Fastener + Fixing Magazine #107

In this issue… Coatings, lubrication + locking technology Rail applications fastenerandfixing.com | Issue 107 September 2017

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CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

10-44

Finacial reports, acquistions and trade duty news

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Interview with Dr Stefan Nöken, member of the executive board of Hilti Group The TIMco way VORPA: Creating value added

76-102

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

104-128

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

131-135

Technical drivers for high performance fastener coatings Combining excellence in corrosion protection Improve cold heading processes

COVER STORY

46-49

An unswerving dedication to manufacturing perfection

New ‘Pick and Drop’ functionality streamlines warehouse management

TECHNICAL 136-138

Welding vs fastening – vibration resistant, direct tension lockbolts change the equation

INSIGHT 50-61 REYHER commissions double-decker high bay warehouse titibi® – all in the name Certified quality from Dell’Era The V.I.P treatment CSF: Investing in steady growth INOXDADI – specialising in special materials

EXHIBITIONS

140-148

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

150-168

The light at the end of the tunnel Working with the rail sector

62-74

Events Calendar New inductee to Las Vegas show ‘Fastener Hall of Fame’ parts2clean – right on track The first ever FASTENER POLAND

6

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Collated systems, nailers + staplers

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EDITORIAL Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Back to fasteners The summer holidays are over, the beach is long forgotten, and once again it is back to work… and we have the perfect issue to help fully immerse you back into all things fasteners.

B

efore the holiday period I spent a week in Italy visiting several manufacturers and learning more about developments in the Italian market. Based on this trip, we have exclusive articles from Colombo Special Fasteners and its continued steady growth after the acquisition of Tecno Fasteners; INOXDADI underlines its capabilities in special materials; we find out more about titibi® and how it has established itself as a key name in the nail industry; and Dell’Era showcases the advanced technology it uses to meet the specific needs of its customers.

Another trip to Italy involved Executive Editor Phil Matten, who visited SACMA Group for our September Cover Story. As always, a tour of SACMA’s head office in Limbiate gave a fascinating insight into the Group and its unswerving dedication to manufacturing perfection.

In the Construction Fixings section, there is a special interview with Dr Stefan Nöken, member of the executive board of Hilti Group (pictured left), who gives an incisive vision on how digitisation of the construction process will affect all its stakeholders in the coming decade.

We also invited a selection of companies to give us their thoughts on European Technical Assessments/Approvals and the importance of certification to the construction market.

This issue also includes a special feature on coatings, lubrication and locking technologies with articles from Dr Matthias Hock, worldwide business development manager CRC at Atotech Deutschland GmbH – who focuses on electrolytic zinc, zinc alloy and zinc flake solutions; MacDermid Enthone concentrates on technical drivers for high performance fastener coatings; WASI outlines its partnership with Lubo International B.V; Mark Thurber, CEO at Maelstrom Chemical Technologies LLC, gives an insight into coatings for high-tech engineering; and CONDAT highlights its new solutions for high-duty lubrication.

There is also a exclusive interview with Masahiro Nakashimada, president and CEO at Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd, who explains how the Japanese company has combined tradition with technology.

Other articles include a technical piece from Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings that examines ‘Welding vs fastening’ and how vibration resistant, direct tension lockbolts change the equation; a case study focuses on TOGE Dübel, in partnership with Nord-Lock Group, bringing the Nuremberg metro in Germany up to date; and finally Daniel Starbuck, director at Star Fasteners (UK) Ltd, discusses the challenges of working within the rail industry. will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com

8

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@fastenerandfixing.com Editorial Assistant Lucinda Evetts lucinda.evetts@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Manager Europe Peter Townsend peter.townsend@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Mac Rahman mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Production Assistant Dreene Khan dreene.khan@fastenerandfixing.com

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

Disclaimer The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date. The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Ltd. Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Imports from China surge in May Imports to the EU of steel fasteners previously subject to anti-dumping measures increased sharply in May. However, imports from many other Asian sources also increased significantly and the Chinese increase follows seven months during which imports flat-lined or declined.

E

urostat data shows that EU 28 imports from China, of the range of steel fasteners subject to prior surveillance import licensing, increased by 31% month-on-month in May, reversing a three month decline. From April through to September 2016 imports had grown rapidly before peaking and flat-lining at a lower level for the rest of the year. January imports reached similar levels to September but this increase can reasonably be interpreted as the normal post-Christmas catch up, boosted by an earlier than usual Chinese New Year. In February import tonnage fell, continuing to fall in March, and increasing only slightly in April.

Looking at data for other Asian sources, imports of the same range from India also increased by around 30% in May, and imports from Taiwan increased 17%. Imports from Turkey, Vietnam and Malaysia also recorded increases.

May 2017 imports from China equated to 49% of the monthly average during 2007, the year on which previous anti-dumping measures

400,000

Prior Surveillance fastener range imports from PR China to EU 28

Kgs

300,000

200,000

0

Month

May 17

Apr 17

Mar 17

Feb 17

Jan 17

Dec 16

Nov 16

Oct 16

Sep 16

Aug 16

Jul 16

Jun 16

May 16

Apr 16

Mar 16

Feb 16

Jan 16

100,000

Source: Eurostat

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INDUSTRY NEWS were based. Considering the last available 12 months of Eurostat data, during which the anti-dumping duties were not applicable, Chinese imports equate to 44% of 2007 full year volumes.

While imports from China have unquestionably increased since the removal of the anti-dumping measures, there has not been the clear-cut escalation that was anticipated. A number of factors contribute to the slower growth.

Volume fastener importers have clearly been cautious about shifting purchases to China, concerned that a new anti-dumping investigation might be initiated. Many have carefully retained relationships with other source countries, which no doubt have worked hard to retain important business, and several have a definite policy to limit exposure to China.

The situation, however, is more complex than that. Steel material costs in China have been extremely volatile, with wire rod costs rising very sharply in Quarter 4 2016 and again over the last few months.

While imports from China have unquestionably increased since the removal of the anti-dumping measures, there has not been the clear-cut escalation that was anticipated. A number of factors contribute to the slower growth.”

This closes the cost differential, particularly on higher grade fasteners, with other source countries – notably Taiwan where fastener manufacturers hold greater wire inventory and have scheduled supply contracts, ironing out short-term volatility. In contrast many Chinese factories only source wire when they have obtained an order or hold relatively little inventory because of tight cash flow. As a result prices to EU importers are far more volatile, with shorter quotation validity and at times outright refusals to supply, for fear of producing at a loss. These effects have been compounded by the strengthening of the RMB against the US Dollar.

Chinese government policies to reduce air pollution are also directly and indirectly affecting fastener factories. The elimination of 100 million tonnes of low grade steel capacity producing mainly rebar for construction has increased long products prices, as more modern mills re-enter the rebar market at more attractive price levels. Most recently, zinc plating plants in provinces around Shanghai are reported to have been closed by government environmental inspectors and many fastener factories have also suspended or substantially curtailed production for fear of attracting the inspectors’ attention. That all adds up to significant levels of uncertainty when dealing with Chinese fastener factories.

The EU and the European Industrial Fastener Institute (EIFI) remain tight-lipped about the prospect of a new anti-dumping complaint – although the EIFI is obviously active in monitoring the situation and building the case for renewed duties. On the other hand, the Commission – having suffered four reverses at the WTO dispute body over fastener anti-dumping measures – is clearly cautious about taking on China over fasteners, presumably wanting to see conclusive evidence of a resurgent trend of damaging imports.

That makes the Eurostat data from June and onwards of critical importance.

Watch www.fastenerandfixing.com for updates on this important issue.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Bossard first half sales rise by 15% Bossard Group has announced first half 2017 consolidated sales rose by 15% to CHF 395.1 million (â‚Ź346.8 million). Taking out growth from acquisitions, sales grew 9.5% to CHF 376.1 million.

N

et income rose to CHF 45.3 million, an impressive 44.7% improvement on the first half of 2016. This included an extraordinary income of CHF 4.5 million from the realisation of real estate from a former Austrian location.

European sales, which account for nearly 57% of the group total, increased to CHF 223.3 million, up 8.6% in local currency. Bossard noted that Switzerland made an important contribution having faced the challenges of the appreciation of the Swiss Franc.

Business in America grew 32.3% to CHF 114.3 million, including from the acquisition of Arnold Industries, which was consolidated in Quarter 4 2016. Underlying sales grew 17.4%, reflecting continued strong business in the electric vehicle sector and recovery from Bossard’s second largest US customer in the agricultural technology sector. Asian sales grew 16.2% to CHF 57.5 million.

Commenting in Bossard’s detailed half year report, published on 22 nd August, chairman of the board, Dr Thomas Schmuckli, and CEO, David Dean, said: “Healthy demand in all three market regions drove sales in the first half of the year, reflecting the success of our long-term strategy of organic growth while consolidating our market position through acquisitions. Investments in organisation and infrastructure over the last several years, as well as a greater focus on high-quality products, engineering, and logistics services, support this growth.

Bossard is also benefiting from the improved economic environment in all the major market regions.�

Looking forward with optimism they concluded: “We look forward to continued positive growth in the second half of the year.

This confidence is founded on the solid market positioning of the Bossard Group whose products and services are able to generate above-average growth in all market regions.

More cause for optimism is the economic development as currently reflected in the purchasing managers’ indices in all three market regions. This overall outlook does assume that macroeconomic conditions will remain relatively stable. Due to the base effect of the acquisition of Arnold Industries, and strong sales in the electromobility sector in the second half of last year, growth in the second half of 2017 will not be as strong by comparison.

We expect sales between CHF 770 million and CHF 780 millon for all of 2017 – after CHF 695 million in the 2016 fiscal year.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NORMA increases 2017 forecast NORMA Group has increased its full year sales forecast for 2017, on the basis of preliminary, unaudited figures for Q2 2017 and expected group sales until year end.

T

he Group management board now expects organic sales growth, excluding currency and acquisition related effects, of around 4% to 7% in 2017 compared to 2016. NORMA’s previous forecast had been for “moderate organic growth of around 1% – 3%”.

In the EMEA a higher organic growth rate is expected due to incremental short-term orders. After a good growth in the second quarter 2017 stronger than planned organic growth is expected, particularly from the commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery sectors. In the Asia-Pacific region faster than expected localisations, in particular in China, are leading to a higher organic growth.

NORMA expects additional sales from the already published acquisitions of Autoline, Lifial – Indústria Metalúrgica de Águeda Lda and Fengfan Co Ltd of around €55 million. The management board confirms the adjusted EBITA margin forecast as “sustainable at the same level as in previous years of more than 17%”.

Based on preliminary, unaudited figures NORMA Group achieved sales of around €263 million in Q2 2017, taking the first half total to around €518 million. This equates to an organic growth of 4.9% during Q2 2017 (Q1 2017: 4.6%, H1 2017: 4.8%). www.normagroup.com

Bulten first half sales grow 6% Bulten AB has announced sales for the second quarter of 2017 at SEK 708 million, an increase of 3% on same quarter 2016.

First half 2017 sales reached SEK 1.49 billion, a 6% year-on-year increase.

F

irst half 2017 EBIT was SEK 120 million (2016: SEK 109 million), corresponding to an operating margin of 8% (2016: 7.8%). Earnings after tax were SEK 90 million (2016: SEK 79 million). Bulten said its order book had increased to SEK 1.49 billion, up 8.3% on the same period in 2016. The half year report noted that Ram-Bul LLC, Bulten’s joint venture in the United States, had signed a US$5.5 million deal with a US automotive customer. Bulten has also signed a new full service provision contract worth around €30 million with an existing automotive customer.

Commenting on the results, Tommy Andersson, Bulten president and CEO, said: “It is very pleasing that after the end of the quarter Bulten signed both a new extensive FSP contract and a strategically important contract in the US. During Q2, net sales increased by 3%. The growth during the quarter has been affected by fewer production days compared with the corresponding quarter last year and by somewhat lower volumes due to model changes. The development indicates strong underlying demand in the automotive industry combined with Bulten’s strong position in this market, which is confirmed by a strong order intake during the quarter. Earnings and profitability continued to have a positive development and the return on capital employed rose to 15%. Bulten’s financial position is strong and during the quarter all our financial targets were reached and we are therefore well equipped for a phase of growth and investments in production and logistics.”

“In May, we received further evidence of our customers’ appreciation when our joint venture, BBB Services Ltd, was awarded Ford Motor Company’s prestigious Special Recognition World Excellence Award.”

“The development of electric vehicles requires that fasteners be adapted for new material choices and design solutions and Bulten is at the forefront of providing vehicle manufacturers with the latest technology. During the quarter, deliveries to pre-series to the next generation of electrical vehicles have started.”

(SEK 100 approximately = GB£9.25 or €10.4 at interbank)

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INDUSTRY NEWS

SENCO brands acquired

by Kyocera Corporation SENCO Brands, a leader in powered fastening systems for construction, woodworking and industrial applications, has announced that it has been acquired by Kyocera Corporation, and will now operate as part of Kyocera’s global cutting tool division.

S

ENCO will continue to provide the powered fastening categories with a comprehensive line of pneumatic and cordless nailers, staplers, screwdrivers, and fasteners, through its professional distribution network in over 40 countries. SENCO’s global headquarters will also continue to be based in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Staff and management will remain in place and lead the integration transition to new ownership.

SENCO is a pioneer in pneumatic tools and collated fasteners, with a proud legacy that extends back to 1948. It employs nearly 600 associates worldwide and maintains operations in more than 15 global locations. Kyocera Corporation is a multinational ceramics, electronics and industrial cutting tool manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Kyocera consists of more than 200 operating companies and has over 70,000 employees located throughout the world. SENCO will report to Mr Ken Ishii, director and senior managing executive officer, general manager of corporate cutting tool group.

“This is an exciting opportunity for our associates, customers and suppliers,” said Ben Johansen, CEO of SENCO. “Kyocera has been expanding and investing globally within its cutting tool division. We expect this acquisition to strengthen our new product development capabilities, bolster our ability to provide innovative fastening solutions to a wider range of customers and enhance our global distribution network. We thank Wynnchurch Capital for its significant strategic and financial support during their eight year ownership, a period in which SENCO more than doubled in revenue.

Today, SENCO officially becomes part of the Kyocera family, bringing us a new and exciting perspective of long-term ownership and marketplace investment.” www.senco.eu

Bufab Q2 sales increase 8% Bufab Group has reported 2017 Quarter 2 net sales are up 8% year-on-year to SEK 823 million (€86.6 million). Organic growth was slightly lower than in the first quarter. Calendar effects and raw material costs influenced overall Q2 performance.

O

rganic growth for the quarter was 3%. Order intake increased 13% and was higher than net sales. Operating profit declined to SEK 77 million (2016: SEK 82 million) and the operating margin to 9.4% (2016: 10.8%). The deterioration in gross margin during the quarter was primarily due to rising purchase prices.

For the 6 months year to date, net sales rose by 11% to SEK 1.64 billion with organic growth at 6%. Operating profit rose to SEK 167 million (2016: SEK 153 million) and the operating margin was 10.2 percent (2016: 10.3%).

President and CEO Jorgen Rosengren said Bufab’s International segment had achieved increased market share in most markets, with growth in the UK and continental Europe, but a softer performance in Norway, Finland and Asia. Bufab continued to increase market share in Sweden but Rosengren noted the deterioration in gross margin. He said Bufab would continue to focus on raising prices to customers – although to date increases had not been sufficient to offset cost increases.

Following the successful acquisition of Thunderbolts in the UK, Bufab would continue to seek suitable acquisition targets.

Based on the unusually strong order intake in the quarter, Bufab remained optimistic about 2017 as a whole.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Cooper & Turner acquired by US investment firm The Watermill Group, a US-based strategy driven private investment firm, has completed the acquisition of Andaray (Holdings) Limited and its direct and indirect subsidiaries – including Cooper & Turner, the UK-based global manufacturer and distributor of high-strength, large diameter industrial fastener systems.

M

arket leading organisations in wind energy, construction, OEM, rail and tunneling turn to Cooper & Turner as one of the leading suppliers of fasteners for ‘can’t fail’ fastening applications and extreme environments, when the highest quality products are vital.

“Cooper & Turner’s reputation and track record is virtually unmatched,” stated Julia Karol, president and COO at Watermill Group.

“We are impressed with the company’s unwavering commitment to quality and safety, its high customer service levels, as well as its global manufacturing and distribution footprint. Combining Watermill’s strategy driven approach with Cooper & Turner’s highly experienced management team, the company has an exciting opportunity to become the world’s first, truly global mission critical fastener supplier.”

Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Cooper & Turner Ltd serves a global customer base with strategically positioned manufacturing and distribution operations across the European Union, China and the United States. This global network enables Cooper & Turner to offer a seamless, ‘one stop shop’ solution for the manufacture and distribution of industrial fasteners that meet the highest levels of quality. The company will continue to deliver the same trusted and high-quality experience across existing product lines, manufacturing sites, and distribution operations, as the business also pursues new product, service and market opportunities around the world.

Ronald M. Krisanda, Watermill advisor and former president and COO at Milacron Holdings Corporation, will serve as the chairman of the board of advisors for the organisation. “Cooper & Turner is a compelling business

with a highly experienced senior management team, led by brothers Tony and David Brown, whose entrepreneurial vision and operational expertise have been paramount to the organisation’s success,” said Mr Krisanda. “We look forward to working with them and their team to uncover new opportunities and accelerate the company’s growth in the booming international wind sector and beyond.”

Last year, the Cooper & Turner board began seeking a partner/investor who could help the business grow and give strategic direction across the three continents from which it manufactures and distributes fasteners.

Following months of discussions, Watermill emerged as the most capable partner to see Cooper & Turner into the next decade.

“We are thrilled to join Watermill for this next chapter in the history of Cooper & Turner,” stated Tony Brown, group CEO at Cooper & Turner. “For nearly two centuries, this organisation has evolved and thrived – innovating alongside cutting edge customers and developing industry leading service levels across established and emerging sectors. Watermill’s strategic guidance will be invaluable to us as we continue in this tradition of growth and progress.” Tony Brown and David Brown, who is head of group production, will remain in their current positions and retain a significant shareholding in the company.

EFC International expands global presence US-based EFC International has announced implementation of its globalisation strategy with the opening of offices and warehouses in China, South Korea and Germany.

G

uenter Retkowski, VP of international sales, commented: “EFC’s physical presence in these countries enhances our relations, providing local support and value by offering a simpler, more cost-efficient way to manage the supply chain.”

EFC called its recent international growth “robust”. “EFC’s focus on key attributes of expert people, engineering, quality, connections, logistics and local support, as well as global presence, will be the driving force for the future,” added CEO Matt Dudenhoeffer.

Founded in 1983, St. Louis, MO-based EFC distributes engineered metal, plastic, cold-formed, spring steel stampings, as well as electrical and assembled component parts to the OEM and distribution markets.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Optimas UK achieves VDA 6.2 accreditation The Optimas facility in Bredbury, UK, has been awarded VDA 6.2 accreditation in acknowledgement of its high-quality standards and commitment to continuous improvement.

T

his forms part of a growing network of Optimas facilities that carry the accreditation in Europe and Asia. As a key supplier to many prestigious automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers, this demonstrates the commitment that Optimas OE Solutions LLC has made to the industry and its customers.

The accreditation is a German quality management standard initiated by the automotive industry. Based on the requirements of ISO 9001, it adds further conditions around product and service quality. The standard is an assurance to OEMs that a supplier can deliver a consistent and high-quality service in all transactions and is relevant to all suppliers to the automotive industry, from dealerships to logistics providers.

Andrew Woolley, key account manager at Optimas, managed the accreditation process for Optimas at Bredbury. He explains: “Much like ISO 9001, the standard involves checks across every department, measuring performance against agreed key performance indicators (KPIs) and checking for consistent, sustainable improvement. As a full service logistics provider of fasteners and C-class components,

we had to demonstrate not just the quality of all our components but also the quality of our supplier relations, quality assurance, and testing procedures. This is in addition to the proof of quality relating to our engineering and management practices, accounts, HR and, of course, logistics and on-site support.”

The initial certification process for VDA 6.2 involves one year of performance measurement and analysis with a proven trend for improvement across every department in the business. The accreditation is awarded by an independent certification body and shall be re-tested every year for it to remain valid.

Optimas has been working in the automotive industry for over 30 years, supplying parts and services to many of the most highly regarded German, British and American automotive brands.

Until now the VDA 6.2 accredited facilities have been limited to Optimas facilities in Germany and China. The decision to extend the accreditation to the UK was made as part of a strategy to grow the service offering provided to a luxury automotive brand owned by a German manufacturer.

Würth generates €6.4 billion in first six months of 2017 Würth Group, the global market leader for trading in assembly and fastening materials, generated sales of €6.4 billion in the first half of 2017, which corresponds to an increase of 7.8% on last year.

I

n local currency terms, this translates into growth of 7.1%. The development in southern and eastern Europe is especially pleasing. The German group reported 5.2% growth.

Giving an example for the strategic orientation of the trading group, Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group, commented: “Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG, the Würth Group’s parent company, opened its 450 th branch office in Horb am Neckar, Germany, in May. No matter if it is our brick-and-mortar business, our e-shop or our many sales representatives, even the tiniest unit influences the Group’s clout. Our challenge is to show the added value that we offer with each of our distribution channels and to motivate the customer to make use of them. The development of the operating result is pleasing. Thanks to growth of 21.8%, the Würth Group reports an operating result of €335 million in the first half of 2017.

In the first half of 2017, the number of employees worldwide also increased by 2.5% to 73,172 (December 2016: 71,391).

The Würth Group employs 32,034 people in the sales force worldwide.

Many happy returns for Rapierstar Rapierstar Ltd is marking 25 years of ‘turning something small into something great’ with investment in a brand refresh to reaffirm its market position in the UK and Ireland.

T

he Cheshire-based designer, developer and supplier of specialist fasteners and fixings, has reached its quarter century milestone this year. It supplies a family of award-winning branded product ranges, including StarPVCU, StarTurn, StarFix, StarPin & StarNail and StarAlu, serving the majority of UK windows and doors manufacturers.

Since its inception in 1992 under the leadership of Group Managing Director David Furness, Rapierstar has grown into a multimillion-pound turnover business. He explains how the company reached this significant landmark: “We are consistent in the design, performance, import and delivery of our branded products, never wavering on quality, standards and procedures to produce reliable, specialist screws and fixings.” He continued: “Our established relations in the Far East and import expertise ensures our stock holding and supply can respond on a next day delivery year-round, which is a crucial service for industry.”

The life of a Rapierstar screw begins with design at its Cheshire headquarters, then transferred to the Far East for manufacture, imported back to the UK for quality testing and standards checking at Rapierstar’s own unique facility, and distributed throughout the UK and Europe on a next day delivery service.

22 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Gripple opens ‘industrial cathedral’ in Sheffield Staff and friends of the UK-based world leading manufacturer of the iconic wire fastener, Gripple, were in party mood to celebrate the transformation of its riverside factory in true unconventional Gripple style during the official opening by Sheffield’s Master Cutler Richard Edwards.

F

or the full afternoon there was live music, entertainment and food stalls at the Attercliffe factory, in which employee owned Gripple has invested GB£2 million (€2.2 million). Fifteen more jobs have been created, with more expected this year. Production of a wide range of the company’s products has increased by more than 10% using 35 high-tech cellular manufacturing machines capable of turning out 55 million Gripple wire fasteners annually, to be sold across Europe, United States and Australia alone.

Providing 7,000 square foot more production space than the original building, the reborn building allows Gripple to cope with its current growth in the UK market particularly. It has been dubbed the ‘industrial cathedral’ by the company, because of its ‘stained glass’ colour windows. Designed to establish a pleasant workplace, the new building is also one of the ‘greenest’ buildings with GB£350,000 spent on 400 solar panels to heat water drawn from the river Don, as well as a green wall of plants and a fish tank, which is home to some sizeable Koi. The gardens surrounding the extended building, with its curves and walls set at an eight degree angle to avoid conventional straight lines, were created and are now tended by homeless people supported by the charity Emmaus UK, who were paid by the company.

After declaring the ‘Cathedral’ officially open and taking a tour around the exceptional building the Master Cutler said: “I have seen Gripple develop over the last 20 years and I am in awe of the team who have grown the company through product development and innovation. The new building is wonderful, unique and I am sure a great place to work.”

Gripple still has its head office in the Old West Gun Works on Savile Street East in Sheffield and one of its sister companies, Loadhog, is on Hawke Street, also in Attercliffe.

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PERSPECTIVE

by Phil Matten, executive editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry When will there be, will there be, a new EU anti-dumping investigation on fastener imports from China?

It’s the question most often posed whenever and wherever I am talking with the fastener industry.

A

nalysing Eurostat data for imports of fasteners from across the world is, believe me, one of those mind-numbing experiences. However, the pattern of fastener imports to the EU is at the absolute core of the potential or risk, depending on your perceptions, for a new anti-dumping investigation.

For the EU to be prepared to initiate an investigation it requires clear evidence of a pattern of imports that either represents current injury to EU producers, or the threat of that injury. As you’ll see from the top News story in this issue, the situation is far from conclusive even though we are now well over a year from the repeal of the previous EU anti-dumping measures.

It has to be said the decision process at the European Industrial Fastener Institute (EIFI) let alone the Directorate General Trade at the European Commission are pretty opaque. The EIFI is clearly and unsurprisingly very concerned about the threat of resurgent Chinese imports to its members’ businesses and there is little doubt it would like to make a strong and persuasive argument for a new investigation. The Commission on the other hand has been cautious if not reticent to engage in another bout of fastener trade defence with China – still feeling the scorched fingertips of four adverse rulings by the WTO dispute body. Importers, of course, would like the certainty that there will not be new anti-dumping duties in order to source at liberty from China.

The data to May this year doesn’t really help any of the causes.

There has certainly been an increase in imports from China but mine the data a bit deeper and it is clear that a significant element of the volume is in lower grade fasteners, or nuts, generally not produced in the EU. Imports of the higher grade fasteners most likely to impact EU producers have been more subdued – a combination of risk aversion from importers over anti-dumping, sure, but also the effect of more straight forward commercial considerations.

The puzzle, then, is whether China will ever again be the force or threat it was in 2007 and 2008. No question that one of the results of the anti-dumping has been the development of other Asian countries as significant fastener producers for Europe. Taiwan certainly reverted to its previously dominant position during the anti-dumping period and has retained substantial levels of business, but other countries, whether longer range like India or Vietnam, or shorter range, in the form of Turkey, now play a far more significant role in the mix. No question also that production costs are increasing in China and that the government is intent on clamping down on the invidious air pollution that afflicts its cities.

All of which leaves the multimillion dollar question about a new investigation still hanging in the air. One thing is clear, mind-numbing as it is, number crunching Eurostat data will be an important activity over the next few months. phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

First-half FINdex growth slows The FIN Fastener Stock Index lost steam in the first half of 2017, increasing only 2.9% during the six month period after gaining 9.1% in the opening quarter of the year. That compares to an 8.4% increase by an index of related industrial stocks during the first six months of the year.

F

astener stocks gaining 10% or more in value during the first half included Arconic (up 20%), Dorman Products Inc (up 12%), Bisco Industries (up 22.4%), ITW (up 17%), KLX (up 10.8%) and Stanley Black & Decker (up 22.7%).

The FINdex stall occurred primarily during the second quarter of 2017, when fastener stocks lost a collective 5.6% of value, compared to a 3% gain by an index of related industrial stocks. Fastener companies losing 10% or more in stock value during Q2 included Arconic (down 15.7%); Fastenal (down 16.6%); Grainger (down 22.7%); MSC Industrial (down 16.3%); and Tree Island Steel (down 12.7%). Fastener companies gaining stock value during Q2 included Bisco Industries (up 10%), ITW (up 8.1%), KLX (up 11.8%), Park Ohio (up 6%), Simpson Manufacturing (up 1.4%); Stanley Black & Decker (up 5.9%) and TriMas (up 0.5%).

The FINdex rose only 9.1% in the opening quarter of 2017. Arconic was the biggest winner in stock value during Q1. Overall stock results for Arconic, which includes Alcoa’s former US$1.8 billion Fastening Systems and Rings business, jumped 42% during the period.

Other companies gaining 10% or more in share value during 2016 included Dorman Products (up 12.4%), EACO (up 11.2%), MSC Industrial (up 11.2%); and Stanley Black & Decker (up 15.8%).

The opening quarter took its toll on some publicly traded companies with fastener holdings.

Fastener companies losing 5% or more in share value during Q1 included Lawson Products (down 5.7%), Park Ohio (down 15.6%), TriMas (down 11.7%) and Wesco Aircraft (down 23.7%).

In 2016, the FINdex posted impressive gains, rising 20% during the year, compared to an 11.1% increase by an index of related industrial stocks.

July FDI decelerates amid moderating sales The seasonally adjusted July United States Fastener Distributors Index read 55.1, ticking down from June’s strong 60.8 reading – “mainly driven by a slight moderation in sales momentum relative to a record June,” writes David Manthey, R.W. Baird analyst.

I

n the July survey, 47% of respondents indicated sales were ‘better’ relative to seasonal expectations, down slightly versus June (64%). Relative to historical seasonal readings in the month of July, this month’s seasonally adjusted sales index of 69.8 suggests selling conditions still remain very strong overall.

“Encouragingly, pricing was higher on a year-on-year basis for a majority of respondents (53%) – driving the FDI year-on-year pricing index to the highest level since August 2014. As it relates to customer inventory levels, most respondents believe inventories are relatively in-line with expectations (70% of responses), while 30% indicated inventory levels are too low.”

The FDI Forward-Looking Indicator clicked down slightly to 62.9 vs 64 in June. The Forward-Looking Indicator averaged 49.7 during 2016, but has averaged 61 so far in 2017.

The FDI found manufacturing employment remains stable.

“Following a notably more bullish turn in hiring sentiment in May, respondents have indicated relatively stable hiring conditions

28 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

for two straight months,” Manthey writes. Roughly 73% of distributors indicated hiring levels were unchanged relative to seasonal expectations, while 17% saw hiring pick up (vs 21% in April, 47% in May, and 36% in June).

Commentary on current market conditions was mixed. Some noted continued strong trends, while others are seeing a possible leveling of activity levels after several strong months (although nevertheless still solidly higher year-on-year). As one distributor put it: “The last couple of months things have evened out… not the huge growth of the first several months, but absolutely higher sales than last year.”

The outlook for the remainder of the year remains largely positive, as 57% of respondents expect higher activity levels over the next six months versus today, while 3% expect lower.

The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors, conducted with the FCH Sourcing Network and the National Fastener Distributors Association.

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Global fastener demand growing at 3% Global industrial fastener demand will grow 3% in 2017, a Freedonia Group researcher told the Fastener Industry Summit.

K

en Long, Freedonia’s manager of capital goods research, revealed Asia is the ‘star’ in multiple categories in increases in fastener demand and production, while the US and Europe rank below global numbers. Long, speaking at the first Summit – sponsored by thirteen fastener organizations, said trends include OEMs wanting the weight of fasteners to go down and ‘hybrid’ fastener sales rise.

“Plastic fasteners will show the fastest growth as OEMs seek to cut production costs and weight, while improving strength,” Long said. He cited PACCAR’s use of structural adhesives in truck cabs and Boeing’s one piece carbon fiber fuselage as examples.

Daimler Trucks is reducing shipping costs with 3D printing of parts.

The latest Freedonia research shows use of plastic fasteners has grown 14%.

The US and China dominate the fastener sales market, with the US accounting for 19% of sales, followed by China at 16%, Japan at 9%, and Germany at 8%. Long’s presentation was based on fastener market conditions from two recent Freedonia studies, Global Industrial Fastener Market and US Industrial Fastener Market.

“Growth in world fastener demand in 2017 will be bolstered by a rebound in US sales and advances in areas where demand in dollar terms has been adversely affected by a rise in the value of the US dollar,” Long said.

The fastest market gains will be posted in China, India and other developing parts of Asia, fueled by increases in durable goods production. US fastener demand, which declined in 2016, is projected to climb 2.3% in 2017.

Long said the top concerns for the fastener industry are: The general economic climate.

Political uncertainty.

Energy and material costs.

Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is an international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually.

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Novaria Group acquires Space-Lok Novaria Group has acquired aerospace fastener manufacturer Space-Lok Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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os Angeles-based Space-Lok becomes a part of Novaria Fastening Systems, which includes Sky Aerospace Products and John Hassall Inc. Established in 1962, Space-Lok designs and manufactures internally and externally threaded fasteners and component mechanisms for all sectors of the aerospace industry. Space-Lok’s manufacturing facility capabilities include CNC machining, hot and cold forging, thread rolling, gun-drilling, grinding, EDM machining, tapping and tool making.

“We are proud to add Space-Lok to our award winning team of fastener companies at Novaria,” said Monty Gillespie, president of Novaria Fastening Systems. “Space-Lok will continue to be managed in the same successful manner it has always been, bringing capabilities that allow for quick and customized solutions for customers.”

Space-Lok former owner Jeff Wade called the deal “a strategic move for both Space-Lok and Novaria that will greatly boost growth opportunities.”

30 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

IFI Lobbyist: Manufacturing popular again Despite uncertainties with the Trump administration, the good news is that “manufacturing is a popular word again,” the Industrial Fastener Institute’s lobbyist told the Fastener Industry Summit.

J

ennifer Baker Reid of the Laurin Baker Group LLC observed: “US manufacturing is at the forefront of administration rhetoric,” However, any “Buy American” policies will affect only new federal government contracts and not “private parties” contracts, Reid pointed out.

“Each new administration always brings uncertainty for 30 to 60 days,” Reid explained. The Trump administration’s uncertainty continues as it “lurks from one crisis to another”, Reid added. It is beginning to seem like the “new normal”. Indeed Reid left a space open on her opening screen for “the crisis of the day or week”.

Reid attributed part of the problem because Donald Trump “doesn’t let go” of issues, such as his inauguration crowd size. “The administration still doesn’t seem to be steady at the helm yet,” she observed. Republican leaders are talking about “running government like a business”, but the goal is tough because “you can’t turn the Titanic around overnight”, Reid noted.

Vice-President Mike Pence – who was a congressman before being governor of Indiana – “is walking a very fine line” between supporting Trump and “responsibilities on Capitol Hill”. The White House budget is “always DOA” upon arriving on Capitol Hill, Reid noted. The latest budget includes “draconian cuts to (Trump’s) base,” she pointed out.

The House of Representatives is four months behind its process for budget approval by 30th September and Congress faces raising the debt ceiling probably by the end of July 2017.

In 2001, the US steel industry may have needed tariffs, but today any legislation needs to be “specific”, such as not including Canada. “We in the fastener industry need a healthy steel industry,” and a “broad brush approach really has potential to disrupt the supply chain” with “unintended consequences”, Reid said. For example, a rule requiring only US produced steel is too late for the pipelines under construction because the pipes are already in storage ready for installation.

Any Border Adjustment Tax faces international trade rules conflicts. Among the companies that changes could affect are giant names such as Boeing and Caterpillar.

Border taxes could lead to consumer price increase, Reid cautioned. President Trump has vowed “all legal routes” to levy unilateral sanctions on imports against China, she said.

Even if Congress repeals the Conflict Minerals section of Dodd-Frank, manufacturers supplying Europe will still have to comply with their rules.

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MMK-Metiz commits to major investment programme Magnitogorsk Hardware Calibration Plant – MMK-Metiz – will continue to invest in projects aimed at reducing production costs, improving product quality and broadening its production range.

A

ccording to MMK-Metiz, the investment programme – for the development of the plant from 2017 – 2020 – will include 3.8 billion rubles (approximately €55 million), which will ensure the effective development of the plant.

MMK-Metiz will concentrate production on the hardware range and install new equipment on a new production site. The development of the investment strategy is the culmination of several years considering different options and determining the most effective way to achieve the stated goals. The approved strategy will breathe new life into the calibration site, including using cleared site areas to create an industrial park, in order to attract investors.

Tech-KREP and BERVEL certified to ISO 9001:2015 Tech-KREP and BERVEL have both successfully completed certification for compliance with the requirements of the international standard ISO 9001:2015.

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ollowing a positive audit of the Tech-KREP production facility, the TÜV Thüringen certification body issued a certification. Located in Smolensk, Russia, Tech-KREP produces various types of plastic dowels – frame and façade dowels, fasteners for thermal insulation, spacer dowels, and dowel-nails.

The plant has more than eighty injection moulding machines consuming more than 500 tonnes of polymer raw materials every month. Tech-KREP is the largest supplier of construction fasteners in the Russian market, distributing fasteners manufactured in China, Taiwan and India via seven key warehouses, supported by its own fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles.

The BERVEL high strength fastener plant has also achieved certification to ISO 9001:2015. The auditors of the international certification body TÜV Rheinland Cert audited BERVEL’s QMS processes, which are targeted at satisfying customers’ requirements and producing high-quality products.

During the audit, the existing technological processes and working documentation were also verified, confirming the quality assurance at all stages of fastener production. The competence of BERVEL employees, including their professional skills aimed at improving the quality management system, was also confirmed. The international auditors expressed high-levels of appreciation of the plant management in planning, maintaining and improving the quality management system.

32 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

MMK-Metiz’s 2016 results reported that the main investment projects involved concentration on the production of PSC strands and the development of production of high-tensile fittings and fasteners.

According to MMK-Metiz’s website, the general meeting of shareholders decided not to pay dividends for the year 2016. Members of the meeting approved the annual report of MMK-Metiz and accounting statements for the last year, as well as electing a new board of directors.

Orel Steel Rolling Plant celebrates 50th anniversary Orel Steel Rolling Plant (part of Sevestal-Metiz, the Hardware Group of Severstal) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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he Orel plant produces steel wire of various types and functions as well as fixings, including high-tensile fasteners. The main consumers of the plant products are construction, car assembly and machine building industries. During the five years from 2012 until 2016 the specialists of the Orel plant designed and mastered the production of more than a hundred new types of products. Most of them are complex and unique for Russia markets.

“This year, the Orel Plant celebrates its 50th anniversary.

It is a whole epoch, filled with the achievements and creative labour of several generations of steel rollers. Now The Orel Steel Rolling Plant is one of the leading industrial enterprises of the Orel Region,” said Plant Director Alexey Yerenichev. “We have many plans and ambitious goals.

I am sure that our experienced professional staff, high performance equipment, and well balanced infrastructure, will enable us to successfully cope with all the tasks.”

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

New members for Union of Producers and Suppliers of Fastening Systems The participants of the most recent meeting of the Union of Producers and Suppliers of Fastening Systems, which took place on 6th June, welcomed new members.

T

he Partner Group of Companies from St. Petersburg applied for membership of the Union, which also approved Himtex, St. Petersburg as members. The supervisory board of the Fixing Union was also expanded in 2017 and currently includes the leading specialists of the Center for Facade Systems, SRIRC by Gvozdev, Stroyekspertiza LLC, CA Composite-Test JSC, as well as the editor in chief of “Fasteners, Adhesives, Tools and… Magazine.

The meeting of the Union was mainly devoted to a number of organisational and technical issues related to the development of GOSTs for anchoring. In particular, the discussion focused on participation in the development of the draft national standard ‘Dish anchors for fixing the heat insulating layer in façade heat insulating composite systems with external plaster layers.

Methods of testing’. Among other issues, the members of the meeting discussed the creation of a training project for erection work using anchor technology.

Meeting participants also outlined further steps related to the deviation of anchor geometry from that specified in the technical assessment for products with technical certificates.

Supervisory authorities pay attention to installed fasteners FSUE Sport-Engineering, the owner of the construction of the stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, was fined 700,000 rubles (€10,200) for the violations in the construction of the football arena.

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pecialists from the Volzhsko-Oksky Federal Service of Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision believe the builders used fasteners that were different from those specified for fixing metal constructions of the stadium roof. The building owner disagreed with the arguments of the supervisory authority and appealed the imposition of administrative sanctions in the court.

In another example, the repair of a military polyclinic ended in a criminal trial because of fasteners. Two engineers are suspected by the military prosecutor’s office of St. Petersburg, of abuse of office during the repair of the façade of the medical in-patient department in the military town. They signed documents without checking the quality of the work. The press service of the chief military prosecutor’s office reported that on 11th July the violation was revealed during the inspection of the façade assembly. According to the handover acceptance documents, the subcontractor fulfilled its work in time and with proper quality. In reality, the company used fixing elements that did not comply with the technical assignment, and which could result in problems in the service of the façade.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

Metinvest leases new Caterpillar trucks Metinvest B.V, the parent company of a vertically integrated group of steel and mining companies, has announced that – following successful debt restructuring completed in March 2017 – one of its iron ore production subsidiaries has secured a new financing facility as part of an equipment leasing agreement.

I

ngulets GOK has agreed to lease eight Caterpillar 785C off-highway trucks from Zeppelin Ukraine TOV. The equipment has an overall value of approximately US$17 million (€14.3 million) and Caterpillar Financial Ukraine, the local lending arm of the US construction and mining equipment manufacturer, is to provide financing for this transaction for five years. Delivery of the trucks is due to begin in September 2017.

Commenting on the news, Yuriy Ryzhenkov, chief executive officer of Metinvest, said: “The Group is proud of this development, which is part of its strategy to return to the international debt and capital markets following the successful conclusion of the debt restructuring earlier this year.”

34 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

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ASIAN NEWS

Chinese fastener factories hit by steel hikes, summer temperature and inspections

CISA attempts to calm Chinese steel market

Fastener factories in China, particularly around Shanghai and Haiyan, have been hit by a series of factors during the summer, which cumulatively look set to result in significant delays in fulfilling export orders.

T

36 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

he report says prices have been driven by higher iron ore costs, improved demand and lower supply, as a result of government policies to cut steel overcapacity and improve environmental conditions. CISA estimates that the closure of small low grade furnaces accounts for around 4% of total steel output but it is clear these closures disproportionately affected long product pricing including cold heading wire rod.

CISA steel price index 2016-17 110

100

90

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70

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Jun 2017

May 2017

Apr 2017

Mar 2017

Feb 2017

Jan 2017

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Nov 2016

Oct 2016

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Aug 2016

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40

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n June the Chinese government clamped down tightly on low grade steel mills using induction furnaces to produce construction rebar, reportedly closing more than 100 million tonnes of annual capacity. The dramatic cut in supply drove prices upwards, making the market attractive for more modern, higher efficiency long product mills to enter it. The knock-on effect has been sustained increases in the cost of cold heading quality wire for fastener makers. Low carbon wire rod prices are reported to have risen by more than 23% in the six weeks from early July to mid August, accelerating an already upward price trend.

The impact of the increased material costs is exacerbated because, apart from a few larger factories, Chinese fastener producers do not have the cash flow to hold significant levels of wire inventory, instead sourcing wire once they have obtained export orders. Material cost inflation further impacts factory cash flow limiting stocking capability. In Quarter 4 2016, when there was a similar sharp increase in wire costs, quotation validity shortened to a few days and some factories simply ceased quoting for fear of being forced to produce at a loss. On the other hand the RMB has strengthened consistently against the US dollar since May, making Chinese factories less competitive to export customers Two other factors are reported to have had a major effect on production, particular in the area south and east of Shanghai, which is heavily populated with fastener factories. Summer ambient temperatures have been unusually high, soaring well in excess of 40ºC and driving up factory temperatures to levels that necessitated producers operating on shortened working days for several weeks.

Most recently, government environmental inspectors have been very active in Haiyan, resulting in the reported closure of the largest zinc plating contractor, until it meets waste discharge regulations, and the arrest of some of its personnel. The inspection regime has, apparently, resulted in wide spread factory closures, to the extent that air pollution levels have fallen, allowing rarely seen blue sky to prevail over Haiyan.

Contacts in China say that many fastener factories have suspended production rather than risking inspection. Even some larger factories, potentially able to survive environmental scrutiny, have significantly curtailed output.

Environmental inspectors are expected to remain in Haiyan until mid September, which means normal production is unlikely to be resumed until at least then, with potential longer term restrictions on plating capacity.

According to reports by official Chinese news agency Xinhua – the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) confirmed that the country’s steel price index had risen to 106.49 at the end of July, but said new production capacity was set to ease supply.

CISA’s steel price index read 99.97 in January, rising to 106.22 in February, before dropping to 92.64 in April. Since then the index has progressively increased each month. The peak reading for 2016 was 99.51 in December but the year started with a reading of 57.6.

CISA’s iron ore index shows a near 15% increase in the imported cost of the key steel making material between June and July. Domestic ore prices rose by 5.13% in the same period but the ore grade is substantially lower, with most efficient mills preferring the Fe62% grade imported ore. CIF Qingdao prices for Fe62% ore had plummeted to below US$54/tonne in June from a February peak of more than US$94/tonne.

Since June, prices have seen a sustained rise to reach US$80/tonne by mid August. Speculation on Chinese commodity exchange had driven future prices for both iron ore and coking coal higher but CISA says exchange authorities are taken action to curtail speculation including through increased transaction fees.

China’s crude steel output increased by 5.1% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2017, to 492 million tonnes. Apparent consumption of crude steel increased by 10.9% to 450 million tonnes according to CISA.

ASIAN NEWS

Chinese fastener exports increase 4.4% in 2017 H1 According to data from Chinese customs authorities, published by Chinafastener.com, exports of fasteners from China increase by 4.4% year-on-year in the first six months of 2017 to 1.44 billion tonnes, worth US$2.38 billion (€2 billion). Imports rose by 8.7% to US$1.49 billion (157 million tonnes).

T

he United States remains the largest consumer of Chinese produced fasteners, taking 286,219 tonnes in the six months, valued at US$489 million (average per kilo price of US$1.71). Russia took 129,858 tonnes during the six months but at a substantially lower average cost per kilo of US$1.109.

Japan represented the third largest consumer at 71,841 tonnes (US$1.906 per kilo).

In Europe, Germany was the largest recipient, taking 56,728 tonnes, with an average per kilo value of US$1.822. Italy received 34,458 tonnes, the United Kingdom 29,952 tonnes, Poland 27,177 tonnes and the Netherlands 26,373 tonnes.

The top exporting provinces were Zhejiang (856,762 tonnes), Shanghai (135,375 tonnes) and Jiangsu (121,171 tonnes).

Full report and tables at: www.chinafastener.com/news/fastener-news-3058.htm

KPF strengthens sales in Vietnam, Poland and Italy South Korea’s Songhyun Korean Parts and Fasteners (KPF) has established a branch in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, in order to develop in the fast growing Asian market. It has also entered partnership agreements to supply construction fasteners via new sales agents in Poland and Italy.

K

PF will strengthen its sale force in the Vietnam domestic market in collaboration with its Hanoi plant and will gradually expand sales into neighbouring countries.

KPF says its fastener market in Vietnam has historically been for tower construction but it sees a positive trend from reinforced concrete to steel frame structures for high-rise buildings and bridges. KPF participated in this year’s International Construction Fair in Ho Chi Minh city to promote its wide range of fasteners.

KPF has also signed a partnership agreement for supplying construction fasteners with a sales agent from Poland and another from Italy. The construction fasteners, which KPF will supply to the two agents, are high value-added products that KPF is already established in supplying to the German and Italian markets. Fastener World Magazine reports that KPF has made ‘tactical preparations’ to its R&D and marketing operations to further develop into the European market.

Nitto Seiko establishes R&D centre in Japan Nitto Seiko has established its ‘Kyoto R&D Centre’ within the Advanced Chemical Technology Centre in Kyoto on 1st June, Fastener World reports.

T

he Japanese company has been investing in industry/academia collaboration in recent years to enhance its technical development.

Through this R&D Centre, Nitto Seiko Co Ltd expects to speed up its exchange with universities.

The R&D Centre is aimed at providing a base for industry/academia exchange and for collecting intelligence. The company has its head office and a production facility in Kyoto.

38 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

10-2B-6-160404-SP

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NORMA – a NORMA Group brand

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ASIAN NEWS

School students invent aircraft screw monitoring system Three eleventh grade students, Ko Chen Lam, Li Pui Shan and Wu Ga Kei, from SKH Li Ping Secondary School in Hong Kong, have invented an airplane fastener security alarm. If a screw loosens, the system issues an alarm so an engineer can easily identify and rectify the damage.

T

he ‘Airplane security alarm meson’ uses the principle of a spring. The spring is connected to the bottom of the screws and the meson. If the two washers aren’t fastened, which means the screw may be loose, the upper washer will show a red alarm. Li Pui Shan explains that engineers can observe the condition of the screws through visual inspection or a telescope without climbing onto the plane to check them one by one.

The students determined whether the screws had loosened through a number of experiments and discovered that when the vibration dynamic is higher than 5N, screws will tend to loosen. They also carried out temperature tests to make sure the screws can endure different extreme temperatures, which showed they could function normally between -14°C and 130°C.

Fontec expands capacity with new plant in Suzhou Fastener World Magazine reports that Fontec Screws Co Ltd has invested in new forming equipment to improve its capacity and quality stability.

F

ontec specialises in special hollow rivets, solid rivets, and special screws, and currently has a monthly capacity of 10 million pieces. Around 60% of its output goes to North America, and around 30% to Europe. The company says it is dedicated to seeking orders for research and development of automotive fasteners and is continuously upgrading its core technology to satisfy market demand.

In addition to the new forming machinery, Fontec has invested in additional inspection technologies.

At the end of 2017, Fontec expects to bring a new plant in Suzhou on stream, substantially increasing its production capacity. Fontec also hopes to contribute more strongly to the fastener industry in the greater China region.

Sundram Q1 exports up 14.9% Sundram Fasteners, a TVS Group company, reported overseas sales for fiscal quarter April-June increased by 14.9% to 2.83 billion rupees.

S

tand-alone total income for the quarter rose to 8.5 billion rupees from 7.77 billion for the same period the previous year.

Stand-alone net profits rose 19.4% to 902 million rupees. Sundram reported full year to 3 March 2017 net profits at 3.15 billion rupees.

[1 million rupees approximately €13,080 at Interbank]

40 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Ko Chen Lam said that the advantage about this invention is its low cost and wide applicability.

Since all materials are magnetic-free, aircraft signals will not be influenced and all kinds of machines could adopt the concept. Ko Chen Lam told Fastener World they had presented their work to HAECO, a Hong Kong-based independent aircraft engineering and maintenance group.

The company liked the concept but it has not been put into practical use.

China Steel will increase Q4 wire rod prices China Steel Corporation has announced it will increase its wholesale steel prices for Quarter 4 deliveries to domestic customers.

C

hina Steel will apply an across grade average increase of 5.6%, equivalent to an average increase in domestic wholesale prices of US$37.76 (€31.76). Wire rod prices will increase more than the average, by TW$1,200 or close to US$40/tonne.

China Steel reduced its domestic prices by an across grades average of 5.3% for Quarter 3 2017.

The Taiwanese steel maker cites increases from major mainland China steel suppliers including Baosteel Group and Wuhan Iron & Steel of between US$97 and US$112 per tonne. It also refers to similar level increases in the North American market over recent months and a more modest July increase in Europe.

China Steel quotes a forecast from Arcelor-Mittal that global steel demand will grow two thirds to 3% in 2017. Lee Shin-min, China Steel vice-president, is also reported to have said the Corporation is currently operating at full capacity to meet Quarter 3 demand.

BRAZILIAN NEWS

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

Slowly, imported fasteners retake Brazilian market share Data from the Brazilian Industry and Commerce Ministry (www.mdic.gov.br) shows a gradual growth in imports of fasteners by local distributors and industrial users, between January and July 2017.

T

he largest country in South America, Brazil received in the first seven months of 2017 more than 31,000 tonnes of fasteners produced from iron and steel, representing an increase of around 25.3% on the same period 2016. Brazilian importers spent around US$168 million, a 14.66% increase on the same period 2016.

Improvement in the performance of the Brazilian economy is delivering stronger results for industry and commerce.

Imports per region (Midwest buy directly from others regions)

January – July 2016 US$ FOB

KG

January – July 2017 US$ FOB

KG

South-east

91,352,900

14,786,584

96,053,849

18,380,451

South

28,930,240

6,976,466

30,261,877

8,203,251

North

14,989,627

1,175,883

23,529,867

1,538,893

North-east Total

11,716,997

2,111,183

18,699,420

3,274,038

146,989,764

25,050,116

168,545,013

31,396,633

Source: www.mdic.gov.br

Exports raise Brazilian automotive production According to ANFAVEA, the Brazilian association of automakers, domestic automotive production grew 22.4% to 1.49 million units in the first seven months of 2017.

BRAZILAIN AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION 2017 Sources: ANFAVEA/FENABRAVE

2016: January – July

2017: January – July

Growth

1.22 million

1.49 million

22.4%

42 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

A

n absolutely crucial market to the general Brazilian economy, the automotive universe has a huge impact on industry, including the fastener sector. A key driver in the positive results has been from exports. During the seven months, vehicle exports increased 55.3% compared with the same period in 2016. However, the domestic market is still ‘so shy’ due to the politics troubles. Even so it increased by 3.4%.

For FENABRAVE – the local automotive distribution federation – the expectations for the second half of the year remain positive, based on increased confidence levels, better credit offerings and the habitual expansion of purchasing fomented by the vacation period, and Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Uffici: Via Negroni 30, 20060 Pessano con Bornago (MI) Stabilimento: Via De Amicis 6 20089 Rozzano (MI) Ph. +39 02 9574 9273 - Fax. +39 02 9574 4857 info@pec.mitossrl.com www.mitossrl.com

mitos_sep_V3.indd 1

05/09/2016 09:08

BRAZILIAN NEWS

Changes in NR-12 aim to increase safety for machine operators Changes in a nearly 40 year old Brazilian regulation aim to increase workers safety by reducing accidents during operation of industrial machinery and equipment.

C

reated in 1978, Regulatory Norm 12 (known as NR-12) is a complement of the ‘Consolidation of Labour Laws’, which became widely used at the start of 1990, when automakers and their suppliers began direct investments in Brazil.

In July 2017 the norm received some adjustments from Ordinance nº 873. According to Victor Fagundes – a technical promoter in automation and security of Reymaster Electrical Materials – the norm now has positives adjustments, since they adapt the directives to current technologies. The changes mainly define requirements in the use of presence detectors, alarms (multizone) and devices for movement controls (servo drives) in machines to prevent accidents.

The implementation time for the new requirements is between 12 and 36 months to take account of all machines in diverse activities, including those produced before the implementation of norms, and also including future models manufactured in other countries not adhering to the same norms.

Ciser launches clamps range The biggest fasteners manufacturer in South America, the Brazilian company Ciser, has launched a line of clamps – the fruit of a partnership with Metalmatrix, a specialist in this sector.

A

ccording to Ciser, these clamps feature an endless thread and are made in carbon steel and stainless steel, making them particularly suited to a geographic region with high corrosion levels. The hose clamps, with 20mm and 32mm band width, will be useful with rigid materials, which need a high level of tightness, such as in heavy-duty usage for tubes, hoses and high pressure applications.

44 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Metaltork investing in new production technology Metaltork Indústria e Comércio de Auto Peças LTDA, a Brazilian fastener manufacturer, is investing strongly in technology in order to further expand its industrial facilities.

O

ne of the main suppliers of fasteners and parts for critical application to the automotive and wind power sectors, Metaltork has recently acquired a new, advanced Nedform cold former, from the Belgian company Nedschroef Machinery.

The 6-die machine has a forging capability of up to 375 tonnes, and will produce parts up to M24 of diameter and 200mm in length, at a rate of up to 140 pieces per minute.

Due to the system of cutting and transferring extra short pieces, the Nedform machine facilitates the production of nuts, adapter sleeves, as well as other special screws and parts – drilled or solid – using the machine’s long forming capability. The Nedform is managed by the Nedscontrol computerised system, which uses automatic regulatory systems. Consequently, there is no need for operator involvement in the process of tooling quick changeover and other situations.

With this acquisition, Metaltork intends to increase its participation in the market of parts for critical application in diesel engines. “Metaltork relentlessly pursues the best global technological trends and standards for its parts production, especially those with critical application, such as connection rod bolts, pillow block, heads of engines and others special parts,” said Ivan Reszecki, president of the company.

Mercedes-Benz recalls SUV to correct bolt tightening Incorrect tightening of bolts has resulted in Mercedes-Benz recalling a small number of G-Class 63 AMG models manufactured between May 2013 and April 2016.

R

epair involves replacing the steering coupling and applying the correct tightness to the steering column’s universal joint fastening screws, which may not have received proper tightening.

COVER STORY

An unswerving dedication to manufacturing perfection For SACMA Group this has been a summer of looking to the future – which is far from unusual for a company, long committed to occupy the leading edge in fastener manufacturing technology – and looking back, with a mixture of sorrow but also intense pride.

1

939 witnessed the foundation of SACMA Limbiate as a small manufacturing business, the brainchild of engineer Valeriano Rampezzotti. It also saw the birth of Mr Rampezzotti’s son, Giancarlo who, having worked closely with his father, took the helm in the 1960s and was largely responsible for the adoption of new concepts in production and machine assembly, which drove accelerated growth in SACMA’s fortunes and reputation in the field of fastener manufacturing machinery.

È stato e resterà un esempio per tutti noi.”

(He set an example for us all) 46 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

On 17 th May 2017 Giancarlo Rampezzotti (pictured) passed away, inevitably causing widespread sorrow amongst his relatives but also the wider family of the SACMA Group. Mixed with that sorrow, however, is an evidently profound pride in the passion that engineered the transition from a small workshop, manufacturing marine outboard engines, to global leadership in cold forming and thread rolling technologies.

During the 1950s, SACMA developed its first machine for manufacturing woodscrews. It also, extraordinarily, designed and manufactured an economical car, eventually purchased by an automotive group abroad. Into the 1960s, SACMA started committing strongly to the production of machines for manufacturing fasteners, and deepened its roots in the city of Limbiate, close to Milan. Today, all the components to build the SACMA machines are manufactured in-house, ensuring total control of the quality of all the parts.

There are three different plants, all belonging to SACMA Group – the impressive main cold former plant in Limbiate; the OBM plant at Vimercate, which concentrates on the manufacturing of the smaller parts; and at Castelnuovo Scrivia, where the Ingramatic thread rollers are assembled.

A fascinating tour of the SACMA facility is to immediately comprehend two of the core principles Giancarlo Rampezzotti instilled in SACMA. First is the direct and complete control of the manufacture and assembly of its machines from the receipt of the core castings through to final commissioning to fulfil the customers’ exact requirements.

The second is the continuous investment in technology and in a skilled workforce, even in the difficult market conditions.

Underlying both is what SACMA Group Commercial Director Enrico Brigatti describes as “an unswerving dedication to manufacturing perfection” – part of the shining example set by Giancarlo Rampezzotti to which, without question, the next generation of SACMA management is wholly committed. President and son to Giancarlo,

SACMA's head office in Limbiate

Valeriano Rampezzotti is succinct on that score: “We already have our investment strategy mapped out for the next five to six years.” Valeriano is based in Limbiate. His sister Nicole Elena is also a member of the board but is based in SACMA Machinery Corporation, in Westlake, Ohio, USA. The chief executive officer for the Group, and also cousin of both, is Mr Valerio K. Mesutoglu.

SACMA essentially builds standard machines, with the final 10 percent of the design and assembly customised to the fastener or parts manufacturers’ requirements. The implications of that philosophy are evident throughout the plant and at all stages of manufacturing. In the rear yard rows of core castings – the resolute heart of all SACMA and Ingramatic machines – are ‘seasoned’ for up to eighteen months. Standardisation means SACMA is able to source, depending on the size of the ultimate machine, between six to fifteen cores at a time from carefully selected forges, providing both quality and cost benefits.

The entire complex machining of the main frames is carried out at Limbiate, on state of the art CNC machining centres. That includes even the smallest machining such as small holes, even though they could be carried out on the shop floor, in order to ensure absolute accuracy and consistency. The largest CNC centre has a 10m long bed and 130 tonne capacity to accommodate

SACMA maintains direct and complete control over production from receipt of the core castings to final commissioning for the customer

the main frames for SACMA’s largest cold formers. Similar, smaller machines surround it but much of the complex machining is carried out on a robotic Mazak machining centre, which never fails to impress visitors. A long cage holds 65 ‘pallets’ each with an operation set up during the day shift, ready for the machining centre to collect, select appropriate tooling from a massive ‘library’, and carry out operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An additional new 45-pallet machining centre is currently being built, with commissioning in Japan expected this autumn and installation at Limbiate planned in 2018. That level of investment reflects a SACMA philosophy to replace production machinery every ten to fifteen years rather than tolerate any fall off in accuracy or increase in maintenance costs.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 47

COVER STORY Everything about a SACMA machine is built for longevity – just one obvious indicator is the depth of the bronze surfaces installed onto the main frame.

With the exception of electronics sourced from Siemens and ABB, and held in stock to provide immediate availability, SACMA machines all its components.

The Group also holds 100% of spares as inventory. Even with SACMA’s levels of standardisation that is a massive stockholding but one that ensures not only highly efficiency production in the plants but also total assurance of support for machines in the field. Not, as Enrico Brigatti is quick to emphasise, that SACMA machines have a habit of failing in use. “Unlike some of our competitors, which derive up to half their revenues from spares and service, these activities only represent 7% for SACMA.” It’s a figure, he acknowledges, that will rise in coming years simply as a function of rapidly growing worldwide population of SACMA and Ingramatic machines, but he still does not expect it to exceed 10%.

“That is crucially important,” he says. “It means the machines are running well and continuously. Our customers rarely need the support of a technician from SACMA. Generally, we can diagnose issues remotely, ship spares to the customer and they can have their machine back in production within a few hours of receipt, minimising lost production and time, and keep those parts being formed.

We sell high technology machinery. When our customers come to Limbiate we want them to recognise that is not a superficial commitment but runs throughout our operations.”

“We are conservative innovators,” he goes onto explain. “We do make innovations but it takes a while. When we do have something ready it is ready for thirty years not ten.” All of which explains not just SACMA’s continuous programme of investment in production technology but also in research and development. “In R&D we don’t just design the machine, we design each individual part, creating drawings and manufacturing methodology.” A secure document storage system next to the design office stores drawings for every SACMA part ever produced. For additional security, duplicates are held at the family home and in a separate off-site facility. On the production floor, however, SACMA has adopted Industry 4.0 principles and there are no drawings to be seen – instead there are carefully positioned, largescreen terminals, via which engineers can access all of the drawings and specifications they require.

With sub-assembly completed the machine modules are brought together on a series of final assembly lines, each dedicated to a different size machine and on each of which a number of machines are nearing completion. For example, on the largest scale assembly line this summer, SACMA had four Size 6 machines – two 31mm and two 33mm diameter capacity. Across all the assembly lines the final destinations of the machine underscore SACMA’s global market – with machines destined for European, Asian, North and South American customers.

On the largest scale assembly line this summer, SACMA had four Size 6 machines – two 31mm and two 33mm diameter capacity

48 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

The whole manufacturing facility, as well as the offices, is remarkably clinical

The whole manufacturing facility, as well as the offices, is remarkably clinical – redolent of Formula One racing car assemblies but on a massive scale. Enrico Brigatti smiles at the thought: “We sell high technology machinery. When our customers come to Limbiate we want them to recognise that is not a superficial commitment but runs throughout our operations. In the same way we invest in really attractive stands at worldwide fastener exhibitions. The machine we present is a thing of beauty – it is like seeing a Ferrari car. So people want to work on these machines, it attracts the

young people and helps to convince them that fastener manufacturing is a modern, critical manufacturing process.” Nowhere, says Enrico, is SACMA’s distinction in this regard proving more persuasive than in Asia. “There really is a strong appreciation of the sophistication of our technology. SACMA machines are desired not just for the manufacturing efficiency and reliability but also as a visible sign to the factory’s customers that they are committed to the highest global standards. Once the customer installs one SACMA machine, maybe even with its ‘marketing’ benefit more in mind, they rapidly realise the efficiency, accuracy and productivity advantages that justify the significantly higher cost compared with locally produced machines.”

Today SACMA Group has global annual sales in excess of €60 million, and employs more than 210 people. Nearly 80% of its output is exported, across the globe, with the emphasis on five and six die progressive formers to meet the ever increasing demand for complex, net shape parts; and bolt makers primarily for high volume accurate production of automotive parts.

Quite some legacy from just two previous generations of entrepreneurial leadership but the appetite to continue to build on it is evident.

No question, there is much more to come in SACMA Winning Technologies®. www.sacmagroup.com

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 49

INSIGHT

REYHER commissions double-decker high bay warehouse On 19th June REYHER officially opened its new high bay warehouse.

Under the motto ‘double-decker logistics’, with 100 guests, the Hamburg trading company celebrated a new dimension in intralogistics. For the first time a 42m high new building was constructed with two warehouse blocks, one above the other – proving both a technical and logistics masterstroke.

D

r Peter Bielert, CEO at F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co, explained: “With the building of the new double-level high bay warehouse, and integrated office building, we have made the largest single investment in company history. More than €30 million has gone into this project.”

The innovation has been realised in close cooperation with the intralogistics service provider SSI Schäfer, and is an important building block to utilising the limited space REYHER has available at its inner-city location. To build upwards makes the company’s logistics highly efficient. By building the new warehouse, which is operated using cutting edge logistic systems, REYHER has increased the number of pallet bays from 60,000 to 100,000. The picking and packing capacity from the pallet store has also been increased by a further 30%.

“I personally know of no comparable project in the market, with such high dynamism and complexity,” said Rudolf Keller, CEO at SSI Schäfer – Reyher’s long-term logistics partner – at the opening ceremony.

“Two high bay racks one on top of the other is a unique set-up,” added Volker Tschirch, CEO of AGA – the employers’ association, in his welcoming address.

He also thanked REYHER for the especially active long-term role it has played in the association and emphasised the company’s involvement in initial and in-company training. Prof Dr Peer Witten, chairman of Hamburg Logistics Initiative, also expressed congratulations for this fine piece of logistics in the heart of Hamburg, with particular reference to the multistorey facility. It is always difficult in a large conurbation like Hamburg to develop logistics areas.

Building high certainly provides interesting options.

Finally, in his keynote speech Prof Dr Wolfgang Kersten from the TU Hamburg-Harburg pointed out ‘trends and strategies in logistics’ that companies should take note of in our digital times. Alongside establishing completely new professions such as data scientists, it is important to develop the right digital business models. “We have had intensive cooperation with REYHER for many years,” said Kersten. “The company is permanently developing innovation and is, as far as logistics is concerned, best placed for the future.” www.reyher.de

50 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Dr Peter Bielert, CEO at REYHER

FA S T E N E R S & F I X I N G T E C H N O L O GY Benzing retainingg elements....

With 130 years' experience,

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REYHER is one of Europe's leading distributors of fasteners and fixing technology supplying customers worldwide.

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INSIGHT

titibi® – all in the name titibi® is an established name within the nail industry and has been manufacturing Italian quality products since 1979 – ensuring quick and reliable installations, whilst guaranteeing maximum operator safety.

T

rafilerie Chioderie Torre de Busi S.A.S is the manufacturer of the titibi range, which includes hardened steel nails, concrete nails, as well as tools and accessories – supplying customers in North America, Asia, the Middle East, as well as its main markets in Europe. titibi’s quality is thanks to a commitment to the highest quality materials; continuously searching for innovative technological processes; as well as the careful heat treatment and constant control of the mechanical characteristics of the finished products.

With more than 1,000 types of nails, in different sizes, titibi is predominately known for concrete nails that offer unique capabilities. titibi concrete nails combine a high hardness (54HRC – 57HRC with tolerances for each batch of 1HRC) with an elasticity that enables the nails to be deformed at a bending angle greater than 90 degrees.

52 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Thanks to our experience we are recognised as a specialist in concrete nails and customers trust the quality of the products and our reliable service.”

“It is very difficult to combine this hardness and bendability,” explains Morandini Ermanno, titibi general manager. “Thanks to our experience we are recognised as a specialist in concrete nails and customers trust the quality of the products and our reliable service.”

The machines used for the titibi concrete nails production have also been designed using the experience and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. “Being a family-based company has enabled us to create a specialised production that ensures the highest quality,” points out Morandini. “Common nails are very simple to produce and there is not much difference between one factory and another. However, concrete nails can be very difficult to manufacture because they must meet very specific characteristics that are not easy to obtain. That is why we have our own bespoke machines, which have been designed using our own drawings and

are not available in the market. These special machines are able to reliably produce the concrete nails to exacting standards, which is what makes us so unique.”

A drawback of being a recognised brand, that is known for its quality, is it can lead to copyright infringements and fake products entering the market. “We know there are companies in Asia and the Middle East that illegally produce under the titibi label, but they are not our products,” says Morandini. “This puts us in a very difficult situation because we have customers contacting us about poor nails, but they are not produced by us.”

“We use the correct legal avenues to stop companies, but it is a long process and difficult to enforce. We have copyrighted the titibi name, as well as the images and boxes, to try and stop counterfeiters.

It is hard, but we will continue to fight for our rights and for our brand reputation.”

Morandini continues: “If a customer finds they are using titibi branded nails that are not meeting the quality standards, we ask them to contact us so we can check the quality. Every time a customer has sent us nails they were unhappy with, we have been able to prove they are not our nails, but fakes.” titibi can guarantee the highest quality thanks to its inspection system that can make four dimensional checks for up to 720 pieces per minute. “The high-quality and reliability of our nails is how we have

built our brand to what it is today,” mentions Morandini. “Our nails are used all around the world and can be used in automatic systems, so it is vital every nail is of the highest quality. Otherwise the production lines stop, which can be very expensive for our customers.”

A key factor in titibi’s growth has been its commitment to targeting new customers and new markets. titibi exhibits around the world at exhibitions including The Big 5 in Dubai, EISENWARENMESSE in Köln, Germany, and Fastener Fair Stuttgart. “Europe is a very important market, but there is also the North African market, which is a growing market and very interesting. There is also the Middle East, plus many other countries that we supply,” comments Morandini. “Over recent years we have increased our exports so that they now stand at over 85%, which has been a big effort from our team. Our flexibility and ability to customise the products has been a big advantage as customers like the service we can provide.”

Through innovation, the plan is to grow the titibi range even further. “Innovation is very important, as it enables you to find new opportunities and new markets,” concludes Morandini. “Being a manufacturer gives us a lot of opportunities to innovate and we are always looking to introduce new products, as well as improve our production as market demand increases. We have some ideas for products that would be completely new to the market, but we will keep them a secret… for now.” www.titibi.com

INSIGHT

Certified quality from Dell’Era

Based in Valmadrera, Italy, Dell’Era Ermanno e Figlio Srl has become a leading player in the production of cold forged screws – using advanced technology to meet the specific needs of the most qualified customers.

E

stablished in 1924, the company originally focused on producing mechanical parts for industrial machines (gears, pulleys, etc). The firm quickly introduced the production of metal buckles made from drawn products and, between 1930 and 1935, the production of small mechanical parts and metal cutting parts in general. In 1938 Dell’Era moved to Lecco, where it started manufacturing hex and square nuts.

In 1962 Dell’Era opened a plant in Valmadrera where it is still headquartered. Over the next two decades new automated production lines were introduced, leading to a gradual reduction in work force and simultaneously increasing the large-scale manufacturing of forged fasteners. In the early 1980s, a corporate restructuring led to the elimination of the blanking department, focusing investments and resources on the production of forged screws.

Thanks to the experience within the company, concepts like certified quality began to play a central role. The emphasis on quality led to opportunities such as continuous improvement, both in terms of internal processes and in regards to the final quality of the products.

In 1996 the company obtained the certification for Part Three of its Quality Management System according to the international standard UNI-EN ISO 9002, which at the time was in force. The system, applied consistently and effectively, today boasts compliance with the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 – the latest edition norm and is a valuable

The aim is to combine innovation, development, and competitiveness, with sustainability and respect for the environment.”

54 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

tool for business excellence and competitiveness. Quality is also ensured through rigorous production methodology, as well as periodic inspections at each production stage, ensuring the traceability of each lot.

Today, Dell’Era offers products and a service of the highest quality levels. The product range includes pre-assembled captive washer screws, self-forming screws (DIN 7500), screws according to drawing, welding screws, six lobe screws, hexagon flange screws, screws with patch, stainless steel screws (A2/A4) and standard products. Available in diameter 2.5mm – 10mm the standard and custom-made products are available in steel grades 4.8, 6.8, 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9, as well as the option of stainless steel (AISI 304 and AISI 316), brass and copper.

In the warehouse, Dell’Era stores enough raw material to cover three months of production – which equates to approximately 500 tonnes in different grades of steel, stainless steel and brass.

Producing over 500 million pieces per year, Dell’Era’s products are used in the automotive sector, plus the electronic and electrical components markets. A key service for these markets is the inspection of each product, with Dell’Era able to provide a sorting capacity for the products of up to 25 parts per million (ppm) through optical sorting machines.

The aim is to combine innovation, development, and competitiveness, with sustainability and respect for the environment. “We believe that our future depends on the choices we make. That is why we decided to invest in the construction of a photovoltaic system,” explains Owner Paolo Dell’Era. “The photovoltaic plant began operating in 2010 and a second plant was added in 2016 for a total of 231kWp, which enables us to cover about 70% of the internal consumption. This investment aims to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions by over 160,000kg/year.” www.delleraviterie.com

Fill your project with our Experience

Quality Flexibility Speed Service 360° DELL’ERA ERMANNO COLD FORMING STANDARD AND SPECIAL METRIC SCREWS

DELL’ERA ERMANNO E FLIGLIO SRL - VIA SANTA VECCHIA 82, 23868 VALMADRERA (LC) ITALY Tel. +39 0341.550247 - Fax +39 0341.551364 - info@delleraviterie.com - www.delleraviterie.com

Dell’Era is able to provide a sorting capacity for the products of up to 25 parts per million (ppm) through optical sorting machines

INSIGHT

The V.I.P. treatment This year Volt Industrial Plastics (VIP), based in West Yellville, Arkansas, USA, is celebrating 25 years of providing high-quality products and customer service excellence – focusing on precision plastic fasteners that can help customers reduce the weight, cost and assembling complexities of their products.

J

oe Volltrauer founded Volt Industrial Plastics in 1992. Since then, VIP has become an industry leader in industrial fastener production, producing fasteners for multiple industries nationally and worldwide. The company credits its success to hard work, dedication to innovation, and unbeatable customer service.

Expertise in plastics

Precision non-metallic fasteners like those produced at VIP offer significant advantages to customers. The versatile polymers used are lightweight, non-magnetic, non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-abrasive, non-conducting and include heat resistant properties – making them invaluable for applications where high tensile holding strength is not the primary requirement.

In addition, these characteristics may be further enhanced by chemical and fibre additions to increase strength, hardness, flexibility, temperature and UV resistance, making plastics an attractive alternative.

Manufacturing excellence

VIP manufactures a wide variety of screws, nuts, clips, rivets, dowels, washers, spacers and many other fasteners. The company's state of the art production equipment enables it to produce any quantity quickly and efficiently. It also has the capability of moulding over 120 different materials and is able to colour match for specific applications.

Thanks to its skilled employees, VIP can efficiently produce custom fastener shapes in a wide range of materials to achieve specific ductility or hardness. Plus, highly unique materials have added an entirely new dimension to creating and designing plastic components. This includes plastics that glow, exhibit rich colour, feel soft or give off pleasing scents.

FASTENING VOLT’S FUTURE

Quality control

Whether customers need a small or large number of fasteners, VIP takes great care with each and every order to ensure customers receive a quality fastener in a timely and affordable manner. During its thorough quality control process, tool For the last quarter of a century, Volt Industrial Plastics has makers with vast industry experience review every customer order beforehand and grown intoora modified state-of-the-art company is known all new, repaired tooling is inspected andthat approved beforefor installing it for a production run.and Onceresponsiveness. the parts are produced, checked by founder, hand to ensure efficiency Joe they’re Volltrauer, VIP has only the highest quality pieces are shipped – helping to avoid mould flashing or mismatched infused the company with his strong work ethic and passion for parting lines.

mold making and built a team that is dedicated to quality and service in producing the finest plastic fasteners in the world.

VIP is focused on precision plastic fasteners that can help customers reduce the weight, cost and assembling complexities of their products.”

VIP’s success

Customer service lies at the heart of everything VIP does, with technological evolution and innovation also taking cues from customers. By listening to what its customers need and want, the company can adapt its product lines and buying processes. VIP is proud to keep all production in-house and all ‘American-made’, which gives it complete control over what products it sells and• how fastdoors it canopen get them out1,to1992, customers.

Volt’s on June With over 100was million parts stock, available which Joe’s 54thinbirthday.

He saysfor same day been to adapt to the shipping, companyVIP washas a gift toable himself. changing customer needs over the years and plans • Volt has 65 total employees, to continue to adapt for the future. nearly 20 of them have been with the company for more than 10 years.

Company challenges

Did you know?

The largest challenge is finding employees that • Volt products are 100% American made. share the same mindset that VIP was infused with from start.

Of itswell 65 employees, of them have • its Volt houses over 100 20 million been there 10 years. For VIP, it’s more than partsover in stock. just training someone to do the job, it’s keeping the • Volt’s facility is over feet. people with experience who 65,000 can addsquare value to the company and to customers.

• Volt can build certain tools promptly in 1-2next days,for andVIP? house inventory for same What’s day shipping.

VIP’s priority moving forward is to continue to evolve and grow. New product lines, online • Volt is family owned, operated & purchasing familycapabilities, oriented. and continued dedication to customer service and communication, are all key aspects of its long-term plans for the future. www.voltplastics.com

American Made • Plastic Fasteners • Custom Molding • Worldwide • voltplastics.com/WeAreVolt

56 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

OVER 100 MILLION PARTS IN STOCK

American Made • Plastic Fasteners • Custom Molding • Worldwide • voltplastics.com/WeAreVolt

GLOBAL EXPERTISE IN FASTENING SOLUTIONS

THE QUALITY IN RIVETS More than 3,000 references Customized solutions Available stock worldwide Quality certifications ISO 9001 ISO TS 16949 ISO 14001 BRALO COMMERCIAL BRANCHES:

www.bralo.com

PORTUGAL - SPAIN - CZECH REPUBLIC - CHINA - MEXICO GERMANY - UNITED KINGDOM - FRANCE - ITALY - TURKEY

INSIGHT

Investing in steady growth Colombo Special Fasteners Srl (CSF) has continued its steady growth, focusing on the manufacture of cold-pressed special products for complex applications and for highly specialised clients, after recently acquiring Tecno Fasteners Srl.

B

ased in Rozzano, south of Milan, Tecno Fasteners specialises in the manufacture of custom designed screws and fasteners in class 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 carbonitrided steel, AISI 304 and 316 stainless steel, aluminium alloy, and copper alloy, for applications in the automotive, steel, mechanical engineering, door and window frames, and marine engineering.

With this new acquisition, CSF and Tecno Fasteners are now able to offer a vast range of specialist cold-pressed products, with a diameter range between 2mm – 33m. A total of 300 million pieces per year is currently being manufactured, with the capacity to increase production to 450 million pieces if required. This is possible due to the wide range of machinery at the two companies, which includes 14 presses with 5 stations for diameters between 4mm and 33mm, 11 double-action presses for diameters between 2mm and 8mm, 27 thread-cutting machines, as well as 5 segregating machines.

Both companies are already certified to ISO/TS 16949, however, to further improve quality – and to meet the most stringent requirements for precision from its clients – CSF has initiated an intensive investment plan in a fully automated division for the mechanical processing of manufactured pieces. This will include carrying out turning, boring and milling operations, which means CSF will be able to control the entire processing cycle in its own factory. Ensuring the manufacturing of higher quality pieces for its clients in accordance with their precise geometrical and dimensional requirements.

“We consider that globalisation has accelerated the process of production decentralisation over the decades and that in the ‘old continent’ of Europe, it is necessary to transform our own manufacturing processes, as well as our technical and commercial outlooks, in order to focus on highly specialised, high performance products – staying ahead of our competitors in our strategic choices,” explains Marco Colombo, CEO at Colombo Special Fasteners.

“We are investing not only in technologically advanced systems, but also in the professional development of our own staff at every level, whether it be production, technical or commercial.

Marco continues: “Sustainable growth will no longer go hand in hand with growth in volume, which will be the preserve of the major groups now consolidated on a worldwide scale. We believe nevertheless in sustainable future development and we firmly believe that any transaction entered into and any investment, including Industry 4.0 which we too are adopting, must focus on specialist growth.

Both CSF and Tecno Fasteners will always be qualified specialist partners for anyone who needs expert technical collaboration.” www.colombofasteners.com

…it is necessary to transform our own manufacturing processes, as well as our technical and commercial outlooks, in order to focus on highly specialised, high performance products…””

58 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

INSIGHT

INOXDADI – specialising in special materials Since 1973 INOXDADI Srl has been an important Italian producer and distributor of stainless steel nuts, bolts, threaded bar, washers and a selection of other fasteners.

I

NOXDADI has established itself as a competent and reliable manufacturer of nuts thanks to its constant development and research on raw materials and productive techniques. The dynamic manufacturing structure it created, plus an extensive product range of a wide variety of fasteners, has enabled the company to consistently satisfy customers’ needs for both special and standard items.

A key feature of INOXDADI’s product offer is the variety of materials and special alloy products it can supply – satisfying all customer’s needs and requirements. These materials include stainless steel, steel, brass, aluminium, duplex, monel 400, hastelloy, nimonic, titanium, ergal, nickel alloys, inconel and many others. “We have a developed an in-depth knowledge and experience in special alloys that means we can ensure good quality, as well as high mechanical properties in a huge variety of environments including high/low temperature, high corrosion, cryogen, marine and subsea. allowing their use in many different industries,” explains Giulio Gandioli, general manager of INOXDADI. Working with special materials can bring a wide range of challenges, especially in the manufacturing process. “These are strong materials, with high density, so the tooling to produce the products are subject to high corrosion and wear,” points out Giulio. “Also, the same special alloys from different sources can sometimes react in different ways. As a company, you need to know how to deal with these challenges and offer the right solutions. You also need a good relationship with your tooling supplier to ensure you are getting tooling that can reliably produce the products, as well as a good relationship with your material supplier, to ensure a consistent supply.”

60 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Being able to offer its range in such specialist materials, has given INOXDADI the opportunity to target a wide range of markets.”

To guarantee the quality and features of the products, INOXDADI has a fully equipped testing facility at its site in Barbata (BG), Italy, where it carries out quality checks using a range of tests to analyse chemistry and mechanical aspects. These test results are available on demand for customers and kept for full traceability of products. The company also has an inspection sorting machine with cameras, which helps assure the highest PPM quality levels.

Being able to offer its range in such specialist materials has given INOXDADI the opportunity to target a wide range of markets. “Our extensive range means we can answer all our customers’ requirements and needs,” mentions Giulio. “Today we supply products for the oil and gas market, automotive tier market, Materials and special alloys available ASTM A193/A194

A304L/A316L

254 SMO

1.4435/1.4436

Inconel

1.4571

Hastelloy

1.4828

Incoloy

1.4841/1.4845

Titanium

1.4541

Nimonic

1.4980

Aluminium

1.4539

Brass

1.4529

Copper

1.4462

An inspection sorting machine with cameras, helps assure the highest PPM quality levels

building and construction, and we have some products that are used in the nuclear sector. Other sectors include the food industry, marine and electronics.”

Whilst covering a wide range of markets, there is still further opportunities for INOXDADI in niche markets. “The renewable energy sector is very interesting, especially water recycling and wind energy,” adds Giulio. “We want to become a key figure in this market, through our ability to provide quality products that customers can be confident in using.”

Giulio continues: “Providing quality products and improving production processes is very important for us, which is why we are starting to focus on Industry 4.0. We have seen how the market is moving and it is important we remain competitive. Through the data recording and analysis capabilities Industry 4.0 provides, it offers direct information about the machines and their performance, which is invaluable to better understand how the machines work and where improvements and efficiencies can be made.” www.inoxdadi.com

High Quality Bespoke Large Nuts & Fasteners M4-M52 Metric, #10-2.1/2” Imperial/Unified thread Hex, square, flange, dome and round Nuts Castle, Slotted, All Metal Prevailing Torque Nuts Manufacturers of hard to find items Very fast manufacturing and delivery times Fully traceable manufacturing and delivery Fully compliant to ISO 9001:2008 quality standard Certificates in materials, heat treatment and plating Certificates of Conformity

www.trojansf.co.uk trojan.fasteners@gmail.com Tel: +44 (0) 121 789 8586 | Fax: +44 (0) 121 789 8006 18 Fortnum Close | Kitts Green | Birmingham | B33 0LG

EXHIBITIONS

New inductee to The Fastener Show ‘Fastener Hall of Fame’ The Fastener Show (previously National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo) has partnered with The Fastener Industry Coalition to choose Bill Derry, chairman and CEO of Field Fastener Supply Co, to be honoured as the newest inductee into the ‘Fastener Hall of Fame’ at the annual event in Las Vegas.

H

eld from 17 th October – 19 th October, The Fastener Show is the largest fastener expo in North America.

Since 1981, the event continues to bring together all participants in the fastener supply and distribution chain. The event consists of a multiple day conference programme; a show floor with more than 600 exhibiting companies from around the world; and an education programme focused on current industry challenges.

About the award

Bill Derry will join The Fastener Show’s 35 previous inductees at a ceremony that has been one of the unique hallmarks of The Fastener Show’s long history. The special recognition award ceremony will take place on the show floor in the Sessions Area on Wednesday 18 th October at 15:30.

Each year, The Fastener Show has recognised and honoured inventors, business leaders, and educators, who have made significant contributions to the fastener industry. It is a prestigious award within the industry that has been around for 31 years. Nominees are reviewed by the Fastener Industry Coalition, members of thirteen North American regional and national fastener associations concerned with the distribution, manufacture and importation of fasteners, as well as services to the fastener industry. In addition to identifying

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opportunities, contributing to change leadership, and being visionaries with unimpeachable integrity and respect in the industry, winners of this award have developed innovative models and made important educational and professional contributions that advance the fastener industry as a whole. Top industry challenges for 2017 include market consolidation with global expansion, supply chain shortage risks, and solutions for new market adaptation strategies. This year’s winner has a global mind set with a focus on educating the next generation to adopt and integrate change.

Karalynn Sprouse of Emerald Expositions, organisers of The Fastener Show, commented: “What the Fastener Coalition seeks to recognise in the ‘Fastener Hall of Fame’ are leaders who can translate personal success into industry success. It takes a special kind of leader to contribute to the success of potential competitors for the enhancement of the industry as a whole, but to do so consistently over decades is even more rare. That’s why recognition of these professionals is such a worthy effort.

We couldn’t be more pleased with Bill Derry’s induction into this prestigious group of scholars, innovators, leaders, and philanthropists in the fastener industry.”

R O S E T E R

ETA certificated Self-drilling screws for roofing and cladding made of A2 stainless steel bi-metal Sandwich panel screws – 5,5/6,3 x L Self-drilling screws – 5,5 x L & 4,8 x L E-mail: roseter@reseter.com.tw Tel. +886 7 5549166

EXHIBITIONS

parts2clean – right on track This year parts2clean – the leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning – looks set to be one of the strongest performances in its 14 year history.

p

arts2clean has around 200 exhibitors with an exhibition space of some 6,800m 2 (over 73,000 square feet). “We are pleased to report a good number of new exhibitors as well as numerous repeat exhibitors who have booked even larger exhibition spaces for parts2clean 2017,” commented Olaf Daebler, global director parts2clean at Deutsche Messe AG. A regular feature of the parts2clean line up is the Expert Forum, which is staged over three days and headed by the Fraunhofer Cleaning Technology Alliance. The Expert Forum is an internationally respected source of expertise and knowledge on cleaning solutions for industrial parts and surfaces. “The parts2clean Expert Forum effectively functions as a seminar and training event that all visitors can attend at no additional cost,” explains Olaf.

The Expert Forum programme is extensive, ranging from the basics to in-depth coverage of specific issues and challenges in multiple areas. It includes a series of lectures on Industry 4.0 in parts cleaning – organised by the German Industrial Parts Cleaning Association (FiT). FiT is also organising the parts2clean Innovations Forum – part of the Experts Forum that will feature new products and innovative solutions for chemicals and processes, plant engineering and equipment, measurement, testing and control systems, consulting, applications and services.

Sessions included in the Expert Forum includes ‘Cleaning processes’, comprises a series of lectures on processes and plant, fine and ultra-fine cleaning, as well as special processes and their applications. The Expert Forum also has a session on ‘Maintenance and operation of plant and process chains’.

It features a series of talks on topics such as drying, workpiece carriers, corrosion protection, packaging and logistics, cleaning bath maintenance, and cleaning agent handling, as well as conditioning and disposal. Other topics include quality assurance and quality control, plus quality related process optimisation. Information on issues relating to scheduled servicing after commissioning of cleaning machines, rights, duties and operator models will complete this session.

The ‘Sectors/applications’ session explores various parts cleaning challenges and industry sector specific solutions. The lectures in this session will deal with such topics as cleaning in the optics industry, cleaning of electronic components and cleaning in the automotive industry. The session also includes a series of lectures on cleaning solutions for plastics prior to downstream processes such as coating and gluing. Last but not least, there is a session on ‘Analytics’. The lectures here will look at methods and processes for cleanliness analysis, products and solutions for technical cleanliness, and ways of achieving maximum cleanliness by optimising part designs and manufacturing processes.

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Your professional and reliable fastener manufacturer

Years Since 1976

ÇETİN CİVATA SAN. ve TİC. A.Ş.

ISTANBUL / TURKEY

w w w. c e t i n . c o m . t r

EXHIBITIONS

The first ever FASTENER POLAND Poland is the fifth largest producer of fastening elements in Europe. Until now, however, representatives of the industry had no trade show of their own to come together. Now, Trade Fairs in Krakow Ltd, along with ELAMED – the publisher of FASTENER magazine – have decided to launch FASTENER POLAND.

F

ASTENER POLAND will be an international trade show for fastener and fixing technology and will take place from 28th – 30 th November. The exhibition will showcase the most advanced industrial fasteners and fittings (ranging from screws to nuts, bolts and wedges), as well as construction fasteners, such as anchors, concrete screws and items for fastening façades and insulations. Other items on display will include advanced systems for mounting and installation (including the latest riveting tools, drivers, screw-fixing devices and mounting handles), as well as fastener production technologies and devices for storage and distribution.

A variety of exhibitors have already confirmed their attendance including several companies from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Spain, the UK, the USA, Taiwan and China. More than two months before the show, the list of exhibitors includes Alltrans Ltd, Dromet Ltd, Fabory Poland Ltd, Heads and All Threads CZ s.r.o., HEROSLAM, IMS Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co KG, Ingramatic SpA, INOXDADI Srl, Lancaster Fastener Co Ltd, MICROMETAL Srl, Rothstein Metallfördergurte GmbH & Co KG, Rotor Clip Company, SACMA Limbiate SpA, SARIV Technika Łączenia, Schoeller Allibert Sp z.o.o, SIMPSON Strong-Tie Ltd, SPIROL Industries, S-S-T Schellenservice Team GmbH, Strubl GmbH & Co KG and VIPA SpA.

• Fastener Tooling Manufacture • Hard Metal Machining • Precision Engineering

Participants will have the opportunity to forge new contacts, win contracts, exchange experiences and take part in the Fasteners Congress. Recruited from among top industry experts, congress speakers will discuss the latest solutions in the application of fasteners and present relevant specialist tools. The trade show will also be accompanied by seminars, workshops, and company presentations.

FASTENER POLAND will coincide with the EUROTOOL® trade show, BLACH-TECH EXPO, plus related show rooms of industrial cooperation, automation and robotics, and CAx technology.

MANUFACTURING

CTR GR OUP

Celebrating 45 years of Fastener tooling manufacture to the global industry with a portfolio of products and services

Tel: +44 (0)121 772 0817 Fax: +44 (0)121 773 9342

www.ctr-uk.com

100% MADE IN ITALY since 1912 MUSTAD S.p.A. - Via Sant’ Anna 59/21 - 10070 Balangero (Turin) Italy Tel. +39 0123 346625 - Fax. +39 0123 346041 - commercio@mustad.it - www.mustad.it

- Professional screws for all applications - One of the leading case hardened screw manufacturers in Europe - 2 plants with a total covered surface of over 20.000 m2 - More than 100 heading machines, threading machines, point forming machines, packing machines - Controlled atmosphere ovens for case hardening treatments - Millions of pieces made every day - Thousands of items available in stock - Technical-sales customer care - ISO 9001 and ISO TS 16949 certifications issued by LLOYD’S Register

EXHIBITIONS

Taiwan Hardware Show 2017 The Taiwan Hardware Show (THS) 2017 will open its doors from 11th – 13th October at the Taichung High Speed Rail Exhibition Center after being fully booked for the past five months.

R

unning for its 17 th consecutive year, THS 2017’s show floor has been expanded to the maximum capacity – a 12% increase in floor space and 8% increase in booth numbers compared to the last edition.

The three day event will cover 8 showcase categories – tools & accessories, locks & fittings, fasteners & fittings, building supplies, garden & outdoor equipment, automotive supplies & accessories, machines & plant equipment and safety equipment & products.

Organiser Kaigo Co Ltd points out that with the presence of prominent exhibiting companies and top end user rated brands, THS will continue to provide special access to key hardware products and the latest innovations to industrial and commercial buyers, as well as home hardware retailers and end users.

The list of exhibitors includes Allprofessional, Apex, Infar, Lucky-Brand, Nusharp, SUNDOVE, Tien-I, Puma, Symbio, Whirlpower, Honiton, Kheiron, Karat, Kuani, Lancer, E-Make, Proxene, Re-Dai, Stand Tools, Win Features and more.

While the general hardware for industrial and commercial use maintains its foothold as the largest showcase area, the garden & outdoor equipment segment has also attained impressive growth after successfully attracting yet another 10 exhibiting companies from Japan for two years consecutively.

A key exhibitor at this year’s automotive supplies & accessories segment is KS Terminal whose rising business is driven by its production output for TESLA, which is central to the automaker’s global supply chain. Along with other OEM, ODM and contract manufacturing companies, its participation highlights THS’ strength as a quality trade platform that features trusted businesses for production of diversified goods for international buyers in foreign markets.

For limiting the load on plastics.

Compression Limiter®

Compression Limiters protect plastic components from damage by absorbing the normal force of bolt heads thus limiting the permissible load on plastic components, preventing over torque cracking.

Compression Limiters can be developed to suit specific requirements. Costs for special dies are minimal. These can be overmoulded or subsequently pressed in.

Jörg Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG

Vogelsang Fastener Solutions

Spannstiftstraße 2 58119 Hagen

1790 Swarthmore Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701, USA

Phone: +49 2334 957-0 Fax: +49 2334 957-269

Phone: +1 800 526-2376 Fax: +1 732 364-8111

info@jvu.de www.jvu.de

sales@vogelsangfastener.com www.vogelsangfastener.com

FOR ALL THE INDUSTRY, IN THE HEART OF THE INDUSTRY We’ve brought the world’s premier fastener exhibition to the center of America’s manufacturing base, and the entire supply chain will be there: designers & manufacturers, engineers & suppliers, distributors & end users. How about you?

Join leading companies who will exhibit at the first Fastener Fair in the USA.

RESER VE YOUR EXHIB SPACE IT

TODA Y!

APRIL 11-12, 2018 HUNTINGTON CONVENTION CENTER, CLEVELAND, OHIO USA For more Information, please contact us at: Telephone: (001) 312.809.9260 Email: fastenerfairusa@mackbrooks.com

www.fastenerfair.com/usa

EVENTS CALENDAR

The 17th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou

Suzhou, China 26 Oct – 28 Oct 2017 www.fastenertradeshow.biz/17th/index.htm International fastener exhibition in China.

Taiwan Hardware Show Taichung, Taiwan 11 Oct – 13 Oct 2017 www.hardwareshow.com.tw Tools, building materials/DIY and houseware products.

Swissbau Basel, Switzerland 16 Jan – 20 Jan 2018 www.swissbau.ch National construction fair.

National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo Las Vegas, USA 17 Oct – 19 Oct 2017 www.fastenershows.com Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

BUDMA – International Construction Fair Poznań, Poland 30 Jan – 2 Feb 2018 www.budma.pl Building technology, equipment and materials.

China International Hardware Show Shanghai, China 22 Oct – 24 Oct 2017 www.hardwareshow-china.com Tools, security systems, locks, DIY and building hardware fair.

bautec Berlin, Germany 20 Feb – 23 Feb 2018 www.bautec.com Building and construction technology.

parts2clean Stuttgart, Germany 24 Oct – 26 Oct 2017 www.parts2clean.de Leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning.

Fastener Fair Turkey Istanbul, Turkey 1 Mar – 3 Mar 2018 www.fastenerfair.com The fastener event for Turkey.

FastTec 2017 Moscow, Russia 24 Oct – 26 Oct 2017 www.fasttec.ru Russia’s specialist fastener technology fair.

International Hardware Fair Köln Köln, Germany 4 Mar – 7 Mar 2018 www.eisenwarenmesse.com Hardware and DIY sector.

BATIMAT Paris, France 6 Nov – 10 Nov 2017 www.batimat.com Building exhibition.

St. Petersburg Technical Fair St. Petersburg, Russia 20 Mar – 22 Mar 2018 www.ptfair.ru Metallurgy, welding, metalworking, tools and instruments, materials and machinery exhibition.

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EXHIBITIONS

The 17th Fastener Trade Show returns to Suzhou The 17th Fastener Trade Show – scheduled to return to the Suzhou International Expo Center, Jiangsu, China, from 26th – 28th October 2017 – will offer professional buyers a one stop purchasing opportunity for fastener products, production equipment and auxiliary products, as well as raw materials.

S

uzhou, one of the central cities in the Yangtze River Delta, is one of the most developed and modern cities in Jiangsu Province. The province saw a high growth of 8.5% to RMB 7.1 trillion (€906.6 billion) in GDP in 2015, the second highest province in China. Suzhou contributed the largest proportion to the province’s GDP growth.

Suzhou also enjoys a very convenient transportation as it is only 80km away from Shanghai, and less than 200km away from Jiaxing, Wuxi, Ningbo, Hangzhou and many other fastener manufacturing bases. Therefore, the Suzhou show not only helps visitors to easily connect with most of the fastener manufacturers in China, but also provides them with a good chance to visit the fastener factories.

In recent years, the Suzhou show has expanded into two halls – the Fastener Hall and the Equipment Hall – with a total exhibition space of 12,000m2. The 17 th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou will continue its strong momentum with more than 400 fastener and supporting manufacturers worldwide expected. Exhibitors will showcase a variety of fastener related products and technology, including standard and special fasteners, bearings, equipment, moulds, surface treatment, raw materials, building hardware, hardware tools, and automotive fasteners.

Exhibitors confirmed at the show include Yuyao Xintai Hardware, Zhejiang Chaoboer Hardware, Suzhou Zhihuidingfeng Hardware, Suzhou SIP Linquan Precision Machinery, Boito Metal, Dongtai Huawei Standard Component, Zhejiang Yeswin Machinery, Ningbo Sijin Machinery, Carlo Salvi, Biing Feng, Jinchi Industry, Dujiangyan Beyond Machinery, and Sam Chang Machinery.

Friction Coefficient Testing Machines for Screws, Bolts and Nuts Friction Testing • Vibration Testing • Torsion Testing • Tension Testing

• • • •

For fasteners from M2 up to M80 Patented transducers Integrated heating-solutions Extensometers optional Conform to standards: ISO 14399, ISO 16047, company standards from FIAT, GM, Hyundai, PSA, Renault, VW and many more

TesT GmbH • Helena-Rubinstein-Strasse 4 • D 40699 Erkrath • +49 211 209903-0 • test@test-gmbh.com • www.test-gmbh.com TesT KG • Bösch 63 • CH 6331 Hünenberg • +41 41 785601-0 • test@test-ag.ch • www.test-ag.ch

Bo st o an k y d ou no r w!

Looking to trade in Turkey?

4th Exhibition for Fastener & Fixing Technology

1–2–3 March 2018 IFM – Istanbul Expo Centre ¬ Istanbul ¬ Turkey

Organiser:

Information and Reservations:

turkey@fastenerfair.com www.fastenerfairturkey.com This fair is organised with the permission of the union of chambers and commodity exchanges of Turkey in accordance with the law number 5174

EXHIBITIONS

Fastener Fair USA 2018 invites speakers Fastener Fair USA is inviting industry professionals to submit proposals to participate in educational sessions scheduled for the show. The goal of these daily educational sessions will be to share industry developments, trends, case stories, and solutions applicable to the show’s core attendees – fastener and fixing end-users, distributors and wholesalers.

T

aking place from 11th – 12 th April 2018 at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, Fastener Fair USA will bring together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and end users focusing on fasteners and fixings, and joining technology.

Mack Brooks Exhibitions, the organisers of the Fastener Fair shows worldwide, intends for the show to offer a unique opportunity to get the latest industry information, forecasts, and technical education with keynote sessions and breakouts.

“Fastener Fair USA is the only show in the USA for the entire fastener and fixing supply chain. Therefore, we plan to offer broad ranging educational sessions for all levels of experience, industry focus, and visitor segments,” said Melissa Magestro, executive vice president of Mack Brook Exhibition Inc. The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will be participating in the inaugural show, offering fastener product and technical training. FTI is committed to elevating the level of technical understanding and expertise of individuals in the fastener industry by providing a variety of training programmes presented by recognised industry experts. The Institute provides beginning and advanced training on fastener products, standards and specifications.

“The Fastener Training Institute is proud and pleased to partner with Mack Brooks to provide the fastener product training sessions at their upcoming

Fastener Fair USA,” said John Wachman, president of the Institute. “This inaugural event will help us reach students from the fastener manufacturing, distribution and OEM markets. This new partnership is a great fit for both our enterprises as we support each other to serve the fastener industry and their users.”

To be considered, Fastener Fair USA invites all industry professionals to submit proposals on fastening and fixing technology, innovations, case stories, and solutions by 15th October 2017. The exhibition will be a unique opportunity to participate in high-level education and training taught by industry experts for the entire fastener supply chain, including OEM end users, distributors and wholesalers. Potential speakers can submit their topic and a summary using the Speaker Submission form on the Fastener Fair USA website at www.fastenerfair.com/usa/fastener-fairusa/conference/technical-sessions/

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest . . .

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

STANDARD LISTED - YOU KNOW WHO’S BEST Fax: +44 (0) 117 – 972 8570 BUT CONTACT US FOR ALL THE REST...

Unit Metrics 10, Riverside Business Non-preferred ~ Intermediate SizesPark,

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

Short and Long Lengths ~ Slotted Grub Screws A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps ~ 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws All Metal Self-Locking Nuts ~ Studding Connectors And many more...

Non-preferred Metrics – Intermediate Sizes Short and Long Lengths – Slotted Grub Screws Experience & professionalism A4/80 Bolts & Socket Caps – 6 Lobe (TX) Drive Screws since 1966 All Metal Self-Locking Nuts – Studding Connectors And many more . . .

Bonfatti Filettature offers a wide range ready for your warehouse, including:

• Production of high-strength bolts: 10.9 – 8.8 – 5.6 • Partially or fully threaded rod / threaded rod grade • 8.8 Clamping bolts • M4 to M100 – Rolled threads and metric trapezoidal

CERTIFICATES EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011 UNI EN ISO 9001:2008

Tel: +44 (0) 117-972 8560 Fax: +44 (0) 117-972 8570 sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED

Bonfatti Filettature s.r.l.

Via De Nicola, 42 - 41100 Modena, Italy Tel: +39 059 251604 Fax: +39 059 254226 email: info@bonfattifilettature.it w w w.bonfa ttifil ettatu re.it

International Fastener Show China Oct. 21-23, 2018 Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center Total Exhibiting Area Covers 34,000sqm

Scale

700+ Exhibitors with 1,700 Standard Booths Estimated 25,000 Visitors from 40 Countries

arket

er M Join Chinese Fasten

rtners Here

er Pa d Worldwide Fasten an s nd ie Fr ld O t ee M

Organization Committee Supported by

China Fastener Industry Association of China General Machine Components Industry Association

Hosted by

Shanghai Fastener Industry Association

Organized by

Shanghai Afastener Exhibition Co., Ltd.

Contact Iris Chen

Tel: 0086-20-89857959

Email: Iris@Afastener.com

Web: En.Afastener.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Dr Stefan Nöken

Member of the executive board of Hilti Group Executive Editor Phil Matten met with Stefan Nöken at Hilti’s corporate headquarters in Schaan, Liechtenstein. The conversation was wide-ranging but the most thought-provoking element was an incisive vision of how digitalisation of the construction process will affect all its stakeholders in the coming decade.

“I

don’t talk about Construction 4.0 – I really don’t like this expression,” says Stefan Nöken, robbing the objection of any rancour with a smile. “Construction 3.0, 2.0 didn’t happen, from my point of view, so we are still at Construction 1.0.” Previously the conversation had touched on Hilti’s growth in the energy and industry sectors, where there is a distinct ‘front-loading’ of the customer relationship – exactly, says Nöken, as happened in the automotive and aerospace supply chains decades previously. “Get it right at the beginning of the project and in the first 20% of the cycle time 80% of the costs are already defined.”

That early relationship is equally important to the future of the core construction business, which still accounts for 85% of Hilti’s global revenues – a logical enhancement, indeed, of the direct sales and supply model that has differentiated Hilti for most of its 75 year history.

“We now have almost one thousand engineers around the globe. These teams go to our customers – but not just to the job site managers. They mainly go to the design offices, the architects, to owners – to help with the front-loaded engineering. It has come later to the construction industry but it is happening now, because the technologies available are much more appropriate to construction.”

For Stefan Nöken the critical catalyst for change is productivity. “The construction industry is the only one that has made no real progress in this regard over the last decades.”

76 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

“These latest technologies provide a huge opportunity to bring productivity to the construction industry. Some means were there in the past but now they are much more comprehensive, much easier to use, much more mature. We are talking about the real digitalisation of construction, and more specifically about building life cycle management.”

The key development is Building Information Modelling (BIM), which “allows, for the first time, a full digital representation of the building, in all geometrical, physical, time and cost dimensions”.

Previously the construction industry relied on “a rough understanding of the building – sketches without the detail to manage a seamless construction process”. There were many grey areas, adds Stefan Nöken. “That meant many decisions had to be made ad hoc on-site.”

The result, he argues, was solving issues late in the process, resulting in cost and time overruns

Detailed planning prior to execution provides huge advantages and delivers real productivity gains

and potential quality and safety issues. It meant a “quite chaotic working environment” with limited co-ordination and multiple stakeholders pursuing their own priorities. Each building was “one of a kind with very little scaling and few replicates”.

“This all comes because the design did not have the necessary detail. There was an understanding of the outer shape; an understanding maybe of the major geometrical dimensions but not, just as one example, how the heating and ventilation should work with the electrical installation. That meant a work package for the HVAC contractor; another for the electrical contractor; and they met for the first time on the job site. Whichever was first, installed their way – and the second had a problem!”

“Now contrast, if I have a full representation of the building, I understand all the conflicts and they are resolved between all stakeholders, on a planned basis. That maturity, the detailed planning prior to execution provides huge advantages and delivers real productivity gains. The process is faster, fewer last minute changes, so money is saved and the solution is of a higher quality.”

“So if you ask about the job site of the future, I see the need for a full digital representation of the building at a real level of detail that makes the execution of the work easy and flawless.”

That is far, however, from Nöken’s complete vision. “The second thing is building life cycle management. You have the benefit of all the information for the construction phase, to allow time planning, material planning and cost planning.

However, with the life cycle of a building maybe fifty years, most costs are actually incurred during the usage, not building, phase – just think about energy consumption as one example. Building life cycle management means three phases, the design, the build, but also the operation – and it is the latter that has been neglected.”

Using BIM to maintain a building over its lifetime makes impeccable sense to Stefan Nöken and he sees it of critical interest to the owners of

the building. “Look at fire safety inspection. You need to know who did the installation, as well as the specifications of the installation and materials. Then how helpful is it to also know what the building has experienced in the last five years, temperature ranges, perhaps ground tremors, where the main traffic is – overall, what condition is the building in today?”

Stefan Nöken recognises that structural monitoring has been around for some time but he envisages a holistic monitoring system collecting comprehensive data, in order to optimise the usage of the building. “You can install sensors in the lighting system that monitor usage of each part of the building. Today’s technology can process that ‘big data’ and identify potentials for greater efficiency, increased utilisation, reduced costs, improved return on investment.”

The adoption of BIM and building life cycle management varies tremendously by geography, Stefan Nöken acknowledges. “It is happening more in Europe and North America than the emerging world at present. Within Europe it is happening more in the north than in the south. It is also happening in the bigger, and more complex projects, because here the benefits are more substantial.”

Critically, he adds: “It is happening specifically in buildings where the design, build and operation is one hand – where the owner has an interest.” That contrasts with the classical developer model, where the land is bought, a multi occupational building constructed, and it is sold off. “So the constructor thinks, not my concern any more, why should I collaborate in life cycle management?”

“The owner is the key driving force. That is why we see companies that own very investment-intense facilities – data centres, production facilities, pharmaceutical plants, big hospitals – really interested. Also where governments are the owners; infrastructure in Germany, public projects in the UK.” “The second driving force is the general contractor. They also suffer because they make the offer to build the building, then all the different trades are brought in.

Organising on the job site is time consuming and costly: Far more intelligent to do it all up front.” It is worth recognising, however, that the sub-contractor, who “often earns a lot of money from change management”, does not necessarily share the same incentives.

The vision, then, is clear. What, though, are the implications for the supply chain – and for Hilti specifically?

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

77

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS “For Hilti, we start with the design phase, where it has a lot to do with engineering software solutions. We provide the software that means the structural engineer no longer has to look up in his book, do the calculations and work it out fastening point by fastening point. Our engineering design solution has interoperability with the structural design software. It takes the 3D geometry, carries out the calculation, and feeds back the information to the structural design software. Customers love us for that because it is a fast, easy and straight forward process.” It also satisfies two key concerns: Safety and the assurance the final design will be robust for fifty years, and productivity – a rapid solution that covers not just fastenings but fire protection or installation solutions.

Next is the provision of a full digital catalogue of Hilti products. “It is not enough just to be able to pick a ‘stupid’ geometric representation. It must be intelligent, linked to the approvals and technical specifications, and cost information, so the initial cost estimate for the building can be reliably generated from the BIM.” Hilti also offers some clever automation tools. Fire protection is a good example.

For a large building this is a very time-consuming process, going room to room, and thinking about every wall penetration. Hilti software identifies the fire rating of the wall and the wall penetration dimensions, and proposes the proper solution to meet the fire rating – which can then be replicated for all similar wall penetrations in the building.

After engineering solutions, the product library, and automation tools, comes the challenge of translating the complex design to the practical job site environment. “For BIM to field, our Total Stations technology is invaluable. The 3D model is translated to mechanical or robotic measurement and location equipment – eliminating complexity, delivering productivity but also ensuring accuracy.”

The second job site solution is tool management. Hilti tools have embedded software, which monitors performance and provides utilisation data, the basis for identifying opportunities for improved productivity and managing preventative maintenance.

Planned servicing eliminates the costly downtime related to ‘crisis’ repair.

Our engineering design solution has interoperability with the structural design software. It takes the 3D geometry, carries out the calculation, and feeds back the information to the structural design software

78 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

“Even more attractive for our customers,” says Stefan Nöken, “is Hilti’s ON!Track solution for managing the entire assets on the job site”.

Bluetooth technology connects each tool’s data readout to a personal device, so the manager on-site can immediately see all the assets on-site and how they are being utilised. Higher cost, lower usage tools can be shared across several sites but remain immediately locatable when required.

“ON!Track also connects with the customer’s ERP system for billing, so they know how long an asset has been on-site and account for it accordingly.”

…if you ask about the job site of the future, I see the need for a full digital representation of the building at a real level of detail that makes the execution of the work easy and flawless.”

Hilti’s ON!Track solution uses Bluetooth technology to connect each tools data readout to a personal device – so the manager on-site can immediately see all assets on-site and how they are being utilised

“Many sites still try to manage all of this by spreadsheets. There are other solutions around now, but none match the state of art Hilti solution.

The key differentiator is that all our solutions are integrated.”

In Europe more than 50% of Hilti tools are now fleet managed – in some countries the figure is nearer 75%. “The logic is compelling,” says Stefan Nöken. “You have a trouble-free, low concern solution that assures tool availability. Fleet management also incorporates a tool exchange service, which means continuous productivity, as opposed to down time for repair – even with Hilti’s superfast response, that can still mean three days without the tool.”

The last element is maintaining the building and here Hilti focuses on critical documentation.

“In Europe today we provide a documentation manager, which is really working nicely. As soon as fire protection is installed a barcode is scanned and linked to a cloud-based solution that can document the entire building. A virtual representation allows the owner to see exactly how the fire safety solution looks – not just for Hilti products but also sprinkler systems and everything else. The result is complete transparency on the fire safety installation for the building, including advance information of and for the next inspection.”

Answering a question earlier in the conversation about Hilti’s overall Champion 2020 corporate strategy, Stefan Nöken said: “Hilti aims to achieve sustainable value creation through leadership and differentiation. Market leadership through added value for our customers – by offering products, services and software that

In Europe more than 50% of Hilti tools are now fleet managed – in some countries the figure is nearer 75%

provide superior productivity and safety to our customers – and differentiate from the offering of our competitors through innovation. We have to have the uncontested leading offer from a customer perspective – we have to be considered the partner of choice. Only if we achieve that will customers give us their business. Our value proposition has to be compelling.”

He could have added clear-sighted vision – but, as this conversation demonstrated, that really isn’t in doubt.

About Dr Stefan Nöken

Stefan Nöken has been a member of the Hilti executive board since the beginning of 2007 and is responsible for fastening technology and logistics. Born in 1965, he joined Hilti in 2000 as the head of corporate engineering. In 2004, he took over responsibility for supply chain management with the global plants, procurement and global logistics.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 79

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

The TIMco way In the back of TIMco’s 2017 catalogue is a 45 year timeline of a fixings wholesaler widely respected throughout the UK and Irish markets. It’s a fascinating read but not quite the full insight to what drives a brand, which is now building loyalty beyond its domestic market.

I

n 1972 long range fastener importing was a rarity – just getting to Taiwan took 48 hours and four separate flights, and modern communication technology was the telex machine. Tim Midwood made the journey, invested in the technology, and established a long-lasting relationship with one of the oldest Taiwanese fastener producers. The result was the T.I. Midwood range of imported nylon lock nuts and self-tapping screws for UK distributors.

By 1980 drywall screws were added and seven years later the Midwood range of window screws made its first appearance. By the early 1990s the TIMco twin-thread woodscrew was established on the market, to be joined soon by the Classic multi-purpose screw – both still featuring in the company catalogue.

With a business founded on distant sources, Tim Midwood recognised the importance of in-depth stock availability. With well over 300 million screws in stock, supporting annual sales of more than GB£2 million, it wasn’t long before the company moved into buildings on a former World War II aerodrome just outside Nantwich. Much transformed, that continues to be TIMco’s headquarters and logistics centre.

By 1995 the inventory had doubled and turnover was heading for the GB£6 million mark, when a 24 year solid growth trajectory abruptly ended. The UK fastener market was shaken to hear of the untimely death of Tim Midwood.

There the story might have ended, were it not for the determination of his widow that the business should be maintained until her son, Simon, could take it on. Even then, there was a five year hiatus during which sales declined, perhaps the inevitable consequence of a focus on preservation rather than continued impetus.

With a business founded on distant sources, Tim Midwood recognised the importance of in-depth stock availability

80 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Simon Midwood acknowledges his arrival at the family firm was an awkward one. Sometimes disconcertingly direct, even to the point of abrasion, here was a young man who’d already found success running a London sales team, “earning too much money, spending too much money, and with a tempting offer to join a tech company in California”.

There was probably never going to be an easy transition to the second generation of Midwood management. “I eventually came into the business as a special projects manager, a title I guess that reflected there wasn’t really a job for me here.”

He started answering the phones, and was greeted by long time customers saying: “Hi Simon, how amazing you are back, we’d like to talk to you about this, that or the other.” Not, Simon admits, that he actually knew very much about the ‘this, that or other’ at the time. He started visiting customers with the sales team. What he heard was, ‘TIMco is an amazing company. We’d love to buy more from you but we actually don’t know what you sell.’ So Simon worked in the evenings to produce the company’s first, six page brochure – ironic now as one picks up a 214 page 2017 TIMco catalogue.

Within six months Simon was at the Cologne Hardware Show, talking with other Asian fastener manufacturers. “Until then almost all TIMco products had come from one factory, the original relationship forged by my father.” What became abundantly clear was that TIMco was far from sourcing competitively. “We’d been too polite to ask for a cost down”. Within six months Simon was in Taiwan, “dressed in an English suit and tie, despite the unbearable heat” to – politely, but emphatically – obtain an essential price reduction.

He got it – the story goes that the last 5% actually depended on who won a game of darts in the office of the factory’s sales director. Simon did.

“Ours is not a business that demands rocket science,” says Simon Midwood. “We had lots of stock, we had a good brand, the product was right, and it was well packaged – all the cornerstones my father had laid down from the beginning.”

“All we needed to do was go out, tell the story, ask for the order – and deliver on our promises.” That’s another aspect on which son is undoubtedly of the same mind as father. “The fundamental rule to our sales guys is never to go out and promise something we cannot deliver and if you do promise, make sure we fulfil it.”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS “We still hold too much stock – an accountant would have a fit walking in here. At any given time we aim to hold at least 5 – 7 months stock, the majority of cover at 7 months.”

It was uncomfortable perhaps, but the Midwood family driving force was clearly back. “That was at GB£4.8 million. Then we recovered to GB£6 million.

When I reached GB£18 million (€19.7 million) I felt I could say ‘this is my success’ rather than my father’s.” Which doesn’t mean the legacy has ever been forgotten.

“Outside the door of our new building it says ‘in memory of Tim Midwood’ and we will always remember that he set the bones of the business.”

While the Midwood principles clearly prevail, the range has expanded exponentially. The new catalogue offers 6,000 product lines – with more being introduced all the time. “This year we’ll achieve sales of more than GB£35 million, with the number of SKUs still growing rapidly. We try to keep it as simple as possible all the time, but as you get bigger it gets harder. As a TIMco customer, you still get the commitment to product quality and the service you’ve learnt to expect over decades. Then you get what we call the TIMco ‘hug’. In essence that means we will try to do anything to make our customers as successful as possible.”

Who is the TIMco customer? “Most likely a family run business, probably first or second generation; a builders’ merchant, a fixings specialist, or a timber merchant. They can be multi-branch – many are – probably a member of a buying group.” Without exception TIMco customers are resellers – the company does not supply end users at all. “We sell through our customers, never bypass them.”

Significantly, they are also, in many cases, businesses that today face the sophisticated firepower of national chain competitors. “That’s where the ‘hug’ comes in. We’ll deliver direct to our customers’ customer. We’ll pack in their own livery. We’ll produce a catalogue for them; organise a mail shot or an e-blast.

Last month we even designed one customer’s front window for them. We have four graphic designers at the disposal of our customers.”

In addition to the sales force, there are also now four TIMco merchandisers travelling the customer base, dedicated to supporting distributors in developing sales. “We try to take away a lot of the obstacles to success. We provide the shelving system, as well as the spreadsheet to upload the range to your system. We’ll cleanse previous stock programmes, install TIMco stock, provide catalogues and images for the website. All it takes to make it easier.”

It’s an intensive relationship – with the emphasis most definitely on both words. “Some of our customers will order four or five times a day; many will be ordering every day. Because of our stockholding and our reliability, if you are with TIMco you don’t need to hold a lot of stock. We may not be the cheapest but you won’t need to tie up your working capital.”

82 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Outside the door of our new building it says ‘in memory of Tim Midwood’ and we will always remember that he set the bones of the business.”

There are also a lot of customers, even though TIMco is protective of the opportunity for each to service their distinct area. TIMco’s largest single customer accounts for less than two percent of total sales. That demands a skilled and stable sales support team that needs to do much more than just enter an order. “We still receive orders by handwritten fax, often with scant product detail, because we’re supposed to know – and do – what the customer needs.” While the flow of orders via email and the TIMco website is growing, a high proportion are still phoned in and met with a very personal service. “The phone system recognises a customer and routes them to the same sales contact every time. It’s a crucial part of the relationship. While we monitor errors, we do not target the number of lines each sales person has to load in a day. It’s far more important they spend time with the customer, whether it’s talking about the products, listening to their personal woes or celebrating their good times.”

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS A new warehouse extension has been completed to provide an additional 8,000 pallet spaces of bulk storage

From an efficiency viewpoint Simon acknowledges: “I’d love to link all the customers to our system, but I’m be a bit torn about it, because we might spend less time listening to them. That matters a lot – if we do make a mistake we want to hear it first hand.” The balance between efficiency and relationships is a recurrent theme in the conversation. “It’s part of the growing thing,” says Simon. “We’d spent a lot of time focused on developing the range and sales and recognised the logistic side has not received the same love.”

That has been rectified in no uncertain terms with a programme of major investment targeted at improving accuracy and productivity. A new warehouse extension has been completed to provide 8,000 pallet spaces of bulk storage – TIMco already had 8,500 spaces in its main warehouse and a further 2,000 in a separate building on the same site. “The downside of bringing in a lot of ranges is you need a lot of picking positions, which means floor space.

We’ve teamed up with Jungheinrich for the new pallet storage and machinery.

They will also provide our new Warehouse Management System, which means we can move to ‘pick by voice’, as well as managing our quality and location control, eventually also introducing a robot and crane system.”

It will also address Simon’s compulsion for ever greater delivery accuracy.

“I don’t generally believe in KPIs,” he says, “but we really monitor our error rate closely.” As the order peak has shifted later and later in the day, pressure has increased on ensuring the goods get out for next day delivery, in turn making repeated manual accuracy checks a source of inefficiency. “I expect the new systems will improve our efficiencies by 50%. That gives further growth potential with current staff levels.”

So what about sales outside of the UK and Ireland? “It’s not been a major priority – we’ve been working hard to deliver the best for our customers here.

However, we have, more or less by accident, developed really good relationships in Australia and in Malta, as well believe it or not, in the Falkland Islands.

We met the Maltese customer at the Fastener Fair in Stuttgart. We agreed to give him exclusivity for the island and provided him with a range of products that stand up for themselves, a brochure and other TIMco support. That means he has distinction in his market, and we can tell the brand is recognised because we’ve received enquiries from other Maltese companies.”

“It’s not about vanity. Our main focus will continue to be on developing our domestic markets, but we now have a comprehensive product range, and the inventory and logistics operation, to support selected partnerships in Europe to the same standards. We found in Malta, and in Australia – where our customer actually drives around in TIMco liveried vans – we can offer something distinctive. A country can become saturated with a small number of brands – TIMco provides the opportunity for a committed distributor to differentiate themselves in their own market. So if anyone is interested in selling TIMco we would welcome the opportunity, however big or small.”

84 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

TIMco provides the opportunity for a committed distributor to differentiate themselves in their own market.”

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

EOTA appoints new secretary general In July the European Organisation for Technical Assessment appointed Sergio Vazquez Jimenez (pictured) as the new secretary general and the head of the EOTA office in Brussels, Belgium.

F

ounded in 1990 to help realise the common European market for construction products, the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA) is a non-profit organisation, bringing together Europe’s Technical Assessment Bodies. EOTA’s special expertise is innovative and non-standard construction products. Through its services, EOTA helps product manufacturers bring their cutting edge products to the European market.

“We are delighted that Sergio is joining us as secretary general,” commented Karsten Kathage, president at EOTA. “Sergio brings a wealth of practical experience to EOTA and a bag of fresh ideas. He is keenly aware of what the construction industry needs and expects from EOTA. I look forward to working with him on extending EOTA’s range of services.”

Sergio Vazquez Jimenez graduated in technical architecture from University of Seville before going on to achieve two master’s degrees; one in industrial safety and risk prevention from University of Seville and another in occupational risk prevention from University Camilo Jose Cela in Madrid. In addition, Sergio has a degree in business administration. Alongside his position as secretary general of EOTA, he is completing a PhD focussing on sustainability in the construction industry.

Sergio gained industry experience as a technical architect and site manager with Martin Casillas S.L, with a special focus on quality and the environment. He then turned to public administration, rising from project, site and facility manager, to senior risk advisor and finally senior technical health and safety advisor.

Sergio stated that he is committed to European harmonisation. “Many European countries are just emerging from a crisis. A lot of companies, especially small and medium ones, are looking for new business opportunities on the European market.

EOTA has a lot to offer to these companies. The harmonised technical specifications and

European Technical Assessments issued by EOTA and its members enable construction product manufacturers to market their products all across Europe with CE Marking.”

Sergio’s objectives for the coming months will be to spread the word about the ETA route to CE Marking; reach out to small and medium businesses; provide added value to the construction supply chain by making better use of the data managed by EOTA; and mainstream the sustainability in EOTA documents.

A DUO of fischer innovations Nearly 60 years since the launch of the iconic fischer S nylon wall plug, the Black Forest fixings innovator has demonstrated there is always room for improvement, as its recently launched DUOPOWER universal wall plug range wins strong user approval across European markets.

f

ischer describes the innovative and technically advanced product as a duo of power and intelligence.

The key is the use of two component materials, which provide top load values and intelligent functioning depending on the substrate. Sounds a bit far fetched? Far from it. The combination of materials, cleverly highlighted by the plugs’ colour combination, means it will expand, fold or knot to guarantee a secure hold. In solid substrates, like concrete and brick, the plug expands. In aerated concrete or perforated brickwork, it will fold to lock between the perforations in the substrate. In plasterboard or where there is a rear cavity, it knots.

DUOPOWER versatility means the contractor no longer needs to worry about having the correct wall plug type for the different substrates they encounter day-to-day. Even where it is not certain whether there is solid material or a cavity behind the surface DUOPOWER eliminates concern and ensures DUOTEC secure fixing. Whatever the substrate the DUOPOWER plug delivers a permissible load capacity double that of its highly respected ancestor.

Also utilising the DUO technology, fischer offers a real advance on traditional toggle fixings for high load requirements in panel building materials. The DUOTEC nylon toggle, available in 10mm or 12mm versions, uses a soft grey nylon contact surface to distribute the load over the rear panel surface, minimising any weakening of the supporting building material. The toggle handles high tensile and traverse loads in all panel building materials using glass fibre reinforced plastics and a metal skeleton insert (DUOTEC 12). A white flange sleeve with snap function allows the toggle to be pre-installed quickly and securely in the drill hole prior to driving the screw, and a scale on the DUOTEC 12 grip strap helps determine the required screw length. Cleverly, where the substrate proves to be solid the DUOTEC will also function as an expansion plug, working in concrete or wood.

Just a couple of innovations from the fixings company that just loves to improve.

86 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

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

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

The importance of certification Thanks to continuous investment, and the experience it has gained in the field of fastening systems since 1962, Bossong SpA has established a wide selection of ETA certified products.

Here the company focuses on why certification is important in the construction market.

How has the demand for certifications and European Technical Assessments/Approvals in the construction industry changed over the last 3 – 5 years?

“European Technical Assessments/Approvals are now really important in the construction market. We know that according to the Construction Product Regulation (CPR) that CE Marking is not mandatory for the fixing products but year-by-year we are seeing more customers requesting ETA-CE certified fixings.

In the past, the request for ETA products was only for important building projects in general. Now, customers are asking for ETA certified fixings also for minor connections, so requests are definitely growing. The other point is that the sensibility regarding safety is increased, especially in Italy. This is due to the seismicity level of our country, which means customers are asking for fixing solutions that are suitable for seismic areas. The only solutions available for seismic areas are those products that have a ETA certification with C1 or C2.

An ETA certified products is important because the customer knows that the quality, know-how, and professionality of the manufacturer, is certified and measured by a third-party institute according to the strict rules contained in the EAD/ETAG.”

Why should customers use ETA products compared to other products? What are the benefits?

“ETA products are tested for situations that consider the effect of sustained load, durability, and temperature, over a long-time period. These parameters are important in order to have a connection with a certain service life.

In an ETA-CE product it is possible to find coherent data to design a connection according to the existing design guidelines that take in account the effects mentioned above.

In the Declaration of Performance (DoP), the designer can find all the relevant data. A product without CE and ETA could still be a product with quality and performance, but official proof such as a Declaration of Performance signed by the manufacturer cannot be issued, because the product has not been submitted for a CE Marking process.”

88 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

What does the accreditation process involve when applying for an ETA?

“The investment in the ETA process is significant in terms of cost and time for a SME like Bossong.

As a company you need to invest at the beginning of the industrialisation of the product and then follow all the test procedures according to the EAD/ETAG. Factory production control must be implemented and assured. A notified body performs an annual audit on the manufacturing plant. Due to our high internal quality rules, however, we have decided to have two inspection per year, performed by two different notified bodies.”

What products are you able to provide that have ETA certification?

“We invest every year in the development of our product range. We can offer a complete line of chemical anchors with ETA, including: BCR POLY SF, BCR VINIL, BCR V PLUS and BCR EPOXY 21.

In our NW mechanical anchor family there is the throughbolt with ETA Option 7 – NWS-CE, and the NWS-CE1 with Option 1 with fire, seismic qualification C1 and C2. We also have the insert concrete screw CLS-CE in Option 1 with fire and seismic qualification C1.

We have completed our line of ETA certified product also for the plastic anchor family, with our JNS-PLUS qualified according to ETAG 020.” www.bossong.com

RIVETTI A STRAPPO BLIND RIVETS BLINDNIETE

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

www.fixi.it - info@fixi.it

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Recent ETAs for fixings Following an agreement with the European Organisation of Technical Assessments, here is a list of recent ETAs published in the last two months on the EOTA website.

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

Since 1 st July 2013, as a result of the Construction Products Regulation, new ETAs are known as European Technical Assessments. European Technical Approvals published before 1 st July 2013 will act as the new assessment until their expiry date.

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

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA – 05/0161

MÜPRO Steel anchor

MÜPRO Services GmbH

ETA – 07/0025

fischer High-Performance Anchor FH II, FH II-I

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 07/0049

Knauf Nail anchor KDN

Knauf Gips KG

ETA – 11/0447

Soudafix P 300-SF, Soudafix P 300-SF ARCTIC, Soudafix P 300-SF TROPIC

Soudal NV

ETA – 12/0438

Anchor “Ter LaareDE FAST ETA 7 EV”, Anchor “Ter Laare DE FAST ETA 7 A4”

Ter Laare Verankeringtechnieken B.V

ETA – 12/0594

Anchor “SITA ACCIAIO CE7 GBK”, Anchor “SITA ACCIAIO CE7 GBK-A4”

G&B Fissaggi SrL.

ETA – 12/0610

BSC-PBZ-PRO

DEWALT/ POWERS

ETA – 13/0308

Anchor “HB MA CE GV”, Anchor “HB MA CE A4”

HALFEN SrL

ETA – 13/0355

PTB-PRO

DEWALT/ POWERS Joh. Friedrich Behrens AG

ETA – 15/0842

BeCoFix

ETA – 15/0858

Kalm Verbundmörtel VMK-SF

KALM Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 16/0340

fischer RM II

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG Société Spit

ETA – 16/0373

SPIT TAPCON

ETA – 16/0568

KH-EZ Hilti screw anchor

HILTI Corporation

ETA – 16/0848

Apolo MEA concrete screw BTS 6

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 16/0905

Injection system AC200+ for concrete

Stanley Black & Decker Deutschland GmbH

ETA – 16/0908

fischer RebarConnect

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 16/0909

Rebar connection with fischer RebarConnect

ETA – 16/0971

WCA1 Ceiling anchor

J. van Walraven Holding B.V

ETA – 16/0972

WGCA

J. van Walraven Holding B.V Indo Spark Constructions services

ETA – 17/0129

ICFS Injection system CM 385 PE / CM 585 PE for concrete

ETA – 17/0174

SPIT TAPCON 6x30

Société Spit

ETA – 17/0197

Upat bonded anchor UKA3 Plus

Upat Vertriebs GmbH

ETA – 17/0199

Injection system Hilti HIT-MM Plus

Hilti AG

ETA – 17/0287

Upat Nail Anchor UNA

Upat Vertriebs GmbH SIKA SERVICES AG

ETA – 17/0301

Sika AnchorFix-2002 Bonded anchor for concrete

ETA – 17/0338

Tox Injection system Liquix Pro 1 for rebar connection

Tox-Dübel-Technik GmbH

ETA – 17/0362

ROX

Teknik Alet AS 2K polymer systems Ltd

ETA – 17/0384

2KP2 VinylFirst

ETA – 17/0409

STATHEROS EAC80 Vinylester Styrene Free

RFM CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS (M) SDN BHD

ETA – 17/0410

STATHEROS EAC80 High Performance Hybrid Epoxy

RFM CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS (M) SDN BHD

ETA – 17/0420

S&M Injection System PM200, PM200 BI, PM200 Ex, PM200 Tr

S&M

ETA – 17/0473

Vinylester Epoxyacrilate Worldfix 500

FERRUXE ZELTIA S.L VJ Technology Ltd

ETA – 17/0485

VJ Technology Injection system T-Max Resin

ETA – 17/0530

Rod Fix (RIT-RE 3000) Injection System for rebar cennection

Rod Fix Systems Pvt. Ltd

ETA – 17/0531

Rod Fix (RIT-RE 3000) Injection System

Rod Fix Systems Pvt. Ltd

ETA – 17/0583

2KPS PolyFirst

2K polymer systems Ltd

ETAG 014 plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA – 12/0148

Thermoschlagdübel KEW TSDL-V und KEW TSD-V WS

KEW Kunststofferzeugnisse GmbH Wilthen

ETA – 16/0120

TOP KRAFT PSV

TOP KRAFT SK AS SG FIX SK AS

ETAG 020 Plastic Anchors (all parts) ETA – 17/0305

TGX PLUS

MAREFIX S.L

ETA – 17/0306

P88, P88-INOX A4

Ferruxe Zeltia S.L

Staying SMART with pgb-Polska The SMART S-RPE resin is a styrene-free universal bonded anchor for use in concrete, hollow and solid masonry. It comes with an ETA Option 7 (ETA – 17/0363) for non-cracked concrete, for use within dry, wet or flooded conditions and the fixing of medium heavy loads.

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rom pgb-Polska, the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe, the product is approved for a wide range of threaded rods (M8 to M24) and is certified for fixing with variable anchorage depth.

With a very low odour the SMART S-RPE is ideal for use in confined spaces and indoors. The anchoring system comes in a 300ml cartridge that fits in all standard applicator guns and is ideal for applications such as hand railings, fences, posts and signs, air conditioning and ventilation systems. www.pgb-polska.com

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The CompleTe Range of fixing SySTemS The wood connector with many advantages and safety approval 536 13/0 s ETA-rilling screecwtor Self-d od conn o as w

G&B Fissaggi UK warehouse

Unit 16 Riverside Court - Don Road - Sheffield - S9 2TJ (UK) tel. 0114 242 0074 - fax 0114 242 0075 uksales@gebfissaggi.com www.gebfissaggi.com - info@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia

G&B G&B G&B G&B

Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland Fissaggi Ibérica Fissaggi Benelux Fissaggi France

Achill-Anzeige-D-1951-A5-FFM-2-2017 28.02.17 14:55 Seite 1

www.schrauben-engel.de engel@schrauben-engel.de

Engel Anzeige F&F 82x125.indd 1

Quality since 1951:

24.08.17 15:47

classic • system • automotive

DIN 912 / 931 / 933 ... 8.8 / 10.9 / 12.9 from M1.4 to M56 !

ISO 4014 / ISO 4017 ................8.8 / 10.9 DIN 960 / DIN 961 ...........................10.9 ISO 10642 - DIN 7991..............8.8 / 10.9 DIN 7984.................................8.8 / 10.9

ISO 7380-1 / ISO 7380-2...................10.9 ISO 7380-1 (with six lobes drive).......10.9 DIN 6921...........................................8.8 DIN 6912...........................................8.8

Achilles Seibert GmbH · Philipp-Reis-Straße 3 · D-24558 Henstedt-Ulzburg · Fon: +49 4193 89 55 Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99 · sales@achill-fasteners.com · www.achill-fasteners.com

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Creating value added Celebrating 45 years of activity in fixings, Vorpa Srl believes its business can be characterised in two particular ways – offering an excellent production quality level and always looking at the future in an innovative way.

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orpa’s facilities extend over three production and logistic units for a total covered area of 7,500m2. It also has 6,000m2 of outdoor service areas for handling of products and 700m2 dedicated to offices. Vorpa employs 35 people and has over 2,500 different items in its current production catalogue.

Its own brand is distributed in the national territory by a dedicated sales force of 25 agents to a variety of building and hardware wholesalers and retailers. Vorpa also exports all over the world, primarily in Europe and specifically to the UK and Ireland, eastern European countries and the Mediterranean area – through a wide range of local distributors.

The forefront of logistics

The main warehouse extends over 4,500m2 with a capacity to deal with orders of standard products within 48 hours all over Italy and 72 hours abroad.

The management of the goods means that they are separated and spread over three units, allowing Vorpa to optimise processes and stay a step ahead in terms of efficiency and agility.

Winning management

Vorpa has a team of specialised commercial and technical employees helped by a fully computerised system that handles customer orders within a few hours. The order management system operates with the aim of keeping the delivery time to a minimum.

Integrated technology

Vorpa highlights that it constantly invests in the latest equipment and the development of advanced managing techniques. It uses the most up to date machines for stamping, cold forging and chip forming.

The combination of advanced technologies, highly qualified staff, and carefully selected raw materials, enables it to assure the accurate realisation of each part. Vorpa also has a network of selected reliable suppliers which, it says, offer the highest quality outsourcing.

Professional products

Vorpa has a wide range of fixing systems listed in its catalogue, including specific product lines dedicated to each trade channel and customers with individual requirements.

This includes: Mechanical heavy-duty anchors.

Chemical anchors and PU foams.

Frame and general fixings.

Scaffolding anchors.

Fixings for insulation.

Cladding and pipe fixings.

Masonry and HSS drill bits.

Self-service products.

Quality of service

Vorpa says its ‘permanent integration service’ allows it to have an innovative style of relationship with its customers, giving it the ability to modulate its service to the real demands of the customers.

92 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

The company’s goal is to create value-added for the customer through its products and service, optimising the action of its human resources and exploiting the potentials in the entire company organisation.

Certified quality

Vorpa has UNI EN ISO 9001:2000 certification.

Quality standards are ensured through statistical process control through all production phases up to final inspections and including in-house laboratory tests.

“We are proud of our production model, which we have created by introducing innovative theories, along with a know-how in anchoring and experience matured in the field,” stated Vorpa.

In recent years Vorpa has achieved several ETAs and has CE Marking which, in cooperation with prestigious European Testing Laboratories and Institutes, enables it to offer fixing systems that are characterised by high performance levels and safety. www.vorpa.com

1

Engraving slab by grooving tool Click-Cut 3

Install the slab to the wall with glue

2

Insert the hook in the engrave 4

Fix the hook with plug and screw

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

INDEX in control

EXPANDET ETA certified anchors Senco EMEA offers several types of ETA approved anchors for multiple applications and loads under the EXPANDET brand.

A INDEX Fixing Systems manufactures and controls the production process for a wide range of its products to guarantee maximum quality and optimum service.

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ncluding in INDEX’s range is a wide selection of chemical anchors for various applications, including cracked, non-cracked, reinforced concrete and brick. The chemical anchors are suited for heavy loads and are able to absorb vibrations – due to the distance from the edge of the material to the anchor being smaller, which prevents pressure being generated inside.

Metal anchors are another product manufactured by INDEX – including its MT-Anchor family, which is characterised by having an expansion clip. While applying torque to the anchor the clip expands due to the cone-shape of the bolt, which produces high pressure on the inside of the hole and creates the necessary friction between the clip and the base material for installation.

Alternatively, the TH concrete screw anchor – with silver ruspert coating – is a metal anchor that does not introduce stress into the base material, due to the low distances required between the anchors or the edge. This anchor can also be used in cracked and non-cracked concrete for medium to high loads and its installation and removal is quick and easy.

The HE-HO, alongside the HE-CL version with flared lip, are anchors that have an ETA in Option 7 (ETA – 14/0135 and ETA – 14/0068) for structural and non-structural uses in concrete. These drop-in anchors work by expansion of the anchor body, and are installed by hitting the expansion cone with a hammer and the specific installation tool EXP. Finally, the TN4S nylon anchor is a popular choice from INDEX’s plastic anchors family. This four-way expansion nylon plug provides optimum force distribution within the material, and offers a huge range of load capacities in both solid and hollow building materials.

The T-NUX, another commonly used plastic anchor, is suitable for fixing medium loads. This nylon plug knots itself on expanding in hollow materials, making it especially suitable for hollow materials or when base material for fixing is unknown. It has a wide range of fixing lengths (60mm to 230mm) and thicknesses. www.indexfix.com

94 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

nchors included in the EXPANDET brand include the chemical mortar ESI Xtreme Pro with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 16/0956), which is a high performance vinylester anchor with a wide range of applications due to its high load capacities, approvals and certifications. This chemical mortar is expansion free and can be used with small edge distance and axial gap. It is widely used for steel constructions, façades, staircases, steel brackets, pipelines, brickwork support systems and many other applications.

Also available is the EXGII with ETA Option 7 (ETA – 10/0180), which is a chemical anchor with a very high load capacity – making it a first choice for high load applications in non-cracked concrete. It is mostly used in steel constructions like guard rails, façades, gates, cable trays, machines, consoles, ladders and staircases.

Another product is the MFA multi-façade anchor, which is designed for a variety of lightweight façade systems and can be used in several materials including concrete, cracked concrete, solid bricks, hollow bricks and aerated concrete. It is used for both door and window frames, roof and ceiling frames, cable trays, square timber frames, plus kitchen and wall cabinets.

Finally, the C-Bolt with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 16/0403) is suitable for use in safety related installations, such as suspended ceilings and handrails, because of its fire resistant qualities as defined in the ETA. Expansion free installation allows for small edge distance and axial gap, making it ideal for installation of guard rails, cable trays, metal sheet profiles, shelving and pallet racks. The easy and complete removal of the anchor also ensures that it is perfectly suitable for temporary installations. www.senco.eu

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

TECFI: ETAs essential to the construction market In the July edition of Fastener + Fixing Magazine (Issue 106) TECFI SpA focused on the design of anchorages for concrete in seismic hazard zones. Here the Italian-based company talks about why it believes ETAs are an essential part of the construction market.

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European Technical Assessment/Approval is a third party accredited technical evaluation for use of a product, released only after the fulfilment of many essential requirements. These technical compliances are the mandatory requirements in order to complete the process for CE Marking.

CE Marking guarantees the performance consistency of a construction product and its conformity with a European harmonised standard or a European Technical Assessment. With the new CPR (Construction Product Regulation), each company must issue a Declaration of Performance (DoP) – a document that summarises the main details, characteristics and performances of the product.

The main objective of the CPR, CE Marking and DoP are to make the characteristics of the product more precise, stable and clear in order to increase the safety in the field of the construction industry.

In the last 5 years, the importance of a DoP/ETA in the construction sector has stunningly increased and this trend will continue further in the coming years. Every day we receive clear evidence with the continuous demand of products with ETA from our customers, as well as the increase of products with ETA in the market. Today, the demand for ETAs is also increasing in the hardware market and even in the DIY sector there is a requirement for products with ETA. Of course, the percentage of demand for ETAs in Europe is much higher in richer countries, but the trend is growing everywhere.

Out of Europe, the situation is much different. In the hardware sector the demand for ETAs is really poor, while in heavy construction ETAs are a must. This is true above all in the Middle and Far East, where the demand is very strong due to the influence of European designers, architects and engineers in the construction field.

Users know that the main benefits of ETAs today are safety and reliability, and more and more end users are entrusting the responsibility to qualified manufacturers. The reason is that the tests for ETA certification are performed by an accredited laboratory, while the issuing of an ETA is the responsibility of a Technical

96 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Assessment Body. By achieving the ETA, a company is subject to annual inspections by a third party, a Notified Body, in order to ensure that the product is manufactured in accordance with the samples tested and that it is subjected to a constant control process, following the basic principles of quality.

For several years Tecfi SpA has offered a wide range of ETA certified products, constantly increasing the responses to the requests and needs of its customers, and driven by the potential of the European and non-European markets.

The products available from Tecfi include: HXE CONCRETO®: Concrete screws, ETA-CE Option 1 (ETA – 11/0336), R120 fire resistance and C2 & C1 performance category for use in high seismic areas.

HVE ROCK®: High performance steel anchors, ETA-CE Option 1 (ETA – 10/0060), R120 fire resistance and C2 & C1 performance category for use in high seismic areas.

AJE: Special wedge anchors, ETA-CE Option 1 (ETA – 11/0319), R120 fire resistance and C2 & C1 performance category for use in high seismic areas.

ZJE: Steel and A4 stainless steel wedge anchors, ETA-CE Option 7 (ETA – 13/1012).

DXE: Sleeve anchors, ETA-CE Option 7 (ETA – 10/0453).

DSE: Sleeve anchors, ETA-CE Option 7 (ETA – 08/0058).

VS Handyplug®: Façade nylon anchors, ETA-CE (Use Category: a, b, c, d) (ETA – 13/0135) and R90 fire resistance.

ZZE: HDPE anchor for ETICS, ETA-CE (Use Category: a, b, c, d, e).

SWE01: Dual component styrene-free epoxy resin, ETA-CE Option 1 (ETA – 12/0253) and Option 7 and C2 performance category for use in high seismic areas.

XXDGE: Dual component vinylester and polyester resins, ETA-CE (ETA – 11/0533).

EHE: Vinylester glass capsules, ETA-CE. KT, KW, KS, KZ: Connectors for wooden structures, ETA-CE. www.tecfi.it

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

New B+Btec BIS-HY hybrid injection adhesive B+BTec is constantly working on the development of new high performance anchoring systems, which has resulted in the introduction of the new BIS-HY hybrid injection mortar.

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+BTec states that the BIS-HY is the next generation of injection adhesives, which combines extreme load bearing capacities with fast curing times of 30 minutes at 20˚C. It has been assessed with an ETA Option 1 (ETA – 16/0952 and ETA – 16/0958), making it an all-terrain anchoring solution for both threaded rods and rebar in cracked and non-cracked concrete (C20/25 up to C50/60), as well as flooded holes.

Another feature of BIS-HY is its resistance to high temperatures, which includes up to 160˚C short term exposure and 100˚C long term exposure.

This feature makes BIS-HY highly suited for applications in extreme situations such as areas surrounding blast furnaces. BIS-HY has also received C1 classification for seismic forces for threaded rods M8 – M30 and rebar diameter of 8mm – 32mm.

The application of BIS-HY is supported by the B+BTec DesignFix® anchor design software, available as a free download from the B+Btec website.

Your manufacturer of certified fixings and screws

pgb-Europe, headquartered in Belgium, opened end 2016 its wood screw factory (PHC Fasteners ltd) in Vietnam. In this brand new 20 000 sqm industrial complex we are producing our CE-marked drywall screws and wood screws (carbon steel). With 85 heading and threading machines and a production capacity of 500T/month we are pleased to present you our attractive possibilities.

PHC Fasteners ltd, Binh Duong, Vietnam

pgb-Polska, the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe, is manufacturer of high quality nylon, steel and chemical anchors, developed under the brand name “SMART”. Beginning 2017 we moved to a brand new 8 000 sqm factory dedicated to the constant development, automated production and packing of our ETA assessed anchors. A strong logistic organization ensures prompt deliveries according to our customer’s needs.

pgb-Europe nv | logistics centre Gontrode Heirweg 170 | 9090 Melle, Belgium T: +32 (0)9 272 70 70 | F: +32 (0)9 272 70 99 www.pgb-europe.com | info@pgb-europe.com

pgb-Polska sp. z o.o. | production plant ul. Fryderyka Wilhelma Redena 3 | 41-807 Zabrze, Poland T: +48 (32) 330 26 10 | F: +48 (32) 330 26 20 www.pgb-polska.com | biuro@pgb-polska.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Fire proof installation by the push of a thumb

Chemical anchors from MAREFIX

Schnabl Stecktechnik GmbH has launched the MDSN – Metal Down Nail – which is a patented solution for the fire proof fastening of safety-critical electrical installations, such as sprinkler systems, smoke and heat vents or elevators and emergency lighting.

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n tests, the MDSN’s fire resistance of R30 to R120 enables it to be used together with most cable holding devices approved according to DIN 4102-12, which must withstand flames lasting at least 30 minutes and up to 120 minutes.

Schnabl Stecktechnik points out that the installation holders are securely fastened to the wall or ceiling within seconds. All that is required is a drill to create a 6mm hole, then the MDSN can be used to fix the cable holding device by the push of a thumb into the hole. No further tool is required – no dowel, no screw and no screwdriver. As a result, installation time is reduced compared to traditional fastening methods.

Due to the patented profile of its teeth, the MDSN reaches a high holding force when installed safely in the wall or ceiling, even under extreme circumstances.

The MDSN has a European Technical Assessment (ETA – 16/0673) and was tested by several European Institutions, including the Building Materials Testing Institute at Braunschweig Technical University.

MAREFIX, a Spanish company specialising in fixing systems, recently introduced its new family of approved chemical anchors at the FERROFORMA show in June.

AREFIX Fixing Systems’ expansion of its chemical anchors catalogue includes the CHEMIVISE – a vinylester styrene-free high performance anchor, which has an ETA/CE Option 1 (ETA – 17/0248) for use with threaded bars and reinforced bars in cracked and non-cracked concrete, as well as for use in submerged holes. The anchor family is completed by CHEMIPOLY (polyester), CHEMIPOSE (styrene-free), CHEMIEPOX (vinylester-epoxy) and CHEMIOPSE (styrene-free) – all with ETA/CE Approvals in Option 7. All the products are available in cartridge sizes of 300ml and 410ml.

Jose Maria Manso, MAREFIX founder and CEO, explains: “We are specialists in different types of construction screws such as self-drilling, self-tapping, chipboard, panel sandwich, bi-metal, aluminium and PVC screw, as well as nylon anchors and, shortly, metal anchors. Our priority is to offer good customer service and our strengths include having a large stock and being able to offer 24 hour delivery. Whether you want to know more about our products or about our company, do not hesitate to contact us.”

Frame plug anchor for concrete and masonry Klimas Wkret-met’s frame plug, KPS-FAST 8 with flanged hex head screw, is an anchor for multiple use in concrete and masonry for non-structural applications and can provide push-through installation for various elements such as blinds, sunshades, kitchen units, shelves, brackets, and lighting fixtures.

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PS-FAST 8 can be used in a variety of different substrates including concrete, solid clay brick, perforated clay brick, as well as autoclaved aerated concrete. The frame plug fixing is equipped with TX drive, which ensures optimum transfer of torque.

An SW-10 hex head allows the tightening of the screw with given force (e.g with torque wrench). Reduced thread provides precision of installation of the screw and increased expansion force in the second expansion zone.

100 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

The product is characterised by high technical parameters – for example it offers characteristic resistance for use in concrete pull-out failure of 4.5kN (for concrete C16 / C20), and a characteristic bending resistance of 14Nm in concrete. The sleeve is also produced using the highest quality nylon.

KPS-FAST 8 is available with three types of screw: Zinc plated screw (KPS-FAST 8 K), A4 steel screw (KPS-FAST 8 K A4 – produced to order) and hot-dip galvanised screw (KPS-FAST 8 K OO – produced to order).

www.anomaliecreative.it

We give STRENGTH and SUPPORT to all your PROJECTS

SIPA s.r.l.

Via dell’Artigianato, 16-18-20 - 36027 SAN PIETRO DI ROSÀ (VI) - ITALY Tel. 0039.0424.562044 - Fax 0039.0424.564055 E-mail: sipa@sipaitalia.it - E-mail: ordini@sipaitalia.it - Web: www.sipaitalia.it

NEW ETA APPROVED

S-CSA

CONCRETE SCREWS

MADE IN FINLAND

Combined hexagon head for steel sheet-wood connections HECO-Schrauben has further expanded its range of wood screws with the introduction of the HECO-TOPIX® screw with a combined hexagon head. The screw head combines the T-Drive with a classic external hexagon, enabling users to work with the new wood screws with open-ended and ring spanners, as well as with bits.

T

he new HECO-TOPIX variants are available with diameters of 8mm and 10mm, with a screw length of up to 100mm – creating a full thread with a stronger shaft for improved bearing resistance, which is ideal for steel sheet-wood connections. The longer versions measuring from 120mm up to a maximum of 400mm are designed as part-threaded screws with a maximum thread length of 100mm.

HECO states that the TOPIX screws can be positioned without any need for pre-drilling as the high thread pitch makes for particularly quick driving. Additional cutting ribs on the tip of the screws reduce the risk of splitting as the screws are driven in, so they can also be used close to edges or in slimline components.

The part-threaded version has special shank ribs for stress-free and easy applications with low driving torques.

HECO-TOPIX screws, which are made of hardened, blue zinc-plated steel, can be used everywhere that countersunk head screws cannot be used – for example in the field of timber construction, where steel sheet and wood connections are commonplace. Joist hangers are installed with the new screws just as reliably and quickly as tension anchors or transport hooks.

The entire HECO-TOPIX product range, including new variants, is covered by a European Technical Assessment (ETA – 11/0284) – ensuring maximum certainty when planning and calculating fastenings.

The HECO-TOPIX wood screw is now available with a combined hexagon head in full and part-threaded designs

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Combining excellence in corrosion protection

Unbeatable electrolytic zinc, zinc alloy and zinc flake solutions Dr Matthias Hoch, worldwide business development manager CRC, Atotech Deutschland GmbH Abstract

Combined systems with zinc/zinc-nickel passivation and top coat are capable of providing extraordinary corrosion protection with an appealing and durable appearance.

This type of layer combination has been developed in response to the requirements of the automotive industry to increase corrosion protection of electroplated parts and improve the appearance at the same time. Black zinc-nickel finishes need to outperform the normal white corrosion performance provided by electrolytic coatings only.

In addition, the industry is also asking for high-end corrosion resistance without any visual changes, e.g limited white haze.

Atotech’s two corrosion protection technology teams, zinc flake coatings (electroless finishes) and corrosion resistant coatings (electrolytic zinc and zinc alloy coatings), developed combined coating sequences which can fulfil these ambitious requirements.

Besides having a stable and attractive appearance even after Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSST) such layer combinations show temperature stability, chemical resistance, consistent coefficient of friction values and many more beneficial features. Furthermore, these coatings fulfil all the requirements of directives like ELV, RoHS and others.

This article will give an insight into the possibilities of coatings made from a combination of electrolytic zinc or zinc-nickel plating with zinc flake top coat finishes.

Introduction

In the past electrolytic plating of zinc or zinc alloy layers served to provide corrosion resistance only. The exclusive function of these applied layers was the protection of steel or cast iron from base material (red) corrosion. An additional passivate and optional post dip or sealer were applied to protect the zinc layer from white rust and potentially as a friction modifier. The same can be said to apply to zinc flake coatings and their corresponding top coats.

For decorative appearances other technologies, such as decorative plating, plating on plastics or others were used.

Today the industry, and in particular the automotive industry, is more frequently asking for both high corrosion protection and nice appearance at the same time.

This typically can’t be matched with the currently applied methods as previously described. The trend to shiny, glossy and durable black surface finishes is especially a big challenge for the industry because white corrosion is much more easily visible on black surfaces compared to silver surfaces.

A new technology was developed in order to fulfil the increasing industry demands for high-end corrosion protection plus excellent appearance.

104 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Electrolytic plating combined with zinc flake coating

Electrolytic plating is used in a wide field of applications, e.g automotive, fasteners, construction, electronics, furniture, window frame, cast iron, aerospace, and others. Electroless corrosion resistance coatings like zinc flake application are in use for automotive, fasteners, wind power, heavy industry, construction, railway, etc. Obviously there is some overlap as shown in Picture 1.

Electrolytic consumer goods

automotive

electronics

wind power

fasteners

heavy industry

construction

railway

aerospace furniture

Electroless

cast iron window frame

offshore

Picture 1: Typical industries for electrolytic and electroless coatings Using Atotech’s unique situation of having highly advanced zinc/zinc alloy and zinc flake technologies under one roof meant that we were able to develop and intensively test combinations of coatings to achieve significant improvements in corrosion resistance. An electrolytically applied zinc or zinc alloy layer (responsible for red corrosion protection) is covered with a passivate (for white corrosion protection) and combined with a top coat from the zinc flakes technology boosting corrosion protection and giving an excellent and durable appearance (Picture 2).

Coatings for cathodic corrosion protection Electroless zinc flakes Dip-spin/spray appl. base coats Top coats

Electrolytic coatings Electrolytically plated zinc and zinc alloys Passivates Sealers

Coatings for cathodic corrosion protection Electroless zinc flakes

Electrolytic coatings

Top coat

Sealer

Dip-spin/drain zinc flake base coat

Passivate Electroplated zinc/zinc alloy layer

5 μm top coat

1 μm sealer 0.2 μm passivate

Zinc flake base coat

Zinc

Picture 2: Cross sections of electrolytic coatings and electroless/zinc flake coatings

Picture 4: Examples process sequences for silver and black finishes

The top coats selected from the zinc flake portfolio typically have a higher thickness and different formulation than conventional sealers and therefore provide improved performance not only in corrosion protection and appearance but also for scratch resistance, chemical resistance and temperature stability (Picture 3).

Examples & results

Coatings for cathodic corrosion protection Combined protection Top coat Passivate

Parts coated with the previously described process sequence show extremely high corrosion resistance to both, white and red corrosion. Particularly for black finishes, white corrosion is easily seen after some hours of corrosion testing when plated with a traditional process sequence.

With the new electrolytic/electroless combination Atotech is able to provide the highest corrosion protection, especially against white corrosion. The electrolytic layer can be applied in both, rack and barrel plating, the top coat can be applied in dip spin or spray application.

Although rack parts give the highest corrosion protection, barrel parts show excellent results as well (Picture 5).

Electroplated zinc or zinc alloy

5 μm top coat 0.2 μm passivate electroplated zinc or zinc alloy

Picture 5a: Zinni® AL 450 + Tridur® ZnNi H5 + Techseal® Black SL (compared to traditional coating systems – left / right)

Picture 3: Cross section of the combined layer system In principle all kind of electrolytes can be used as a base layer, i.e. acid and alkaline zinc, alkaline zinc iron, acid and alkaline zinc nickel. However, it is extremely important to choose the right passivate to secure good adhesion to the zinc/zinc alloy layer as well as for the subsequent top coat (Picture 4). Atotech conducted numerous tests at the Corrosion Protection Competence Center in Trebur, Germany, where production size pilot lines for both technologies are located, electrolytic plating lines as well as zinc flake coating lines.

Picture 5b: ZnNi + passivate + sealer + Techseal® Black SL

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 105

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY It is even possible to achieve >1,000h in Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSST)/ISO 9227 without any optical change (no white haze, no white corrosion, no red corrosion) (Picture 6). With the right selection of the passivate/top coat system the coating adhesion can be improved so that the parts can even be bent without any flaking or blistering.

Picture 6: Zinni® AL 450 S + EcoTri® NC + Zintek® Top Black S after >1,000h in NSST/ISO 9227

Besides the standard/ISO 9227 NSS test, cyclic corrosion tests (CCT) can be passed, e.g. Volvo ACT, ACT II, Ford L-467, PV 1209, VDA 233-102, GMW 14872.

Furthermore, by selecting coatings with the right selection of lubricants various coefficient of friction ranges can be achieved. Last but not least different colours are available (Picture 7).

Environmental aspects

Low threshold limits for ammonium in wastewater streams raise an increasing demand for ammonium-free plating solutions. Also, the demand for boric acid-free solutions is notably increasing since the European Union classified boric acid as a reproductive toxic. Both ammonium-free and boric acid-free zinc and zinc-nickel electrolytes are available from Atotech.

Either solution provides excellent covering power, particularly in low current density (lcd) areas, fulfilling all automotive requirements and resulting in easy wastewater treatment.

These processes are proven to be effective in worldwide usage.

In Atotech’s alkaline zinc and zinc-nickel electrolytes cyanide has been eliminated for a long time. Also, solvents are reduced significantly from all electrolytes in order to comply with legal regulations. Atotech’s passivates are all Cr(VI)-free and boric acid-free, some are even fluoride-free. Furthermore, cobalt is in the focus of environmental regulations and may be banned soon in the European Union followed by other countries or regions.

Several cobalt-free passivates have been developed, which are already successfully in use. Saying this, the new combination of electrolytic plating, passivate and top coat fulfils all legal regulations, e.g. REACH, RoHS, ELV, etc.

Picture 7: Several colours are available

Summary

Combined systems with zinc/zinc-nickel passivation and top coat are capable of providing extraordinary corrosion protection and an appealing and durable appearance.

This layer combination is a result of needing to meet the increasing demands of the automotive industry to increase the corrosion protection and improve the appearance of coated parts at the same time. Black zinc-nickel/top coat finishes outperform the normal white corrosion performance provided by electrolytic coatings only.

Even more, the industry asks for high-end corrosion resistance without any visual changes, e.g limited white haze.

Atotech’s two corrosion protection technology teams, zinc flake coatings (electroless finishes) and corrosion resistant coatings (electrolytic coatings), developed combined coating sequences, which can fulfil these ambitious requirements.

Besides providing a stable and attractive appearance, even after NSST or CCT, such layer combinations show temperature stability, chemical resistance, consistent coefficient of friction values, scratch resistance and many more beneficial features.

These coatings have been designed to fulfil all requirements according to REACH, ELV, RoHS and other directives. www.atotech.com

106 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Spotlight on... corrosion off

Atotech has your solution for approved corrosion protection. Whether you choose a zinc flake or an electrolytic coating from Atotech – both far exceed industry standards and can be combined to fulfill the most ambitious of requirements. While acting on a global scale with our TechCenter network Atotech can also rapidly adapt to your specific needs. Discover the look, feel and many application possibilities from the industry leader that industry leaders trust, Atotech. info@atotech.com

Technology for tomorrow's solutions

www.atotech.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

One layer – great protection Atotech tells us its silver zinc flake base coats eliminate the need for a second coat without compromising on performance.

T

he demand for economic and reliable finishing products is on the rise, especially in the fastener coating industry. The same can be said about the growing need for corrosion protection systems.

Markets with corrosion performance requirements of up to 720 hours in Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSST according ISO 9227 or ASTM B117) are calling for simplified production processes. Atotech’s silver zinc flake base coat product line, Zintek® ONE, aims to exceed those requirements with only a single application layer.

Zintek ONE is designed for medium corrosion protection of 480 hours NSST without base metal corrosion and Zintek ONE HP gives the unique performance of 720 hours NSST – all achieved with only one zinc flake layer. Performance is dependent on part geometry, substrate and application method.

Both products are designed to help reduce process costs, handling costs, energy consumption, and coating line occupancy, by removing the need for a second coating step – commonly required for standard zinc flake systems to achieve reliable corrosion protection. This makes the Zintek ONE coatings cost-effective alternatives to multi-layer zinc flake applications, hot dip galvanising and electroplated corrosion protection finishes.

The base coats are applied in a single dip-spin coating step that achieves a typical layer thickness of 6μm – 8μm. This is comparable to the total thickness of common two layer zinc flake coatings. Offering a uniform surface even after mechanical stress, the Zintek ONE product line is well suited for bolts, screws, springs and other parts with standard geometries – used in construction, automotive and heavy industry applications.

“Successful trials in Germany, Italy, Asia and the USA have raised great interest for Atotech’s one coat system,” says Neil Patton, Atotech business manager, zinc flake coatings. “This is due to numerous coating benefits, including improved throughput capacities, which result in less handling thus reducing potential damage to the customer’s parts in a bulk processing system at the applicator base.”

Neil adds: “The attractive aesthetics provide a uniform silver appearance combined with outstanding corrosion protection making Zintek ONE, as a single layer system, very appealing to coating companies, parts manufacturers and OEMs alike.”

“With Zintek ONE’s optimised flow characteristics customers achieve uniform coating thickness distribution,” says Dr Volker Krenzel, Atotech technical manager, zinc flake coatings. “Touch marks can be minimised

108 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Screws coated with Atotech’s one layer base coat Zintek® ONE

and the layer thickness distribution made more homogenous, which in turn leads to more reliable and reproducible corrosion protection capabilities.”

Utilising various top coats together with the one coat systems from Atotech enables coaters to individually adapt the process to various OEM requirements (i.e. chemical resistance and enhanced UV stability) while meeting the industry’s coefficient of friction demands and all the while providing superior corrosion protection.

Since the zinc flake technology presents no risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the coating is ideal for high-tensile fasteners (Class 10.9 and higher).

In-line with Atotech’s approach of providing environmentally friendlier solutions, its zinc flake coatings are also free of Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni, Co, and Cr(VI), and can be cured at moderate temperatures – eliminating concerns over annealing of high strength steel components. www.atotech.com

POWER NEEDS CONTROL

PREAPPLIED THREAD LOCKING TECHNOLOGY MADE IN GERMANY

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TECHNOLOGY • ECONOMY • SErviCE omniTECHNIK Mikroverkapselungs GmbH Munich · Germany · +49 89 1433810 · www.precote.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Improve cold heading processes

Among a wide range of lubricants dedicated to the requirements of cold heading machinery, CONDAT is also able to provide new solutions for high-duty lubrication with optimum safety and budget.

T

o optimise machine lubrication and cold heading processes, many cold heading manufacturers have grown accustomed to using two different lubricants.

Unfortunately, this brings an entirely different set of issues, such as increased viscosity; the need to maintain particles of phosphate and steel in suspension; as well as increased coefficient of friction that decreases tool life. Also, cross contamination of these oils minimises the targeted benefits of using separate products.

Dual-purpose efficiency

CONDAT EXTRUGLISS® dual-purpose oils enable the use of one unique lubricant – providing a solution to all customers’ needs.

In addition, EXTRUGLISS oils have been specially formulated to provide both superior lubrication characteristics to machinery, as well as outstanding lubrication for cold heading processes.

Graph 1: EXTRUGLISS benefits – waste oil reduction 8,000 6,000 4,000

Extend oil change out interval and optimise consumption

In typical cold heading applications, approximately 90% of oil consumption occurs when oil is dragged out of the machine on the surfaces of formed parts. EXTRUGLISS oils, thanks to their lower viscosity, limit oil drag out and decrease consumption dramatically. Reductions of more than 30% have been measured under identical manufacturing parameters (Graph 1).

EXTRUGLISS oils have also been specially formulated to allow drawing soaps and other contaminants to settle out of the oil, carrying with them abrasive metallic particles. As a result, the lubricant remains clean and provides optimum performance.

By using EXTRUGLISS, oil change out interval can be doubled, which means the emptying frequency could be increased up to 1,500 hours.

Lubricity performance and tool wear reduction

2,000

2015: 26,932 litres of waste with EXTRUGLISS oil 2014: 28,250 litres of waste during replacement 2013: 50,550 litres of waste with competitor oil

Almost 50% of waste oil reduction with EXTRUGLISS

110 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Given the importance of tool life and its effect on operating costs, it is critical to use die lubricant, which is optimised for the cold heading process. The EXTRUGLISS range was specifically designed with the objective to improve productivity and tool life, which is demonstrated in the workplace environment, through low smokes, cleaner machines, and optimum surface finish.

Depicted below are illustrations of the high lubricity power of EXTRUGLISS oils:

Parts roughness

Cold heading with standard technology Ra = 0.184

Cold heading with EXTRUGLISS technology Ra = 0.132

Temperature control

COL D HE A DING LUBRICANTS

Cold forming oils Multifunctional oils Cold heading with standard technology TºC MAX <144ºC

High performance green solutions Chlorine free alternatives

KEY BENEFITS: Cold heading with EXTRUGLISS technology TºC MAX <125ºC Whilst improving tool life, EXTRUGLISS dual-purpose oils also enable the manufacture of very difficult cold headed parts and thanks to their high performance, these oils also increase the OEE (efficiency of your machine) and can reduce tooling expenses.

CONDAT points out that EXTRUGLISS oils enables customers to make significant cost reductions, especially on difficult parts.

This includes up to 40% tools cost reduction and 15% less power requested on the machine.

The EXTRUGLISS oils are also available under vegetable based formulation – EXTRUGLISS GREEN. This new development enables CONDAT to provide safer solutions that correspond to health, safety and environmental concerns in cold heading companies. www.condat.fr

• For complex parts • For demanding materials • Reduce oil consumption • Tool cost savings

CONDAT - 104 av. F. Mistral - 38 670 Chasse-sur-Rhône - FRANCE Tel. +33 (0)4 78 07 38 38 - www.condat.fr - condat@condat.fr

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Coatings for high-tech engineering

By Mark Thurber, CEO at Maelstrom Chemical Technologies LLC In today’s world, the realm of personal electronic devices is highly competitive.

This industry thrives on fast and furious innovation and requires the highest level of consistency achievable. Mobile phones, tablets, personal electronic devices, and their use of high-tech engineering materials, have brought with them a great need for specialised fastener adhesives, sealants, coatings and lubricants that can deliver high performance.

S

ince most people have adopted a smart phone as a lifestyle keystone from school forward, it is completely taken for granted that the materials contained in these gadgets, and facilities where these items are made, must also be as advanced as the final articles themselves.

Many electronic items require a clean room environment when they are assembled. Components (such as tiny fasteners) not only within the device, but also within the construction of the assembly room itself, cannot emit even the tiniest particles at any point during their lifetime.

Without proper qualification of materials and assembly, any item with a screen display or lens could be clouded by vapor deposits, memory media may be damaged by particles, and electronics could short circuit from conductive chips. Latent or stray particles, vapours, and residues, produced by any component in a device can lead to impairment or catastrophic failure of that device, due to optics fogging, corrosion, and contamination or compromise of circuitry.

This is a monumental challenge when components are made from filled plastics and metals, where the slightest frictional contact can produce a loose burr, chip or fibre particle.

The seemingly obvious addition of a lubricant can quickly compound the problem unless it is highly refined and suitable for this use.

Tectorius®/STS has introduced a number of fastener and component coating products for sealing, lubrication and various enhancements specifically designed to mitigate particle generation and outgassing from any number of substrates that are being used in highly sensitive environments.

A major manufacturer of components for the electronic industry recently reached out to the Tectorius development team with a request for a fastener lubricant coating with very high performance requirements. Tectorius not only welcomed the challenge, but delivered the needed performance with exceptional results.

The goal was to improve the manufacturer’s micro-assembly consistency with an ultra pure lubricant at a competitive cost.

Tectorius formulated the Tec-Slip™ product line for use in very sensitive environments such as clean rooms, electronics and optic assemblies. These materials are highly lubricious, non-conductive, dry film lubricants designed to minimise shedding of particles, and vapours, while providing lubrication for assembly and operation of highly sensitive devices. Tectorius provided a unique, cost-effective solution to the electronics manufacturer with the Tec-Slip family

112 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

of lubricants, delivering all required mechanical demands while meeting very stringent contamination requirements.

Similar concerns over particle shedding were expressed about other non-fastener components. Commonly used plastic pieces are usually filled with other ingredients to enhance performance.

Common fillers include a wide range of fibres, carbon, glass, talc, boron, aramid, etc. These materials can protrude from the surface of the moulded part, representing opportunity to generate the menacing particles. So, how to take advantage of the lighter weight and cost-effective moulded parts? Tectorius/ STS introduced the Tec-Kote™ family of coatings, a highly refined and durable surface sealing coating that closes pores and ‘locks down’ potential break points. Application of Tec-Kote greatly diminishes the tendency of surfaces to shed particles and emit vapours such as plasticisers and residues.

As we strive to improve products for performance, weight and cost, there are always unanticipated consequences waiting around every corner.

Adaptation of new exotic materials like carbon fibre composites, and specialised alloys, bring with them unexpected corrosion challenges.

Why would one expect corrosion problems to present themselves when using an organic composite? Unlike other more commonplace materials like fibreglass SMC, carbon fibre is itself, very conductive.

When fastening a composite panel, the fasteners can act as the contact point, facilitating sacrificial corrosion in parts that are very distant from each other in the assembly. To mitigate this, fasteners may be coated with specialised dielectric Tec-Kote products to prevent degradation that might not be detected for months or years.

Chemical coatings and component enhancement materials are often considered an afterthought for nagging assembly issues.

By simply scratching the surface of this topic, one can see that technology used in component coatings can often exceed that of the product itself. Broad scope planning and involvement of all related technology suppliers at the design stage, can help prevent costly redesign and field fixes before they happen. www.tectorius.com

ASSEMBLY: Perfected Your Complete Source for Fastener Coating and Assembly Needs

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IN-LINE WIRE DRAWING MACHINES For calibrating wire from 2,0 to 35,0 m, in-line with cold headers and machines for chains.

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HORIZONTAL WIRE DRAWING BULLBLOCKS For coil-to-coil wire drawing of cold heading wire from 5,0 to 32,0 mm.

Our lines are supplied complete with uncoilers, wire pointers, take-up units, coil compactors.

Tel. +39 0341.604801 Fax +39 0341.604289 www.tecnoimpianti-italy.com info@tecnoimpianti-italy.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Technical drivers for high performance fastener coatings Fastener coatings specialists must keep up with ever evolving requirements of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automotive industry to achieve success in their operations.

Here MacDermid Enthone looks at the key criteria that fastener design and corrosion engineers evaluate when choosing coatings for powertrain, exterior, interior and safety critical fasteners. Failure of coatings to meet these criteria could present major challenges to applicators worldwide.

So, what is the key criteria?

Environmental compliance

New coatings must conform to the latest legislative requirements.

The primary directives that a coated fastener must comply with are ELV (End of Life Vehicle) Directive, REACH (EU Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), and RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances). All new coatings are based around sacrificial zinc or alloys, with a trivalent chromium passivate and topcoat free of volatile organic components, and are fully compliant with these environmental needs.

Performance

All coatings must exceed defined resistance to both white and red rust. Additionally, depending on the application, the following requirements may be specified: Freedom from hydrogen embrittlement.

Good abrasion resistance (for retention of the surface protection, even when subjected to automated assembly feeds).

Compatibility with light metals.

Hardness for thread cutting.

The ability to be over-painted.

Global availability

As OEMs and their supply chains continue to globalise, the need for applicators applying consistent and reliable coatings is paramount.

Friction properties

Automated assembly demands consistent torque and tension properties.

Table 1: Key criteria for evaluation when choosing coatings for powertrain, exterior, interior and safety critical fasteners Application

Notes

Powertrain

Coatings free of debris are becoming more important to avoid contamination of transmission oils.

Exterior

Exterior coatings should have good deposit aesthetics and compatibility with light metals.

Black coatings are currently popular within the industry.

Interior

Low coating thickness is important to eliminate the concern of filling the head of the fastener with internal drive features.

Safety critical

Freedom from hydrogen embrittlement as these fasteners are found on seating and braking components.

Assessing the requirements of each fastener type in detail can enable understanding of why choosing the right coating is so important.

114 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Powertrain fasteners

Powertrain fasteners are located under the hood, around the engine, and within transmission systems. They need to provide good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, oil retention (for internal fasteners) and consistent coefficient of friction properties to ensure maximum joint security, without exceeding the proof load of the fastener. To meet these criteria, either zinc or phosphate coatings may be specified. The former, in conjunction with a suitable dry film lubricant, provides an abrasion resistant coating – which can be used to meet these requirements (and provide a debris free coating).

Phosphating is used when the fastener is constantly immersed in oil. For example, for internal fasteners in a gear box, which are not exposed to outside elements.

Exterior fasteners

Exterior fasteners are typically found on the chassis areas, and on the body trim, on the outside of the car – where there is visibility and the highest level of resistance is required. Prolonged exposure to the elements outside, such as sodium chloride, increases the chance of white and red rust on exterior fasteners.

Therefore, a long-term solution is critical to ensure reliable protection. Maintaining aesthetic appeal is also important for both end-users and product compliance, due to the prominent position of exterior fasteners.

An increasing number of companies are looking to zinc-nickel for use on exterior fasteners, as demands for improved quality grows. Compared to alternatives, such as organic-based coatings, zinc-nickel finishes offer more control over the thickness of coatings.

This allows OEMs to create bespoke high-quality solutions, even on fasteners with fine dimensional tolerances and recessed heads.

In comparison with other sacrificial coatings, zinc-nickel also reduces the effect of hydrogen embrittlement – a frequent problem with coatings for exterior fasteners. It also provides the basis for a black coating with extremely good aesthetics.

Interior fasteners

Aesthetic appeal and corrosion protection are important for interior fasteners, as they are equally visible to end users. For components, such as small screws in the dashboard, a sacrificial coating can be effective for both providing a decorative finish or as an adhesive base for paint coatings. Zinc based coatings offer corrosion resistance with a ‘chromium-like’ decorative finish or to provide a base for an organic paint coating. Additionally, zinc-iron may be used as this provides an economical, high performance black coating system with excellent corrosion resistance.

Safety critical fasteners

Component systems, such as wheels, seat belts, steering and suspension, and brake fasteners, all require safety critical fasteners that minimise risk and ensure consistent performance. In this application, mechanical zinc plated deposits are very popular.

This process allows steel of any hardness to be processed quickly and effectively, offering the same high protection as more conventional electroplated zinc deposits, without the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.

Conclusion

Today’s fastener design and corrosion engineers are faced with the challenge of evaluating coatings criteria to address applicators’ needs within the automotive industry. To meet such criteria, coatings must be environmentally compliant; be suitable with regards to friction requirements; must all be passivated; and have a top coat or dry film lubricant applied, which is free from any SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern). Finally, these coatings should be available to any suitable applicator worldwide.

At MacDermid Enthone, its ZinKlad programme incorporates all the elements outlined above within its worldwide applicator programme. For more information on the high performance ZinKlad coatings and approved applicators, visit www.zinklad.com

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 115

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Fast, clean, ecological: WASI stainless steel fasteners with Lubo Lubrication Working with Dutch company Lubo International B.V, WASI has expanded its range with a product that promises customers significant benefits in daily work – saving time as well as avoiding cold welding.

W

hether it’s screws, threaded bolts, hydraulic couplings or special constructions, using WASI stainless steel connecting elements pre-treated with Lubo Lubrication means you can work more efficiently and economically.

The constantly low coefficient of friction of 0.12 avoids cold welding. Screws can be driven at up to 800 rotations per minute and can also be unscrewed again at any time without being destroyed.

Thanks to its special characteristics, WASI connecting elements coated with Lubo Lubrication can be used in a wide variety of application, including machine construction, offshore assembly, shipbuilding, industry, structural engineering and civil engineering, as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

A large selection of Lubo coated products are already waiting in the WASI warehouse. The range is constantly being expanded. Advantages of WASI stainless steel fasteners pre-treated with Lubo Lubrication include: Drive screws up to 32x faster.

Up to 800rpm instead of 25rpm.

Automatic screw driving possible.

Constantly low coefficient of friction of 0.12 (like steel).

Precise torque calculations possible.

Also suitable under extreme conditions.

Resistant to fresh and salt water, weak lyes and acids (960 hour salt spray test).

Suitable for all conventional temperature ranges.

No contamination on machines, tools or workpieces.

Thin, insoluble film instead of thick, unmanageable lubricant doses.

Nondestructive removal possible.

Seized screws no longer need to be parted or drilled out or new threads cut.

Screws can be reused.

Safe for people and the environment.

Fulfils the FDA requirements and is also approved for pharmaceutical and food plant.

100% natural, environmentally friendly substances and minerals with no heavy metals in accordance with ELV (2000/53/EC). www.wasi.de

Whether it’s screws, threaded bolts, hydraulic couplings or special constructions, using WASI stainless steel connecting elements pre-treated with Lubo Lubrication means you can work more efficiently and economically.”

116 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

D D R E S S: OUR NE W A S SE 1 WA SI-ST R A PERTA L 42 2 87 W U P GERM A N Y

NEW LOCATION. NEW INNOVATIONS. NEW PERFORMANCE LEVELS. WASI is one of the leading specialists for stainless components. In addition to a broad and comprehensive standard programme, we also offer a host of new innovative products, for example: 3D adjusting elements – with a precision in the 0.01 millimetre range, they ensure that every machine is perfectly straight on the mount.

Stainless steel SB fittings certified according to EN15048 – they offer more than the norm requires, a marking with the batch number for documentation purposes.

Lubo Lubrication pretreated stainless fasteners – they maximise the efficiency and cost effectiveness of workflows without cold welding!

Laser engraving – our flexible process allows us to engrave all kinds of texts, numbers and motifs on almost all materials and geometries.

In our recently obtained new building with large warehouse we have even more space for our, in total, approximately 21,000 standard products and can therefore supply you with our products in a better and faster way.

We shall be pleased to advise you in your application.

T +49 (0)202 / 26 32 – 0 info@wasi.de, www.wasi.de

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

New Carlo Salvi logo unveiled in Tokyo The Japanese capital recently hosted MF-Tokyo 2017, which presented the opportunity for Carlo Salvi SpA, and other Italian companies, to participate at one of the biggest experiences in the world of metallurgy.

F

rom 12 th – 15th July the combined Hatebur and Carlo Salvi booth was an important stage to open the door to the Japanese market and to launch a new corporate design, denoting the union of the two companies. The fair provided the opportunity to exhibit live the header model 246 E (2 die – 4 blow), produced by Carlo Salvi, and to present by video, because of its large-scale, the new 7 station Coldmatic by Hatebur.

It is now more than a year since the Swiss Group acquired Carlo Salvi – a joining of forces that represents for both companies a great potential to achieve leadership in national and international markets. “The mission is to combine skills, powers and invention gathered during many years of experience. Join together to deal with the future challenges in a better way and be ever stronger,” is the objective underpinning the new motto “our performance, your advantage”.

To formalise the acquisition the two logos have been renewed since the beginning of July. The website, which is now in common for both companies, may still be reached at www.carlosalvi.com At MF-Tokyo, the companies also organised the first ‘Asia Representative Day’ with the Hatebur and Carlo Salvi representatives for the Asian markets from Korea, Thailand, China and Taiwan. Several journalists from important Japanese media titles also attended the meeting.

With more than 200 visitors at the booth, says Carlo Salvi, the experience can be considered the first step to successfully achieve many purposes, now even more ambitious, and which can be reached only by joining forces. www.carlosalvi.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Combining tradition and technology Founded in 1911, Nakashimada Engineeing Works Ltd has combined tradition with technology to establish itself as a leading manufacturer of cold/warm heading machinery that satisfies the demands of component and fastener makers worldwide. Here we speak to President and CEO Masahiro Nakashimada to find out how the company has developed and what its plans are for the future.

What have been the key points in Nakashimada’s development over the last 100+ years and what have been the main challenges?

“Since 1911 we have made many different types and kinds of machines. Initially we started with precision grinding machines and crankshaft grinding machines. However, our precision machine building technology and experience led to the creation of headers. The turning points were in 1960 with the H20 model and in 1969 with the 2D3B header.

Over the last 50 years we have increased our in-house production rate of machine parts and improved the drawing and processing of each machine so that we are now known for our high precision and durable cold forging machines. On average, we develop 2 to 3 new machine types and close to 100 new tooling projects every year. Having said that, we still have not produced a perfect machine. That is always our aim for the future.”

What are the main advantages of customers using Nakashimada machinery and how does the company ensure that it presents a consistent service to customers around the world?

“At Nakashimada we are known for the high precision of our produced parts, as well as the durability and reliability of the machines. In addition to providing the machinery, we also have an excellent after sales service and we can supply spare parts to customers as and when they need them.

We sometimes had a problem with the language barrier, being a Japanese based company, and an even bigger headache was trying to acquire a working visa for our service engineers. However, we are in the process of localising our service, which will enable us to send the right person to the right place and at the right time.”

What are the benefits of being a Japanese manufacturer?

What opportunities does this bring?

“A very difficult question. Personally, I am fond of old classic cars and I have owned some German, Italian and English cars.

One of the charms of these old industrial products is that they reflect the character of each producing country. Certainly Japanese products have their charm as well. Having said that, while globalisation opens many markets, it has also blurred the differentiation of values these products from different countries represent. At present, products ‘Made in Japan’ are highly trusted.

But with the need for global talents, I believe it is important for Nakashimada to develop a unique on-site education system for training our workers regardless of their nationality. I hope that from now on customers choose our products not because they are ‘Made in Japan’ but rather they are ‘Made by Nakashimada’.”

120 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

How are customers’ needs changing and which markets have potential for the future?

“The era when the need for production speed was paramount has somewhat changed. The biggest concerns now are the prevention of scratches and the contamination of inferior products, as well as safety issues. We have to embody new ideas regarding these aspects.

Meanwhile, recent demands are for hard to form materials, high precision and near net shape manufacturing processes.

Regardless of the industry and its application, the question is always to find out how to form the products that could not be done so far. I believe the market is always thinking ahead.”

…we are in the process of localising our service, which will enable us to send the right person to the right place and at the right time.”

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ENGINEERING WORKS, LTD. PHONE: +81(0) 943 32-4331 FAX: +81(0) 943 32-5134 1164-4 HIYOSHI, HIROKAWA, YAME, FUKUOKA, 834-0196, JAPAN http://www.nakashimada.co.jp E-mail: sales@nakashimada.co.jp NAKASHIMADA ENGINEERING WORKS, LTD. PHONE: +81(0) 943 32-4331 FAX: +81(0) 943 32-5134 1164-4 HIYOSHI, HIROKAWA, YAME, FUKUOKA, 834-0196, JAPAN http://www.nakashimada.co.jp E-mail: sales@nakashimada.co.jp PHONE: +81(0) 943 32-4331 FAX: +81(0) 943 32-5134 http://www.nakashimada.co.jp E-mail: sales@nakashimada.co.jp

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY How important is it to constantly be innovating products and services and do you think that technology developments have gone as far as they can?

“It is a machine maker’s mission to pursue technological advancement. Yet, we must not forget that about 70% of the nearly 10,000 sets of machines delivered to the market are still running. It is also our responsibility, as far as possible, to continue servicing and supplying parts to these old machines.

Including fasteners, there are still many parts that cannot be forged into shape due to various technical reasons. As long as there are parts that cannot be formed, forging technology still needs to improve. As such, headers, part-formers and manufacturing processes have to constantly evolve to realise that. Automation and automatic monitoring are key developments going forward.

On top of improving the basic performance of machines, we must also predict the operation needs for the future. There are still many things to do.”

…recent demands are for hard to form materials, high precision and near net shape manufacturing processes… the question is always to find out how to form the products that could not be done so far.”

122 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

What are Nakashimada’s plans and challenges for the future?

“Our older generation of engineers and craftsmen have contributed a great deal over the years to the development of our in-house technology and know-how. As time goes by, the passing down of knowledge from these veterans to the new generation has become one big challenge. From now on, in order to foster more aggressive talents, it is necessary to convey to the young generation that Nakashimada is the place for new opportunities and technological development.

Concentrating on the development of selected and special machine types – in order to offer customers the best machine to achieve total customer satisfaction – is an important aspect, as is the job satisfaction sought after by Nakashimada employees.”

What are your thoughts on the consolidation trends that have been happening in the machinery sector?

What do you think will happen in the future?

“All technology developed will be for more sophisticated machines that are easier to produce. They must also be safer to use and environmentally friendly. We must make machines that surpass customers’ requests. Since attracting and keeping excellent young people is an important issue, Nakashimada is no exception, we must maximise the effective use of our limited human resource to supply the best machines in the world. We aim to select and concentrate on the development of machines for specialty areas.”

How does Nakashimada intend to integrate with Industry 4.0 and what are your thoughts on 3D printing?

“Automation and robotisation through the use of the internet makes the human factor more generalised. I expect that manufacturing activities in different parts of the world will also become more standardised. The development of technology will contribute positively to both the living and working environment especially for those who are physically disabled. Human dignity and pride should not be a victim of economic development.

Technological advancement should be for the betterment of human race and not to eliminate the importance value of it.

As for 3D printing, the availability of future materials will increase and so will the versatility of their usage. However, they should not hinder the development of other technology. In our case, we emphasise the use of hand scraping to enhance our tight machine clearance. Differences are present depending on individual worker’s experience. I must admit that if individual differences are eliminated, machines and parts with the same tolerance can be made. However, there are threats of imitation, and risk of information leaks such as technical drawings. As the pride of a maker, whether these reasonable and ethical problems can be solved will be the biggest concern.” www.nakashimada.co.jp

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

No frills, just deals at the Las Vegas Show 2017 The Las Vegas Show will be one of the most important stages anticipating Dimac’s thirty year anniversary in 2018.

D

imac has announced a renewed partnership with North America’s Angor-Intools, which it will co-host booth 518 at The Fastener Show in Las Vegas. The Italian company will exhibit the latest technology dedicated to inspection and sorting.

Dimac – a specialist in quality and control – will be honoured to lead attendees on a virtual journey through the workshop of tomorrow, spotlighting the new generation SPC-LAB series. This mobile, space-saving, plug and play unit streamlines accurate data collection and Statistical Process Control (SPC), putting production shops on a virtuous cycle of better measurement, analysis, improvement and control. Replacing traditional tools, it ensures part quality for the end customers and improves overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) significantly, reducing first time scrap and downstream sorting while increasing production cycle time.

“We aim to identify and gain straightforward insight into the major technological trends developing in the sector,” General Manager Massimo Agrati explains. “Vegas is one of the main touchpoints for networking between parts manufacturers, distributors, and allied industry, in search of new products, services or partners.”

The recently upgraded and modernised MCV1 model is certainly

one of the aces up Dimac’s sleeve. “Customers appreciate its modularity and versatility in addition to its functionality,” Mr Agrati argues. “Leading companies such as Canada’s Formnet Inc and Thomopson Fasteners Inc, or US Sems & Specials, AIC California, and CMG Park, have fleets of MCV1 continuously running in their plants.” This automatic machine guarantees fast setting and high productivity, which means a significant saving in terms of costs and time. Sorting and the inspection of parts is carried out by high-resolution digital cameras, equipped with the latest generation of telecentric optics. High-speed NDT stations by Eddy current equipment can be installed as an option for heat treatment control, as well to detect the presence of plating and crack detection.

Both models rely on MCVx vision software, developed to detect even the most crucial features such as head and shank diameter, lengths, straightness, concentricity, thread angle.

For 30 years, Dimac has placed innovation at the heart of its priorities, becoming a recognised benchmark in a great many countries, reflecting a worldwide dynamism in know-how, skills and innovations. www.dimacsrl.com

Sacma Inspiring The Future New - NET SHAPE PARTS FORMER SC800 - Transfer Part Presence Control New SC-Matic panel Solid body made of perlitic spheroidal cast iron

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Smart in-process monitoring with the Brankamp X-series The Brankamp X-series from Marposs SpA presents a range of devices for in-process monitoring of cold and hot forming, thread rolling and stamping operations.

P

rocess monitoring has come a long way from mere overload detection with maximum force limits, to much more refined monitoring algorithms with ever improving performance. Increasing complexity and the trend towards lightweight construction result in higher deformation levels required for cold forged parts. Process integrated monitoring methods offer an effective way of detecting quality defects such as cracks in head or flange sections, fractures in tool elements and turned or mis-introduced parts.

Detecting these leads to a 100% workpiece quality control.

This can only be achieved by an in-process monitoring based on processors powerful enough for complex evaluation algorithms. Optimisation of the entire signal processing ensures the detection of slight signal variations such as those created by cracks in the formed part, misaligned parts, and tool breakages or chippings.

The Brankamp X-series from Marposs presents a range of devices for in-process monitoring of cold and hot forming, thread rolling and stamping operations. The sophisticated X5 and X7 versions are designed to detect even slight signal fluctuations. High-resolution measuring technology makes forming-force signals visible and compatible with powerful monitoring methods in a unique way.

High performance signal processing hardware, combined with intelligent monitoring software, and a flexible machine interface, enables users to operate with various sorting devices running simultaneously or alternately. The software configuration of the X-series simplifies operations and combines them with an expert database, optimiser for automatic envelopecurve optimisation, and integrated fault diagnosis.

Process monitoring with the X-series offers detailed fault detection during forming and rolling, while detecting malfunctions in the running process. The limits of, for example, detectable crack size and depth mainly depend on the stability of the corresponding process as it is usual in process monitoring.

Brankamp’s monitoring X units combine automated functions with sophisticated signal evaluation. If identical processing malfunctions reoccur repeatedly, the monitoring device can automatically determine the type, cause, and location of the defect, and deploy

AICHELIN enhances management to support expansion Continued business success and ongoing international growth at AICHELIN Group, means management workload has been constantly increasing. For this reason, the owners of Berndorf AG and the management board of AICHELIN Group have appointed a new CFO to the executive board.

A

fter a thorough selection procedure, Dr Ronald W. Eibler has joined the AICHELIN Group as the new CFO and managing director of Aichelin Holding GmbH. Dr Peter Schobesberger, CEO of the Aichelin Group, is looking forward to jointly leading the Aichelin Group on its continued success and growth path. He is pictured on the left welcoming Dr Eibler.

Dr Eibler held a long international career at Philips Electronics, where he worked the previous 18 years abroad in numerous commercial management positions. His last assignment was CFO and managing director at Philips IT – infrastructure and operations in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Dr Eibler is 50 years old and a Vienna native. He started his new position in Mödling, Austria, on 21st August 2017.

AICHELIN Holding – with its production companies AICHELIN, AFC-Holcroft, EMA Indutec, SAFED, BOSIO, and NOXMAT – is a leading provider of high-quality plants and systems for heat treatment solutions.

The company’s roots date back to 1868. With a turnover of approximately €200 million, and more than 1,000 employees, it is among the world’s top three heat treatment companies. AICHELIN Group is owned by Berndorf AG.

126 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

4.0 The Brankamp X-series from Marposs offers sophisticated devices for the monitoring of forming processes

suitable measures to deal with the situation. Previously detected malfunctions are stored together with reliable instructions on the location of the fault and the suitable repair measures to be deployed.

Using an internal expert database to store special monitoring knowledge has several advantages: Less adjustment tasks for each new product; consistent device configuration to ensure constant monitoring quality; and reduced training costs for the operator.

The more comprehensive and detailed the failure description is stored in the knowledge database, the easier the correct diagnosis of processing malfunctions becomes. The accumulated expert knowledge in the database then provides reliable troubleshooting advice. A reduction in machine downtime for repairs is turned into a tool for cutting the costs of cold forming. www.marposs.com

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

CAN-ENG supplies system for Mexican tier 1 auto supplier

Tool protection

Quality control

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Set up aide Machine protection Productivity increase

Process optimisation Big Data analysis

CAN-ENG Furnaces International Ltd has recently been awarded a contract to design and build a 1,500lb/hr mesh belt furnace system for the austenitising and molten salt quenching of unique components used in the manufacture of drivetrain systems.

T

his contract was awarded by a repeat client who has favoured CAN-ENG for several multi-facility heat treatment lines. Incorporating several technological advancements for continuous atmosphere processing of products requiring carbon diffusion and quenching via a molten salt system, known as austempering, the new system includes: Automated bin-dumping loading, mesh belt atmosphere hardening furnace, salt quench, post quench wash and rinse system, mesh belt temper oven, and endothermic gas generator.

This new project is a result of CAN-ENG’s commitment to its customer’s success, years of teamwork, and mutual cooperation, yielding a custom engineering project integrating the customer’s focused needs with CAN-ENG’s robust continuous mesh belt heat treatment system technology.

The project is scheduled to be commissioned early 2018 in Mexico’s central automotive manufacturing corridor.

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Managing international business with IFS GERHARDI Kunststofftechnik GmbH, an automotive supplier of galvanised and technically sophisticated plastic parts, has announced that it will manage its international business with IFS Applications™ 9, in a contract valued at €1.68 million.

B

y choosing IFS Applications 9, GERHARDI will implement a unified and modern solution that supports the processes of all its divisions and locations. It will also cover the international requirements of the newly established US production site, as well as ensure transparency across the entire group. The IFS solution supports mission-critical processes such as accounting, human resources, production, supply chain management, and document management. IFS Applications will replace a varied landscape of stand-alone legacy systems “IFS Applications offers comprehensive functionality that covers many of our requirements without the need for additional customisations,” said Sacha Treude, ERP project manager at GERHARDI. “The solution’s modern architecture and intuitive user experience were also important deciding factors. Furthermore, the company’s international presence and well documented expertise in the automotive industry made IFS the ideal software partner for us.”

IFS develops and delivers enterprise software for customers around the world who manufacture and distribute goods, maintain assets, and manage service focused operations. Its team of 3,300 employees supports more than one million users worldwide from a network of local offices and through its growing ecosystem of partners.

EH Smith chooses Kerridge Commercial Systems EH Smith Builders Merchants has chosen Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd as its ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems provider after a rigorous selection process.

O

ne of the largest independent builders and timber merchants in the UK, EH Smith Builders Merchants stocks a comprehensive range of building supplies and trade products. Under the leadership of John Cave, technical sales director at EH Smith, an experienced team evaluated a wide range of options and spoke to buying group peers.

“Our decision to go with K8 was based upon many factors and in particular its ability to manage rebates, inventory and margins.

Furthermore, the strength and depth of knowledge of our sector within the KCS team was unrivalled,” explained John.

This investment in ERP systems represents one of the biggest single investments made by the company. A significant level of cost within this investment has been allocated to the training of EH Smith’s very experienced workforce.

The implementation of K8 will also give EH Smith the opportunity to totally rewrite its product file from scratch, using new data from its substantial supplier database that could amount to over 250,000 product lines.

The EH Smith ERP systems will be hosted by KCS and will replace all its current financial and trading systems.

Manufacturing leaders run Plex Systems Plex Systems Inc, a specialist in cloud ERP for manufacturing, has stated that leading innovators in discrete and process manufacturing are continuing to choose and deploy the Plex Manufacturing Cloud to run their businesses.

U

S-based Plex delivers ERP and manufacturing automation to more than 550 companies in over 1,800 facilities worldwide.

Plex provides cloud solutions for the shop floor – connecting suppliers, machines, people, systems and customers with capabilities that are easy to configure, deliver continuous innovation and reduce IT costs. With insight that starts on the production line, Plex helps companies see and understand every aspect of their business ecosystems, enabling them to lead in an ever changing market.

Companies utilising Plex include API Heat Transfer Inc, a manufacturer that designs and delivers heat transfer solutions for

nearly every industry application, and Knightscope – a developer of advanced autonomous security robots, including both droids and cars, found across the US. “We wanted Plex to be the backbone of our deployment around the country,” said William Santana Li, chairman and CEO at Knightscope.

“Partnering with Plex has enabled us to scale operations in-line with our business growth, giving our breakthrough technology a strong infrastructure that provides the flexibility and adaptability to deliver ‘best in class’ security and ultimately have a positive effect on society.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 131

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

New Kanban container ROM | LTB

F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG has developed a new ROM | LTB container in cooperation with SSI SCHÄFER – a leading provider of systems for intra-company material flows – which it says is a well thought out concept based on practical experience. It can be deployed anywhere in production and logistics where material replenishing is steered by Kanban systems.

T

he new REYHER container is fitted with an extremely versatile sliding mechanism that can be transformed from an open visible storage container into a transport container in one action. For transporting nuts, screws or other fasteners the sliding mechanism is simply pulled up. No extra load securing plug or flap elements or label holders required. This saves time as well as environmental resources.

When the container is in use, the sliding mechanism is switched into its lower position, creating a generous opening for removing materials from the container. Where space requirement is an important factor, the new ROM | LTB scores with up to 28% higher fill volume compared to conventional containers. This means storage capacity is increased – optimising space used. The REYHER container can also be combined with many common sloped or flat bottom shelving systems and with a depth of 297mm, and a width of 197.5mm, it helps to optimise shelf space. This means that in a standard shelf rack that is 1,000mm wide, five containers can be placed side by side instead of the usual four containers.

Labelling is just as flexible as combining the REYHER containers with various shelving systems. The transparent label holder in

the sliding mechanism, on the front of the container, protects the label from soiling or damage and it cannot fall out. The label is not permanently fixed to the container so that it can be easily exchanged. For companies where VDA regulations apply, there is a special label holder available on the side of the container, in-line with VDA standards.

When designing the container various parameters were taken into consideration. When small items are stored in the ROM | LTB the rounded interior bottom makes removing items easier. For heavy items, stability is provided by the strengthening rib-structure on the outer base of the container. Ergonomic aspects are taken care of by the recessed grips on the containers, which have extra robust strengthening. The openings on the top edge of the container are for automatic handling by systems or robots.

The ROM | LTB container also looks good. The subtle shade of blue gives it a friendly hue. In addition, the sliding mechanism closes up completely in every position, which makes for a positive appearance and also provides operational safety, since no small material remainders are left that could disrupt the shelving system. www.reyher.de

For companies where VDA regulations apply, there is a special label holder available on the side of the container, in-line with VDA standards

132 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

New ‘Pick And Drop’ functionality streamlines warehouse management

Efficient and accurate receipt of goods is a task every business that handles stock needs to manage and getting the received stock into the right location within the warehouse for picking is often where the most time is taken.

W

ith this in mind, many companies will look to keep the booking in of stock as streamlined as possibly by operating a put away process. They will use a specific location or bins to initially book stock into, enabling them to quickly receive the goods. This gets goods registered onto their system before then moving the stock from this holding location into the correct bins within the warehouse.

In large warehouse operations where bin space is often used for storing whole pallets of stock, having additional detail relating to sizes of available bins can generate greater efficiency when putting away stock. By having a system in place to automatically direct staff to a suitably sized bin, occasions where staff arrive at bins to find that the pallet is too large can be easily prevented.

Additionally, in environments where fork lifts are used to place stock on high up racking, knowing in advance the size and weight these storage spaces can support can also help to streamline operations.

OrderWise already provides functionality for handling goods in, warehouse management and stock control operations. This includes existing functionality on its OrderWise Mobile WMS devices, which enable staff to be

134 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

OrderWise already provides functionality for handling goods in, warehouse management and stock control operations.”

directed to the next available bin of the right size when putting away stock.

Users can create their own bin sizes by supplying width, depth and height measurements, which can then be applied to stock locations, with bins then assigned to items as required.

While also taking into account the most efficient walk routes, OrderWise intuitively uses the bin size information to guide the user during stock put away, suggesting on-screen the nearest empty bin based upon the size of the item.

If Wi-Fi is available while stock is scanned into the destination bin, information will be updated on the main system to ensure real time data synchronisation is achieved.

With the functionality to record bin sizes, businesses using OrderWise could benefit from greater efficiency when putting away stock arriving from suppliers and higher levels of warehouse productivity.

New ‘Pick and Drop’ functionality

Now extending these features, the latest OrderWise release sees further structured functionality added to enhance warehouse operations from the point of goods in.

‘Pick and Drop’ functionality enables efficient handling of stock that has been booked into a goods in area and needs to be moved first to an intermediate location then to a final destination within the warehouse.

The process ensures that stock is promptly entered onto the system and that goods in areas are free for further receipt of goods. To achieve this, a new tab has been added to the Container Goods In (CGI) module and a new module has been added to the Mobile OrderWise application.

Stock booked into a goods in area is placed into a Container Goods In (CGI) bin where it is now showing on the system. The stock can then be moved onto Pick and Drop (P+D) bins on the aisle ends within the warehouse.

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Stock is moved onto the P+D bins at the ends of the aisles via the ‘Move to P+D bin’ tab in the CGI module, which is made in real time. Finally, stock can then be moved from an aisle end P+D bin into a final destination picking bin.

When moving stock from P+D bins to their destination bins, the OrderWise Mobile WMS devices will suggest which bin to move the stock into by automatically analysing the bin size. If the picker arrives at the destination bin to find there isn’t space available, their Mobile WMS device will then suggest the next suitable bin in the closest proximity to the originally recommended location. Additionally, goods in discrepancy reasons can be added when skipping these bins in the pick and drop process. As normal, these reasons can then be reviewed and marked as checked from within the goods in module.

Thanks to this intuitive new functionality, OrderWise users could save time and improve efficiency by ensuring staff are always directed to a bin capable of taking the stock being moved.

Although particularly beneficial for businesses handling large volumes of palletised stock with forklifts, any company looking to add efficiency to stock put away – where intermediate locations are used – can utilise this new mobile module for a more intuitive and streamlined process.

TECHNICAL

Welding vs fastening – vibration resistant, direct tension lockbolts change the equation For years welding was seen as the only way to ensure the integrity of joints in demanding load-bearing or high vibration structures.

So, companies manufacturing heavy-duty equipment or fabricating large, metal structures continued to employ the universally accepted process of welding joints together.

H

ere Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings looks at the alternatives to welding, one of the foremost being direct-tension installed, swaged lockbolts, such as HuckBolt®. These unique engineered fasteners, proven in such demanding applications as truck suspensions and chassis, railroad track crossings, and heavy defence vehicles, are now being used in a number of products and structures where welding was once the only option.

Welding – proven, but not without drawbacks

While welding is proven to be one of the surest processes for securing a joint, there are a number of issues relating to it.

To begin, the welding process is very time consuming, particularly in situations where in-depth inspection procedures are required.

Welding also requires skilled, often highly paid, technicians, and in some industries, such as oil and gas, quality welders are both difficult to find and to retain.

The heat generated by welding can often reduce the strength of the metals being joined, and damage critical surface coatings.

In addition, welding dissimilar metals or pieces of varying sizes can be a challenge. Welding also often requires an ongoing process of inspection, with many of these procedures being both costly and time-consuming. Also, as most companies who make extensive use of welding as part of their manufacturing or fabrication process have discovered, the removal and/or rework of a weld can be problematic.

Last, but most assuredly not least, welding is a dirty, dangerous process. Safety is a critical issue, since many fires have been started by a random spark created while welding. At the same time, spent rods and other remnants of the welding process are an ongoing housekeeping issue in shops where welding is performed on a regular basis.

Engineered lockbolts – an alternative to welding

Over the past 30 years, engineered lockbolts – such as Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings’ HuckBolts – have replaced welding in more and more demanding applications. Today, one can find advanced HuckBolt fasteners doing the job in a wide range of applications that once solely belonged to welding.

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A typical BobTail® HuckBolt

Structural HuckBolts, offered in a wide range of sizes (up to 1 3/8 inch) and materials, consist of a pin and a collar. These advanced fasteners are installed using a direct tension technique, in which the pin is pulled and the collar is simultaneously swaged into the locking grooves of the pin, deforming the collar into the grooves.

Based on their design and unique direct tension installation, HuckBolts deliver ultimately consistent clamp for a strong, stable, and vibration resistant joint.

HuckBolt installation tool

Chart One: A typical Huckbolt installation engages the following sequence:

A BobTailÂŽ HuckBolt can be installed in as little as two seconds*. This quick cycle is due, in part, to the short time required to apply the tool to the pin and initiate the installation cycle. Once the operator engages the trigger, the swage and eject sequence is programmed to complete the cycle without any additional installer input. *Based on a typical installation of a 5/8 inch Grade 8 fastener

There are a number of reasons why many manufacturers of heavy equipment are actively investigating the possibility of using direct tension lockbolts in their assembly process. To begin, even taking into consideration the need to drill a hole, installing a lockbolt is significantly faster than welding a joint. A quick visual inspection is all that is required to confirm the accuracy and quality of the installation. In addition, an operator requires a minimal amount of training in order to be proficient in the installation of HuckBolts. One is no longer at the mercy of a limited pool of expensive skilled labour.

HuckBolts can be effectively used with virtually any metal, and dissimilar metals with dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion present no problems. Varying piece sizes in a joint are readily accommodated, and surface finishes are not harmed. Most importantly, HuckBolts are proven to hold up over years of service in demanding high-stress, high-vibration environments.

Finally, employing lockbolts, such as the HuckBolt, in key joining applications eliminates all of the housekeeping and safety issues that are integral to the welding process. HuckBolts are installed using a quiet, jolt-free swaging action, eliminating the

potential for repetitive stress syndrome issues. There are no sparks to start fires or cause explosions, nor any debris on the floor that can lead to slips and falls.

Chart Two Industries employing HuckBolts Heavy-duty trucks Over the road trailers Railroad track and crossing Railcar and locomotives Agricultural equipment and implements Aerospace Mining shaker screens and shaft construction Defence vehicles Oilfield equipment

While welding is proven to be one of the surest processes for securing a joint, there are a number of issues relating to it.â&#x20AC;?

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 137

TECHNICAL

HuckBolt® fastening technology – eliminating the effects of vibration

In addition to providing faster, safer, and more accurate joining of pieces, there are several unique design elements of HuckBolts that also ensure their ultimate resistance to the effects of vibration. Compared to conventional nut and bolt installations, which can loosen in high vibration environments, HuckBolts have proven to be impervious to the effect of vibration in a number of very demanding applications. The secret to this performance difference can be found in the unique HuckBolt design, in which the collar is fully swaged into the locking grooves of the pin (Chart Three).

In contrast, conventional nut and bolt fasteners leave a slight gap between the crest and root of the threads when installed. This gap becomes problematic when exposed to transverse vibration, and can allow for rapid loss of clamp.

Chart Three Gap comparison HuckBolt

Standard nut & bolt

The swaged collar forms over the lock thread, and eliminates the gap

Regular nuts and bolts have gap, which allows for loosening by vibration

Another key difference between HuckBolt and conventional fastener installations is found in the structure of the threads of each of the fastening systems. Instead of the deep threads required to achieve a tolerance fit between conventional nuts and bolts, the HuckBolt pin requires only shallow locking grooves into which the collar is swaged. The shallow design of the locking grooves allows for a much larger pin root radius, which contributes significantly to the fatigue strength – up to 5 times that of a conventional nut and bolt. Overall, a HuckBolt lockbolt provides superior vibration resistance, as indicated by the study charted below (Chart Four).

Clamp (LBF)

25,000

Chart Four Transverse vibration comparison 14mm class 10.9

15,000 10,000 5,000 0

50

100

150

200

250

Huck structural blind rivets

For applications where only one side of the joint material is accessible, performance engineered Huck structural blind fasteners can often meet design requirements. These blind fasteners can deliver the shear and tensile strength to meet the demands of a number of heavy-duty applications. Available in diameters ranging from 3/16 inch to ¾ inch, these fasteners offer a combination of strength and vibration resistance, easy installation, and a high-level of safe operation.

Summary

20,000

0

Over the past 30 years, engineered lockbolts – such as Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings’ HuckBolts – have replaced welding in more and more demanding applications.”

300

Time (seconds)

138 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

It should be noted that HuckBolts and Huck structural blind fasteners are not designed to replace all welds. These fasteners can leave a protrusion, which may not be acceptable for some applications. However, there are many applications where welding has been traditionally employed, in which these fasteners are a viable alternative. Engineered for easy installation, and long, reliable life, these direct tension HuckBolts and structural blind fasteners can be a faster, more cost-efficient, and safer alternative to traditional welding processes.

For more information on the full line of HuckBolt direct tension installed fasteners, please visit www.AFSHuck.net/NoWeld

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

The light at the end of the tunnel

How TOGE brought the Nuremberg metro up to date Renovating an underground railway system without weeks of construction and chaos caused by delays and diversions was previously unheard of. That is, until a unique concrete bolt emerged in Nuremberg.

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he people of Nuremberg are proud of their underground system, which is among the most modern in Europe. The city, located in Bavaria, southern Germany, has the only underground network in Germany where two of the three lines operate automatically, without train drivers. Nuremberg trains travel the equivalent of the circumference of the earth twice each day, carrying more than one hundred million passengers per year.

After 40 years of continuous use, it comes as no surprise that a renovation of the track beds was required to ensure passenger safety. The main beam, also known as a concrete stringer, which attaches the tracks to the tunnel floor, had simply sustained damage in too many places.

This was a daunting issue for the provider of the Nuremberg metro services, VAG (Verkehrs-Aktiengesellschaft Nürnberg). Normally, metro companies need to completely shut down a track for weeks during the renovation of such concrete stringers. Employing water pressure to remove the concrete, it is a time-consuming and extremely dangerous job, considering the many power lines inside the tunnel.

Long delays caused by closed tunnels are costly for the track operators, adversely affecting train traffic and irritating passengers.

Coming to the rescue, a brand new innovation caught VAG’s attention just as it started planning the renovation.

Local Nuremberg dowel and concrete bolt manufacturer TOGE Dübel won a railway innovation award for a new concept that enhances the sustainability of existing concrete bridges.

Present in the audience, VAG representatives were intrigued and had the idea of trying the concept for the first time in an underground rail environment.

Currently, work is under way at the first three stations: Bärenschanze, Gostenhof and Maximilianstrasse. Work on the second largest station in the network, the ‘Plärrer’, with 98,000 passengers daily, is planned for 2017.

The rails of the Nuremberg underground are fitted onto longitudinal beams made of reinforced concrete using a rail mounting system, which is, in turn, connected to the tunnel floor.

In recent years, the concrete stringers have been repeatedly damaged. The new concrete bolts are fitted with a patented special thread that cuts into the borehole wall upon application.

140 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Instead of complete reconstruction, concrete bolts measuring 36cm and weighing 1kg are utilised as load-bearing components to improve the life span of the overall track bed construction. The bolts are fitted with a patented special thread that cuts into the borehole wall upon application. The force of the bolt is mechanically transferred to the anchor base and the concrete is fixed in place.

“Completely removing a concrete stringer and installing a new one could never be accomplished without service disruption,” says Waldemar Gunkel, technical director of TOGE and one of the two inventors of the new generation of concrete bolts.

“In Nuremberg, however, our system is only being installed between the hours of 23:00 and 04:00. By the morning, everything is running normally.”

During these working hours, only one track is shut down and trains are redirected via a single track, while the porous areas of concrete on each stringer are chipped away and replaced. Finally, the stringers are fixed into the ground utilising the concrete bolts. Since the bolts need to be drilled into the concrete, there is a risk of inclination as the drilling machine might not be positioned at an exact 90º angle.

That’s why all concrete bolts that are being used in this first project are secured by Nord-Lock X-series washers. Their conical shape can compensate for the inclination, while the wedge effect prevents spontaneous bolt loosening due to vibration.

The Nord-Lock connection came via Deutsche Bahn – Germany’s national railway operator – where Nord-Lock original wedge-locking technology has long been prescribed as the standard. Jochen Süssenbach, Nord-Lock project account manager, sees great potential in this new approach to metro renovation. “We’re looking at a huge renovation of the tunnels that virtually doesn’t affect the timetable at all,” he says.

“In terms of costs, it’s also a solution that beats any conventional method.”

So far, the renovation is running as planned. The first construction phase has even been completed a week ahead of schedule and the total time for construction carried out at all three metro stations will last six weeks instead of several months, which could have been the case with the previous method.

The concrete bolts themselves are designed to last for 50 years. No concrete will last that long, but further renovations will not be necessary for decades. Describing TOGE’s innovation award winning solution, Bavarian Interior and Transport Minister Joachim Herrmann said the following: “We have our fingers right on the pulse.”

He hinted at the billion-dollar losses that Germany faces due to the poor condition of some 120,000 highway bridges and 30,000 railway bridges.

The underground rail systems are in a similar state. Just as in Nuremberg, most metro networks in Germany, as well as in the rest of Europe, were established in the 1970s. Gunkel thinks TOGE has found an important application for its concrete bolt: “This project gives us the boost to further drive our product development forward.” www.nord-lock.com

Nord-Lock Group – a trusted partner for the railway industry Starting with rolling stock some 20 years ago, Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers are now found in all safety-related areas of the railway industry, such as bogies, coupling devices, brake systems, rail dampers, housing, and many more.

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ord-Lock washers ensure the functionality of bolted joints, even at the highest levels of vibration caused by rail traffic. One example is in railway switches – highly complex structures that must be used as long as possible with minimal maintenance, while exposed to the elements and to considerable stress.

Nord-Lock Steel Construction Washers (NLSC) help railway companies avoid operational downtime, thus saving money. When renovating or replacing old bridges, small temporary bridges are assembled on-site with a bolt preload of 100% to achieve secure bolted joints. However, these bolt connections can only be used once. Using Nord-Lock washers, the preload can be reduced.

Overhead line masts and signal masts must cope with severe dynamic loads caused by passing trains. Given the large number of masts, reliable bolt connections are crucial to reducing maintenance costs. With their special geometry, Nord-Lock X-series washers increase security, including on bolted joints with short clamp length, as well as in softer materials.

A recent application for the Nord-Lock X-series is noise-absorbing walls, which cope with extreme vibrations from passing trains.

In Germany alone, 3,000km of noise-absorbing walls are to be installed by 2030. A combination of concrete bolts and X-series washers will be used to attach noise-absorbing barriers on existing bridge decks, many of which were not designed for noise barriers.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 141

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Working with the rail sector Here we speak to Daniel Starbuck, director at Star Fasteners (UK) Ltd, about the challenges of working within the rail industry and what it takes to become a key partner for the railway vehicle and infrastructure sectors.

What products and services can Star Fasteners provide the rail market and what are the main advantages of customer partnering with Star?

“Star Fasteners is a well-established leader in the global Huck® fastener distribution network. We are committed to supplying customers with the highest quality and most innovative fastener solutions on the market.

Huck fastening solutions are used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive and road transportation, bridge building, buildings and structures, defence and security, electronics and appliances, industrial equipment, marine, medical, oil and gas, as well as the rail market.

We work with a variety of rail customers and we can offer a bespoke service to ensure that we deliver a complete solution.

We offer technical advice and support from highly qualified and knowledgeable staff – who offer fastener recommendations for potential applications and also provide after sales support. We look to adopt an open and dynamic working partnership with our customers to deliver new products and services. This joint collaboration drives continuous improvement, profitability and growth.

Another important factor is being able to solve problems and suggest innovative fastening solutions. At Star Fasteners we have many years of technical knowledge and we are flexible enough to adapt fastening solutions to the needs of our customers. It is also vital that you offer a total supply solution. Thanks to our extensive Huck fastener and installation tool knowledge, we can minimise incompatibility issues, which is crucial to the reduction of costs and reduces production down-time.

A key service we can also deliver is in-house or on-site tool repairs and servicing, which helps keep production lines rolling and ensures fasteners are installed correctly. At Star Fasteners we stock a comprehensive range of new installation tools, as well as tooling spares, and we also offer a hire service.”

typically less than 70dB. The elimination of the shock load and reduced noise can offer real and significant health and safety benefits. Declared by DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) as ‘maintenance free’, the 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 20mm and 1 inch diameter BobTail is now approved to be used in both static and dynamic civil engineering applications.

As well as being the UK’s largest Huck fastener stockist, Star Fasteners is an accredited Huck tool service and repair department. Star’s expert technical knowledge and a large tool hire fleet complements the service. An important aspect of Star Fasteners quality promise is a well-stocked tool room.

BobTail® lockbolt

What are the main products and services Star Fasteners provides to the rail sector?

“Our range of Huck fasteners can be installed wherever there’s a requirement for structural strength and resistance to vibration and loosening, making them suitable for a wide range of tough engineering situations in the rail sector, as well as many other industries.

A fastener that is becoming increasingly popular in the European market is the BobTail® lockbolt. The BobTail has been designed to provide superior joining strength and offers fast and secure installation. Through its advanced fastener design, as well as easy-to-use installation tooling, the BobTail system offers a strong connection. One key advantage of this fastener over conventional lock bolting systems is that it doesn’t have a pintail to break off. As a result, there is no waste material to collect and dispose of post-installation. Plus there is an improvement in corrosion resistance by eliminating the exposed surface resulting from the pintail break.

The installation system provides a smooth, shock-free process with significantly reduced maximum noise levels,

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To support this area of expanding operations there is a dedicated team of experienced engineers, fully trained to the relevant manufacturers’ recommendations on key brands such as Huck, Far and Marson. Star Fasteners has also developed a reputation for providing a personal and reliable service, incorporating nationwide collection and return. Once assessed, and the repair quotation has been accepted by a customer, the tools are broken down and hot-washed prior to re-sealing, this removes all previous contaminants and therefore ensures the longevity of the tool.

At Star Fasteners we are happy to advise on cost-effective, simple maintenance procedures to help prolong the production life of customers’ tooling systems. Once the tool has been received it is assessed and engraved with a unique serial number. This enables the team to provide a full service history. All quotations are free of charge and repairs are fully guaranteed and accredited to ISO 9001 standard certification.

In addition, Star Fasteners also offers on-site training programmes. These outline basic information to operators and maintenance department staff, with the aim of adhering to health and safety requirements, as well as ensuring that tools are suitable for the task in hand and fasteners are installed correctly.”

What recent rail applications has Star Fasteners been involved in?

“We provide regular tooling maintenance, and back-up tools in case of break down, for installing Huck fasteners to a rail company based in Derby. Also, we are currently quoting for a high-tech plating solution to deal with sensitive/dissimilar metals in a rail carriage build and refurbishment.

A lot of the work that we get involved in is train and carriage refurbishment and repair. We hold a wide stock of fasteners commonly used in the rail industry. Customers often only need a small quantity of a particular fastener. We can react quickly to their requirements and also hire them a tool set up for that particular fastener. This assures the customer that the fastener is installed correctly with the approved installation tool.

We also supply a few rail refurbishment companies, who restore old classic locomotives. We have replaced old hot forged rivets with Huck C50LR fasteners and we also offer technical help and advice to select the most appropriate fixings.

Recently we have also experienced an increase in sales into the European rail industry.”

How have rail customers ordering patterns changed in recent years? How does Star Fasteners see the rail market developing in the future?

“Being able to react to opportunities in a timely manner has always been important, but in today’s market even faster responses are required. Thanks to our stock of an ever-wider variety of Huck technology, we are able to meet these demands with high-quality products.

The rail sector is notoriously feast or famine – but we can regulate this with our ordering systems, keeping back up stocks available. Adapting and offering tailored solutions to customers is also very important, as is a skilled and professional workforce.

Another critical factor to the success in the railway industry is creating opportunities for increasing value for money.

Looking to the future, manufacturing will become faster, and more responsive to changing global markets. Products and processes will need to be sustainable with built-in reuse. The ability to recycle products reaching the end of their useful life will be a requirement, as well the need to recycle waste. Companies will be looking to use products that use less manufacturing energy and the skills of your workforce, and their experience, will be a critical factor in attaining a competitive advantage.

At Star Fasteners we will continue to help develop increasingly complex products for lightweight materials and designing fasteners that do more than just one job. We will always look for ways to innovate and take every opportunity to work with relevant partners.” www.starfasteners.co.uk

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

New adhesive system for the electronics industry Lohmann GmbH & Co KG states that its new DuploCOLL® Heat and Chemical Resistance (HCR) range is the ideal solution when it comes to the use of silicone-free and temperature resistant adhesives in the automotive and electronics industries.

L

ohmann points out these modern bonding systems are increasingly in demand, particularly in the above mentioned industrial sectors. Silicone products can interfere with the function of electronic and electrical components.

That is why more and more manufacturers are now demanding the strict avoidance of silicones on the inside and the surroundings of these components. The automotive industry itself, especially in the case of painting processes, is striving towards avoiding the introduction of silicones altogether.

Nowadays, the demand is growing on functional bonding systems that combine the absence of silicone with the necessary requirements in the electronics industry and the increasingly innovative assemblies.

These include good electrical insulation properties, thermal properties (such as high temperature resistance) as well as resistance to environmental influences of any kind. Further requirements are, among others, a sealing function and good handling properties on increasingly smaller surfaces.

The DuploCOLL HCR product range is based on a pure acrylate adhesive developed by Lohmann, which has been expanded by a wide range of functions. The bonding engineers have been able to draw on their many years of experience in the bonding of solar modules and have created a product line for a great variety of applications in the electronics field. In order to validate its ‘abilities’, DuploCOLL HCR was tested in cooperation with renowned institutes and universities in various long-term and analytical tests in respect to its utilisation in the electronics sector.

The new adhesive system from Lohmann is suitable for numerous fields of application in the electronics industry. Above all for areas subject to particular thermal and chemical stress, such as motor sensor systems, exhaust systems, printed circuit boards and flexible circuit boards (PCBs and FPCBs), consumer electronics and home appliances, photovoltaics, and applications that additionally require a sealing function.

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Customised Compression Limiter Assemblies PSM International has recently introduced a new range of Compression Limiter Assemblies (CLA) for use in high load bearing automotive plastic components. The application specific Compression Limiter (CL) and captive bolt assemblies replace separate Compression Limiters and loose bolts, helping reduce costs by eliminating bolt handling at the production assembly stage and providing added customer value.

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SM worked closely with its customers and automotive OEMs to develop a wide range of CLAs that satisfy every exacting application requirement. The CLAs are simply cold pressed into a moulded hole in the plastic, remaining captive and providing a controlled resistance to pushing out. CLAs are designed to achieve a defined radial float of the bolt and the design intent is for the bolt thread to retract axially within the Compression Limiter.

The CL element is designed to prevent damage to the plastic during bolt tightening and prevent bolt loosening due to plastic ‘creep’. The length of the CL is dependent upon the plastic thickness, designs can be headed or plain and may include special ribs or a knurl as an additional retention feature.

The bolts used may be standard such as hex flange or pan head, but in many instances are special. Options include, tamper resistant, thread forming, as well as a locating or aligning thread point. For high volume applications, both the Compression Limiter and bolt are cold formed and assembled automatically to provide the lowest possible cost. They are available in a wide range of commercial finishes, with the specification usually defined by the automotive OEM. Due to increasing demand, PSM has invested more than GB£250,000 in fully automated assembly equipment to captivate its full range of Compression Limiter Assemblies. To meet demanding automotive quality requirements, the equipment conducts a proof load test on every assembled part to ensure the bolt is securely captivated and remains permanently attached to the Compression Limiter.

“CLAs are typically designed to the customer’s application requirements due to the large number of variables,” points out PSM International. “Using our designed-in, manufacturing capability, we can assess our customers’ complex requirements and develop a unique engineered solution. Should your new application require a Compression Limiter Assembly, contact PSM International for your designed-in solution.”

Connect with engineers FastFixTechnology.com provides technical information and news on application-specific fastening components and solutions for engineers across all industries.

To target users contact info@fastfixtechnology.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

SKF launches next generation hydraulic bolts Connecting rotating flanges is now even faster with the new patent pending hydraulically expandable SKF Quickgrip Bolt from SKF Group.

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aintenance engineers can now demount and reassemble flanged power transmission couplings in a single step operation using the new Quickgrip Bolts, which have been designed for high-torque rotating flanges. The new SKF Quickgrip Bolts, as well as existing SKF Supergrip Bolts, can be used to connect two flanged shafts quickly, safely and reliably. This applies to all types of propulsion systems, as well as rudders and other critical applications.

In a single tool set-up the SKF Quickgrip Bolt provides a faster and more user-friendly alternative to other types of hydraulic and conventional bolt. A recognised issue among most major industries is that conventional bolts often get stuck, which damages the holes, and requires replacement during overhauls. SKF Quickgrip Bolts provide the same practical advantages of SKF Supergrip Bolts, whereby flanges require hole machining only prior to the first time insertion of the bolts.

Thanks to the initial clearance fit, no grinding of the bolts is needed, and the SKF Quickgrip Bolt is easily inserted by hand. The bolt design comprises a tapered shank and surrounding unique flanged tapered expansion sleeve that are drawn together using a hydraulic tensioner, which instantly centres the bolt in the hole.

Once mounted, the bolt is ready to transmit both a high radial and axial load, eliminating any potential flange coupling slippage.

All SKF hydraulic type bolts can be removed and reused over the lifetime of the equipment wherever they are installed.

“SKF Quickgrip Bolts offer a faster, safer installation that requires fewer tools to complete the process,” explains SKF Group. “This helps save time and reduces the potentially high costs associated with periodic removal and remounting of power transmission shaft couplings.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Lindapter’s Type AF clamps used to secure subsea platform Atlantis Resources Limited – a pioneer in the development of tidal current power – has recently specified Lindapter clamping systems for securing a steel platform onto a tidal turbine foundation on the MeyGen project.

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tlantis Resources was commissioned to design the electrical and mechanical infrastructure needed to tie several subsea measurement instruments into one system, to help monitor the marine environment. The instruments were hardwired to the structure and therefore had to be installed with the foundation.

Atlantis designed a steel platform to hold the instrumentation sleds, which weighed up to 4,000kg, and sought a reliable connection for attaching the underwater platform to the Tidal Support Structure. The brief required a weld-free connection that would withstand the tidal forces and outlive the life of the instrumentation sled and platform, in order to avoid any unnecessary subsea servicing.

Atlantis evaluated several fixings for strength, longevity and reliability before deciding Lindapter’s clamping systems were the best choice for the application.

After contacting Lindapter’s technical team, Atlantis was confident that the Type AF high slip resistant clamps, in size M24, should be used to attach the steel platform back

to the flange of the tidal turbine support structure.

Further reassurance was provided by Lindapter’s range of independent technical approvals and over 80 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing steelwork connections.

The clamps provided lateral adjustability, which enabled the installers to quickly align the platform into position before tightening with standard hand tools. The simple installation helped the contractor to save time and reduce labour costs on the project.

Self-piercing blind rivet system – Developed for fully automated processes

FDR ® – Flow Drilling Rivet

BENEFITS • • • • • •

Drilling and riveting in one step No need for a pre-drilled hole Dispenses with shape and position tolerances Only access from one side required Simple parameter finding Highly suitable for metals, polymer, plastic and CFK • Full process monitoring optionally • Developed for fully automated processes

The experts in riveting technologies GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH Nordendstraße 13-39 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf Germany

T +49 (0) 6105 962 0 F +49 (0) 6105 962 287 info@gesipa.com www.gesipa.com

Follow us and learn more www.youtube.com/ gesipa-videos

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Consistent and easy framing The new SENCO Smart BoardMaster is perfectly suitable for all kinds of framing and sheathing applications.

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ENCO Smart BoardMaster tools are equipped with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) for short and long staple spacing, including a quick change to short/long staple with the help of a preset fire position button on the handle. A laser line for optical staple guiding ensures optimal staple positions. The telescopic arm offers operating comfort and safety and maximises the ergonomic advantages.

The PLC is powered by a Fusion battery that lasts more than 16 working hours per charge. Additionally, the Smart BoardMaster increases accuracy, speed, efficiency and quality and meets the requirements of DIN 1052 and DIN 1995.

SENCO EMEA, a subsidiary of SENCO Brands Inc, specialises in fastening solutions and focuses on the development of innovative tools, fasteners and accessories. Three strong brands – SENCO, EXPANDET, InterDiamant – satisfy and often exceed customer expectations with products that meet the highest standards and approvals.

SENCO produces a wide range of pneumatic, electric, gas, cordless pneumatic and battery powered tools including an extensive range of associated collated fasteners.

SENCO Smart Solutions is a series of semi-automated fastening systems designed around SENCO XP hand tools. By using the Smart Solution tools manufacturers can improve their fasteners placement, productivity quality and operator health and safety.

EXPANDET is a successful brand of construction fasteners for concrete, stone, drywall and timber applications. High-quality fasteners are manufactured to the highest standards in Denmark with continuous product development and innovation to guarantee rock solid fixing and reliability.

InterDiamant products have been a well known name in the world of diamond drilling tools for more than 40 years. Customer and market driven demands are assessed on an ongoing basis and through in-house product development the latest industry demands are realised quickly and efficiently. www.senco.eu

Safe and approved throughout Europe BeA supplies staples of types 146, 155, 180, 200 and 246 with a European Technical Approval (ETA). The certified BeA fasteners have all the characteristics required for permanent fastening in wood and wooden materials in insulating panels, plasterboard and gypsum fibre boards.

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hrough the ETA, the application range for staples used in long-term and continuous pull out load cases in timber construction is extended to cover the entire European Union. In these high stress load cases, the staples must achieve 70N for pull out in the direction of the shank.

The ETA replaces national approvals, in a process of European harmonisation of marking supported by Behrens Group, because it creates more reliability for contractors. The European Technical Approval is a generally recognised certification of the technical quality of a construction product, which complies with the construction product directive. The ETA also defines the materials and surface covers in which the staples can be driven to last for a guaranteed usage period of 50 years. In addition, bases for calculation deviating from the standard can also be found in the ETA. The ETA applies for applications in usage classes 1 and 2. For applications in usage class 3 with direct weathering of the fastening, staples cannot be used in accordance with the ETA. BeA supplies approved staple types in different lengths made of galvanised steel with resin coating, as well as different stainless steel qualities – also with resin coating.

The staples can be driven using BeA staplers and the BeA Skaters 14/65-830-C and 180/65-835-C.

150 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

The most intensive search for quality and our constant improvement make Bralo Riveting Tools distinguished for the safety and ergonomIics.

They are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding of applications and to use in assembly lines.

RELIABILITY IN RIVETING TOOLS The most intensive search for quality and our constant improvement make Bralo Riveting Tools distinguished for the safety and an easy maintenance. They are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding of applications and to use in assembly lines.

LIGHTWEIGHT and ergonomic Designed for PROFESSIONAL use HIGH riveting force and noiseless Helps increase PRODUCTIVITY

www.bralo.com ww www w.bralo.com w.bralo.com ISO 9001 ISO TS 16949 ISO 14001

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Staples with ETA for wood joining Since August 2016 PREBENA Wilfried Bornemann GmbH & Co KG has manufactured different staples with a European Technical Assessment (ETA – 16/0101), as a certified building product.

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n ETA is a generally accepted form of proof of technical usability of a building product throughout the member states of the EU and conforms to the Construction Product Regulation (CPR).

The DIBt (German Institute for Structural Engineering) in Berlin granted the certification to the Schotten-based company once all the conditions and test results had been satisfied.

Consequently, the new PREBENA building staples have all the necessary properties for permanent use in the building industry, prefabricated housing industry and wooden frame construction industry.

Staples are certified wire diameters 1.52mm – 2mm up to a length of 170mm in the following versions: RF (stainless steel, material no. 1.4301) and SV (strong galvanised steel, 12μm zinc coating).

The approval is valid indefinitely throughout Europe and contributes to safety for users/processors. It defines head pull-through parameters for wood fibre insulating material and confirms the staples as having a useful life of 50 years. It also defines materials for the staple base and the connected component (OSB, Rigips, fibre boards, etc). The staple leg length when connecting wood fibre insulating materials with WP staples is up to 170mm.

Staple back widths of 8.8mm – 30mm are also possible.

The current product range with ETA includes PREBENA types L, Q, WP und Z. Other types are available on request. The building staples are produced at the factory in Schotten and can therefore be marketed and sold as ‘Made in Germany’.

In parallel with the staple certification a range of devices have been developed to handle the staples in the relevant industries. This includes covers all pneumatic staplers for rapid and simple stapling with ETA staples. There are modules for static use in industrial manufacturing and also mobile modules for large-scale moving substructures. There are also pneumatic staplers with automatic trigger system and a SlideSystem for placing staples at precise, regular intervals. The building staples can also be handled with the PREBENA pneumatic staplers from the standard range.

WEST SPECIAL FASTENERS

TECHNICALLY PERFECT Fastening elements from Bäcker.

You’ve tried the rest.

Now try the best.

Try WEST! Manufacturers of Fasteners in Stainless Steel and Exotic Alloys.

• Hot Forged Hex Bolts and Nuts from M3 to M100.

• Exporting around the world parts made in our UK factory.

• 100% in house PMI and other testing available.

• Full BS EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates supplied.

CONTROL ELEMENTS

www.westspecialfasteners.co.uk sales@westspecialfasteners.co.uk +44 (0)1246 291 111

Bäcker GmbH & Co. KG Jägersgrund 8 57339 Erndtebrück, Germany T +49 2753 5950-0 I F +49 2753 5950-44 www.baecker.eu | info@baecker.eu

STANDARD ELEMENTS

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Permanent solutions for pivot wear

Go FAR with Arpel

E

T

Pivot wear is a common problem with all types of machinery. Repairs involve a costly, time-consuming process with significant downtime and are often repeated several times over a machine’s lifetime. xpander System consists of an assembly that includes: an axle, which is tapered at both ends, two expansion sleeves, two tension washers and two fasteners. The Expander System can also be integrated with Nord-Lock washers for vibration intense applications.

When the fasteners are torqued, the tension washers push the expansion sleeves up the tapered part of the pin, thereby locking the system into the lug ears and eliminating the movement that causes pivot lug wear. The double-sided locking mechanism provides increased stability, security and a backlash-free joint. Installation can be easily done in the field, reducing downtime and cost.

Using Expander System the repair can be carried out directly in the worn mountings without welding and line boring, providing a solution that is permanent.

The Expander System has been field tested for over 50,000 hours without failure. Each system is approved for its specific application.

The Expander System is available in sizes and versions for all types of pivot positions. More than 60,000 different Expander System solutions for over 10,000 types of machines have been developed.

Through its accumulated experience and knowledge Expander System can offer custom made solutions even if the wear dimensions are beyond the size of the original pivot pin – accurately fitting application needs and resolving the toughest of problems.

Like with all Nord-Lock Group technologies, Expander System customers have the most demanding applications and require maximum control. Expander System pins now use dot pin marking to ensure full traceability down to the material of the axle. The lot number identifies the material batch from which it was produced. That way every customer can be assured they are using genuine Expander System pivot technology. “We have ensured that the dot pin marking does not compromise the quality in any way,” says Jonny Wiberg, Engineer at Expander. “It’s a valuable improvement for customers who demand full control in their applications.”

Any Expander System can be easily ordered online 24/7 using our extended workshop. www.expandersystem.com

154 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

Arpel Ltd, a rivet, rivet nut and tooling supplier, has a long-standing relationship with FAR Srl and is now positioned as the UK’s largest stockist of the Italian manufacturers’ tools, spares, rivets and rivet nuts. he close relationship maintained with FAR has been the platform for expanding Arpel’s product range, through the addition of FAR rivets and rivet nuts to its FAR product portfolio. Sales Manager Nicola Boden explains; “We are increasingly recognised by customers for our specialist product knowledge and our depth of stock, which enable customers to purchase with confidence. We are committed to support UK and Ireland based distributors who have busy trade counters with FAR tools, spares, rivets and rivet nuts.”

Arpel prides itself on its added value sales service. Nicola continues: “We at Arpel are constantly striving to ensure customers find it easy to buy and communicate with us. The business is focused on offering good quality products that provide the opportunity for distributors to obtain strong gross margins. Our after sales service extends to tool service and repairs. We also offer on-site technical and engineering support and tool hire.’

Arpel are currently promoting the FAR ‘All Star’ pneumatic tooling range for rivets and rivet nuts, consisting of five key tools, popular in many types of application.

The Far RAC 171 riveter is a dependable rivet tool capable of setting 4.8mm – 7.8mm rivets. It also offers the advantage of setting 3/16 inch and ¼ inch heavy duty structural rivets such as FARBOLT and Monobolts without fuss.

The FAR RAC 180 riveter is a hydro pneumatic tool which sets blind rivets up to 4.8mm in steel and stainless steel and 6.4mm in aluminium. It will also set 4.8mm (3/16 inch) structural rivets including Magna-Lok and Monobolt applications.

The FAR FHU05 structural riveter is a heavy-duty tool, it will set structural rivets from 4.8mm (3/16 inch) to 7.8mm, as well as pin and collar fasteners up to 6.4mm (¼ inch).

For rivet nuts the FAR KJ60 rivet nut tool is capable of setting rivet nuts from M3 through to M8 in steel, stainless steel and aluminium easily and without fuss.

The FAR KJ45S is a heavy-duty pneumatic rivet nut gun ideally suited to high volume setting of threaded inserts in a production environment. This rivet nut tool will set rivet nuts from M4 right through to M12 in steel, stainless steel and aluminium. www.arpel.co.uk

WIRE GOODS SHEET METAL GOODS SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY … made by one of the industry’s leading companies in Europe – steeped in tradition – for decades.

‘‘

LÜSEBRINK today produce and supply wire goods with wood thread and ISO thread and of course pecial products in the CNC-bending technology.

’’

Would you like to know more about it?

Please get in contact with us.

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

UK’s UK’slargest largeststockist stockistofofFAR FAR Tools, Tools,Spares, Spares,Rivets Rivets& &Rivets RivetsNuts Nuts

YES, WE’LL BEND IT FOR !

THE 3RD DIMENSION IN THE 5TH GENERATION

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

LÜSEBRINK today also produce and supply wire goods with wood thread, ISO thread and much more.

Would you like to know more about it?

Please get in contact with us.

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

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Rivco provides full Huck® fasteners service UK-based Rivco Ltd has been an established distributor of Huck® fasteners for 22 years. Today, Rivco has developed into a full service provider of the complete Huck fastener and tool solutions range.

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(Left to right) Jonathon Craven, general manager at Arconic Fastening Systems and Rings, officially opened Rivet House in May with Steve Auld, managing director at Rivco Ltd

Technical Technical&& Technical Technical && Engineering Engineering Engineering Engineering Support Support Support Support

ivco is able to provide both technical and engineering support for the application of the Huck fastener range. The distributor development programme has seen Rivco become approved to provide technical support on Huck tooling and nose assemblies for new Huck tool sales. Rivco is also an approved service centre with the capability of servicing and repairing the air tool range, hydraulic rigs, tools and nose assemblies.

Matt Roden, commercial director at Rivco, explains: “Our ex-stock availability of the Huck range, our standard next day delivery service, as well as the added value technical and on-site support we offer, has proven we are the distributor of choice for many of our customers. Rivco offers a reliable supply to companies who have encountered problems in their normal supply chain, so we are encouraging new enquiries going forward.”

During the recent trading period, Rivco noted significant sales growth to the distribution market for the Huck product range, and the Huck range continues to be an instrumental part of Rivco’s export activity.

Rivco can provide customers with Huck fasteners, Huck tooling, Huck spares, Huck tool service and repair, as well as Huck tool hire. www.rivco.co.uk

Fastener Fastener&&Tooling Tooling Fastener Fastener Tooling Solution Solution&&Tooling Solution Solution

Installation Installation Installation Installation && Set-Up Set-Up & & Set-Up Set-Up on-site on-site support support

Application Application Application Application Solution Solution Solution Solution

on-site on-site support support

Rivco Rivcodelivers deliversthe thecomplete complete Rivco Rivcodelivers deliversthe thecomplete complete Huck HuckSolutions SolutionsService Service Huck HuckSolutions SolutionsService Service Customer Customer Customer Customer Requirement Requirement Requirement Requirement

After AfterSales Sales After After Sales Sales Tool Toolrepair repair

Tool ToolService repair repair Tool Tool Service Tool Tool Service Service Tool ToolHire Hire Tool ToolHire Hire

Think Think HUCK..Think Rivco.

Think ThinkHUCK..Think HUCK..Think HUCK..ThinkRivco.

Rivco.

Rivco.

The TheRivet Rivet&&Rivet RivetNut NutSupplier SupplierofofChoice Choice The TheRivet Rivet&&Rivet RivetNut NutSupplier SupplierofofChoice Choice

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Anaerobic sealants introduce new performance benefits To be more efficient, industry needs products that enable engineers to work smarter and that is precisely what drives the development of Henkel’s LOCTITE® anaerobic adhesives.

Although thread and flange sealing are long-established technologies, the company continues to introduce new benefits with successive generations of products.

L

OCTITE® 577 is a medium strength, general purpose thread sealant for parallel/parallel and taper/parallel threads and fittings. It is designed to lock and seal all metal pipes and fittings as well as other threaded assemblies, providing an instant, low pressure seal that will not creep, shrink or shred. Once fully cured LOCTITE 577 will provide a high-pressure seal, resisting the burst pressure of the pipe in most instances.

The latest generation of this product, gives higher strength on contaminated surfaces. This means it will provide an effective seal even if time or circumstances do not allow pre-treatment of the substrate to remove all grease and grime.

The thermal performance of LOCTITE 577 has also been improved. This thread sealant is now suitable for operating temperatures of up to 180°C and can also be used on passive metals without the need for an activator.

Both developments enable this product to be used for a greater number of applications, reducing the need for different variants.

Suitability for use on contaminated surfaces and on both active and inactive metals, are also the attributes of the newly formulated LOCTITE® 518 gasket sealant. This medium strength adhesive is ideal for cast iron, steel and aluminium flanged mating surfaces. It fills gaps up to 0.25mm and forms a flexible, chemical resistant seal that will not tear or decay. The overall performance of the LOCTITE 518 has also been enhanced to provide greater flexibility, adhesion and gap cure.

Make the connection with KNIPEX KNIPEX Siphon and Connector pliers are ideal for use on siphons, tube fittings, connectors and filter cartridges up to 80mm diameter.

L

ike every innovative tool forged by KNIPEX – Werk C Gustav Putsch KG, such as the Cobra® and Alligator® ranges, the design of the Siphon and Connector pliers has been carefully thought through. Adjustable to 25 positions to reach the ideal size, the box joint design ensures diverse diameters can be tackled by the pliers.

The tool is robust, heavy-duty and ideal for tightening and loosening siphon screw connections. It can also tighten and loosen plastic pipe fittings and round union nuts for connectors and couplings with a screw connection, such as Cannon circular connectors. The KNIPEX Siphon and Connector pliers are also ideal for gently loosening hoses on nozzles.

Last but not least, the KNIPEX Siphon and Connector pliers are the perfect tool for gentle gripping of filter cartridges that are subject to cleaning or replacement.

Pick up ARK products in the West Midlands Located in the heart of the UK’s industrial West Midlands, Kamtech Fasteners Ltd specialises in the supply of ARK branded rivets, rivet nuts and associated tooling. The Oldbury-based company provides a responsive service to customers, and offers the facility for local customers to collect on a daily basis.

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ales Director Kam Johal explains: “We have experienced a significant growth in the sales of the popular Riv Bulb rivet, which is used in large volumes in the cladding and fascia industry. The tools that compliment this type of market are the lightweight, battery operated PB50 and PB64 tools.

The freedom the battery tools offer is a necessity in this type of application, as the use of air lines for pneumatic tools would be a health and safety risk for contractors working on-site.”

The ARK branded Riv Bulb rivet offers users a variety of advantages, including the flexibility of a large grip range, the security of a waterproof and vibration-proof application – as well as being perfect for use on straight or

158 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

curved application parts. Kam concludes: “Get in touch for prices on Riv Bulb rivets and the PB battery operated tooling. These products are ex-stock and available for next day delivery.”

As an approved distributor of ARK branded rivets and rivet nuts, Kamtech provides additional services, which include technical and engineering support, tool hire, tool service and repair. www.kamtechfasteners.co.uk

for all your fastener needs...

Supplying an extensive range of over 4000 fasteners from STOCK, our sales team is ready to take your call Custom packing options available on request:

As well as providing services, Staytite can also dispatch • Bagging facilities available including spot-buys same-day if your order is received before 2pm customised branding

Global Inch - Fasteners

Supplying an •Kitting to specification extensive range of over 4000 fasteners from STOCK, our sales team is ready to take your call.

• Bespoke box quantities to comply with

requirements Minimum ordercustomer quantity is currently only £20. Delivery cost to mainland UK ispackaging £6 withremoving UK orders over £100 • Unbranded the need to re-box the product unnecessarily including free delivery.

for more than 40 Years

• Rust proof bags for storage in high moisture environments

Same-day dispatch of spot-buys if your order is received before 2pm Minimum order quantity is currently only £20. Delivery cost to mainland UK is £6 with UK orders over £100 delivered carriage free

Call today with your requirements... tel. 01494 462322 email: fasteners@staytite.com

visit our website: www.staytite.com

Tel.: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-0 • Fax.: +49 (0) 71 32/99 60-60

www.schroederschrauben.de

• Anti Vibration Bolts • Barb Nuts • Bi Way Nuts • Carp Nuts • • Hardlock Nuts • Hex Bolts • Staytite Nuts • • Serrated Flange Bolts • Serrated Flange Nuts • • Screws for Plastic • Stover Nuts • Thread Forming Screws • F+F Quarter Page Ad May 2017.indd 1

04/04/2017 11:50

Battery Powered Riveters TOP SELLER for application of Riv Bulb Rivets

PB50 Technical information Sizes (mm): 2.4, 3.0, 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 5.0 Capacity: Standard & Structural Rivets, All materials Riv Bulb Rivets 4.0, 5.2, 6.4, 7.7mm, Aluminium

PB64 Technical information Sizes (mm): 4.0, 4.8, 5.0, 6.0, 6.4 Capacity: Standard & Structural Rivets, All materials Riv Bulb Rivets 4.0, 5.2, 6.4, 7.7mm, Aluminium

Batteries Availability: Li-Ion 14.4V 1.4Ah - 4 cells Li-Ion 14.4V 2.8Ah - 8 cells Charging: 100V ~ 240VAC/50-60Hz

12 month warranty from date of sales invoice. Wearable & consumable parts exluded from warranty.

Get in touch to reserve your stock requirements The Quality in Rivets & Rivet Nuts ww.kamtechfasteners.co.uk

|

0121 794 4939 |

sales@kamtechfasteners.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Hammer dowel holes effortlessly and safely The Wiha dowel racket with galvanically separate striking cap is a simple, clean alternative to using power drills for soft construction materials – with no need to worry about electrocution.

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iha had been consistently asked in user surveys: “Isn’t there an easier way of embedding dowels in softer construction materials such as hollow block masonry, plasterboard, or porous concrete, than the hassle of using a drill and an extension lead and causing noise and almost unavoidable dirt?”.

Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH therefore delivered a hand tool for a trouser pocket as an alternative to conventional power drills for inserting dowels into softer construction materials.

Unique in shape and adaptability for professional applications, the dowel racket makes it safe to insert dowels without a drill. A simple strike of a hammer on this new hand screwdriver tool avoids the use of heavier, noise and dust intensive, power tools. The racket also protects users from electric shocks thanks to the galvanic separation in the solid steel cap – guarding against electrocution risk if the operator should hit hidden wires or cable lines beneath the plaster.

The scaled 6mm round screwdriver blade also enables depth to be precisely measured. The dowel hole itself is perfectly dimensioned as a result.

This new product is available in a set consisting of the dowel racket (6mm round blade, PH2 profile) and four fischer dowels.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Fixing cable protection securely but gently A hook and loop fastener and a special clamp are two new REIKU fastening systems, designed for different load levels, that quickly and reliably fix cable protection systems to smooth, round robot arms without screw, flange or stop faces.

I

n day-to-day practice, cables and lines are often fastened in a somewhat makeshift manner with cable ties used on the round, smooth arms of ‘cobots’ (robots which collaborate with humans without additional protection). Two new REIKU multipurpose fastening systems – designed for different load levels – now combine rapid, uncomplicated fitting with further advantages including very high slip resistance and gentle, virtually wear-free fixing of the cable protection. With their high reliability over a wide temperature range from -40°C to +80°C (with transient exposure up to 100°C), both systems help to ensure lasting, trouble-free cobot operation by largely preventing downtime due to damage to the cable protection and consequently to the wiring itself.

The new LSDFB series is suitable for slow to moderate cobot movement velocities under low load.

Fastening is by means of a hook and loop strap that encircles the robot’s arm. Available in two sizes, the LSDFB series can be used for arm diameters from 54mm to 110mm and corrugated tubing diameters from NW17 to NW29. The associated polyamide rotary plate means the cable protector can be guided as desired, using the REIKU gripping clamps made from the same grade of polymer.

The other new series, MESUB, is designed for the higher dynamic and mechanical loads typical of industrial and palletising robots and combines a stainless steel clamp with pivot bolt screw fastening and a friction enhancing rubber profile. Available in six variants, it is suitable for robot arm diameters of 54mm to 108mm and for fitting all REIKU gripping clamp variants, from NW17 to NW90, to the integral general purpose bracket. A special adapter plate enables REIKU rotary flanges to be used under the gripping clamps.

For the most confined working areas GEDORE say its universal 15 piece socket set, consisting of a reversible ratchet 1993 U-20, 13 sockets and a universal extension, is perfect for any requirements in industry, automotive and trade.

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hether assembling and servicing cars or mending a domestic washing machine, mechanical components are becoming more and more compact. So much better, then, to have a universal tool that is perfect for working in confined spaces.

The fine-toothed reversible ratchet ½ inch 1993 U-20 with lever change and push-button release was developed specifically for this purpose. Thanks to the slender design, the small droplet-shaped head and exceptionally low return angle of 6 degrees, this ratchet is an essential helper in the tightest spaces. With a universal extension 1990KR for loads of up to 230Nm, the return angle can be increased up to 15 degrees.

Using the ratchet is uncomplicated, ergonomic and safe. The release button makes it easy to insert and remove the sockets. A ball locking device creates a firm, undetachable connection between the ratchet and socket, and when changing from clockwise to counterclockwise operation, the lever automatically locks into position. A non-slip ergonomically shaped two component handle with hanging hole makes using this tool safe and non-tiring. The ratchet meets the requirements of DIN 3122/ISO 3315.

The set includes hexagonal sockets ½ inch with UD profile and female square drive to DIN 3120/ISO 1174.

A knurled grip ensures they are easy and safe to use with oily hands or when wearing protective gloves.

Marked ball retaining grooves ensures a safe connection between socket and ratchet.

Per DIN 3124/ISO 2725-1 the sockets are available in 13 sizes from 10mm – 32 mm.

PRECISION TECH INDUSTRIAL LIMITED

CLINCHING FASTENER SPECIALIST PRECISION TECH INDUSTRIAL LIMITED (GRAND METAL) is a professional producer in clinching fasteners and equipped with imported auto-lathes, cold forming machine, automatic optical sorting machine. We also have a complete laboratory for mechanical and performance such as torque testing, pull/push-out testing, Salt Spray Testing. Grand Metal has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification and now is on getting ISO/TS 16949 certification.

t: +86-139-2920-4841 e: zhuyb@grandametal.com w: www.grandametal.com

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

SD Products – official UK distributor for SIMON Beschlagtechnik In June, SD Products Ltd entered into a partnership with SIMON Beschlagtechnik – the fittings technology division of SIMON corporate group.

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IMON is an innovator and premium supplier of high-quality furniture fitting systems. The company specialises in highly functional, complex products with combined damping and push-to-open functions for the furniture industry, e.g for installation in drawers and cabinets, as well as damping systems for sliding and hinged doors of many different sizes and weight classes.

When it was first founded in 1918, the SIMON company manufactured components for the clock making industry; it soon also included sheet metal and punched components, mirror mounts, and cabinet shelving in its portfolio of products. In 1938, SIMON created a separate area for manufacturing furniture fittings. The company has been collecting experience in creating functional fittings for many different types of furnishings ever since. SIMON fittings technology division has grown continuously, keeping up with quickly shifting trends in the home, bath, bedroom, and office areas. Since its inception, it has equipped generation upon generation of furniture pieces with opening and closing systems.

SIMON develops and constructs all its systems in-house, using modern technical tools such as CAD, FEM, and rapid prototyping. Its own tooling

shop includes a high performance, modern development department with comprehensive experience in all of the different processing areas on offer, for instance tools for plastic injection moulding. The company’s automated assembly area uses the most modern technology available.

SIMON completes a 100% inspection of all of its series products in-house, assembly and testing equipment is also developed and built internally.

SD Products is proud to be the first official UK distributor for SIMON, considering this partnership an important step forward as it continues to expand its presence in the motion technologies market. SD says: “It is our aim to provide the best quality service to our customers and clients and we sincerely hope that working with SIMON will enable us to do that in more ways than before.”

SPRINGS - HIGH PERFORMANCE

• Inconel • Nimonic • Hastelloy • Elgiloy • MP35N • Titanium • High-tech calculations

Lesjöfors Sales, Stockholm • Phone +46 8 445 88 88 • info.vby@lesjoforsab.com

A leading manufacturer of high performance springs and stampings – www.lesjoforsab.com

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Still a best seller… the Huck Magna-Grip® The Huck Magna-Grip® is a multi-grip, high strength, vibration resistant, fastening system that accommodates varying material thicknesses. It continues to be a best seller for Star Fasteners (UK) Ltd and has proven to be an extremely versatile fastener.

Secure fast installation

Huck Magna-Grip installation

T

he wide grip range enables installation in a variety of applications. It therefore offers the opportunity to simplify stock control, as well as save money on inventory, logistics and purchasing.

The locking groove design assures absolute vibration resistance, reducing rework and warranty claims. What’s more, the Magna-Grip consistently breaks flush – without any sharp pointed pin breaks – throughout the entire grip range.

Magna-Grips’ key specifications are: Diameter range from 4.8mm to 9.5mm.

Grip range from 1.57mm to 41.28mm.

Standard materials – steel and aluminium.

Head styles – button/brazier, countersunk and truss.

Whilst there are copies on the market, says Star Fasteners, the quality and reliability of the Huck brand has always been a key consideration in the design process. The Magna-Grip is cost competitive and is available from stock.

Star Fasteners is a global distributor of Arconic’s Huck fastener brand and has successfully worked with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to develop unique and cost-effective fastening solutions.

With an enviable reputation for customer care and service, Star Fasteners has grown to be the UK’s largest Huck fastener distributor.

Star Fasteners is always looking for new ways to support its customers. The addition of an in-house powder coating service has introduced the opportunity for stock items to be coloured to customers’ requirements and dispatched within 24 hours. Whether for purposes of identification, improving corrosion resistance, matching like-coloured parts or cosmetics it has become a popular service.

The Star Fasteners product range offers a wide choice of fastening solutions: Lock-bolts and structural blind fasteners, rivets, threaded inserts, sealants and adhesives. Repair, scheduled servicing and hire of associated tooling ensure the complete service. www.starfasteners.co.uk

166 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 107 SEPTEMBER 2017

New CANRIV connecting rivet In the up to date edition of its ‘8/1 Blind Rivets Catalogue’ Rivit Srl has included a new range of CANRIV connecting rivets.

C

ANRIV are special rivets consisting of a tubular section and a blind rivet. This structure provides an extra wide grip range, as it creates a large spacing area between the sides of the application, enabling excellent clamping without crushing the materials to be joined.

CANRIV rivets ensure excellent filling of the hole due to the expanded rivet body, creating a strong and vibration resistant junction. The blind rivet body enters, when installed, the tubular section and prevents any loosening of the joint. The head form, with a low profile on both sides of the application, makes it possible to obtain neat and nice clamps.

Thanks to these features, CANRIV rivets are ideal for use in thin sheet, soft or brittle materials. Their main assembly applications are in toys, furniture, racks, stadium seating and street signs.

CANRIV rivets are available in aluminium and steel. www.rivit.it

Mobile, powerful, energy efficient welding technology With its new stud welder, SOYER has extended its wide range of welding equipment with a mobile and attractively priced SRM® welding inverter.

T

he 3-phase BMK-10i stud welder, from Heinz Soyer Bolzenschweißtechnik GmbH, offers a compact, powerful and highly energy efficient design for mobile applications. With a welding power of 600A and SRM technology, this device enables precise, safe and spatter-free welding of steel and stainless steel studs up to 10mm diameter (up to M12 with Soyer HZ-1R welding studs). Thanks to its integrated SRM technology, excellent welding results can be realised without any beading and without the use of ceramic rings.

Problem-free and material saving welding becomes possible even under difficult conditions.

Thanks to easy handling and operability, as well as its low weight of 16.5kg, the new BMK-10i stud welder offers efficient and innovative welding technology for flexible applications in the fields of production, repair and assembly.

The Quality Pin Manufacturer Coiled Spring Pins

A wide range of SPIROL® Coiled Spring Pins to ISO 8748, 8750, 8751, DIN 7343, ASME B18.8.2 and other standards available in heavy, standard, and light duties, in various materials and finishes.

Slotted Spring Pins

ISO 8752, non interlocking ASME 18.8.4M Type B and Inch ASME B18.8.2 Slotted Pins available in steel and stainless steel. ISO 13337 light duty Slotted Pins are available to order.

Solid Pins

Straight Pins, Headed Pins, Knurled Pins, and Headed Knurled Pins in steel and stainless steel. Other materials available to order.

Samples available upon request.

Providing manufacturing and application engineering expertise since 1948.

SPIROL INDUSTRIES LTD.

17 Princewood Road, Corby, Northants NN17 4ET Tel. +44 (0) 1536 444800 • Fax. +44 (0) 1536 203415 www.SPIROL.co.uk/s/ff-pin/

SPIROL_F+F_All_Pins_qtr_pg_2016.indd 1

SPIROL.co.uk 4/29/16 4:47 PM

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Admiral: The sign of professional tapes Operating from Southampton, UK, Admiral Tapes Ltd has been manufacturing and converting high performance self-adhesive tape for more than 35 years, during which time it has developed a wealth of knowledge across many different industry sectors, including manufacturing, aerospace and distribution.

O

ver the last 15 years, however, Admiral Tapes’ products have proven more and more popular in the sign and digital markets, where the company’s depth of knowledge means it can offer useful advice to help solve fixing problems. Admiral Tapes can be relied upon to provide practical and cost-effective solutions to everyday and unusual problems. To ensure customers can be confident they are buying exactly the right product, Admiral Tapes always sends out samples for testing.

Admiral Tapes’ solvent acrylic tapes provide an alternative to mechanical fixing methods and are supported by a small range of structural two-part wet adhesives. The A999 fast setting structural adhesive has been tested and approved for use with ovens for powder coating and paint bake cycles up to 220°C. Curing in approximately 10 minutes and effective in a constant operating temperature of -40°C to 150°C, making it an ideal partner for applications that require long-term outdoor exposure. Test results on composite materials with matt, butler, mill, mirror and chrome finishes show no shrinkage. A999 offers the end user both reliability and flexibility in the manufacturing process.

Steve Brereton, production and installations manager at Signage Systems Ltd, is enthusiastic: “We tested A999 FS structural adhesive on multiple samples of composite aluminium materials and found that within a matter of minutes it had cured and set solid with no heat or warping. When a destruction test was performed the nylon locator broke in half before there was any sign of the adhesive failing; this is now our first choice for stand-off locator adhesion to composite.”

Positioning made easy.

Automotive Spring Pin®

The Automotive Spring Pin supports precise positioning of components. For this purpose, the pin can be driven into a blind hole and the other components are positioned above. The pin adapts to the holes in the components and keeps them in position so that they can be fastened precisely in place.

The Automotive Spring Pin is a simple and low cost alternative to solid pins, coil pins and solid alignment dowels. It sets completely new standards in performance at much lower cost.

100 % inspection

Burr-free insertion

Non interlock slot design

Defined pretension

Jörg Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG

Vogelsang Fastener Solutions

Spannstiftstraße 2 58119 Hagen

1790 Swarthmore Avenue Lakewood, NJ 08701, USA

Phone: +49 2334 957-0 Fax: +49 2334 957-269

Phone: +1 800 526-2376 Fax: +1 732 364-8111

info@jvu.de www.jvu.de

sales@vogelsangfastener.com www.vogelsangfastener.com

21558-WTI Advert 92x135mm.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2017 08:47 Page 1

MANUFACTURING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Smith

High-strength, wire thread inserts

Bullough

Precision engineered in the UK, for a wide variety of applications AS/EN Aerospace Approved

no minimum order

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SPECIAL FASTENERS Huge Range of Metric & Imperial Blanks Grades 4.6, 8.8, 10.9, 12.9; R, S, T, V, SAE8 UK’s largest stocks of BSF & BSW Special Head Shapes

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Over 150 years’ experience in

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STI TAPS

For further information contact: Helpline: 01530 416888 Email: info@wireinserts.com www.wti-fasteners.co.uk/ad1

A CO B M RIT PA ISH NY

AS9100 Rev C and ISO 9001:2008 BS7751 • BS7752 • MA/MS standards • DIN 8140 Fully traceable product An approved BSI manufacturer since 1994 FM 28879

Tel: 01942 520250 sales@smithbullough.com www.smithbullough.com

ADVERTISERS INDEX Abbey Clamps...................................................... 15 Achilles Seibert................................................... 91 Acton.....................................................................139 Advance Spares Ltd........................................139 Albert Pasvahl...................................................... 9 Alloy & Stainless Fasteners.........................170 Ambrovit............................................................... 13 Arpel......................................................................155 Astrotech Steels Private Limited.............. 151 Atotech..........................................................23, 107 Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd....................... 74 Backer GmbH & Co. KG..................................153 Bendfast Ltd.......................................................170 Berardi Bullonerie............................................. 51 Berdan Bolt......................................................... 161 Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San....................43 Bonfatti Filettature Srl.................................... 74 Bossong SpA.........................................................89 Bralo................................................................57, 151 Bülte GmbH........................................................146 Carlo Salvi...........................................................129 Cetin Civata.........................................................65 Chavesbao............................................................. 19 Ching Chan Optical Technology Co. Ltd......130 Colombo Special Fasteners...........................59 Condat...................................................................111 CTR Carbide Dies Ltd.......................................66 Dell’Era Ermanno & Figlio Srl...................... 55 Dimac....................................................................124 Don Quichotte B.V.............................................. 85 DS Fasteners........................................................ 55 EFC International.............................................. 81 Engel........................................................................ 91 Evergreen International Corp..................... 71

Fareast Metal International Co. Ltd.......163 Fastbolt.................................................................... 2 Fastener + Fixing Magazine.......................103 Fastener + Fixing Search............................... 21 Fastener + Fixing Technology....................145 Fastener Fair Turkey........................................ 73 Fastener Fair USA.............................................69 Fixi Srl.....................................................................89 Fong Prean Industrial Co. Ltd......................95 G & B Fissaggi Srl............................................... 91 Gala Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd..........43 Gesipa Blindniettechnik GmbH.................149 Graewe GmbH & Co. KG...................................33 Growermetal Srl...............................................165 Hafren Fasteners Ltd.......................................89 Harrison Silverdale........................................146 Hexstone Group.................................................. 17 Hugo Benzing...................................................... 51 Index Fixing Systems......................................... 3 Infinix Tools.......................................................... 37 Inoxdadi................................................................. 61 Johan Smit..........................................................133 Jubliee clips........................................................139 K&H Auto Parts................................................160 Kamtech...............................................................159 Kingwin Precision Co. Ltd............................ 113 Lederer............................................................24, 26 Lesjöfors..............................................................164 Lusavouga SA...................................................... 41 Marposs...............................................................128 Mecavit Srl...............................................................7 MEKR´S................................................................148 Merlin Business Software Ltd....................133 Mitos........................................................................43

Mustad.................................................................... 67 Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd..... 121 National Machinery......................................... 31 ND Industries............................................. 29, 119 Ningbo Londex....................................................25 Nord Lock............................................................172 Norm Civata........................................................... 5 NORMA Group.....................................................39 OBER SpA................................................................11 Omnitechnik......................................................109 Orbit Fastener Company Limited.............152 Peter Ofner........................................................... 35 Peter Schröder..................................................159 PGB Europe...........................................................99 Pinstructure........................................................ 15 Precision Tech Industrial Limited............163 Precision Technology Supplies.................... 15 R+FK Schulte.......................................................... 4 Reinhardt GmbH................................................63 Rexlen Corp........................................................169 Reyher..................................................................... 51 Rivco......................................................................156 Rivit....................................................................... 171 Roseter Info Trade Co. Ltd.............................63 Rotor clip............................................................. 147 SACMA Group................................................1, 125 Saima Corporation.........................................162 Saspi Talleres.....................................................123 Schäfer+Peters................................................... 87 Schnorr GmbH....................................................33 Schwer + Kopka GmbH..................................127 Shanghai Fastener Exhibition Co............... 75 Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation.... 167 Sheh Kai Precision Co......................................98

Shin Chun Enterprise Co. Ltd.......................83 Sipa........................................................................ 101 Smith-Bullough................................................169 Sormat Oy...........................................................102 Specialinsert........................................................ 85 Spirol Industries Ltd....................................... 167 Star Fasteners...................................................143 Staytite.................................................................159 STS-Tectorius..................................................... 113 Tecfi SpA.................................................................97 Tecno Impianti..................................................103 Test GmbH............................................................. 72 The Insert Company.......................................135 Titibi........................................................................ 53 Top Screw Metal Corp Ltd............................153 TRK Fastenings Ltd.........................................157 Trojan Special Fasteners................................ 61 UBK........................................................................163 Verpa Senco.......................................................... 27 Vipa SpA.................................................................45 Vogelsang GmbH.......................................68, 168 Volt Industrial Plastics Inc............................ 57 Vorpa.......................................................................93 Wan Iuan Enterprise Co. Ltd.......................127 WASI...................................................................... 117 West Special Fasteners.................................153 Wilhelm Lüsebrink..........................................155 Win Fasteners Manufactory....................... 167 WPI Services...................................................... 118 WTI Fasteners Ltd...........................................169 Zago Manufacturing Inc................................63

Bolts • Nuts • Studs Sockets • Washers Machined Parts

®®

® ®

Special Metals and Alloys

Over 150 Material Grades 10,000 Ton Inventory Over 250 Machines We Service All Quantities Quick Global Delivery www.GoASF.com

All of Rivit’s universe with just one click

rivit.it FASTENERS&TOOLS FOR SHEET METAL ASSEMBLY Visit www.rivit.it from PC, tablet and mobile and surf the product’s catalog. You will find full range lines of products dedicated to the fastening of sheet metal, product details, videos, sector information.

Rivit Industry Division is production and distribution of fasteners and tools for the industrial sectors: automotive, industrial body shop, households appliances, light carpentry, electronics.

RIVIT srl Via Marconi 20 Ozzano dell’Emilia Bologna / Italy

Tel. +39 051 41 71111 Fax +39 051 41 71119 rivit@rivit.it / rivit.it

Where there is metal, there is Rivit!

WWW.NORD-LOCK.COM WWW.NORD-LOCK.COM

NUMBER ONE AT BEING FIRST Nord-Lock Group was the first to bring you the Nord-Lock Group was the you the the wedge-locking washer.

Thefirst firsttotobring develop wedge-locking washer.

The first to develop the multi-jackbolt tensioner. The first to make pivot multi-jackbolt tensioner.

Thewelding first to obsolete. make pivot repairs with line boring and repairs with line andindustry’s welding leading obsolete.

And the first to boring unite the bolting And the first to unite the industry’s leading bolting solutions into one comprehensive offer. solutions into one comprehensive offer.

Now we can proudly add being first in our Now we to can proudly addwarranty. being first in our industry offer lifetime industry to offer lifetime warranty.

There are a lot of good reasons Nord-Lock There a lot of good reasons Groupare is number one in secureNord-Lock bolting soltions Group is number one in secure soltions worldwide. Now there’s an even bolting better one. worldwide. Now there’s an even better one.

Find out more on our website www.nord-lock.com.

Find out more on our website www.nord-lock.com.