Fastener + Fixing Magazine #118

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE – ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

In this issue…

Light duty fixings Tooling, dies + punches European fastener markets fastenerandfixing.com | Issue 118 July 2019

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CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS

10-40

Financial reports, acquisitions and trade duty news

COVER STORY 42-45

We’ve only just begun Nord-Lock Group: Over 35 years of bolting experience

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

98-110

Famous failures series: Part 1 – stress corrosion cracking The evolution of the perfect plug NO TOOLS JUST HANDS

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

112-125

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

126-130

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

132-156

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

158-169

A history of technology and quality Established production technology

OrderWise robotics drive efficiency and cost savings

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

46-64

An insight from leading European fastener businesses into the prospects and challenges of their domestic market

INSIGHT 66-85 CELO – Small Things Matter When the bolt was called: Loris Fontana Training landmark in Rawlplug’s centenary year FACE2FACE: Radoslaw Koelner Indelibly Apex Stainless A single fastener supplier for the professional

EXHIBITIONS

IFS China impresses +Industry: More exhibitors, more professionals

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Overcoming galling issues with premium steel fasteners Why ultrasound clamp load measurement?

NORM Holding – an automotive solution partner

86-96

Ariljemetal: A reliable supplier Threadlocking and sealing systems

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

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EDITORIAL Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK

Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 www.fastenerandfixing.com

Dealing with uncertainty After travelling around Europe and Asia over the last few months, there was one clear consensus. That there is too much uncertainty within the market – mainly due to political and economic factors outside of the fastener industry’s control.

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o provide insight on the challenges, and prospects, affecting domestic markets, we invited leading fastener businesses from every European country to send their thoughts. It has led to an intriguing and thought-provoking exclusive feature.

To add to this, there is the Cover Story, which includes an article from Nord-Lock Group’s new CEO, Fredrik Meuller, who talks about how he is positioning the Group to provide even more customers with world-leading secure bolting solutions. Plus, there is an article focusing on Nord-Lock’s advanced technologies – spanning bolt securing, bolt tensioning, expansion bolts and expanding pivot pins.

During my travels, I had the pleasure of visiting Spain and sat down with the insightful Ramón Ceravalls, CEO of CELO, to discuss how the Spanish market has continued to develop after the devastating crisis of 2008/09, as well as the steps CELO has taken to keep itself at the forefront of the market.

Our Executive Editor Phil Matten also recently attended the opening of Rawlplug’s new academy training centre in Reading, UK. In addition to getting an exclusive facility preview, he also had the opportunity to have a face-to-face interview with Radoslaw Koelner, CEO of Rawlplug, to find out more about Rawlplug’s plans in its centenary year, as well as how a young boy from communist Poland had the drive and determination to become part of a heritage brand such as Rawlplug.

Other articles include a ‘Famous failures series’ from Ryan Murphy, technical director at Evolution Fasteners (UK) Ltd, with Part 1 concentrating on stress corrosion cracking; Anders Söderman, technical director at BUMAX AB, looks at how to overcome galling issues with premium stainless steel fasteners; and Jim Parsons, a fastener test engineer from the automotive industry, talks about the benefits of ultrasonic clamp load measurement.

We also focus on the latest developments within tooling, dies and punches, as well as what it takes to be a supplier to the automotive sector. Plus a whole host of other articles that will keep you up to date with all the news within the fastener and fixing industry.

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 Sales Manager Mac Rahman mac.rahman@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager – Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager – Europe Peter Makin peter.makin@fastenerandfixing.com Business Development Manager – DACH Thomas Schwarz thomas.schwarz@fastenerandfixing.com Production & Design Manager Lee Duskwick lee.duskwick@fastenerandfixing.com Digital Content Assistant Grant Rebecca grant.rebecca@fastenerandfixing.com Find us online: @fastenerfixing FastenerandFixingMagazine fastener---fixing-magazine Fastener and Fixing 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 2019. 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

Böllhoff increases sales for ninth consecutive year Böllhoff Group reported 2018 consolidated sales of €651.6 million, a 5.15% increase over 2017 and its ninth year of consecutive growth.

The Group also reported record levels of investment, increasing more than 50% to €65.1 million.

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

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

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

Sales of €312.5 million – close to 48% of the Group total – were generated in Germany, reflecting a 4.8% year-on-year growth. A further €203.8 million (31%) came from the remainder of Europe, increasing 2.6%.

Sales in the Americas were €75.5 million, increasing 4.1% – benefiting, Böllhoff notes “from the gentle tailwind behind the South American economy”. Sales in Asia totalled €59.9 million, contributing just over 9% of the Group total, but increasing year-on-year by more than 17%.

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

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

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

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

Full report available at: https://www.boellhoff.com/de-en/news/ news/2019/annual-report-2018-boellhoff.php www.boellhoff.com

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

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rifast’s European operations had a strong year, with revenues growing 5.8%, driven by double-digit revenue increases across six of eight entities, including the Netherlands (automotive), Hungary (electronics) and Germany (general industrial). Reduced domestic appliances volumes, as the result of trading conditions in Trifast’s Italian operations, offset some of these increases. Trifast’s Spanish greenfield site also successfully secured its first GB£1 million of annual sales in the year.

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

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

In the USA, a successful site move at the beginning of the year has been rewarded by exceptional revenue growth, increasing

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

by 38.3% to GB£8.9 million. This reflects ongoing gains in both the automotive and electronics sector, plus good use of existing multinational tier 1 and OEM customer relationships.

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

Gross margins remained on target at 30% despite the impact of anticipated purchase price inflation in the UK and upfront costs of ongoing investments in European manufacturing capacity. Underlying operating margins increased to an historic high of 11.6%.

CEO Mark Belton and CFO Claire Foster noted: “Trifast has delivered a solid performance and the directors remain optimistic about the progress the business will make over the coming financial year.”

“Our highly experienced teams are dedicated to researching, developing, marketing and selling innovative products that meet today’s high expectations that all our customers demand in terms of quality, value and price. Despite the potential implications of BREXIT, and the continuing trade tensions between the US and China, the board remains confident in its strategy, its people and the Group’s flexibility to adapt to change.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

NORMA Q1 sales increase moderately NORMA Group reported sales at €275.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, 1.1% up on the same period in 2018. Lower organic growth, eroded by automotive sector issues, was compensated by contributions from 2018 acquisitions and currency exchange gains.

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rganic sales fell 4.2%. 2018 acquisitions, Kimplas Piping Systems Ltd and Statek Stanzereitechnik GmbH, “contributed 2.3% and €6.2 million respectively”. Currency effects contributed 3.1% to sales growth. Adjusted EBITA for the quarter fell 13.3% to €39.6 million (Q1 2018: €45.7 million). The adjusted EBITA margin was 14.4% (Q1 2018: 16.8%). Net operating cash flow increased by €13.5 million to -€0.3 million (Q1 2018: -€13.8 million).

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

Sales in the EMEA region fell 2.8% to €128.4 million (Q1 2018: €132.2 million) impacted particularly by the continued WLTP issues and lower automotive production. Americas’ sales “rose solidly” by 4% to €111.6 million (Q1 2018: €107.3 million).

NORMA identified the water management segment as posting

strong growth at the beginning of 2019; business with commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery also continued to develop solidly. However, production figures in the North American automotive sector were negative.

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

Group CEO Bernd Kleinhens commented: “In view of the uncertain market situation worldwide and the more volatile than expected market environment, particularly in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions, we have substantiated our forecast for the adjusted EBITA margin in 2019. We are confident the situation on the markets will improve in the coming quarters and that we are well positioned for the future – with our broad product range and commitment to key markets such as electromobility and water management.”

NORMA Group confirmed its expected moderate organic growth, between 1% and 3%, for the full year. Sales from Kimplas and Statek are expected to total around €13 million. The company confirmed it was sticking to its adjusted EBITA margin forecast of between 15% and 17% but expected to achieve the lower end of the range.

Sundram Fasteners Hilti four month sales reports record revenue and profits up 6.2% Hilti has reported Group sales increased 6.2% over the first four months of 2019 to CHF1.931 billion (€17.1 billion). In local currency the growth factor was 7.6%.

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

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

The EMEA region grew 3% in the face of economic tensions in Russia, Turkey and the Gulf States.

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

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

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

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

Full financial statement at: https://sundram.com/pdf/recentupdate/SFL_ Signed%20Financial%20Results_English%20Version-31032019.pdf (1 crore = 10 million. INR 10 million approximately equivalent to €127,285 at Interbank Rate)

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Former UK fastener manufacturer owner sentenced for bribery Having pleaded guilty to bribery at the end of May, the former managing director and majority owner of ALCA Fasteners Ltd, has now been sentenced to two years imprisonment, director disqualification, and a confiscation order of nearly GB£4.5 million.

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arole Ann Hodson pleaded guilty at Walsall Magistrates’ Court, on 30 th May 2019, to bribery in relation to a scheme to secure GB£12 million worth of contracts for ALCA Fasteners Ltd, a company she owned at the time.

On 27th June, at Wolverhampton Crown Court, she was sentenced to two years imprisonment and disqualification as a director for seven years. Additionally, a confiscation order (made under UK law against a convicted defendant ordering them to pay the amount they benefited from crime) of nearly GB£4.5 million was applied, with costs of GB£478,351 awarded to the investigating Serious Fraud Office.

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

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

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

False invoices were created to justify the cash transfers, recorded in ALCA Fasteners’ accounts as ‘sales commission payments’ or other payments not related to genuine transactions, with Hodson later lying to her company’s auditors to disguise the true nature of the payments. To maintain the value of her company prior to selling it in 2017, Hodson then lied to the purchasers by claiming that the company had not been involved in any unlawful conduct.

In sentencing HH Judge Nawaz said: “This type of offending strikes at the heart of commercial practice and erodes the confidence the public place in those engaged in commercial practices. Anyone engaged in such practices should expect an immediate custodial sentence so that it sends a message and acts as a deterrent. That applies even to someone of good character. The offending was deliberate, for financial gain, over a sustained period and she took steps to cover the trail of what was happening.”

The SFO began investigating the affairs of the company in December 2017 following a referral by the Company’s current owners and directors. The SFO has now confirmed that no further action will be taken against the company.

Bufab acquires Nordic HT BENDIX AS Bufab Group has entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares in HT BENDIX AS, with annual sales of approximately DKK 345 million (around €46.5 million) and an operating margin of approximately 10%.

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T BENDIX AS was founded in 1975 and is a leading C-parts supply chain partner in the Nordics, with a strong expertise in the furniture and fittings industries.

Its head office and main operations are in Herning, in Jutland, Denmark, but the company generates sales throughout Scandinavia, the Baltics, Germany, the UK, France and Poland.

HT BENDIX AS has about 80 employees and generates annual sales of approximately DKK 345 million with good profitability.

“I am honoured and very happy to announce this acquisition, which is a significant and attractive add-on to our existing businesses in the Nordics, and which presents attractive growth synergies for both companies,” says Jörgen Rosengren, Bufab’s president and CEO. “HT BENDIX is well known in the industry for its high product and service quality, solution-oriented approach, and skilled staff.”

“In the past years, Bufab has become known as a leader in the C-parts industry globally. We have looked for a global

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player with the strength to help us bring HT BENDIX to a new level, as well as a mindset and culture that fits HT BENDIX. We are convinced that Bufab is the ideal partner to continuous successful growth,” comments Kaj Østergaard, managing director and spokesman for the owners of HT BENDIX. The acquisition is financed within Bufab’s existing credit facilities. The purchase price, on an “enterprise value” basis, amounts to approximately SEK 350 million (€33 million) upon closing of the transaction. An additional purchase price preliminarily estimated at SEK 70 million will be paid out in instalments in 2020 – 2022, conditional on stable and improving financial development. The acquisition will close and take effect immediately, but is conditional on the customary authority approvals, and will be reported within Bufab’s segment Sweden. It is expected to contribute to Bufab’s earnings per share starting from the third quarter of 2019.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

New injection line for Lapafil

Lapafil S.A, a Spanish company dedicated to the manufacture of fixing products since 1955, has added a new injection line to meet increasing demand in nylon clamps and nylon plugs in its domestic, as well as international, markets.

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urrently Lapafil exports its products to more than 50 countries around the world and the investment was necessary to increase production capacity to enable it to continue to grow and reduce delivery times.

“We produce around 50 million nylon plugs, more than 10 million nylon clamps, and around 10 million plastic clips, annually,” points out Oscar Jurado, general manager at Lapafil. “To continue to grow the new injection line was critical and we are very happy it is now up and running.”

In addition to its nylon range, Lapafil’s production of metal parts – such as anchors and single and double clips – has also seen a major increase in the last 2 years. “Production of

New generation takes over at KEIL A new generation of managing directors is set to take over at KEIL Befestigungstechnik GmbH. The company has also moved into new company headquarters.

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

Countless architects, planners, fabricators and clients trust the technical solutions of KEIL Befestigungstechnik. Thousands of façades worldwide have been permanently and securely fastened with the KEIL Hinterschittanker.

The family business has been successfully run by owners Petra and Jürgen Bergfelder for many years.

On 1st May 2019, the management was expanded to include new managing directors, Gerda Söhngen and Christian Schmidt.

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

Christian Schmidt, responsible for sales and marketing, has extensive global experience in sales of technical products. After 13 years in various positions at Akzo Nobel, Mr Schmidt was most recently sales manager at SFS intec GmbH in Oberursel for seven years.

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

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

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steel clips already amounts to more than 7 million pieces a year and we are already planning future investments to further grow this range of products,” mentions Oscar.

Lapafil is also focusing this year on its brand, with the launch in the market of a modern and attractive new packaging design. Its marketing team is confident that this new approach will provide greater visibility and easier identification for Lapafil products, thus expanding its position and presence in both domestic and international markets.

“Thanks to these new developments, and despite the current macro-economic uncertainty, we believe that 2019 will be a very productive year for Lapafil,” states Oscar.

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

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

Cooper & Turner serves a global customer base with manufacturing and distribution operations across the European Union, China and North America.

This worldwide network enables it to offer a seamless, ‘one stop shop’ solution for industrial fasteners that meet the highest levels of quality. Beck, a Francebased manufacturer and distributor of fully certified, high security bolting components, has built a global operation that complements and expands that of Cooper & Turner.

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

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

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

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

INDUSTRY NEWS

British Steel placed into receivership

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

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

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

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

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

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

UK Steel, the industry’s trade body, said: “This news is a significant blow for the company, its employees, and the communities across the UK that it supports. British Steel does not sit in isolation but is a critical part of the UK’s wider steel sector, a strategic British industry underpinning a myriad of supply chains.” The statement continued:

18

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

“Receivership does at least leave options on the table including providing time to secure a new buyer. We have every confidence that the government is investigating every available opportunity and pulling out all the stops to ensure a viable solution is found.”

UK Steel believes that despite the challenges faced by the sector currently, the outlook for steel demand in the UK remained positive.

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

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

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

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

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More BIAFD members, better informed A strong line-up of expert speakers ensured a near-record attendance of BIAFD members were once again better informed, at the UK and Irish Association’s spring meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon.

I

nevitably the topics revolved around the UK’s exit from the European Union. KPMG partner, Matthew Fleming – returning for the third year running to talk about BREXIT implications – couldn’t resist a ‘Groundhog Day slide’.

He went onto share the results of his Google search on ‘BREXIT means…’, which as well as ‘BREXIT’ and ‘Exit’ apparently also means ‘Titanic’. Humour aside, Matthew went on with his customary skill and insight to explore the scenarios and their implications for business.

KPMG colleague, Nicola Haynes, challenged the audience with “Are you really prepared?” and then went into the detail of contract terms, VAT, customs data, to name just a few. She rounded off with a look at what else was going on in international trade, including ‘Trump Tariffs’ and the implementation of the Japan-EU Free Trade Agreement.

With sunshine bathing the fine gardens of the Welcombe Hotel, it took a bit of corralling to get everyone back to their seats, but the next speaker was definitely worth it. Simon Bradbury, from Lloyd’s Register (pictured right), tackled the wide-ranging concerns about whether UK companies will be able to continue using CE Marking on their product for export to European Union countries, as well as looking at what is known so far about the UK Government plans for a UKCA assurance mark.

Lawrence Jasper and David Macmillan, from Bolloré Logistics, rounded off an informative afternoon, with some thoughts on the advantages of Authorised Economic Operator status for importers and exporters and other areas of customs compliance on which members might benefit from expert advice.

Following a serious afternoon, BIAFD Chairman Guy Stanhope had astutely made sure the mood would be lightened in the evening. More than fifty members who stayed for dinner were entertained by the spot-on timing and razor-edged word play of veteran comedian Austin Knight.

BIAFD’s membership continues to grow. Its best advocates are, naturally, its members. Their continued support has meant that attendance at the Association’s meetings has doubled over

20 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

the last ten years. By contrast, the annual cost of General Membership remains just GB£400.

BIAFD played a crucial role in informing the UK and Irish fastener distribution sector about EU anti-dumping and continues to play a major role as a founder member of the European Fastener Distributor Association.

Increasingly, however, BIAFD has turned its attention to technical and standards issues; to fastener quality assurance in critical user sectors; and to providing education and training for its members personnel.

“In the first quarter BIAFD ran an excellent seminar on hydrogen embrittlement, in conjunction with the CBM, and another well-attended Introduction to Fastener Manufacturing seminar and factory tour,” says Guy Stanhope, BIAFD chairman and owner of Phil Holden Fasteners Ltd. “Discussion amongst our Executive Members at this meeting identified in no uncertain terms the challenges of finding, training and retaining good quality people in UK fastener businesses. BIAFD has committed to the urgent development of further educational resources it can provide members to ensure not only directors and owners are better informed, but also employees at all levels.”

For more on BIAFD membership visit www.biafd.org or email info@biafd.org.uk

INDUSTRY NEWS

New UK Manufacturing Technologies and Services ‘Mini-Expo’ The Confederation of British Metalforming Fastener Sector will stage a brand new event in October, when it invites UK fastener manufacturers to a ‘Mini-Expo’ of fastener manufacturing technologies and services.

T

he one day event will take place on Wednesday 16th October at the National Metalforming Centre, West Bromwich, opening to visitors at 10:00 and running until 16:00. Over a buffet lunch, UK fastener and precision component manufacturers will be able to explore the benefits of CBM membership.

For this first ‘Mini-Expo’ CBM aims to feature at least twenty leading UK-based suppliers of manufacturing technologies – cold heading and thread rolling machinery, process monitoring systems, tooling and dies, coating systems, inspection and test equipment, lubricants, as well as wire and rod materials. Services are expected to include heat treatment, coating and threadlocking applicators, testing and inspection, and simulation software.

Many CBM Fastener Associates, who receive complementary space as part of their membership, have already confirmed participation.

They include Carlo Salvi/Hatebur, National Machinery, The Phillips Screw Company, Total UK, Heat Treatment 2000, and Petrofer.

A limited number of spaces will be made available to non-members. A two by one metre space, including back boards and dividers, will cost a modest GB£300. CBM is confident all participating manufacturing technology and service companies will see an excellent return on this small investment – and will also quickly realise the benefits of membership. As a further incentive the ‘Mini-Expo’ fee will be redeemable against CBM membership for 2020.

CBM Chief Executive Geraldine Bolton comments: “With the energetic and knowledgeable support of Phil Matten, CBM has been very pleased to deliver increasing value to its fastener members over the last two years.

We’ve held a series of well attended sector meetings, including visits to and presentations from Dudley College, British Steel, and WMG University of Warwick. The next of which will be on 25th September at the exciting Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield.”

“Our new event aims to fill a gap by providing a time efficient showcase of UK fastener manufacturing technology and services and a dedicated meeting place for UK fastener and precision component manufacturers. Holding it at the National Metalforming Centre, itself a tremendous resource for our members, means we can keep costs low.”

“We’re sure fastener and precision component manufacturers from across the UK will find it really valuable to find out what’s new from specialist UK suppliers and from the CBM, while taking this unique opportunity to network with production and engineering colleagues.”

UK based suppliers of fastener manufacturing technologies or services can find out more about exhibiting by emailing melinda.jean@thecbm.co.uk “Spaces are limited so please register your interest as soon as possible.”

Entry for engineers, production and general management from UK fastener and precision components manufacturers will be free by advanced booking, which will open at the end of July.

“Look out for more information and booking links at www.cbm.co.uk and www.fastenerandfixing.com, as well as in the next issue of the CBM Metal Matters magazine. CBM and exhibitors will also be sending sending qualifying managers an invitation link.”

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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 Amidst the self-obsessed rivalry of the two remaining UK Conservative politicians vying to replace Theresa May, the international trade secretary, Dr Liam Fox, delivered an interesting speech recently.

H

e spoke about ‘global economic headwinds’, which in the light of the June Purchasing Managers Indices is sounding more and more like a euphemism. OK, I concede, I talked last issue about reefing sails rather than battening down hatches: Not so sure about that today.

Dr Fox said: “… protectionism can be seductive but is a dangerous affair. I have described it as the class A drug of the trading world – it can make you feel good at first, but it can prove disastrous in the long-term.” He added: “If you interrupt that continuum of trade and investment, do not be surprised if you get unwanted consequences, politically, economically or in terms of security.”

The PMIs for the Eurozone, UK, and China, which all signalled deepening contraction in June, emphatically underscore Dr Fox’s warning. No worries for Mr Trump? Not so sure. The US manufacturing PMI is not looking exactly great either, hovering closer to the no-growth mark.

On the upside, Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed trade talks should recommence, and further US Section 301 tariffs would be held off – at least a temporary respite from tariffs on nuts from China.

However, the indirect impact of US tariffs on global trade patterns is evident.

EUROFER president, Geert van Poelvoorde, recently warned that steel suppliers are diverting exports to EU countries, citing a record 12% increase in EU imports of finished steel products during 2018 – despite consumption growth at 3.3%. While appreciative of the European Commission’s response he was also emphatic that EU safeguarding measures are not actually protecting much of the EU steel industry.

Section 301 tariffs on fasteners have also clearly distorted trade patterns. Faced with 25% duties, US importers have switched to Vietnam and other Asian sources,

albeit Chinese circumvention via these countries is clearly rife. Chinese fastener factories are ravenous for alternative orders at increasingly aggressive price levels. Chinese wire costs may be recovering but don’t look likely to curtail that appetite. The ‘if it looks too good to be true’ warning is worth bearing in mind.

EU fastener manufacturers must be as concerned about the potential for the diversion of Chinese fasteners to the EU, so it would be no surprise if the EIFI were garnering evidence of the negative impact on its members.

I’ve been asked recently about the potential for a new EU anti-dumping investigation on Chinese fasteners. It feels too early – Eurostat data does show a trend of increasing imports but nowhere near the levels of 2007-8. Also, the current levels of excess fastener inventory in Europe suggest import levels are likely to be subdued for a while yet. However, the spectre is lurking, at least in peripheral vision, again.

Prevention is better than cure, but too many politicians appear more focused on their own progression, or do I mean aggrandisement, than the corrosive impact of uncertainty on business, and thence the livelihoods of their citizens.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

US fastener importers raise prices to counter tariffs

U

United States fastener importers are raising prices in response to a tariff hike on fasteners from China.

S President Donald Trump hiked 10% tariffs on US$200 billion of fasteners, and other select goods manufactured in China, to 25% on 10 th May. Jun Xu, president at Brighton-Best International, told GlobalFastenerNews.com that his company has taken a “hybrid” approach to address tariffs. “We’ve had to increase our prices to compensate for the added cost of tariffs, and we’ve been looking to diversify our countries of origin,” Xu said.

Don Haggerty, president at Ohio-based Stelfast Inc, told GlobalFastenerNews.com his company is also raising prices. “As we start to incur the additional cost on incoming product we will be adjusting our selling price,” Haggerty stated. “These price increases will be rolled out over the next couple of months.”

Xu said Brighton-Best was surprised by the 10th May tariff hike. “All indications have been that the negotiations were going well,” Xu stated.

“At this point however, we believe the tariffs are a long-term issue, as both China and the USA have entrenched themselves further into their corners.”

In addition to price increases, both importers said they are looking at sourcing fasteners from countries other than China to offset the tariffs. Stelfast has reviewed pricing from China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Germany, Italy, Croatia, India and Mexico,

Haggerty said. “We have begun moving production of several products to countries other than China to minimize the impact.”

Haggerty noted that resourcing fasteners comes with an increased cost on virtually all products.

Fastener tariff hikes aren’t the only issue importers are trying to solve, according to Haggerty. “Our next challenge is the nut product,” he said. “This has not been included in any of the tariffs in the past year. However, a proposed List 4 has now been released, which includes the tariff code for nuts.”

So how long before fasteners taxed at the 25% rate arrive in the US? “For the affected products, basically anything that enters after 1 st June will be affected,” Xu stated. “Considering it takes 90 – 120 days to produce and one month of shipping time, basically our on-order PO’s from Feb 2019 onwards are affected.”

Xu does not expect a quick resolution to the US tariffs. “The USA wants structural change in China’s economy and the introduction of new laws/enforcements around intellectual property protection, among other issues. China has made it clear it will not enforce any structural changes to its laws to placate the USA.” “China is probably playing to wait out the Trump administration.

So, we do not believe this will go away anytime soon.”

Mowins: More counterfeit fasteners marketed Counterfeit fasteners are on the rise again, Mike Mowins told a 2019 Fastener Fair USA conference. Mowins spoke as president of Global Licensing for Phillips Screw Company, a role from which he has subsequently retired (see page 30).

F

astener problems led to the US Fastener Quality Act, which after more than a decade of legislation and amendments was implemented in December 1999. Government agencies such as the Department of Defense and Department of Energy are “looking hard again at the fastener industry due to questions about counterfeit fasteners”, Mowins said.

The FQA led to registering head marks with the US Patent and Trademark Office, which gave “some level of assurance” on fasteners greater than one quarter inch, Mowins said.

Mowins noted there are FQA exemptions – including parts of assemblies, orders for spares in quantities of 75 or less, ISO/QS 9000 registered and aircraft which have their own standards.

Changing marketplace

The larger role of VMI, stock-to-dock pricing per piece rather than quality, and the global supply chain, are changes since the US FQA. The B2B online marketplace didn’t exist at the time of FQA, Mowins noted. Fasteners “once came from a source you knew”, he observed. Today China “recycles” electronic parts and resells them as “new supplies which confuses the sourcing and lacks traceability”.

26 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Mowins cited the Coast Guard issuing a safety alert after finding counterfeit fasteners in 2017. An investigation of a ferry propulsion failure led to evidence of falsely identified fasteners being used as part of the drive train system. Several installed bolt heads separated from their shanks, resulting in disconnection from the transmission and water leaking into the engine room.

Mowins also cited the SAE G-21 counterfeit materials committee as a factor in trying to assure fastener quality. “If you deal with the DoD and DoE, requirements are coming” which will “flow down in the supply chain”, he pointed out. “Know your supply chain” to reduce risk of counterfeits, he advised, adding “if the price is too good, it probably is”. He also emphasised “train your people” as part of your staff understanding quality and supply.

Trademarks provide an extra level of quality assurance – they identify the source. Mowins said one of the best defences against imported counterfeit fasteners is the US Immigration & Customs Enforcement’s regulation of registered trademarks at the US borders. Customs Enforcement seizes and often destroys counterfeit bolts it finds, Mowins said.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

Aerospace fastener stocks outperform industrials In the most recent quarter, aerospace fastener stocks replaced industrials as the dominant performer, according to the FIN Review of Fastener Stocks, which covers the fastener portion of 19 public companies.

A

rconic reported Engineered Products and Solutions (EP&S) revenue, primarily aerospace fasteners, increased 5% to US$1.5 billion in 2019 Q1. Organic revenue grew 7%, driven by aero engine and defense growth. Segment operating margin was 16.8%, up 210 basis points year over year.

Bossard Group reported 2019 Q1 sales grew 5.4% to CHF 232.2 million (US$230.1 million) despite “markedly more challenging business conditions”. European sales increased 5.1% to CHF 138.9 million (+7.3% in local currency). US sales dropped 4.9% to CHF 58.1 million due to subdued sales development with several major customers. Sales in Asia rose 16.6% to CHF 35.2 million (+17.7% in local currency).

Chicago Rivet & Machine Co reported fastener segment revenues fell 15.1% to US$7.6 million in 2019 Q1. Sales to US automotive customers declined 21.5% to US$1.06 million. Production costs rose due to higher material costs related to US tariffs on steel and aluminum instituted in 2018.

Fastenal reported sales of its fastener products grew 11.8% on a daily basis to US$455.6 million in 2019 Q1, representing 34.8% of overall sales. Daily sales of fastener products increased to 13.5% in March, compared to a 12.4% rate of growth in March 2018.

Q1 sales of non-fastener products rose 12.7% on a daily basis to US$853.7 million in Q1, representing 65.2% of sales.

Grainger reported sales, including fasteners, increased 3% to US$2.8 billion in 2019 Q1, driven by a 3% point increase in volume

and a 1.5% point increase from price. Operating earnings rose 8% to US$363 million, with a margin of 13%. Gross profit margin was 39.1% versus 39.5% in 2018 Q1. Net earnings gained 9% to US$253 million.

ITW reported revenue at its Automotive OEM segment, including fasteners, dropped 10.5% in 2019 Q1. Segment operating income declined 23% to US$167 million. Construction Products revenue, including fasteners, dipped 6.3% to US$401 million, with segment operating income down 8.4% to US$87 million.

Stanley Black & Decker reported Engineered Fastening organic revenues during 2019 Q1 fell 4% “as automotive light vehicle production declines and lower system shipments more than offset continued fastener penetration gains”.

Sales at the company’s Industrial segment, including fasteners, increased 10% to US$555 million, despite a 3% decline in volume.

Segment profit dropped 12% to US$71 million.

TriMas reported 2019 Q1 sales at its Aerospace segment, which includes the Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Allfast Fastening Systems and Mac Fasteners brands, increased 1.4% to US$38.3 million due to steady demand levels for fasteners. Segment operating profit rose 25% to US$5.7 million.

A summary of each company’s results for the past 10 years is available to FIN subscribers by clicking on the FIN Stock Review section of GlobalFastenerNews.com

Mowins retires from Phillips Screw Mike Mowins has retired as president of global licensing for Phillips Screw Company, having started his fastener career in 1988 when he became vice-president for commercial products.

H

is first assignment was “to take the ACR anti-cam-out feature that had been successful in the aerospace market and develop a commercial product around this technology”. That resulted in the Phillips II drive system.

Among changes during his Phillips tenure were the “emergence of ISO 9000 in its many forms – AS9100, QS9000, etc – as the global standard for quality assurance”.

“Advancements in fastener materials have continued with exotic multiphase alloys, ultra-high strength materials, and fibre reinforced composites such as Peek finding their way into more demanding applications in both aerospace and automotive. Thread forms have evolved to provide better holding power in plastics, aluminum, magnesium and other materials. Fastener drive systems have also evolved to provide improved torque capability, anti-cam-out, and multitool compatibility in response to end user assembly issues.”

Mowins noted: “Traditional bolted joints have been replaced by blind bolts, thread forming screws, and in many cases different joining methods such as adhesives, bonding, and friction stir welding.”

Phillips Screw president Scott Filion said of Mowins: “His 31 years with the company have contributed significantly to make us who we are today.” Filion announced Chris Gallant, an engineer who was with Velcro in R&D roles for 22 years, as the new director of innovation. Mowins told GlobalFastenerNews.com that he is “exploring several options to continue to give back to the aerospace and fastener industries, including consulting and perhaps a new venture”. In the interim he said he will “continue my work with veterans through Project Healing Waters”.

30 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

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New head at BelZAN The board of directors of the Belebeevsky plant Avtonormal (BelZAN) terminated the powers of Chairman Timofey Khryapov (formerly head of VEB-Capital) and elected Yevgeny Fomichev to replace him.

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tate corporation Rostec received 99.23% of BelZAN shares at the end of March in exchange for debts. Previously, BelZAN belonged to Avtovazagregat, a now bankrupt entity in Togliatti.

The new board composition includes five new directors – Alexander Ruban, director for corporate governance and property issues of Rostec, plus Yevgeny Fomichev, Vyacheslav Burdin, Yevgeniya Kabanova, Maria Kostyuk, whose posts are not specified. It also includes two acting directors – Zoya Kuzmich, deputy general director for economics and finance; and Kirill Makukha, head of the department for OPK asset management.

Since 2015, Yevgeny Fomichev has headed Remvooruzheniye JSC, Tsentromashproekt JSC, and RT-Kurganmashzavod JSC. Earlier this year, the Belebeevsky plant Avtonormal changed its manager. Viktor Dolgov, who managed the enterprise since June last year, was replaced by Sergey Rodionov, former manager of the Dimitrovgrad Auto-Aggregate Plant (DAAZ, part of AvtoVAZ). In 2017, he was appointed advisor on industrial development to the governor of the Ulyanovsk region.

Soudal invests in new plant

Belgian manufacturer of assembly foam and sealants, Soudal, is investing €20 million in the construction of a plant in Bogorodsk.

S

oudal’s first plant in Russia will be opened in 2020 in the Bogorodsk Industrial Park. “The total area of the new factory will be 40,000m2,” announced the press service of the Ministry of Investment and Innovation of the Moscow region.

Capacity for production of foam is expected to be 50 million cylinders per year. In addition, the plant will have its own quality control laboratory, as well as a department for developing and testing new product formulas. In the future, the company plans to expand production by launching a new line of sealants and adhesives. At full capacity, the plant will provide jobs for about 350 people .

New traumatology hardware production launched With the help of a concessional loan provided by the Industry Development Fund, Anatomika Company has launched import-substituting production of metal implants for fracture treatment in Kazan, Russia.

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hese are plates, screws, rods, and other fixings, used in traumatology and orthopedics. Implants are made of special titanium alloys and high alloy steel grades.

The company plans to produce upwards of 98,000 units per year. In 2018, the Industry Development Plant supported Anatomika and provided the Kazan project with 42 million rubles. Another 18 million rubles was provided by the Investment and Venture Fund of the Republic of Tatarstan. The total cost of the project is reckoned to be 95 million rubles (€1.3 million).

Tatarstan sponsors modernisation of Tekhnotron-Metiz plant The Tekhnotron-Metiz plant has received a subsidy of 4.5 million rubles from the Ministry of Economy of Tatarstan.

M

oney was allocated to modernise the production capacity of the plant. Residents and companies of industrial sites and parks of Tatarstan can count on similar support, according to the press service of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan.

“The main objective of this programme is to stimulate the modernisation of production and expansion of the technical and technological capacities of small and medium businesses. In this case, we take all the interest on loans for the purchase of equipment or the construction of infrastructure on ourselves, thereby helping entrepreneurs to develop their potential in a shorter time,” said Farid Abdulganiev, minister of Economy of Tatarstan.

32 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

New metal products technical committee created The Technical Committee for Standardisation 375 ‘Metal Products from Ferrous Metals and Alloys’ has been created to absorb the work of previously separate committees.

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y the order of Rosstandard #655 of 27 th March 2019, a new technical committee 375 for standards in ‘Metal Products from Ferrous Metals and Alloys’ was formed. At the same time, according to the order, the technical committees ‘Methods of control of metal products’, ‘Hardware’, and ‘Fasteners’ are liquidated. The standards previously within the competence of the liquidated committees have been assigned to the newly created technical committee.

The functions of the secretariat of the technical committee are assigned to the Federal State Unitary Enterprise Central Research and Development Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy named after I.P. Bardin.

Approvals were also given for the structure of the technical committee, the composition, and the provision on the committee. The technical committee includes the following subcommittees: SC1: ‘Terminology, classification, designations’.

SC2: ‘Rolled products from alloyed and unalloyed steels’.

SC3: ‘Rolled products from high alloy steels and alloys. Rolled products from electrical steel’.

SC4: ‘Reinforcing bar for reinforced concrete structures’.

SC5: ‘Powder materials’.

SC6: ‘Methods of metal products control’.

SC7: ‘Hardware and fasteners’.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

Orlovsky Steel Rolling Plant expands range The Orlovsky Steel Rolling Plant (part of JSC Severstal-metiz) has expanded its range of railway fixings, used in the top structure of the track.

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urrently the fixings are supplied in three standard sizes: M22, M24 and M27. A new grade of steel has now been selected especially for producing M24 and M27 nuts.

The company’s fixings have well established quality, with a triple safety margin and assured performance even at the lowest temperatures. Dimensional parameters and mechanical properties completely conform to the requirements of Russian standards, as confirmed with tests of trial batches.

“Quite often, in order to reduce costs, unfair producers replace quality metal with lower cost and lower quality grades, impacting the operational performance of the fixings,” comments Alexey Erenichev, the director of the Orlovsky Steel Rolling Plant.

“We have created products that along with advanced technologies provide the impact elasticity in full compliance with the requirements of GOST.” In the immediate future the Orlovsky Steel Rolling Plant also plans to expand its range of machine building fasteners.

BSW is now without a CEO According to information from TUT.by, Anatoly Savenok has left the post of CEO of the Belarus Steel Works (BSW). According to the source he left by agreement of the parties.

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n the eve of his resignation Anatoly Savenok is reported to have emailed colleagues and customers to thank them for their collaboration, referring to the realisation of ambitious projects, solution of difficult problems, and rejoicing in mutual achievements. He expressed gratitude for this opportunity adding, “life moves forward, offers new prospects”.

Anatoly Savenok worked at the Zhlobinsky plant for nearly 30 years and had been CEO since 14th October 2009. He was

34 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

the first Belarusian appointed as CEO of the enterprise, the post previously being held by Russians and Ukrainians.

Between 2010 − 2018 the plant underwent its biggest modernisation programme. However, its conclusion coincided with the crash in the world steel market due to mass overproduction in China. Balancing and increasing production of higher added value has allowed the plant to survive in hard times.

However, it still shoulders a very large debt burden.

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ASIAN NEWS

Record 2018 Taiwan fastener exports According to statistics from the Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), Taiwan achieved record volume and value of fastener exports in 2018.

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astener export volume increased 5.25% year-on-year to reach 1.68 million tonnes. Export value was US$ 4.846 billion (€4.26 billion) in 2018, an increase of 12.75% over 2017. The average price of exported fasteners rose 7.13% to US$2.884/kg.

TIFI credited the growth to economic recovery in the United States and Germany, combined with the increase in the average price and stable material supply. Around 41.5% of Taiwan’s fastener exports in 2018 were destined for the United States of America, an increase of 7.12% from 2017. The second largest export destination was Germany, to which exports grew around 2% year-on-year.

Source: Fastener World Magazine

BREXIT and US tariffs make PIOLAX remap production PIOLAX, an automotive fastener and parts maker from Japan, is remapping its production in response to concerns over BREXIT and the impact of US Section 301 tariffs.

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astener World Magazine reports that PIOLAX has moved production from its Dongguang (China) plant to a plant in Georgia, USA, since the beginning of 2019.

The company is also increasing its parts inventory within the EU amidst concerns about potential disruption as a result of a ‘no-deal’ BREXIT. PIOLAX is also considering moving production from its UK factory to a partner company within the EU. Formerly, PIOLAX manufactured a large amount of hose clamps and other automotive parts at its China plant. Production cost was low and the volume of supply to the Chinese market was large. However, with the recent slowing of the growth of the Chinese automotive market and imposition of US Section 301 tariffs imported from China, the president of PIOLAX stated: “If this keeps going, we are looking at a loss of JPN 100 million every year.”

Given that the US/China trade conflict could be a long battle, the president decided to move production to the US plant. PIOLAX has invested hundreds of millions of Japanese yens to install a heat treatment furnace at the US plant to process hose clamps and metal fasteners.

The UK plant is the main supply base for PIOLAX to the EU region, handling automotive fasteners and other parts, 60% of which are sold to the EU and 40% to UK. PIOLAX is deeply concerned that customs clearance procedures and other regulations as a result of BREXIT could undesirably cast a heavy blow to its sales and logistics.

The president ordered his operating bases inside the EU to increase inventory ahead of the original March BREXIT deadline and is also considering relocating production to PIOLAX partner ARaymond Japan to retain cost competitiveness.

ARaymond works with PIOLAX on manufacturing products for untapped markets through bilateral production consignment.

36 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

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Opportunities for international trade

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

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udhanshu Pandey, additional secretary, Ministry of Commerce, GOI, was the chief guest for the event. SC Ralhan, managing director at Sri Tools Pvt Ltd, and Kamna Raj Aggarwalla, managing director at GDPA Fasteners, shared the dais.

Speaking on the occasion, Pandey said: “We are passing through a challenging but an opportune time. Indian exports were around INR 330 billion (€4.2 billion) last year. Out of this, INR 210 billion was from the service sector and was considered to be the highest of all times.”

Aggarwalla stressed the importance of capitalising in-built strengths rather than following western concept of innovations.

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

Source: Fastener Association of India

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ASIAN NEWS

Production record for Japanese fastener industry in 2018 Chinafastener.info reported in May a record year for the Japanese fastener industry. Fastener World Magazine provides background from a Japanese media interview with Mr Tubaki Syouitirou, chairman of the Fasteners Institute of Japan, earlier in the year.

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ccording to Fastener World, Mr Tubaki Syouitirou told Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun that production volume and value of fasteners during 2018 would outpace 2017. He expected the volume to range between 3.2 million to 3.3 million tonnes, and the value to be around JPN 900 billion (€7.4 billion).

More recently Chinafastener.info has reported on the Fastener Institute of Japan’s general assembly, held on 16th May, where it was announced that a historic production value record of JPY 916.1 billion, a 2.6% increase over 2017, had indeed been achieved.

Production volume grew 2.4% to 3.285 million tonnes.

Three consecutive years of growth, Mr Tubaki Syouitirou said in the interview, would bring the industry’s performance back to the level prior to the economic crisis in 2008. However, he also noted that the Japanese fastener industry is in a severe condition due to

shortage of skills and challenges in relation to business succession.

Fastener World reported that the Institute would discuss a system to incorporate foreign talents into Japanese fastener manufacturing plants within 2019.

The chairman also said the evolution of AI and IoT will push the market to demand entirely different functions for fasteners. He referred to the potential to embed an IC chip into a screw to harvest data, saying this is not something out of the question but such screws will require an entirely different design.

Mr Tubaki Syouitirou said the Japanese fastener industry must think ahead of the current situation and find a way out. Speaking about the emergence of electric cars, he said developing fasteners of higher strength and higher quality is the way for the Japanese fastener industry to survive in the world market.

LPS Bossard launches Assembly Technology Expert LPS Bossard India Pvt Ltd, the joint venture between Bossard and LPS in Rotak, has launched an Assembly Technology Expert Service in Gurugram, which comes into play when a company develops a new product.

A

ccording to LPS Bossard, its Assembly Technology Expert Services deliver the smartest solutions for all possible fastening challenges. It uses a three stage methodology that helps reduce production time and significantly cut costs.

Rajesh Jain, managing director at LPS Bossard, said: “Our Assembly Technology Expert Services bundle over 185 years of experience in fastening technology with a holistic view of process costs for fastening elements and assembly procedures. By reducing complexity in the relevant areas, we put companies in a position to be more agile, thus ensuring their ability to compete.”

Government plans panel for steel availability

According to an official, the Government of India is planning for a committee under the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to look into the availability of steel at competitive prices for engineering goods exporters.

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he official added: “The committee will submit its report to steel and commerce ministries within two months. It will suggest measures which will be a win-win situation for both steel producers and engineering exporters.”

Engineering goods exporters deem domestic rates to be higher and are demanding that steel be available at global prices. However, steel producers say that the price of steel gets pushed up due to high freight charges and cost of production in the country.

The committee, along with the senior officials of steel and commerce ministries and exporters, will also include members from the engineering sector.

Source: Fastener Association of India

38 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Sundram Fasteners opens subsidiary for Aero-Def Sundram Fasteners Ltd has now set-up a fully-owned subsidiary firm to foray into the aerospace and defence space, reports the Fastener Association of India.

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he TVS Group confirmed the subsidiary unit, Sunfast TVS Ltd, will focus on emerging opportunities in aerospace and defence sectors.

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

The official also pointed out the subsidiary will supplant Sundram Fasteners business in space vehicles and helicopter components. He further said that the union government’s new Defence Procurement Policy gave a window of opportunity for manufacturing firms to explore this. Union minister for finance, Arun Jaitley, in the 2018 budget, had announced the setting up of two defense industrial production corridors to boost domestic manufacturing. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh were shortlisted.

While the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor was launched at Aligarh in August 2018 at an investment of INR 3,732 crore, the defence corridor in Tamil Nadu was inaugurated by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in January 2019 at an announced investment of INR 3,038 crore.

[1 crore = 10 million]

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

Jomarca celebrates 50th anniversary In 1969, the same year that American astronaut Neil Amstrong walked on the moon for the first time, a young fastener sales agent began his career as an industrial businessman and created one of the largest Southern Hemisphere fastener manufacturers.

J

oão Marques Castelhano, a Portuguese immigrant, founded Jomarca Industrial de Parafusos – at that time just a modest company producing a few different types of fasteners. Since then, Jomarca has expanded and has more than 700 employees, is capable of producing more than 3,100 tonnes per month, and has created subsidiaries consolidated into the Jomarca Group.

The Jomarca President – João, as everybody has always called him – is a person passionately attentive to all company activities, whether it is administrative, commercial or on the factory floor. Now Vice-President Ricardo Marques Castelhano, the son of João, leads the company into a new era. Under Ricardo’s administration modern concepts have been implanted and the company has expanded greatly in the market.

Jomarca’s industrial plant and headquarters is located in Guarulhos City, São Paulo state, less than 5km from South America’s largest airport.

The facility is the centre of production and the main warehouse for an extensive range of bolts, screws, nuts, washers, pins, rivets, threaded bars and other fasteners – items present in the industrial sectors of furniture, electrical and electronic materials, auto parts, shoes, toys, civil construction and others.

In addition, the company also has a unit producing hinges. A Group subsidiary assembles Jomarca kits, for supply into the furniture industry, for TV stand installations and many others applications from the north to the south of the whole of Brazil and the Mercosur countries.

Brazilian GDP falls in Q1, but automotive keeps growing In the first quarter of 2019 Brazil’s domestic automotive production increased 5.3% compared with the same period in 2018.

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ale S.A is the second largest mining company in the world and leader in iron ore production, with operations in over 30 countries. Some economic analysts attribute the disaster involving ‘that company’ last November as the main cause for the 0.2% fall in Brazilian gross domestic product compared with fourth quarter 2018. Neverthless, compared with first quarter 2018, the result is positive at 0.5%, and across the last 12 months GDP growth has reached 0.9%.

However, the scenario still show sectors in a better situation, including an automotive industry that produced more than 1.24 billion units between January and May 2019, against the 1.18 billion in the same period in 2018 – an increase of 5.3%.

From that total, for the first five months around 45,550 trucks were produced, against 41,000 in 2018 (+10.9%). However, output of agricultural and road machinery fell, with production of just 20,700, a reduction of -4.2% against 21,600 in the same period 2018.

Regarding ‘two wheels’, between January and April (there is still no data for May) motorcycle production accumulated 368,055 units (+5.76%), against the 348,009 during the same period last year.

On another side, cement sales, one of the main inputs of the construction market, have grown again in Brazil. According to the National Union of the Cement Industry (SNIC), in April alone 4.4 million tonnes of the product were sold in the country, an increase of 0.2% in relation to the same month of 2018.

In April, Brazil registered 129,601 new formal jobs, when compared with same month 2018, the first positive result in sixteen trimesters. However, from January to April 2019 there were just 313,835 jobs, down from the 336,855 in same period 2018, according to The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics – IBGE. Sources: www.anfavea.com.br / www.abraciclo.com.br / www.snic.org.br

40 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Automotive recalls There were recently two automotive recall notices, from Peugeot and Porsche.

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n May Peugeot announced a recall involving 1,078 units of Expert models, produced between 2017 and 2018, due to inadequate torque application in the fixing of the front suspension knuckle, which could result in displacement of the wheels.

Porsche also recalled 718 Boxster and 911 Cayman models for maintenance involving rivets used in the connection of the longitudinal part and crossbar of the luggage compartment, failure of which could compromise the fuel system.

COVER STORY

We’ve only just begun After one year in the role, Nord-Lock Group’s new CEO, Fredrik Meuller, is highly enthusiastic and optimistic about the growth path the company is on. Here he focuses on how he is positioning the Group to provide even more customers with world-leading secure bolting solutions.

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ow 48 years old, Fredrik Mueller joined Nord-Lock with a solid track record at several world-leading companies, including J.P. Morgan in finance, McKinsey in management consulting and Trelleborg in engineered polymer solutions. His combined technical and business experience puts him in a great position to catalyse even faster growth at Nord-Lock, building on the strong foundations the group already has.

“I’m very happy to say that the company was doing extremely well already before my arrival,” says Fredrik. “But, at the same time, I see that we’ve really only scratched the surface of what we can potentially do. By building upon our unmatched strengths in customer focus, innovation, and quality, we can offer the bolting market so much more. This means exciting opportunities to serve more customers and more markets with bolting innovations. To achieve this, we’ve been selectively scaling up our organisation and increasing market penetration over the past year.”

Flexing muscles to support customers and innovation

Nord-Lock Group is today the world leader in secure bolting solutions with customers such as Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, Alstom, Sandvik, etc. The company has a global footprint and local presence based on 600 employees and four technology brands: Nord-Lock®, Superbolt TM , Boltight TM , and Expander®. Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers were the first innovation and the foundation of the Group, and the Superbolt, Boltight and Expander technologies were acquired individually over the years (2011 – 2016) and very successfully integrated to form what has become Nord-Lock Group.

Now the group is clearly flexing its muscles, essentially growing and expanding in all areas, as it moves to get closer to more customers – by opening new offices in numerous strategic locations. It’s also hiring new talent and personnel, both to support customers and to continue to innovate in what can sometimes be a rather conservative industry. And, of course, its delivery excellence is further improving as new plants are being built to meet increasing global demand for its products.

Saving lives is an incredible achievement

Those unique products help secure bolted joints and other applications where failure is clearly not an option. “At the end of the day,” observes Fredrik, “the solutions we sell increase safety and save

lives. It’s very hard to put a price tag on that. Every employee, starting with the skilled professionals on the factory floor, and through the entire staff and management organisation, is aware and proud of the fact that we help protect lives and valuable investments.”

Lack of awareness is the competitor

When asked who his biggest competitor is, Fredrik doesn’t hesitate for a second. “Ignorance. And I mean this in a positive way,” he explains.

“Many people simply aren’t aware of the very broad range of problem solving solutions we can deliver to secure and protect equipment, investments and people. They may be using adhesives or double nuts to secure their bolted joints but our seemingly simple wedge-locking washer can do it better, while saving big money in the long run.

The same positive scenario applies for the other product lines and innovative technologies we have developed – but awareness is the issue. While many companies already recognise us as a global partner, whose expertise and competence is the key to helping them with their challenges, others have yet to realise this. As we build more awareness about our expertise with more people, the sales will naturally follow.”

To be the leader in secure bolting, says Fredrik, you must be good in maybe 10 different criteria in areas like regular testing, quality inspections, certificates of conformity, as well as technical expertise, industry knowledge, global reach and local presence. “We meet, and exceed, all of these criteria, which guarantee we deliver premium quality and service.

That knowledge helps both our customers and ourselves to sleep well.”

Value based on avoiding breakdowns

Nord-Lock Group is moving forward every day to improve its offering even further, fully intending to remain the worldwide market leader,

42 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

based on products that deliver superior overall value to any customer who is wise enough to do a quick total-cost-of-ownership calculation.

“The bottom line is simple: We deliver superb value. When we show customers that we can solve their problems, make operations safer, and also increase efficiency to reduce downtime and operating costs, they see it’s worth a lot of money. That’s why the company is growing so rapidly; when customers calculate the long-term financial benefits, they realise they’re getting great value.”

Make no mistake about it: The company’s products are all premium grade solutions to tough bolting and engineering challenges. However, that doesn’t mean that every assignment is a high profile reference project such as the Shinkansen bullet train in Japan, the ITER nuclear fusion project in France, or the Øresund Bridge tunnel between Denmark and Sweden. Nord-Lock Group has thousands of customers covering an extremely broad spectrum of industries and sectors, spanning from the biggest nuclear projects to small electrical appliances in the home.

Both the high profile references and the extremely broad spread of applications are illustrations of the enviable market position Nord-Lock Group has built. “The wide product range of leading bolting technologies is a great asset for us,” reiterates Fredrik, “and we are constantly innovating to meet future customer needs. Innovation is our foundation and a natural part of our DNA. Our challenge, however, is to make more people more aware of our solutions.”

“This is a very privileged situation, allowing us to fairly easily commercialise and globalise our products for further growth. Of course, we are improving them, such as with newly developed digital tools and Apps, but a key priority is building more awareness in all markets about the clear cut value these products deliver. This value comprises safety, security, uptime, and maintenance aspects, which give direct beneficial impact on both costs and profits. To be able to positively influence all these factors with a relatively inexpensive bolting solution adds up to a great value proposition.”

New tools based on digital advances

As examples of some new developments, Fredrik cites the recently launched Superbolt tool and the Expander Toolbox, as well as other new products about to be introduced. The Superbolt tool provides a fast and accurate method of applying torque to multiple jackbolts at the same time, giving benefits in total efficiency due to faster tightening and untightening, and improved maintenance planning and scheduling.

The Expander Toolbox App allows users to access a database of 60,000 datapoints related to pivot pins – covering all possible machines and applications. So the user simply enters the make, model and position on the machine they are using, and the correct pivot pin is identified and can be delivered within 24 – 48 hours.

By building upon our unmatched strengths in customer focus, innovation and quality, we can offer the bolting market so much more.”

Discussing challenges

The bottom line is that Nord-Lock Group is in a unique position to leverage its strengths of quality, innovation, and customer focus, to support anyone facing a bolting challenge. And it is totally willing to do so. “We have a wealth of knowledge and competence in dealing with challenging bolted joint applications, and we are happy to share it,” concludes Fredrik.

“If something is important and valuable to you, we can help secure the joints holding it together. To explore this, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.” www.nord-lock.com

The solutions we sell increase safety and save lives.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 43

COVER STORY

Nord-Lock Group: Over 35 years of bolting expertise Nord-Lock Group is a pioneer in innovative bolting solutions, with advanced technologies spanning bolt securing, bolt tensioning, expansion bolts and expanding pivot pins. With decades of experience solving engineering challenges all over the world, the company continues to put its customers first, offering products and services to help each of them complete their projects on time.

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ounded in 1982, Nord-Lock Group began as a family-owned manufacturer based in the heart of Sweden. Known then as Nord-Lock, the company pioneered the use of geometry in bolting by developing the original wedge-locking washers.

The success of Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers led to a steady growth of the company, and in 1994 it was acquired by Investment AB Latour – an investment company listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. With the support of a strong and reliable owner, Nord-Lock was enabled to expand on its vision to provide the best possible bolting solutions to customers worldwide.

In 2011, Nord-Lock acquired Superbolt TM , the inventor of multi-jackbolt tensioning technology, founded in Pittsburgh, USA, in 1984. This was followed by the acquisition of Boltight®, in 2015, the UK-based creator of hydraulic bolt tensioning technology. In 2016, Nord-Lock came full circle to acquire another Swedish company, Expander® Group, a leader in pivot pin technology. These four divisions together make up the Nord-Lock Group, home of the most trusted bolt securing technologies in the world.

Nord-Lock Group technologies Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology

Nord-Lock wedge-locking technology secures bolted joints with tension instead of friction. This prevents bolts from loosening, even when subjected to extreme vibration and dynamic loads. The products increase operational reliability and lower maintenance costs, while significantly reducing the risks of unplanned production stops and accidents.

The system is composed of a pair of wedge-locking washers with cams on one side and serrations on the other. When the bolt and/or nut is tightened, the serrations e m b e d t he m s e lve s into the m a t i n g surfaces.

Since the cam angle , is larger than the thread pitch , a wedge effect is created by the cams, effectively preventing the bolt from rotating loose.

44 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioning technology

Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioning technology tightens large bolts safely and accurately using simple hand tools.

The tensioners take the high preload requirement in large diameter bolting and break it down into manageable torques using the jackbolts threaded through the nut body. Superbolt products are easy to work with and provide an overwhelming mechanical advantage compared to traditional methods.

By tightening the jackbolts, a strong axial thrust force is generated and directed against a hardened washer. The loads are transferred through the nut body, which is positioned on the main thread by hand.

A hardened washer is used to transfer the force while protecting the flange face.

The axial force of many jackbolts and the opposite reaction force of the main bolt head create a strong clamping force on the flange.

Boltight hydraulic bolt tensioning technology

Boltight solutions make it possible to tighten and loosen large bolts simultaneously while maintaining accurate load. Bolt tensioners stretch the bolt before the nut is wound down under zero friction, ensuring extreme accuracy, speed, uniformity and safety in any bolt tightening situation.

When a tensioner is attached to the bolt or stud, high pressure hydraulics are used to axially stretch the bolt. Bolt stretch/elongation creates the clamping force. As the bolt is stretched, the nut lifts clear of the flange. An access window in the tensioner allows the nut to be turned down with very little friction. When the hydraulic pressure is released, the nut traps the stretch in the bolt retaining the ‘load’.

Expander System pivot pin technology

Lug wear is a common problem with all machinery. Repairs involve a costly, time-consuming process with significant downtime and must be repeated several times over a machine’s life. With the Expander System, the repair can be carried out directly in the worn mountings without welding and line boring – a permanent solution to lug wear.

The Expander System is installed directly into the existing mounting.

Upon tightening the fasteners, the washer presses the slotted expansion sleeve up the tapered ends of the pin. The sleeves expand, conform with the wear pattern and lock the system in the lug ears. Once retorqued, the system locks from both sides.

Full lifetime warranty across all technologies

Nord-Lock Group prides itself on providing customers with technologies that have an unmatched reputation for reliability, performance and security. All the group’s products are field tested for thousands of hours, and put through the most demanding trials any application is likely to experience.

Nord-Lock expects each and every solution that it produces will perform above and beyond any similar equipment in its class.

To highlight the trust and confidence in its products, Nord-Lock Group launched a lifetime warranty across all its technologies in 2017.

The Nord-Lock Group Lifetime Warranty ensures each solution will perform as expected from the moment it is installed until the end of its intended lifecycle.

Unmatched engineering expertise and customer support

Providing its global customer base with high-quality solutions is not the company’s only aim.

In fact, Nord-Lock Group has been investing just as heavily in technical support services as it has in the development of innovative products. The company always work closely with its customers to understand their needs, identify and solve their technical problems and support their projects, from the initial planning to installation and ongoing maintenance.

As an example of this support, Nord-Lock Group can provide advanced testing and verification capabilities in its in-house laboratories, a service that is not only available to customers but to anyone facing a bolting challenge.

Engineering experts are also available for on-site and remote training sessions that span installation support to assistance with service and retrofitting. With distribution centres in Europe, North America and Asia, the Group also ensures that products can be rapidly delivered to customers all around the world.

Over the past 35 years Nord-Lock Group has undergone a radical transformation, from a family-owned manufacturing company, to an engineering powerhouse, offering multiple technologies and services to the global community of customers and industry experts. What has remained unchanged is the Group’s dedication to providing quality bolting solutions, along with the best support services – thus ensuring that each and every customer is able to complete their projects on time.

Nord-Lock comments: “If you would like more information about any of the Nord-Lock Group technologies mentioned above, please contact us via your local representative, or alternatively visit our website.” www.nord-lock.com

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 45

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

European fastener market insight With so many political, economic, and industry, factors currently influencing the fastener market we decided to invite leading fastener businesses, from all European countries, for an insight into the prospects and challenges of their domestic markets.

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e asked them to consider not just economic and financial issues but also technology drivers for the fastener industry and to identify priorities for the future. We are really grateful for the time and thought generously invested in assembling a unique perspective of the European fastener landscape.

For space reasons we have edited some contributions but have been careful to retain the core of each contributor’s insight. Of course, there will be other, and perhaps divergent, viewpoints.

Yours may well be one and we would be very happy to hear it for a future issue: editor@fastenerandfixing.com Meanwhile, we hope you find this anthology as fascinating as we have.

CZECH REPUBLIC MEKR’S s.r.o

Jan Melichar Jr, chief executive officer As a business we have been involved in the market for over 25 years and we still hold the top spot as the Czech Republic’s largest fastener distributor.

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urthermore, we keep on expanding our product range so we can answer the needs of our customers all from one location. Customers can also expect to receive top service, which is not just about quantity and price, but also about the speed of delivery, quality of goods and subsequent care – including certificates.

Over recent years the demand for fasteners has continued to grow in the Czech Republic. Our company supplies to all industry branches and therefore our portfolio is well diversified to avoid future crises as much as possible. The only industry we do not directly supply to is the automotive industry because MEKR’S does not see the prosperity and sustainability of the automotive sector within the European Union.

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A great advantage of being a Czech company is that there are a host of companies that assemble final products here, which means that the consumption of fasteners is very decent compared to the population ratio. Another advantage is our location in Europe, which we try to maximise for export customers. We are situated in the heart of Europe, meaning we are able to deliver to companies from Portugal all the way to Romania.

Our biggest priority is definitely customer service. After this, it is the application of new technologies in fasteners; having a broad portfolio of customers from end users (manufacturers) to wholesalers; and, as I mentioned above, not being dependent solely on one industry.

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

TURKEY NORM Holding

Fatih Uysal, chairman Turkey is in the position of being the fourth biggest European manufacturer after Germany, Italy and France. The sector, which has the objective of becoming one of the two leading production countries through new investments, has approximately 200 manufacturing facilities.

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urkey exports to 180 countries; in particular to Germany and France. Automotive is the leading sector of the domestic market in terms of fasteners and is one of the most important sectors in Turkey – providing the fundamental motivation for the domestic market to be active.

The automotive industry grew after the Customs Union agreement with the EU, resulting in world leading automotive companies basing themselves in Turkey due to its geographical proximity, logistics amenities, and workforce potential. This caused a rapid acceleration in the fastener industry. In this sense, considering automotive is the main player of the domestic market, the opportunities and threats in the automotive sector will inevitably affect the fasteners sector in Turkey, which moves with an understanding of innovation and R&D based production and supply.

NORM’s success is achieved by focusing on high-quality production, investing in technology and building good relations with customers. When we look at our domestic market, we know it will be affected from declining trends in the world’s automotive production.

However, there are still new investments happening such as a potential new Skoda plant (final decision not given), a joint VW-Ford project and transit productions.

How has the fastener industry developed in your country over recent years? What are the key topics impacting companies?

“As I mentioned, the development of the fastener sector corresponds to the period when our country became an automotive base after the Customs Union. At NORM Holding we played a key role in this development – especially as the leading company within our sector. We have paved our own way and brought new technological and high-quality products to the sector.

In a country where there are no staff specialised in this field within the academic environment, NORM Holding has encouraged its experts to receive academic education at universities and we then share the technologies we have developed with the universities – contributing to the development of the sector in the country.

We have achieved many successes in 2018 and have continued our export-oriented growth – receiving national and international awards, through the fairs we have attended, as well as thanks to our quality and production departments. According to 2018 data, in the ISO 500 rankings we have moved up 34 places from 189 th to 155th.

NORM Holding, with over 2,000 employees and embodying sector leading companies, is the leader in the fasteners market in terms of production and sales in Turkey. Its leading company, NORM Civata, has quadrupled production in the last 10 years.

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NORM Civata has also achieved the highest exports regarding fasteners in Turkey of 55% – being the 183rd biggest Turkish exporter according to the ranking of TİM (Turkish Exporters Assembly). The company exports a variety of products to over 50 countries, including Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and China.

Likewise, Standart Civata, which has an important place within the group, works actively in the country – with its 25 sales representatives and 160 personnel – and is the leader in the sector in terms of import and export – providing services to many sectors.”

What are the advantages of being a Turkish company?

“There are many benefits of being a Turkish company. First of all, Turkey is known as one of the best cost countries in the fastener sector; which enables us to implement competitive pricing. Secondly, Turkey’s strategically important location – being a bridge between Europe and Asia – makes the logistics easier than other countries.

Our business philosophy of producing high-quality products and being customer focused are our greatest values and we never comprise on these key areas. With this understanding, we have the flexibility to tailor our production process based on our customers’

needs and expectations. Lastly, having fast decision making process within the business, along with an entrepreneurial spirit, differentiates us from our competitors.”

What are the technology drivers for your country’s fastener industry?

“The development of this sector in Turkey has to be coordinated with the world. Quality and innovation form the basis of competition in the international market. This is a must in globally competitive conditions.

Through our NORM Civata and NORM Somun R&D centres we closely follow the developing trends in the world of fasteners in order to increase our competitive strength. In parallel, we see innovation as one of the cornerstones of our strategy, and we are working hard to strengthen our R&D ecosystem. In short, the importance we place on R&D and quality constitutes our main distinguishing feature.

The basic principle of innovation-based production, in the era of robotic production and where Industry 4.0 is being talked about, is not only mass production and digital quantity, but also production directly proportional to value-added production, quality, robustness and corporate trust. This is what makes us different in the market.

We have also received some awards recently that underline the importance we place on R&D. As a result of the evaluation of OSD (Manufacturers Association in Turkey) members in 2017 – within the framework of quality and delivery reliability, cooperation in technology development, and competitiveness criteria – NORM Civata, operating within NORM Holding, was awarded the OSD Subsidiary Industry Achievement Award.

In addition, the EUREKA SMART Advanced Manufacturing Cluster, where NORM Civata is a founding member, announced its

first invitation to project applications on 11th December 2017. As part of this invitation, the Cryogenic assisted machining ‘CryoMach’ project prepared by NORM Civata, together with its partners from Belgium, Sweden and Spain, was awarded ‘EUREKA SMART Label’ as a result of the evaluation made by international judges.

In addition to all these awards and efforts, NORM Holding’s R&D Centre won the ‘Best R&D Project of the Year’ award in İZTEK Innovation R&D and Technology Awards 2018, organised by İzmir Technology and Innovation Platform. Nedim Uysal, honourary president of NORM Holding, and the NORM Holding R&D team that developed the project, received the first prize at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, İzmir Provincial Directorate of Industry and Technology.”

What do you believe should be the priorities for the future?

“Developing our technology and innovation capacity will be our main priorities for the future. With this in mind our R&D investments are accelerating day-by-day. With higher R&D capability, we aim to develop more patented, lighter and solid products for the future – focusing on weight reduction constraints and electric vehicle production. In addition, being close to our customers and responding to their needs quicker is another priority. In that sense, we added two logistics centres to our operations – one in Michigan (USA) and the other one in Poznań (Poland). With these investments, we are able to better serve our customers in Turkey, Germany, France, Poland and the USA. Lastly, providing our customers with a full service and offering them high variety of products is crucial. That’s why we are investing more in technology and machinery to extend our portfolio and give our customers an even better service.”

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM 49

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

THE NETHERLANDS Fabory

Ronald Baarslag, general manager We consider our domestic market to be Europe, as national economies in Europe are largely intertwined nowadays and in general we see similar developments in each country.

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he European economy has been in an upward spiral for a number of years. However, growth has softened a bit over the past six months – driven by uncertainty around BREXIT; a slow down in traditional car manufacturing; as well as a tariff war between China and the USA – which is affecting confidence in the European economy.

Our volume growth over recent years has led to the need for us to invest in new warehouse facilities in Tilburg (the Netherlands) and Brno (Czech Republic). These new facilities will help us to further optimise our services and enable future growth. The tight labour market is challenging and makes it difficult to attract talented staff. However, our international presence allows us to source talent from multiple geographies and to continuously improve the quality of our team.

Regarding the fastener industry, we have noticed two significant developments. Firstly, we have noticed that quality has become even more important and more and more customers ask for certificates for the products they source or ask for technical advice on specific applications. Fabory has therefore continued to invest in our own technical support team and an A2LA certified quality and testing department. We are known for the excellent quality of our products and we really comply with our slogan: ‘Setting the standard in fastening solutions’.

The second topic is continuous innovation – needed to remain competitive and to strengthen the chain position. Our customers are increasingly demanding in terms of speed, quality and flexibility. It is also crucial to point out that this is not just about products. An important issue that affects companies today is the need for quality of services, and quality in the process, and therefore Fabory continues to invest in these matters.

We want to ensure a consistent level of service to our customers and are always working on improving existing services and developing new ones. Customers value that.

A good example of such an improvement is our online MyFabory environment. It allows customers to (re)order, create catalogues and shopping lists, track shipments, download invoices and manage their account.

These kinds of technical innovations were scarce and uncommon in our business a few years ago. At that time, Fabory was a pioneer creating these customer-friendly possibilities and we still keep a close eye on future technologies and developments.

For example, at this moment we are about to launch an App for use on a smartphone or tablet, which will also ease the order process even more. In addition, we are already investigating what actions will be needed when Industry 4.0 kicks off to ensure that we maintain our leading role and competitive edge.

A.S.F. Fischer B.V

Arnoud Booij, managing director The Netherlands has a centuries old tradition as a trading nation, which is why so many importers of fastening materials are based in the country. The extensive logistics infrastructure enables trade with all parts of Europe. For many Dutch enterprises, export is indeed the prime component of their business.

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s a leading fastener company in the Netherlands, A.S.F. Fischer has invested substantially in future development. Following the years of the economic crisis, only the most successful importers remained.

In 2012, we opened our fully automated high-rise warehouse, and this gave us space for further growth. And just in time, too, as the past few years have seen steady, substantial growth in the Dutch construction sector and Dutch industry in general. As a result, the markets for newbuild and renovation both underwent an enormous recovery. By investing at the right moment, we were able to take full advantage of this development.

The future challenges to the Dutch market lie above all in training skilled personnel to use our products in the coming

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years. Currently, construction production in the Netherlands is significantly hampered by a shortage of personnel. This, too, represents a challenge for us, namely making a contribution in the form of new and efficient products.

In part, due to the aforementioned personnel shortage, the Dutch market is characterised by a tendency towards consolidation, on the part of both suppliers and customers. Parties are becoming larger and less dependent on one another. Indeed, our takeover of our competitor, InterDynamics, in 2017 took place precisely against this backdrop.

Put succinctly, the Dutch market will, in the coming years as well, remain dynamic, and we are convinced that it will provide us with many opportunities.

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

ITALY SACMA Group The Italian market has always represented the core business of SACMA Group. We are very proud of our territory, which is commonly defined as the ‘European Fastener Valley’. Since our foundation in 1939, we have accompanied our customers through evolutionary processes that have marked their history – making us the first supplier for large enterprises, as well as smaller producers.

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e can generally state that the last few years have been characterised by a strong propensity to internationalise Italian companies. This raising tendency has been subject to a strong impact after the 2009 crisis, and companies are facing it through different strategies.

Large enterprises have pursued this goal through mergers or acquisition of other companies, and through the construction of new production units in markets considered critical (such as the USA, China and Brazil).

On the other hand, small and medium-sized enterprises have acted mainly through organisational changes that have progressively provided them with a new marketing and sales structure – so they are equipped with all the necessary skills to deal with foreign markets.

We must also underline, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, the huge impact of the Industry 4.0 legislation. The beneficial tax incentives on the purchase of machinery have allowed many companies to equip themselves with the latest technologies available on the market, together with production and management resources that will certainly have, in the future, a positive impact on their competitiveness.

Despite the clear limits of the Italian manufacturing sector (high-level of taxation, excessive bureaucratisation, non-flexibility of the labour market), we can affirm the Italian fastener industry

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presents an enormous growth potential, and it has great chances to successfully satisfy the market demand of the coming years.

In this complex and competitive environment, SACMA Group must deal with two important challenges: Supply machines equipped with the latest data transmission/ storage technologies, to guarantee an efficient remote assistance.

Ensuring to the customer our reliability, a value that has always characterised our products (all the machines we produce are standard Industry 4.0 ready).

Guarantee to our customers an efficient technical assistance service and immediate intervention, as well as the prompt availability of spare parts in every corner of the world. Today SACMA Group presents a central warehouse with more than 4,000 pallets and 100,000 codes, together with local warehouses with the presence of specialised technicians in the USA, Germany, Brazil, China, Poland and India.

In recent years, we have made huge investments to equip ourselves with the best production technologies and to increase our presence in new markets (in 2019 there will be the inauguration of the new branch in Wuxi, China).

Gratified by the excellent results, we will continue on this path because our customers must be sure they can count on a solid ally to face the challenges of the future: SACMA Group.

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

UNITED KINGDOM Hexstone Limited

Ian Doherty, chief executive officer No review of the UK market is possible without considering the looming shadow of BREXIT. The uncertainty, will we or won’t we and if we do will there be a deal or not, has adversely impacted the manufacturing and commercial construction markets.

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owever, the domestic housing market, both in terms of new build and repair and improvement, has continued to grow.

The UK manufacturing sector has had to cope with slowing economic growth in the UK and globally; stock building in anticipation of a BREXIT in March followed by destocking as the deadline moved; uncertainty delaying investment; and a marked slow down in the important automotive sector. These challenges pass on to the fastener industry where having the financial stability to cope with these peaks and troughs has been important to Hexstone’s continuing success.

We remain well prepared for any BREXIT outcome, having become an Authorised Economic Operator to facilitate fast-track imports and exports to the EU and the rest of the world, carrying deep stocks and having set-up a subsidiary in the Republic of Ireland.

Like many other markets we see increasing demands from customers for supply chain assurances, whether they be in terms of product traceability, certifications, environmental or ethical trading standards. In parallel, regulation worldwide is increasing, BREXIT will not change this, in fact it adds further complication with the introduction of UKCA to replace CE Marking.

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The UK will recognise CE Marking as equivalent to UKCA, but the EU will not be reciprocating. For those of us who export to the rest of the EU, CE Marking will remain a requirement, which means two separate certifications and higher costs for UK players. At Hexstone, we have continued to invest in our systems and processes to meet these needs and consolidate our position as the first choice wholesaler in the UK market.

Having input into the development of regulation and standards is critical. The UK and Irish trade association BIAFD and in turn its membership of EFDA in a wider European sense, not just EU, fulfils this role. Continuing industry support for these trade bodies is vital if our voice is to be heard.

Looking forward, I believe that whilst there will always be a place for the independent distributor, we will continue to see consolidation within the industry. I also think there is real opportunity in bringing the industry supply chain into the 21 st century.

Compared to the fast moving consumer goods industry many of the industry’s supply chains and approaches are decades behind. I am not talking so much in terms of automated warehouses – which may or may not be appropriate – but more in terms of data, systems and communications. There will be many challenges, opportunities and exciting times ahead!

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT Jubilee® Clips

Ian Jennings, managing director 2019 has been an interesting year so far for the global economy and the role of politics in that, but the core fundamentals of the clamping business remain unchanged.

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ith the ever increasing technical knowledge and understanding of the end user, through the spread and osmosis of information, Jubilee® Clips sees continuing trends towards demand for higher product performance, on top of commercial drivers such as consolidating suppliers to control costs, as well as a growing appetite for supply chains to achieve higher levels of ethics regarding green issues and staff welfare.

Certainly, the first half of this year has seen some erratic market activity, perhaps for entirely logical reasons, but with a neutral net effect on businesses with a truly global footprint. In March we saw some European distributors stocking up to protect them from any market impact they might foresee and we saw some UK distributors destocking domestically manufactured items to invest in their stocks of imported products.

Then in April we saw those distributors with high stock levels run them back to normal and those with low stocks build them back up to regain service levels. Jubilee Clips also has an exposure outside Europe greater than inside (hardly surprising when you consider how much of the global economy exists outside of Europe) and there market confidence has been driven by entirely different factors

meaning that our well diversified distribution network has protected us well from the wide range of approaches seen inside Europe.

In emerging markets, Jubilee specifically has seen the trend towards value over pure cost per unit continue. Factors such as corrosion resistance, higher clamping force, and durability torque, are increasingly the topic of conversation in markets that traditionally might not have had such drivers as well prioritised in their sourcing strategies.

That is inherent in a developing market and conversations regarding material type further than simply carbon steel or stainless steel are now as common in some ‘emerging’ markets as they have been in developed markets for some time.

We see the importance of strong brands such as Jubilee growing in the MRO sector across the globe with buyers relying on trusted brands in product selection more than ever. With those making buying decisions decreasingly afforded the opportunity to handle products before making purchasing decisions, especially with online ordering increasing. This offers growth opportunities for distributors carrying the best regarded brands in the UK and in all markets.

GREECE Zafirakis Fasteners

Nikitas Zafeirakis, chief executive officer In order to evaluate the Greek market of fasteners we must take under significant consideration the long-lasting heavy recession, for almost 10 years, that occurred in the country during 2008/09.

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he Government had to cut off spending, restructure the public sector and present surpluses. On the other hand, the private sector had to gain its competitiveness again. Since the country is part of the Eurozone, with reduced flexibility in monetary policies, the only way for companies to do so was to increase productivity and reduce production cost – mainly wages.

In our sector of fasteners, that translated into fewer public construction projects, which were the main segment of our market demand – especially after private investment almost evaporated.

Lately, however, the situation seems to have changed. Robust developments in northern Greece include the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and the Underground of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece.

Plus, the simultaneous privatisation of the ports, especially the one of Piraeus, and 14 peripheral airports, have given a boost to construction and increased the requirement for fasteners.

Furthermore, with the stabilisation of the Greek economy, new investments are continuously increasing, with a prime example the investment in Elliniko, the previous main airport of Athens.

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The current status of the Greek fastener market is that it has been slightly increasing over the last two years and is becoming promising once more. However, the competition is severe and the money supply limited. Companies should move out of their comfort zone in the domestic market and search for potential clients in foreign markets. Extraversion should be increased and also supported by future governments. Greece is a very small country, and only by seeking a place in the global market, will the state and companies become sustainable.

Companies of our industry should focus on lowering their functional costs by increasing investments in technology and facilities. Also, an internal devaluation is necessary in order to recapture our competitiveness in Europe.

Finally, the recent progress in bilateral relations with the Balkans countries, may turn the area to a prosperous one. Greece, as the most developed country in the peninsula and most peaceful one, should take this under serious consideration and lead the effort. In parallel, Greek companies should increase their export activities in the region.

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

GERMANY fischer Group of Companies

By Florian Birkenmayer, speaker of the board of directors for the fixing systems division and managing director development and product management By helping shape the future, the fischer Group of Companies remains a known entity in the context of global competition, social and political innovations, as well as technological progress.

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he fixings industry is growing in our domestic market and we are using these starting conditions to our advantage. We are also expanding our market share with new products and services for our partners in the rest of Europe. We are currently seeing substantial growth rates across all regions. 47 subsidiaries in 35 countries, and exporting into over 100 countries, creates proximity to the market and customer.

Our production sites are located in Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and in the USA. Approximately 75% of our turnover is generated abroad. At the same time, our family business sees the strong ties of the Fischer family, and many employees, to their native Black Forest as a crucial foundation for global growth and innovative solutions.

Numerous trends are presenting new challenges to the fixing industry while at the same time offering tremendous potential. This includes advancing digitalisation, newly established construction materials and growing dimensioning requirements. Things are gathering speed and there is increased demand due to globalisation.

We are aware of the fact that we can only expand our international growth if we continue to set new trends and high standards in the market – with our products and services. fischer products represent innovation, security, quality and ease of handling. We also have a diverse and wide range of fixing solutions, which we are continuously developing and expanding so that it meets many different global customer requirements and applications – all while taking into

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account changing parameters, such as new construction materials.

We must prove these competitive advantages time and time again.

We use the opportunities that result from trends. When it comes to digitalisation, we have already implemented various methods and techniques as a step towards modern and smart production in-line with Industry 4.0 standards. We also provide support with planning projects, based on current standards, through our modular fischer design software FIXPERIENCE, as well as through data for various software applications (BIM, 3D).

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is growing in importance in construction and therefore in the fixing industry. Project business is crucial for our turnover objectives. In order to be involved in this trend, we offer BIM-compatible data for our products and are continuously expanding this area. Through multiple construction projects of ours across the globe, we have become convinced that BIM speeds up construction progress, reduces costs and improves quality.

We furthermore offer digital services such as the plug finder App for end users, and professionals, and we will continue to expand this area in future. We are using indirect sales channels and therefore promote every market introduction with comprehensive sales support for our stationary and digital retail partners. It is important for us to offer a wide range of e-commerce services. This involves the customer journey beginning on our modern website, the fischer Apps or the six fischer social media channels, as well as the fischer blog, and ending with the purchase of a product in the online store of the retail partners.

R + FK Schulte KG

Carl Philip Schulte, associate/deputy chief executive officer The German market for fasteners has seen a tremendous growth and development since the last big crisis in 2008/09. However, in 2019 we have seen the first signs that indicate a sharp decline of the economy – putting the super cycle of 10 years within the fastener industry in Europe to an end.

Keller & Kalmbach GmbH

Dr Florian Seidl, chief executive officer At the moment our market is stamped with a lot of question marks: How will the economic situation develop? How will the trade disputes conclude? Where and when will a bubble burst?

Will the phase of cheap money last forever? Will there be a currency crisis in the Eurozone? Will e-mobility disrupt the fastener markets?

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hese big political questions dominate the economic situation, which is at the moment marked by a high volatility. Last year and the first quarter of this year were also marked by a strong growth driven by the three most important world markets – the USA, Europe and China.

At the moment Europe proceeds tediously – besides a booming construction industry in Germany, China is slowing down, and it is only the USA that is proceeding reasonably well.

During recent years, our industry has developed very well with a lot of investments made in warehouses, acquisitions and expansion.

However, the current uncertainty reduces the willingness for further investments. Furthermore, many distributors like ourselves are suffering from high stock buildings, which have to be reduced gradually. In consequence, the order entries at the producers are declining. In such uncertain times the pressure to reduce costs are increasing for industrial customers.

The fastener and fixing distributors are tremendously important to reach this goal. Order and warehouse proceedings can be simplified with our support. Constructions can be made easier by consulting. Concerning fasteners and other C-parts, we will play an important role as a big number of different products is needed, which are produced by many different producers, and the customers do not want to get in touch with so many producers. The German fastener and fixing industry is in a strong position, as it is very competitive due to the strong situation of competition in our home market.

Keller & Kalmbach helps to make its customers more successful.

We can give technical advice; show them the best solutions for their supply chain of C-parts; develop new helpful logistic tools together with the Frauenhofer Institute; and we are working to be more efficient through the digitalisation of all processes.

If the answers to the questions above will not be negative, we will be successful also in the future.

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ompetitiveness and reliability are the most vital characteristics of a supplier for the fastener industry.

For more than 80 years we have worked in the industry in the heart of Germany – striving for customer satisfaction and the best price performance ratio, with our huge range of high-quality standard and special washers/ stamped parts from 0.05mm up to 12cm of material thickness (or inside diameter: M0.8 to M160).

Since 2008/09 the fastener industry in Germany has had long years of growth and development with 2018 being its pinnacle.

All this happened despite the premature revocation of the anti-dumping measures against the Peoples Republic of China at the beginning of 2016.

At the end of 2018, however, multiple negative effects interfered and reinforced each other: Permission problems of car manufacturers with regards to WLTP and CO 2 /NOX emissions, trade war between USA and China, a downturn of the general economy, over ambitious expectations of many market participants concerning sales volumes – leading to considerable inventory increases – and last but not least the fear of a hard/chaotic BREXIT. These effects have led to a very toxic situation within the German (fastener) industry. Especially the reduction of inventory volumes of distributors and the significant increase of imported goods from China in 2018 and 2019, which has led to major challenges on the side of the (European) manufacturers that someday might lead to an existential crisis and the ceasing of production of standard parts in Europe – with all its follow-up effects on the industry.

We have tackled this challenge by massively increasing our stock levels and ensuring short term availability of standard parts to support customers with the quickest reaction times from the very heart of Germany.

Another key driver of market development in recent years was the focus on creating value-add for the customer through individual customised solutions – especially in the area of special parts and washers. This requires the technical background to generate and develop adequate technical solutions (R+FK has its own state of the art toolshop with 35 employees); the right organisational set-up to funnel the customer needs efficiently through the organisation; and finally highly motivated and trained employees as translator and facilitator for the customer.

But in the end it all comes down to the most competitive solution – on a global scale. Given the many uncertainties in the upcoming months and years it will be a very interesting and demanding future to come: Distortions in the political, economic and financial background of Europe, the global trade wars, the e-car, CO2 and environmental measures, digitalisation and automation, the developments of the global steel manufacturers industry, etc.

Nonetheless, competitiveness and reliability as a supplier will always be the cornerstone for partnership.

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT Würth Industrie Service

Lederer GmbH

The fastener market in Germany is characterised by the manufacturing industry in Europe, and all over the world, and cannot be considered independently.

This is exactly the branch of industry the customers of Würth Industrie Service belong to.

One of the key questions these days is ‘how will the current political and economic disruptions affect our future business in the short run and in the long run?’. ‘How can we cope with all the radical changes, some of which are already obvious?’

Rainer Bürkert, executive vice-president of the Würth Group and general manager of Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co KG

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e have noticed that the requirements and needs of our customers in the field of production materials have become more specific in recent years. That is why individual and automated supply solutions, and a unique logistics concept, are more important than ever.

As a family business, the Würth Group is the world market leader in its core business, trading in assembly and fastening materials.

In the business year 2018, the Würth Group generated total sales of €13.6 billion; adjusted for exchange rate effects, growth stands at 8.6%.

At Würth Industrie Service – as a company of the Würth Group and a specialised partner for the needs of the manufacturing industry – the growth course is quite similarly pleasing with sales of €568 million and a growth rate of 12.5%. This also reflects our view of the fastener market and the good economic situation last year and at the beginning of 2019.

From our perspective, the global growth dynamic – especially for our customers from a wide variety of industrial sectors – is not only influenced by the ongoing trade and tariff conflicts, as well as the uncertainty caused by BREXIT. Megatrends such as Industry 4.0, mobility, demographic change, networking, and digital transformation, also play a crucial role in the strategy alignment of organisations, technologies, and business models, which require solutions in the C-parts sector that are exactly adapted to these needs.

The automated supply of connection and fastening and fixing technology, DIN and standard parts, as well as special and drawing parts, is an integral part of our company strategy.

In addition, we supply our customers with further product groups up to auxiliary and operating materials and offer an integrated, networked supply concept. The focus is on processes and systems that are to be made more efficient, safer and more user-friendly with digital solutions, with the aim of achieving an automated C-parts management for procurement, intralogistics, workstations, production lines and maintenance.

For example, the integrated supplier integration, CPS®miLOGISTICS, presented in the last fiscal year. Behind this is an intelligent concept based on the principle of ‘everything from one single source’, with which customers can completely manage not only the Würth product portfolio but also non-Würth parts – and this within the proven supply systems such as RFID Kanban. Würth Industrie Service thus offers a solution with which users can digitise their entire supply chain and make it more transparent.

Digitalisation enables us to automate recurring manual activities with the aim of concentrating capacities on our customers’ core purchasing and procurement tasks. In the digital age, however, people still play the central role and can spend, for example, even more time on personal communication and solving complex logistical challenges.

There is more than enough of that!

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Dr Volker Lederer, managing director

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here are major disruptions that have their origin in politics. The never-ending creativity of the current US President in creating trade conflicts is a heavy burden for the whole global economy.

The unclear circumstances of BREXIT are a burden especially for the European economy. And, when we look at Germany, the political instability after the European elections could lead to a political paralysis.

We also face important economic disruptions. The frequently discussed digitalisation is changing our way of doing business at a tremendous pace. Huge global players like Amazon or Google are standing for completely new business models, which will for sure affect our business model in the fastener industry as well. And last but not least new types of mobility (electrically chargeable vehicles) have a major impact on the European car industry and therefore also on European fastener business.

We German fastener distributors are at the centre of all these disruptions. Most of our customers are German or European-based companies. The growing uncertainty caused by the widespread political trouble makes international trade more and more difficult for us and our customers.

Nationalism and protectionism are leading to higher trade barriers – limiting the export opportunities of the European industry.

Furthermore, impending tariffs by the US administration worsen the business climate.

For German (and European) fastener distributors the future challenges caused by all the economic upheavals are enormous. Coping with digitalisation is certainly our biggest challenge in the near future.

But we will also have to question our business model at ever shorter intervals – so we are able to compete with new and very powerful market participants and can satisfy the growing demands of our customers. We need to constantly improve in terms of efficiency, flexibility and process safety. Financial strength is an essential prerequisite for successfully facing all these challenges.

All these radical changes increase the economic uncertainty. This will definitely have a strong impact on the way we fastener distributors do our job. We must act more and more professionally and consistently follow the path of a permanent improvement process. I am convinced we will continue to have many opportunities to grow profitably in the future, but more vigilance is needed.

PORTUGAL PECOL Automotive

Ana Neves, key account manager 10 years after the European automotive market crisis in 2008/09, export of Portuguese cars reached a historic milestone of recovery in early 2019.

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record high of 1,000 cars were exported per day in 2019. This has made an important impact on the Portuguese automotive components industry that exports €9.4 billion, mainly to Spain, Germany and France.

PECOL Automotive has contributed to this growth, reaching a historical value of 95% of exports of the parts we produce, besides all the constraints – such as the lack of qualified operators in the sector, which has been a constant concern in recent years.

PECOL Automotive has invested in internal training to obtain more and more qualified human resources in a sector in which quality and service levels are increasingly demanding. We also equipped our machines with Poka-yoke process monitoring systems to improve our production rates, enhance quality and to guarantee our tool protection, always respecting Lean manufacturing methods.

In an industry in which ‘just in time’ delivery is mandatory, without forecast engagements, process optimisation and investment in areas of research and development (R&D) are key factors for survival in this business. New fixing products, with increasingly reliable production technologies, respect a market that aims to reach 0ppm.

PECOL Automotive is the only Portuguese producer of fasteners for the automotive industry with an all-in-house process. From raw material treatment to sorting and packaging machines, we supply all tier 1 companies on a global scale with a high level of service excellence, with investments in processes and machines every year and with excellent levels of competitiveness.

The geographical position of the country towards Europe, the possibility of sending engineering and development teams to our customers for technical support, and transparency, have been key factors to the success of our company.

In a context of uncertainty regarding the future of the automotive industry – with the rise of electric vehicles – the focus on the modernisation of the sector, on the development of more and new technological processes, as well as the internationalisation of the companies, will be crucial.

We have been investing in a strong internationalisation of the company in recent years. We have a production and development centre of automotive components in Barcelona, Spain, and we have created distribution logistics centres in Italy and Poland to increase our competitiveness and to explore new markets, especially in eastern Europe.

The acquisition of other companies has also been part of the company’s strategy. With the acquisitions, PECOL inherits customers, orders, price level and know how. The increase of our product range has been another important consequence, which allows us to enter to the supplier’s panel of new customers.

Today PECOL Automotive is present in 4 continents and more than 50 countries – expansion is a word without a limit for us.

LUSAVOUGA

Rui Vicente Santos, CEO Getting over our daily challenges is what defines us, and at LUSAVOUGA what also defines our daily operation is the constant pursuit for quality and providing a range of products that fulfil our customers’ needs.

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e operate in a very mature market, in constant evolution due to technology and innovation. Each achievement impacts the customer’s experience and the way each organisation and the market operates. That is why new ideas and innovation are the top of our priorities – allowing a higher market focused operation, while increasing quality and service.

That is also one of the reasons why we decided to invest in our private label CHEMITOOL, where each product is the result of years and years of experience and know how – as well as a close relationship and development process with the manufacturer.

This close partnership enables us to test both prototype and final product in very aggressive and rough environments to reach a perfect high-quality, high industry standards product.

This methodology is applied to every CHEMITOOL product: From a simple steel washer to the most complex, technical, expertise product, ensuring our customers, from the 30 markets we operate in, receive only the best products.

Innovation is our passion and what feeds and move us daily. In-line with this basic principle, is our digital strategy and our new state of the art B2B online platform, which will start preliminary beta-testing in September and will be available in the first quarter of 2020. The new platform will empower our customers and allow them full control of their order and a quick access to our products.

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EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

SWEDEN Bufab Group

Jörgen Rosengren, CEO Since its foundation in Sweden 40 years ago, the Bufab Group has grown into a preferred partner to the manufacturing industry worldwide.

We offer full service solutions in C-parts sourcing, quality assurance, and logistics, and have 1,300 ‘Solutionist’ team members in 43 subsidiaries in 27 countries in Europe, North America and Asia.

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e pair this global reach and our coherent ‘Digital Best Practice’ platform with strong local presence and entrepreneurship: A tribute to the down to earth family company feeling that has been a Bufab hallmark since the outset.

In the past five years, we have achieved very good growth (over 15% per year, every year) and improved our margins despite volatile demand in raw material and currency markets.

Even more importantly, we have strengthened our customer relations and our supplier base, and we have invested heavily in our team, processes and tools. At the end of each year, we ask ourselves: ‘Are we a stronger partner to our customers now than a year ago?’ And so far, the answer is ‘yes’.

This does not come without challenges.

We have both global and local demand uncertainties, most recently the fear of trade war and a worry amongst our customers that growth is slowing down. We are of course dependent on our customers’ demand and need to adjust to that. However, as we work very hard to become the most relevant supply chain partner, we strive to offset any weakening in industrial demand with new business growth.

Also, both raw material and currency markets have been quite volatile recently. In Bufab’s case, the increase in material cost in 2017 – 2018 and the weakening of the Swedish currency in the same time period have of course posed a challenge. However, our experience is that with an honest and open approach to customers, we are generally able to pass on such cost increases not of our making, in the form of price increases. The customers know they gain it back, many times, in productivity gains by not having to do the sourcing, quality and logistics work themselves, and instead being able to focus on their core business.

Generally, customers are also much more demanding today than a few years ago. We like that! Our efforts mirror the issues and challenges our customers face – reducing

complexity, streamlining supplier bases, improving quality and delivery performance.

Recently, we have invested in a new generation of logistics solutions and launched a cloud service – EasyTrack™. It provides the customer global, multichannel access to a transparent overview of racks, bins, refilling, order status, delivery performance, drawings and more. Thanks to our global, coherent digital platform, we are also working with customers to find new ways for them to capitalise on their own unique data in order to drive productivity.

Increasingly, also, customers’ need to ensure sustainability and corporate social responsibility, throughout their supply chain, is a reason for them to turn to Bufab. In this area, C-parts are especially challenging. Only players whose core business it is to ensure the sustainability of a wide variety of parts, to many suppliers worldwide, can give the necessary guarantees. Bufab has an EcoVadis Silver Medal ranking, and our aim is to be in the top 5% of sustainability companies in 2020.

In order to strengthen our relevance to customers, we are always on the lookout for new companies to join the Bufab family. Over the years, about 50 companies have chosen Bufab as a haven where they can continue their strong development in entrepreneurial freedom – yet gain access to a global platform and skill base.

In the recent past, we have acquired for instance the Rudhäll Group in Sweden, Kian Soon in Singapore, and HT Bendix in Denmark. These new ‘sister companies’ bring skills and assets, which further strengthen Bufab.

As for the outlook for the rest of 2019 and beyond, we see an uncertain demand picture ahead. However, in such times, increasing productivity, flexible supply, and perfect quality, become even more important. Plus, in the face of environmental, political and social challenges, concrete sustainability actions are needed. That’s why we keep investing in our Leadership 2020 strategy: To be the leading company in our industry, next year, no matter what the market does.

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METAL SHEET STAMPING

PLASTIC & RUBBER INJECTION

WIRE COLD FORMING

EUROPEAN FASTENER MARKET INSIGHT

SPAIN INDEX Fixing Systems

By Roberto Lambarri, sales manager INDEX Fixing Systems is a company dedicated to the production and commercialisation of fixing elements that offer solutions adapted to meet its customers’ needs.

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e are committed to a consistent quality strategy, which we consider an overall advantage for society and for the consumer.

Our products are complemented by an excellent group of people who offer a high-quality service and technical assistance, which are guarantees of a committed company.

Our products comply with the strictest certificates in order to ensure this benefit. We are aware of our responsibility to society with a relationship in which everybody has something to gain.

Over the last three years the hardware and DIY sector has been growing at around 5% per year. With the change in habits of hardware and DIY customers resulting in a rise in spending per household in the sector. Decoration, renovations and overhauls are the levers that cause the current market to grow.

It is also a good period for distribution with openings, renovations and new business proposals. Large display formats have been included in new shops over the last two years, expanding over the whole territory and showing our commitment to the new POS formats that respond to the needs of the current consumer.

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The traditional distribution channel is being modernised and moving towards making the point of sale more attractive for the consumer and placing greater importance on self-service formats. This positive trend and perspective in the fixing market also explains the increase in the supply of these products, rather than the basic price products from Asia.

A big challenge we face as a business is to ensure that end users, especially professionals, opt for the consumption of quality, assessed and certified products, rather than basing purchasing decisions solely on price. We also need to counteract the move towards ‘big boxes’ and ‘hard discounts’, which is trying to occupy the space currently occupied by the traditional channel.

To do this we will continue to focus on developing high added value products that provide differentiation, adapting to the needs of customers and end users. We will also offer the necessary formats and services in order to achieve an excellent client/user experience and ensure we have the employees and technical capabilities to supply these products, services and security.

Finally, digitalisation and big data projects will undoubtedly be crucial in the sector, and we will continue to work on improving the connection between online and offline channels.

INSIGHT

CELO – Small Things Matter Fastener + Fixing Magazine last visited CELO in 2015, when Spain was just starting to take its first steps out of the catastrophic 2008/09 crisis, which had seen new construction drop 85% in the country. Editor Will Lowry therefore travelled to the outskirts of Barcelona to speak to CEO Ramón Ceravalls about how the Spanish market has continued to develop and the steps CELO has taken to keep itself at the forefront of the market.

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amón gets straight to the point: “The crisis we had in 2008/09 was a disaster for Spain and had a terrible impact on the country. As a business we suffered a sales drop of 55% and we were one of the lucky ones. Some bigger companies were affected even more and ten years later, as a country, we have not yet recovered from the impact.

For instance, residential construction is still at very low levels and there are very few civil engineering projects in Spain, as the local governments still have a big debt. We are also still spending a lot of money on unemployment in Spain and on social benefits.”

So, what has been the strategy that has enabled CELO to prosper after such a devastating time? “Throughout our history we have always excelled at adapting to changes within the market,” states Ramón. “This is underlined by the fact that some of our most successful years have been right after recessions, as during the hard times we have made decisions that have proven very positive for the long-term progression of our business.”

The first example was in 1974 when there was an oil crisis, as well as social problems within Spain. “My father decided to move from the industrial quarter of Barcelona to our current location in Castellar del Vallès, where he imagined a huge factory,” explains Ramón. “During that time, we could build the factory at a very low cost due to it being an up and coming location outside of the city. It was a big decision, but the low costs meant it was the right decision and it enabled us to build a factory that has been able to handle our growth over the last 45 years.”

In 1982 there was another crisis and CELO needed to decide whether to reduce the number of employees to help lower its costs.

“Luckily as a business we were young and brave enough to focus on what would happen after the recession. If we lost our people, we would miss them once the market picked up again,” mentions Ramón. “We did not want to lose our employees, so we decided to keep our production activity levels and build our stock in preparation for when we came out of the recession. It proved the right decision as after 18 months everybody was calling and asking for screws and we could say ‘yes’ and deliver quickly – of course for a little more margin.

This led to us becoming the largest wholesaler for screws in Spain and saw us enter the distribution market.”

By 1992 there was significant competition from Asian imports, which led to CELO developing its strategy to not only work with standard parts, but also dedicate its factory more to special screws for the industry. “This is when we started developing screws for plastics, as well as Trilobular screws, which saw us split the company into two divisions – Industry and Construction,” explains Ramón.

Two halves of a whole

The Industry division is specialised in the industrial sector in diverse areas such as the automotive, consumer electronics,

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household appliances and electrical industries. Whereas the Construction division focuses on the construction sector, including linked activities such as plumbing, electrical, wood and metal carpentry, isolation, roofing and façades.

“Industry and Construction are two divisions that have very different needs, which means the strategy for each is totally different,” mentions Ramón. “To ensure we have the right strategy for each we look at where we think the market will be in ten years. For instance, in Industry, robotics will play an increasingly important role in assembly lines, which will result in higher needs for technical and quality screws. As a business we need provide technical screws that contribute to assembly cost reductions, with spotless quality, at a competitive price, and with short delivery times. To do this you need to have a well trained and experienced team and machines that are efficient and effective at supplying high-quality products on a consistent basis.”

That is why for over 40 years CELO has been committed to continuous training of its employees and to a maintenance schedule

that ensures every machine is rebuilt from scratch on a 6 – 7 year cycle. “This philosophy has enabled us to continuously supply high-quality products to our customers,” states Ramón. “However, from a technology point of view there are some limitations, which are not allowing us to have the fast set-up times necessary in today’s market. As a business we want to reduce our PPM level, improve our efficiency, and be much more reactive to the customers.”

That is why CELO is planning a significant investment in its machinery, which will see it introduce sixteen new machines over the next 12 months. “You only have so much money in a company and you have to decide whether to put it in developing new markets, stock or in machines,” says Ramón. “At the moment we are planning to focus on investing in machinery, so we can reduce set-up times and produce quickly, which will reduce stock levels and help us to continue to improve our production process.”

The first batch of machines will arrive in October, followed by another batch in February and the final lot will arrive in June 2020. “We have been able to make some small customisations to the machines to meet our needs and we are confident these machines will enable us to meet the needs of customers over the next decade and more.”

For the Construction division a big focus for CELO is on fixings and support systems. “We want to be leaders in fixings and support systems that help reduce installation times – this is our goal,” points out Ramón. “This is why we are also dedicated, mostly in Spain, to visiting construction sites, and installers, and demonstrating the capabilities of the products. We can visit sites and help with calculations, as well as support them with what anchors and support systems are the most effective. Once the end user is aware of the products, we highlight the relevant distributors we are working with and how they can order.”

Ramón continues: “By working with end users on the construction site we can show them the capabilities of our products, but we also learn about their requirements and what they need. Our role is to then to answer these needs by improving our existing products or by introducing innovations.”

Always innovating

One such innovation, and another idea that initially came during a crisis, is CELO’s ‘Pick & Mix’ concept. “Previously, most of the products we sent to distributors were kept in ‘cold stock’ in the bulk warehouse,” points out Ramón. “However, we could see the habits of the installers had changed during the crisis. Now they were making smaller orders that were resulting in distributors having to go into the warehouse and open boxes to take out a handful of products to meet customers’ needs. We needed to adapt to the situation and we therefore came up with the ‘Pick & Mix’ idea – so that the consumer had the ownership of the products.”

CELO’s ‘Pick & Mix’ system involves a point of sales display with variety of different loose products. Customers can then choose from

We want to be leaders in fixings and support systems that help reduce installation times – this is our goal.”

a range of different sized bag options, which they then fill with any product mix or quantity. “As long as the bag closes, the customer can pick whatever product they want – all for a set price,” explains Ramón.

“It was a unique concept and when we first discussed it, I was not convinced if it would really work. We spoke to our distributors and, at first, they did not look very enthusiastic about our idea: They said they were happy with the blister pack products; they were worried about people stealing products; and they were not sure how they would control the stock.”

“However, we persevered to test our concept, and once we started to trial the ‘Pick & Mix’ system the distributors were very positive. Rather than having to go back and forth from the bulk warehouse to meet the customers’ needs, the customer could find the products on the shelves themselves. The customers also feel like that they are getting good value because they are getting the exact mix of products they wanted and so sales were actually increasing.”

Last year CELO installed over 250 systems in Spain – with each one adapted to the needs of the customer. “We have 600 ‘Pick & Mix’ stations in different layouts – from 2m up to 40m – and we now have a small but dedicated sales team who are only working on growing the market and developing the system.”

Another big development has been the company recently combining its brands within the construction market to all become CELO. “Over recent years we had acquired Apolo – a specialist in in the electrical and plumbing sector – and MEA Befestigungssyteme GmbH – an expert in mechanical anchors and fixings – to expand our capabilities within the construction market,” states Ramón. “When we first acquired the companies, we thought about changing the names straight away, but they both had good reputations within their respective markets, and the name CELO was not as well known – so at the time we decided to keep them as three separate brands.”

“However, as we have incorporated the three brands into the group, customers have started to ask why they have three different brands in the same shelf when the manufacturer is the same.

Different brands sometimes confuse the end users and even makes it harder to find our brands and products on the internet,” mentions Ramón. “We therefore reached a point where we asked ourselves what is more important – the reputation of those brands or making it easier for customers. We carried out an independent study and from the feedback we decided to bring everything together.”

Now the company is known as CELO with the motto ‘Small Things Matter’ to convey the message to customers, but also to all its employees, that CELO manufactures very small screws and fixings that

make an important contribution to the final product. It is for this reason every single detail from design, to production, to installation, is very important to CELO. This concept is so important that it has produced a one minute video where it explains its ‘Small Things Matter’ concept.

Becoming international

As the CELO Group has grown, the company has looked to become more international. “This did not mean an increase in our exports, but to become international as a business,” explains Ramón. “In the late 1990s we saw many factories of our customers moving from Spain into the eastern European countries, but this was not too much of a concern as we could follow the customer whilst still producing in Spain.”

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INSIGHT “However, a few years later the same customers decided to move to China to further reduce their costs, and we felt very privileged to learn that they wanted us to follow them again to China. One of our major customers asked us to supply their new production facility near Shanghai and committed to impressive volumes, but they only gave us six months to set-up a new factory in China – which just wasn’t feasible for us. We were very sorry as they were a big customer, but there was nothing we could do, so we ended up losing their business.”

Ramón continues: “We then thought ‘ok this cannot happen to us again’, so we started the process of setting up our own factory in China – from scratch. For a small company like us it was a significant investment, and a lot of personal effort, but we managed to do it and I think we were one of the first European screw manufacturers to have our own factory in China.”

After setting up the Chinese factory, CELO initially tried to connect with its Industry customers in the electronics sector, which had been its main focus in Europe. However, the company soon realised it was very difficult to compete with the local manufacturers.

“Whilst the electronics sector was proving hard, we found we were really competitive in the automotive industry,” points out Ramón.

“At the time the automotive division had just started to focus on incorporating electronics such as automatic wing mirrors, chair adjustments, etc. Our ability to manufacture screws for plastics, and thread rolling screws for metals, gave us a competitive advantage.”

Being in China also enabled CELO to meet international customers’ needs in both China and Europe. “At the end of the day the value of small screws is nothing, so the people purchasing them just want things to be easy. They don’t want to have three different companies in Asia, Europe, and America, for the same screw – it is not worth it. They prefer to have one supplier that can manage everything. Our Chinese factory gives us a real competitive advantage against companies who are similar size to us.”

Our ability to manufacture screws for plastics and thread rolling screws for metals gave us a competitive advantage.”

CELO now has factories in Spain, Germany, China and also in the USA, where it acquired a company in 2016. To add to this the company also has warehouses in Hungary, Poland, France, and has recently opened a warehouse in Chile with plans to add another location in the USA. “In both of our divisions we have always looked to develop alongside our customers and ensure we can provide them the products and service they require,” concludes Ramón. “We have faced challenging economic conditions, but we have always come out stronger and more determined to succeed. Through the internationalisation of the business, plus our dedication to innovation, we are in a strong position to grow as a business whilst ensuring we continue to focus on every little detail – because ‘Small Things Matter’.”

CELO LOCATIONS Barcelona Spain Jiangsu, China Rhone-Alpes, France Michigan, USA

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Queretaro, Mexico Tunez, Tunisia Aichach, Germany Czech Republic

Lodzki, Poland Slovakia Kornye, Hungary Chile

INSIGHT

Loris Fontana

When the bolt was called: Loris Fontana Marco A. Guerritore, editor in chief of Italian Fasteners Magazine, recalls a unique interview from 1996 with the “King of Bolts”, and explores how his heritage has been carried on by successive generations of the Fontana family.

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he first and only interview with Loris Fontana appeared in 1996, in issue 8 of Italian Fasteners magazine. The interview was conducted by another historical figure in the world of Italian fasteners, Giannantonio Brugola, cofounder and editor-in-chief of the magazine.

The discussions are still topical – the critical economic situation, market globalisation, health of the fastener industry in general and particularly, the Italian fastener industry. The personality and character of Loris Fontana is immediately perceived from the insightful answers.

“It is said that the bolt,” asks Giannantonio Brugola, “is a mature product. Do you see any way to rejuvenate it? What is the future of the bolt in technological terms?”

“A product is mature,” says Loris Fontana, “when it can be effectively replaced by a new one. This is not the case with fasteners, where there is no substitute. Alternative products have been introduced, such as welding, adhesives, plastic, but these have only reduced the number of applications. Instead, we can say that the fastener is evolving in-line with the evolution of technology. For example, the production of even lighter engines will force fastener manufacturers to adapt to these new requirements. The future will undoubtedly focus more and more on special products. Therefore, more sophisticated machines will be needed with the adoption of more complex production methods. This will translate into higher prices for customers. One suggestion that I would like to make to manufacturers in general, and particularly Italian fasteners, is to give the utmost consideration to research.”

A fundamental factor for the growth of Fontana was the unwavering teamwork and collaboration of the brothers, Walter and Loris.”

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Another current topic of considerable importance for the fastener is undoubtedly quality, and Brugola urges that “the concept of quality is increasingly asserting itself in the production sector and is more and more requested by the customer. How is this growing desire for quality perceived by the Italian fastener industry?”

“Quality,” emphasises Loris Fontana, “is and must be considered the calling card of Italian manufacturers. Quality is extremely important, and this was immediately understood and accepted, especially by major Italian manufacturers. Making quality means investments, but above all the acquisition of an innovative business mentality, without which manufacturers cannot think of producing successfully.”

And then the key question, formulated by Brugola: “Yours is one of the most important groups in the world of fasteners and under your guidance it has grown and developed to reach its current considerable size. What is the secret of this success?”

“I can answer this question succinctly. My success is fundamentally linked to three things: Great determination, understood as the desire to move forward; enthusiasm; and a great sense of the reality in which we live and work.”

Determination, enthusiasm and a sense of reality: The synthesis of success. Together the formula for creating a great company. To these must be added a fourth for guaranteed success: Entrepreneurial intuition, which both the Fontana brothers possessed.

In 1952, Walter and Loris laid the foundations of Fontana Gruppo.

The empire of nuts and bolts was formed by the Fontana brothers in stages and according to a precise strategy based mainly on the principle of acquisitions.

The acquisition and participation of Fontana in companies manufacturing special types of fasteners – including Bulloneria LOBO, DBR, Revifa SpA, Big Bolt, Invitea Srl, and Derk SpA, not to mention the very important acquisition of the IBS Group – allowed a rapid acquisition of know-how as well as a specific customer portfolio. This favoured a faster integration of Fontana in the fabric of the national economy. After consolidating its position nationally, the group began expanding its sales and production abroad, starting with the 100% purchase of GFD, one of the largest fastener manufacturers in France.

A fundamental factor for the growth of Fontana was the unwavering teamwork and collaboration of the brothers, Walter and Loris. Walter was an extrovert who enjoyed interacting with people and was highly skilled in public relations, while Loris was more reflective, more discreet, highly skilled and attentive to the technical-production side of the company. The perfect integration of two different personalities.

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INSIGHT We can therefore imagine the trauma suffered by Loris with the sudden loss of his brother Walter on 6th May 1992; only overcome with the love and support of his three sons Enio, Luigi and Giuseppe, who had already worked in the family business for years. Thus began, within the family, a slow generational transition.

In addition to his commitments within the company, Enio replaced his uncle as president of UPIVEB. During his long presidency he brought forward numerous important initiatives and innovations that remain an operational base for the association. The establishment of the Italian Fasteners magazine is one of his wonderful initiatives. He also did a lot for UPIVEB in Italy and in general for the entire Italian fastener industry, participating in many conferences and numerous working meetings.

He is vice-president of EIFI, the European Institute that brings together all the various national associations of fastener manufacturers in Europe.

Luigi, who, due to his engineering background, already worked alongside his father in the technical aspects of the company, dedicated himself more and more to the management of production. Giuseppe, due to his culture and predisposition, has increasingly dedicated himself to the strategic and financial management of the Group, subsequently assuming the position of CEO. Thus, the Fontana ‘tree’ has become stronger, more powerful and independent with the passage of time.

Loris, who had always overseen his “creature” on his own, so much so that he identified himself with his product (he was known as the “King of Bolts”), slowly handed over the control of the company to his sons. In the way they organised themselves, they evoke the initial spirit of collaboration and understanding of the two founding brothers.

When Loris Fontana passed away in 2018, the “creature” he had brought to life with his brother Walter had become a powerful, consolidated and thriving company full of vitality and great potential. So much so, that today the word ‘bolt’ is synonymous with Fontana. Today, Fontana Gruppo is present in 29 countries with 19 production facilities. It employs more than 4,000 people and has a turnover of more than €800 million.

The spirit and philosophy of the two founders is now an integral part of the Group’s DNA: A guarantee of continuity. But many people still ask: “Who was Loris Fontana really, what was his real personality?”

Loris Fontana was first and foremost a great worker and businessman. His long entrepreneurial career did not lack recognition, both nationally and internationally. However, his biggest gratification came when he was awarded the title of ‘Cavaliere del Lavoro’ on 2nd June 2001 by the then president of the republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi with the following reason: “To Loris Fontana – president of Fontana Luigi SpA

…the Fontana Gruppo continues with certainty and determination; an initiative conceived, launched and implemented by the brothers Walter and Loris Fontana.”

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Loris Fontana and Giannantonio Brugola and other Groups – for the important and incisive role he played in the field of entrepreneurship, contributing greatly to the development and commercial success of Italian bolts in Italy and the world.”

Loris Fontana was quite shy and reserved, although he was an excellent entrepreneur possessing great professionalism – a person with a great personality and a wide variety of interests. “He had the great ability to synthesise,” remembers his son Luigi. “You could talk to him about a problem for a quarter of an hour and he would give you the right answer in three seconds.”

He particularly loved art. He loved beauty. Although work was a big part of his life, he always maintained a beautiful and concrete bond with his family.

“For him, everything he had achieved in life was just a starting point,” recalls Enio. “He never missed out on going to the factory on a Sunday, but despite all this, his family was always of paramount importance. He had a beautiful relationship with my mother. They lived for each other.”

It must not have been easy for Loris Fontana to combine his role as entrepreneur with that of a father. “He was an authoritarian father, very committed to his work but also close to us children when we needed him,” says Giuseppe. “Throughout his life, he always had a very strong connection to his land of origin: Brianza, where he was born and where he grew as a man and entrepreneur.”

The Fontanas have always displayed a profound attachment to their territory. They have always maintained a strong interest in social issues. This is demonstrated by the ‘Villaggio Fontana’, a holiday resort in Veduggio for employees and their families, and the many solidarity projects in Brianza, and many areas of the world, where the Fontana Gruppo has operations.

At this point, one question needs to be asked: “What is the future of the Fontana Gruppo?” The answer is that the future of the company certainly involves a consolidation in markets where it is already present, while taking advantage of growth opportunities in strategic and expanding markets, especially those with strong potential to work in synergy with customers.

Today, the multinational company is led by Giuseppe Fontana as CEO, assisted by his brothers, Enio and Luigi. Business development and operations are managed by the third generation, Fabrizio and Alberto Fontana. The Group has launched many consolidation programmes, particularly in the Americas. In 2014, it acquired Acument Global Technologies with plants, research centres and logistics offices in all three American markets. The following year it became part of the BG Fastening Group, a company with offices and plants in India. In March 2018, work began on the construction of a new plant in Santa Caterina, Mexico.

Thus, the history of the Fontana Gruppo continues with certainty and determination; an initiative conceived, launched and implemented by the brothers Walter and Loris Fontana.

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INSIGHT

Training landmark in Rawlplug’s centenary year

H

e went on to say the Academy was one of the key components of an innovative development programme, with education and training one of the core pillars of the Rawlplug offer, alongside professional products and services.

The impressive 1,000m 2 facility, located on the outskirts of Reading, UK, bears all the hallmarks, not just of a very substantial investment but also meticulous thought and planning.

As Rawlplug UK Managing Director Pietro Grandesso explained in his own welcome: “It is no coincidence we are opening our education and training centre in the year of Rawlplug’s one hundredth anniversary. Rawlplug has been an expert in fixings, fasteners and tools for 100 years and my team and I are genuinely proud we have been able to continue this remarkable history.”

To some laughter from guests who know him well, Pietro added: “You know I have seen a few fixings companies in my life. In my opinion this is the best academy and training centre any manufacturer has ever established outside of its head office.”

He defined the objectives of the Rawlplug Academy. “We created this centre to share knowledge and best practices, to solve our customers problems and the challenges the industry poses for them, to give them effective advice. We have built it to broaden the horizon and show new skills, to educate effectively, to teach both the theory and its practical applications, so that each person leaving here will be able to say, ‘I am an expert’.”

Invited guests were guided through the entire facility, starting with the seminar area, surrounded by examples of Rawlplug’s colour-coded Point of Sale system, in addition to the reception area where there was a visual timeline of Rawlplug’s 100 year heritage in fasteners, fixings and tools.

A second area is dedicated to demonstrating Rawlplug’s technical services. You might say nothing new in one sense, since Rawlplug first launched technical advisory services in 1930s. These, however, are graphically different in terms of the technology both behind the calculations and delivering the results.

74

“Another of our dreams has come true, another step to becoming the customer’s brand of choice.” That’s how Radoslaw Koelner, group managing director, described the Rawlplug Academy as he welcomed more than 60 customers and guests to its formal opening.

Academy manager, Marcin Gorzala, explained how trainees begin with theoretical learning through an advanced e-learning system, structured into eight different product groups at three distinct technical levels, and supported by a massive library of animations and application videos. The system will also be available for self-learning, and incorporates a pre-training assessment of current knowledge plus post-module tests to confirm comprehension. All trainees will receive Rawlplug certifications of completion.

The rear three-quarters of the site are dedicated to hands-on training. As well as the obligatory reinforced concrete blocks for pull-out testing and demonstrations, this includes eight special vertical frames. These can accommodate a wide range of different substrates, set-up depending on the training requirement.

Between the theoretical and practical zones, however, is an educational stage developed from Rawlplug’s own training experience.

Boards comprising product information including sizes and variations, also feature application images and physical samples of the products. The objective, Marcin explained during an exclusive facility preview for this Magazine, is to reinforce retention of the theoretical knowledge already delivered and provide an effective transition to hands-on training. Technology again plays a key reinforcement role during practical training, in the guise of an overhead screen running animation and videos of processes and applications.

The practical training area also includes a long run of merchandiser boards, so customers can experiment and learn how to develop optimal product layouts.

Finally, guests were introduced to the RawlTruck, celebrating the 100 year anniversary and destined to clock up some 30,000km around Europe this year.

Again, in one sense, nothing new: Rawlplug first put a travelling showroom on the road in 1933. However, this is a beast of quite another level of scale and technology; an extraordinary mobile facility reflecting the three Rawlplug commitments to professional products, services and education. www.rawlplug.co.uk

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Rawl

100 years of expertise in fixings, fasteners and tools

Training for all those who intend to expand their knowledge and develop competencies E-LEARNING AND HANDS-ON TRAINING FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Rawlplug Academy® & Training Centre near London, is one of the inherent components of our unique development programme.

It is intended for those who are or wish to become construction professionals. We have created this place to share knowledge and best practices, solve problems experienced by our customers and advise them effectively.

It is there to broaden horizons and explore new possibilities, to provide you with efficient training and necessary theory as well as opportunities to put them into practice, to give you the certainty of being a true expert as you walk out of our Training Centre.

To find out more, contact us below. rawlplug.co.uk Tel +44 (0)141 638 7961 rawlinfo@rawlplug.co.uk

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FACE2FACE

Radoslaw Koelner

Chief executive officer, Rawlplug At the launch of the Rawlplug Academy Training Centre the focus inevitably was on the 100 year heritage of an iconic British brand. However, it is doubtful Rawlplug would ever have reached its centenary without the intervention of a man with a very different but equally influential history.

R

adoslaw Koelner reflects: “You could say the pity of it is that the guy from Poland came over and restored Rawlplug and not somebody from here.”

“Maybe due to my origin and my aggressive, ambitious approach it needed me to do it. Others tried before, but it was necessary to work for five years, six days a week, 12 hours a day to change this business.”

Living in Poland, then a communist country, Radoslaw Koelner was twelve years old, when martial law was introduced in December 1981 – the harbinger of long and extremely difficult years to come. “My father was director of the bank and my mother a teacher. Within a week both were fired from their jobs. My brother was 20 years old, a vice-president of a student organisation at the University of Technology in Wrocław. He was arrested and jailed for six months. Such was the grey environment around us in the Poland of the eighties.”

A year later, Radoslaw’s father borrowed money from friends to buy an injection moulding machine and install it in his house. “Nine months after he started and had begun to pay back the loans, he suffered a brain stroke and died.” That was March 1983. “They were very hard times. From 1983 to 1989 Poland was under communist rule. We simply tried to survive.”

Passionate today about sustainability, Radoslaw Koelner smiles ruefully, “recycling was already in fashion then – there wasn’t any choice. You were allowed only two employees, and the quarterly allowance to buy materials was just 12.5kg. My brother’s fiancée worked at the hospital, so every evening we collected all the empty plastic medical fluid bottles from the trash, cut off the labels and into the grinder – that was our source of material”.

The family rented three plug moulds from another small craft business. “We paid a lot of money, so we produced night and day to make as many plugs as possible. My brother injected the plugs, I assembled them with screws, and then went around the hardware stores – our first sales representative, aged 14, selling from my backpack.” His customers “were well established wholesalers, big guys selling

76 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

nuts, bolts and tools. These were the kings of the jungle – I was just a small peanut. But I started to learn from them”.

As the eighties drew to a close, Poland became a country of opportunities. “The open border meant we could source high-quality plugs in the West. It was a big discussion with my mother, but I decided to shut down the production and to import these plugs. From the moment I started to supply it was booming. Two days and no goods left, then cash collection, and then drive to France for the next consignment of plugs.”

Krystyna Koelner, however, was and remains a woman to be reckoned with, not least when it comes to social conscience.

“Three months later, my mother said. ‘we need to employ local handicapped people to assemble the plugs’.” Radoslaw Koelner smiles: “I recognised there was a chance to produce again, so we started to calculate.”

Fluent in German from his university studies, Radoslaw began researching former East German companies. In Spring 1990 he discovered that the Treuhand, the government office responsible for state-owned companies, was selling its assets. He bid for and bought nine injection moulding machines for 10,000 Deutschmarks.

“Four were scrap, but five were almost new, East German fully automated machines. We ordered the moulds and nine months after shutting the production we restarted it.”

There wasn’t space in the family home for the new machines – it was already littered with older machines and components for assembly.

“I found a place to rent, about 1,500m2. Within a year it was too small. It was amazing how fast we could expand at that time; there really were no limits. Poland was like a free economy zone, no VAT, low corporation tax. 1992 was the

Others tried before, but it was necessary to work for five years, six days a week, 12 hours a day to change this business.”

first year that the Polish GDP started to grow, and until now every year has been growth, no decline. Even in 2009, the year of smallest growth, it was 0.7%. Last year it was 5%.”

“I remember when we moved again to a second factory, I thought, ‘****, what will I do with this? We cannot sell so many plugs’. A year later, when we had multiplied sales by four, I said, ‘Alright, maybe this business is good – but I have to produce something new’. So, we became the first to introduce the hammer-in plugs. It was a fantastic story – the price was twice as high as today, and the cost was half.

Now it is an almost no-profit business.”

Until 1996, Radoslaw says, “our problem was only to produce and deliver, not to sell.

The really painful lesson about modern sales techniques came when we started to export to the closest markets. Russia was buying everything, so it was quite easy. Germany always challenged in terms of price, quality and technical. It was interesting, but definitely not a comfortable environment”.

Starting to import drywall screws from Asia brought more painful lessons. “I could sell ten times more at that time but there were limits in terms of capital. There was a big lesson in terms of how to plan, how to forecast. In the middle of the 1990s in Poland nobody really thought about planning longer than two or three weeks. Six months, nine months, sometimes even two years – that was a very different scenario.”

“There was no strategy – it was simply to do something good for the long-term, something fair, something profitable, something that was innovative based on the level of competence we had at the time.”

In 1990 Koelner’s turnover was around €20,000. The next year it was €300,000. In 1992, €2 million; in 1993, nearly €6 million.

FASTENERANDFIXING.COM

77

FACE2FACE By 1997 turnover was €23 million. When the company floated its shares on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2004, sales were more than €55 million.

“This year, consolidated turnover should be more than €200 million.”

Monetarising around 30% of the shares, the IPO generated some €20 million. “The company was successful in terms of business parameters and profitability. We were good – for the times anyway – in light and medium duty fixings. But where were the heavy-duty fixings, the bonded anchors? What could create the complete range, a real fixings company, not just a decent manufacturer of lightweight fixings?”

The products available from Asia could not compete with the quality of the German manufacturers. Again, chance played its hand.

“One of my sales guys said, ‘Let’s go to Scotland, and visit the original inventor of the throughbolt’.” The plan was to sell light duty fixings to Rawlplug and to buy heavy-duty fixings in exchange. Bafflingly, pinning down a deal seemed next to impossible.

“I explained that we could buy 10% – 15% of their capacity, if they could be serious about it.” Frustrated, Radoslaw Koelner, threw in: “How about selling the shares? The response was an unequivocal ‘Yes!’ – BPB, then owners, needed to sell non-core businesses to deliver a big enough dividend to convince shareholders to resist a hostile takeover bid. “They gave me just three months to complete the deal. Knowing now all the skeletons that were in the Rawlplug cupboards it’s easy to understand why.”

“The first year after the acquisition was very tough – the company lost more than GB£2 million. I needed all the trust our shareholders and supervisory board had in me personally, to continue the fight.”

There is no question Radoslaw Koelner was genuinely committed to making it work in Glasgow. By 2008, close to €3 million had been invested to expand production capacity at the plant, including taking delivery of a new Nedschroef boltmaker. However, costs were high, approvals were proving difficult to achieve, and it was impossible to convince a production workforce, deeply scarred by the previous decades, to commit to the flexibility needed to achieve profitability.

“For sure I was naive at the time. Buying a heritage brand, producing state of the art throughbolts, with so many great ideas and innovations in the drawers – how could you not be excited and optimistic?”

Nevertheless, Radoslaw Koelner remained convinced that, to reach a truly international level, the company need to gather more competences around it. That motivated the acquisition of Śrubex S.A,

I also discovered that, despite their challenging history, there were great people in Rawlplug – tight to the place, tight to the heritage, and completely committed to what the brand stood for.”

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Buying a heritage brand, producing state of the art throughbolts, with so many great ideas and innovations in the drawers – how could you not be excited and optimistic?” the bolt factory in Łańcut, eastern Poland. That too proved a story of painful challenges – best told another day. “A few months after we finally acquired all the shares in Śrubex, we moved all the machinery from Glasgow to Łańcut.”

The combination of Rawlplug’s technical knowledge in heavy-duty fixings and the engineering capabilities of the Łańcut plant proved extraordinarily potent. “We combined those competences to manufacture the existing products far more efficiently and to grasp the opportunities to develop new products. In 2012 we implemented the first approvals for ETA Option 7 and for Option 1 products. In 2013-14 we introduced stainless steel with a new design. Right now, is the second wave of innovations – not just improvements but real innovations. These are our own solutions, born from the effective cooperation of the teams here in the UK, in Wrocław and in Łańcut.”

“It was a great lesson for me. I struggled in 2008-9; I could not sleep. However, there was so much I learned that I will appreciate it for the rest of my life.”

“If you think with a one year perspective it is impossible to succeed in these things; it needs a three, five year perspective.”

“Some of the history of Rawlplug was as if it had been swallowing its own tail. Some of it truly shocked me. But then I started to meet Rawlplug distributors across the world and I saw something very different. Without telefax or email, this was a brand that built a truly global reputation. In Malta, I was shown Rawlbolts first installed in 1935, with just surface corrosion. It was the same in the London metro system. These are not products for years but for decades. When I first saw the hand-drawn designs of Mr Rawlings, I started to realise I was part of something bigger. I also discovered that, despite their challenging history, there were great people in Rawlplug – tight to the place, tight to the heritage, and completely committed to what the brand stood for.”

The progress and growth of Rawlplug under Koelner ownership, made it completely natural to change the Group’s identity. “Koelner was a good name for Poland and German language countries. These are great markets. However, for a really international approach we learnt from and needed Rawlplug. It’s maybe not the easiest name to say in Polish but every day it becomes more strongly recognised.”

“Simply said, the Rawlplug brand has sustained for one hundred years and will continue to do so, because it delivers products that never compromise on quality.” www.rawlplug.co.uk

MADE IN GERMANY

INSIGHT

Indelibly Apex Stainless Having become managing director of Apex Stainless almost 18 months ago, Willy Einungbrekke is now firmly embedded within the UK fastener market.

Editor Will Lowry visited the company’s head office in Rugby to find out what steps have been taken to further integrate the business into the Bufab Group, as well as crucially what has been kept as indelibly Apex Stainless.

W

illy’s career in the fastener industry started in 1989 before joining the Bufab family in 1996.

“Bufab entered the Norwegian market and as part of the Group’s expansion it acquired the company I was working for as a sales manager,” points out Willy. “As part of the acquisition the previous managing director left, and I was nominated managing director at the beginning of 1997.”

Willy immediately set about making his mark, with the Norwegian company delivering an excellent performance from 2001 and onwards. From 2012 to 2015 he further extended his general management responsibilities, adding the role of regional manager for Bufab North. In November 2015 Bufab acquired Apex Stainless, with Willy joining the board from that time onward.

“Bufab’s strategy has always been to develop step-by-step to become a stronger company – through both acquisitions and growth of the business,” explains Willy. “The acquisition of Apex Stainless was a special one because the company is focused on the distribution industry, whereas Bufab’s concept is mainly end users. However, we realised that to grow in the UK market you needed to have a portion of distribution control. Once we saw how Apex Stainless was performing; how it had been built; and the people involved with the company; we knew it would be a perfect fit.”

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Adding Apex Stainless to the group also enabled Bufab to expand its knowledge within the stainless steel sector. “Within the Bufab family there is already the experience of the stainless steel market via the BUMAX® brand, which is known for high-quality customised stainless steel fasteners,” mentions Willy. “We have been able to add to that knowledge and help them with projects regarding standard stainless steel parts and also where to source them.”

After the acquisition, there was a lot of discussion on how to incorporate Apex Stainless into the Bufab Group, whilst keeping the essence of what made the business special. “Bufab is very flexible as a company and only looks to introduce changes that will offer real benefits. We are always very careful not to push the Bufab style onto a company,” mentions Willy. “With Apex Stainless being involved in distribution – where close contact with customers and tight service are essential – we are very aware any integration has to be done slowly and at the right time for the business.”

An example of Bufab not rushing into making significant changes at Apex Stainless is the decision to continue with the same ERP system that has traditionally been used – rather than moving to Bufab’s system.

“We reviewed the existing ERP system and decided we would continue with it for the next three years,” explains Willy. “In our market a quick response to customers’ needs is vital and the current system we are using is working perfectly well. Changing systems is not always an easy process and the last thing we want to do is disrupt the service to the customer.”

Investment in the future

Apex Stainless has five sites across the UK in Rugby, Bilston, Leeds, Teddington, and Leicester, with the latter also housing the manufacturing operation for the Aerotight® nut (pictured left). “Last year we invested in a new machine to boost the manufacturing capacity of the Aerotight nut and we have recently added

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INSIGHT a second machine to help us further increase our production capabilities,” highlights Willy. “The Aerotight is an all metal selflocking nut that has built a reputation over many years for quality and reliability. It has a well proven design that has been established in all types of industry – where there is vibration and loosening of nuts. This investment will help us to increase the efficiency of production and guarantee we are providing customers with a quick supply of a high-quality product.”

Another area where significant investment is being made is in Apex Stainless’ employees. “The people have been at the core of what has made the company successful and that is why we are investing both time and money to enable them to further develop in the future,” states Willy. “As part of this process we have introduced a new management team and decision making structure. This will bring more employees into the day-to-day running of the business and ensure our people continue to develop their skills and knowledge within the industry.”

Willy continues: “The people we have and the service we are able to provide customers is really impressive. I don’t think there is anything like it in the market. Our aim is to have 98% of the orders delivered the following day – all over the UK and Ireland. It is a high service, but thanks to our employees we are able to meet these demands.”

Willy believes the combination of experienced staff, a first class service, and an in-depth stock of inventory, makes it easier for customers to decide where to buy their fasteners. “We are truly a ‘one stop shop’ for customers for stainless steel fasteners. They know we keep a large stock and they can get it quickly. If you can only give them half the products, they are going to go elsewhere. At Apex we can answer the full demand straight away. There are 20,000 different items in our warehouses from 1mm up to M64.”

In addition to stock, Apex Stainless also provides customers with a first class support service. “We are always looking at how we can help customers, we want to solve their problems,” explains Willy. “The market demands a high service level and you need to make sure you are always developing your service to meet their needs. Over recent years customers’ ordering patterns have definitely changed to a point where we are now their stock warehouse. They are buying what they need on a weekly or even daily basis – rather than ordering pallets of products.”

Apex’s strategy seems to be paying dividends, with the company experiencing strong growth – close to double-digits – so far in 2019.

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We are truly a ‘one stop shop’ for customers for stainless steel fasteners.”

“The beginning of the year was very good for us, but we believe that was boosted by customers building up their stock in preparation for BREXIT – which has obviously been delayed,” mentions Willy.

“There is no doubt the uncertainty around BREXIT has been a concern and we can see a small sign that demand is a little slower, not dramatically, but a little bit. BREXIT will continue to make things complicated, but it is difficult to say what will happen in the end. I am Norwegian and we are not in the EU, but we are playing within the same rules as the EU. Other countries outside of the EU also have their deals, so it can be done. I think the most important thing is that a decision is made either way, because the uncertainty is not helping anyone plan for the future.”

Export currently accounts for 15% of Apex Stainless’ business and is something the company may look to increase in the future.

“The competition in stainless steel is very tough on the continent, especially standard parts,” points out Willy. “That is why we will continue to look to specialise where possible on niche products, as well as materials such as duplex and super duplex. Another opportunity to increase business is the total demand of the Bufab Group. This is an area we have started to grow, but we have not rushed into it. However, we know we can grow our market share if that is the route we want to go.”

Willy concludes: “Since the acquisition we have kept the core of Apex Stainless, whilst adding Bufab touches where it is beneficial. It is in our DNA to be a specialist in stainless steel and we will continue to provide products and a service that meets our customers’ needs.” www.apexstainless.com

INSIGHT

A single fastener supplier for the professional With a catalogue containing approximately 424,000 references, Portuguese wholesaler LUSAVOUGA is a ‘one stop shop’ for customers in a variety of industries. Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge visited the logistics centre in Aveiro to see how the company’s commitment to investment has enabled it to better serve its customers.

F

ounded in 1967, LUSAVOUGA - Máquinas e Ferramentas Lda (known simply as LUSAVOUGA) initially focused on selling bearings, rubber belts, and O-rings, to the professional market. A significant turning point for the business was in 1976, when the company was bought by Marques dos Santos – founder of the MS Group – after it was facing bankruptcy.

Marques moved to Portugal due to the Mozambique revolution in 1975. With money to invest, Marques put an advert in the local newspaper for businesses to come forward. After being approached

by LUSAVOUGA he worked there for six months to learn everything he could about the business, in every single department.

“Mr Marques dos Santos is a businessman, and a salesman, and he saw the potential in the company even back then. Since then we have come a long way, and can proudly say we are the biggest wholesaler regarding machinery and hardware in Portugal,” comments Miguel Gomes, sales manager at MS Group.

“It’s all down to the Santos family and at our core, we are still a family-run business. The MS Group is now ran by Mr Santos and his sons, Rui Vicente Santos and Miguel Santos, who both continue their dad’s passion for innovation and who are the real strategists behind the growth strategy deployed in the last 8 years. The succession plan is on course and on schedule, with Rui combining his role as CEO of LUSAVOUGA with chairman of the board of MS Group, and Miguel his vice-president,” comments Miguel.

This passion for innovation was highlighted in 2011 when an investment of €5 million – its biggest investment to date – was made to create a new logistics centre. Comprising of modern offices and the company’s main warehouse, the logistics centre covers 2,000m 2 and includes a pallet warehouse for 10,000 pallets and an automated bin warehouse measuring 18m high, 200m wide and has 36,000 bin positions. The bin storage capacity is 32,000 tonnes.

“The automated warehouse has helped us increase LUSAVOUGA’s competitiveness, efficiency and effectiveness, which in turn has enabled us to provide a faster and better service to our customers.

It enables us to hold stock and for us that is not a problem – it’s a strategic decision,” comments Miguel.

“The stock we have enables us to provide faster delivery times to our customers and allows us to have a high rotation of our products.

Almost 50% of what LUSAVOUGA sells in the Portuguese retail market is in standard fasteners. If you don’t have the stock – you can’t sell them, it really is that simple.”

With this philosophy it will come as no surprise that LUSAVOUGA is planning to expand this automated space again in the future. “I like

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to say that LUSAVOUGA is the best kept secret in Portugal,” explains Miguel. “We’re constantly looking for more – more stock, more space, more automation. Whilst the warehouse has given us so much, it is not enough as we’re running out of space. Our aim is to have as little human intervention as possible to eliminate human error. Of course, this is all with our customers in mind. They’ll benefit hugely and get stock even quicker. We’re passionate about making purchasing for our customers simpler and easier.”

An example of making it easier for customers is a recent update to the company’s SAP system and warehouse management software, which has enabled LUSAVOUGA to develop a B2B online platform to give customers access to stock information and order online. Planned for launch in the first quarter of next year, the B2B platform will make it even easier and faster for customers to order stock, as well as give the company the opportunity to reach a wider range of customers.

Initially LUSAVOUGA supplied professionals, before adding retail channels in 2012. “The decision to sell into retail channels was made after the warehouse had been operational for a while, so that we could start appealing to hardware and DIY stores, etc,” points out Miguel. “Up to that point we had only ever sold in Portugal via the professional market. However, we decided to mirror LUSAVEIRO – a machinery, tools and accessories specialist that also part of the MS Group – who had a very successful route to market via retail channels. I joined the company in 2012, to initiate this retail operation, and from there we then started to concentrate on boosting fastener and fixing sales.”

LUSAVOUGA also has its very own CHEMITOOL brand, which is known for its high-quality. “Every fastener we sell is now under the CHEMITOOL brand, as we are strongly focused on it becoming a recognised brand and synonymous for high-quality know-how,” says Miguel.

CHEMITOOL products are manufactured according to the highest standards of construction requirements and always in-line with the latest directives and European standards. There are 70,000 different products in its extensive CHEMITOOL fastener range, which includes anchor products, hose clamps, gamma suspension, nuts, rivets and pegs, screws, PVC thread products, washers and brakes, wood thread screws, and much more. From tuning washers to cylindrical pins, the range also includes fasteners from DIN 1 to DIN 82101, with sizes from 1mm x 2mm to M72 x 600mm.

Also available is the CHEMITOOL range of chemical products. This is a high-quality range of products and services in silicones, sealants, glues, chemical resins and polyurethane foams.

“This quality brand we’ve created also enables us to focus on specific markets with high potential such as southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Africa is a strategic market for several reasons; it’s close to us, has many Portuguese speaking countries, and as a wholesaler we can have a wider range of products to sell,” explains Miguel.

In addition to Africa, southern Europe is also a key target market for LUSAVOUGA. “Portugal and Spain are two of the most competitive markets in Europe and as a Portuguese company, we must remain competitive to supply our domestic market. However, if we can stay competitive in these two markets, we can be competitive across Europe too. We want to be considered as a viable option in Europe – a high-quality, reliable option,” concludes Miguel. www.lusavouga.com

LUSAVOUGA also has its very own CHEMITOOL brand...”

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EXHIBITIONS

IFS China impresses Organisers of the International Fastener Show China (IFS China) state that the show is already one of the three largest fastener industry events in the world, and the largest in Asia. With this in mind, Editor Will Lowry travelled to Shanghai to see first-hand how the show has developed such a status.

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aking place at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre from 11th – 13th June, IFS China has clearly been heavily supported by the Chinese fastener industry with the opening ceremony including representatives from a wide selection of associations, such as the China Anhui Fastener Association, Chongqingshi Jingujian Hangye Xiehui, Fastener Association of Guangdong China, Fastener Association of Hebei – China, Jiangsu Fastener Industry Association, Zhejiang Fasteners Industry Association, China Wenzhou Fastener Association, Fastener Association of Shenzhen – China, Hanzhou Fastener Industry Chamber of Commerce, Jiaxing Association of Fastener Imp. & Exp. Companies, Ningbo Fastener Industry Association, Pinghu Fastener Hardware Industry Association, Office of Shahe General Machine Components Industry, Xingtai Fastener Industry Association, Yue Qing Fasteners Association, Yongnian Fastener Association, Jia Shan Jingujian Hangye Xiehui, Haiyan Fastener Industry Chamber of Commerce and the Ningbo Zhenhai Fastener Industry Association.

The official organisers – China General Machine Components Industry Association, China Fastener Industry Association (CFIA), Hanover Milanno Fairs Shanghai Ltd and Shanghai Afastener Exhibition Co Ltd – reported that the show covered an exhibition area of 42,000m 2 , across two halls, which was an increase of 24% compared with 2018.

The show undoubtedly represented the key players within the Chinese fastener and machine building sectors – all of whom presented their competitive technologies and products at the show.

Over 725 companies participated, with numerous large ‘space only’ stands attracting a lot of attention in the centre of both halls. The more traditional shell scheme stands were placed around the edges of each hall.

Hall 1 focused on fastener manufacturing equipment, auxiliary equipment, inspection devices, measurement instruments, fastener

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moulds, consumables, and raw materials, with almost every stand showcasing machinery – with demonstrations being carried out continuously.

Exhibitors included Hyodong, Nedshroef, Carlo Salvi, ASAHI, National Machinery LLC, WAFIOS, CPM, SACMA, Sakamura, Ningbo Sijin, Ningbo Haixing, Zhejiang Yeswin, Marposs, 3View, Quanying, Yuhai/Tengfeng, Shanghai Chunzu, Huangshan Shengrui, Shanghai BiauLi, Yanghzou CANAAN, Shanghai Feiyu, Foshan Wanwei, Dongguan yingxing, KunShan Dongwei, Masteel, Baosteel, Ansteel, Xingtai Iron & Steel, Kunshan Daobao, and Taicang Minghao.

Hall 2 concentrated on manufacturers of standard and specialised fasteners, with special zones focusing on automotive and high strength fasteners, brand fasteners, export oriented fasteners, comprehensive fasteners, as well as pavilions for different provinces of China. Key exhibitors in hall 2 included Tenglong Group, Changshu City Standard Parts Factory, Shanghai Prime, Shenzhen Dahe, Zhejiang Santie, Hangzhou Yougongpin, Zhejiang Dongming, Jinshang, PATTA, Jinan/Xinderun, Shanghai SQB, Eagle, and Shanghai High Strength.

EXHIBITIONS

Official visitor numbers show 36,080 visitors, including 4,212 overseas visitors from 53 countries and regions, attended the show – predominately purchasers, dealers, traders, end users, manufacturers and other industrial professionals.

“IFS China attracted manufacturers, machinery builders, fastener purchasers, distributors and wholesalers at home and abroad to join the show,” stated show organisers. “The show provided a good platform for enterprises to build relationships, to show ingenuity and pursue dreams.”

The aisles were undoubtedly busy throughout both days of the show, but exhibitors commented on the lack of western visitors, especially from Europe. Many highlighted the Fastener Fair Stuttgart show in March as the reason why there were less European visitors, as most had met customers during the German show.

However, the overall mood was definitely positive and there was a clear pride in having a show representing the ‘best of China’.

Mr Xue Kangsheng, president of China Fastener Industry Association of China General Machine Components Industry Association, commented on the show: “This year’s edition of the International Fastener Show China showcased its authority and influence in the industry.” Whilst Olaf Daebler, global director of industrial supply, research & technology of Deutsche Messe AG, said: “The significant increase in both exhibition area and number of the exhibitors, reflects the very high-level of internationalisation and great international influence the International Fastener Show China has in the industry.”

In addition to the show there was also the ‘Third Session of the 8 th Standing Council of China Fastener Industry Association’, as well as face-to-face international purchasing meetings that took place throughout both days. Plus, there was an invitation only Appreciation Banquet on the first night of the show – at the Pudong Shangri-La hotel – which was a spectacular dinner and once again underlined the professionalism of the organisers.

From visiting the show there is no doubt that it has quickly established itself as the leading Chinese fastener event, encompassing every part of the fastener industry. It has also been adopted by the Chinese industry and visitors. For western visitors looking to find out more about the Chinese market and suppliers, it has become a must attend event.

The next edition of the International Fastener Show China will take place from 22 nd – 24th June 2020 once again at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre.

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EXHIBITIONS

+Industry: More exhibitions, more professionals +Industry took place at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain, from 4th – 6th June, encompassing no less than seven shows – including INDUSTRY TOOLS by Ferroforma.

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total of 19,534 professionals from 72 countries visited the seven shows – INDUSTRY TOOLS by Ferroforma, Subcontracting, Addit3D, Fitmaq, Pumps&Valves, Maintenance and BeDigital. 6% of the total number of visitors were international guests from Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, as well as some more further afield countries such as Algeria, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, China, India, Iran, Russia, Egypt, Canada, South Africa and Singapore.

Regarding professionals at national level, 49% came from outside the Basque Autonomous Community. The largest inflow came from Catalunya, Madrid, the Valencian Community, Castilla-León, Navarre, Cantabria and Asturias.

Among the professionals, those attending included managing directors, owners, managers, CEOs, as well as the heads of purchasing departments and employees, in general.

Fastener companies were present across the six shows, mainly exhibiting in Halls 1 and 3 at the INDUSTRY TOOLS show with companies such as Rosmil Industrial S.A, PECOL – Sistemas de Fixação S.A, LAPAFIL S.A Sistemas de Fijación, LUSAVOUGA, CHAVESBAO, INDEX Fixing Systems, HEICO Fasteners S.A.U, Qonnect Fasteners Iberica S.L, UGARTE Lantegiak S.L, and UCO U-bolts®.

A total of 343 exhibiting companies from 22 countries participated in INDUSTRY TOOLS encompassing industrial supply and construction companies (25%), locksmiths (19%), handheld portable power tools and woodworking tools (18%), hardware (14%), fixings (8%) and services (8%), in addition to elevations, handling, transport and logistics, occupational protection and industrial cleaning.

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INDEX Fixing Systems and CHAVESBAO, regular exhibitors to the Ferroforma show, once again exhibited with an impressive stand – which was arguably the busiest throughout the show in the Industry area. “The fair has always been a positive show for both INDEX and CHAVESBAO and is a very convenient one for us to partake in due to logistics. This year we decided to highlight our exhibition solutions and the wide product range both companies can supply with a bigger stand,” commented Garikoitz Peña, marketing department at INDEX Fixing Systems.

“We received a large number of quality visitors from the northern part of the peninsula, as well as an increase in quality visitors from other parts of Spain and other countries. We did also notice a different type of visitor coming to the show, but mostly in other halls,” said Garikoitz.

This different type of visitor can be explained with a big push by organisers to get visitors from all across the supply chain – professionals from sectors such as aeronautics, automotive, capital goods, railway, engineering, as well as the traditional distribution channels such as industrial supply warehouses, hardware cooperatives, and purchasing groups, that have always been very well represented at Ferroforma.

Miguel Gomes, sales manager at LUSAVOUGA, commented: “We exhibited at Ferroforma in order to showcase our CHEMITOOL brand of fasteners, fixings, and chemical products, onto the Spanish market. We were satisfied with the quality and quantity of our visitors, with most being professional DIY customers from the Spanish market, but we did get a variety of international visitors to our stand.”

Organisers focused on combining a commercial exhibition with a technical workshop programme, live demonstrations, and a Speakers’ Corner. These involved more than a hundred speakers, tackling different aspects relating to Industry 4.0, through products and services in the manufacturing processes and industrial supplies, with attendance rates that have surpassed the highest expectations. The show also hosted B2B meetings where more than 250 purchasers conducted 2,000 interviews over the three days of the event.

In general, the exhibitors acknowledged that their expectations were met, with the sheer volume of visitors welcomed and, above all, the number of ‘interesting’ contacts that were obtained during their time at +Industry.

Arantxa Tapia, minister for Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government, pointed out the significance of this event at the opening ceremony, directly linking it with “the European industry that is immersed in a process of intense transformation”. She added: “Our competitiveness is facing challenges linked to infrastructures, energy and talent, and to the strengthening of collaboration between companies to transcend borders.”

8th-9th October 2019, Krakow

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EVENTS CALENDAR

FASTENER POLAND Krakòw, Poland 8 Oct – 9 Oct 2019 www.fastenerpoland.pl 3rd edition of the international trade fair for fastener and fixing technology.

HUSUM Wind

Husum, Germany 10 Sep – 13 Sep 2019 www.husumwind.com Wind energy trade fair.

China International Hardware Show

Shanghai, China 10 Oct – 12 Oct 2019 www.hardwareshow-china.com Tools, security systems, locks, DIY and building hardware fair.

International Fastener Expo

Taiwan Hardware Show

Hand Tools and Fasteners Expo

parts2clean

22nd Mechanical Components & Materials Technology Expo Osaka

FastTec 2019

Afera’s 62nd Annual Conference of the European Adhesive Tape Industry

SAIE International Building Exhibition 2019

INDOFASTENER 2019

The 19th Fastener Trade Show Suzhou

Las Vegas, USA 17 Sep – 19 Sep 2019 www.fastenershows.com Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling and packaging.

Mumbai, India 20 Sep – 22 Sep 2019 www.iihtexpo.com Hand tools and fasteners exhibition.

Osaka, Japan 2 Oct – 4 Oct 2019 www.mtech-kansai.jp Asia’s leading B2B trade show for mechanical components/processing technology.

Lisbon, Portugal 9 Oct – 11 Oct 2019 www.afera.com/agenda/afera-annual-conference/ Professionals from the adhesive tape industry come together to share, learn and network.

Jakarta, Indonesia 9 Oct – 12 Oct 2019 www.indotools-hardware.com Dedicated trade fair for the Indonesian fastener and fixing industry.

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Taichung, Taiwan 17 Oct – 19 Oct 2019 www.hardwareshow.com.tw Tools, building materials/DIY and houseware products.

Stuttgart, Germany 22 Oct – 24 Oct 2019 www.parts2clean.de Leading international trade fair for industrial parts and surface cleaning.

Moscow, Russia 22 Oct – 24 Oct 2019 www.fasttec.ru Russia’s specialist fastener technology fair.

Bari, Italy 24 Oct – 26 Oct 2019 www.saiebari.it Building technology, systems and machines.

Suzhou, China 28 Oct – 29 Oct 2019 www.fastenertradeshow.net International fastener exhibition in China.

Een solide verbinding Eine feste Verbindung A fixed connection Une conexion Fixe www.eurobolt.com

EXHIBITIONS

Second annual Fastener Fair USA grows in attendance and exhibits Fastener Fair USA came to a victorious close at the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI, on 23rd May 2019.

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lose to 2,200 fastener professionals participated in Detroit, surpassing its inaugural show last year in Cleveland. More than 260 exhibitors from 15 countries connected with customers in the aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, construction, energy, machinery and other industries.

“There was something for everyone in the industry in the two days at Fastener Fair USA,” said Baron Yarborough, managing director at Spring Bolt and Nut Manufacturing and member of the board at Young Fastener Professionals.

“We saw a lot of our customers that we wouldn’t normally get to see because we’re in a different city… and that’s a great thing,” said Ken Kovach, owner at Ken Forging Inc. Along with the 25+ industry education sessions, Fastener Fair USA 2019 included a number of industry networking events, including a first ever ‘Women in the Fastener Industry’ hosted mentorship programme called ConnectHer. This programme gave an opportunity for people seeking insight and information about the industry to connect with women in the field.

The next Fastener Fair USA will be held 19 th – 20 th May 2020 at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. More than 50 Detroit exhibitors secured space for the Charlotte event, with 25% of the floor already rebooked.

“We’re thrilled about the positive response to our Charlotte event and we expect 2020 to be bigger and better than ever,” said Carroll Henning, exhibition manager at Fastener Fair USA.

Stand reservation starts for EuroBLECH 2020 EuroBLECH 2020, the 26th international sheet metal working technology exhibition, takes place from 27th – 30th October 2020 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany. At the organisers’ offices of Mack Brooks Exhibitions, the stand reservation phase has started with a strong demand for stand space and a high rebooking rate.

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or this edition of EuroBLECH digitalisation of manufacturing processes, e-mobility and sustainable production, as well as innovative materials, are important topics. “At the last EuroBLECH, the degree of digitalisation within the industry was already high. This was the starting point for the future of smart sheet metal working. Now it is time to firmly establish and optimise these digital production processes and enhance their efficiency and flexibility,” says Evelyn Warwick, EuroBLECH exhibition director, on behalf of the organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions.

“At EuroBLECH 2020, manufacturers of machines, IT systems and tools for sheet metal working will have the possibility to present themselves to a global audience of visitors ready to invest. Visitors at the show are specifically looking for flexible and cost-efficient solutions in order to operate successfully in a competitive environment,” explains Evelyn.

“Almost sixteen months before the next EuroBLECH, we have a strong demand for stand space and we are experiencing a high rebooking rate. The sheet metal working industry is in the process of a dynamic development and innovative technologies

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are playing an important role. Therefore, exhibiting companies are interested in larger stand spaces in order to present a lot of new machines. We are therefore expecting further growth in exhibition space for EuroBLECH 2020,” continues Evelyn.

An exhibitor brochure with detailed information about the exhibition, stand options and prices is now available from the organisers in three languages. The detailed exhibition profile, most important facts and figures, as well as relevant information for exhibiting at EuroBLECH are also included. The brochure can be requested directly from the organisers or on the show website.

Companies interested in exhibiting at EuroBLECH 2020 can also reserve via the new online reservation form on the website.

The EuroBLECH exhibition profile covers the entire sheet metal working technology chain: Sheet metal, semi-finished and finished products, handling, separation, forming, flexible sheet metal working, joining, welding, tube/section processing, surface treatment, processing of hybrid structures, tools, machine elements, quality control, CAD/CAM/CIM systems, factory equipment and R&D.

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EXHIBITIONS

A platform for all aspects of the rail industry In May, Railtex 2019, the UK’s premier exhibition of railway equipment, systems and services, returned to the NEC in Birmingham, UK, acting as a platform to connect visitors with suppliers for all aspects of the rail industry. Grant Rebecca, digital content assistant, visited the three day event to see first-hand every part of a rail journey.

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aking place from 14th May – 16th May, Railtex saw over 400 exhibitors from 22 different countries showcasing products related to tracks, signalling, train carriages and more. The show attracted 6,700 visitors, who were able to witness on stand demonstrations, and see how each product contributed to creating the full train travel experience.

This included elements of the base infrastructure, such as the tracks and sleepers, to elements for the train carriages, from internal electronics to window wipers, as well as elements before the customer reaches the train, such as display boards for travel information.

The state of the UK rail industry was a popular topic amongst the fastener companies exhibiting at the show including Nord-Lock Group, TFC Ltd, Clyde Fasteners Ltd, Browns Fasteners Ltd, and global distributor of communication and security products, Anixter.

“The UK rail industry is booming due to large developments in the UK such as HS2 and Crossrail. These new rail lines are important to us and Railtex is an important show to showcase our products,” commented Brendan McDonald, vice-president sales at Anixter.

Echoing this was global specialist in bolting solutions Nord-Lock Group: “With many more train journeys to be made in the next 10 –15 years, the rail market is currently in a strong position and is only looking to get stronger,” commented Andrew Radnor, sales manager at Nord-Lock Group.

Exhibiting for the first time this year was UK fastener supplier, Browns Fasteners Ltd, showcasing its range of rail fasteners. “Previously we attended the show as visitors, which inspired us to exhibit this year.

Railtex is a great place to meet clients as all our customers are here,” said Mark Ainsworth, director at Browns Fasteners Ltd.

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Another factor impacting the rail industry is the low carbon footprint. Focusing on the carbon saving potential of rail travel was global specialist in the adhesives market, Henkel Ltd, exhibiting its LOCTITE® range of threadlocking adhesives, which prevent selfloosening and secure any threaded fastener against vibration and shock loads.

“Compared to air travel, trains can run more passengers, more frequently, on a smaller carbon footprint. It must be at least 20% less carbon per passenger to take the train than to fly,” said Henkel.

Also on display at the show was the M12 connector portfolio, which has recently been approved for use in railway applications – created by global manufacturer of circular connectors Binder UK Ltd. Binder showcased its complete range of innovative circular connectors to visitors at the show. Its 8-pole, X-coded connectors feature data transmission speeds of up to 10Gbit/s and will prove highly valuable in rail applications for ethernet protocols, communications, security, CCTV and passenger information systems.

As well as the many products on display RailTex once again held a ‘Seminar Theatre’ hosting a selection of technical seminars from within the rail industry. Key topics covered included ‘How can we digitise the journey to benefit the customer?’ by Mike Hewitt, chief technical officer, ADComms; ‘Integrating systems for safety critical applications’ by Chris Parr, technical director at Sella Controls Ltd; and ‘Bridges with hot rolled sections for railway lines’ by Dennis Rademacher, bridge development leader at ArcelorMittal Europe.

Also giving a presentation was keynote speaker Rail Minister Andrew Jones MP, who covered the growing state of the UK rail industry and the key challenges and opportunities it will face in the coming years.

The next edition of Railtex is set to take place in May 2021.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Famous failures series: Part 1 – stress corrosion cracking

By Ryan Murphy, technical director, Evolution Fasteners (UK) Ltd There are well documented and investigated cases of failures, which can be attributed to stress corrosion cracking since 1965. Some have led to monetary loses in the hundreds of millions of dollars and nobody can calculate the worth of the 119 lives that have been lost to these failures.

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aterial sciences are constantly progressing and we use the lessons of the past to ensure such failings don’t happen in the future. This is why we must be aware of the issues surrounding stress corrosion cracking: The phenomenon itself, examples of its devastation and how we can eliminate or mitigate against it.

Stress corrosion cracking is the chemically accelerated propagation of intercrystalline cracking due to corrosive environments. Like creep failure (the slow, permanent deformation of a material due to persistent high stressing of the material whilst still below the upper yield strength of the material) the role of temperature and humidity is important in the magnitude of influence stress corrosion cracking has on its’ respective material. The result of stress corrosion cracking is sudden ultimate failure.

The most susceptible materials to stress corrosion cracking are those that have relatively high ductility and are subjected to tensile stress – risk of stress corrosion cracking increases with elevated temperatures.

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Stress corrosion cracking occurs more frequently where soft alloys of austenitic stainless steel are used in components under tensile loading, especially applications where said component is subjected to elevated temperatures, and humidity, and in the presence of an actively corrosive chemical.

Thus, there are applications in the construction industry that are particularly susceptible like swimming pools; where the active chemicals are chlorides, as well as some instances in petrochemical and coastal/marine environments.

Since 1985 there have been five incidences of stress corrosion cracking leading to the sudden catastrophic failure of suspended ceilings in swimming pools, which have led to a combined loss of 56 lives across Switzerland, the Netherlands and Russia: Uster indoor swimming pool (Zürich, Switzerland), 1985.

Steenwijk municipal pool (Steenwijk, the Netherlands), 2001.

Transvaal park (Moscow, Russia), 2004 (pictured).

Dolphin pool complex (Chusovoy, Russia), 2005.

Zwembad Reeshof swimming pool (Tilburg, Netherlands), 2011.

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS In all of the cases, there was a catastrophic collapse of the suspended ceiling, which led to the crushing of people below, except in the case of Steenwijk as, thankfully, the ceiling collapsed during the night when the pool was closed.

In most cases the pools either had fasteners that were made of insufficiently coated carbon steels or were made from austenitic stainless steels (such as AISI 304 or AISI 316), which are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking.

Subsequent research in the field of stress corrosion cracking has been expediated by these events, and the prevailing consensus in the materials engineering research sphere is that austenitic grades of stainless steel should not be used in overhead fixing applications unless they have extremely high molybdenum content.

Some coatings produced to the requirements of BS ISO 10683 are permissible for use in overhead applications, so long as great care is taken not to allow the screws to suffer from ablation or abrasion of the coating during their installation. This is due to the advances in coating technology where zinc-aluminium flakes (generally bound in phenolic, melamine and epoxy resins) provide resistance to chemical attack.

Other fatal events attributed to stress corrosion cracking come from oil & gas pipelines and road bridges: TPG 100 pipeline explosion (Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA), 1965.

Silver Bridge collapse (Point Pleasant, West Virginia, USA), 1967.

Much like standard corrosion by oxidation, stress corrosion cracking is difficult to control due to the fact that only a very small quantity of highly active chemical needs to be present. Indeed, studies by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers seem to confirm that only small quantities of volatile chlorates are required to start stress corrosion cracking.

In swimming pools, the route to chloride production is mostly from the disinfectant compounds added to swimming pool water for hygienic purposes. The most commercially used disinfectant is sodium hypochlorite, which reacts in the presence of water with organic materials produced by the human users of the pool (i.e skin

particles, sweat and urine) to form di-chlorine-amine as well as tri-chlorine-amine, which then evaporates from the surface of the pool and thus is present (moving upwards) in the atmosphere. This means that stress corrosion cracking can occur in swimming pools with a median temperature of approximately 20˚C if the relative humidity is above 50% – 75%.

As such, designers of systems, should always consider the factors that affect stress corrosion cracking: Temperature, pH, chloride (or other volatiles) content, oxygen level and humidity.

Electrode potential effects (e.g. galvanic coupling and cathodic protection).

Applied and residual stresses.

Alloying elements (and impurities) in steel.

Sensitisation.

Cyclic conditions.

Unfortunately, the only way to completely mitigate against stress corrosion cracking is to use fasteners that are not susceptible to it (i.e. organic coated screws), however this brings the other problems where if the coating on the screws is breached the underlying carbon steel will oxidise extremely quickly simply by standard oxidisation thus resulting in either creep, fatigue or simple tensile fracture failures of the fasteners. It also brings the possibility of accelerated oxidation and failure of the fasteners by electro-galvanic corrosion or hydrogen embrittlement.

The fields of fastener coatings and fastener materials is fast paced and advances in technology in these fields may fully exorcise stress corrosion cracking from the applications mentioned in this document. However, in the current climate it is advisable that designers seek assistance from their fixings manufacturers in the correct determination of products to be used in swimming pool applications, as well as do some research in their own right – simply due to the highly topical nature of fixings where suitability changes on a case-by-case basis.

Much like standard corrosion by oxidation, stress corrosion cracking is difficult to control due to the fact that only a very small quantity of highly active chemical needs to be present.”

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COMPLETE RANGE FOR ALL MARKETS EN 14399-4

EN 15048

HV BOLTS

SB BOLTS

EN 14399-3 HR BOLTS

M10 - M36

M12 - M30

M12 - M30

pgb-Europe nv

Gontrode Heirweg 170 | B-9090 Melle T: +32 9 272 70 70 | F: +32 9 272 70 99 www.pgb-europe.com | info@pgb-europe.com

No. 0780-CPR-152097

No. 0780-CPR-172114

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

NO TOOLS JUST HANDS The fischer Group of Companies states that the choice of selecting the right anchor, for light to medium fixing tasks, has been made easier thanks to its DUO-Line providing the perfect remedy – with the NO TOOLS JUST HANDS product range setting new standards when it comes to ease of handling.

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that make the anchor’s use in gypsum plasterboard, gypsum fibreboard and light cement boards safer, faster and easier overall.

Three months after its market introduction the DUOBLADE was presented with a Red Dot by the ‘Red Dot Award: Product Design 2019’. The award demonstrates the anchor’s high design quality, which made the DUOBLADE stand out among the submissions, which included 50,000 products by designers and manufacturers from 50 different countries. All of which were examined and tested by an international panel of experts.

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fischer has also placed emphasis on ease of handling during the development of its product range for light to medium loads. When the company launched 25 products for tool-free installation around the home in 2018, under the NO TOOLS JUST HANDS concept, the products soon became established due to their particular ease of handling while providing a high-level of safety and quality. The products are entirely silent and odourless, low-pollutant and leave no traces whatsoever through drill holes or marks.

The products are grouped into three segments depending on their application: Smart Mounting, Repairing and Sticking. The range includes fixing solutions that can be used without drilling and which to a large extent do not require any gluing. Objects can be hung on walls using smart installation techniques such as simply pushing them in or through an innovative vacuum technology. The portfolio also includes one and two component adhesives, as well as lightweight fixings.

The range’s various products are suitable for light to heavy loads, which require the lowest possible input of effort. Additional solutions such as the Magnet Claw are available for smaller applications.

There are also repair adhesives and products that enable the easy removal of holes and damages on walls and ceilings.

Almost a year after its market introduction the NO TOOLS, JUST HANDS range is in 480 DIY market stores across Germany and in speciality retail stores. The product range is also already available in Austria, France and Belgium and is set to launch this year in Italy, Spain and Great Britain.

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ixing solutions for medium to heavy loads are suitable for fixing numerous home furnishings, accessories and installations. There are also many parameters to bear in mind when selecting products for seemingly simple fixing tasks in private households. The ideal interoperation between the anchor, screw, construction material, and the load the mount is subjected to, is crucial to ensuring the fixing will have a secure hold.

The DUO-Line includes smart anchors with an innovative combination of materials. The anchors have multiple operating principles, which they activate depending on the construction material at hand. This allows DIYers to always find a suitable solution for practically any common application around the home – no matter whether they are dealing with solid, perforated or board construction materials. The intelligent anchors provide maximum fixing success and a high degree of security without requiring a great deal of research and effort.

This includes the DUOPOWER plug that self activates in the construction material and transfers the highest load levels through its three functions: Folding, expanding and knotting. Also utilising DUO technology, the fischer DUOTEC nylon toggle supports high shear and tensile loads in all board materials, behind which it expands. Its soft bearing side, made of nylon, distributes the load on the board’s surface, thereby minimising the impairment of load-bearing construction material. It can also be used as an expansion anchor, if required. fischer is also now expanding its DUO-Line with the new gypsum plasterboard anchor DUOBLADE. The new product makes it easier and faster to install items in construction materials such as gypsum plasterboard, gypsum fibreboard and light cement boards. Its sharp metal tip, with three effective cutting teeth, enables fast, simple and secure installation in these panel board materials without the anchor slipping. It permits a clean and effective drilling process during which the board structure remains intact. The middle tooth also serves as a centring point and enables the precise setting of the anchor for additional safety.

The DUOBLADE is placed using pre-positioned installation. The grey base body made of nylon expands at the appropriate level of single and double plankings. The red element made of polyethylene reinforces and blocks the anchor’s expanding function that is further increased when the screw is inserted. There are additional technical ingenuities

DUOBLADE

20 years’ experience in the fixing world LUSAN Fijaciones Y Anclajes, a Spanish manufacturer and supplier of metal anchors, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by presenting a new product range to improve its current offer, and brand image, in an increasingly competitive market.

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

The new range includes a new blister pack – showing an elegant and attractive image – providing easy item identification thanks to a new label design, which identifies each type of product with different colours. LUSAN also provides a self-service dispenser that enables customers to pick-up products themselves.

The company’s iconic product is its ‘Fixbolt’ metal anchor, as well as its range of chemical anchors, nylon fixings, clamps, stainless steel fasteners, and lifting elements.

“One of our priorities in recent years has been to increase our international customers portfolio. We’ve done this by being present at some important fairs such as Fastener Fair Stuttgart,” comments LUSAN. “Our strong commitment towards excellence, quality, and service, has seen us obtain the ISO 9001 certificate. Our vast experience in the fixing world allows us to give fast and professional feedback to our customers to help them achieve the maximum performance of our products. We can also manufacture special parts according to detailed plans previously supplied by the customer.”

LUSAN concludes: “We appreciate the increased confidence our customers have placed in us in all of these years and we are hoping to achieve greater success in a future full of challenges.”

ANUNCIO REVISTA FASTFIXING 2019.pdf 5 17/06/2019 11:28:31 www.lusan.es

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

The evolution of the perfect plug The world’s first wall plug, patented in 1911 under the number 22680/11, changed the technology of finishing works for good, ultimately becoming the very foundation upon which the Rawlplug® brand was founded, but also gave birth to a completely new perception of the fixings and fasteners sector.

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verything started more than 100 years ago. In 1910 the British Museum was being prepared for major refurbishment.

Following the technological innovation of that day and age, the museum had decided that the electrical system planned to be fixed to the façade should be concealed from the visitors’ gaze and installed in such a way as to avoid damaging the existing masonry.

The question was how, since the only applicable method available at that time was to chisel out a hole in the wall, fill it tightly with a piece of wood and screw a fixture to its surface.

John Joseph Rawlings – at the time running a small electrical engineering company with his brother – created the world’s first wall plug consisting of a brass strap press-formed to create four threaded sections. The sections were then put together and placed with a screw inside a hole to eventually expand under the screw’s impact.

The real breakthrough was the application of fibre, which turned out to be a perfect material, mainly for its elasticity and durability. Hemp and string were arranged along the mandrel and bonded with adhesive.

Rawlings’ simple yet spectacular invention solved thousands of problems of the then construction sector at the same time, automatically making Rawlplug® one of the world’s watershed inventions.

The invention was also a prelude to a series of patents released by the brand established in 1919, all of which revolutionised the construction industry. The wall plug was followed by the world’s first hammer drill – the Rawlhammer; the world’s first mechanical anchor – the Rawlbolt; the world’s first shock-resistant fixing – the Spring Toggle; the world’s first fixing solution dedicated to thin wall applications – the Rawlanchor; being a precursor of subsequent plasterboard fixing solutions.

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But it was the world’s first wall plug, patented in 1911 under the number 22680/11, that changed the technology of finishing works for good, ultimately to become the very foundation upon which the Rawlplug brand was built.

Is universality a positive or negative feature?

Irrespective of the sector, one of the most important and topical contemporary consumer trends is specialisation pertaining to both products and services available in the market. The higher the specialisation, the more efficiently and adequately specific challenges are addressed.

In the sector of fixings, fasteners and tools, such expectations are particularly relevant, because they encompass a wide spectrum of areas determining the product selection criteria adopted by architects, engineers and contractors – from base materials, to installation applications and methods, to different variants of technical parameters. However, among the product categories the sector considers most crucial – including bonded and mechanical anchors, façade and roofing insulation fixings, foams and sealants, passive fire protection systems, fasteners or manual and direct fastening systems – there is one which can be generally claimed to provide truly universal solutions. This category is lightweight fixings. Is universality a positive or negative feature?

Depriving the construction industry of lightweight fixings would be like severing one of the sector’s limbs. There is virtually no construction sector without light and medium duty applications, and it is precisely for them that these products have been designed. Similarly, there is no interior finishing professional in the world who would do without common wall plugs, hammer-in fixings, drywall fixings or frame fixings at work. Regardless of the market, lightweight fixings are the bread and butter of professional construction works as well as do-it-yourself jobs.

“It is the versatility of lightweight fixings that makes you focus on developing only a few key solutions, catering to the needs of diverse construction jobs and universally suitable for different substrates, instead of designing dozens of specialised products intended for very narrow and specific applications,” comments Karol Szczuka, brand manager at Rawlplug.

“Under each of the six product subgroups in our portfolio of lightweight fixings, all of which completely satisfy the current market needs, there is a unique leading item that meets the most stringent technical criteria and mechanical strength requirements, while at the same time guaranteeing universality of application in all construction substrates.”

Included in this portfolio is the UNO wall plug, which has just reached the peak of popularity in the UK market, but at the time when it was being launched its exceptional innovativeness raised objections among consumers accustomed with the traditional solutions they had been using for decades.

The reason for that was the particular way in which the UNO expands in the substrate. The most commonly used wall plugs expanded starting from the tip being driven into the base material, while Rawlplug’s solution represented a completely different, literally opposite approach, as it starts expanding at the outer extremity.

“We had built strong foundations to claim that our solution was trustworthy, which is why we encouraged consumers to test the UNO by installing it in any chosen base material, in either a newly driven or an existing hole, along with any chosen wall plug offered by the competition. Strength tests had explicitly shown that our product’s advantages were unquestionable, and that was but a prelude to further demonstrations of the versatility and universality of this solution,” says Remigiusz Misiak, DIY&POS manager at Rawlplug.

Also available, the FF1 frame fixing from Rawlplug comes with an abundance of advantages including the special polyamide formula accountable for its superior parameters in substrates of all categories according to ETAG 020: A, B, C and D.

This means it can be successfully used to ensure load capacity analogical to that which only bonded or mechanical anchors can deliver, which is unprecedented in the category of lightweight fixings. The only difference being that, unlike the anchors, it is suitable for many different substrates, including concrete, clay and sand-lime brick, both solid and perforated, as well as hollow lightweight concrete block or aerated concrete.

Focusing on the operating needs of users and proving there is space for specialisation amongst universal solutions, the FF1 frame fixing is versatile as it comes in numerous variants of diameter, length, head type or corrosion protection system.

Another example of products dedicated to specific applications is the TAP-IT metal hammer-in fixing for plasterboard, intended mainly for the UK market on account of the high popularity of thin wall panels among British building contractors.

When dealing with such a delicate base material, in order to minimise the substrate damage risk, an optimum product should be easily dismountable, at the same time ensuring the installation hole gets completely concealed.

The evolution of the perfect plug

The world’s first wall plug patented

by John Joseph Rawlings triggered a true revolution in the construction industry and went down in history. Although a lot has changed in this sector, for more than 100 years, it has invariably been the space for inventors.

“Good is by far not enough. This is why we are working towards the evolution of our products on a daily basis, making sure our customers can make the most of technological progress, continuous improvement in terms of reliability and innovative design, whose common denominator is comfort combined with simplicity. This evolution has made us the experts we currently are,” comments Radosław Koelner, CEO of Rawlplug. www.rawlplug.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Anyone can use it The Duck Foot® anchor is the most effective plasterboard fixing in the world, and has been named “the innovation of the future” by the jury of the Alfred Nobel “SKAPA” award. Available exclusively in the UK from Hexstone Limited, The Duck Foot® is a patented and unique self-drilling drywall fixing that is very easy and quick to install, and can hold up to 50kg of shear load weight from one anchor.

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he Duck Foot® provides a reliable and secure fixing and is able to handle a substantial amount of weight from a single anchor. The self-drilling concept also makes it an easy option for anyone looking to affix items to hollow stud plasterboard walls (single or double layer). As it’s so easy and quick to fit, it saves on time, and therefore, ultimately cost, too.

The innovative cutting-edge shape and style only makes a 12mm hole in the wall, which helps to protect the plasterboard, and makes any hole filling thereafter a quicker and easier job. This inevitably gives the Duck Foot an immediate advantage over some other similar products, which require larger diameter holes.

The Duck Foot is the perfect fixing for securing a vast range of items to wall or ceiling; ideal applications include: Shelves, wall units, TV mounts, speakers, lighting, mirrors, radiators, hooks – the list just goes on!

The supplied M5 x 70 screw permits an object thickness up to 22mm, and installation is carried out using a power drill and a PH2 standard bit.

Duck Foot is available in packs of 8 and 25, which are tamper-proof, waterproof, and resealable. To witness the ease, speed and performance of Duck Foot, watch the 50 second ‘how to’ video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lIQbpaa1Lg

New ETA for Tecfi roofing screws Tecfi SpA recently received European Technical Assessments on a very wide range of screws and accessories for fixing sandwich panels and general roofings on metal.

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ecfi states that it is one of the first Italian companies that has achieved an ETA on the majority of its roofing fixing systems (screws and accessories) for metal base materials.

Most of Tecfi roofing fixings are now with ETA CE Certification, in compliance with the actual provisions of EAD330047-01-0602 and the CPR. The assortment of Tecfi’s products that have been approved includes: BIM02: Hexagonal flat washer head BIMETAL (A2 stainless steel and carbon steel) self-drilling screw with special coating ‘Steel Saver® 1,000hrs’.

TX01: Hexagonal flanged washer head self-drilling screw with A2 stainless steel capped head, assembled with EPDM washer, with special coating ‘Steel Saver® 1,500hrs’.

AB04: Hexagonal flat washer head self-drilling screw (drilling capacity 12mm), zinc plated.

AB01: Hexagonal flat washer head self-drilling screw (drilling capacity 8mm), zinc plated.

SD01: Hexagonal flat washer head self-drilling screw (drilling capacity 6mm), zinc plated.

KD01/KD02/KD03/KD04: Hexagonal flat washer head self-drilling screws with painted head (RAL 9002, RAL 8017, RAL 3009, RAL 8004), zinc plated.

RH01: Flat countersunk head 6-lobe recess self-drilling screw, zinc plated (only diameter 6.3mm).

RK01: Pan head 6-lobe recess self-drilling screw, zinc plated (only diameter 6.3mm).

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The listed screws can be assembled with Tecfi metal EPDM bonded washers (Tecfi ranges CB and DV), EPDM/metal umbrella shaped washers (Tecfi ranges FI, RZ, NF and CX), saddle washers (Tecfi ranges AE) and rhomboidal gaskets (Tecfi ranges AD and CM), keeping the ETA CE. This applies to more than 20,000 combinations of screws and gaskets, in different materials (steel, stainless steel, copper and aluminium).

“These achievements, in a field where not many companies are willing to invest money and energies, are the proof of how much Tecfi cares about the safety in any construction sector,” comments Tecfi. “Our new accreditations mean that roofing installers can also enjoy the information and the safety of a European Technical Assessment.” www.tecfi.it

info@blumorgana.it

H E AV Y METALS

ANCHORS FOR QUALIFIED & APPROVED HIGH LOADS ETA

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BOSSONG S.p.A. Fastening Systems Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 49/51 24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 info@bossong.com

Further products with our technical approvals: solar fastener, hanger bolts, DIN 931, DIN 933, DIN 934, TCS flat head screw, bi-metal self-drilling screws, facade construction screws (FBS) Schäfer + Peters GmbH ● Zeilbaumweg 32 ● DE-74613 Öhringen Tel. +49 (0) 7941 6094-0 ● info@schaefer-peters.com ● www.schaefer-peters.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

New anchoring concrete screws from Ambrovit Thanks to the commitment and determination of its founders, Ambrovit has been able to continuously expand the range of products it offers to customers over the last twenty years.

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ith more than 12,000 items available for immediate delivery, Ambrovit SpA guarantees a wider and more detailed selection of products every year, implementing its own range to become a leading player within the European market.

Among the important innovations of 2019, is the introduction of Ambrovit catalogue #16 featuring the new anchoring concrete screws, which will be available from July.

The screws can be widely used in various sectors, from plant engineering and industrial thermo-hydraulics, and can be used for clamping pipes or any other element, as well as the fixing of railings, frames, metal profiles, conduits and lighting elements. The new anchoring concrete screws also allow metal or wooden parts to be fixed onto cracked and uncracked concrete.

“Our new anchoring concrete screws are high performance products, with a salt spray resistance of over 1,000 hours,” points out Ambrovit.

“The new screws also have an ETA certification Option 1 (ETA – 18/1065) and are fire resistant approved.”

The screws also offer considerable time saving between drilling and screwing; the possibility of removing and repositioning the anchor; as well as guaranteeing a secure fixing even close to the edge of materials.

“Similar to all of our products, the screws are subject to accurate controls that certify the quality according to the European parameters and regulations in force, as well as being available for immediate delivery within 24 – 48 hours from order.” www.ambrovit.it

New INDEXcal v4.0 INDEX Fixing Systems has announced the release of the new version of its INDEXcal anchor design software.

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he INDEXcal anchor design software has grown from an App to a suite where users can find not only INDEX Fixing Systyems’ classic anchor design module, but also a new module for post-installed rebar connection design according to Eurocode2.

With this module it is possible to evaluate in a fast and simple way the necessary rebar lengths, to connect a new concrete structure to an existing concrete one by means of a group of rebars, in order to restrain the external applied loads (tension, shear and/or moment).

End users can customise the design case via concrete strength, rebar types, sizes, and their distribution inside existing and new concrete structures, concrete members dimensions, base material temperature, and drilling method, using a 3D user-friendly interface.

The software gives users the alterative to calculate the necessary rebar length based on external loads

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applied or assess the maximum loads consistent with ductile rebar steel failure (rebar yielding).

The module returns a pdf report with all verifications according to Eurocode2 duly performed.

All ETA certified chemical anchors are included in this module, which can be selected by the end user: MO-H: Hybrid resin (ETA – 13/0780).

MOPURE: Epoxy pure 1:1 resin (ETA – 14/0325).

MOPUR3: Epoxy pure 1:3 resin (ETA – 17/0658).

“To take advantage of this new 4.0 suite users should uninstall their current 3.0 version, and install the new version, which can be downloaded from our website in the downloads/software area. Our technical department is also available for any necessary support.” www.indexfix.com

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Brazilian strength and creativity Âncora is a Brazilian fastening systems manufacturer for civil construction, working with international certificated products. Operating for three decades, Âncora has been engaged in the construction of harbours, airports, stadiums, technological centres, and other remarkable civil works, all around the world.

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esides its wide variety of fastening systems for civil engineering projects – which enables the company to be present from the start to finish on every construction – Âncora also develops customised solutions for civil works projects in windfarms, solar energy, the telecom industry and international lifting manufacturers.

The company’s innovative core value, expertise, and technology, whilst always prioritising safe, fast and efficient solutions, has led it to develop special pre-inserted anchor bolts, broadly used by pre-moulded concrete companies.

Another highlight of Âncora’s portfolio is the Codbolt anchor system that allows companies to install fastening components in metallic structures with only one side access. Âncora Sistemas de Fixaçào also offers a great range of chemical fastening, all with ETA certification: QEP 585 (epoxy), QEP 400 (epoxy), QPO300 (polyester) and AQI380PRO (methacrylate). This enables the company to be present in important projects and helps complete its portfolio.

The company also has its own laboratory to ensure the continuous quality of its products and enables the engineering department to be assertive with advice on projects.

Light duty fixings produced by pgb-Polska pgb-Polska is the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe (headquartered in Belgium), which is specialised in the manufacturing of nylon anchoring systems – offering high performance fixing systems to provide fastening solutions for every branch in the construction industry.

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ew in its range is a combo of the SMART® XUP and a zinc plated universal wood screw, which will mean users always have a complete set at hand. The SMART® universal plug XUP is a nylon plug made from high-quality polyamide PA 6.

This plug, with its four expansion zones, ensures an optimal and safe anchoring. It expands in solid substrates and forms a strong knot in hollow and panel building materials. This makes it easy to choose the right plug, even if it’s not known what material the wall is made of.

The collar prevents the plug from slipping into the drill hole.

Available in sizes 5mm – 14mm, the plug also has a longer version, the SMART UP. Thanks to its strong anti-rotation wings on the neck of the plug and the large collar, this is a very suitable plug for panel-based materials, as well as hollow masonry.

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A brand new App now available For those customers looking for product information or wanting to order fasteners or tools online, pgb also has its own App, available via the App Store and Play Store.

With the built-in barcode scanner users are able to scan products in no time, and can finish an order via a smartphone or put scanned products into a shopping basket. This gives users the opportunity to check scanned products on a PC before confirming the order.

Apart from a simple ordering process, users are able to browse for product information, check the availability of products and follow the delivery status. Every product has its own detail page, giving direct access to approvals, DoP information, technical information, etc. www.pgb-europe.com

NOW IN STOCK DIN 912 (12.9) GRADE Range: M5 to M24

UK Office

22 Kelso Gardens, Wallsend, Tyne & Wear, NE28 ODT Tel: +44 (0)754 7686079 Email: trevorwebb@prk-tech.com

Germany Office

Gutenbering 31, 22848 Norderstedt Hamburg, Germany Tel: +0049-40-38645555 Fax: +0049-40-38645557 Email: prk.sales@gmail.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

A history of technology and quality SASPI Talleres S.A has been supplying thread rolling machines to the global fastener industry for over 60 years. Exporting 99% of its machines, Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge visited its Spanish headquarters in Azkoitia to see how it has developed machinery to meet the needs of high-end industries such as automotive and aerospace.

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ikel Zaldua, commercial engineer at SASPI, proudly states: “Technology, quality and history – that’s what it’s all about. We are a reliable machine partner who makes it our business to know what our customers want – working with them very closely to fulfil all their needs.”

Still a family-owned company, ‘zazpi’ in Basque language means ‘seven’ which reflects the seven original founders of the company in 1961. Since its inception SASPI has focused on the international market where it has exported its machines despite other similar companies having major reservations.

“When my father took over the company in 1986 he focused on further boosting exports and increasing our product range to cover all fastener manufacturers’ needs. We soon became one of the market leaders in our field with SASPI machines operational in more than 15 countries,” comments Mikel.

SASPI’s product range now includes flat die thread rolling machines; rolling machines with pointing units; rolling machines with stud selectors; rolling machines with washer assembly; high-speed automatic pointing machines; secondary operation machines; form rollers; rotary thread rolling machines for nails; and washer assembly units.

“SASPI still retains its core family business structure – we still have sons and daughters of the original founding seven working at SASPI today and I strongly believe that to be one of SASPI’s biggest advantages. Our 60 successful years are the result of our hardworking employees and at our core we are still a family-ran company with decision makers on the ground. This means we know these machines inside out and can make decisions quickly if any issues arise.”

It’s this knowledge and expertise that has led SASPI to focus on supplying high-end markets. “The automotive and aerospace markets are elite specialised industries where part quality matters more than price. It’s a logical fit for us as SASPI guarantees high-quality, reliability and accuracy,” explains Mikel.

To ensure this quality, all SASPI machines are designed and assembled in-house, with all parts manufactured locally in Spain. “To further satisfy our customers’ demands, most of our machines are

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custom-made to order. Therefore, it’s important that we have an on-site painting and machining department where minor adjustments to a machine can be made. This further demonstrates the benefits to SASPI of having all its designers in-house, as well as having a pool of experienced staff at its fingertips,” proudly comments Mikel.

With the core of the machines not changing in 60 years, Mikel is clear that SASPI needs to stay one step ahead through technology and innovation. “Our machines are designed to maximise production times and reduce down time for set-ups and changeovers, as well as allowing an operator freedom to manage multiple jobs.

The machines are also automated and motorised in order to avoid the use of tools as much as possible and increase the efficiency and precision of adjustments.”

A prime example is SASPI’s patented system for its motorised die block, which makes the machines quick and easy to changeover. The user simply presses a touch screen to adjust the pressure between the dies with high precision – saving a lot of manual work and time.

“We know our machines are high-quality, reliable and equipped for Industry 4.0, however it’s no good supplying a machine to the market if your aftersales and training can’t match up. At SASPI we do not just take the final sale and bid farewell – we never forget our customers. It’s a relationship business to us and I strongly believe that’s how we’ve got where we are today. Customers want service and support and you can only offer this through close relationships.

I pride myself on customers knowing all our team personally, by name. We personalise our customer service and I’m so proud of that.

We also offer full training to our customers on-site, as well as provide a spare part service for longevity,” comments Mikel.

“We will continue to look ahead and learn every day from our customers, by working on the ground and ensuring we’re close to the action. This will enable us to build on our history as a quality machining partner and fulfil our strategic aim – to make things easier for machine operators,” concludes Mikel. www.saspi.es

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

TLM: An independent manufacturer since 1979

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, TLM Srl has established itself as a leading Italian brand within the fastener machinery sector. Here we speak to Director Pietro Sorli about the growth of the business and how it became a specialist in machines for screws and bolts.

TLM is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019. Where does your company stand today in the screws and bolts making machine industry?

“Today, TLM is leading this market’s trend to leave rolling machines with a surplus of electronics and return to machines with mechanical solutions and adjustments. Companies have been riding the wave of digital automation in terms of adjustments.

However, this excessive use of electronics has been counterproductive and uneconomical.

TLM strongly believes that the best screw machines are those featuring mechanical adjustments.

Electronics alone cannot replace them and do not put users in the correct conditions to make screws.

Mechanical adjustments are more flexible, easier to learn, and enhance the role of technicians – as well as their manual skills and attention. Some electronic applications are extremely useful, such as sensors used to detect distortions. Nevertheless, the standard functions of these machines must remain mechanical.”

Why is TLM focusing on combined or multi-function machines?

“Firstly, we are meeting the market’s demands, but also these types of machines are our speciality and our ability to supply such high-quality equipment is a real ‘feather in our cap’. Today, the automotive industry is the most strategic market and this puts it in a strong position to impose specific prices. If a component needs three processes, using three single machines, several loading and unloading operations, as well as requiring workpiece washing procedures, then this is just not economical. All these steps require intermediate checks, a lot of the time, and increase the risk of damage. A multi-function machine allows customers to carry out all these operations, and

obtain a finished product, in just one step. The cost of a multi-function machine is amortised thanks to these time saving solutions.”

What are the main features of a TLM machine compared to those of your competitors?

“Sturdiness and durability best describe our machines. TLM machines are long-lasting, as the many overhauls they’ve been subject to over time have proven. The base – the machine’s head – has been designed so as to be rectified. Many manufacturers think that this procedure is useless. For TLM it’s essential.”

How does a new model of a TLM machine come to life?

“Our client shows us the component to be manufactured. We usually suggest a solution that allows us to carry out all the processes or washer/bushing coupling in just one step. We’ve created special loading solutions for washers, as well as loaders that bring the bushings onto the screw, or stud orientation mechanical systems. We present a pre-design that suggests solutions and provides an estimate of the processing times. Next, we test and prototype our machines. The final solution is revealed at the end of the commercial agreement.”

Where do you see your company in 10 years?

“It may appear as a simple answer to a complex question, but our guidelines are clear. We want to continuously improve our machines, making their mechanical adjustments even more user-friendly. We want to help operators work better and customise our machines based on our client’s requirements. Our passion for fine mechanics, and the creativity we have in inventing new mechanical solutions – plus resisting to the temptation to rely on electronics, is what drives us every day.” www.tlmweb.it

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Marposs Monitoring Solutions for SMART forming

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Established tooling production Having been active in the fastener production sector for the past 50 years, San Shing’s tooling factory has enabled it to develop and become a global tooling supplier – serving customers with established tooling production techniques.

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an Shing’s extensive product range includes tooling for cold forming, hot forging, press production, and task specific parts applications, in industries ranging from standard fasteners to the automotive and aerospace industries.

The company’s factory is fully equipped with a total of 360 sets of processing equipment including CNC milling, CNC turning, grinding machines, EDM wire cutting and EDM discharge. San Shing also keeps up with the latest machining advancements, incorporating 5-axis and 9-axis machining centres from Mazak Japan, and an EDM discharge from GF Machining Solutions, in its production line. 350 staff members working two shifts supply up to 6,000 dies and 20,000 punches every month.

Looking back and moving forward

50 years ago, San Shing’s tooling department started as a small shop with a traditional lathe, turning machines, and a couple of technicians and operators making up the whole production team.

Over the years, San Shing’s tooling factory has grown both in production scale and technical level.

Transitioning to take a leap

During this time the company has continuously renewed and added new machinery to increase its capability. However, the company has recently taken the big decision to fully automate its production line. The implementation is expected to upgrade the production techniques and take efficiency to a new level. San Shing has already taken the first steps in bringing automation to the production line, with new robotised

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manufacturing systems being introduced to several workstations, including the sinker EDM machine and the grinding process.

In the electrodes production, the milling machines have also been paired with an electrode rack and robotic arms, enabling automatic workpiece change and successfully facilitating the machine utilisation rate up to 90%.

In addition, the sinker EDM machine, incorporating a CMM inspection system, allows offline calibration of the electrodes and therefore offset compensation can be detected ahead – all contributing to prevent human errors and increase accuracy.

The sinker EDM machine is also partnered with a magazine that stores up to 100 pieces of electrodes, as well as a workpiece and an automatic tool changer, which means the machine can basically run 24/7. “This set-up fills up almost all the downtime for calibration and positioning work, and largely increases production efficiency with improved accuracy,” explains San Shing.

Another development includes the integration of inner and outer profile grinding processes, using a heavy load robotic system that feed and transfer the workpiece between the processing cell. With this integration, part accuracy is improved by eliminating multiple set-ups, and the idling time can be shortened. The integration conduces to higher quality and shorter lead times.

“We have experienced a first round of success in deploying robotic systems and will continue to comprehensively introduce automation systems in the production line,” concludes San Shing.

“Our next task will be focusing on building a modular system in several processing cell, which will help us become fully automated within the next decade.” www.sanshing.com.tw

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Drying at room temperature

The new spray can DELTA-PROTEKT® REPAIR is used for the optimal repair of defects after the coating and handling process

Too large, bulky or temperature sensitive to coat… attributes that are no longer a problem with two new products from Dörken MKS – DELTA-PROTEKT® 170 RT zinc flake solution and DELTA-PROTEKT® REPAIR.

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he new DELTA-PROTEKT® 170 RT zinc flake solution can be applied via spray application and dries at room temperatures of 20°C – 25°C within approximately 20 – 60 minutes, depending on the thickness of the coat applied. This means there is no need for a drying oven. In addition, a matching top coat can also be applied, further increasing the level of corrosion protection and improving other characteristics such as chemical resistance, appearance and feel.

The second new product in the portfolio of the Herdecke-based company is the zinc flake ‘in a can’ DELTA-PROTEKT® REPAIR. This ‘on the go’ corrosion protection enables the coating of bare metal, especially for repairing defects after the coating and handling process. In addition, the product can also be used to coat small areas on prefabricated component groups that may not be subjected to

high curing temperatures. This zinc flake solution also dries at room temperature and offers cathodic corrosion protection for Dörken MKS base coats as a repair solution.

Both room temperature drying solutions achieve good test results in the laboratory and reach at least 720 hours without base metal corrosion in salt spray testing (in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9227). The innovative surface protection from Dörken MKS is available worldwide and fulfils high-quality standards.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

The future is investing in technology Mayes & Warwick Ltd has been manufacturing thread rolling dies for over 104 years, but the company is still looking forward, and to the future, to how it can continue to develop.

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significant part of Mayes & Warwick’s strategy for the future is to continually invest in new technology. The company has recently introduced new CNC work centres, CNC lathes, CNC thread grinding machines, new automated quality control equipment, as well as new IT systems for CAD/CAM design and supporting customer service.

“It is a continuous process of updating and upgrading,” explains Mayes & Warwick. “By doing this, we are constantly improving our product quality and consistency so customers know they always get good rolling dies from us.”

By investing in technology, and having the right people, the company has a flexible manufacturing facility that enables it to cater for all its customers’ needs, as they change. It also means Mayes & Warwick can develop products quicker and it can work closer with customers to guarantee parts are made right ‘first time’.

Mayes & Warwick’s product range includes dies for standard machine screws, AB types, lockbolts and blind rivets, as well as licenced products for Mathread®, Taptite® and Remform®, and Delta PT®.

In addition to the traditional Taptites and other licenced parts Mayes & Warwick is now able to produce roll dies for MAThread VR® (Never Jam), Taptite Pro® and Ejot’s Altracs Plus®. www.mayesandwarwick.com

Make the right decisions – GWI Founded in 1995 by Karsten Grau and Thorsten Witte, GWI GmbH has grown as a business so that it is now in a position to deliver a full range of thread rolling dies – flat and planetary dies, cylindrical rolls, as well as chasers.

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WI’s dies can be used for the automotive, aerospace, energy, nail or any other type of industry. Using modern CNC equipment, supported by CAD/CAM systems, the company can supply dies for ISO metric, UNF, UNC, Ogival, tapping, wood screws and profiles for nails, as well as special threaded dies according to customers’ requirements. Based on the customer’s application GWI can also offer RRO (Radiused Root Runout).

“As die life is very important we also work with our customers to suggest different materials for different applications,” mentions GWI. “We can provide special steels according to customers’ needs and also ensure only the highest quality heat treatment and coatings are used. Thanks to our 20 years of experience we can help all our customers make the right decision.”

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

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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 AG • Bösch 63 • CH 6331 Hünenberg • +41 41 785601-0 • test@test-ag.ch • www.test-ag.ch

mayes warwick quarter page-2018-outlines.pdf

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Bearing surface cracks US-based General Inspection LLC has installed another one of its HALO inspection systems, this time for a bolt maker in Spain.

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he HALO system that has been installed is equipped with a total of eight cameras providing 360° dimensional inspection, 360° visual defect detection, crack detection, recess inspection and recently developed bottom cameras for bearing surface analysis.

General Inspection (Gi) points out that the standard HALO utilises four cameras, which produce eight images through a patented light sequencing process.

The HALO measures all profile features including threads, lengths, diameters, tapers, angles, straightness, perpendicularity and concentricity with back lighting.

Simultaneously, the HALO can detect surface defects such as dents, scratches, knurl damage, thread nicks and patch quality/presence with front lighting positioned from the top and bottom.

Additionally, two cameras positioned from the top are used to detect cracks and recess defects. A speciality lens, plus Gi’s software algorithms, combine to deliver optimum crack detection capability at unmatched inspection rates. A second speciality lens is used to view the inner walls of recesses to detect small chipped punch defects, plating fill and dimensional measurements of recess features.

Finally, two cameras mounted from the bottom provide bearing surface inspection. Defects such as cracks, burrs, dents and other damages are detected using Gi’s sophisticated algorithms,

A gap between upper and lower tracks provides an unobstructed view of the bearing surface

The HALO system can be equipped with a total of eight cameras

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advanced lighting techniques and a special ‘unobstructed view’ part handling technique.

“After searching the world for an inspection system that provides complete part coverage the Spanish bolt maker selected us,” commented General Inspection. “Defect detection was key to the purchase decision, but inspection rates at a minimum of 285 parts per minute and a less than 10 minute part changeover time were also important factors.”

Complete tooling requirements With over forty years experience in high precision ‘added value’ engineering, CTR Carbide Dies Ltd is a leading specialist in the global fastener industry for tooling and die set manufacturing.

W

ith continuous investment in the latest machine tools and technology, CTR Carbide serves many engineering sectors including the automotive, aerospace, defence, medical, rail, construction and wind turbine industries.

The company uses the latest available machining technology such as CNC mill turn multi axis soft/hard turning, CNC internal and external grinding, CNC 5 axis milling machining centres, together with wire and spark erosion facilities utilising the latest EDM technologies on offer. All this is complemented with an extensive range of conventional machine tools.

“In-process product integrity and quality is verified via new vertical profile projectors and FT2 E software that satisfies the inspection and reporting demands of our customers,” points out CTR. “In addition, final inspection incorporates the very latest in touch screen computerised microscopic measurement reporting systems and our quality is endorsed by accreditation to BS EN ISO 9001 and AS/EN 9100 Aerospace Standard.”

CTR has also introduced ‘Lights off Production’, which has seen it substantially reduce lead times and therefore optimise timely delivery.

“Renowned throughout the fastener industry for the manufacture of tooling and complete tool kits in HSS and tungsten carbide materials, we boast a proven track record in supplying specialist tooling for spring manufacture, swaged tube ends, press tools, injection moulding tools, punches and feed fingers,” states CTR. “We can offer full ‘cradle to grave’ support via CAD/CAM/3D modelling and die design consultancy to rapid turnaround of modified and or refurbished tooling.”

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

NDT innovation for stainless steel fasteners Dimac Srl has recently launched an upgraded release of its high-speed eddy current station, specifically designed for versatility in production lines or laboratory use.

D

imac’s high-end solutions benefit from the most advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) technology, to fully satisfy the most demanding requirements of the automotive B2B manufacturing – especially for high strength stainless steel fasteners subject to constant vibration or weather exposure.

The principle of the upgrade is based on a pair of state of the art coil probes – providing instant results without influencing the test part and saving up to 80% of destructive analysis costs.

In the series of machines based on rotary tables such as MCV1, MCV3 and MCV4, the eddy current station can be equipped with a cylindrical probe positioned and set over the head part, or

with a fork-coil probe where the shank of the screws are passing through.

In the MCV2 slant V-Track model, a tunnel-coil type probe is positioned along the V-Track.

For these types of applications, it is very important to arrange conforming (OK) and non-conforming (NOK) samples.

The NOK samples divided into hardness classes are essential for a precise setting of the detection device that makes a comparison with the OK parts to fix the NOK threshold signal. The eddy current device makes a scan of the part, using up to 24 frequency ranges to detect each minimum variation onto the material structure.

Eddy current sensors can also detect

metallurgical defects such as in plating or heat treatment, which can help to prevent premature fastener rusting. This can be vital in safety critical parts such as the drive train or the brake system.

The new Dimac MCV1 Series, which was successfully exhibited at the recent Fastener Fair USA 2019, has been upgraded with the installation of the innovative eddy

Brankamp X-Series and Vario Duo sensor Through the Brankamp X-Series and newly developed Vario Duo sensor, Marposs states that sporadically occurring ‘rotation’ or ‘inserting’ problems can be identified at the existing measuring position to help stop defective parts being sent to customers.

M

arposs offers innovative technologies for machine, tool and process monitoring and process control – on every type of forming, stamping and forging machine – providing support for quicker machine set-up.

Marposs monitoring solutions detect process errors helping to protect the machine and tooling. Cracks on formed parts for example represent a typical production failure that often occur randomly in workpieces.

This type of failure is only detected using inprocess monitoring on all parts manufactured.

The Brankamp X-Series is a high-quality in-process monitoring system, which offers an effective way to observe and control the machine by detecting, right at the deformation stage, part defects or abnormal conditions, to prevent overload or fractures in tool elements.

As soon as a significant change in the process signal occurs, the machine can be stopped as quickly as possible to prevent expensive machine and tool damage or the defective parts can be sorted out via a sorting gate. Various sorting logics and conditions are available for this purpose.

In production processes, such as the forming of hexagon head bolts, collar bolts or nuts, formed parts can be transferred to the

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next forming stage in an incorrect orientation. Characteristic ‘ears’ or ‘scrapings’ can occur, such as on a collar screw with hexagonal head.

These sporadically, seldom occurring defects, are often not found during a manual, statistical quality inspection.

The defects can range from slight, hardly noticeable scraping to clear quality defects.

The forces during part introduction into the die are very low and therefore represent a particularly high requirement for signal acquisition.

With the newly developed Vario Duo, this sporadically occurring ‘rotation’ or ‘inserting’ problem can be detected at the existing measuring position using two sensor elements inside one standard sensor body, as well as using special software in an additional monitoring channel. The standard sensor positions prepared by the machine manufacturer can be used without additional preparation. Simple installation or an easy upgrade of existing installations is possible. Well monitored processes can therefore run at the highest possible speed, with damaged parts sorted out without interrupting production – helping productivity to be increased. www.marposs.com

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OrderWise robotics drive efficiency and cost savings It is no secret that a large percentage of warehouses still have staff roaming aisles to pick stock for orders and complete daily tasks. Although this is an accepted method of working, this way of operating is greatly inefficient, with studies showing 50% – 70% of staff time is spent travelling between bins rather than doing the job they are employed to do – fulfil orders.

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his norm of having pickers walk and collect products is currently being challenged by larger organisations like Amazon and Ocado, who are utilising robotic warehouse automation to streamline their distribution and fulfilment processes. With these larger companies ultimately changing the status quo when it comes to order fulfilment, consumers now expect faster delivery in order to receive their products quicker and more conveniently.

As well as the changing warehouse dynamics, labour shortages are also becoming a concern for many businesses. From migrant workers choosing to leave the UK in the build-up to BREXIT, to staff chasing higher salaries and better benefits at nearby businesses, the demand for skilled workers is beginning to intensify.

Many UK businesses don’t realise the true cost of a warehouse picker, but when it is broken down there are a lot of factors to be considered. The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage mean basic salaries are always increasing, on top of Employer National Insurance contributions, performance related bonuses, pension contributions and day-to-day management costs.

Taking both the changing warehouse dynamics and the rising labour costs into account, the result is many companies fighting to deliver the most streamlined service in order to win more sales and encourage repeat custom.

With OrderWise Warehouse Robotics, businesses can benefit from state of the art ‘Goods-to-Person’ automation that can link seamlessly to existing ERP systems or be used in conjunction with Orderwise’s own Business Management Software for a complete end-to-end solution. From massively increased pick rates to optimised warehouse storage capacity, OrderWise Warehouse Robotics help to increase throughput while also greatly reducing costs.

By implementing an OrderWise Warehouse Robotics solution, businesses can reap the benefits of technologically advanced fundamentals that deliver a fast ROI. “If you would like to find out more about how our warehouse automation can benefit your business, visit www.owrobotics.co.uk or give us a call on 01522 704083 quoting FASTENER & FIXING,” explains Karl Blakesley, PR manager at OrderWise.

OrderWise in the running for awards quadruple

Awards season is under way and OrderWise is celebrating after being shortlisted for four prestigious titles. Earlier this year OrderWise was named in the Digital Leaders 100 list and now, following a public vote in which over 12,500 votes were cast, the company has made it to the UK top three in the AI Innovation category. OrderWise will now compete against Hermes UK and Obrizum to claim the top spot.

OrderWise is also hoping to add a Digital Technology Leaders Award to its trophy cabinet after being shortlisted in the Digital Service Company of the Year category. The company has also once again been shortlisted in the National Family Business Awards that showcase the very best of family-owned businesses.

“It’s a real honour to have our achievements highlighted both regionally and nationally. We’re not even halfway through the year and already we’ve been nominated for seven awards, which is a real achievement. It goes without saying that the company’s continued success is testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff who have all been working tirelessly to meet the increased demand as a result of our continued business growth,” commented David Hallam, managing director at OrderWise. www.orderwise.co.uk

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Warehouse design and simulation with inconsoCLASS In the age of digitalisation the days of hand-drawn and computer generated drawings are numbered.

With inconsoCLASS, the logistics software specialist inconso presents an innovative warehouse design and simulation solution for the simplified 3D layout planning of warehouses and yards.

O

ne of its standout features is the intuitive menu and user assistance, which makes simulation scenarios possible without detailed prior knowledge. Users have access to object libraries with basic elements, e.g. for building envelopes, truck docks, floors and storage systems. The processes commonly used in manual warehouses are predefined and only need to be parameterised and modified for the particular environment.

Afterwards, various views of 2D and 3D models become available. Planning finishes with the creation of dynamic videos of the storage process.

The planning result consists of statistics and various key performance indicators (KPIs), which are used to simulate continuous optimisation measures in the model. Heat maps provide information about hot spots in the warehouse, enabling inconsoCLASS to comprehensively analyse and verify process efficiency, as well as exactly calculate the costs of the simulated measures. The profound level of detail improves and increases the information available on which to base decisions concerning warehouse and yard management. When the measures are implemented in productive operation, the results can be traced and further optimised by including the actual data in the model.

With inconsoCLASS, inconso has expanded its existing product portfolio with another add-on of the inconso Logistics Suite. The solution can also be seamlessly integrated with existing warehouse management systems (such as inconsoWMS) via standardised interfaces.

Midland Pallet Trucks expands stainless steel pallet truck range Midland Pallet Trucks, a nationwide leader in the supply of handling equipment for UK warehouses, factories, and logistics, has announced the introduction of a new range of stainless steel apparatus to expand upon an already vast collection of high-quality hand pallet trucks.

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he introduction of two new pieces of equipment provides the company with an opportunity to meet evolving client needs through the provision of shorter length pallet trucks to safely handle both Euro pallet and UK GKN pallet configurations.

Already offering an extensive range of high lift pallet trucks and manual stacker trucks, Midland Pallet Trucks’ new additions include the DBCS20-685×1000 short and wide stainless steel and the DBCS20-520x1000 short stainless steel pallet truck. Both are shorter length pump trucks with 1,000mm lengths, a lowered fork height and raised fork height of 85mm and 200mm respectively. The new models each offer a 2,500kg capacity, 180mm x 50mm nylon steering wheels, and 80mm x 70mm nylon tandem load rollers.

The DBCS20-685×1000 model is categorised as a ‘special size’ pallet truck, with wider fork dimensions in addition to the shorter length. This model features a larger gap between forks, 365mm, making it ideally suited to moving and handling Blue GKN style pallets especially.

“We know that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ in warehouse management and materials handling. We believe that it’s

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essential for teams to have quick, simple access to the right handling equipment to allow them to safely, securely, and efficiently move different pallet styles and different loads.

We’ve had fantastic feedback for our existing stainless steel pallet trucks, so introducing these two new models seemed like the natural next step for us,” explains Phil Chesworth, managing director at Midland Pallet Trucks.

Both of the new models offered by Midland Pallet Trucks feature quality AISI 304 stainless steel construction; a grade that is renowned for its strength, durability, and non-corrosive properties against many different forms of oxidising acids.

Less costly than AISI 316 grade stainless steel, the use of 304 is designed to offer customers high-quality, cost-effective handling equipment with good weldability, excellent low temperature performance, and top corrosion resistance.

Midland Pallet Trucks is a pallet truck specialist with a diverse range of models and specifications held in stock for immediate shipping. All trucks are produced under ISO 9002 certification and carry the CE, GS & TÜV quality ratings and a full guarantee.

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Honeywell rugged mobile computer speeds up logistics Honeywell International Inc has unveiled the CK65 mobile computer, which can boost supply chain productivity by streamlining and error-proofing work in distribution centres and manufacturing environments.

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he rugged mobile computer offers a comprehensive software ecosystem including Honeywell’s voice guided software, Honeywell Operational Intelligence, and a complete set of deployment utilities that integrate with popular mobile device management and enterprise mobility management solutions.

With the longest supported device lifecycle available, up to 28 hour battery life and best-in-class ruggedness, the CK65 maximises uptime while providing an easy path for users migrating from legacy Windows® operating systems to the AndroidTM platform.

The CK65 is built on Honeywell’s Mobility Edge platform, a unified hardware and software architecture with an integrated software toolset that extends asset life, accelerates deployment and simplifies management of mobility solutions.

The platform guarantees support through Android R, enabling IT departments to reuse their investment in solution development and software certification across multiple computer form factors.

The mobile computer is ideal for applications across the logistics and manufacturing sectors, including receiving, put away, cross docking, shipping accuracy, parts/material/work in progress tracking and inventory management.

“Built on the Mobility Edge platform, the CK65 is the next generation in Honeywell’s long legacy of providing industry leading ruggedised mobile computers for the warehouse. The CK65, along with Honeywell Edge Services, is designed to maximise productivity and uptime while reducing the cost to support, providing the solutions customers investing in handheld devices need,” said Michael Noyes, vice-president for mobility, scan and print for Honeywell’s productivity products business.

The CK65 can also be connected to Honeywell Operational Intelligence, an intuitive, cloud-based software solution that systematically tracks, manages and optimises mobile computers – across all locations – throughout the operational lifecycle, simplifying the return-to-manufacturer authorisation process.

The CK65’s hardware design also minimises cost of ownership by reducing downtime. It is the most rugged device in its class, surviving drops of 8 feet to concrete across the operating temperature range. The 7,000mAh battery allows the CK65 to run for 28 hours between battery changes in representative tests, further reducing downtime.

Empowering manufacturers’ transition to Industry 4.0 Magic Software Enterprises Ltd, a global provider of end-to-end low code integration and application development platforms solutions and IT consulting services, has announced the general availability of its newest data intelligence product, FactoryEye, built specifically for manufacturers.

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elying on more than 35 years of experience and hundreds of customers in the manufacturing market, Magic was able to introduce FactoryEye, a high performance, low-code, flexible and hybrid platform that ensures the smooth integration between manufacturers’ legacy core IT systems, cloud systems, and factory machines by collecting and analysing big data from multiple silos.

Available across Europe, FactoryEye features intuitive and user-friendly dashboards that provide manufacturers all the analysis they need in order to make faster and smarter decisions based on ‘real time’ data and business analytics. Such capabilities translate into improved productivity, faster delivery times, and better control over the manufacturing processes, which lead to increased customer satisfaction and higher profit margins.

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FactoryEye offers dozens of prebuilt connectors to a range of enterprise applications and MRP systems, such as SAP, JD Edwards, and Infor, as well as MES, CRM, and PLM systems.

“The addition of FactoryEye to our software portfolio allows us to provide our new and existing manufacturing clients a comprehensive Industry 4.0 solution. This aligns with our strategy of enhancing our portfolio with enterprise grade technologies and complements our recent acquisition of PowWow’s SmartUX™, a low code platform for mobilising and modernising enterprise Apps. Combining acquired technologies with enhancements to core products enables us to further accelerate our growth by becoming a strong player in the digital transformation and Industry 4.0 revolutions,” commented Guy Bernstein, CEO of Magic Software.

NOVEMBER 2019

MADE IN Werben Sie diesen November in unserem Special Feature Machen Sie Ihr Unternehmen mit unserem detaillierten Blick auf die deutschen Hersteller von Verbindungselementen bekannt und zeigen Sie der Welt, was Ihr Unternehmen zu bieten hat.

FĂźr mehr Informationen, kontaktieren sie bitte

Thomas.Schwarz@fastenerandfixing.com oder rufen Sie +49 (0) 6074 2397 518

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Overcoming galling issues with premium stainless steel fasteners

By Anders Söderman, technical director, BUMAX AB Galling is a common issue with standard stainless steel bolts and can pose serious problems for critical fastener applications.

However, galling can be overcome even in the most challenging of applications – particularly by selecting premium quality stainless steel fasteners.

What is galling?

Galling is a form of adhesive wear caused by excessive friction between two moving surfaces. The process involves material being torn up and transferred between the two surfaces, when they are under sufficient load, that compress the surfaces together.

Standard stainless steel fasteners are prone to galling

Standard stainless steels have a tendency to gall under certain conditions due to their properties. Thread galling can occur with standard fasteners when pressure and friction cause the bolt threads to seize to the threads of a nut or tapped hole. Severe galling, known as ‘cold welding’, can cause the two surfaces to fuse together, which makes the joint impossible to be removed without cutting the bolt or splitting the nut.

The potentially disastrous implications of galling

The consequences and implications of galling should not be underestimated. A galled fastener may not be able to achieve the necessary

A galled standard bolt with nut removed ©Boltdepot.com

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pre-load – especially in case of dynamic loading.

Imagine critical fasteners in the rotating parts of a chemical pump or propeller galling. The joint is likely to be subject to a fatigue breakage, which will at least require costly maintenance and downtime for the customer or end user. However, in the worst case scenario, the fatigue breakage of critical fasteners can have serious safety implications that might result in accident or injury.

Galled fasteners are also much more susceptible to corrosion, which can ultimately result in breakages.

How can galling be prevented?

Stainless steel fasteners offer several properties that are essential in many critical fastener applications, such as corrosion resistance. Despite the galling tendency of standard stainless steel fasteners, the good news is that galling can be avoided by selecting premium fasteners and taking preventative measures.

It is important to consider how galling can be avoided from the outset when designing a particular fastener application in order to avoid a great deal of rework, maintenance and costs further down the line. The following advice can help solve galling issues:

Correct material selection: Selecting the correct material for your specific application is extremely important as certain types of stainless steel are more prone to galling due to their passive chromium oxide layer and alloying elements. For example, fully hardened steel is much more resistant to galling than annealed (softened) steel. In particular, strain-hardened stainless steels that have been cold formed provide excellent galling resistance due to their improved strength and reduced ductility.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY Choose premium fasteners: As galling is common between metal surfaces in sliding contact with each other, premium fasteners that are designed to perfectly fit together can significantly reduce the risk of galling, as they minimise movement and friction. Here, high-quality threads with less surface deviations that can rub together and avoid galling issues are essential. For example, thread rolling is a premium fastener manufacturing technique that ensures greater hardness, and a higher quality and smoother thread compared with cut threads. Good quality threads with no sharp thread crest or surface defects are extremely important when producing fasteners that are far less susceptible to galling.

Lubrication: This can reduce galling by allowing the two materials to slide past each other without causing friction. Some leading premium fastener manufacturers use custom-made wax to provide a friction coefficient of 0.10 – 0.12, which enables accurate torque calculations.

Anti-seizing and anti-galling lubricants can also help reduce galling.

Don’t use damaged fasteners: A bolt with dented or damaged threads has a significantly increased chance of galling. Check all fasteners for damage that may have occurred during shipping. Dirty bolts with debris in the threads can also greatly increase the risk of galling – so make sure you only use clean bolts.

Careful installation: As the stainless steel passive chromium oxide layer can be damaged by high temperature and pressure, tightening bolts more slowly can reduce friction and heat that can cause galling.

This may involve avoiding the use of power tools that can cause excessive friction and heat. Calculations should be made for particular applications to determine the kind of tools that can be used.

About the author

Anders has worked in the stainless steel industry since 1995 and has been technical director at BUMAX AB since 2013. Prior to BUMAX, Anders held various positions at Sandvik Materials Technology since 1999 – including five years as strategic technology and product development manager for Sandvik Wire and Kanthal®, six years as R&D manager for wire products and three years as a research engineer within the R&D organisation. Anders has an M.Sc. in Materials Science from Dalarna University.

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Overcoming severe galling in Japan NARA Machinery recently invested in premium stainless steel fasteners for its powder handling machines to successfully overcome severe galling issues with standard fasteners.

The Japanese company NARA Machinery manufactures powder handling machines for various industrial customers around the world.

Many of the machines require a high degree of air tightness with firmly tightened stainless steel screws. However, as screws that have powder contact cannot be lubricated, they are highly susceptible to thread galling issues.

“We previously used standard 304 and 316 stainless steel screws for all our machines, but our customers experienced galling and gorging issues with these screws,” explains Kenichi Johara, technical director at NARA Machinery. “The screws also had air leakage issues and required frequent removal for cleaning and maintenance purposes.”

Such issues and maintenance needs resulted in costly procedures and downtime for NARA Machinery’s industrial customers. “In the worst instances, galled screws had to be cut and carefully removed and replaced to protect against dust getting into the machine,” says Johara.

Johara continues: “However, we then found BUMAX via the internet and tested installing BUMAX 88 screws on a customer machine in Japan that had experienced galling issues. Since installing BUMAX screws, the customer has not reported any issues with galling or air tightness.”

Following this successful trial, NARA Machinery has recently built a brand new machine with BUMAX 88 screws. “Going forward, we plan to use BUMAX screws for all new powder handling machines we manufacture that require air tightness,” says Johara. “This will help our customers avoid the need for costly downtime due to the maintenance and replacement needs related to galling.”

The use of BUMAX 88 screws has helped NARA Manufacturing to further develop its high-quality powder handling machines. “We are very happy to have found BUMAX, and I would strongly recommend BUMAX products to other companies that experience similar galling issues,” concludes Johara.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Star Fasteners – providing the answers A key strength of Star Fasteners is its ability to work with customers on projects to find solutions that will help optimise the application, whilst also improving the overall efficiency.

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prime example is a recent project where Star Fasteners worked with a customer to provide a solution for an application in a coal power station. Daniel Starbuck, director of Star Fasteners, explains: “We were contacted by a contractor who was looking for a fastener for the electrostatic precipitator part of the power station, as the usual pin and collar fastener it was using was unavailable within the required lead time.”

Most power stations burn fossil fuels such as coal or oil to generate electricity for use. When these fuels undergo combustion, smoke is produced, which consists of tiny particles of soot that are suspended in hot, rising air. These unburned particles of carbon are pulled out of the smoke by using static electricity in the precipitators.

These electrostatic precipitator are a type of filter that use static electricity to remove the soot and ash from the exhaust fumes before they exit the smokestacks. This is vital as any unreacted carbon that escapes could damage buildings and are harmful to human health – especially respiratory health.

“This electrostatic precipitator contains a row of thin vertical wires, followed by a stack of large flat metal plates oriented vertically,” explains Daniel. “The air stream flows horizontally through the spaces

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between the wires, and then passes through the stack of plates. A negative voltage of several thousand volts is applied between the wire and plate to create an electric corona discharge that ionises the air around the electrodes, which then ionises the particles in the air stream. These ionised particles, due to the electrostatic force, are then diverted towards the grounded plates, where they build up on the collection plates and are therefore removed from the air stream.”

Daniel continues: “Periodically, the power is switched off and the collected soot is then knocked off the collection panels into a void.

This is then dampened down before being taken away. As you can imagine, the whole environment is highly corrosive, which means that eventually there is corrosion in the steel curtain panels – meaning they either require maintenance or need replacing.”

After working with the customer and understanding the requirements, Star Fasteners suggested the Huck® BobTail® fastener – a two part fastening system that consists of a pin and a collar. “We suggested the BobTail as a possible solution as it is stronger than the original fixing and it also offers the opportunity for the panels to be pre-assembled offsite – making the whole process a lot more effective,” explains Daniel. “The original pin and collar they were

previously using does not have the pre-assemble feature. The BobTail on the other hand has a spiralled groove running down it, almost like a thread, as well as an indented tab on the collar, which gives the user the ability of pre-screwing it together by Prepared metal hand, so everything can be pre-assembled and aligned before plates with pre-assembled installing it with the tooling.”

Huck BobTail The BobTail is installed using a direct tension technique, in fasteners which the pin is pulled and the collar is simultaneously swaged into the locking grooves of the pin, deforming the collar into the grooves, “With the replaced nose the tool grabs hold of the remaining stud creating a high clamp force. Through its advanced fastener design, and the two blades of the nose assembly cut the collar off – making it as well as easy-to-use installation tooling, the BobTail system offers an easier and quicker solution compared to other bolted solutions.” a strong, versatile connection.

Daniel concludes: “The BobTail is such a versatile product and can “The customer was very happy with the final be used in a variety of markets, for instance it originally came from wind result as not only did the BobTail provide superior farm applications and is recognised by DiBT as ‘maintenance joining strength, it also offered fast and secure free’, but it is also used widely in rail, commercial vehicle, installation,” states Daniel. “The contract for 16mm Huck® mining screens and agricultural applications.” this particular project normally comes in cycles, BobTail® “We are always happy to demonstrate the when they are looking to refurbish the plates, but freightliner head product on sample applications, but we have the customer has already shown interest in using the confidence in the fastener to accommodate the BobTail again thanks to its time saving features and trial builds if required. Star Fasteners has years pre-assemble capabilities. We hold large and varied Huck® stocks so we of product knowledge and understanding of customers’ applications. should always have a solution to customers’ requirements.”

We work closely with our customers to suggest products, such as the In addition, the fastener can also be removed if necessary, which BobTail, that they may not have initially considered for a project. We is ideal for such a project where regular maintenance is required. can do this thanks to the experience we have within the market, as well “The fact the BobTail retains it stud, which the tool grabs hold of as through our partnership with Huck as its largest UK distributor.” when installing the product, means users can simply change the www.starfasteners.co.uk nose assembly to a collar cutting nose assembly,” mentions Daniel.

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

External test verifies 1,000 hours corrosion resistance on all Nord-Lock steel washers Nord-Lock Group points out that a new external test report confirms it is the only company in the industry that can promise 1,000 hours of corrosion resistance for all steel washers.

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ISE, the National Research Institute of Sweden, has performed corrosion tests according to the ISO 9227 standard and concluded 1,000 hours of salt spray resistance on all Nord-Lock steel washers is verified.

This external test report authenticates Nord-Lock Group officially raising the corrosion resistance for all its steel washers – Nord-Lock original washers, X-Series washers and Steel Construction (SC) washers. To cover the most common range of Nord-Lock steel washers, dimensions from small to large sizes were tested.

“Customers need washers that can withstand extreme environments. Based on this requirement, Nord-Lock has continuously put more focus on increasing the corrosion resistance of its standard products. We are therefore happy the results of the independent RISE testing confirm our efforts and success in making the best

wedge-locking washers, with the highest corrosion resistance,” explains Anders Knutsson, coating and corrosion expert at Nord-Lock Group.

At least 1,000 hours minimum

Although 1,000 hours is the official number released by the Group, this is just the minimum amount of time Nord-Lock steel washers, with zinc flake coating

by DELTA-PROTEKT®, can withstand corrosion in the ISO standard salt spray test. Continuous quality testing the group does, as part of ensuring its high-quality standards, clearly shows that the washers generally endure much longer. “We have perfected our coating process so we can promise 1,000 hours. But if you look at the results of the salt spray tests we do every week, the washers on average endure over twice as long,” says Anders Knutsson. www.nord-lock.com

REYHER’s new 3D printing service High costs during assembly, operations, and maintenance, can be avoided by optimisation in the design phase, for joining technology too. The new 3D printing service RRP – REYHER Rapid Prototyping supports companies improving component design, reducing development costs and shortening time-to-market.

I

n a very short time RRP – REYHER Rapid Prototyping facilitates producing a prototype in-line with customer requirements, or a complete component as a functional model. The material can be plastic or metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or titanium.

Additive manufacturing is ideal for complex geometrics, which could not be achieved with conventional production methods.

“We accompany our customers with a competent team in the development or in the optimisation of an existing solution and allow a complete treatment of the construction,” says Klaus-Dieter Schmidt, managing director at F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG.

Three development approaches for various purposes RRP – REYHER Rapid Prototyping comprises of three possible development paths. To develop a fastener, the REYHER team prints the screw or nut required in-line with customer requirements, first as a plastic sample part. This is useful for joining trials. “If the prototype meets the customer’s requirements then for mechanical tests or endurance testing a sample made of aluminium, steel, stainless steel or titanium is produced,” explains Gary Lee Lauf, head of quality planning at REYHER.

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For development of a bolting technology, it is important to optimise the design and to reduce complexity in the construction unit. 3D printing aims to produce a functional model of the form out of plastic or metal.

The third development approach for RRP – REYHER Rapid Prototyping is complete component substitution. “In the foreground is the question of whether and how many, single units joined together in a finished component can be transformed, in order to find an economically and technically impeccable solution,” says Lauf.

Reviewing technical and commercial viability The RRP team accompanies the customer step-by-step from the initial idea right up to the completed component. The test construction is based on CAD data of the customers’ original functional model. The current status of the component to be optimised can be printed at every stage of the development and reviewed for design, proportions and functionality.

“We check the design and the proposed material preferably at the beginning of a project using software, not only for technical aspects, but also for economic feasibility. If necessary we optimise it,” concludes Lauf. www.reyher.de

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05/06/19 14:46

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Fastener quality and customers In the May edition Maddy Webb, director of quality at Trifast Plc, looked at the importance of quality within the fastener industry. Here, she focuses on the role fastener quality plays with customers and the expectations regarding zero defects.

Why should the fastener industry care about fastener quality and fastener standards?

“I believe that fastener quality and standards have never been more important, especially in today’s market where they are seen by some people as just an ‘add on’ item. In reality, they hold everything together and if they fail, the whole product fails. You cannot take away the importance of the fastener and if you don’t specify it correctly or don’t understand what is required, then you could end up in a lot of trouble.

In most cases the manufacturer of the fastener is often completely removed from where that component is going to be used, especially when the technical information and requirements do not travel down the supply chain. Without this knowledge the manufacturer is ‘in the dark’ regarding the quality and specifications required to ensure the product is ‘fit for purpose’.

In markets such as the aerospace sector, there is a requirement to pass this information down to the start of the chain – using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) – so the manufacturer can see where and how the fastener is being used. However, in most industries those details never reach the manufacturer.

As a business we sit in between the customer and a manufacturer/ supplier and it is our responsibility to ensure the fasteners are going to meet the requirements the customer is requesting. To do this you need to know what standards are suitable.

Fastener standards have been around for a very long time and they are widely accepted, but there is a growing trend in the market for ‘interpreting’ these standards differently and saying products are ‘of this type of standard’ rather than it MEETS this standard. If we allow this watering down of quality, it devalues the end product, as you can’t sell it as something it isn’t. It either meets that standard or it doesn’t. That is why we put a lot of emphasis on intellectual property on a fastener design – whether it is customer owned; a national or international standard; or a supplier’s proprietary item. By preserving the intellectual property of the fastener, you can make sure it does comply to exact requirements and you know what standard you are measuring against.”

How do you underline the importance of quality to customers in sectors where it isn’t necessarily a key factor?

“When you have a sector with an established network such as in the automotive market, with its clear structures and layers between OEMs and the supply chain, it is easier to highlight the importance of quality and make sure it is clear to everybody.

However, in other industry sectors, quality can actually

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be more important, but there is less infrastructure to support it.

For instance, if something fails on a digger in operation it could be catastrophic but yet there are less layers of inspection; there is less work done in that supporting industry. This is true across a variety of different sectors, which means the need for quality is much higher as there aren’t all those layers to check against – it has to be right first time. As a result, it is crucial we understand what is required and that we are very clear on what the customer needs. It is all about product quality, whereas with automotive the shift has become system quality.”

As technology and industry continue to adapt, how does quality play a role in these developments?

“At TR we have a slogan which is ‘the only constant is change’.

We expect change and we like change. It gives us the opportunity to do something different every time. As an industry we supply so many different markets that every change that happens in manufacturing is going to come down to us one way or another.

RoHS for example is going through a change process, with the emergence of RoHS3. We will look to be ahead of that change by working with our supplier base, so when customers ask about the new requirement, we already know the answers and have a solution ready.

As a quality department our responsibility is assessing the impact of change on the quality system and how valid that change is within our own quality structure.

Sometimes changes come along and it’s not far off what we are already doing, so we can develop our processes to meet the new requirements. However, sometimes it is a completely ‘off the wall’ change, and your initial thought is ‘how are we going to do that?’.

The role of the quality team is to almost preserve the integrity of the company system through that change process.

A big factor in this has been the change to ISO 9001:2015 as it has moved away from focusing on just the quality department and instead now focuses on the quality of the business.

In an industry like ours, where you can have a hundred different customers interpreting a standard differently and coming up with their own requirements, it can be quite a challenge.

We have to look at how we can effectively implement the change on each occasion.

If we agree to do something different for every customer, we will come into problems as it is an impossible task. It is about getting the balance and systemising those changes, as well as looking at how we can address them without making them an exception. If it is a general improvement, we will look to adopt it for everybody, not just for one customer.”

We saw a move towards European quality standards in automotive (VDA6) in recent years.

Is this continuing and if so, why?

“We are at the stage now where there has been a change in the standards and companies are tied up with implementing it. Typically, what happens is a company will implement a standard internally and then they go through the process of confirming it within their supply chain. For instance, with the automotive standard IATF 16949, customers have to make sure all of their sub suppliers have certain approvals, or plans to implement them if they haven’t, which can be time-consuming for quality departments.

The deadline for the IATF 16949 transition was only September 2018, and I expect it to be twelve months until everyone has settled down. After that, I expect everyone will go back to the VDA tools over and above that. One of the reasons is that VDA, especially 6.3, has product management requirements and expectations. You are actually looking at the planning to produce the part, and the production set-up of a single item, rather than the quality system. It is more production specific and it is about planning and management, as well as verifying your product. It is quite exciting because it is a really good framework to use and we are already using it with our supplier base. In terms of customers, that is not where the focus is right now, but it will be back.”

What is the realistic defect level to be expected of cold headed manufactured fasteners, without post production inspection/sorting? Will there be a time when there is no need for post inspection?

“There are standards out there that talk about a standard process and what you can expect to achieve, but they are quite outdated now.

However, there is an expectation that you will not deliver defects to your customers, as a quality department we have to stick to this as it is a key requirement.

What is happening today is the cold heading processes are producing the products very quickly, as ‘time is money’. The speed of manufacturing is so fast there is an acceptance there might be a slight deviation in measurements, which is why sorting machines are used at the end of the process to check the products.

However, the sorting machines are not checking for everything. In total you are checking for

five or six features at a time, depending on how the machine is setup. You are therefore not doing a 100% check of every feature on the product, but we are not having fasteners rejected all day, every day.

So you would have to say there are a large number of product features that are delivering time and time again. Due to the production speed of the machines, I do not think we will ever get to a stage where there is no need for post inspection for specific product features.”

How important are quality checks during the production process?

“This is about the difference between measuring something and checking it between limits. The benefit of measuring something during process inspection is that you actually get to see the change in a dimension. As the die wears you expect the size of the fastener to change, because the cavity is getting bigger and bigger every time. By measuring the die, you can see exactly how it is wearing and you can apply SPC (static process control) to predict at what point you need to change the die. If you check something and apply a ‘go/no go’ check, or don’t check until the very end of the process, you cannot get this type of valuable data, so you are never going to work out how long certain things are taking or how they progress.

You can learn so much through the production process, and it is especially helpful where machines are older and need more monitoring and adjusting as things can change from one batch to another – such as how the material feeds in or how much lubrication on a bar of material is needed. If you don’t have that process monitoring, you miss all these opportunities to improve. There is a lot of skill involved and we sometimes undervalue that or don’t recognise it at all.”

Is a zero defect policy a realistic expectation?

“There are two ways people look at this question. We could look at our performance for our customers and tell you that zero defect is a reality. We are giving customers zero defects across many products – day-on-day, year-on-year. However, it is not just the fastener manufacturing process that is delivering zero defects, it’s the end to end process that is being measured.

Within the fastener market there are standard processes such as forging and threading that are well established within the industry.

Customers know about setting the machines; about first off inspection; about process inspection. These processes have been designed and adapted to deliver no defects to customers in the most practical way. However, whilst these processes are robust and contribute to zero defect, they are not fool proof and they do not guarantee it.

The key word is ‘guarantee’, because that is what customers are looking for. As a business we can never guarantee zero defects, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a zero defect philosophy and work towards it continuously.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Why ultrasonic clamp load measurement?

By Jim Parsons, fastener test engineer, j-parsons@hotmail.co.uk Up until June 2018 I worked for a global OEM in vehicle testing, specifically carrying out ultrasonic clamp load measurement in threaded joints in regard to suspension systems and component durability testing, as well as prototype and product build tests. Here I will focus on the benefits of ultrasonic clamp load measurement.

T

o do this I will give a brief overview of the various processes involved in arriving at a satisfactory result, as well as look at the measurement process, fastener preparation, calibration and how the measurements are used in a test application.

Plus, I will look at tightening techniques, which will hopefully clear up any queries that arise, before focusing on examples that highlight the versatility of ultrasonic clamp load measurement.

Clamp load is the force that holds a joint together

What is clamp load?

First of all clamp load should not to be confused with torque, as I’ll explain later. Clamp load is the parameter that determines the function of a threaded joint.

It is, literally, the force that is holding the joint together.

It is possible to measure clamp load by inserting a load measuring washer into the application but this is necessarily a modification of the joint. Unless, of course, your application contains a load washer.

Thanks to Newton’s third law we know that the amount by which a fastener is clamping the joint is reflected by the equal and opposite reaction extending the fastener over the portion doing the work. In the last 20 – 30 years people have become acquainted with the idea of ‘stretch-bolts’, largely with regard to cylinder head fasteners, but obviously all bolts have always stretched.

Using an ultrasonic pulse, it’s this change in length that is measured to determine the installed clamp load. Whilst it is possible to also measure this with strain gauges, this can create its own problems with accessibility and wiring paths.

For a fairly standard suspension system assembly the test components would be assembled and fasteners tightened to specification whereupon they are ‘paintmarked’. This ‘paintmark’ serves as a visual indicator that the fastener is still ‘tight’. At the end of a test the fasteners are subject to an on-torque check at 70% of installed torque and an off-torque measurement. However, from a durability test perspective, this may be too late.

It is possible to measure the ‘on’ or ‘off’ torque at intervals during the test to ensure that it’s still ‘tight’, but this disturbs the joint and may artificially strengthen or weaken it. By using ultrasonic clamp load measurement it’s possible to monitor the actual joint without disturbing it or influencing its integrity, which is ideal for this scenario.

Historically, ultrasonic clamp load measurement in my particular world came about as a result of durability failures of fasteners with organic zinc flake and similar coatings. During suspension rig testing, fasteners were believed to have come ‘loose’ even though the ‘paintmarks’ were still aligned. In some cases it was found that the thicker coating had allowed slight movement within some joints, eroding the coating, resulting in reduced tension resistance and a corresponding drop-off in clamp load.

Ultrasonic clamp load measurement has since become an integral part of durability testing as both a diagnostic and verification tool. In addition to which, in a number of cases it has been used to refine or even define tightening strategies for prototype build and production.

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Newton’s third law shows that the amount a fastener is clamping a joint is reflected by the equal and opposite reaction

Measurement process overview

The ultrasonic clamp load measuring device works by means of sonic echo reflections, similar to sonar but much higher frequency. The ultrasonic generator excites a Piezoelectric amplifier attached to one end of the fastener – producing an ultrasonic pulse. This travels the length of the fastener and is reflected back. The reflection echo is processed by the unit and displayed on the view screen.

The length of the fastener is measured in terms of the Time of Flight (TOF) between the original Pulse and the Echo reflection.

Using the differences in TOF between the loose and tightened states of the fastener, the measuring device calculates the change in length of the fastener and therefore the load it is applying to the joint.

Fastener preparation

The ends of each fastener must be machined to provide two parallel surfaces of good surface

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY finish to ensure effective transmittal and reflection of the ultrasonic pulse. By way of example, a standard hex head bolt is typically surface ground at each end. This is done by clamping a number of fasteners in a two part fixture that is capable of flipping 180°, to grind each end, without disturbing the fasteners.

The end surfaces are then cleaned and degreased before a Piezoelectric sensor is glued to the centre of one end (usually the head) using a suitable adhesive.

Calibration

In an ideal world every fastener to be fitted would have its own unique calibration, as each can have a slightly different internal structure even if they are made to the same specification. However, calibration requires the fastener to be tightened and this may affect how it subsequently behaves in the actual joint. For example, by removing any coating it may have and therefore effecting a dimensional change. I have also seen that the load/relax cycle can have the effect of physically ‘annealing’ the fastener.

In any case, for very large numbers this would obviously take a considerable amount of time so it is my practice to calibrate fasteners in batches. If only three fasteners are required for each of six tests and all the joints are the same, I may request 24 and machine, instrument and calibrate all of them as one batch. If 240 cylinder head bolts are required for 20 – 30 tests I may, for example, split these into batches of 80.

Calibration can be split into three parts: Echo analysis.

Temperature calibration.

Load calibration.

Echo analysis

First, I would generate a signal that contains all of the features that I require for repeatable measurement across the entire batch of fasteners and set the measurement window to the portion of the time axis at which the ultrasonic pulse will echo back. Once the necessary adjustments are made to the window parameters, I’d achieve a clear crisp echo peak (circled in Figure 1).

Figure 1: Once a good clear crisp echo peak (circled) has been established on a fastener the calibration phase can begin

Figure 2: The first step is to take a reference measurement known as Base Time of Flight (BTOF) of all the fasteners and arrange them in order of shortest to longest

This peak will be used every time a measurement is taken and indistinct signals can result in distortion where the datum peak recedes upwards and another (either side) succeeds it. This leads to incorrect measurements as the unit measures to/from the wrong

144 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

peak and therefore an erroneous TOF. Once a good clear crisp echo peak has been established on all of the fasteners then the calibration phase can begin.

To start, I would take a reference measurement known as a Base Time OF Flight (BTOF) of all fasteners and arrange them in order of shortest to longest (Figure 2).

Temperature calibration

For temperature calibration I would take a fastener from the middle of the BTOF range and measure the TOF as it is taken from -20°C to 80°C, holding the temperature for 90 mins at each 10°C step. A Scale Factor is then calculated to negate any changes in reading due to temperature. This is only really required if there are likely to be large temperature differences between measurement intervals, but I would normally leave this running overnight so it really doesn’t take much more time to do as a matter of course.

Load calibration

Before any load calibration is carried out certain critical information about the joint is required such as target load (kN), tightening specification and joint length.

Joint length is the portion of the fastener that is actually doing the work. Also known as grip length, especially in North America, it refers to the clamped portion of the joint (e.g between the engaged threads and the surface onto which the tension is applied).

I would tend to refer to the tightening specification as a loose sanity check. Loose because I would use grease to lubricate the whole assembly and preserve the life of my adaptors and spacers and therefore have to make an adjustment to the torque measurement to account for the reduced friction.

A dedicated calibration bench is required with a selection of load cells mounted to it – suitable to cover all expected clamp loads.

For example, I had 0kN – 20kN, 0kN – 50kN, 0kN – 100kN and 0kN – 250kN load cells available to be fitted to the bench to cover a good range of loads.

Using an adaptor with a female thread and spacers (essentially large washers) the exact joint length is replicated. Thus, when the fastener is tightened and compresses the load cell, it is stretched over the same portion as it is in the actual application. This is essential to ensure consistency between calibration and test measurements. The fastener is tightened in increments up to the target range as shown on the load cell display.

Again, to average out the batch I’d tighten the longest and shortest fasteners, by BTOF, and calculate the scale factor required to equate the U/S device measurement with that of the load cell. This is then ‘proven’ with one or two fasteners from the middle of the BTOF range using this calculated scale factor.

In doing this, the measurement equipment is effectively tuned to the application. The results of this are recorded in a calibration certificate and issued to the requestor. This would show the comparison between load cell and ultrasonic measurements and the error between them. It also states the calibration scale factor used, as well as part numbers and critical joint information.

Again, this may only be valid for the current batch of fasteners so calibration checks could be required of further batches if more testing is required.

Application

After all of this, the ‘test’ portion of the measurement is fairly straightforward. I would attend the application to supply the instrumented fasteners and carry out the installation measurements.

This may be, for example, a suspension system rig with a full set of instrumented fasteners, a component test rig, prototype engine build or a simple bench test.

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY In Table 1 we can see the results Table 1, we see that the Measurements Bolt 1 for a cylinder head fuji-paper settled measurement is Results gasket test. If we focus on the 101kN, the ‘back off’ is 26.4kN (kN) readings for Bolt 1 we can see that and therefore the actual, BTOF 0 our measurements will consist of a installed, clamp load at 20Nm 1.1 BTOF to establish our benchmark, settled is 74.6kN. The reason followed by readings at each I do this is because I would 60Nm 37.5 stage of the tightening process; only calibrate for the linear +220deg 108.3 20Nm, 60Nm, +220°C and a settled portion of the U/S Device/ Settled 23hrs/ 101 measurement, ideally taken after Load Cell graph (i.e. within End of Test 24 hours. In this case, the settled the elastic range) using Figure 3: For non-critical applications Backoff 26.4 measurement represents our end a first order polynomial fasteners are tightened within the elastic limit (between the two black lines) of test reading before we loosen the Table 1: Results of a cylinder equation (y=mx). fasteners. In the case of durability head fuji-paper gasket test As such, the measurement or dyno testing, there may also you see in the plastic be periodic measurements during the test to deformation (yield) range is a description determine any gradual loss of clamp load due to of what the load would be if the heat and/or load cycling. deformation were still elastic and the You may have noticed that the back off (loosened) loading linear. Similarly, the ‘back off’ measurement doesn’t represent a return to 0kN measurement is a description of what the clamp load and I’ll explain why, later. But first… permanent extension would represent in terms of linear, elastic loading.

Tightening technique Subtracting the latter from the former Currently, for non-critical fastenings, a torque equals out and negates any error in these Figure 4: Critical fasteners are often specification is used to establish the integrity of measurements. tightened using a ‘yield’ specification. The the assembled joint. However, torque is merely It is possible to calibrate for yield ‘yield’ point is when the fastener reaches its a measurement of how much effort is required measurements, but it requires more elastic limit (represented by the black line) to turn the fastener and is therefore largely an fasteners, more increments and expression of the friction within the joint. much greater care to ensure accurate That is, friction between the mating threads and calculation of a second order polynomial clamping surfaces This can lead to a large variation scale factor to describe the gradient of in resultant, installed, clamp load for a given torque. the curve.

Where friction is variable, there can be a dramatic Ultimately, all this extra work would disparity in clamp load installed for a given torque. achieve is to remove the need to subtract Normally, for non-critical applications, these the permanent extension from the settled, fasteners are tightened within their elastic limit and any subsequent, measurement.

(Figure 3) and can be reused. As such, the extension Apart from the fact that it’s quicker and of the fastener is directly proportional to the clamp easier to carry out, I find this scenario Figure 5: The torque/angle specification is load installed. much easier to explain to the uninitiated when a joint is tightened to a specific torque Critical fastenings are often tightened and it gives a very obvious indication of and an angle is then applied to ensure the clamp load is within a window of the fastener using a ‘yield’ specification whereby the torque whether the fastener has yielded. ‘yield curve (between the two black lines) is monitored with respect to the angle through which the fastener is turned. The ‘yield’ point is Versatility the point at which the fastener reaches its elastic I have managed to carry out measurements on fasteners from very small M6 x 15 limit, the point at which the fastener can apply the brake hose bracket screws, tie bars, cylinder head, con rod and big end bolts, all the maximum tensile load and still be reused (Figure way up to exhaust manifold studs and driveshafts. A driveshaft being essentially a 4). Beyond this point the torque/angle curve large, strangely shaped bolt onto which a hub is clamped with a hub nut. If there is a gradient reduces as the fastener permanently thread that is clamping something between two surfaces, and there is accessibility to deforms. As such these fasteners may only be either end of the threaded rod, then it’s possible to measure its extension and therefore reused a few times, if at all. the clamp load installed during tightening.

Somewhere between these two is the torque/angle specification whereby a joint is tightened to a specific torque and an angle is then About the author applied to ensure that the clamp load is within a Jim Parsons started as an apprentice with a global automotive OEM, before window of the fastener ‘yield’ curve (Figure 5). developing his experience in building and installing assembly machine tools then To refer back to our Back off reading from latterly, specifically, nut runner tools and tightening systems on the production the cylinder head bolt test (Table 1). If a fastener lines of various vehicle and engine manufacturers. This gives him vast experience is yielded (i.e. taken beyond its elastic limit) in fasteners and tightening technology, particularly with regard to a production our measurement will consist of the actual, line environment. installed, clamp load plus the permanent, plastic, He then rejoined the global automotive OEM and for the last 8 years has been deformation. developing his experience in ultrasonic clamp load measurement with regard to In order to calculate the actual, installed, clamp suspension system and component durability testing, as well as prototype and load I would subtract this positive offset from production build and tests. the original measured value. Again if we focus on

146 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

EFC provides best practices for automotive sector As a certified quality tier supplier to the automotive marketplace, EFC provides engineered components and solutions to the tiers for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Mercedes, BMW, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda, and other new domestic car manufacturers.

I

n fact, more than 80% of all cars and trucks in North America have at least one EFC supplied part. EFC International is engaged in supporting customers globally with engineered solutions for future vehicle modules including interiors/ exteriors, connectivity, safety, lightweighting, electrical/ routing, and infotainment systems, among numerous other applications in various parts of the vehicle.

“We provide undeniable customer value through engineering support and creative improvements for attachment and closure fasteners required by the automotive industry,” points out EFC. Customers can realise these true cost savings through innovative assembly solutions for interior, exterior body, instrument panel, seating, trim, routing, clamp, HVAC, fluid transfer and other application segments. EFC states its engineering staff, with their years of experience and expertise, are the best in the industry and able to quickly design a product solution for any application challenge.

EFC is committed to surpassing the unique needs of each customer by “redefining the world of distribution” as a premier global solutions provider of specialty engineered fasteners and components. Through the combination of connections, expert people, engineering, quality, local support, and logistics, EFC states that it uniquely delivers exceptional value to both customers and suppliers.

Connections

Through partnerships, EFC mentions that it offers the industry’s strongest and most extensive relationships – built on strategic partnerships connecting world-class innovative manufacturing partners with industry-leading customers on a global basis. EFC’s expansive connections enable customers to consolidate their supply base and reduce costs.

Expert people

Employees bring industry knowledge, technical expertise and product knowledge – enabling customers and suppliers to optimise their business and achieve goals. The company’s expert people include engineers with years of experience in designing innovative fastening components, teams that rank ‘best in class’ in support and responsiveness, and an entire organisation dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Engineering

Founded on innovation and creativity, EFC’s global staff of engineers and technical product specialists provide solutions including: Support – advanced engineering support, direct factory support, rapid prototype support.

VA/VE Initiatives – product teardown, cost reduction, complexity reviews.

Automation – design for automation turnkey solutions.

Research & development – supporting innovative product design and current product improvement.

CAD/CAE – 3D and solid model compliant with all Auto OEM systems.

Innovative design for assembly and ergonomics – application engineers use their knowledge and collaborative approach to select or design a fastener that will meet the application requirements and optimise the ergonomic and cost factors of the solution

Quality

The absolute highest level of quality is EFC’s only level of quality. The company’s dedication to quality includes ISO 9001:2015 certification, strategic manufacturer partnerships, SAP-CRM, and fully automated warehousing processes.

The corporate quality team has years of industry experience and provides robust production part approval processes for automotive fasteners. This includes PPAP, detailed supplier development and approval process – with key engineering and quality contact for all manufacturers, as well as monthly KPI reviews, and rated inspection process on all incoming products.

Local support/global presence

With offices throughout the world, employees give customers local face-to-face support while bringing global advantages. Within each global region, EFC has a network of field sales engineers to provide support locally.

This footprint enables EFC to provide the connection between customers and suppliers anywhere in the world with unprecedented levels of service.

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The World’s Most Innovative Fastening Solutions EFC International Is A Global Provider Of Specialty Engineered Metal, Plastic & Electrical Fastener Components Including Design & Application Engineering ISO 9001:2015 Certified

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY Logistics

There are many ways to get from A to B; and EFC has the ability to engage experts in reviewing issues differently and can ship in any mode of transportation, anywhere in the world.

There are established key supplier relationships with freight carriers for all modes of transit. US warehouses include Atlanta, St. Louis, Fort Worth and Chicago; international warehouse locations include, Frankfurt – Germany, Shanghai – China, Busan – South Korea, Guelph – Canada, and Queretaro – Mexico. EFC enables customers to utilise a ‘mirrored supply chain’ on multiple continents, which is an enhanced value proposition for multinational customers building global automotive platforms and mitigates risk in the supply chain.

EFC points out that it provides one of the world’s widest ranges of premier engineered fasteners and components including, but not limited to, stamped components, plastic injection moulded components, cold formed products, rubber components, custom parts, assembled components, self-retaining nuts, panel fasteners, hose clamps, as well as cable/wire management components, many of which are proprietary, patented or licensed.

Partnerships with world-class manufacturers provide customers with the latest innovative fastening solutions; these manufacturers include ITW, ARaymond, Universal Metal Products, Breeze, Atlas, AVK, Sherex, Stanley, Oetiker, Spirol, Arconic-Camloc, NORMA, Lisi, Heyco, EJOT, Baker & Finnemore, BBA and Semblex.

EFC’s online engineering guide also provides customers a reference tool with the latest innovative products in the fastener industry. Engineered solutions specifically for automotive applications include, highly engineered advanced compensation nuts

We are passionate about finding ways to add value throughout every step of the process.” for gap and tolerance issues, mid-panel nuts, front-mounting nut retainers and motion control components, panel fasteners, trim clips, self-retaining nuts, and routing components. A full breadth of engineered fasteners and component applications are featured in EFC’s ‘Best practices for automotive fastening’ catalogue.

“Every day the EFC team strives for greatness. Getting it right the first time and maintaining the highest work standards is what we do.

We are passionate about finding ways to add value throughout every step of the process. No matter how good we are today, we know that continuous improvement is a way of life.” www.efc-intl.com

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Springs for automotive – a field of science built on three cornerstones Material. Manufacturing process. Design. How these factors interact is crucial for the characteristics of a spring. As there is no relevant academic research in this field in Sweden, Lesjöfors decided to develop the knowledge needed to design springs for the harshest environments itself.

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esjöfors Fjäder AB in Hudene, Västergötland, manufactures springs for a wide range of segments. One speciality is customised valve springs for tuned engines and another involves a customer in the racing and automotive industry, Öhlins Racing, to whom Lesjöfors has delivered front fork springs, shock absorber springs and many other springs for more than 20 years.

For a customer base with extreme demands on the springs – regarding both tolerances, finish and performance – it is fundamental to stay at the technological forefront in order to maintain and develop the business.

Stefan Musslinder is technical manager of the Lesjöfors group and reveals the success factors behind an optimal spring: “The characteristics of a spring depends on three factors; material, manufacturing process and design. Thanks to deep knowledge in all three areas, we can fulfil the specifications from our customer.”

The desired function determines construction and materials

Knowing the nature of a material it is possible to calculate wire diameter and number of windings, which is fundamental for the design of an optimal spring. There is a large variety of materials for different applications. Spring steel is among the hardest steel materials available, which is necessary to withstand the high mechanical stresses that occur in the springs of a vehicle. The ever increasing demands on low weight and small built-in space mean that the springs must endure enormous stresses.

Processes for reducing fatigue

The manufacturing process is just as important as the material, since different treatments can add specific properties. After coiling, the springs are heat treated at 200ºC – 450ºC depending on the material and type of spring application. In this so-called stress relieving, the internal stresses emit from the coiled spring. The grinding process follows if the end surfaces are to be flat. This is actually a basic requirement for all

compression springs, but is sometimes excluded for cost reasons in less complex spring applications.

For springs that must withstand a large number of load cycles during their lifetime – e.g the valve springs in a combustion engine – shot peening is an important and critical process. By bombarding the surface with small, hard steel shots, stresses are implemented into the surface of the material. Shot peening can increase the spring’s strength by up to 50 times.

Developing calculation models

The last step, before any surface treatment, marking, etc, is presetting, when the spring is fully compressed two or three times. If the spring is correctly designed, internal stresses are created in the wire that work against the load stresses from the spring’s normal use. Since the spring becomes shorter when compressed, the designer must calculate the right length of the spring wire at coiling.

“In order to manufacture optimal springs, we must develop the technology we need to be the market leader. Therefore, we have developed the calculation model ourselves, since there is no academic spring research in Sweden today,” says Stefan Musslinder.

Enormous stresses on valve springs

For the particularly exposed valve spring that is subjected to rigorous stress, especially in trimmed motors, additional measures are sometimes required for it to withstand fatigue. Spring kits of two or three valve springs mounted concentrically in each other are often used. This reduces the load on the individual spring and is a well functioning solution in the limited space where the spring works.

“The requirements are tough throughout, from processes that keep the steel clean, to surface treatment, tempering, grinding and shot peening. The last step is to hot preset the valve spring for it to cope with the extreme heat environment where it will work,” Stefan Musslinder. www.lesjoforsab.com

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

NORM Holding – an automotive solution partner

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Founded on its experience of more than 40 years, NORM Holding has continuously moved forward – with an integrated manufacturing and quality service – to become a solution partner for major manufacturers, and well known brands, in domestic and global automotive markets.

ORM Holding continues to be a leader and pioneer in the fastener industry and is committed to a superior quality policy and wide product range. Offering supply chain management solutions for automotive OEMs, tier 1 companies and European wholesalers.

Half of NORM Holding’s total revenue comes through exports, 65% of this is the automotive sector. In addition, 70% of its current production is now in special parts with a 10% annual increase since 2012.

Being close to its customers and responding to their requirements quickly is crucial for NORM Holding. That is why it has logistics centres in Germany (Krefeld), France (Meaux), Poland (Poznań) and the USA (Michigan). These centres enable NORM to deliver its products ‘just in time’ with special packaging based on customers’ demands.

Additionally, NORM Holding has a ‘Resident Engineer Program’ in Europe and the USA, where an experienced engineer is assigned to assist a customer’s operations for maximum efficiency and offer co-creation opportunity.

“What differentiates us from competition is that we do all the manufacturing processes in-house: Annealing, cold forming, secondary operations, heat treatment, coating, sorting and packaging,” points out Fatih Uysal, chairman at NORM Group. “After the production process, we are able to apply several coatings such as Dörken, GEOMET®, Magni, MacDermid, COVENTYA, 3M, Precote®, NYLOK® and OmniMASK®.

Moreover, 80% of tooling is being produced in-house.”

NORM R&D

NORM Holding always follows the current and future trends in the cold forging industry closely. By participating in fairs about forging and fastener technology, and scientific conferences, including plenary meetings of the International Cold Forging Group.

By doing this, NORM is able to gather new know-how, technology, and equipment, to its library.

Afterwards NORM adapts all that it has learned into its production facilities and R&D centre very quickly. As just one example, to achieve tighter tolerances on cold forged parts, the R&D centre has pursued unique projects to increase the forging performance of dies.

Another aspect has involved the creation of close partnerships and collaborations with steel companies to develop more formable steels

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and forming processes. Forging press improvements and modifications are also studied in-depth in R&D projects to achieve higher tolerances. NORM is also in touch with leading press manufacturers taking the fullest opportunities, as an informed and experienced user, to contribute to the development and improvement of their technologies and also serves OEM customers by co-designer identity.

Patented products

NORM Civata, part of NORM Holding, states that it is the first Turkish company to adopt computer aided engineering methods for the production of fasteners. Simufact finite element software is used extensively in the R&D centre to carry out activities such as product development, process improvement, die and model design and cost reduction. The main aim of R&D studies is to develop lightweight fasteners with improved fatigue and vibration resistance for automotive components. Studies also cover innovative connection solutions, micro alloyed material forging, design of cold forging dies with carbon fibre reinforced stress rings, smart bolts and non-ferrous material forging.

Amongst the unique patent products NORM Holding has also developed are: NORMEST (NORM-Easy Self Tapping): A self-tapping bolt which demonstrates high performance in creating its own threads in the assembled part.

NOW (NORM One Way): A bolt with a unique head form that allows the user only to tighten but not to loosen the bolt.

Fasti-NORM: A bolt that eliminates the welding process of bolts to sheet metals by means of a special head form.

NORM-iFR: A fatigue resistant bolt with a unique thread profile.

In response to the expectations of the automotive industry, NORM Civata has also started a government funded R&D project to produce aluminium alloy bushes. Having successfully introduced these aluminium alloy bushings, NORM has extended its product range of male threaded fasteners and continued to improve internal threaded parts.

“All of these innovative and unique products were developed in a short period to reduce costs and increase product performance and quality for the customers. For NORM, the customers are always the driving force to create branded solutions and products.” www.normholding.com

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Crown-Nut, like any Specialinsert® product, is guaranteed by the experience of a company that, since 1974, is a leader in the field of fastening systems.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

NORMA Group: A development partner in the field of electromobility With the increasing growth of alternative drive technologies, such as electromobility and hybrid drive systems, the demand for product solutions in the area of joining technology for these applications is also on the rise. As a market leader, NORMA Group is an expert development partner for its customers in these fields of innovation.

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n recent months, NORMA Group has won a number of orders from leading international automotive manufacturers for the development and supply of line systems for the thermal management of electric and hybrid vehicles.

These systems make an important contribution to vehicle energy management by ensuring optimal operating temperatures for the battery, power electronics, the engine and the driver cabin.

They thus help to increase the performance and service life of the battery and improve the range of the vehicles.

NORMA Group’s line systems are used inside and outside the battery packs. The company also offers solutions for the technically demanding interface between the battery’s internal and external thermal management line systems. The supply and discharge of coolant into the battery packs must be leak-free. Here, NORMA Group provides the appropriate joining technology for reliable penetration into the battery pack housing.

NORMA Group’s thermal management line systems are specially developed to meet the individual requirements of its customers.

The lines – made of weight reducing thermoplastic material – are designed for optimal flow properties with the aid of computer simulation. NORMA Group’s connectors ensure safe and reliable connections and are at the same time quick and easy to assemble.

With the eM Compact NORMA Group offers a quick connector specially designed for the use in electric and hybrid vehicles

With the eM Compact, NORMA Group has launched a connector specially designed to meet the requirements of thermal management in electric and hybrid vehicles. Designed to be as compact as possible, the eM Compact helps save space.

This is particularly advantageous within the battery packs, as the space saving design allows for additional cells to be installed. This makes the batteries even more powerful.

In the case of hybrid vehicles, NORMA Group’s expertise in the field of fuel lines comes to the fore. The occasional use of the electric drive means that on average the fuel in hybrids is stored longer in the lines. This can lead to particles being washed out of the line material.

As a result, the injection nozzles become clogged so that the engine can come to a standstill. The thermoplastic fuel lines produced by NORMA Group, using the multi-layer process, can be designed to be more resistant to particle leaching. In this way, they help to prevent the washout problem in hybrid vehicles and ensure reliable engine operation.

Mustad achieves IATF 16949:2016 certification Italian-based Mustad SpA has proudly announced that it has recently achieved the new IATF 16949:2016 certification, issued by the prestigious certification body Lloyd’s Register.

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ATF 16949 certification, which is a revision of the technical specification ISO/TS 16949, places particular emphasis on the concept of defect prevention and reduction of variability and losses in the supply chain, which is something Mustad has always focused on.

“As a business we have always been careful in applying rigorous processing methods, helping us to produce products that have evolved following technological changes with a continuous increase in quality, which has always been one of the main principles of Mustad production,” comments Mustad. “This new certification, necessary to operate in the demanding automotive field, draws a new quality approach, evaluating the company as a whole.”

Mustad underlines that it has supported the certification audits for all the lines and all the processes of its production, in order to guarantee the same automotive standards for all its range of products.

“This important recognition seals the vision Mustad has of its customers: ‘A partner whose satisfaction has been dedicated for over 100 years’.”

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No under and over-torqued anchors anymore Hilti is aiming to consign under and over-torqued HST3 stud anchors to history with the launch of the next generation SIW 6AT-A22 cordless impact wrench and SI-AT-A22 adaptive torque module.

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he new lightweight SI-AT-A22 module slots into the base of the SIW 6AT-A22 impact wrench and has a mechatronic system that processes live data on the settings being done.

When used together, the new system creates the first impact wrench-based adaptive torque system on the market – covering ETA approvals for HST3 stud anchors ranging in sizes M8 to M12.

It provides a fast, safe and consistently accurate alternative to imprecise torque wrenches and cumbersome torque bars.

Users simply scan the box of the Hilti HST3 anchor with the AT module’s integrated barcode reader and the tool automatically tightens to the required torque. Once the process is complete, the AT module provides a visual and audible alert before stopping automatically ensuring the job is consistently completed accurately.

Easy documentation

The user can connect the SI-AT-A22 adaptive torque module to a computer using a standard USB cable and can download a

record of all settings to produce an installation report using the Hilti AT documentation software. This report lists the products used, whether they were selected manually or by scanning the HST3 anchor’s box, and the completion time and date to meet all certification requirements.

The SIW 6AT-A22 together with the SI-AT-A22 module can also be used to set standard bolts up to size M16 according to one of the 30 available torque settings, ensuring consistency in repetitive applications. The impact wrench is part of the Hilti 22V cordless tool platform and is equipped with intelligent electronics, a high efficiency brushless motor, three gears and electronic speed control, a robust anvil, and a sleek nose designed to reach into tight spaces.

As with all new Hilti power tools, the Hilti SIW 6AT-A22 impact wrench comes with Hilti Connect, an easy to use tool management App, which utilises Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to provide instant access to data including tool type, serial number, ownership, warranty, service and repair schedules, and how to videos.

Why certifications matter more now than ever Documentation has always been critically important in the fastener industry.

Certificates of conformance and material certifications are necessary to ensure parts conform to print specifications and required processes.

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n addition, manufacturers and distributors need to be able to trace the origins of the material used to fabricate parts to ensure quality control, manage risk, and ensure that parts are not counterfeit. For many years companies have been required to demonstrate their management systems meet international good practice standards, through the third party verification systems set-up under the ISO standards.

However, today the need for product certification is even more critical due to the stringent requirements of the global supply chain. Not only must parts be in conformance and traceable, they must also have demonstrative evidence that they don’t contain materials that are hazardous to the environment or to human health and well being. Restrictions on hazardous substances and chemicals originating in the European Union, as well as restrictions on potential carcinogens out of California, necessitate supply chain transparency that can only be provided by reputable manufacturers and distributors who take supply chain sustainability seriously.

158 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

Since its founding ZAGO Manufacturing Company has prioritised supply chain transparency using only raw materials supplied by reputable sources. ZAGO certifies that all of its products conform to print specifications (C of C) and can provide full material certifications for all of its products.

In addition, the company operates under ISO 9001:2015 standards and can provide certification and certify all its products meet the EU RoHS and REACH requirements, as well as California’s Proposition 65 restrictions, and they are also Conflict Mineral Free.

ZAGO manufactures sealing fasteners that promote the values of sustainability by making equipment subjected to environmental hazards more resilient and protects human health by sealing in hazardous substances that are detrimental to the environment. ZAGO also ensures that its raw materials are sustainably sourced and promotes the values of sustainability consistently in its day-to-day operations. www.zago.com

A reliable supplier Based in the ‘heart of the Macedonian machine engineering industry’ Industrial Zone MZT, Ariljemetal d.o.o – part of the Bometal Group – specialises in the production, trade and development of fasteners.

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riljemetal supplies a wide range of products worldwide including bolts/screws, nuts, washers, threaded rods, blind rivets, blind rivet nuts, safety rings/pins, parallel keys, rivets, clamps, metal/ chemical anchors and plastic plugs, as well as drill bits for metal, concrete and wood. These products can be used in a number of industries including the construction, chemical, oil refineries, high pressure vessels and others.

“Using our 27 years of experience, we are able to offer customers technical expertise when choosing fasteners, as well as provide small quantities, short delivery times and of course delivery at any location in Europe,” comments Trajan Angeloski, deputy CEO at Ariljemetal d.o.o.

With a production facility encompassing 2,400m2, Ariljemetal produces specialised fasteners made using hot forging up to 72mm (shank) and 600mm length, with turning, milling and similar processes also available to produce a large range of sizes – in different materials.

Modern 4D technology in CNC machines – bar capacity: 50mm; maximum cutting diameter: 300mm; maximum cutting length: 500mm – is also used to produce precision turning parts with tight tolerances, according to the final sizes.

“Quality is important to us, which means we have modern equipment and quality controls to ensure our products are of the highest quality,” says Trajan. “This includes quality assurance system ISO 9001:2008 and the implemented system AD2000.”

Trajan adds: “Our philosophy is to keep a sustainable development by continuing to invest in our production facilities, as well as continuing to expand our range of products and initiating various projects. It is this philosophy that enables us to be a reliable supplier for hot forged fasteners and CNC turning parts.”

As well as its range of fasteners the company produces CNC turning and hot forging parts according to drawing, plus grinding discs, diamond discs, angle grinders, silicones, sealants, industrial aerosols, welding, forklift, industrial wheels and castors, taps and dies, thread repair, cutting tools for CNC machining, hand, pneumatic and measuring tools, as well as steel wire ropes and chains. www.ariljemetal.com.mk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

stamping out the impact of theft globally

For more security fasteners visit; www.hafrenfasteners.com Or call us

+44 (0)1686 621 300 Or email

sales@hafrenfasteners.com Don’t forget to follow us

Threadlocking and sealing systems Hafren is able to offer its security fasteners with a pre-applied nylon anti-vibration locking patch – helping to ensure an assembly that will stay together irrespective of unauthorised tampering, or vibration.

H

afren can also offer a pre-applied locking and sealing service across its extensive range of security fasteners, eliminating the need for secondary locking devices, hand-applied liquid adhesives or sealing tapes.

Pre-applied nylon patch threadlocking is a prevailing torque patch used to prevent fasteners becoming loose due to vibration or no load. When the fastener is assembled onto a mating thread, the patch forces the thread of the fastener to be wedged tightly against the mating thread, providing resistance to loosening. The amount of nylon applied is controlled and is designed to ensure a good lead-in and provide a gradual development of locking torque to pre-determined specifications.

When applied, the Hafren nylon anti-vibration locking patch is permanently fused onto the screw thread of the parent component and increases the prevailing removal – allowing the screw to be locked in any position upon assembly and offering a positive resistance to vibration and loosening.

Advantages include low minimum order quantities, fast and efficient lead times on service, 180° or 360° patch coverage and a resistance to chemicals including alcohol, petroleum, oil, kerosene, diesel fuel and hydraulic fluids.

Also available as a high temp nylon patch solution, the patch is also reusable and is anti-vibrational.

The Nylon 180° anti-vibration locking patch, is a coloured nylon 11 feature permanently fused to the screw thread. This process provides excellent vibration resistance and torque performance for all applications requiring controlled loading and reusability. Hafren’s nylon anti-vibration locking patch is effective, whether or not the fastener is fully seated, making it ideal for applications where subsequent adjustment is required.

The Nylon 360° anti-vibration locking patch, gives full circumference coverage (completely around the thread) and is suitable for applications requiring a fully reusable high-pressure seal against liquid or gas.

Hafren can also offer high temp nylon patch solutions, which are effective in temperatures ranges -56°C to 260°C. Its nylon anti-vibrational locking patch products are also approved to a wide range of industry standards including: DIN 267 part 28, BS 7715:1994 and IFI 124 and 524. www.hafrenfasteners.com

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Faster, safer, more mobile and modern After 13 successful years, the Lederer online shop for stainless steel fasteners has been replaced by a more modern, high performance and flexible eBusiness solution.

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he focus is still on powerful search functions, including numerous product details and variants – producing the desired results at a previously unknown speed. Naturally, the new Lederer online shop is also responsive, i.e. it can automatically adapt the shop, web pages and forms to any output device (desktop PC, tablet, smartphone, etc).

Features of the new eBusiness solution include: A reorder list, showing all previous orders – items can be reordered directly from here.

A favourites list the customer can fill and maintain themselves.

A further improved availability display at various levels including a new notification function.

An optional download of price lists.

An upload function for importing customer’s own order files/article lists.

A quick order form for the fast and efficient input of item requests – only enter article number and quantity ordered.

An even more secure two-factor authentication than before, setting new standards in terms of security.

Double productivity with RIV609 Rivit states that efficiency becomes automatic with its RIV609, the automatic system for blind rivets, helping to transform the loading of the rivet into a time saving operation.

R

IV609 is a patented RIV609 technical data automatic feeder for Dimensions (W x D x H): standard blind rivets in 400mm x 520mm x 300mm diameters 3.2mm – 4mm – 4.8mm, Voltage: 220V 50Hz and 18mm maximum length. It can Installed power: 100W also be used with any tools with Air pressure: 6 bar mandrel suction. constant The reduction in blind rivets Riveter weight: 2.7kg loading time is an essential goal for Total weight: 41kg industrial applications, which is why Rivit Srl developed and patented an automatic system that loads the rivet directly on the head of the riveting tool. The use of this system eliminates the contact between the operator’s hand and the body of the fastener in the loading phase, assuring more productivity and higher safety. www.rivit.it

162 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

www.love-fasteners.com

Unlimited variety with DIRAK-SNAP-Technology DIRAK-SNAP-Technology is an engineered fastening technology combining innovation, flexibility and security, at any time, based on the same principle as a slam-latch, similar to those used in a door.

D

I R A K- SN A P -Te c h nolo g y is made up of two parts – wedges with ramped edges, and a spring set into a window within the wedges. These components are then inserted into the hardware and secured with a plastic plug to keep them in place.

When the hardware is pressed into the sheet metal cut-out, the ramps on the wedges allow them to retract against the spring. When the ramps pass their apex, the spring pressure spreads them back outwards, resulting in the distinctive ‘SNAP’ sound. The hardware is then secured into the sheet metal, resulting in a secure, high strength connection. There is no possibility for loosening or turning.

For high strength, secure locking, rattle, vibration, Shock-proof or secure grounded applications, DST products offer the possibility to join different types of materials and also ensure, at the same time, a reliable, instantaneous and error-free assembly even in applications that are hard to access.

Linear drive solutions

Available from SD Products Ltd, and customisable to specific customer requirements, synchronous telescopic spindles manufactured by Ketterer can be used wherever linear movement is needed.

F

or example, one typical area of application is in height adjustable tables. Installation length and stroke are variable, which significantly simplifies the integration of the drive units in any columns.

With the customised Type 4115 synchronous telescopic spindles, Ketterer is responding to the increasing demands for flexible combinations of installation length, stroke, adjustment speed and load. “Wherever infinite linear adjustment at high-speed and maximum stroke – with minimum installation dimension – are required, Ketterer synchronous telescopic spindles are a great choice,” points out SD Products.

Since the spindles are produced according to individual customer specifications for spindle dimensions and connection specifications, installation into existing table frames is also possible without costly system adaptation.

Specifications to options

Spindle Type 4115 can be delivered in installation lengths between 380mm and 620mm in the standard programme. The double telescopic construction makes it possible to realise a stroke length of 470mm with an installation dimension of 380mm. Upon request strokes of more than 1,000mm can also be implemented.

By using spindles with steep spindle pitches, Ketterer is able to

meet requirements for high adjustment speeds. However, speed and load are inversely proportional to each other. For applications that are supposed to bear as much load as possible, spindles with lower spindle pitch are used – the choice belongs to the customer.

Superior comfort and quality

The Type 4115 spindle is ideal for ergonomic sit/stand workstations in offices or in schools and is also well suited for all other linear adjustable furniture applications. “A convenient, infinitely variable adjustment is achieved by a uniform, smooth lifting movement of the spindle. The use of high-quality materials, and the high-quality in the manufacturing, make Ketterer Type 4115 spindles extremely resilient and ideal for everyday use.” www.sdproducts.co.uk

Made in Taiwan

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Built tough for the industrial athlete Ironclad Performance Wear, the leader in high performance hand safety, has won the Edison Awards’ top honour of Gold, in the category of ‘Tools of Tomorrow’, for innovation on the oil-based mud glove, created in partnership with Vibram®.

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he Edison Awards honours excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human centred design, and innovation. Products were judged on their concept, value, delivery and impact. Finalists were chosen by a steering committee, and group of industry experts, before being submitted to a panel of more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics who cast ballots for gold, silver and bronze winners.

Hand protection has been around for many years, however, no one has ever incorporated shoe sole technology into the palm of a glove. Ironclad and Vibram® partnered together, integrating Vibram shoe sole technology into the palm of an Ironclad engineered glove, resulting in a glove with unparalleled durability, grip, and fluid channelling characteristics, which can be used in a wide variety of industrial safety applications – oil and gas extrication, rebar construction, demolition, etc.

The O.B.M glove, specifically designed for the oil and gas industry, is just one example of how

Ironclad is always pushing the envelope with hand protection. By tackling the methods, compounds, tolerances, and quality controls required to design and manufacture these gloves, Ironclad has been able to start developing second and third generation products based on this technology.

Next generation products will focus on improvements in hand dexterity, finger tactility, and grip in varied environments, through the use of advanced polymers, unique grip patterns, and new adhesion technologies.

“It’s about advancing technology,” explained Eric Jaeger, general manager at Ironclad. “That’s what we did with Vibram, and that’s why we won the award. The O.B.M was the first Vibram glove, but certainly not the last.”

Ironclad Performance Wear is a division of Brighton-Best International. Ironclad’s gloves are available through authorised distributors in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. www.brightonbest.org

Drill perfectly without dust Health protection plays an increasingly important role on the construction site and this trend is reflected in the fact that legal regulations are becoming increasingly more stringent. This also has validity for drilling, where stringent workplace dust limits are now in place in numerous countries.

W

ith the Duster Expert hammer drill, from Heller Tools GmbH, the professional user can do justice to the more rigorous health protection regulations. With this suction drill, around 98% of the drilling dust is removed at its place of origin – the drill head (a Class M construction site vacuum cleaner is required). This reduces the dust burden of the user and the occurrence of ambient dust to a minimum.

The suction function is not the only reason why the Duster Expert is able to achieve excellent work results however. The robust design of the drill head and the shaft also ensures very long tool lives. The use of extra-large head openings is also the reason why this suction drill is also characterised by its speed. The drilling dust is led through the inside of the drill. A positive side effect of this technology is the low drilling resistance.

The Duster Expert also displays its strengths when it sets chemical anchors. The suction function means that the complicated cleaning of the drill hole is no longer necessary so its use also saves time.

Heller also includes a suction drill with a minimum diameter of 6mm in its product range. The Duster Expert is available in the versions SDS-plus (6mm – 24mm) and SDS-max (14mm – 40mm).

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

ARK tools grow in demand After a successful three months following the launch of the ARK battery tool range, ARK is looking forward to receiving its 4th shipment of stock as demand for its battery tools continues.

L

aunched in April 2019, the ARK battery tools have proved to be a firm favourite for distributors. “Our first shipment of stock had sold out during our soft launch, before we had officially launched our range into the marketplace. We granted ‘early access’ for distributors we work very closely with, to reserve their stock ahead of the launch, and we were delighted with the positive response. In addition, we were really excited to release our first ever YouTube promotional video, as part of our ARK battery tool launch campaign and we got some really great feedback on using this as a new way of communicating our product offering with our customers,” explained Steve Auld, managing director at ARK Group of Companies.

“The appeal of the ARK battery tool range is that the tools come complete with all nosepieces, nose kits and spare chargers, so there is no need to buy any add ons, it is one solution. This makes life much easier for our customers – the ARK brand ethos is built around keeping things simple for distributors. Our brand colours and our product

catalogues make our products easy to understand and information is succinct. We have the technical knowledge in-house to assist those who need it and that is what makes ARK so special and unique in the marketplace,” continues Jessica Auld, marketing manager at ARK Group of Companies.

The ARK battery tool range consists of a 5-tool solution, which caters for rivets, structural rivets and rivet nuts, all materials and a wide range of sizes – making it a cost-effective solution in the general industrial market. The range is ex-stock and ready to ship for next day delivery and available from approved ARK distributors: Arpel Ltd, Rivco Ltd and Kamtech Fasteners Ltd. www.arkbrandedrivets.co.uk

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

QuickClick® wins German Brand Award 2019

QuickClick®, the innovative and multiple awarded glide and stop system made by Wagner System GmbH, has received the German Brand Award 2019. The prestigious distinction is granted by the renowned German Design Council, and honours groundbreaking brands, brand makers and brand concepts.

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uickClick® began almost twenty years ago with a new interior tendency.

More and more consumers were replacing their old carpets with high value but not sensitive floorings, such as parquet or laminate. The same trend also emerged within the contract sector.

However, this caused a genuine problem as the high value sensitive floorings needed protecting against costly damages, due to conventional furniture damaging the floor as it moved around.

The simple, effective and sustainable solution came from Wagner – with the development and production of QuickClick, the first furniture glide system with exchangeable and reversible glide and stop inserts. Suitable for any kind of flooring, the inserts are available in a variety of materials including slip resistant elastomer, gentle wool felt, highly slidable specialised plastics or a natural special fibre mixture.

A base element is fixed once onto the furniture or fitting and the inserts clicked into the base in a quick and easy manner. Incase of waste or exchange of the flooring they can be exchanged or turned in a matter of seconds without special tools.

QuickClick is commercially available for any kind of application and furniture manufacturers use it worldwide.

WTI invests in dyeing technology With demand for dyed wire thread inserts greater than ever before, WTI Fasteners Ltd has invested in a new specialist dyeing machine – capable of colouring large quantities of inserts with increased speed and efficiency, without compromising on quality.

F

or 30 years, WTI has been serving OEMs and distributors across a range of industries – all with individual and changing requirements. A recent development in requirements has been the rising demand for dyed wire inserts. As dye does not affect the installation process or the performance of wire inserts, it is a popular aesthetic choice for identification purposes.

“Typically, clients request screw locking inserts to be dyed red,” explains Jo Mason, director at WTI Fasteners. “It helps engineers to readily distinguish them from free running inserts, which is especially useful for those working with applications for aerospace. We were sensitive to the growing popularity of dyed inserts and decided to invest in a Rotamat R 60 – an innovative coating system that would allow us to dye inserts with optimum control and efficiency.”

Jo continues: “The new dyeing machine means the inserts’ colouring is much more consistent than before. The Rotamat is equipped with interchangeable rotating drums and an automatic spraying system, which together ensure that whatever the quantity or size of insert, a visually homogeneous and uniform coating thickness is achieved every time.”

FM 28879 AS9100 Rev D and ISO 9001:2008 • BS7751 • BS7752 • MA/MS standards • DIN 8140 Fully traceable product.

HIGH STRENGTH Stainless Steel Wire Thread Inserts Providing strong threads in a variety of materials and applications.

These repeatable results are also aided by the Rotamat’s sensitive IR sensors, which carefully monitor and adjust the temperature to create a durable intensive bond between the inserts and coating material. This controlled temperature system dries the inserts during the colouring process, which removes the need for further treatment and means dyed items can be despatched quicker than before.

“The Rotamat streamlines the dyeing process whilst improving on quality, allowing us to provide dyed inserts to the highest quality standards in the lowest lead times,” comments Jo. “This investment underlines our commitment to providing quality products and services that meet customers’ needs, with inserts dyed to order in red, green, or blue.” www.wti-fasteners.co.uk

INDUSTRY SPECIALIST AT YOUR SERVICE

FASTENERS www.ldfasteners.com

Precision engineered in the UK to international standards.

Extensive range of coatings and platings.

www.wti-fasteners.co.uk

A CO B M RIT PA ISH NY

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For further information contact: Helpline: 01530 416888 Email: sales@wti-fasteners.co.uk

LD FASTENERS SRL Via Custoza, 1 - 20037 Paderno Dugnano (MI) Tel. +39 02 99.485.328 - Fax +39 02 99.500.516 info@ldfasteners.com

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Dipl. Ing. Fritz Lichthart.............................. 129

Lesjöfors............................................................. 152

San Shing Fastech...........................................117

Abbey Clamps......................................................15

Don Quichotte..................................................... 95

Lusan.................................................................... 103

Saspi Tallers.......................................................113

Achilles GmbH..................................................... 11

DS Fasteners..................................................... 170

Lusavouga SA................................................... 4, 5

Schäfer+Peters................................................ 107

Acton.................................................................... 139

EFC........................................................................ 149

Marposs...............................................................115

Schnorr............................................................... 135

Advance Spares............................................... 139

Eurobolt................................................................ 93

Mayes & Warwick............................................121

Schwer + Kopka................................................121

Albert Pasvahl......................................................9

Evirt Italia.......................................................... 125

MBI INDUSTRIES (PVT) LIMITED............ 166

SD Products........................................................147

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners........................ 170

Fareast Metal International Co Ltd........ 163

Merlin Business Software Ltd................... 129

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation....161

Ambrovit...............................................................13

Fastbolt....................................................................2

Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd..... 39

Sheh Kai Precision Co................................... 109

Apex Stainless Fasteners ..............................81

Fastener Poland ................................................91

National Machinery........................................ 23

Shin Chun Enterprise.....................................151

Ariljemetal Doo............................................... 159

Fastener + Fixing Magazine.......................131

ND Industries........................................28, 29, 31

Sipa......................................................................... 99

ARK Group (Arpel)............................................71

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Smith Bullough................................................ 153

ARK Group (Kamtech).................................. 127

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Nord Lock....................................................... 1, 171

Soling Impact....................................................115

ARK Group (Rivco)..........................................167

Fixi Srl.....................................................................47

Norm Civata.........................................................51

Specialinsert..................................................... 155

Astrotech Steels Private Limited............. 107

Fong Prean Industrial Co Ltd...................... 93

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Spirol Ind............................................................ 155

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd.................... 150

Gesipa.....................................................................71

Orderwise........................................................... 127

Stafa.......................................................................... 7

Bendfast.............................................................. 153

Hafren Fasteners Ltd.................................... 160

Pecol..................................................................... 157

Star Fasteners.................................................. 137

Berardi Bullionare......................................... 139

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Berdan Bolt...........................................................27

Harrison Silverdale....................................... 150

PGB - Europe NV.............................................. 101

Tecno Impianti..................................................118

Birlik Baglanti Elemanlari San................. 129

Heico Befestigungstechnik...........................47

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Böllhoff...................................................................55

Hexstone Group..................................................19

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Index Tecnicas Expansivas Srl.......................3

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The Insert Company.......................................147

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Industrial recence.............................................73

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INOXDADI SRL................................................... 93

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Top Screw Metal Corp Ltd............................ 111

Brighton Best International......................... 65

Jeveka.................................................................. 135

Ray Fu Enterprise Co.................................... 145

UBK....................................................................... 105

Bülte...................................................................... 155

Johan Smit..........................................................167

Reinhardt............................................................. 79

Valenta................................................................ 165

Carlo Salvi.............................................................35

Joker Industrial Co. Ltd................................. 79

Rexlen Corp......................................................... 97

Vipa Spa................................................................ 33

Cetin Civata.........................................................57

Jubliee clips..........................................................47

Rivit.......................................................................171

Wan Iuan Enterprise Co Ltd........................119

Ceviz Pres Döküm San. ve Tic. A.S.......... 123

KINFAST HARDWARE CO LTD....................161

RLS.........................................................................121

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Chavesbao.............................................................17

Kingwin Precision Co Ltd............................ 125

Rosmil.....................................................................91

WTI........................................................................ 169

Ching Chan Optical Technology Co.......... 89

LD Fasteners..................................................... 169

Rotorclip............................................................... 83

YUYAO ALFIRSTE HARDWARE CO.,LTD..87

Colombo Special Fasteners Srl................... 69

Lederer GmbH............................................. 22, 24

Sacma.....................................................................53

Zago Manufacturing Inc................................15

Bolts • Nuts • Studs Sockets • Washers Specials Made

®®

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Special Metals and Alloys

Over 150 Material Grades 10,000 Ton Inventory Over 250 Machines We Service All Quantities Serving Distributors Worldwide www.GoASF.com

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NEW

THE

RIV609

POWER OF SPEED

INCREASE

PRODUCTIVITY

Put the efficiency under automation, RIV609, the automatic feeder for blind rivets, turns the riveting into a time-saving operation.

For blind rivets Ø 3.2-4.0-4.8, excluding aluminum nail (as long as the body head does not exceed Ø 9.8).

RIV609 is a pneumatic system with automatic feeding.

The working cycle is made possible by the feeding system on the head, this avoiding the manual insertion of the rivet.

The system is configured based on the length of the rivet from 8 to 18 mm.

Phase 1: START OF CYCLE

Phase 2: BLIND RIVET LOAD

Phase 3: BLIND RIVET LOADED

The automatic system is sold with the RIV503 RIVIT Srl ITALIA HEADQUARTERS Bologna / Italy T. +39 0514171111 rivit@rivit.it / rivit.it

RIVIT INDIA Pvt Ltd SUBSIDIARY Chennai / India T. +91 44 428 50 250 rivitindia@rivit.in / rivit.in

RIVIT MAROC Sarl Au SUBSIDIARY Temara / Maroc T. +212 661 379 765 rivit@rivit.ma / rivit.it

R I V I T . I T UNI EN ISO 9001:2015

1,000 HOURS

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ISSUE 118 JULY 2019

www.nord-lock.com

of verified corrosion resistance in salt spray test for all Nord-Lock steel washers Increasing levels of humidity, heat and air pollution are making corrosion more common. Protect your critical bolted joints with the highest salt spray resistance on the market, verified according to ISO 9227.

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