵企業財務支援。我也被告 知對該公司或其他相關部門所做出提議做保證是不符合法規的。 」 他接著補充：「我將會與官方指定接管者、英鋼管理支援團隊、貿易聯盟以及供應 鏈和當地企業一起努力追求每一個可能的步驟程序來確保Scunthorpe、Skinningrove 和Teeside據點的未來發展。」

我必 須再 次確定地 表 示英國 必須盡快地與歐洲達成協議， 盡全力避免無協議脫歐。在脫 歐陰霾下，長久以來英國國內 面臨的問題（像是無競爭力的 電價和地稅）也持續影響投資 意願。在政府的工業策略下， 這也是政 府要 優先考 量的部 分。」

英鋼表示：「這消息對公司、員工和其所之稱的英國社會來說是顯著的打擊。英鋼 並非獨立於世的企業而是英國廣大鋼鐵業的關鍵部分。」不過英鋼接著表示：「破產接 管至少還留有一些檯面上的選項，包含給予時間來找尋新買家。我們有絕對信心政府 會投資每一個可能的機會並排除障礙來確保找出一個可行的解決方案。」

英鋼位於Scunthorpe的線 材廠供應一系列建築用和汽車 用高品質冷鍛頭線材。在去年 年底，該線材廠宣布已經投入 資金要進行大規模升級，包括 安 裝 全 新 現代化高速 線材產 線，目標是要大幅度提升產品 範圍和製造品質能力。

英鋼相信縱使當前產業面臨眾多挑戰，對於英國鋼鐵需求的展望仍維持正項。英 鋼政策和代理主管Richard Warren評論表示：「當然，我們面臨的許多挑戰並不只限 於鋼鐵業- 整個製造產業都希望在脫歐議題上能趕快確定。無法在僅僅5個月的時間 內搞清楚英國與其最大幾個市場的貿易關係、規劃和做出決定已經成為複雜的夢魘。

2017年9月，英鋼曾併購位 於荷蘭的FN Steel，該公司也 是扣件製造產業所需材料的主 要供應商。

英鋼聘僱約5,000名員工，主要在Scunthorpe和Teeside，但不一樣的評估則指出有 高達5倍的人員仰賴這些據點運作來謀生。

Bossard面臨更具挑戰的情勢仍出現成長 Bossard集團財報顯示，即使面臨更具挑戰的情勢以及比較的基線相對 拉高，2019年第一季銷售仍成長5.4%，達2.322億瑞郎（2.034億歐元）。集團 表示第一季整體上很強健的表現很出色，因為集團是在一個經濟動能轉弱的 環境中達成此成果，而且上一個年度的基線相對還很高。 集團在歐洲與亞洲的活動大幅挹注自身的銷售向上發展的趨勢，但在美 洲的事業則出現停滯。在歐洲的銷售成長了5.1%，達1.389億瑞郎（以當地幣 值換算則是成長7.3%），即使在缺乏生氣的的經濟景氣下仍推升了市占率。 繼2017與2018年在美洲呈現充滿活力的事業發展，集團表示2019年初並 無法再有進一步的銷售成場。以當地幣值換算，在美洲的銷售額下跌4.9%， 落在5810萬瑞郎。集團指出下跌的兩個原因，今年初集團面臨到銷售給幾間 主要客戶的量轉少，且無法透過「鼓勵新事業的成長」來彌補。 在亞洲，集團前幾年以來的前置作業和產能擴增有了收穫，2019年第一 季的銷售成長了16.6%，達3520萬瑞郎（以當地幣值換算成長了17.7%）。成長 主要是來自於中國與印度。隨著第一季的銷售步上軌道，集團的全年銷售目標

是9～9.2億瑞郎。但集團表示最近公布的採購 經理人指數下跌顯然反映出經濟動能弱化， 這讓目標的達成更充滿挑戰性。

Bossard集團深入擴展3D列印技術 Bossard集團已取得瑞士Ecoparts Ag公 司30%的股份，持續擴展集團在積層製造領 域中的地位。Ecoparts在這項創新科技的金屬 領域中已有多年的3D列印服務之經驗，是此 領域中具領先地位的瑞士企業。集團持有的 Ecoparts股份具有策略上的重要性，試圖鞏固 未來在積層製造市場中的地位。此投資拓展 集團的專業並使之得以在新計畫的規劃階段 協助顧客。 E c o p a r t s 是積 層製 造 技 術的先驅。自 2006年起，Ecoparts提供金屬零件衍生設計， 以及客製零件與系列零件，例如原型、工具製 造、輕量零件、混合式結構以及積層製造工

China Fastener World no.57/2019

歐洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

30

歐洲新聞

程。作為瑞士最大級及具領先地位的積層製造供應商，Ecoparts在此未來市場擁有豐富經驗，包括所使用的科技和材料。 Bossard集團已從Ecoparts的兩位創立者手中取得30%的股權，這兩位創立者先前共同控制50%的資本。作為事業發展夥伴 以及簽約製造商，集團透過對Ecoparts的投資獲取更多積層製造領域的專業。2018年，集團訂購了德國3d-prototyp公司49%的 股權，該公司是複雜塑膠零件與模型積層製造領域的專家。集團繼代理銷售三家知名3D列印機製造商的產品到瑞士市場之後， 也宣布與他們結盟。這強化了集團的專業用以支援顧客進行複雜金屬與塑膠零件的設計至製造。此外，在選擇最合適的3D列 印機與相關製造技術方面，Bossard集團是一個創新的事業夥伴。 集團相信3D列印會擘畫數個製造領域的未來，例如原型、複雜工具、輕量工業零件的製造，亦即非大量製造的產品。有越 來越多新的材料正用於積層製造。

Bufab集團2019年第一季成長15% Bufab集團2019年第一季起步 的表現強勁，持續穩健成長，利潤 攀升。集團在國際市場部門的表現 達標，但在瑞典的表現欠佳。集團 的淨銷售成長了15%，達10.91億克朗（8896萬歐元），成長動力來自併購、 市占率增加以及穩定的市場需求。有機成長率為6%。營業利潤（息稅折舊 攤銷前利潤）增加到1.19億克朗（2018年第一季為1.06億克朗），營業利潤 率為10.9%（2018年第一季為11.2%）。 國際市場部門是集團最大的營運部門，其第一季表現特別強勁，仍持 續搶攻市占，搶下取多訂單與顧客。該部門的有機成長率為8%。集團的成 長動能特別強勁的地區是歐洲中部，英國、北歐和南歐，但在東歐地區則 稍弱。董事長兼最高執行長Jorgen Rosengren表示：「價格的上升讓我們 保有穩定的毛利率。」透過有效的成本控制和提升效率，我們得以達實現 該部門史上最高的營業利潤率。因此，營業利潤上升了2成。 反之，集團在瑞典的季度表現「低於去年，原因是毛利率明顯弱化」。 由於瑞典貨幣持續弱化，2018和2019年初的價格調升仍不足以應對。面 對第二季，有機成長的幅度很「有限」。雖然實施了有效率的成本控制， 營業利潤和營業利潤率仍比2018年還要低得多。董事長強調：「我們對此 發展完全不滿意。」他承諾進一步為顧客調升價格，並整合採購節支的方 式，意在年內使毛利率回升。 即使在瑞典的表現不佳，董事長仍對集團的季度收益表示滿意。「我 們新併購的企業正在挹注增加銷售和利潤，同時大幅強化我們對顧客提 供的服務。我們的策略其中一環是在未來新增加有附加值的企業併購。」 董事長結束時說：「我們對今年初的表現很滿意，總體經濟的不確定性仍 存在，但我們對2019年其他季度的表現仍感到樂觀。」

Norma集團銷售升至11億歐元 Norma集團在2018年度的銷售比起前 一年度增加了6.6%，達到10.8億歐元（2017 年度為10.1億歐元）。有機銷售成長率強 勁，達7.7%。此成長的動能主要來自2018上 半年美國商用車和農機市場的強力復甦、 美國水利產業的復興以及中國對高品質接 合產品的高度需求。 集團併購的F e n g f a n、K i m p l a s 與 Statek等企業也對2018年的銷售增長多挹 注了1,650萬歐元。另一方面，負面的匯率 影響使得成長減少了2.8%。淨營業現金流 為1.244億歐元，其中包括併購Statek公司 與Kimplas公司後的影響，以及營業活動 帶來的資本支出增加 。該2018年度的現 金流比前一年度還要少（2017年為1.329億 歐元）。由於原物料市場的環境多變，開 始興建擺放成品以及加工產製品的倉庫。 集團最高執行長Bernd Kleinhens先 生表示：「我們在2018年度的有機成長強 健。」「我們在2019年會繼續把企業模式 的焦點放在未來的電動車市場和水資源 管理。此外，合理的組織員額精簡措施讓 我們組織和全球的程序能更加協調化，讓 有利潤的成長得以持續。」

SFS集團面臨市場動盪仍預測將有3%~5%的成長 由於中美貿易情勢緊繃以及近期全球精氣活動趨緩，SFS集團預測2019年的市場會有動盪。 健全的計劃管理架構代表集團仍預測銷售總額成長率會在2019年達到3%~5%。若考量不定的經 濟現況，集團預測2019年調整後的折舊及攤銷前獲利率會落在13%~15%之間。集團將會支出一 次性的開銷用於試運轉中國南通市的製造廠，但也預測會藉由拋售不動產來獲得會計收益。 集團在2018年度達成6.5%的銷售成長，將合併銷售推升到17.39億瑞郎。該年度的成長基礎 來源廣泛，集團的扣件部門發展力道最強。該年度下半年的成長速度比上半年慢，部分是因為較強的對比基礎，另一部份是 因為第四季出現預期之外的需求減緩，尤其是來自汽車和電子產業的顧客需求。

集團的營業利潤成長4. 2%，達2 .431億瑞 郎。獲利能力在下半年大幅改善（息稅前利潤率 14.4%），高於上半年（息稅前利潤率13.6%）。集 團該年度的折舊及攤銷前獲利率落在14%，稍微 低於前一年度的14.3%。此縮福的主因是銷售組 合的影響增加，例如因為該年最後一季扣件與經 銷物流部門的成長率較高以及需求大幅降低。該 年度的淨利潤成長21.9%，達1.939億瑞郎，相當 於淨銷售額的11.2%。

Würth集團建設創新中心 跨國Würth集團的母公司Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG正在德國 金策爾紹市建造一座研發中心，已於2019年3月底舉辦動土典禮。投資 額達7千萬歐元，該中心將囊括先進實驗室與工廠，占地1.5萬平方公尺。 配備的錨栓專用人工氣候箱、最新3D列印機和地震測試裝備未來也將 提供更多強化選項先進的內部研究。該中心將會有約250名員工，包括 母公司研發部門的員工，集團旗下的製造業公司員工、外部的研究者。

SFS集團收購建築扣件經銷商 S F S集團最 近併購了Tr i a n g l e Fa s t e n e r Corporation（TFC）公司，TFC總部位於匹茲堡， 是美國商用建築扣件與其他產品的領先供應商。 TFC的2018年銷售額超過7千萬美金（6,250萬歐 元），有大約200名員工。此併購意味著SFC集團 可將觸角擴大到美國建築業市場與其顧客。 TFC成立於1977年，供應全系列為顧客量身 打造的扣件與其他用途之解決方案給商用建築 產業的終端用戶。TFC透過15州23個分支據點銷 售產品給約6千名線上顧客，是美國東部其中一 家領導供應商。TFC將被納入SFS扣件產品部門 下的建築部門繼續運作，接受TFC現有管理階層 的領導，以確保其事業之延續。

31

集團與卡爾斯魯爾理工學院與因斯布魯克市和司徒加市的大學 合作，將創造專業與技術知識。「我們與這些大學合作，得以採用科 學方法，藉此打開全新的商機。」母公司產品、採購與出口的常務董事 Thomas Klenk表示集團想從貿易商發展成製造商。「我們的目標是大 幅縮短創新研發的週期，以更快速地把更新更深化的研發帶到市場，得 以為顧客帶來具有真正附加價值的產品方案。」 該創新中心會為集團添增作為雇主的吸引力，並制衡高技術工作 者短缺的問題。母公司管理階層的主席Norbert Heckmann表示：「這也 是我們在鄉村地區面臨的挑戰。該創新中心會大幅增加集團作為雇用 技師與工程師的創新與外向型企業的魅力。」

印度新聞 印度扣件協會Abhijat Sanghvi提供

Sundram Fasteners啟用子公司搶攻航太 與國防市場 Sundram Fasteners公司成立了一間全資的子公司 以搶攻航太與國防市場。TVS集團在一份新聞稿中確認 子公司Sunfast TVS Ltd.將專攻航太與國防產業的新興 商機。 根據該新聞稿，該公司包辦了國防產業使用的全地 形系統車輛專用的鍛造、鑄造、加工件訂單。該公司的 高管表示，除了進軍地形系統之外，公司將尋求包辦裝 甲車和卡車的生產訂單。 高管也支出，該子公司將取代Sundram Fasteners 的太空載具與直升機零件。他進一步說聯盟政府的新 國防採購政策為製造廠提供機會來探索這個領域。財 務部長Arun Jaitley在2018年的預算中宣布建立兩條國 防工業生產的長廊以強化國內製造。泰米爾納德邦與 北方邦已名列其中。北方邦國防工業長廊計畫以373.2 億盧比的投資額在2018年8月的阿裏格爾縣啟動，該長 廊在國防部長Nirmala Sitharaman於泰米爾納德邦舉 辦的儀式中啟用了，宣布的投資額為303.8億盧比。

Sundram Fasteners將 加速投資 Sundram Fasteners董事 長Suresh Krishna透露，雖然 汽車產業當下正面臨經濟下 行，公司仍將會有新的投資。 董事長最近在面對公司股東的談話中提到汽車產業景氣在本質上就 有循環週期。經濟下行早已註定在某個時間點爆發，企業應有能力 應付好與不好的獲利表現。 他細數道Sundram Fasteners不會吝於投資。該公司在去年度投 資了44億盧比，並計畫在本年度投資35億盧比。他補充說這些投資 在未來經濟與汽車產業回到常軌時將會產生效益。常務董事Arathi Krishna表示，公司已透過零售與出口將創投事業多角化，這共佔了公 司約45%的銷售比例，因此能夠渡過目前的情勢。 截至6月底的第一季國內銷售跌從前一年第一季的61.4億盧比跌 至55.7億盧比。有趣的是，今年第一季的出口額從去年的32.1億盧比 成長到34.8億盧比。該公司也已將名為Sunfast TVS的子公司上市，以 打入國防航太商機。常務董事有信心這間新公司會在未來兩年內達 到10億盧比。 她補充道，Sundram Fasteners已不再只是一間扣件企業而已， 還是一家涉略廣泛的工程公司，足以包辦印度海內外汽車業與其他用 途之各種零件與組裝用產品的製造。如今在這間公司400.2億盧比的 營收當中，只有30%~35%比例是來自扣件銷售。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

歐洲新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

32 印度新聞 汽車業等待增長

商人抗議商品及服務 稅的退稅遞延 魯得希阿那市的商人不 滿將延遲獲得商品及服務稅 的退稅，並譴責了州立與中央 商品與服務稅單位。商品及服務稅的退稅過度遞延，影 響到他們的流動資本，所以他們拼命尋求解方。 扣件供應商協會理事長Raj Kumar Singla先生 說，不論是州立或中央的商品與服務稅單位都沒讓退 稅按時生效。他補充說陳年老舊的增值稅的退稅仍卡 在稅則單位那邊懸而未決，甚至到了增值稅被廢了之 後仍是如此。此外，金額達上千萬盧比的商品及服務 稅的退稅額已不斷累積。 理事長指出，商品及服務稅的退稅在退稅情況同 以往不變的狀態下根本沒用，協會已決定親洽旁遮普 財務部長Manpreet Badal並告知此問題以求解方。 編織材料行K n itwea r Club的財務秘書Ha r ish Kairpal說若情勢持續，業界將無法長久存活。扣件製 造商Munish Sachdeva公司表示：「我們遵循商品及服 務稅法的所有規範，但仍無法準時獲得退稅額。最大 的問題是退稅額是我們流動資產的一部份，任何形式 的遞延代表政府擋下了該金額。因此我們面臨資金短 缺，事業正受創。」

Vedanta立志成 為印度鋼鐵龍頭 Vedanta Resources的子公司Vedanta公司在打入 鋼鐵業後，如今期望成為印度的四大鋼廠之一。該公司 計畫擴大鋼鐵產能，在未來4～6年內從150萬噸增加 到1000萬噸。 2016年6月，它併購Electrosteel Steels公司，這間 公司是鋼鐵與下游附加價值產品的大廠，價值532億盧 比。Electrosteel Steels公司有一間創投的廠房，產能 150萬噸，位於賈坎德邦，Vedanta公司將它併購後，馬 上宣布投資30～40億美金，分階段將波卡羅鋼城的廠 房擴產。但Electrosteel Steels公司希望在擴產之前有 些周轉時間，透過作業和商業舉措以及產品的品牌重 塑。去年度的年尾，該公司的稅息折舊及攤銷前利潤 為130～140美元，而在併購當時的數字是65美元。在 去年度結尾的產量落在120萬噸，年成長17%。為創造 盈利的投資組合，這間鋼廠推出了品牌重塑的鋼產品 陣容，包括印度TMT標準的棒材、盤元、可延展的鐵 管、鋼坯和生鐵。

汽車業已遭遇逆境，小客車銷售重跌30%。汽車與車用零件產業眼見 每過一天復甦就越來越困難。領先車用照明市場的Lumax Industries公司 的哈里亞納邦工廠最近裁員了約500名簽約工人，說是因為車廠需求低。 營收下跌20%的這間公司也成為眾多裁員並減產的零件製造商之一。 汽車懸掛裝置用彈簧的製造商Jamna Auto Industries透露可能 因為需求停滯而關廠。Bosch集團因為產能減速而決定要事業重組。 Lumax公司執行長兼資深執行董事Vineet Sahni說產能減速很顯著， 營收的下跌正逼迫許多企業關廠。小型企業受到銷售下跌的衝擊很大。 小型企業在車用零件營收佔了30%的比例，許多都是扣件製造商，他們 暫停了擴廠和現代化進程。以印度汽車製造商商會來說，近1.5萬名工人 已失去在汽車製造公司的工作。汽車業的減速已對經濟造成連鎖影響， 為供應物流服務與原料的給汽車業的小型企業帶來困境。他們的卡車 事業也受衝擊，多數拿不到原料採購訂單。

LPS Bossard合資 公司啟動組裝科技 專家服務 總部 位於瑞 士的 Bossard集團在工業扣件 和組裝技術領域中是領先業界的產品解決方案與服務供應商。Bossard 的企業網絡分布於全球77個據點，旗下擁有2500名員工，該集團已聯手 印度LPS公司，成立一間名為「LPS Bossard India Pvt Ltd.」的合資企業。 該合資企業已在印度古爾岡市啟動了一項組裝科技專家服務，用 於研發新產品。該合資企業表示，組裝科技專家服務為所有扣件相關 的挑戰提供最智慧化的解決方案。該計畫以三階段的作法減少生產時 間，並大幅刪減成本。LPS Bossard的常務董事Rajesh Jain先生表示： 「我們的組裝科技專家服務累積了185年的扣件技術經驗，在扣件元件 與組裝程序的成本方面有完整的技術觀念。透過降低相關領域的複雜 度，我們讓公司更靈活並確保競爭力。」

國際貿易的商機 在最近由旁遮普技術教育學院工商管理系於魯得希阿那市舉辦的 「年度管理大會」中，印度製造業大老匯聚一堂討論印度企業在貿易下 的挑戰和機會。印度政府的商務部輔秘Sudhanshu Pandey是這項活動 中受邀的主要來賓。印度Sri Tools公司常務董事SC Ralhan以及GDPA Fasteners公司常務董事Kamna Raj Aggarwalla也共同出席演講。 Pandey在會議中提到：「我們正在度過一個充滿挑戰與機會的時 期。」去年印度出口額約在3300億盧比。其中有2100億盧比來自服務 業，而且是有史以來最高紀錄。 Aggarwalla強調把內在的優勢資本化，而非追隨西洋的創新概念。 Ralhan則談到了用來抗衡其他國家的出口相關規定為印度帶來的挑戰。 他說世界貿易組織是印度在全球規模下的最大阻礙。

印度政府計畫成立小組負責調查鋼材的可取得性 據某印度政府官員表示，當地政府計畫在印度外貿總局下設一個委員會，負責調查供應給工程商品出口商的有價格競爭力鋼 材可否取得。該官員補充說：「委員會將在兩個月內呈交報告給印度鋼材部與商務部。委員會將提供建議，這會為鋼材製造商和工 程商品出口商帶來雙贏的局面。」 工程商品出口商認為國內比例將會轉高，並要求鋼材的購入價應該在全球採購價的水準。但鋼材製造商表示鋼材價格因為高運 費和國內生產成本的因素而被調高。該委員會除了包括鋼材部與商務部的高階官員以及出口商之外，也會包括工程產業的成員。

俄羅斯新聞 Alexander Ostashov，< 扣件·黏著劑·工具>雜誌主編 Marina Valiakhmetova，<Metin>雜誌編輯 惠達編輯部整理

比利時SOUDAL公司投資2千萬歐元在俄 國設廠 比利時接合用泡沫產品與密封劑製造商SOUDAL 公司投資了2千萬歐元在俄國的博戈羅茨克設廠。該公 司在俄國設立的這第一間廠房將在2020年于博戈羅茨 克工業園區啟用。莫斯科地區創投部的新聞公報提到： 「新廠總占地4萬平方公尺」。 擬定的接合用泡沫產線產能將達每年5千萬個鋼 瓶。除了新廠之外還有規劃自家的品管實驗室，並設有 一個部門負責研發測試新產品的配方。未來該公司計畫 透過啟用密封劑與接著劑產線來擴大生產。在產能全開 的狀態下，該廠將可提供350個職缺。

33

「扣件B2B市場中的電子商務」圓桌會議 屬於2019年莫斯科國際五金工具展（MITEX）相關活動的一環， 一場名稱為「扣件B2B市場中的電子商務」圓桌會議即將舉辦。 此次圓桌會議的目的在把俄羅斯主要扣件領導供應廠商的 代表齊聚一堂，討論他們在電子商務中想要發展的方向。會議的 形式包括與主要參與廠商面對面針對關鍵議題進行面談以及和所 有與會者做後續共同 討論。具備電子商務 經驗的參與者將被優 先邀請參加。此圓桌 會議的主辦單位是俄 羅斯「扣件、黏著劑、 工具」雜誌。 俄羅斯重要的產 業 盛會M I T E X將於 2 019 年11月5 - 8日在 Expocentre展覽中心2 館和8館舉辦。

韃靼斯坦共和國經濟部贊助TekhnotronMetiz公司的工廠現代化 Tekhnotron-Metiz公司的工廠已從韃靼斯坦共和國 經濟部取得4,500萬盧布的補助。此款項是撥款給該廠 用來將生產現代化。韃靼斯坦共和國經濟部的新聞公報 提到：「韃靼斯坦工業園區的住民與企業也可仰賴類似 的補助。」韃靼斯坦共和國經濟部長Farid Abdulganiev 表示：「此計畫施行的主要目的是刺激現代化生產並擴 大中小企業的技術科技能力。對此，我們自行負擔設備 採購與基礎建設的貸款利率，藉此幫助企業家在更短時 間內發展潛力。」

「鐵制與合金制金屬產品」標準化的專責 技術委員會改組 依據2019年3月27日聯邦技術法規和計量局第655 號之命令，「鐵制與合金制金屬產品」標準化的專責技 術委員會因而成立。同時，也依據該命令解散了「金屬產 品管控方式」、「五金」、「扣件」的專責技術委員會。解 散的委員會相關標準清單已移交給新成立的委員會。 新的技術委員會囊括以下附屬委員會： • PK1 「術語、分類、命名」 • PK2 「合金鋼與非合金鋼制滾軋產品」 • PK3 「高合金鋼與合金制滾軋產品」「矽鋼制滾軋產 品」 • PK4 「強化水泥建築專用強化性滾軋產品」 • PK5 「粉狀原料」 • PK6 「金屬產品控制方式」 • PK7 「五金與扣件」

「扣件商人日」活動於聖彼德堡熱鬧舉辦 在各種會議和商業研討會中重要的一部分就是參加 者私底下的交流，彼此的資訊交換和接觸有助於商業的發 展。彼得堡扣件供應商俱樂部的參加者因此決定延伸舉辦 一場不是很正式的扣件商人會談。 該場會議在6月19日於聖彼德堡市中心一家舒適的捷 克啤酒釀制廠舉行。主辦者為Vyacheslav Tarasov（CKI集 團）以及Alexander Ostashov。他們把該活動稱之為「扣件 商人日」。總共有35家專營扣件製造銷售的聖彼德堡廠商 到場進行自由交流並品嘗品牌啤酒。根據會議前所發出約 上百張邀請函所收到的回復來看，要不是正逢假日期間， 應該會有更多參與者。 會議中自由交流相當熱絡，整個廠內不僅有釀造啤 酒，還有對扣件領域充滿熱情的人們彙聚一堂。由會議主 辦者所進行的快速問卷調查也證明就是如此。所有參與者 皆對這樣的會議形式感到高度興趣。一些參與者也為下次 的會議擬定了希望討論的主題清單，也表達願意提供相關 會議場地。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

俄羅斯新聞

China Fastener World no.57/2019

34

俄羅斯新聞

Severstal-metiz螺絲產量創新高

白羅斯制鋼迎接新執行長

該公司公佈最 新的各式螺絲產量達 872噸。之前2018年10月的紀錄為788噸。這 些鐵道扣件被廣泛使用在各種鐵道和地下 鐵的建築和修護。

白羅斯制鋼的新執行 長為Dmitry Korchik。他的 任命案已經取得白羅斯共 和國總統的同意。

Severstal-metiz執行長Sergey Kovryakov：「我們可以達到這樣的 紀錄主要可歸功於操作人員、技工和電工彼此緊密的合作協調。他們持 續監視著設備的運作效率、即時排除故障原因和進行停機預防作業。 該產品專案開發團隊對此紀錄貢獻良多。他們提出可以增加產量的措 施。」

Dmitry Korchik對該 國工業部轄下組織有充足的經驗。2002至2012 年他曾服務於工業部中央辦公室，當時負責能 源資源、外國經濟活動和投資領域。從2012年 起，Dmitry Korchik 擔任OJSC位於Borisov汽 車和曳引機電動設備廠的工業技術和政策發展 主任。2015年3月起，他擔任白羅斯工業部副部 長。

此外，該公司今年也正歡慶成立15周年。Severstal-metiz成立於 2004年7月1日，負責管理旗下三家工廠：Cherepovets Steel Rolling Plant OJSC （Cherepovets）、Orel Steel Rolling Plant OJSC （Orel） 和VolgoMetiz LLC （Volgograd）。 Severstal-metiz 執行長Sergey Kovryakov表示：「目前Severstalmetiz是俄羅斯最大五金生產企業。我們在俄羅斯國內的市占率約達 21%。產品專案供應超過10萬種。這樣的成果都要歸功於Severstalmetiz的龐大員工團隊、合作夥伴和客戶。」

Dmitry Korchik表示：「親愛的共事夥伴， 對我來說在任何工作中最具價值的部分就是 人。白羅斯制鋼有專業和合作無間的團隊。我相 信透過對話我們可以做出讓公司持續向前和發 展的決定。」

Metinvest加入荷蘭冶金產業協會 （VNMI） Metinvest鋼鐵集團的母公司Metinvest B.V.（荷 蘭）已經加入荷蘭冶金產業協會（VNMI）。 這個由原料、半成品和冶金成品製造商所 組成的荷蘭貿易協會成立於2000年。VNMI整 合荷蘭超過80%以上的冶金產業廠商。該協會 對外是海牙和布魯塞爾歐洲商會荷蘭制鋼廠會 員的代表。VNMI主要關注四個領域，包括健 康和安全、能源氣候、永續和企業社會責任和 貿易和創新。 Metinvest集團從成立之初就開始發展這 些領域。該集團支持全球倡議並參加許多國際 環境計畫。2010年，Metinvest加入了聯合國全 球盟約。 Metinvest也是會員鋼鐵產量占全球約85% 的世界鋼鐵協會中第一家和唯一一家的烏克蘭 會員。 Metinvest集團執行長Yuriy Ryzhenkov表 示：「歐洲是關鍵市場。我們在那裡有四座二 次軋製工廠。我們有1/3以上的產品銷往歐洲國 家。加入VNMI就是該集團符合歐洲商業規範 的最佳證明。成為該協會會員將讓我們可以與 其他市場競爭者分享我們的經驗以及參與歐盟 國家新冶金規範和要求的制定。」

35

鎖固式扣件— 第三部分 文/ Guy Avellon

我在前兩篇投稿中描述了某些基本款式的鎖固式扣件，這些扣件或採用了尼龍製嵌入 件、化學物質、變形的螺帽或碟型墊片。在本文中，我會描述自帶各式墊片的便利型扣件。

齒形墊片 它又稱為減震鎖緊墊片，款式包括內齒型與外齒型。這種墊片經過硬化處理，讓鋸齒的 部位帶有彈簧的特性。把這種墊片鎖固到平面上時，鋸齒部位會彎曲然後咬住平面，並產生 反作用力來抗衡組裝時的壓縮力。某些實務作業會用到比較硬的表面和較大的預緊力，此時 這種墊片可能就無法避免喪失預緊力，但鋸齒部位咬住的對象若是比較軟的材料，那麼該墊 片就會發揮最佳的防鬆脫效果。因此這種墊片適用於塑膠材、鋁材、金屬片和電路連接。 與外齒型墊片比起來，內齒型墊片的外徑比較小，如此在狹窄的地方使用時就能更準確 地定位。內齒型墊片的鋸齒部位可以咬合螺絲的螺紋，在組裝之前可以快速將螺絲定位。在 用於非關鍵性用途的前提下，內齒型墊片最適合用在小螺絲的頭部或凹頭的帶帽螺絲。 我要強調，這種墊片在實務作業中是具有破壞性的。彎折過的鋸齒部位會損傷或刮傷平 面，這可能會在表面的防護塗層瓦解時引發腐蝕現象。

自帶彈簧墊片的螺帽 這種螺帽的構造是將錐形彈簧墊片壓接到標準螺帽上。螺帽部位本身可以自由轉動，不 需預置扭力。只有在墊片緊固到接合件上時才需要留意抗力。墊片的彈簧係數可能會使組裝 的扭力產生變異。 這種機制的方便性在於節省了組裝兩個零件的動作和時間。這種組合無法避免鬆脫的 問題，但仍會保有一些預緊力。若要避免鬆脫，對扣件施加的荷載量至少要達到其降伏強度 的70%，且對墊片的壓縮力必須是扣件本身預緊力的30%。不過標準的錐形墊片並無法達到 這樣的要求，因此只建議用於剪切接頭或極低荷載的用途。

槽形螺帽 會稱為槽形螺帽是因為外型像城堡頂端的角樓，就像西洋棋的城堡棋一樣。它又被稱為 槽型六角螺帽，它的槽口 (切口)間距夠寬，所以可以在槽口之間放入開口銷。注意不要把槽形 螺帽和外型類似的預置扭力型螺帽搞混了，預置扭力型螺帽頂端的槽口比較小，而且是往內 彎折的，才能產生對公螺紋的拉力。 這種槽型螺帽會搭配使用安全鋼絲以提供可視的安全性，此外妥善綁在鄰近的槽型螺 絲上時，可避免螺帽整個往後退。扣件的端部會鑽好孔以搭配使用開口銷或安全鋼線。鑽好 的孔與螺帽的切槽有沒有對齊排列好是一大關鍵。只要有任何向前或向後的旋轉調整，或有 震動觸發了移動，就會導致夾持荷載遺失55%~100%。因此這種機制也建議用於剪切接頭或 極低荷載的用途，或螺帽必須接在扣件上的時候。

圖一：自帶彈簧墊片的螺帽

圖二：齒形墊片表面

齒形墊片表面 如其名稱所示，這是一種 冷成型的齒型表面。您可能會 在鉚釘、機械螺絲、小螺栓頭 部的下方，或在凸緣螺帽的下 側看到這種表面。這種產品不 會搭配墊片，因為它的鋸齒是 要用來咬住接合的材料以產生 抗反轉力。

齒形凸緣螺帽 它的鋸齒沿著一個角度排 列，如此在順時針擰緊時能提 供微量的抗力。反轉側在咬住 接合的材料時，其傾斜角度會 產生抗鬆脫力。接合的材料必 須夠軟才能讓鋸齒咬得夠深。 這種機制的侷限在於螺帽和螺 絲無法產生比較大的夾持荷 載，因為夾持荷載大就會使接 合的材料變形或使螺絲斷裂。 這種一體式結構可以提升組裝 的便利性。

K螺帽 K螺帽是ITW Shakeproof 公司的商標產品，搭配預先加 裝、自由旋轉的外齒式墊片。

圖三：K螺帽―適合車用快速組裝 以及金屬片的組裝

China Fastener World no.57/2019

技術論壇

China Fastener World no.57/2019

36 技術論壇

圖四：單側的斜坡構造

圖五：脊狀結構咬住了螺栓頭部

齒形/斜坡式墊片 這種墊片不會被內置在扣件裡，而是在設計上使用了兩個齒型墊 片。斜坡側彼此相交，透過各個斜坡彼此抗衡以產生螺栓或螺帽的反轉 力。斜坡式墊片的外側有輻射狀的凸紋以避免螺栓頭或螺帽轉動。 這種產品已可順利用於盲孔和內燃機的零件，但近期的研究發現 外部荷載很高的時候會導致失效。 在某一個實務作業中，有一支M30的10.9級螺栓失效了，墊片的斜 坡部位幾乎都被磨平了。該螺栓的高荷載會產生408 kN (91,722 磅)。此 荷載量和作用時的震動力就足以使墊片受損。 墊片的外側有脊狀結構，原本應要穩住螺栓頭部避免它轉動，但 反而卻咬住了螺栓頭部而遺失了夾持荷載，產生金屬失效的現象。

圖六：墊片的脊狀結構

這種機制無法預防預緊力的遺失，但可以防止進 一步鬆脫。可惜接合件在這個階段就鬆脫了，開始出 現金屬疲勞應力的因子。 端看螺栓的長度，您可以應用虎克定律並推敲壓 縮力和脊狀結構的咬入導致失去了多少夾持荷載。

總結 每一個緊固機制與接合作業都必須要視為獨特 的個體。在每一個用途中，單一個鎖固裝置並不會比 其他來得優，而且要注意沒有任何一個鎖固裝置能預 防失去預緊力。每個鎖固裝置都各有獨特的用途，別 肖想用一招就全部通吃，不然會適得其反。

螺絲接合件摩擦力的反效果 文/ Jozef Dominik

知名的摩擦學專家Peter Jost教授在撰寫發表於1966年的偉大論文時，他並不知道螺絲接合件上的摩擦力有兩個互相矛盾 的意涵。他當時有興趣的只有摩擦力以及磨耗對能量消耗、費用支出與碳排放的全面性衝擊。螺絲接合件的摩擦力是一個非 常專門的議題且需要特別注意。若沒有摩擦力，就無法產生預加荷載的螺絲接合件。

理論 摩擦力是一種力道以抵抗堅硬表面、 流體層、相互滑動材料的相對動力。如圖1 所示。 值得注意的是圖中摩擦力在鎖緊或鬆 開螺絲時會有兩種相反的狀況。這是螺絲 接合件的一個具體特徵。我們不希望摩擦 力在鎖緊螺絲時出現，但組裝完成之後就 很需要它來讓螺絲不會鬆脫。根據以下通 用公式，摩擦力 取決於正常力道 以 及摩擦係數µ：

鎖緊

鬆脫

FV-預加荷載；FT-切線方向的力道；FF-螺紋內的摩擦力；FN-螺紋內的正常力道； α-螺紋內的俯仰角

圖1

摩擦係數µ的大小取決於許多因素。除了正常力道 之外，最重要的因素是 表面粗糙度（如圖2），表面粗糙度是被測輪廓線上各點至基準線之距離的算術 平均偏差Ra[µm]。此情況會惡化非金屬硬雜質的出現、受腐蝕的表面和溫度。

37

判定一個實體如何與其環境互動時，粗 糙度佔了很重要的角色。在摩擦學中，粗糙 的表面通常會磨耗更快，其摩擦係數會比平 滑的表面高。 取決於表面處理技術，粗糙面會順著任 一個方向出現，或者會呈現出排列混亂而不 明確的的突出面（如圖2）。在正常的建築實 務中，後者的摩擦係數在所有方向上都是相 同的。

圖2

新螺帽螺栓

FM in kN

緊固時的能量消耗佔比

摩擦係數

圖3

在鎖固螺絲接合件時，螺紋的摩擦，以 及螺絲頭部下方和螺帽下方的摩擦問題必 須予以克服。粗糙度越高，摩擦就越大，會 需要消耗更多能量來克服（圖3）。 螺帽生鏽且 螺栓未上油

緊固力矩650牛頓米

圖4也記錄了螺絲接合件鎖緊時摩擦所 帶來的影響。650牛頓米的相同扭力會對新 的螺栓和螺帽產生180千牛頓的預加荷載， 但若是受腐蝕的表面，就只有30%的預加荷 載。剩下的會被摩擦力消耗掉轉化成熱能。

圖4

螺絲連接組裝後的摩擦力是另一個重點。缺少摩擦 力，整體結構會崩解。把螺絲緊密接合支撐住的就是摩擦 力。沒有摩擦力，相關的建築節點將會被破壞直至垮掉。請 見圖5說明。當螺絲被適當地組裝和尺寸被正確地設計，螺 絲連接通常就不需要額外的安全裝置。不過實例上有許多 極端動態應力的案例（圖6），這些案例靠簡單的鎖固是不 足的，因此螺絲連接必須藉由外部安全防護來避免自發性 鬆脫。 當前市場上有許多螺絲連接用的外部鎖固方法。基於 產業倫理，筆者在此就不逐一介紹並假定有經驗的設計者 都能夠選擇出最佳的產品樣態。本文我把焦點放在「螺絲 連接的應力施加是複雜的程序且無法降伏至橫斷方向（見 圖6）」的論述。因此，以下的論述就適用：任何一種栓合應 力都是不一樣的鎖固模式。螺絲連接並沒有絕對的特效方 式。每一種特別的案例都需要各自的方法。商業上的可得 性和價格不應該成為選擇最佳方式時的主導角色。

Mef. MM M頭部

內部鎖固

圖5

結論： 摩擦力對螺絲連接來說至關重要。它決定了緊固的參 數，也負責抵抗因為自發性解體所發生的危險。不過兩種功 能是相互矛盾的。在緊固過程中，摩擦力是大家不想看到 的，但緊固之後，我們卻又需要它。不這樣的話，螺絲連接 將會失去它的功能。除非有任一有效的觸變式物質被開發 出來，否則這樣讓人不悅的摩擦力特性就必須繼續受到重 視。處理觸變式漆料和油料的相關研究機構或許應把這部 分視為一種挑戰。

M螺紋

圖6

外部鎖固

China Fastener World no.57/2019

技術論壇

China Fastener World no.57/2019

38

技術論壇

不鏽鋼扣件概述 在美國，如果我實地詢問一般大眾什麼是不 鏽鋼，我可能會得到非常類似的答案。他們可能 會告訴我這種材料不會生鏽，表面美觀具吸引 力且不具磁性。若是我再進一步詢問不鏽鋼如 何被應用在日常生活中，可能會聽到他們的大型 廚具是不鏽鋼製等常見答覆。事實上，過去幾年 來美國廚具設計的趨勢是一整套閃亮的不鏽鋼 廚具（冰箱、爐灶和洗碟機）。除了這些廚具外， 他們可能還會告訴你流理台、鍋具和平底鍋和 銀器也都是不鏽鋼製。

文/Laurence Claus

事實是，美國人看到的許多東西（包括扣件）都 是不鏽鋼製。如同我在之前惠達雜誌所發表的另一 篇「不鏽鋼材料基本概要」文章中所提，不鏽鋼有五 種類型。這些不同變形，雖然都被歸類為不鏽鋼且 具有某些共同特性，但一般來說，不管在表現、行為 和特質上都相當不同，這也讓瞭解「並不是所有不鏽 鋼扣件都是相同的」變得非常重要，且如同其他扣 件一樣，設計師必須根據想要達成的設計標準作出 正確的選擇。

回顧一下，五種不鏽鋼類別 分別是： 奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼： 一般大眾被問到不鏽鋼時，這種是最常被連結到的類 型。奧斯田鐵提供非常優異的抗腐蝕保護、不具磁性，也是 最常被用在廚房設備的類型。在美國，這種類型主要標記 200系和300系以區分其他類別。在歐洲，它們會被標記為 以字母A為首的數字編碼。

肥粒鐵不鏽鋼： 肥粒鐵不鏽鋼比起奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼較不常被使用。它 只具有普通的抗腐蝕保護，但是比較便宜和容易成型。在 美國，它被標記為400系。（備註：這裡必須非常小心，因為 肥粒鐵不鏽鋼跟麻田散鐵不鏽鋼共用400系編碼，所以除非 知道或是透過查詢相關書籍，不然你無法分辨出正在使用 的是哪一種）。

析出硬化不鏽鋼： 這是可以透過固溶硬化進行強化的不鏽鋼。它在抗腐 蝕保護品質上接近奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼。不幸的是，這些材料非 常難以進行成型。

麻田散鐵不鏽鋼： 相較於奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼，更不常被使用的是麻 田散鐵不鏽鋼。它在各種不鏽鋼種類中防腐蝕保 護是最差的，但是可以被強化且容易成型。如同肥 粒鐵不鏽鋼，也是採用400系編碼。

雙重不鏽鋼： 最後一種不鏽鋼是雙重不鏽鋼。這是混和一半 奧斯田鐵和肥粒鐵的不鏽鋼。雖然比起純奧斯田 鐵不鏽鋼或肥粒鐵不鏽鋼它在特定性質或物理品 質上都有改善，但整體來看，並沒有達到與奧斯田 鐵不鏽鋼相同的表現水平。

選擇正確的不鏽鋼: 在這五種類別不鏽鋼的許多選擇下，使用者又要如何進行取捨?這個問題的答案想當然取決於特定應用 所最需要的特性和特徵。

39

防腐蝕保護： 因為這是設計師使用不鏽鋼時主要想達到的特性，或 許從這個主題開始比較適當。不鏽鋼利用在其表面形成保 護性的氧化鉻來達到防腐蝕保護。這種氧化鉻是可以抵抗 進一步氧化或其他形式化學攻擊的薄膜。 設計師必須評估扣件將被暴露於哪一種環境和腐蝕條 件。若暴露條件很極端，例如持續性潮濕、洶湧的水流或工 業極端條件（例如酸類），設計師就必須選擇奧斯田鐵或析 出硬化這種。若暴露條件介於中間，選擇為奧斯田鐵或肥 粒鐵不鏽鋼。若暴露條件較輕微，那麼肥粒鐵或麻田散鐵不 鏽鋼可能會是合適的選擇。 雖然有多種可以提供更優異防腐蝕和氧化保護的特別 金屬，但最常被認為是最好腐蝕防護的不鏽鋼以及常被用 來製造扣件的是316、304、302HQ、17－4PH和13－8Mo。不

過，這些原料的使用並沒有阻礙設計師碰到環境惡劣 程度比較輕微時選用肥粒鐵不鏽鋼（像是430）或是麻 田散鐵不鏽鋼（像是410）。事實上，很多設計師可能會 選擇這幾種等級的不鏽鋼之一來善用其他特性，同時其 抗腐蝕保護比具有保護電鍍層或包膜層的碳鋼零件還 要好。 一些不鏽鋼扣件常看到的應用包括：扣件會暴露於 定期潮濕條件的應用或是建築扣件。很多用於屋頂、外 部包覆或收邊和太陽能板的建築扣件都是不鏽鋼製。 其中一種特殊的建築應用是用於西洋杉飾板的甲板螺 絲。不鏽鋼扣件不只可以在戶外環境抵抗腐蝕，也不會 與西洋杉木中會造成斑點的單寧酸進行反應（這是使 用電鍍鋼螺絲常遇到的問題）。

強度： 奧斯田鐵和肥粒鐵不鏽鋼比較嚴重的缺點之一是它們不能透過熱處理被強化。這代表唯一強化的機會是透過加工 硬化。若強度是可靠設計的標準，那麼就必須選擇可以被熱處理的麻田散鐵不鏽鋼或析出硬化不鏽鋼。

可成型力（可冷鍛頭的能力）： 再說一次，不同種類不鏽鋼之間的成型率變化可以 相差甚遠。在多數情況下，麻田散鐵和肥粒鐵不鏽鋼相 對容易進行冷鍛頭。事實上，許多經驗豐富的冷鍛頭機 操作員會跟你說410（麻田散鐵）或430（肥粒鐵）不鏽 鋼的成型與合金鋼只有些微差異。不過，當談到奧斯田 鐵和析出硬化不鏽鋼（像是304、316和17－4PH）時他 們的語氣立刻有所轉變。事實上，他們可能在使用這些 材料進行成形時遭遇很多困難。

有時候在製造商要使用奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼打造一款特別 具挑戰性的部件時，他們可能會嘗試加上額外熱能，通常 是在進入機器之前把線抽過感應線圈。此外，充足和有效 的線圈包膜也極度重要。不鏽鋼容易擦傷。如果線材包膜 層不夠有效來避免擦傷，工具將會很快地故障。基於這樣 的理由，多數你可以在冷鍛頭廠看到的不鏽鋼線材都有銅 包覆。銅提供非常優異的潤滑表面，也受到幾乎任何一位 曾經在不銹鋼料上使用過的鍛頭機操作者支持。

成本： 最後一個我們在此要看的部分是成本。與碳鋼和 合金鋼相比，不鏽鋼提供非常明顯的外溢價值。相較於 肥粒鐵或麻田散鐵不鏽鋼，奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼成本更高。 也因為這個原因讓設計師可能會選擇肥粒鐵或麻田散 鐵不鏽鋼，捨棄奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼。他們決定需要使用不

鏽鋼，因為它提供比電鍍或包膜碳鋼部件更優異的表現， 但他們不需要過多奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼可以達到的表現性能。 近似住在坎薩斯州（地貌平坦的州）的人可能不會買四輪 驅動的車。購買四輪驅動車輛所需額外支付的成本相當多 餘，因為他們根本不需要這種額外的性能。

結語: 在替所需應用和計畫選擇正確不鏽鋼種類時設計師必須考量很多因素。不鏽鋼的功能非常多面向且常 有非常高水準的表現，使其深受使用者喜愛。主要的優點是防腐蝕保護，但也有其他優點。了解和充實這些 知識在避免犯下損失慘重的大錯和買到最佳的扣件非常重要。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

技術論壇

China Fastener World no.57/2019

40 技術論壇

扣件等級： 很多時候我們會把眼前的產品視為 理所當然。我們都知道某種樣式的的扣件 應該有多大強度，但是工程師又是如何得 知哪些特質可以為其所需要的特定應用 提供適當的性能？本文將提供相關指引協 助使用者辨別鋼鐵化學編碼的意涵。

不論是標準品或是特定規格，所有扣 件頭部除製造商的特有註冊商標外都有 獨特的標記。下表是常用英制和公制扣件 的基本清單。觀察SAEJ429和SAEJ1199。

SAE等級2（公制性能等級5.8）：六角 頭帽螺絲以低碳鋼生產，樣式從 AISI／ SAE1010至1022都有，且未經過熱處理。

碳鋼之所以被稱作碳鋼乃因為本身具 有特定的碳含量。碳含量決定了鋼本身的 可熱處理性。特定合金的添加提供成品所 欲達到的性能特性。 基底的鋼料或合金組成的樣貌是由 美國鋼鐵學會（AISI）和汽車工程師學會 （SAE）共同制定的一系列鋼料編碼所組 成。舉例來說，以四碼或五碼鋼料編碼組 成的第一碼用以標示鋼料種類，像是①碳 鋼、② 鎳鋼、③ 鎳—鉻鋼…等。第二碼指 的是合金成分的大略比例，最後兩碼或三 碼指的是0.0幾的碳含量。 典型的AISI／SAE鋼鐵（不限使用於 扣件產品）如下：

• 10xx—一般碳鋼 • 15xx—錳鋼 • 40xx—鉬鋼（0.25%） • 41xx—鉻-鉬鋼（1.0%鉻,0.20%鉬） • 43xx—鉻-錳-鉬鋼 • 50xx—鎳鋼（50B46） • 51xx—鉻鋼（51B60）（0.80%鉻） • 86xx—鉻-鎳-鉬鋼 • 87xx—鉻-鎳-鉬鋼（0.55%鎳,0.50% 鉻,0.25%鉬） • 94xx—鎳-鉻-鉬鋼（94B40） 若考 量的是 合金鋼，鋼料就必 須 被加入一種以上的合金。美國鋼鐵學會 （A ISI）將本身合金成分含量最大範 圍超過以下限制一種以上的鋼鐵稱作 合金，這些限制包括，錳（1.65%）；矽 （0.60%）；銅（0.60%）；或是下列任一 必備元素的最小量介於建構合金鋼範圍 限制內：鋁、鉻含量達3.99%，鈷、鈳、鉬 0.30%，鎳0.30%，鈦、鎢、釩0.10%，鋯 或其他添入為取得所欲合金效果的合金 元素。當材料是由兩至三種元素所組成 且其合金含量低於上述，施加於鋼鐵分 類判定的限制值為相關元素個別值總量 的70%。

解構 扣件 的材質 文 / Guy Avellon

SAE 等級5（公制性能等級8.8）：六 角頭帽螺絲由不同鋼料生產，範圍不限於 1032至1038，且被分類於中碳鋼或高錳鋼 （像是1541或1335）。ASTM中同等級的 是A449。 SAE等級5.2：組合螺栓、法蘭頭帽螺 絲和螺柱，應用於特定汽車領域，由低碳 硼鋼製成。 SAE等級8（公制性能等級10.9）：六 角頭帽螺絲根據其最終使用目的使用許 多不同鋼料製成。SAEJ429允許一些製造 商使用非合金鋼料在特定應用中。類似的 ASTM產品要求所有A354等級BD的帽螺 絲以合金鋼生產並且擁有在產品進行驗證 荷載測試的文件證明。所有等級8和A354 帽螺絲經過熱處理和油淬火和回火。

SAE等級8.2：典型法蘭頭帽螺絲，使用於特定汽車和貨卡應用，因為法蘭頭 較易成型，通常使用低碳硼鋼製成。 內六角頭帽螺絲： 公制內六角頭產品有很多不同等級或稱性能分類，從8.8、10.9至12.9都有，因 此這些產品將根據其機械性能使用上述不同性能分類的鋼料。 英吋標準內六角頭產品根據線徑大小有相同的強度等級;尺寸1/2＂以下（含） 為180ksi，尺寸1/2＂以上為170ksi。典型上，六角頭帽螺絲使用4140-4145合金鋼。 高拉力強度的例外為鈕扣頭和扁平頭產品，這類產品產生的拉力強度介於145至 135ksi。ASTM的產品標準為A574和A574M。

鋼鐵的化學特性： 所以，這些化學和金屬元素在鋼鐵扣件的開發中扮演甚麼部分？最常見的合 金元素根據其能達到的效果羅列如下。要注意的是當有些元素被混合使用，可能 會產生能進一步強化鋼鐵品質和性能的協同效應。 鋁：並非總是被有意添加，但它通常存在於鋼鐵中。它的作用像是還原劑，或 是用以產出細緻的晶粒尺寸、增加中碳鋼的溝槽韌性，但可能也會降低潛變強度。 硼鋼：某些鋼鐵的強度可以透過添加少量硼元素（0.0005 to 0.003%）進行強 化。正常來說會與擁有複雜平面幾何的低碳鋼（10B20）一起使用以延長模具壽命; 像是法蘭頭帽螺絲和鑽頭螺絲。不過，一些具有較大截面、較大線徑或複雜頭部幾 何的合金鋼也會因為添加了硼（像是41B37或51B60）而受益。 當與低碳鋼（像是1030或是更低）一起使用時，新的硼合金鋼現在可以被熱處 理來產生等同8級螺栓的硬度和拉力強度。若是在剪力或固定負載下使用且被買家 適當地使用是被允許的。不過，此合金組合在1980年代中期曾出現嚴重問題，當時 低碳硼鋼被使用在標記著SAE8級的六角頭帽螺絲上。

很明顯地，這個以8級名義販售的產品十分節省成本也創造龐大 獲利。這引發了仿冒扣件失效的問題，因為硼鋼的存在實際上無法用 標準測試法來偵測出來。因此，1990年代初期，扣件產業和美國政府 制定了扣件品質法案。 除了無法抵抗動態或循環負荷外，低碳硼鋼有最大運作溫度限 制。相較於回火溫度為800oF（425oC）的8級產品，低碳硼鋼被淬火和 回火至650oF（340oC）。若使用者不知道硼鋼的較低運作溫度並把扣 件置於全合金8級產品可以抵抗的條件下，那麼將會存在非常危險的 情況。這些鋼鐵非常容易發生應力腐蝕破裂。 碳含量：在扣件部分，鋼料編碼最後兩碼指的是碳含量以小 數點後兩碼標示的比例。舉例來說，一單位的1541鋼料分析出來有 0.41%的碳含量。鋼料中的碳含量和微量元素將決定其可硬化性和回 應熱處理的能力；若太硬，鋼料會變得易脆，太軟則會強度不足。合 金元素被添入鋼料以強化其透實硬化，而碳含量則決定了鋼料可達 到的最大硬度。 滲碳：機械螺絲和板金螺絲典型上是由低碳鋼（像是1010 或 1022）製成。不過其本身並沒有足夠碳含量來讓鋼料透過熱處理變得 更硬。因此，這些產品雖然沒有很高的強度，但卻具備相對高的延展 性。它們被視為2級扣件。也是由低碳鋼製成的螺紋切削或自鑽螺絲 經過滲碳過程進行表面硬化，也就是在部件表面將碳滲入。碳經由爐 內充滿碳的混和氣體被人工添加入表面以產生更硬的表面。硬化深 度又稱表面硬化深度或表面硬度，典型上深度是1吋的千分之一，但 核心部位仍維持相對軟質。 鉻：鉻基本上是種硬化媒介。它會增加腐蝕和氧化的抵抗能力。 當與鎳進行合金，組合成的產物可產生優異的機械韌性和硬度。它也 使用於形成奧斯田鐵不鏽鋼。 錳：其也可在淬火過程中協助產生強度和增強硬度。這些特性會隨 著碳中錳含量的增加成比例增加。表面品質也能透過錳鋼進行改善。 鉬：另一種提升可硬化程度，但對冷成型特色影響達到最小和提 供更好可硬化度控制的元素。回火溫度較高以獲得延展性，但具備 0.15至0.30%鉬含量的合金鋼呈現出最不易發生回火脆裂的特性。 鎳：一種肥粒鐵強化劑，鎳不會在鋼鐵形成任何碳化合物，因此 會在肥粒鐵的金相中創造出韌性。鎳降低了關鍵的冷卻率，因此非常 易於熱處理。若與鉻進行合金作用，產生的合金會有更大的疲乏抵抗 度，較高的衝擊強度，以及與搭配一般碳鋼更高的可硬化性。 磷：高磷含量對改善低碳鋼的可加工性是很有幫助的，但對經淬 火和回火過的鋼料是有害的，因為它會降低其抵抗疲乏的能力和延 展性。因此，在這些鋼鐵中磷的最大含量被控制在0.025%。 矽：含量高達0.30%時是煉鋼中主要的還原劑之一。矽幫助提升 溝槽韌性並提供更一致的肥粒鐵晶粒。 硫：可改善某些鋼料的可加工性，與錳鋼一起使用的話，硫也會 對表面品質產生有害影響。其含量增加也會降低其橫向韌性和延展 性。基於這些理由，在多數鋼料中，硫有最大含量限制。 釩：用於抑制奧斯田鐵晶粒的形成以促進更細緻的晶粒結構。細 緻的晶粒結構可以強化鋼料的拉力強度和韌性。釩也會與硼一起被 使用於鋼料中，像是41BV37等。 許多鋼料的規格會明確地載明沒有刻意添加鉍、硒、碲或鉛。所 有這些元素被使用來強化可加工性，而這個特性在經淬火和回火的合 金鋼扣件中是不需要的。事實上，硒可以與錳一起成型來使其含有硒 氧化錳。

41 China Fastener World no.57/2019

技術論壇

China Fastener World no.57/2019

42 技術論壇

氫脆研究的新認識 及最新進展

文/ 張先鳴

摘 要： 緊固件，如螺栓、螺母及彈簧墊圈等，都有氫脆開裂的可能。大部分情況下危害 材料的氫根據來源可以簡單歸納為內源氫和外源氫，氫致斷裂最終表現為裂紋 的加速形核及擴展。發生氫脆斷裂一般需具備3個要素是敏感材料、恒定載荷和 氫環境。氫脆裂紋的形成特徵：延遲性特點；萌生於次表面。氫脆研究的新認識， 材料強度的變化；螺栓H含量的變化；氫脆斷口特徵的變化；氫脆斷口特徵的變化； 氫脆與其它失效模式交織。為此，研究高強度螺栓化學成分、加工工藝、顯微組織等方 面與氫脆的關聯，並通過相應措施緩解甚至消除氫在螺栓服役階段的負面作用，避免出 現無預警的脆斷現象。

前言

氫脆斷裂的失效診斷

緊固件，如螺栓、螺母及彈簧墊圈等，都有 氫脆開裂的可能。大部分情況下危害材料的氫 根據來源可以簡單歸納為內源氫和外源氫：① 內源氫，緊固件材料在生產過程中引入的氫。緊 固件材料在冶煉、加工、熱處理、酸洗和電鍍等 工藝過程中，會不可避免地從空氣中吸入一定 含量的氫。②外源氫，鋼鐵材料緊固件在服役 時從環境中吸收的氫。含氫的服役的環境有多 種多樣，尤其在潮濕環境或水環境中，緊固件 容易發生電化學腐蝕，並伴有陰極析氫過程。

2.1 氫脆斷裂的三要素

氫進入緊固件材料中後可以對材料造成 多種形式的損傷，較高含量的氫往往造成不可 逆的氫損傷，其形式包括氫鼓泡、氫致裂紋、氫 蝕、氫化物、氫致馬氏體相變等[1]。如低碳鋼在 高溫高壓的氫氣環境中使用時，鋼中的碳會與 氫氣反應生成甲烷逸出，造成表面脫碳（高溫 氫蝕），即使氫含量較低，含氫的材料也會出現 塑性損失。裂紋常會在遠小於屈服強度的應力 水準下萌生，經過一定的孕育期後導致螺栓突 然斷裂，即氫致延遲裂紋。氫損傷、氫致塑性損 失和氫致延遲斷裂都可以用氫脆來泛指。 高強度緊固件和低強度緊固件相比具有更 高的氫脆敏感性，因此，氫脆現象必然是緊固 件安全服役的關鍵障礙，人們亟需對氫脆本質 進行理解以便找到更有效的防護方法。 氫對緊固件既廣又深的危害主要歸功於氫 的2個特性：①氫原子體積最小，極高的擴散 性，能滲入螺栓更深處，也容易在服役過程中 受應力、溫度等因素驅動快速擴散到缺陷處並 發生富集，從而造成更大的危害。②高化學活 性，與金屬和非金屬都容易化學結合，也容易 偏析於緊固件材料缺陷處形成氣團改變缺陷的 行為。

氫脆開裂是環境氫從工件表面沿晶界進駐晶界並向內擴散，氫原子 在此聚集，並在應力作用下最終導致沿晶界開裂。氫脆開裂是一個過程， 發生氫脆斷裂一般需具備以下3個要素是敏感材料、恒定載荷和氫環境。 ① 敏感材料 不同材料的氫脆敏感性不同，同種材料組織結構不同時，其氫脆 敏感性也不同；金屬材料強度愈高、屈服強度愈高，氫脆敏感性愈大。 硫化物夾雜和未回火的馬氏體組織易發生氫脆。在各種不同的顯微組 織中，對氫脆敏感性由高到低的順序一般為：馬氏體、上貝氏體（粗大貝 氏體）、下貝氏體（細貝氏體）、索氏體、珠光體、奧氏體[2]。 ② 恒定載荷 拉應力是發生氫脆斷裂的必要條件，可以是工作載荷，也可以是裝 配應力或材料的殘餘應力。在其他條件相同時，在臨界應力以上，應力 愈高，氫脆敏感性愈大。通常拉應力越大，緊固件發生氫脆斷裂的時間 則越短，服役中的螺栓、墊圈等發生氫脆斷裂的應力一般為外加載荷。 ③ 氫環境 氫環境包括內部氫和環境氫：內部氫是指螺栓材料在冶煉、熱加 工、熱處理、酸洗、電鍍等過程吸入的氫；環境氫是指螺栓材料原來不 含氫或含氫量較低，但在氫氣氛下或在其他含氫介質中使用時吸入了 氫。發生氫脆的溫度為-100℃～200 ℃。氫脆的斷裂性質為脆性斷裂， 其宏觀斷口是齊平的，無塑性變形；斷裂的顯微特徵是沿晶型或是穿 晶型的。對於氫化物型氫脆，其裂紋沿晶界擴展，並在晶界上可看到粒 狀氫化物[3]。

2.2 氫脆裂紋的形成 ① 延遲性特點 氫致裂紋的孕育形成需要一段時間，此即潛伏期，時間的長短與 靜載荷的大小、氫含量以及材料相關，即氫脆開裂具有延遲性特點。氫 致裂紋一經形成，將快速擴展，幾乎在瞬間即擴展結束。因此，發生氫 脆斷裂的應力有一個門檻應力或門檻應力強度因數。

② 萌生於次表面 氫通過促進局部塑性變形和降低 原子間的鍵合力，一方面促進了奈米 級微裂紋的形核，另一方面促進了微 裂紋鈍化成微孔洞，即氫促進了孔洞 的形核。氫通過在孔洞內部形成氫壓 及降低鍵合力增加了孔洞的穩定性。 研究認可，氫致裂紋是在缺口前沿某 一距離開始形成，然後逐漸相互連接 長大而造成裂紋擴展，氫致裂紋擴展 是不連續的。

2.3 氫脆斷口的特徵 ① 鋼鐵緊固件的氫脆斷口沒有固定 的特徵，其與裂紋前沿的應力強度 因數及氫含量有關，可以是韌窩， 也可以出現解理、准解理及沿晶等 形貌，有時甚至是混合的。斷口若 為沿晶斷裂，沿晶面上經常會出現 “雞爪紋＂ 。晶面上的“雞爪紋＂ 是氫致裂紋擴展過程中留下的痕 跡，是一種塑性變形特徵。氫促進 缺口尖端處局部塑性變形的氫脆 機理是近年來氫脆問題研究的一 大進展，該理論認為任何斷裂過 程都是塑性變形的結果，氫進入 裂紋尖端能促進局部塑性變形進 而促進斷裂失效。 ② 很少有沿晶的二次裂紋，垂直於主 裂紋面進行金相觀察時，主裂紋兩 側一般沒有分叉現象。 ③ 應力強度因數較大時，較低的氫含 量就可以發生氫 脆斷裂，反之亦 然，氫含量沒有明確界限。

2.4 氫脆斷裂的診斷依據 氫脆斷裂的診斷的主要依據有： ①具備發生氫脆斷裂的三要素；②斷 裂面比較潔淨，無腐蝕產物，斷口比較 平齊，有放射狀花樣，呈結晶顆粒狀 亮灰色，一般為多源脆性斷口；③延遲 性斷裂特點。一般具備了以上幾點，就 可以斷定其為氫脆斷裂。 對於高強度緊固件，或強度等級 在8.8級的螺栓，其氫脆斷口上大多會 存在“雞爪紋＂ 。螺栓服役過程中的氫 脆斷裂位置一般有兩處，一處為光杆 和螺紋段交界的第一扣螺紋處；另一 處就是光杆和六角頭的過渡圓角處。 當採用有限元數位類比顯示這兩處在

螺栓服役過程中承受的拉應力最大， 是螺栓的薄弱環節。

氫脆研究的新認識 鋼鐵緊固件在冶煉、熱加工、熱 處理、酸洗、電鍍等以及隨後的服役 時均存在氫滲入的幾率，從而導致高 強度緊固件存在發生氫脆的風險；再 加上服役時應力梯度作用下氫易向高 應力區（如位錯、晶界、缺陷、沉澱相 等）富集，顯著增加了承載時發生氫脆 的可能性。 由於氫在材料內部的聚集程度取 決於是敏感材料、恒定載荷和氫環境 因素的交互作用，氫脆斷裂臨界氫含 量迄今為止難於量化確定其門檻，仍 然是一個世界性難題，所以目前還沒有 準確界定是否發生氫脆的標準。事實 上對氫脆斷裂起作用的是材料中的內 源氫，由於氫原子體積很小，活動影響 因素較多，很難對發生氫脆斷裂時的 實際內源氫含量進行準確測定。氫含 量的測定值在氫脆斷裂失效診斷中只 是一個參考，為此，結合近10年來緊固 件產品典型氫脆失效的典型案例，從 這些新現象中發現並歸納了一些氫脆 研究的新認識，具體表現如下。 ①材料強度的變化。氫脆敏感性 與緊固件強度密切相關，氫脆斷裂的 臨界應力極限隨著螺栓強度的升高 而急劇下降 [4]。一般認為抗拉強度低 於1000Mpa不容易發生氫脆斷裂，但 低於10.9級螺栓有時也會發生氫脆失 效。對於8.8級M8小規格45鋼電鍍螺 栓，表面處理或驅氫不當，在服役初 期發生斷裂，檢測R m僅為10 0 0M Pa 左右，SEM斷口形貌上具有准解理、 二次裂紋、撕裂棱等氫脆特徵，其原 因在於螺栓的實際強度高於標準中的 抗拉強度，且在酸洗、電鍍後未及時驅 氫；造成小規格螺栓強度往往遠高於 性能要求，造成其對氫脆極為敏感。 對於製造10.9級及以上等級高強 度螺栓使用的低合金鋼，試驗表明， 在200℃～500℃回火溫度範圍內，氫 脆敏感性隨回火溫度升高逐漸減小， 當回火溫度達到600℃時，各試驗鋼對 氫幾乎不在敏感，這可能與馬氏體的 充分回火有關。在低溫回火態，馬氏體 內析出的碳化物主要以薄膜狀分佈于

43

原奧氏體晶界，與富集在這些位置的 氫共同作用以脆化晶界；而高溫回火 態，晶界碳化物逐漸斷裂、球化，並在 晶內析出大量彌散的細小碳化物 [5]， 這些碳化物作為氫的強陷阱捕集大量 的氫，有效降低介面處氫的濃度，改善 了抗氫脆性能，具體表現為螺栓塑性 的顯著回復。以此推斷，如果低合金鋼 組織中的馬氏體為低碳馬氏體（馬氏 體中的碳品質分數小於0.25%），則氫 脆斷裂傾向也較小。40Cr鋼10.9級螺 栓，由於其熱處理狀態為調質態，組 織為回火索氏體，一般不易發生氫脆 斷裂。實際上，由於螺栓實際強度偏 高可在1200 MPa左右，試驗表明，氫 脆敏感性隨回火溫度的升高而降低， 而40Cr鋼在470℃～480℃回火後，不 可逆氫陷阱多且不能有效地釋放氫， 導致其發生氫脆斷裂失效的案例並不 在少數。 從降低螺栓氫脆敏感性的角度考 慮，不宜將高強度螺栓強度控制在標 準的上限，而應控制在標準的中下限， 可通過適當降低合金鋼的碳含量，適 當提高回火溫度等措施來解決。 ②螺栓H含量的變化。在特定的 工作應力下，高強度螺栓內部的H含量 越高，則越容易發生氫脆。發生氫脆 斷裂的螺栓的H含量有時非常低，甚 至0.1×10-6的H含量也出現氫脆的典 型斷裂特徵。斷裂螺栓SEM斷口形貌 為沿晶+韌窩斷裂特徵，可知螺栓存在 一定程度的回火脆性，1022鋼自攻螺 釘在第一類回火脆性區域250～300℃ 回火，回火脆對氫脆起著明顯的促進 作用，檢測氫含量在1×10-6。研究結 果表明，回火脆程度較小，回火脆和 氫脆為線性相加；回火脆程度較大， 回火脆將大大加劇氫脆程度。也就是 說，回火脆將降低材料發生氫脆斷裂 的臨界H含量。如40Cr鋼10.9級螺栓 在H含量為3×10 - 6條件下發生氫脆 斷裂，而根據實踐的經驗，SCM435、 SWRCH45K鋼螺栓H含量為（5～10） ×10 -6以上時，才有發生氫脆斷裂的 可能性。對失效螺栓分析認為，螺栓 在較低的H含量下發生氫脆斷裂，是 由於螺栓存在中等程度的回火脆化和 強度處於標準上限。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

技術論壇

China Fastener World no.57/2019

44 技術論壇

人們通常關注承受靜載荷螺栓的 氫脆斷裂問題，對於承受交變載荷的 螺栓，H含量在斷裂過程中所起的脆 化作用往往被忽視。對於高強度 ≥10.9 級螺栓而言，由於對氫脆敏感，若螺 栓強度偏高，或表面處理工藝不當， 驅氫不及時或驅氫溫度偏低造成驅氫 不徹底，則H在疲勞斷裂中的作用會 急劇增加[6]，必須引起高度重視。 ③氫脆斷口特徵的變化。一是斷 口撕裂棱（雞爪紋）的減少，有的氫 脆斷口晶粒表面雞爪紋難以觀察到； 二是瞬斷區面積變大，有的螺栓氫脆 裂紋區占斷口面積很小，瞬斷區所占 比例較大。 ④小規格緊固件更易發生氫脆。 小規格螺栓、螺母、彈墊、鉚釘、圓 柱銷等，不太引人注意，但發生氫脆 隱患的範圍很大。其原因是緊固件越 小，加工成形時形變量越大，晶粒越 細小，所以小零件的強度設計往往遠 高於標準中的強度，緊固件強度偏高 因素導致的氫脆斷裂失效占約35%， 與強度相關因素的則占60%，可見，強 度偏高是當前普遍存在的一個問題。 強度偏高除少部分與鋼材碳含量偏高 或熱處理工藝控制不當，使得小緊固 件強度超出了技術要求外，絕大部分 是由於標準選用即設計值偏高，造成 其對氫脆極為敏感。 ⑤ 氫脆與其它失效 模式交織。 常見高強度螺栓的斷口上呈現疲勞、 應力腐蝕等交織在一起。如斷口上出 現了疲勞與氫脆交織的現象，是氫在 斷裂過程中起到了重要作用，與自身 的H含量相關（由環境中的H引發的 氫脆除外）。氫脆與應力腐蝕交織在 一起，都與材料的組織狀態、強度水 準、殘餘應力等密切相關，取決於表 面防護效果及環境（腐蝕介質等）。 這些值得關注。如35CrMo鋼12.9級 螺栓服役過程中承受恒定拉應力，顯 微組織為回火索氏體+少量鐵素體， 對氫脆較為敏感，螺栓本身含有一定 量的氫，潮濕的空氣會在螺栓表面凝 聚成水滴，水中含有的少量氫原子也 會向應力集中明顯的螺紋根部富集， 導致氫含量升高，具有氫脆斷裂所需 的氫環境。當螺栓具備氫脆斷裂的三

個要素以後，且在服役過程中斷裂， 並具有延遲性特點，斷口上略見腐蝕 產物，比較潔淨，典型的氫脆斷裂的 宏觀特徵。

氫脆研究的最新進展 氫 致斷裂 最終表現為裂 紋的加 速形核及擴展。空位是緊固件中最典 型的點缺陷，研究表明，含氫空位在 氫 致 開裂 過 程中起了非常 重要的作 用，甚至有可能起了主導作用。含氫空 位能影響氫的擴散，也能影響位錯的 行為，甚至可以直接發生空位聚合形 成微納米孔洞引發裂紋形核和擴展。 如鋼中硫化氫誘發裂紋常見於相 界上，一般在長條狀的MnS夾雜上形 成，也可以在珠光體偏析帶上形成。 氫和合金元素還會發生化學反應，在 碳素鋼中，當溫度高於250℃時，氫就 可以在滲碳體/鐵素體介面上和碳反 應，生成甲烷並以氣泡的方式存在於 介面上。 試驗發現氫鼓泡形成過程可以 分為3個階段：①氫降低介面結合強 度。②金屬擴散變形。③氧化膜在氫 壓作用下鼓出。氫氣泡/氫鼓泡的形 成過程是介面擴散作用和氫氣壓力作 用的共同結果。單純依靠氧化膜來防 止氫脆是不夠的，氫鼓泡可以造成氧 化膜破損從而使其喪失阻止氫氣的作 用。針對介面擴散作用，可以通過合 金化手段增強介面的結合強度，降低 介面擴散率。針對氫氣壓力作用，最 好的方法是要在缺陷處阻止氫原子 重新結合成氫分子，允許氫氣逃逸出 材料內部，有可能通過設計複合材料 構築氫氣氛逃逸通道來實現。 因此，無論用於飛機發動機，還 是石化煤氣裝置和電廠渦輪發電機 中的螺栓，都處在高溫含水汽的環境 中工作，造成緊固件的腐蝕和失效加 速，由氫化物導致的裂紋擴展速率在 奈米每秒的量級。 值得注意的是，有些易氫脆的緊 固件雖然在常溫常壓下不生成穩定氫 化物，但卻有可能在尖角缺口的應力 集中區形成亞穩定的納米氫化物，一 旦發生氫化物開裂導致應力釋放，該

氫化物隨機分解釋放氫，其中部分的 氫又可以擴散至新的尖角缺口位置參 與氫化物形成。由於緊固件材料中常 常含有大量碳化物，氫與碳化物的交 叉作用是氫脆研究的重點關注物件。 為此，氫脆研究將從宏觀走向微觀是 大勢所趨，氫脆研究方法由以前的宏 觀拉伸曲線和斷口形 貌分析 逐漸向 氫-缺陷交互作用以及電腦類比開裂 微觀過程的方向發展。

結束語 總之，氫能惡化高強度螺栓的力 學性能，並改變其斷裂方式，隨螺栓 材料中氫濃度的提高，其斷後伸長率 和斷面收縮率大大降低，其斷裂模式 由延性韌窩斷裂向脆性解理或沿晶斷 裂轉變。因此，氫脆是高強度螺栓輕 量化推廣應用過程中必須重點考慮的 問題。深入研究化學成分、加工工藝、 顯微組織等方面與氫脆的關聯，並通 過相應措施緩解甚至消除氫在螺栓 服役階段的負面作用，避免出現無預 警的脆斷現象，將成為高強度緊固件 應用開發的主要關注方向。

參考文獻 [1] 周德惠，譚雲.金屬的環境氫脆及試 驗技術［M］.北京：國防工業出版 社，1998.

[2] 螺栓 氫 脆問題 研究［J］.航太標準 化,2007（2）：1-5.

[3] 褚武揚.氫損傷和滯後斷裂［M］.北 京：冶金工業出版社，1988.

[4] 孫小炎.合金鋼螺栓的氫脆［J］.航太 標準化,2012（1）：12-13.

[5] 惠衛軍，董瀚，翁宇慶，等. 超細晶粒 高強度鋼的延遲斷裂行為［J］.金屬 學報，2004（6）：561-568.

[6] 張先鳴. 氫脆研究的新進展［J］.緊 固件，2011（32）：104-107.

45 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

展 業 流 專 潮 件 為 固 蔚 緊 台 海 平 上 9 商 201 新電 文

達 張乃

文／惠

本次展會吸引超過800家緊固件生產商、設備商參加，邀請超過3萬名來自緊固件經銷 貿易、汽車、汽配、建築、機械設備製造、傢俱、航空航太、軌道交通、造船等行業的決策 者、採購商、工程師到場參加。本次展會中電商平台顯得比以往更加活躍，更有許多新的平 台成立，帶起中國緊固件內銷一股新的風潮。

2 019上海緊固件專業展正值 10周年之際，展會第一天晚上特別 舉辦螺絲之夜，並頒發最忠誠參展 獎、最具貢獻力參展商獎。本次展會 以「出口導向，高端內銷」為主軸， 期間也舉辦了多場的緊固件市場、 商業模式、技術及智能製造等主題 演講。 滙達率領的台灣展團位於訪客 來往要道，與會參觀者對攤位上針 對中國廠商所出版的「螺絲世界雜 誌中國國際版」非常有興趣，認為 可以在短時間內找到合適的供應商，相當符合現在商業市場中的效率。展出期間也有相當 多高階採購商表示希望能訂閱專刊，現場索書相當熱烈。 實際拜訪10間中國緊固件大廠展商，發表對於展會期間參觀群眾的觀察分析、中國市 場及貿易摩擦等對策，大部分廠商對於同月份在上海有兩次螺絲相關展會明顯感受到人 潮分散，另外在國際市場貿易摩擦方面，多數展商認為仍要保持一定的產品水平才能度過 難關。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

46 展後報導

上海飛可斯鉚釘:

寧波聯欣標準件:

飛可斯有高達 80%的產品都出口到歐 美地區，北美地區占比約 25%，高強度結構 型產品占比逐年上升，今年人潮與以往差不 多，明年應該還是會繼續參加。

人潮大致上來說還算滿意，國外客人以中東、義大利及歐 洲地區為主，參觀者對於聯欣Anchor類產品詢問度算高，明年 還會再來！

佛山市廣慶昌金屬塑料:

佛山西河五金製品:

這兩年因為同性質展舉辦時間太近，分散人潮，今年人 潮一般，大多仍是以中國國內參觀者為 主，未來希望能夠拓展國際業務，今年慶 昌新成立外銷部，期盼能拓展更多不同 市場。

人潮滿意，人潮與往年相比差不 多，國內外訪客皆有大約參半，國外 以歐洲客戶為主，面對目前的經濟浪 潮，應該要優化內部、穩定品質，才 能夠度過難關持續發光！

浙江東明不銹鋼製品:

東莞市宏惠五金:

仔細觀察這次的展會就會發現參展的內銷型工廠或賣 產品的越來越少，做平台的越來越多，工廠現在利用平台做 內銷B2B比例逐漸升高，平台就像個24小時的展會，目前越 來越流行。

目前應該積極往中國國內市場發展，中國是世界上最大 的市場，先占領份額、價格要有 競爭優勢，品質肯定是基本要 求，未來要積極提升產品的附加 價值。

47

恒昭金屬制品(上海):

浙江洪揚汽車零部件:

目前計畫到泰國設立新工廠，主要是因為貿易摩擦衝擊美 國市場，恒昭以外銷為主，本次展會國外客戶來自印度比較多， 已經連續10年參加本次展會，明年應該會想 嘗試看看不一樣的轉變。

今年客戶感覺貿易公司比較多，很高興能夠藉由展會見見 老朋友敘舊，美國大概佔洪揚營業 額的10%，銷往美國產品多以訂製 件為主，可取代性低，所以貿易戰 影響並不大。

嘉興海德五金:

海鹽衛士標準件:

參展主要來見見老客戶，幾個從義大利、保加利亞來的客戶 今年都有來攤位拜訪，另外發現今 年電商平台變多、企業年輕人多很 多，貿易戰摩擦讓原美國市場廠商 轉戰歐洲，有明顯的感覺價格競爭 壓力。

展會上有見到很多不同國家的人，交流了許多資訊，明年肯 定還會繼續參展，整個行業正在進入調整期又逢貿易戰、市場 選擇變少、整體庫存量很高，要持續穩定接單熬過這段時期。

緊固件全球趨勢分析 EFDA：專業化、集中化是關鍵 文／惠達 張乃文

展會開幕首日邀請到歐洲緊固件分銷商協會副會長Gian Marco Dalpane針對全球經濟發展趨勢及其對緊固件生產、應 用與貿易的影響進行演說，Gian Marco Dalpane表示，未來緊 固件的製造勢必會走向自動化，製造商應該要更加注重管理 鏈，並持續設計更好的緊固件解決方案。

Gian Marco Dalpane提到，未來對緊固件商品的要求會越 來越嚴苛，零缺點的產品才能夠在兢爭激烈的市場下生存，針 對這些要求，緊固件製造商未來勢必會遇到專業化與集中化這 兩大重要的轉變趨勢。 專業化分為兩個層面，數位化及國際化，生產流程、技術都 要使其數位化，利於機器對機器管理，國際化則是在採購及銷 售面須突破國內市場拓展到世界。集中化則是各種公司合併與 收購，緊固件行業進行整合，企業將面臨如何管理不同文化背

歐洲緊固件分銷商協會副會長Gian Marco Dalpane

景公司的問題。另外世界局勢不斷改變，未來的法律及海關變 得更繁文縟節，程序更多且複雜，專業認證在全球行銷變得更 加重要。 演說中Gian Marco Dalpane指出，全世界緊固件銷售額共 有55億歐元，其中亞洲佔銷售額比例最高，歐洲緊固件銷售量 則是在10億歐元左右。歐洲目前對亞洲已經沒有任何緊固件傾 銷稅，且歐洲緊固件需求持續增長中。從歐盟自8大亞洲主要緊 固件出口國家進口的比重來看，從中國進口的比重增加2%，從台 灣進口的比重則下降3%。

China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

48 展前報導

展前 報導

2019/10/17-19

惠達編輯部 整理

台灣五金展 台中國際 展覽館

攤位號碼：B11

邁 入 第 五 屆 的「台灣 金 屬 材 料 暨 精 密 加 工設備展，International Metal Technology Taiwan(IMT)」為台灣唯一金屬產業國際專業展 會。今年將於11月7日至10日在台中國際展覽館 盛大舉行，歷年策展成績獲得國內外業者高度肯 定，今年展會規模與國際專業買家人數將達到歷 年之最。 台灣金屬產業能量享譽全球，優良且不斷走 在趨勢前端的鑄造、鍛造、模具和表面處理二次 加工技術更是帶動台灣工具機、汽機車零組件、 高爾夫球桿、航太工業和運動醫療器材等金屬應 用產業往高值化發展的幕後推手。IMT展會將完 整呈現台灣金屬產業供應鏈能量，吸引全球專業 買家前來採購，勢必成為業者展示產品技術，擴 大全球業務，進行技術交流以及掌握科技趨勢的 最佳機會。

台灣五金展提供外國廠商絕佳機會與台灣擁有特殊精密五金生產 能力的製造商面對面進行洽談。國際買家將可以在此展實際體驗到多 元的採購來源，並能在展後就近參觀潛在合作夥伴的工廠。台灣頂尖五 金、代工製造/代工設計/自有品牌以及國際品牌和供應商持續向來此展 的全球買家展現全新具高競爭力的產品。該展徹底展現台灣在高等級、 高價值、競爭力價格、客製化和符合全世界買家需求的能力。在具備許 多品質優異保證的紀錄下，國際買家可以與在地廠商建立互利互惠商業 關係，在台灣生產自家五金產品。

2019/10/22-24

新加坡國際 新加坡展覽中心 工業博覽會 新加坡國際工業博覽會是亞太地區關於工業4.0的領導展會。該展 匯聚來自跨國企業至中小企業的製造商、政府代理人和商業組織。 展會的目的在創造一個可以改變產業和由領導專家組成的策略平 台。此展主要服務航太、汽車、生物醫療、化學、消費性產品製造、電 子、海事、離岸、油氣和精密工程等產業。 隨著亞太地區製造商開始了解到現有的商用模 式不再具備永續性，經濟體和企業必須開始進行 轉型之路。不過，每一段過程都是不同的，不同廠商 的適用程度也不同。此展就是設計規劃來幫助亞太 區域廠商開始採用引進工業4.0等相關方案並加以 維持。 由SingEx Exhibitions和Deutsche Messe主 辦，2019的展會也受到新加坡政府機構，像是科學 技術研究機構、新加坡經濟發展委員會、新加坡企 業組織、JTC Corporation和新加坡觀光委員會的 大力支持。展會將於2019年10月22-24日在新加坡 展覽中心舉行。

展前報導

中國蘇州緊固件展

2019/10/23-25

蘇州國際展覽中心 作為全球專業扣件展會之一，第19屆蘇州緊固件展致力於把扣件產業 上下游串連起來。專注在服務末端用戶和打造全球扣件貿易平台是此展 的重點。 蘇州是長江三角洲中心城市之一，也是江蘇最發達現代化的城市。此 外，蘇州也有便利的交通，距離上海80公里，200公里內可到嘉興、無錫、 寧波、杭州等扣件製造重鎮。因此，蘇州展不只可以幫助訪客與中國多數 扣件製造商搭上線，也是就近參訪扣件廠的好機會。 近幾年蘇州展已經拓展成2個展館，分別是扣件館和設備館，總展覽 面積為12,000平方公尺。此展將吸引全球超過400家扣件和協力製造廠 前來。該展也提供專業買家絕佳的一站式扣件、生產設備、配套產品和原 料採購機會。根據上屆統計，共有來自40個國家區域的買家前來。預計今 年會超過12,000家海內外買家前來。

莫斯科國際五金工具展

2019/11/05-08

Expocentre Fairgrounds 莫斯科國際五金工具展提供全球領導五金 和工具產業廠商絕佳的平台來向全俄羅斯和前 蘇聯國協國家展示自家的創新產品。 多年來莫斯科國際五金工具展有許多不同 子展區，包括3D智能展、清潔展、扣件展、園藝 展、量測展、烤漆展、倉儲服務展和焊接展。 在展會中，您可以進一步了解國內外製造商 的全新專業工具和設備，並相互比較。 您也可以這麼說，MITEX助您在新市場中 繼續成長。

台灣金屬材料暨精密加工設備展 台中國際展覽館

2019/11/07-10

邁入第五屆的「台灣金屬材料暨精密加工設備展，International Metal Technology Taiwan(IMT)」為台灣唯一金屬產業國際專業展 會。今年將於11月7日至10日在台中國際展覽館盛大舉行，歷年策展成 績獲得國內外業者高度肯定，今年展會規模與國際專業買家人數將達 到歷年之最。 台灣金屬產業能量享譽全球，優良且不斷走在趨勢前端的 鑄造、鍛造、模具和表面處理二次加工技術更是帶動台灣工具 機、汽機車零組件、高爾夫球桿、航太工業和運動醫療器材等金 屬應用產業往高值化發展的幕後推手。IMT展會將完整呈現台 灣金屬產業供應鏈能量，吸引全球專業買家前來採購，勢必成為 業者展示產品技術，擴大全球業務，進行技術交流以及掌握科 技趨勢的最佳機會。

49

China Fastener World no.57/2019

50 展前報導

埃及開羅國際工具機械設備暨手工具展

2019/11/14-17

埃及國際展覽中心 埃及無庸置疑是中東北非地區最重要的金屬加 工機械和工業用工具產業發展重心之一，市場規模約 20億美元。由於相關產業發展日益茁壯，埃及的金屬 加工和工業用工具進口預計會大幅提升，年複合成長 率接近15%。此展將於2019年11月14-17日在埃及國 際展覽中心舉辦，展出各式金屬加工、CNC機械工業 工具和焊接切削設備等，並可提高產業對目前埃及市 場產業趨勢的關注。同時匯聚許多在金屬加工、CNC 機械工業工具、焊接切割設備有專攻的專業人士到 場，為市場注入更新更具影響力的觀點。此展是目前

埃及最專業的貿易展會，服務數千位活躍積極想要採購最 先進機械設備的業界人士。舉辦18屆以來，此展展現吸引 數千名專業買家的實力，2019年預計將吸引18,000名訪 客前來。

印度國際機械工程技術及機床展覽會(扣件專區) 2019/12/04-08 古吉拉特邦 Gandhinagar 展覽中心 印度工業扣件市場可以分為高強 度扣件和軟鋼扣件。成長中的汽車和 汽車配件產業、基礎建設和建築活動 和發展中重型精密產業是促進印度工 業扣件市場的關鍵要素。隨著國防和 汽車領域製造活動的增長市場充滿龐大商機。伴隨印度穩定的經濟成長，印度工業扣件市場在接下來幾年將會持續 成長。 過去幾年，此展一直是機工具產業發展的主要貢獻者之一，讓參與者和訪客獲取最新的先進技術知識。此展不只 是貿易展會，更是看見、了解和知悉產業未來走向的平台。同時也是激發新想法/產品/服務的媒介，促進合資機會、合 作並提供理想產品解決方案的開放市場。

沙迦展覽中心將再次於2020年1月13-16日舉行SteelFab展。 如同前幾屆一樣，即將到來的第16屆SteelFab展預計有250家以上 展商展出800個品牌。展出商品包括焊接與切割、機工具、大小管 材加工機、研磨與切削、表面處理和拋光、工具和配件。而第5屆針 對扣件和緊固元件產業所舉辦的中東沙迦國際扣件展也將與2020 SteelFab同期舉辦。

中東沙迦國際扣件展 2020/01/13-16

沙迦展覽中心

除了義大利、德國和台灣館外，SteelFab也獲得許多產業領導協會的支持。英國館也將是第二次參加該展。沙迦 展覽中心執行長Saif Al Midfa 表示: 「這對該展是非常正面的發展，且也將匯聚一系列英國製鋼技術和關鍵解決 方案供應者。」 展會也安排一系列主題研討會。Saif Al Midfa 接 著表示: 「我們注意到區域內的聽眾對自動化和相關整 合的主題感到興趣，這也會反映在展會的研討主題。上一 屆展會曾經講過工業4.0、遠端操作的網路應用和自主機 器。」 區域內的製鋼和金屬加工產業改變做生意的方式也 已經過了16年。16年前SteelFab首次開展。從那時起很 多事情都有了改變，展會也將持續扮演協助產業度過經 濟和市場上下起伏的角色。 過去幾年，展會持續與產業一起成長，並擴大其影響 範圍。 每一屆的SteelFab都充分展現其為該區域提供最新技術和產業 竅門的領導地位。2020的SteelFab預期將可吸引更多訪客前來。

日本東京機械要素 技術展

日本千葉幕張展覽中心 2020/02/26-28 東京機械要素及技術展[M-Tech]是世界 領先的工業分包和傳動技術展覽會，展品彙 集各種機械零件的展覽，如軸承，緊固件，機 械彈簧，金屬和塑膠加工技術。 M-Tech每年 都會吸引大量的專業人士，包括設計，開發， 製造，生產工程，採購和品質控制部門到場， 與參展商進行熱烈的商業洽談。2020年展會 預計將有2,300 家參展商和80,000名專業 觀眾齊聚一堂！

中國國際廣州五金 博覽會

廣州琶洲國際採購中心

2020/04/13-15 為促進五金應用市場的巨大需求，積極回應國家提出 的加快轉變經濟發展方式，說明中國製造企業實現轉型升 級，提高企業競爭力，更好地滿足廣大人民群眾對美好生活 的需求。在各級主管部門的領導下，廣州中汽展覽有限公司 聯合行業權威機構定于2020年4月13-15日在廣州琶洲國 際採購中心舉辦“2020中國廣州國際五金展覽會”(CIHE 2020)。主辦方將利用地緣優勢，助力企業一方面更有效地 拓展出口管道，一方面著眼于數萬億的內需大市場，必將帶 來出口、內銷兩旺。以全新的理念為廣大中外參展商提供一 個拓展業務、技術交流、展示實力、獲取資訊、結交客戶、推 廣新產品、尋找合作夥伴的國際商貿平臺。為全球五金行業 提供更多的合作機會，有力推動中國五金產品全面進入全 球採購體系，與世界各國五金產業協調合作、互利共贏、共 同發展進步。

※ 展品範圍- 建築五金、緊固件、DIY：裝飾五金，傢 俱五金，門窗五金，緊固件，絲釘網，管道連接件，緊固件 製作設備，建築材料及配件等；鎖具、安防產品及配件： 鎖、鑰匙，保險箱(櫃)，安防設備與系統，防盜裝置與報警 系統等；機械、機電設備：焊接設備，小型機械，泵類、閥 類，電工電器，相關部、配件等；加工製造設備：金屬加工 設備，電機生產設備，檢測設備，表面處理設備，熱處理 設備，包裝、物流設備等；工具：手動工具，電動工具，氣 動工具，汽保工具，磨料磨具，刃具，勞保用品，相關附件 與設備，園藝工具等。

51 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展前報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

52 展前報導 2020/04/13-15

中國廣州國際緊固件展 覽會 廣州琶洲國際採購中心 CIFE 2020舉辦時間正值“廣交會”期間，享有“中 國第一展”美譽的“廣交會” ，每年參加的採購商大約20 多萬，來自一百多個國家和地區。我們將通過一系列途徑 充分借助“廣交會”全球買家的巨大資源，並通過組委會 客戶關係邀請系統向國內外三十多萬採購商發出邀請， 與“廣交會”採購商進行互動，借勢興展，同時彌補“廣 交會”內銷的不足，形成“一內一外、相輔相成”的作用。 以“廣交會”龐大的客流量為依託，中外數十萬採購商雲 集，內銷出口兩旺，商機無限，市場潛力不可估量，巨大

商機全面彰顯，是開拓國內外市場的重要平臺！ 展品範圍:緊固件、汽車緊固件、航空航太及 鐵路緊固件、建築緊固件及連接件、其他行業專用 緊固件、緊固件製造設備、緊固件製造輔助設備、 緊固件檢測設備及測量儀器、裝配、安裝、測量及 維修、緊固件模具及耗品、緊固件用原材料、緊固 件技術與服務。

日本名古屋機械要素 技術展

2020/04/15-17

Portmesse國際展覽中心 名古屋機械要素及技術展是亞洲最大規模的來 圖來樣機械加工展會之一，舉辦於日本製造業的中 心—名古屋。同時，名古屋也是日本工廠最多的地區， 航空、汽車、機床等重工業也在這裡蓬勃發展，眾多 世界著名的日本企業總部也設立於此。 在名古屋工業展，您能看到許多“日本製造”的 精密產品和加工技術，有很多是在其他國家展會無法 看到的。誠邀參與展會，瞭解製造業最新發展趨勢， 收集最前沿工業資訊，近距離接觸日本尖端產品技 術！ 展品範圍: 軸承，鏈條｜齒輪，皮帶｜馬達，電機 及功能元件｜直線運動導軌及配件｜聯軸器，摩擦材 料｜加工技術（切割，衝壓等）｜標準及非標工業零部 件｜標準及非標工業五金件｜氣動/液壓技術及元件｜ 密封件及相關技術｜加工機械，工具｜潤滑劑，耐磨材 料｜清洗機，清洗劑｜去毛刺技術｜金屬，樹脂材料｜ 測量設備，感測器等。

== 同期舉辦展會== 第5屆 名古屋設計工程及製造解決方案展 [DMS Nagoya] 第4屆 名古屋工廠用品及設備展 [FacTex Nagoya] 第4届 名古屋國際航空・航天材料及技術展 [Aero Tech] 第2屆 名古屋次世代3D列印展 第1屆 名古屋工業AI/IoT展

53 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展前報導

中國上 海緊固件專業 展暨 汽車緊固件展 2020/06/03-05

上海國家會展中心 2020第十一屆上海緊固件專業展深耕行業十 載，始終秉著專業、高效、開放、創新的宗旨不斷發展 壯大，堪稱全球緊固件行業的標杆盛會。展會彙聚國 內外知名緊固件生產商，同時展出緊固件配套設備、 模具、線材等產品，為緊固件行業人士提供一站式採 購平臺。展會同期還將舉辦一系列精彩紛呈的會議 活動，是一個集商貿、交流和學習為一體的年度行業 高端盛會！2020第十一屆上海緊固件專業展將深耕 緊固件終端市場，大力拓展「汽車及高強度緊固件」、 「建築緊固件」、「工業機械」等行業的終端觀眾， 2020展會現場預計增長47%的終端觀眾，主辦方將

運用十年的行業積累和成功辦展經驗為緊固件終端採購商打造一站式 採購商貿平臺。 預計展會規模- 參展商：800+、專業觀眾：42,000+、展覽面積： 50,000平方米。 展品範圍- 緊固件生產設備、緊固件材料、緊固件用模具和耗品、 檢測儀器、包裝設備、其它相關生產技術和設備、標準緊固件、非標緊 固件、汽車及高強度緊固件展區、建築緊固件展區、衝壓件和車床件、 各專業應用領域緊固件產品等。 展品範圍: 軸承，鏈條｜齒 輪，皮帶｜馬達，電機及功能元 件｜直線運動導軌及配件｜聯軸 器，摩擦材料｜加工技術（切割， 衝壓等）｜標準及非標工業零部 件｜標準及非標工業五金件｜氣 動/液壓技術及元件｜密封件及 相關技術｜加工機械，工具｜潤 滑劑，耐磨材料｜清洗機，清洗 劑｜去毛刺技術｜金屬，樹脂材 料｜測量設備，感測器等。

對相關展會有興趣的廠商 歡迎聯繫匯達業務部 Tel: +886-295 4000 sales@fastener-world.com.tw www.fastener-world.com

China Fastener World no.57/2019

54 展後報導

展後報導 惠達雜誌 整理

美國底特律螺絲展 繼2018年在美國克里夫蘭杭亭頓會議中心舉辦的產業盛會讓眾多美洲業界採購買主眼睛為之一亮後，今年度 FASTENER FAIR USA 首度移師底特律Cobo中心舉辦，5月22至23日兩天的展期吸引有別於上一屆不同的扣件成品和 相關設備服務採購商、經銷商、零售商前往探詢合作機會，除了各國展商爭相展出最新的創意新品或具競爭力的服務 外，主辦方也規劃15場以上促進技術和市場意見交流的研討會。惠達雜誌也同步零時差在現場為東西方扣件產業扮演 緊密的溝通橋樑。 今年度惠達攤位也相當吸睛，吸引不少在地製造商、供應商以及具採購能力的經銷大廠和末端用戶到場洽詢扣件 成品/半成品、機械設備、工模具、線材原料的採購管道。現場陳列的最新惠達旗下扣件採購專刊(包括螺絲世界雙月刊、 螺絲世界中國國際版、五金零組件螺絲雜誌…等)也滿足現場買家各式的採購需求。更有現場買主直言，惠達線上官網 的買與賣平台讓他們可以隨時隨地從全球各地找到最適合自己需求的供應商。 惠達現場特派人員觀察表示，今年雖然歐美亞市場上充滿許多挑戰和不確定因素，但仍有許多美國在地和從歐洲 亞洲遠道而來的展商希望能在競爭激烈的市場上贏得曝光機會，領先同業取得贏家俱樂部的入場券。 據主辦方會後表示，下一屆Fastener Fair USA將於2020年5月19至20日再度移師北卡羅來納夏洛特市的夏洛特會議 中心舉行，創造更多元化的產銷合作管道和機會。

上海國際緊固件工業博覽會 6月13日，中國上海國際緊固件工業博覽會在上海世博展 覽館圓滿閉幕。本屆展出面積達42,000 平方米，較去年增長 24%。全球 725家緊固件知名企業競相亮相，逾53 個國家及 地區的緊固件專業人士造訪，吸引海內外36080+（其中海外 4,212+）採購商、經銷商、貿易商、終端商、製造商等緊固件產 業鏈人士到場，共築全球緊固件行業盛典！1號館為設備、線 材、模具及耗品館，2 號館為緊固件成品館。展會同期主題會 議進一步促進了緊固件技術交流、經貿磋商，為企業結識海內 外友人，開拓國際市場提供了良好的交流平臺。 德國漢諾威展覽公司全球項目總監Olaf Daebler先生說 道：「今年的展會，無論是展出面積還是展商數量，都有了大 幅的提升，體現了極高的國際化水準和極大的國際影響力。」 主辦單位會後表示，下一屆展會將於2020年6月22-24日再 次在上海世博展覽館盛大舉辦！

55 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

China Fastener World no.57/2019

56 展後報導

墨西哥市螺絲展 第五屆的墨西哥市螺絲展在墨西哥世 貿中心展出，從6月19日開展到20日。參與的 國內外展商共有104家，來自墨西哥當地、美 國、台灣、中國等等。此展的觀展人潮平均 分散，包括墨西哥當地、在墨國設有據點的 美商、瓜地馬拉廠商等等，主要是墨國當地 的進口商與經銷商居多，其次是製造商，多 數尋找工業用螺絲。 台灣展商有錡瑞、正曜、致韋、柯穎、 翔笙、宏舜、易連、鍵財、友信、佑曄、金 元達，有些展商除參展外還安排行程拜訪 墨國當地客戶。歐美展商包括 Fastena l、 Brighton-Best、Atotech、Accument、Bralo、 Conventya、MacDermid、Nylok等等大廠。 中國展商包括海迅貿易與湖南蓮港等等。滙 達在現場發送雜誌，透過自家開發的買家賣 家交流平台，為現場的觀展訪客找到合適的 採購對象。 展覽主辦單位兩天的展期有安排12 場 主題研討會和VIP展商洽談會。第一天展結 束也有安排展商歡迎晚會，邀請樂團與展商 同樂。此展一年在墨西哥城，隔年在瓜達拉 哈拉展出，2020年展出地點和日期請隨時關 注滙達官網公布的最新展訊！

57 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

Chirek 錡瑞

Home Soon 宏舜

Easylink 易連

Shyang Sheng 翔笙

King Yuan Dar 金元達

Uni Protech 致韋

Jern Yao 正曜

Ko Ying 柯穎

ONY 佑曄

JINZHAOBO 北京金兆博

China Fastener World no.57/2019

58 展後報導

韓國首爾金屬週 韓國金屬週今年在6月19到21日於KINTEX 展會中心舉辦。扣件和線材展區包括: 螺栓/螺帽 產品和設備、汽車零件/緊固產品和附屬材料、線 材生產製造。此外，此展同步與其他子展共同展 出，包括壓鑄鍛造、工具、汽車和機械零件、大小 管材、3D技術、鑄造和模具射出、基礎製造產業、 鋁、金屬表面處理和烤漆、雷射和焊接、幫浦技 術、複合材料、品質管控、量測和自動化。這次邀 請Nord-Lock韓國分公司的專家演講螺栓鬆脫的 起因。 今年的展會有350 家展商參與，多數為當地 韓國廠商，包括孝東等等大廠。海外廠商則包括 Dörken等等。滙達特派專員在現場觀察到，這次 印度貿易促進協會(ITPO)更打出國家團隊，在此 展設立印度館。滙達在現場攤位強力推廣宣傳台 灣競爭實力堅強的扣件廠商，為台韓建立市場橋 梁。一年一度的金屬週，下次將在2020年6月17至 20日再度敞開大門。

59 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

墨西哥瓜達拉哈拉建材五金展 墨西哥瓜達拉哈拉建材五金展在9月5~7號於瓜達拉哈 拉會展中心舉辦第31屆。展會每年吸引來自35國超過1,400 家五金業、工業、電器與照明業的展商。每年訪客平均達8 萬5千人，來自62個國家，含括製造商、經銷商、研發人士、 工程師與商店業主等等。 我們的特派展覽專員也在現場發送旗下最新雜誌。她 回報現場多數的訪客是終端使用戶以及擁有一家以上五金 商店的業主。其他的訪客還包括建築公司的代表，他們當時 正在尋找建築材料的供應商。特派員也和大型經銷商代表 交換了名片，這些代表大多是從中國進口產品，再將產品銷 往墨西哥。 主辦單位已宣布下一屆展期訂於2020年9月10~12日。 隨時關注我們的展會訊息專區www.fastener-world.com. tw/new/exhibitions.php 以鎖定其他展會的最新展期！

China Fastener World no.57/2019

60 展後報導

英國伯明罕螺絲展 一年一度的英國伯明罕螺絲展今年9月11-12日於伯明罕國家展覽中 心(NEC)盛大展出，同期還與水資源、能源、環保回收等其他主題展共同 舉辦，因此除了螺絲相關產業人士前往看展外，也有眾多來自這些產業 的訪客利用兩天的展期密集拜訪攤位，探尋合作商機。 惠達今年首度參與此螺絲展，為有意願打開英國本地市場以及英國 在地有意願開發國外市場的廠商提供更快速有效的市場搶單管道，同時 也為無法到場參加的廠商和買家蒐集最新的英國扣件市場需求情報。 今年螺絲展區吸引約80家來自英國、印度、白羅斯、台灣、奧地利、 土耳其、義大利和中國的展商展出各式扣件成品/半成品、設備及服務。今 年來螺絲區看展的買家主要為英國當地的扣件相關產品製造商和貿易進 口商，且幾乎都有特定想要尋找的扣件產品。有買家甚至表示，他找某 種特定螺絲產品整整找了兩年尚未找到，希望能透過這個一年一度國內 外螺絲廠商齊聚的盛會輕鬆快速地找到適合的合作對象。許多到惠達 攤位的買家也表示，因為近期中美貿易戰影響且台灣扣件因為銷歐不會 受到高額反傾銷稅的影響，因此台灣廠商在他們的採購評估計畫中是非 常具有吸引力的首選。 另外，有些英國當地專攻高品質螺絲相關機械(例如:送料機、螺絲頭 部烤漆機…等)的廠商也向滙達在場人員表示，有意開拓台灣、中國和東 南亞這些對螺絲機械有高度需求的市場，希望他們高品質有高運作效率 的機台可以為這些扣件製造重鎮帶來不一樣的新氣象。 除了展會專業分區外，主辦單位今年也邀請來自多位來自英國、印 度、台灣等業界知名專家和大廠針對各式扣件市場分析和製造加工技術 等主題安排14場研討會，並與現場賓客面對面進行深入討論。 主辦單位表示，伯明罕螺絲展不僅是扣件產業展示創新產品、交換 專業經驗、促進業務合作關係的專業平台，同時也是業界觀察未來扣件 技術和市場發展趨勢的風向球。下一期的展會預計於2020年9月16-17日 再次於伯明罕國家展覽中心3館為扣件產業開啟擴大合作的大門。

61 China Fastener World no.57/2019

展後報導

2019印度孟買五金暨手工具展 印度五金暨手工具展上一屆於新德里舉辦後今年再度移師孟買 展覽中心，展期09/20-09/22日。為期三天的展會吸引來自台灣、義大 利、俄羅斯、美國、日本、越南和中國共約290家專業扣件、五金、手 工具和電動工具領域廠商。參展商以中國為大宗，達196家，其次為 印度72家和台灣16家。除了五金工具展外，展場還與其他四場相關 展會「金屬製造加工展WOM」、「精密製造展TECHINDIA」、「切 割、焊接材料及設備、雷射技術、機工具及周邊產品CWE/IMEX」及 「二手機械UMEX」同期舉行，讓今年參訪的買家更加多元，展覽會 場也變得更加熱鬧。 根據印度財政部今年七月提交國會的經濟預測報告，印度的 GDP成長率在接下來幾個月有望回升7%以上。同時在印度現任總理 莫迪持續推動租稅優惠以提升消費者需求和對內投資的經濟發展 大方針下，預料印度本土的產業也將因此受惠成長，帶動對五金、手 工具、電動工具和扣件產品的需求。另外，根據國際貨幣基金IMF今 年七月公布的全球經濟預測報告，2019年預測印度的經濟成長率為 7%，2020年的經濟成長率更將成長至7.2%。印度也是目前全球成長 率最高的國家，優於中國大陸。主辦單位也表示，印度買家近幾年 已慢慢從價格導向逐漸往品質導向發展，印度國內的航太、汽車製 造、公共基礎建設等產業對手工具和五金扣件產品的需求也日益提 高。諸多有利因素讓今年印度五金暨手工具展參觀人潮不斷。 已經參與此展多年的滙達公司，今年攤位更是湧入相當多專業 買家駐足詢問採購指南。據滙達現場參展人員觀察，今年來五金手 工具和扣件展區參觀的買家主要為印度當地製造商和進口商，除了 利用難得機會與來自印度各地（尤其是大孟買地區）的產品供應商 洽談合作關係外，也希望與遠道而來的國外供應商建立未來的密切 供應管道，尤其是台灣廠商更是他們此次前來的參觀重點之一。大 會初估，三天展期的訪客數達上萬人次。 下一屆2020展會將移師新德里舉行，展期8月27-29日，預計將 再度吸引有別於孟買地區的眾多買家客戶群前往洽詢採購。

American News John Wolz, Editor of FIN (globalfastenernews.com) Mike McNulty, FTI VP & Editor (www.fastenertech.com) Compiled by Fastener World Inc.

USDOC Issues Preliminary Determination on Imports of Threaded Rod from China & India The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the affirmative preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty (CVD) investigations of imports of carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India, finding that exporters received countervailable subsidies ranging from 23.41% to 24.89% and 6.07% to 155.03%, respectively. Based on these preliminary determinations, the DOC will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect cash deposits from importers of carbon and alloy steel threaded rod from China and India based on these preliminary rates. In 2018, carbon and alloy steel threaded rod imported from China and India were valued at approximately US$104.7 million and some US$35.8 million, respectively. The petitioner was Vulcan Threaded Products Inc., Pelham, AL, USA.

FINdex Keeps Accelerating The FIN Fastener Stock Index climbed in the second quarter of 2019, boosted by a stock performance that produced the strongest June in decades. The FINdex rose 13% in Q2, outperforming an index of related industrial stocks that increased 6.2%. Arconic achieved the largest percentage gain of the period, rising 35% in the second quarter of 2019. Other fastener companies with gains of 10% or more during Q2 included Simpson Mfg. (up 12.1%); Tree Island Steel (up 13.3%); and Wesco Aircraft (up 21%).

During the first half of 2019, the FINdex rose 13.7%, bested by a 15.3% rise in an index of related industrial stocks. Arconic achieved the largest percentage gain in the first six months of 2019, climbing 53.1% during the period. Other fastener companies with gains of 10% or more during the first half included Carpenter Technology (up 34.7%); Bisco Industries (up 39.3%); ITW (up 19%); Lawson Products (up 16.2%); Simpson Mfg. (up 22.8%); Stanley Black & Decker (up 20.8%); TriMas (up 13.5%); and Wesco Aircraft (up 40.5%).

In the opening quarter of 2019, the FINdex recouped the losses it suffered in 2018, gaining 7.2%, compared to an 8.6% increase by an index of related industrial stocks.

The FINdex contracted in 2018, hampered by volatility that dominated the markets, making 2018 the worst year for stocks in a decade. The FINdex declined 7.1% during the year, compared to a 7% drop by an index of related industrial stocks. The loss followed two consecutive years of double-digit growth.

Mowins: More Counterfeit Fasteners Being Marketed Counterfeit fasteners are on the rise again, Mike Mowins told a 2019 Fastener Fair USA conference. Fastener problems led to the U.S. Fastener Quality Act, which after more than a decade of legislation and amendments was implemented on December 6, 1999.

Mowins spoke as president of Global Licensing for Phillips Screw Company. He has subsequently retired.

Government agencies such as the Department of Defense and Department of Energy are “looking hard again at the fastener industry due to questions about counterfeit fasteners,” Mowins said. The FQA led to registered head marks with the U.S. PTO, which gave “some level of assurance” on fasteners greater than one quarter inch, Mowins said. Mowins noted there are FQA exemptions – including parts of assemblies, orders for spares in quantities of 75 or less, ISO / QS9000 registered and aircraft which have their own standards.

Changing Marketplace The larger role of VMI, the stock-to-dock pricing per piece rather than quality and the global supply chain are changes since the U.S. FQA. The B2B online marketplace didn’t exist at the time of FQA, Mowins noted.

Fasteners “once came from a source you knew,” he observed. Today China “recycles” electronic parts and resells them as ” new supplies which confuses the sourcing and lacks traceability. Mowins cited the Coast Guard issuing a safety alert after finding counterfeit fasteners in 2017. An investigation of a ferry propulsion failure led to evidence of falsely-identified fasteners being used as part of the drivetrain system. Several installed bolt heads separated from their shanks, resulting in disconnection from transmission and water leaking into the engine room.

Mowins also cited the SAE G-21 counterfeit materials committee as a factor in trying to assure fastener quality.

• “If you deal with the DoD and DoE, requirements are coming, which “will flow down” in the supply chain.

• “Know your supply chain” to reduce risk of counterfeits, Mowins advised.

• “If the price seems too good, it probably is,” he said.

• “Train your people,” Mowins emphasized as part of your staff understanding quality and supply.

• Trademarks provide an extra level of quality assurance.

Trademarks ID the source.

Mowins said one of the best defenses against imported counterfeit fasteners is the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s regulation of registered trademarks at the U.S. borders. Customs Enforcement seizes and often destroys counterfeit bolts it finds, Mowins said.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

American News 119

China Fastener World no.57/2019

120

American News Touhy: Robots Simplify Access to Information “Robots are coming,” John Tou hy of Fa nuc America declared in a Fastener Fair USA presentation entitled “Automate or Evaporate.”

Since 2012, robots have been increasing 20% to 30% annually, Touhy said.

“Fear mongers” have been claiming robots “eliminate jobs,” Touhy acknowledged. But those are “dirty, dangerous jobs.”

Touhy countered that robots “create careers” and robots “turned Chrysler around.”

Fa nuc is a group of global compa nies providing automation products and services, including robotics and computer numerical control wireless systems.

• Robots offer a “predictive future,” such as giving 663 issues to avoid with a machine. Robots can “calculate failures three or four months out,” Touhy said. “We got an alert to check the grease, resulting in no lost production time.”

• Could you produce more work if you had more skilled employees? Touhy asked. “How much work do you get done when a machine operator is on break or absent?”

Robots can have zero down time and just one robot can operate multiple machines, Touhy pointed out.

• Robots are “consistently repeatable and reliable” as long as maintained, Touhy said.

• Robots “simplify access to information.”

• South Korea, Japan and Germany lead in use of robots.

Italy, Sweden and Denmark are next – ahead of the U.S. which is #7 and Taiwan #10.

Touhy finished his list of advantages of robots by observing that “robots never talk back.”

Innovative Components Adds New Automated Assembly Machine to Increase Thumb Screw Capacity Schaumburg, IL, USA-based supplier of plastic knobs, quickrelease pins, wire rope lanyards and thread identifiers, Innovative Components, Inc. has recently invested in a new automated assembly machine that drastically increases the company’s capacity in assembling press-on thumb screws. In addition, the new automated assembly machine will free up resources that can be utilized to fulfil the company’s other manual light assembly work orders.

Fastenal Celebrates 1000th Onsite Milestone In early June, Fastenal, Winona, MN, USA, announced that it reached a vending machine milestone of 100,000 active units, and in July it reached another milestone of 1,000 active Onsite locations, each providing a customized local supply chain within (or very near) a customer’s facility. The 1,000th Onsite was set up within the Rocanville, Saskatchewan facility of Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company with operations in 14 countries. This Fastenal Onsite location was Nutrien’s third dedicated service/stocking location.

Fastenal’s Onsite concept came in response to a specific customer need in 1992, when a large manufacturing plant required more product inventory than the local Fastenal branch could fit on its shelves. The firm also wanted Fastenal to be in its facility on a daily basis to assess its needs and replenish inventory. So it proposed the idea to bring the inventory and the Fastenal rep within the company’s four walls to support the operation on a full-time basis. Fastenal went on to open more of these “branches within a facility” at a moderate pace to 200 locations at the end of 2014 and at accelerated pace to reach 900 by the end of 2018. Thanks to the efforts of Fastenal’s sales and implementation teams, there are now over 1,000 Onsites generating over 25% of Fastenal’s total revenue.

MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions & RIBE® Announce Joint Venture – Aluform USA LLC Duncan MacLean, President/CEO of MacLean-Fogg has announced the joint venture formation of Aluform USA LLC between Richard Bergner Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG (RIBE®) of Schwabach, Germany, and MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions (MFCS) of Mundelein, IL USA. The RIBE-Aluform® product is the market leader in the automotive industry for high-strength aluminum bolt, screw and stud fasteners for lightweight, corrosion-sensitive automotive applications. Aluform USA combines RIBE and MFCS strengths to bring Aluform products to the North American market, with application engineering, customer support and USA manufacturing. MacLean said, “The RIBE-Aluform product line sets the global standard for high-strength automotive aluminum fasteners. Vehicle lightweighting will continue to be a major industry trend as OEMs work to improve fuel economy and battery range. We’re excited to further help our North American customers in their lightweight efforts by including Aluform high-strength aluminum bolts in our range of leading fastener solutions.” Frank Bergner, RIBE Managing Partner said, “MacLean-Fogg’s excellent manufacturing capabilities, application engineering and customer service make it an ideal partner to support and grow Aluform in North America.” Aluform USA LLC will be headquartered in the existing MacLean Maynard division of MFCS in Chesterfield, MI, USA.

ParkOhio Chairman/ CEO Resigns to Become U.S. Ambassador to Republic of Ireland ParkOhio, Cleveland, OH, USA, a leading provider of supply chain management services and highly engineered manufactured products, has announced that after 26 years as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp., Edward F. Crawford has resigned as an Officer and Board Member, effective June 17, 2019, to assume the responsibility as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. President Donald J. Trump nominated Edward F. Crawford to be United States Ambassador to Ireland on October 23, 2018. The United States Senate confirmed Ambassador-designate Crawford by 90-4 in favor on June 13, 2019. He was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence on June 26, 2019, and presented his credentials to Irish President Michael D. Higgins on July 1, 2019. ParkOhio will continue to advance in numerous channels led by the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew V. Crawford. Edward F. Crawford stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the stakeholders for supporting a vision resulting in the evolution of a great company.”

Enduralock Wins NASA iTech Competition Fastener manufacturer Enduralock was one of the three winners at the NASA iTech Cycle I competition that took place on July 10-11 in Mountain View, CA. The competition brought in finalists from around the world.

Based in Lenexa, KS, Enduralock designs fasteners that are highly vibration resistant and provide a permanent lock, yet they are able to be fully reversed and reused with standard tooling.

The company describes its proprietary fasteners as “positive locking, highly vibration resistant, easy to remove and install, reusable, easily utilized in harsh environments, able to be reapplied from a blind approach, and vibration resistant when there is a loss of pre-load,” according to the company’s website.

Enduralock claims its fasteners have “survived 300,000 cycles of vibration, 10X the aerospace industry requirement.” Products include the Radial Lock Fastener, Radial Lock Bolt, and Nut Plate panel fastening system.

“We have dedicated tremendous time and effort to develop unique fastener solutions aimed to address the harsh environments experienced in space,” said Enduralock CEO and co-founder Harold Hess. “I could not be prouder of what our team has accomplished, and we are tremendously excited to pursue future projects with NASA.” The company's fasteners are now space certified after an evaluation by engineers at NASA's Marshall Flight Center.

NASA iTech is an initiative to find and foster innovative solutions to challenges faced on Earth and in space.

Bossard Opens New Facility In Boston Bossard opened a new office and design center in the Boston area.

Bossard held a grand opening event on June 5 with a crowd of over 30 manufacturers and engineers from across New England in attendance.

The move to the new 100,000 sq. ft. facility, located at 2 Kay Way in Stoughton, MA, took place in February.

“The space was designed with education, hands-on experience with fastening solutions, Industry 4.0 driven supply chain management and cutting-edge testing services in mind,” the company stated.

“It will provide a collaborative environment for Bossard customers to engage firsthand with Bossard’s Assembly Technology Expert and Smart Factory Logistics services and solutions for application into their own assemblies and manufacturing process.”

T he fa ci lit y i nclud es a n ISO Cla ss 5 Clea n Room. Clean Room applications include medical devices, robotics and vacuum environments where machining and particle contamination need to be controlled.

Arnold Industries, which Bossard acquired in 2016, moved its main office and warehousing to the facility in February.

Bossard North America operates facilities in the Midwest (Iowa, Illinois), Southeast (Georgia, Tennessee), Southwest (Texas, Arizona), and West Coast (California, Washington); Canada; and Mexico.

Switzerland-based Bossard posted record results for 2018, with sales rising 10.8% to CHF 871.1 million (US$884.7 million) and “all market regions contributing.”

In the U.S., sales increased 9.4% to CHF 240.9 million.

US$350,000 Paid As Cable Tie Manufacturers Settle Lawsuits American Elite Molding issued two apologies and paid Advanced Cable Ties US$350,000 to settle lawsuits.

AEM’s statement on its company letterhead and signed by owner / president Robert Sires: “On May 11, 2018, American Elite Molding issued a media statement, which was emailed to the marketplace, concerning what AEM believed to be unfair labor practices at Advanced Cable Ties, one of its competitors.

In that statement, AEM made misstatements of fact regarding ACT’s employment of undocumented workers, including the statement that the workers were brought in from other countries and paid under the table. AEM made similar incorrect statements to members of the press.”

China Fastener World no.57/2019

American News 121

China Fastener World no.57/2019

122

American News U.S. Fastener Importers Raise Prices to Counter Tariffs

“AEM’s statement were incorrect, as later evidence produced in a lawsuit between the parties has established. AEM unconditionally retreats the statements concerning allegedly undocumented workers at ACT. AEM regrets any damage these statements may have caused ACT. AEM and ACT have resolved their differences over this matter. We wish ACT nothing but success in the future.”

And second statement: “Advanced Cable Ties, Inc. sued its competitors, American Elite Molding, LLC and BuyCableTies.com, LLC in Federal Court alleging that from 2011 to present, Defendants imported various sizes of cable ties and accessories from China and Taiwan but improperly represented to their customers that all of their ties were manufactured in the USA at a facility in Florida. Defendants disputed the claim and the case has now been settled. Had the case gone to trial there was sufficient evidence to support a finding that prior to 2016, certain products that were not actually manufactured in the United States, were not clearly labeled as such on the website or in catalogue listings.”

The agreement between the competitors was signed by ACT president and co-founder Ken Tomasetti and Sires.

In 2016, ACT filed litigation in U.S. District Court as Advance Cable Ties, Inc. vs. American Elite Molding, LLC for violations of the Lanham Act, fraud and negligent misrepresentation.

The parties reached the agreement following “the exchange of substantial amounts of discovery.”

The agreement requires the parties not advertise or promote products including cable ties, clamps and mounting pads as “Made in the U.S.A.” unless manufactured in the U.S. Products sourced elsewhere will be accurately labeled with country of origin.

News of the suits was published in the May 29, 2018, issue of Fastener Industry News.

At the time Tomasetti termed the AEM lawsuit as a “retaliatory claim” by a direct competitor.

ACT earlier had sued AEM – known then as Bay State Cable Ties, in U.S. Federal Court “as a result of Bay State’s misappropriation of ACT’s trade secrets,” Tomasetti told FIN. The new lawsuit by AEM also alleges ACT made false representations in the market and the U.S. government.

American Elite Molding had alleged that around 60% of ACT's workforce is undocumented and provided by Twin City Temporaries Inc., “which brings workers in from other countries and pays them under the table to avoid taxes and payroll costs,” according to American Elite.

AEM is seeking unspecified monetary damages for ACT’s alleged use of workers who are not eligible to work in the U.S. (See FIN, May 29, 2019)

U.S. fastener importers are raising prices in response to a tariff hike on fasteners from China.

Brighton-Best International president Jun Xu said that his company has taken a “hybrid” approach to address tariffs. “We’ve had to increase our prices to compensate for the added cost of tariffs, and we’ve been looking to diversify our countries of origin,” Xu said.

Ohio-based Stelfast president Don Haggerty said that his company is also raising prices. “As we start to incur the additional cost on incoming product we will be adjusting our selling price,” Haggerty stated. “These price increases will be rolled out over the next couple of months.”

Xu said Brighton-Best was surprised by the tariff hike. “All indications have been that the negotiations were going well,” Xu stated. “At this point however, we believe the tariffs are a long-term issue as both China and the USA have entrenched themselves further into their corners.” In addition to price increases, both importers said they’re looking at sourcing fasteners from countries other than China to offset the tariffs.

Stelfast has reviewed pricing from China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, Italy, Croatia, India and Mexico, Haggerty said. In addition, both importers are looking to source fasteners from other countries. “We have begun moving production of several products to countries other than China to minimize the impact,” Haggerty said. Haggerty noted that resourcing fasteners comes with an increased cost on virtually all products. Fastener tariff hikes aren’t the only issue importers are trying to solve, according to Haggerty.

Xu said he does not expect a quick resolution to the U.S. tariffs. “The USA wants structural change in China’s economy and introduce new laws / enforcements around intellectual property protection among other issues,” Xu said. “China has made it clear it will not enforce any structural changes to its laws to placate the USA. “China is probably playing to wait out the Trump administration. So we do not believe this will go away anytime soon.”

Aerospace Fastener Stocks Outperform Industrials

Gardner, MA-based Advanced Cable Ties was founded in 1994 and its website proclaims the company as “A rock solid U.S. manufacturing company.”

The FIN Review of Fastener Stocks covers the fastener portion of 19 public companies. In the most recent quarter, aerospace fastener stocks replaced industrials as the dominant performer. Highlights include:

Founded in 1998 as Bay State Cable Ties, the name was changed to American Elite Molding in 1996. Crestview, FL-based American Elite manufactures nylon cable ties.

Arconic reported Engineered Products and Solutions (EP&S) revenue, primarily aerospace fasteners, increased 5% to US$1.5 billion in the opening quarter

China Fastener World no.57/2019

American News 123 of 2019. Organic revenue grew 7%, driven by aero engine and defense growth. Segment operating margin was 16.8%, up 210 basis points year over year.

Bossard Group reports 2019 first quarter sales grew 5.4% to CHF 232.2 million (US$230.1 million) d espit e “m a r ke d ly mor e ch a l le ngi ng busi n ess conditions,” Fastener + Fixing Magazine reports.

European sales increased 5.1% to CHF 138.9 million (+7.3% in local currency). U.S. sales dropped 4.9% to CHF 58.1 million due to subdued sales development with several major customers. Sales in Asia rose 16.6% to CHF 35.2 million (+17.7% in local currency).

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co. reported fastener segment revenues fell 15.1% to US$7.6 million in the first quarter of 2019. Q1 sales to U.S. automotive customers declined 21.5% to US$1.06 million. Production costs rose due to higher material costs related to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum instituted in 2018.

Fastenal reported sales of its fastener products grew 11.8% on a daily basis to US$455.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, representing 34.8% of overall sales.

Daily sales of fastener products increased to 13.5% in March, compared to a 12.4% rate of growth in March 2018. Q1 sales of non-fastener products rose 12.7% on a daily basis to US$853.7 million in Q1, representing 65.2% of sales.

Grainger reported sales, including fasteners, increased 3% to US$2.8 billion in the opening quarter of 2019, driven by a 3 percentage point increase in volume and a 1.5 percentage point increase from price. Operating earnings rose 8% to US$363 million, with a margin of 13%.

Gross profit margin was 39.1 percent versus 39.5 percent in the 2018 first quarter. Q1 net earnings gained 9% to US$253 million.

ITW reported revenue at its Automotive OEM segment, including fasteners, dropped 10.5% in the opening quarter of 2019. Segment operating income declined 23% to US$167 million. During the same period, Construction Products revenue, including fasteners, dipped 6.3% to US$401 million, with segment operating income down 8.4% to US$87 million.

Stanley Black & Decker reported Engineered Fastening organic revenues during the first quarter of 2019 fell 4% “as automotive light vehicle production declines and lower system shipments more than offset continued fastener penetration gains.” Sales at the company’s Industrial segment, including fasteners, increased 10% to US$555 million, despite a 3% decline in volume. Segment profit dropped 12% to US$71 million.

TriMas reported first quarter sales at its Aerospace segment, which includes the Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Allfast Fastening Systems and Mac Fasteners brands, increased 1.4% to US$38.3 million due to steady demand levels for fasteners. Segment operating profit rose 25% to US$5.7 million.

G.L. Huyett Opens New Tech Center G.L. Huyett, headquartered in Minneapolis, KS, USA, opened a Technology Center in Sidney, NB, USA, to support the company’s belief in the future of B2B commerce in the industrial space as well as the increasing relevance of e-commerce. The new Technology Center is headed

by Sarah Sinnett, VP of Technology and Marketing. She also sits on G.L. Huyett’s Executive Committee. And to lead the continued development of its e-commerce site, G.L. Huyett has also hired Alan Beard to the newly created role of E-Commerce Manager. The company has also hired Charles “Chuck” Hoffman as Special Projects Administrator to initiate a data analytics function.

Semblex Introduces Fastener for Light Metal Alloys The newly introduced FastFlow™ FDS® from Semblex Corp., Elm-hurst IL, USA, has solved the cycle time challenge. The multihelix thread design has reduced the thread forming and tightening stages by over 65%. When this is coupled with an aggressive programming strategy and the FastStart™ finding feature on the head, cycle times of 0.4 to 0.6 seconds can be achieved. FDS is a registered trademark of EJOT Verbindungstechnik GmbH.

Kevin Menke Honored with Top Annual Award from ASTM International Fastener Committee ASTM International’s committee on fasteners (F16) presented its top annual award – the Award of Merit – to Kevin Menke, director of engineering, Fastenal, in Winona, Minnesota, USA. The prestigious award, is ASTM’s highest recognition for individual contributions to developing standards. The committee honored Menke for meritorious and dedicated service to the committee and in recognition of his strong commitment to ASTM International standards development, his respected technical expertise, exemplary professionalism, and tireless efforts towards consensus building.

China Fastener World no.57/2019

124

American News

SPIROL Completes Major Expansion at Connecticut World Headquarters SPIROL employees, company executives, board members, state representatives, and other honored guests gathered to celebrate the completion of the major expansion to SPIROL’s world headquarters and largest global manufacturing facility located in Danielson, CT, USA. The expansion that began in early 2016 includes significant additional manufacturing space, new state-of-the-art warehouses for raw material and finished goods, a new quality lab and office space, new flooring, updated lighting and significant investments in new production technology. Overall this effort expanded the manufacturing area by approximately 40%. Jeff Koehl, CEO and grandson of founder Herman Koehl, took to the podium to address all in attendance and express pride in the accomplishments of a small company that started 71 years ago with the invention of the Coiled Spring Pin. Today, SPIROL has grown to be an internationally recognized leading brand in the fastening, joining, and assembly industry with locations on 4 continents and 13 countries. In total, there are 13 manufacturing, sales and full service distribution facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia giving SPIROL a unique vertical position in today's dynamic market place.

Motor City Industrial Acquires Quality Fastener and Supply Co. Motor City Industrial, LLC, Hazel Park, MI, USA, has announced the acquisition of Quality Fastener and Supply Co., Oxford, MI, USA. This represents the third acquisition by Motor City Industrial and further expands product and service offerings available to customers from diversified sectors and geographies. Quality Fastener and Supply Co. is a distributor of industrial consumables and ancillaries. Founded in 1982, Quality Fastener offers supply chain solutions for over 15,000 SKUs, serving a mix of blue-chip customers and local businesses through vendor managed inventory programs and maintaining an inventory of mission-critical components for just-in-time delivery. “We are excited to have the Quality Fastener team joining Motor City Industrial and look forward to our future together," Joe Stephens, CEO of Motor City Industrial added, "Jim Hiatt and John Shepard have built a tremendous company and we are thankful they have trusted us to continue this legacy.” Motor City Industrial is a value-added distributor of fasteners and related consumable industrial products.

126 China Fastener World no.57/2019