Fastener + Fixing Magazine #131

In this issue…

Automation is the future

Industry Insight feature Rail applications fastenerandfixing.com ≡ Issue 131: September 2021

QUALITY, EFFICIENCY, PROFESSIONALITY.

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ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES Since 1955 ND Industries has specialized in the development of innovative materials and processes which increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies.

ND serves a global market with divisions across the continental U.S., Taiwan, and licensees around the world. ND’s core business revolves around the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid in functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND also manufactures a line of bottled products under the Vibra-Tite® brand name for MRO and retail use.

From two base products in 1965 to currently over two hundred twenty, ND continues its tradition of cutting edge research and development with the regular introduction of unique materials along with competitive brand offsets.

ELECTROLOC® High strength encapsulated epoxy threadlocker for use in electrical systems where low halogen materials are necessary. Contains small micrometer microcaps which reduce material extrusion on installation.

THERMOSEAL™ A high temperature, high pressure thread sealant which withstands up to 40MPa. Offering thread locking breakaway torques greater than 20Nm and a maximum temperature of 428°F (220°C). Thermoseal is an extremely versatile product for challenging sealing conditions.

THERMOLOC® 1500 ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker. Initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. Tested to over 1500°F (850°C).

AUTHORIZED APPLICATOR Did you know that ND is an approved 3M applicator? Further proof why ND should be your one stop shop for pre-applied fasteners.

ND PATCH® HI-TEMP Highest temperature pre-applied nylon threadlocker in the industry. Unlike the competition, ND’s application process requires only 120°C, preventing plating damage. However, once crosslinked, it can withstand temps up to 260°C. Meets MIL-DTL-18240F / QPL-18240.

THREAD ARMOR® GP Prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminum, and steel, by electrically isolating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Galvanic Patch is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive.

THREAD ARMOR® VC An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. Helps to ensure consistent clamp load. Works well on stainless steel fasteners.

EPOXY-LOCK® NUTS This pre-applied threadlocker consists of separated epoxy hardener and expoxy resin.

Upon fastener installation, the two materials mix and activate. When fully cured, EpoxyLock provides greater breakaway torque than conventional nylon fastener locking devices.

EXPAND-A-LOCK® A unique pre-applied microencapsulated expanding threadlocking & sealing compound. Increases in volume 20-50% on installation, penetrating the gaps in fastener threads typically unfilled by conventional threadlockers.

CONTACT US www.ndindustries.com www.vibra-tite.com info@ndindustries.com

EXPAND-A-SLEEVE™ Extruded ND Mastics are pre-applied to fasteners (threaded or non-threaded), bound for e-cote cycles. Heat from the process causes the material to expand, sealing large leak paths between fastener and assembly.

SEALTEK™ An acrylic-based sealing material which is applied to the underhead of the fastener. SealTek’s robust seal replaces the need for O-rings, gaskets, or sealing washers.

WE BREATHE FASTENERS

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A new generation of through bolts

SMART S-TB7 A flexible solution for mounting in non-cracked concrete surfaces!

The SMART S-TB7 through bolts with ETA option 7 for non-cracked concrete is your flexible solution for mounting in non-cracked concrete surfaces.

Thanks to its approval for 2 anchoring depths and its long screw thread, the anchor can be used in a wide variety of applications. In addition to push-through installation, pre-positioning and stand-off installation

is also possible. This new generation of through bolts enables higher loads, but also offers small edge distances and anchor spacing as well as fast installation The extensive range includes different lengths for different diameters. The S-TB7 through bolts are available from diameter M6 untill M20 ranging from 50mm untill 275mm.

For more information: www.pgb-europe.com

CONTENTS NEWS 12-40 Financial reports, acquisitions and trade duty news

COVER STORY 42-43 Automation is the future

INSIGHT 44-60

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Bontempi celebrates 60 th anniversary Nögel: Celebrating with investment BUMAX – optimal fastening solutions New projects for NORM Coating Mi.Me.Af. joins the Bontempi family

INDUSTRY INSIGHT 62-89 An in-depth look at the latest developments in the fastener industry

EXHIBITIONS 90-92 CONSTRUCTION 94-106 FIXINGS Eurocodes: The European reference design codes ETA feature

MANUFACTURING 108-120 TECHNOLOGY

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Productivity – always a matter of technology ND Industries – pre-applied and innovative products

TESTING 122-134 The importance of product testing Increase longevity of fasteners through material analysis

MANAGEMENT + 136-146 SYSTEMS

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142

Supply chain silver linings Cash is king – examining the Cash Conversion Cycle Mobile technology feature

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

148-170

Rail feature Welding or bolting? Comparing joining methods in bridge construction

PRODUCTS + TOOLS 172-193 Collated fasteners, nailers, staplers + systems feature

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

172

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Will Lowry, content director, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Never let a good crisis go to waste Winston Churchill is famously quoted as saying: “Never let a good crisis go to waste” and it seems that a significant number of fastener companies have adopted this philosophy over the last 18 months.

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ovid-19, sea freight challenges, raw material prices/availability, and haulage issues, on their own would all be classed as an individual crisis, but together they have impacted the sector hugely and will undoubtedly have long-lasting effects on every sectory for months if not years to come. However, fastener companies throughout the world have still looked to innovate, develop and grow, even in these most difficult of times.

That is why we have published a special Industry Insight feature, where we shine a light on the positive developments by companies over the past year and showcase the very best innovations, products, as well as new capabilities and expansions within companies.

Another business that has continued to develop is Ambrovit.

Our Cover Story looks at how the company has continued its emphasis on automation – with Ambrovit increasing its number of automation lines for even faster order processing and faster product delivery.

Within our Insight section we also have two articles from Bontempi Vibo, the first of which is on the company’s 60 th anniversary and how the Italian manufacturer has become an international leader in advanced industrial fasteners – whilst keeping a family ethos. The

second article is about the addition of Mi.Me.Af. to the Bontempi family and how the Italian SME will help Bontempi achieve its industrial growth strategy.

For Construction Fixings we have an article from Barbara Sorgato, secretary general of ECAP, who focuses on the role Eurocodes play within the construction industry. There is also an article from Thomas Holland-Letz, technical director at Construction Fixings Europe, who discusses the importance of European Technical Assessments (ETAs).

To add to this, we have some brilliant articles within our Testing section, such as John Cross, general manager at Rotech Laboratories and Phoenix Materials Testing, concentrating on the importance of product testing; Cesare Certini, owner of S.M.T Srl, speaking about the crucial role of taking samples within mechanical testing; and the company Helmut Fischer reporting on how the longevity of fasteners can be increased through material analysis.

Finally, we have some excellent features within Manufacturing Technology – coatings, lubrications + locking systems; Application Technology – rail; and in Products + Tools – collated fasteners, nailers, staplers + systems.

Subscribe for free at www.fastenerandfixing.com

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Part of the Mack Brooks Group

www.fastenerandfixing.com Managing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@verulammedia.com Content Director Will Lowry will.lowry@verulammedia.com Deputy Editor Claire Aldridge claire.aldridge@verulammedia.com Digital Content Assistant Charlie Conibear charlie.conibear@verulammedia.com Sales Director Mac Rahman mac.rahman@verulammedia.com Business Development Manager – Italy Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@verulammedia.com Business Development Manager – DACH Beata Csano beata.csano@verulammedia.com Business Development Manager – Europe Chantal Ridings chantal.ridings@verulammedia.com Production & Design Manager Lee Duskwick lee.duskwick@verulammedia.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 Verulam Media.

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Verulam Media Ltd 2021. 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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T H E

G L O B A L

P A R T N E R

F O R

D I S T R I B U T O R S

NEWS COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF KEY INDUSTRY NEWS

SFS reports significant sales and profit increase Carried by a dynamic market environment, SFS Group has generated a strong half year result with sales of CHF 957.8 million (€883.3 million) – corresponding to year-on-year growth of 23.8%.

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FS states that the signs of recovery in the market environment, which were visible from the third quarter of 2020, continued unchanged during the first half of 2021. All three business segments participated in the solid demand seen in nearly all end markets and regions, with some business units actually exceeding the expectations substantially.

SFS Group’s long-term ‘Local-for-Local’ strategy and its decision to make predominantly temporary adjustments to production capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic have proven to be prudent. By using the instruments available to temporarily reduce capacity during the financial year 2020, the Group was able to preserve jobs, expertise and production capabilities. That, in turn, enabled it to respond swiftly to the recovery in demand and benefit from the economic environment. Short time working was discontinued during the reporting period in all areas except Aircraft.

The Engineered Components segment benefited from high demand across the board that exceeded expectations in most end markets.

This positive development was particularly strong in the Automotive and Electronics divisions. Overall, this resulted in organic growth of 29.1% compared with the first half of 2020.

Both divisions in the Fastening Systems segment succeeded in taking advantage of the extraordinarily dynamic market

environment and pent-up demand. Strong demand in the construction industry caused delivery bottlenecks and cost increases along the entire supply chain. The Riveting division operated in a similarly challenging environment. It benefited not only from pent-up demand in the automotive industry, but also good recovery in demand from industrial customers.

Total segment sales amounted to CHF 293.1 million, corresponding to year-on-year growth of 25.3%. Thanks to the high-level of capacity utilisation, and the comprehensive measures of the previous years to improve performance, an EBIT margin of 17.7% was achieved (prior year period: 9.5 %).

Assuming a continuous dynamic development in the second half of the year, SFS expects sales growth to a level of around CHF 1.9 billion for the full 2021 financial year at an EBIT margin of approximately 15%.

This corresponds to sales growth of approximately 5% per year since 2019, which is in-line with the medium term growth targets announced.

SFS concludes that the outlook for the full year 2021 remains fraught with uncertainties and risks due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

That is why SFS’ management focus on protecting employee health and safeguarding delivery capacity, with further efforts to pursue investment and innovation projects, will still be given top priority.

Anti-Dumping – no provisional measures but investigation continues The European Commission has informed interested parties that it does not intend to impose provisional measures but will continue its investigation into imports of certain iron or steel fasteners in the People’s Republic of China (2020/C 442/06). he note to file for interested parties provides very little detail about the Commission’s decision except to state: “Given the technical complexity of the case, the Commission has decided to continue the anti-dumping investigation rather than impose provisional measures at this stage.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine will continue to monitor the situation and any developments will be published on fastenerandfixing.com as more information is made available.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

TECHNOLOGY, PRECISION, RESISTANCE.

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT...

WITH AMBROVIT YOU CAN DO IT!

Rely on a solid partner who, for over 20 years, has been a leader in the field of bolts and screws in the Italian and European market. Our catalogue includes: drywall screws, carpentry and chipboard screws, dome and euro screws, machine screws, self-tapping screws, concrete screws, blockframe screws, self-drilling screws, stainless steel screws, hex lag screws, nuts, washers, bolts, blind rivets.

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NEWS - INDUSTRY

Streamlining mitigates effects of negative macroeconomic factors Bulten AB has reported that its streamlining and realised synergetic effects, along with a new Full Service Provider contract that was signed during 2020, have largely compensated for negative macroeconomic factors currently impacting the market.

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ulten achieved net sales of SEK 910 million (€89.3 million) in Q2 of 2021, an increase of 106.2% on the same period last year. However, the company was quick to point out that the comparison quarter was severely affected by the pandemic. Compared to Q1 2021, which was more representative of Bulten’s performance in a normalised market, net sales fell by 17.5%, due to lower production among customers during the quarter.

Anders Nyström, president and CEO at Bulten, commented: “The progressive recovery that characterised the global automotive market from the second half of 2020 was interrupted during the second quarter of this year. The shortage of semiconductors is now a clearly inhibiting factor for production across the automotive industry, something both we and others in the industry have warned of previously. Underlying demand in the consumer stage remains strong, but at present vehicle production cannot keep up with demand.”

He continued: “The shortage of semiconductors, along with price rises for steel and shipping, are three macroeconomic and partly geopolitical factors that have resulted in an extreme situation for the entire global industry. These factors are expected to have a further negative impact on Bulten’s sales and margins during the second half of 2021. We are continuing to focus on what we can control and are continuing to strengthen Bulten’s position and offering.”

New Polish production unit

Bulten has also started the construction of a new production unit in Radziechowy-Wieprz, Poland. With production start-up planned for the first half of 2023. This will give Bulten a facility with world-class surface treatment processes in terms of efficiency, quality and sustainability. The facility is a vertical integration of Bulten’s existing plant in Bielsko-Biała and will further strengthen its competitiveness.

Bossard back on growth course In the first half of 2021, Bossard Group recorded a sales increase of 23.9% to CHF 494.8 million (previous year: CHF 399.4 million). The pace of growth accelerated slightly in the second quarter and was supported by a broad-based economic upturn. or the first half of 2021, Bossard Group expects an EBIT of around CHF 67 million, corresponding to an EBIT margin of 13.5%.

Bossard Group reports that this is the best half year result in the company’s history.

In Europe, Bossard generated sales of CHF 146 million in the second quarter, an increase of 42.3% (in local currency: +39%).

In the first half of the year, sales increased by 24.6% (in local currency: +22.2%) to CHF 293.7 million. Bossard’s consistently high ability to deliver was appreciated by customers and manifested itself in strong demand.

Business in America showed strong sales growth of 30.4% (in local currency: +37.5%) to CHF 55.8 million in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, sales increased by 14.5% (in local currency: +21.4%) to CHF 110.8 million. The weakening of the US dollar had a negative impact on sales development.

Growth in Asia remained at a high-level in the second quarter. Sales increased by 37.3% (in local currency: +35%) to CHF 48.2 million. In the first half of the year, sales increased by 35% (in local currency: +34.6%) to CHF 90.3 million. Bossard’s focus on growth segments led to gains in market share and is reflected in a gratifying development of the project pipeline.

As a result of strong global demand, the supply market situation remains tense, which is currently reflected in further price increases and longer delivery times. The Covid-19 situation also remains a factor of uncertainty due to rising infection rates in various market regions.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

PINSTRUCTURE LTD Tel: +44 1527 67999 Fax +44 1527 66557 email sales@pinstructure.com

www.pinstructure.com 50 Enfield Industrial Estate, Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6DE

NEWS - INDUSTRY

Strong growth and highest operating profit ever Bufab Group has reported that strong demand continued into the second quarter of 2021, with the company once again reaching an ‘all time high’ sales and operating profit. This positive development should be seen against the backdrop of solid market demand, but also challenging market conditions.

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örgen Rosengren, president and CEO at Bufab, stated: “The strong demand that returned at the end of 2020 increased further during the second quarter of 2021 in all business units and all markets. Our customers, who during mid-2020 had reduced production rates and forecasts, were in many cases taken by surprise by the strength of demand since the end of 2020. This in turn led to a strong increase in the production pace and forecasts, as well as very low inventory levels throughout the supply chain.”

Bufab net sales for Q2 2021 increased by 40% to SEK 1.431 billion (Q2 2020: SEK 1.022 billion). The strong demand resulted in a very good growth for the company as well. Relative to the weak second quarter of 2020, organic growth was a full 44%, but the growth was also good relative to 2019 and the first quarter of this year.

“The high demand does create difficulties, in the form of a very constrained supply chain and increased prices of raw materials and transportation. The supply chain for the global manufacturing industry (and especially in Europe and North America) has struggled with serious bottlenecks for raw materials, component manufacturing and transportation,” commented Jörgen Rosengren.

“We have good insight into these problems due to our very broad customer base, which covers many geographies and industries.

Bufab has never experienced a similar situation. These bottlenecks create uncertainty and additional work throughout the supply chain.

Further, the imbalances in the supply chain have resulted in very strong price increases for raw materials and components, as well as even larger price increases for transportation.”

“Against this background, it is particularly gratifying that Bufab has succeeded in maintaining healthy deliveries, a stable gross margin and a very low cost level. The entire industry was impacted by production disruptions during the quarter, but very seldom due to Bufab. We have, as everyone else, been affected by large price

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

increases for components since the end of 2020, but have so far succeeded in offsetting these with price increases to customers.”

Bufab AB announces new president and CEO

The board of directors of Bufab AB has appointed Staffan Pehrson, currently president and CEO of Nefab Group AB, as new president and CEO of Bufab. He will assume his role on 1 st February 2022.

The current president and CEO, Jörgen Rosengren, will be at the company’s disposal until the end of September 2021 and Johan Lindqvist, segment manager for Segment North, steps in as acting president and CEO from 1 st September 2021 until 1 st February 2022.

“The board of Bufab is very glad to present Staffan Pehrson as new president and CEO. Staffan’s long and solid experience from leading positions, primarily at Nefab Group and the Ericsson Group, in combination with his personal qualities; his proven leadership abilities; as well as his technical knowledge and strong business sense; fits well with the future needs of Bufab. We are looking forward to developing the Group together with Staffan,” said Bengt Liljedahl, chairman of the board of Bufab.

Staffan Pehrson, born in 1968, has, among other things, an MSc in Engineering Physics from Uppsala University, a Master´s Degree from Case Western Reserve University in the USA and an Executive MBA from Stockholm School of Economics. Prior to joining Nefab Group in 2016, he worked for over twenty years within the Ericsson Group where he held a number of leading positions around the world. Staffan is currently a board member of Lindab AB. “I feel incredibly honoured and happy to be given the confidence as president and CEO of Bufab. It is a company with great potential and a strong innovation capacity. I have followed Bufab’s fantastic development since the IPO in 2014 and look forward to further developing Bufab together with the Group management and all employees in the future,” commented Staffan Pehrson.

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NEWS - INDUSTRY

NORMA continues growth course NORMA Group benefited from the ongoing economic recovery and strong customer demand in the second quarter of 2021. The company continued the growth course established in the first quarter and recorded significant growth in sales and earnings compared to the prior year period, which was dominated by the pandemic.

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ORMA Group generated sales of €281.7 million in Q2 2021 – a year-on-year increase of 47.1% (Q2 2020: €191.5 million). Organic sales growth was 53%. At €36.8 million, net operating cash flow in Q2 2021 was also significantly higher than in the previous year (Q2 2020: €1.9 million).

CEO Dr Michael Schneider commented: “We performed strongly in all business areas in the second quarter. Resurgent customer demand and further savings from our ‘Get on track’ global change programme are reflected in the substantially higher margin. We have further improved both our flexibility and efficiency and will focus even more closely on the water management, general industry applications and electromobility businesses in the future. We are systematically pressing ahead with our digitalisation initiatives and the strategic management of our product portfolio.”

Strong growth in all business regions

In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), sales increased by 79.5% year-on-year to €123.1 million in Q2 2021 (Q2 2020: €68.6 million). This was due to the huge increase in demand for joining solutions from car manufacturers in Europe combined with a significant recovery in business with standardised joining technology through distributors compared with the same quarter of the previous year, a period that was dominated by the pandemic.

In the Americas region, sales in the second quarter were 34.1% higher than in the prior year quarter at €119.7 million (Q2 2020: €89.3 million). Sales growth resulted from the significant rebound in production figures in the commercial and passenger vehicle sector as well as from further strong business with water management products.

In the Asia-Pacific region, sales grew by 15.5% year-on-year to €38.8 million in the second quarter (Q2 2020: €33.6 million). NORMA Group benefited in particular from continued strong demand for engineered joining solutions from the Chinese automotive industry.

Howmet Aerospace delivers on commitments Howmet Aerospace has reported second quarter revenues of US$1.2 billion, down only 5% year-on-year due to disruptions in the commercial aerospace market, primarily driven by Covid-19 and Boeing 787 production declines, whilst partially offset by growth in the commercial transportation and industrial markets. ohn Plant, executive chairman and co-chief executive officer at Howmet Aerospace, said: “Howmet Aerospace delivered another solid quarter of results despite the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the commercial aerospace market, supported by strong demand in commercial transportation and industrial markets. While second quarter revenues declined 5% year-on-year, driven by a 31% reduction in commercial aerospace revenues, profit and margins exceeded guidance and included strong cash generation.”

He continued: “We continue to expect the commercial aerospace recovery to begin in the second half of 2021, led

by Engine Products, followed by Engineered Structures, with Fastening Systems lagging by approximately six months.”

Fastening Systems reported revenue of US$262 million (€221.5 million), a decrease of 20% year-on-year due to declines in the commercial aerospace market.

Segment operating profit was US$50 million, down 29% year-on-year, driven by volume declines in the commercial aerospace market, partially offset by variable and fixed cost reductions and favourable sales volumes in the commercial transportation and industrial markets.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

MKS Instruments to acquire Atotech MKS Instruments Inc and Atotech Limited have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which MKS will acquire Atotech. The equity value of the transaction is US$5.1 billion and the enterprise value of the transaction is approximately US$6.5 billion (€5.48 billion).

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ohn T.C. Lee, president and CEO at MKS, commented: “Together MKS and Atotech will be uniquely positioned to drive faster, better solutions and innovations for customers in advanced electronics. By combining leading capabilities in lasers, optics, motion and process chemistry, the combined company will optimise the PCB Interconnect, a significant enabling point of next generation advanced electronics that represents the next frontier for miniaturisation and complexity. We anticipate the addition of Atotech will position MKS to enable roadmaps for future generations of advanced electronics devices. The acquisition of Atotech also provides MKS with a recurring revenue stream from a consumables portfolio for leading edge devices, with meaningful scale and potential on which to build.”

“The combination of Atotech’s expertise in electroplating and chemistry and MKS’ strengths in lasers, laser systems, optics and motion will enable innovative and groundbreaking solutions for customers in the areas of materials processing and complex applications,” said Geoff Wild, CEO of Atotech. “This transaction is an excellent outcome for our shareholders and we believe it will provide immediate value and the opportunity to benefit from the upside potential of the combined company.”

Atotech, headquartered in Berlin, Germany, has a team of 4,000 experts in over 40 countries generating annual revenue of US$1.2 billion in 2020. It has manufacturing operations across Europe, the Americas and Asia. With its well established innovative strength and industry leading global TechCenter network, Atotech delivers pioneering solutions combined with unparalleled on-site support for over 9,000 customers worldwide.

NEWS - INDUSTRY

Berardi’s renewed logistics division Even after more than 100 years in the fasteners business, Berardi keeps on adding value to its extensive range of products and its storage capabilities – with it renewing its lean logistics division, rebranding it as B-Lean Factory Systems.

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he B-Lean team develops customised logistics solutions for clients that demand flexibility, reliability and quick responses to the most complex requirements. The objective is to become an all-round supplying partner, offering a 360° service. The B-Lean division tackles wasteful processes along the supply chain, allowing clients to spare the effort of managing C-parts and industrial components for the assembly lines of the finished products. As of today, the B-Lean team can offer the experience gained with over 400 active lean supply systems.

“Having reached this milestone,” says Andrea Destro, B-Lean team manager, “we decided to rebrand the company’s logistics division and further invest in its development. Our goal is to enhance the performance of the companies we work with, using a pragmatic approach to analyse and solve any logistics problem they may have. Personalised solutions are crucial to extract the full potential from our services. For each project, we offer the specialised skills of our team, building a relationship of mutual trust with the client. First, we understand their requirements; then we proceed to implementing the project in close cooperation with them – adapting to their changing needs.”

New additions to Optimas’ board of directors Optimas Solutions has announced that effective immediately Chief Operating Officer Daniel Harms has been elevated to president, Optimas Americas, and will be joining the Optimas board of directors. The company also announced that effective immediately Mike Duffy, president, Optimas International, will also be joining the Optimas board of directors.

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n this role, Harms is responsible for strategies that drive growth, elevate operational excellence, and enhance customer service in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He joined Optimas as chief operating officer earlier this year with a focus on the company’s distribution centres, sourcing and supply chain in North America.

A strategic thought leader with 20 years of supply chain experience, prior to joining Optimas, Harms held several senior leadership positions at DSC/CJ Logistics which culminated as senior vice-president, operations.

Mike Tuffy will continue in his current role and will join the Optimas board of directors. His industry knowledge, experience, relationships, and leadership capability, have been critical to the

success of Optimas’ International region. Tuffy has been with Optimas Solutions for over 30 years.

“I’m very confident in Daniel’s ability to lead the Americas region and to continue building out a world-class team to drive efficiencies and improve results,” said T.J. Rosengarth, chairman of the Optimas board of directors. “I’m grateful for Mike’s energy and his unwavering commitment to Optimas’ success. I’m equally as confident in his ability to sustain the great team culture he has created and to continue delivering results.”

Harms and Tuffy will work closely to ensure alignment across both regions and make joint decisions where required to benefit the company as a whole. This streamlined leadership structure will allow Optimas to be more agile in serving global customers while operating within the specific requirements of individual countries.

Bülte Group acquires the fasteners division of Werit Bülte Group, which has been active in the manufacture of plastic fasteners and protection products since 1956, is now extending the scope of its activity by acquiring the specialised plastic fasteners division of WERIT in Germany. egotiations were concluded at the end of June 2021 between Mr Schneider and Mr Stein of WERIT Group and Stefan Bülte, president of the Bülte Group. The acquisition represents a strategic turning point in Bülte’s business policy and a new direction for the future.

With this investment Bülte is expanding its tooling range, which will enable the company to further improve both its quality and manufacturing efficiency. It will also strengthen its position in the eastern and northern European markets. Bülte will continue to maintain

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

its current production facilities, mainly in Germany, thus maintaining and confirming its ‘Made in Germany’ criteria for ever greater quality, flexibility and reactivity.

Like Bülte, WERIT Group is a family-owned company with production sites throughout Europe. Specialising in thermoplastics for injection moulding and blow moulding technology, Werit will concentrate on its other business areas. Bülte Group will further strengthen its market position in the field of plastic fasteners by taking over a long-standing market companion.

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NEWS - INDUSTRY

Lesjöfors acquires Alcomex Lesjöfors has acquired 88% of the shares in the Alcomex Group, a European door and industrial springs manufacturer, giving Lesjöfors access to new geographies and a new product area.

A

lcomex is a Dutch manufacturer of door and industrial springs with a stable, diversified and international customer base across various industries. The company has a leading position in door springs in Europe and a strong regional position in industrial springs – with production facilities in the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland and India.

Like Lesjöfors, Alcomex focuses on production of small to medium sized batches with high technical expertise and a strong emphasis on tailored solutions. The acquisition provides a platform for future organic, as well as acquisitive, profitable growth for Lesjöfors and will create ample opportunities for cross-selling, purchasing coordination and sharing best practice.

Henrik Perbeck, CEO at Beijer Alma – the parent company of Lesjöfors, commented: “This is a landmark transaction for Lesjöfors and the largest acquisition in its history. The transaction is a great fit with Beijer Alma’s model for value adding acquisitions. With this acquisition, Lesjöfors has underlined its

potential and ambition to increase scale internationally and build the leading spring, wire and flat strip component group.”

Lesjöfors’ President Ola Tengroth added: “Alcomex’s performance over the last few years has been impressive and we are excited about what we can achieve together. Lesjöfors and Alcomex have well matched corporate cultures, similar operations and a complementary geographical footprint, which provides a strong foundation for cross-sales and other value creating activities. We are convinced that the companies will strengthen each other going forward.”

After the transaction, Alcomex’s current minority owners and managing directors, Conrad Hietink and Jelle van Vliet, will remain as minority owners and managing directors to continue to develop the business. In-line with Lesjöfors’ decentralised organisation, the company will continue to operate under its own brand and management.

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NEWS - INDUSTRY

Acument Intellectual Properties changes name to CAMCAR InnovationsSM Acument Intellectual Properties LLC has announced it will be doing business as CAMCAR InnovationsSM and will continue to focus on product inventions, licensing of products, product market promotion, as well as the support of its authorised suppliers.

T

he name CAMCAR Innovations SM pays homage to the company’s past with the well-known and respected name in the fastening world, “CAMCAR, combined with ‘Innovations’ acknowledges our reputation for being inventors of world renowned drive systems and products such as TORX®, TORX PLUS®, STRUX® studs and nuts, MAG- FORM® fasteners and more,” explained the company.

Michael Claassen was named president of CAMCAR Innovations with Steve Dixon continuing his current position as director of CAMCAR Innovations.

“CAMCAR is a trusted name in the global fastener industry,” said Michael Claassen. “We intend to honour that trust by continuing to grow our portfolio of engineered technologies, increasing manufacturing efficiency and improving product performance for our customers in all industries and fields. Partnerships are the heart of our system and their growth in the future continues our expansion of mutually beneficial business relationships.”

He adds: “Although the name has changed, our people remain the same ensuring continuity of service and relationships. Our locations also remain unchanged with offices in the Netherlands, USA, Singapore, and Japan. Authorised suppliers will continue to get their confidential information through the NETSPECS® Library. The biggest change the public will see is the introduction of a new website, which is targeted to supporting authorised suppliers and promoting CAMCAR Innovations’ products to end users. It will also include future announcements of exciting new products currently in the development stage.”

Appointment of a new managing director at TR VIC Stefano Pisoni has joined international fastener specialist TR VIC SpA, part of the Trifast Plc group of companies, as the new managing director. n inspirational leader with a proven track record in several industry sectors, Stefano has many years of experience working in senior management roles for a number of influential corporations, including Italian automotive giants Magneti Marelli SpA and Pirelli Steelcord. His previous roles and his in-depth knowledge of international business markets combine to make him a natural choice to lead TR VIC into the future.

The appointment of Stefano underlines TR’s ongoing commitment to expand its European operations, especially in the wake of continuing demand increases across the region. TR VIC is a hugely important part of the company’s infrastructure and the arrival of Stefano will dovetail with a major focus on increasing capacity to reflect growth in vital markets. The Italian operation

A

has recently passed an important four day audit as part of its IATF 16949 assessment.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, one of Stefano’s more pressing responsibilities will be to guide the company’s adjustment to new working conditions and practices. Supporting staff members during this difficult time will be vital, as will ensuring safe working environments and responding appropriately to the need for more flexible working. TR VIC has more than 120 employees, so this flexibility will be a must have.

Andrew Nuttall, European managing director at TR Fastenings, commented: “During his career, Stefano has displayed a strong focus on innovation, product development and opportunities to increase market share, and we look forward to heralding a new era for TR VIC both regionally and within the global operation.”

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NEWS - NORTH AMERICA

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

FINdex growth slows amid continued supply disruptions Continued supply chain disruptions and spiking demand muted the FIN Fastener Stock Index in the second quarter of 2021, even as the US economy made strides to fully reopen.

T

he FINdex halved its brisk pace in the second quarter, gaining 4.9% compared to a 6% gain by an index of related industrial stocks. In the opening quarter of 2021 the FINdex grew 9.6%.

Grainger achieved the highest stock gain during Q2, rising 20.5%. In Q1, Grainger sales rose 2.8% to US$3.1 billion (€2.6 billion), driven by strong performance in both the ‘High-Touch Solutions North America’ and ‘Endless Assortment’ segments, according to GlobalFastenerNews.com.

Other fastener companies with rising share value during Q2 included Chicago Rivet & Machine Co (up 2.2%); Dorman Products Inc (up 1%); Fastenal (up 3.4%); ITW (up 0.9%); Howmet Aerospace (up 7%); Lawson Products Inc (up 5.1%); Nucor Corporation (up 19.5%); Park-Ohio Holdings Corp (up 2.1%); Simpson Mfg (up 6.5%); Stanley Black & Decker (up 2.7%); and Tree Island Steel (up 10.2%).

Fastener stocks losing value during the second quarter included Carpenter Technology Corporation (down 2.2%); EACO Corporation – bisco Industries Inc (down 0.5%); and MSC Industrial (down 0.5%).

During the first half of 2021, the FINdex grew 15.1% compared to a 13% gain by an index of related stocks. Fastener companies recording first half gains included Carpenter Technology (up 38.1%); Chicago Rivet (up 14%); Dorman Products (up 19.4%); Fastenal (up 6.5%); Grainger (up 7.3%); ITW (up 9.6%); Howmet Aerospace (up 20.4%); Lawson Products (up 5.1%); MSC Industrial (up 6.3%); Nucor (up 80.3%); Park-Ohio (up 4%); Simpson Mfg (up 18.2%); Stanley Black & Decker (up 14.8%); and Tree Island Steel (up 90%).

FINdex companies losing share value in the first half of 2021 included EACO – bisco Industries (down 4.7%) and TriMas (down 4.2%).

During 2020, the FINdex increased 10% during the year, lower than the 12.8% rise in stock value by an index of related industrial stocks.

Optimas Solutions increases onshoring capacity Optimas Solutions has acquired Chun Zu and FORMAX® four die, four blow cold header manufacturing machines to increase its capabilities for larger format diameter fasteners – while freeing up existing cold headers to provide more onshore support for smaller fasteners.

T

he machines will be added to the company’s manufacturing facility in Wood Dale, IL. “The addition of these machines puts us on a higher playing field that few in the industry can match,” CEO Marc Strandquist told GlobalFastenerNews.com. “The efficiency of these cold headers will allow us to increase our ability to make larger diameter fasteners while freeing up other machines to produce smaller diameter fasteners, all helping to improve our output at all sizes. Most importantly, it helps our customers struggling to get products – given stress on the supply chain and inventory shortages.”

The addition of the Chun Zu cold header and the FORMAX® will increase Optimas’ onshore manufacturing capabilities overall, according to Strandquist.

The Chun Zu machine will increase production by 3 million additional complex parts per month within the diameter range of 18mm to 22mm. This will allow Optimas to further focus on industries that require large diameter complex parts, such as agricultural equipment, automotive, construction equipment, and heavy-duty trucking. These fasteners are used commonly in chassis, engines, suspension systems and water pumps on these types of machines.

The FORMAX will improve Optimas’ manufacturing competencies of fasteners up to 18mm in diameter. It adds to Optimas’ production on the company’s existing large diameter FORMAX machines, reducing lead times due to the added manufacturing capabilities onshore.

“We are very excited to add these cold headers because it is a big part of increasing our manufacturing capabilities and serving existing OEM markets better, while being able to pursue other markets,” added Strandquist.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Supply chain challenges slow FDI The seasonally adjusted June FDI (55.8) moderated from last month’s 61.8, as widespread product shortages constrained sales growth for some respondents. The sales index declined to 71.4 compared to 72.2 in May.

H

igher pricing continues to be a significant contributor to growth, as 87% of respondents saw higher point-of-sale pricing year-on-year (versus 86% in May) and 84% month-on-month (versus 76% in May). That said, given the magnitude of supplier price increases, other inflationary pressures, and difficulty passing these on to customers fully, some respondents are seeing margin erosion.

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NEWS - NORTH AMERICA

Vertex owner acquired by OmniCable Vertex Distribution owner Houston Wire & Cable Co has been acquired by OmniCable for US$91 million cash. OmniCable is a subsidiary of Dot Holdings Co, which is owned by Dot Family Holdings, owners and operators of Dot Foods Inc – the largest food industry redistributor in North America.

A

fter the acquisition each company will retain its own brands and existing locations. “Offering both brands allows our customers a choice to work with their preferred partner,” stated OmniCable CEO Greg Lampert.

The combined company will also include Vertex, HWCC’s fastener redistribution business. Vertex was founded in 1881 as the Pawtucket Manufacturing Company in Rhode Island. Subsequent related company names include Bell Fasteners, Zelenda Metric, West-Spec Partners and All Metric. It became Vertex in 2003.

Vertex Distribution distributes corrosion resistant products including inch and metric corrosion resistant fasteners and alloy fasteners, blind rivets, hose clamps, as well as security screws, to industrial distributor markets. Attleboro, MA-based Vertex has branches in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas.

Stanley Engineered Fastening sales climb 26% Engineered Fastening organic growth at Stanley Engineered Fastening climbed 26% in the second quarter of 2021 “as strong automotive and general industrial markets were partially offset by weaker aerospace demand, in addition to automotive OEM production impacts from the global semiconductor shortage”.

C

onsolidated Stanley Black & Decker sales during Q2 jumped 37% to US$4.3 billion (€3.6 billion) from volume (+31%), price (+2%) and currency (+5%) gains. The gross margin was 35.9%.

Capital and software expenditures rose significantly to US$105.1 million during Q2.

“We enter the second half of 2021 with positive momentum and a portfolio that is well positioned to benefit from the key trends that are driving our growth: The consumer reconnection with the home and garden, eCommerce, electrification and health and safety,” stated CEO James Loree.

First half Industrial segment sales, including fastener results, climbed 13.7% to US$1.26 billion, with segment profit more than doubling to US$163.6 million.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

IFI honors Larson and Baker Chad Larson of Lejeune Bolt Company and Laurin Baker of The Baker Group were recently recognised with the 2021 Industrial Fastener Institute Soaring Eagle awards.

T

he IFI represents North American manufacturers of bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, pins, washers and custom formed parts. Suppliers of materials, machinery, equipment and engineered services are also associate members. There are currently 70 company members with 61 subsidiaries and 55 associate members.

Lejeune President Chad Larson received the Soaring Eagle technology award, named after Roy P. Trowbridge, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the technological advancement of the industry via work on fastener standards committees; the publication of widely acclaimed principles or documents; and/or through the development of fastener related equipment, products or processes.

Larson has worked across manufacturing, distribution, sales, production, quality assurance and executive management during his 30 years in the fastener industry. He was recognized for standards work in structural bolting. He initiated and led the effort to combine six ASTM structural bolt standards into a single coherent standard that has improved standardization of structural fasteners. The ease with which ASTM F3125 was adopted by the entire supply chain is a testimony to his knowledge of the details.

His innovative Torque+Angle 144 ksi Fastening System combines improved technologies with appropriate methodologies to achieve an ‘error-proof’ turnkey system for fastener installation and pre-tensioning, while also simplifying the design of bolted connections.

Laurin Baker received the meritorious service award for representing IFI interests in Washington DC. The meritorious service award, named after George S. Case Senior, recognizes individuals who have contributed outstanding time and effort in the IFI leadership or contributing to the well-being of the industrial fastener industry.

Laurin’s expertise in navigating international trade, tariffs, environmental and tax policies have benefited member companies and fastener users.

He provided IFI visibility to the US House and US Senate. He coordinated and led the coalition of IFI members, fastener distributors and North American fastener users which resulted in amendments to the US Fastener Quality Act.

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NEWS - NORTH AMERICA

Supply chain challenges slow FDI The seasonally adjusted June FDI (55.8) moderated from last month’s 61.8 as widespread product shortages constrained sales growth for some respondents.

The sales index declined to 71.4 compared to 72.2 in May.

H

igher pricing continues to be a significant contributor to growth, as 87% of respondents saw higher ‘point of sale’ pricing year-on-year (versus 86% in May) and 84% month-on-month (versus 76% in May). That said, given the magnitude of supplier price increases, other inflationary pressures, and difficulty passing these on to customers fully, some respondents are seeing margin erosion.

FLI also moderates

The seasonally adjusted FLI (Forward Looking Indicator) came in at 71.1, retreating versus last month’s 76, although still elevated relative to historical levels (average FLI reading over survey history is 55.3). Compared to last month, the FLI employment index, respondent inventory levels and six month outlook all weakened, while lower customer inventory levels were a partial offset. That said, a 70+ FLI continues to point to strong market conditions ahead despite this month’s softening.

Employment levels are slightly weaker. The FDI employment index came in at 62.9 versus 70.3 last month. 35% of respondents saw employment levels as above seasonal expectations versus May’s 49%. This reflects continued challenges in finding/retaining qualified labor amid a strong job market and enhanced federal/ state unemployment benefits.

Looking at the broader economy, the June jobs report showed a better than expected gain of 850,000 jobs coming off two straight soft reports. This solidly exceeded economist expectations for +706,000, and economists are encouraged this could perhaps mark a turning point in easing widespread labor constraints.

Unemployment is still elevated, however, at 5.9% compared to the pre-pandemic level of 3.5%.

Inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints are also key topics of focus. Supply chain disruptions again showed no signs

of abating in June, and shortages appear to be extending towards many commonly stocked items. One respondent commented: “Importers are not only out of common items, but are quoting December ETAs. I have never seen shortages as widespread.”

Given the strong demand, widespread shortages, and inflationary commodity markets, respondents continue to see significant inbound price increases: “Ocean Freight continues to run way behind schedule. Transportation costs are skyrocketing.

We are passing through as much of this cost as possible.” Echoing this, one respondent commented: “The price of everything is increasing every day.”

While inflation is clearly helping revenue growth, some respondents are seeing margin pressure due to transportation cost increases that are eating away at the incremental profit opportunity: “While we are raising our pricing 5% (higher on some items), we are losing margin because we have to pull inventory (if it is available) from all over the USA. UPS and Fedex Ground are eating up any additional margins we are getting by raising prices.”

Fastenal’s -3.2% overall May daily sales growth exceeded the -5.5% estimate. Safety sales declined 44.1% against a Covid-19 fueled +136% May 2020 comparison. Excluding safety products, underlying sales were +18.7% year-on-year (April was +23.8% against an easier comparison), which was above the +16.7% estimate and normal seasonality. Turning to fasteners specifically, FAST’s fastener sales were +28.2% year-on-year, consistent with the strong readings seen in the FDI/FLI over the last several months. Looking forward, the model for June overall daily sales is -0.6% year-on-year, reflecting safety -36% and non-safety (including fasteners) +14.9%.

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

Fastener sales rise sharply at Fastenal Fastenal Co reported fastener daily sales grew 28.4% to US$503.6 million (33.6% of net sales) in the second quarter of 2021, driven by higher manufacturing and construction demand.

F

asteners represented 26% and 34.5% of net sales in the second quarter of 2020 and the second quarter of 2019, respectively. Net sales decreased 0.1% to US$1.5 billion (€1.26 billion) in Q2 as PPE and sanitation products sales plummeted. The overall impact of product pricing on net sales in the second quarter of 2021 was 80 to 110 basis points.

“We continue to experience pressure related to product and transportation cost inflation,” the company announced.

“Pricing actions taken in the first and second quarters of 2021 contributed to the increase in the impact of net pricing on sales in the second quarter of 2021.”

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 200 basis points to 46.5% in Q2 as product and customer mix favorably impacted gross profit percentage, as a result of the sharp increase in the mix of fastener sales and sharp decrease in non-fastener sales.

Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 21.1% due to a 200 basis point increase in gross profit, partly offset by an increase in operating and administrative expenses.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

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NEWS - RUSSIA + CIS

by Alexander Ostashov, editor, Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and... Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

Foreign fasteners to be replaced with Russian made products The Belebeevsky plant Avtonormal (BelZAN), managed by RT-Capital of the State Corporation Rostec, has started production of fasteners for passenger cars in the Vesta and XRAY families as part of the programme of localisation for automotive components.

I

n a short time, the plant developed design documentation for the development of 34 new types of auto fasteners for models of the LADA Vesta and XRAY families; worked out the manufacturing technology of parts; as well as carried out a full scale preparation and mastering of production. By the end of this year, BelZAN plans to supply up to 10 million units of fasteners with increased corrosion resistance, which will be used in the assembly of bodies and the installation of units on cars.

“Last year, the plant concentrated its efforts on expanding the product range and passing certification from leading domestic and foreign car manufacturers. Confirmation of the conformity of the company’s products to the highest quality standards allowed us to

OSPAZ and Hilti begin negotiations Hilti and OSPAZ have begun negotiations on an agreement under which the Oryol plant of the Severstal Hardware Group will produce threaded rods for Hilti.

A

lexei Erenichev, director of the Oryol Steel Rolling Plant, comments: “Our company works in accordance with quality and environmental management standards and strictly monitors all processes. We are always open to cooperation and ready to improve production. Compliance with the high standards of a western brand and the start of cooperation with Hilti is yet more proof of the quality of our work.”

Cemil Polat, head of contract manufacturing at Hilti Russia, adds: “Localisation helps us not only be competitive in terms of price and flexibility, but also creates new jobs, increases the expertise of local manufacturers, as well as improves our position in the field of sustainability by optimising logistics.”

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

receive new orders, thus this year we have increased the production of components by 15% compared to the same period in 2020,” explains Kirill Fyodorov, director general of RT-Capital LLC. “After passing the quality audit of AVTOVAZ and receiving a high assessment, the plant received an order for the development of new types of fasteners for cars of the Vesta and XRAY families. Today, the share of BelZAN’s products supplied for these models is about 15% and after entering serial deliveries it will double.”

The plant has developed an investment development programme until 2026, which includes investments in all technological stages of production, from metal preparation to the application of protective coatings.

Russian exporters ask for protection from the EU

The Russian Steel Association of Companies has called on the Russian government to quickly begin negotiations with the European Union on the hydrocarbon tax.

T

he statement from Russian Steel says that the introduction of the new carbon tax by the European Union will directly impact the interests of domestic exporters, including steel and pipe producers. It is noted that the European Commission, when discussing the new tax, selectively approached the choice of goods falling under its effect. Experts also highlight negative consequences for the metallurgical business and unequal conditions of competition with European manufacturers.

Russian Steel points out that experts have calculated the new tax could cost Russian suppliers US$300 million. The Russian delegation could challenge the EU’s decision to introduce the tax in the World Trade Organisation and demand compensation for material damage. However, the dispute resolution procedure in this case will last at least two years.

In addition, since 2019, the United States has been blocking the work of a special judicial commission to consider various disputes.

Maxim Reshetnikov, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development, assessed the consequences of the introduction of a carbon tax in the EU for Russia will impact the supply of iron, electricity and other goods worth US$7.6 billion (€6.4 billion).

NEWS - RUSSIA + CIS

Russian Steel responds to export duties In a statement the Russian Steel Association of Companies has responded to the introduction of export duties with a list of negative consequences.

O

n 25th June the Russian government approved temporary duties on the export of metals. These duties will operate from 1st August to 31st December 2021. After the introduction of the measure, shares of metallurgical companies fell in price.

The Russian Steel Association of Companies states that the introduction of these export duties on metals, as of 1 st August, will see the profits of companies decrease by tens of billions of rubles and budget contributions will be noticeably reduced. Metallurgists, who were earlier accused within the government of “screwing up” the state, also threatened that the development of the situation could eventually “increase social tension in the regions involved”.

The Russian Steel Association of Companies presented estimates in accordance with two scenarios – if the current market conditions persist and if the prices decline. In the first case, according to the Association’s calculations, exports will decrease by a million tonnes, or about 40 billion rubles, and profits by 150 billion rubles. The total deductions to the state budget will fall by 30 billion rubles (€346.2 million).

In the second option, the decrease in export supplies would reach 2.5 million tonnes, or about 75 billion rubles. In this case, the profit will fall by 180 billion rubles, and the budget will fall about 51 billion rubles.

Russian Steel also stated that the introduction of duties would reduce the investment attractiveness of the sector; limit the possible growth of the tax base; as well as hinder job creation, various social programmes and the modernisation of enterprises.

The Russian Steel Association believes that the decision on duties should be finalised and clarified together with representatives of the industry. In order to reduce the negative impact on the development of domestic ferrous metallurgy.

The Russian Steel Association of ferrous metallurgy enterprises unites the largest producers of metallurgical products in Russia.

The Association was established in 2001 and current members of the Association are: EvrazHolding LLC, NLMK, MMK, OEMK (Metalloinvest Management Company LLC), Mechel, OMK, Severstal, TMK and Management Company PMH.

MMK-METIZ continues to develop MMK-METIZ has continued to master the production of new fasteners for construction by introducing samples of a variety of new products.

T

he Magnitogorsk Hardware and Calibration Plant – MMK-METIZ, within the framework of the programme for the development of innovative types of products, has recently manufactured samples of screws with a flange for ventilated façades. The plant intends to send the product samples to consumers for feedback.

The plant has also reported the production of self-tapping screws with a drill for a window profile is in development.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

Metinvest acquires DMK’s production complex Dnipro Coke, a metallurgical coke producer in Metinvest Group, recently won an auction to acquire assets relating to the integral property complex of PJSC Diprovsky Iron & Steel Integrated Works (DMK) in Kamianske, Ukraine, worth UAH 9.17 billion (approximately €284 million).

D

MK was one of the largest steelmakers in Ukraine with a full cycle metallurgical production facility. The capacities of DMK’s integral property complex included production of 3.2 million tonnes of crude steel a year.

The integral property complex of DMK consists of the equipment necessary for the production of pig iron and steel goods. The acquisition also includes the right to use the land and to work under licenses and permits issued to DMK. About 9,000 plant employees will get a job at Dnipro Coke.

The purchase of DMK’s production complex will allow Metinvest to expand its product mix by effectively replacing production of square billets, wire rod, rebar and shapes, which used to be produced at an asset located on non-controlled territory of Ukraine. The acquisition will also provide Promet Steel JSC, the Group’s rolling mill in Bulgaria, with square billets for processing. DMK has also been one of the Group’s top purchasers of iron ore and coke in Ukraine, which gives Metinvest additional synergies throughout the entire production chain.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS - asia

Top 20 Taiwanese fastener companies in 2020 Fastener World Magazine researched the revenues and growth of major Taiwanese fastener companies and published the following table of its results: Company

Revenue (0.1 billion NT$)

Revenue growth (%)

Net profit margin (%)

Brighton-Best International

152.03

-21.69

6.2

Tong Ming Enterprise

91.71

4.13

5.39

QST International

88.24

-11.09

3.32

Chun Yu Works

80.55

-13.7

2.45

Tycoons Group

79.3

-31.16

-2.35

Tycoons Worldwide (Thailand)

57.48

-40.48

-5.29

San Shing Fastech

50.73

-22.54

11.87

Boltun Corporation

48.35

-13.88

0.35

Ray Fu Enterprise

14.34

1.27

-4.18

Lu Chu Shin Yee

30.13

-18.32

0.5

Jinn Her Enterprise

29.35

-15.52

N/A

Jau Yeou Industry

27.7

-5.43

N/A

Tong Hwei Enterprise

27.4

-17.74

N/A

Sheh Fung Screws

22.54

24.05

6.74

Rodex Fasteners

21.27

-12.07

5.50

Sumeeko Industries

19.91

-18.13

4.57

Intai Technology

19.61

-15.73

12.6

OFCO Industrial

18.26

59.06

-3.72

Chen Nan Iron Wire

18.25

15.21

-2.47

NAFCO

17.04

-39.49

3.52

Chun Yu expects to see continued customer orders Chun Yu believes it has been given an ‘upper edge’ in cost competitiveness, as well as a boost in its revenue and profit gains, after the wire rod price adjustment by Taiwan’s China Steel Corporation (CSC), for the third quarter of 2021, was lower than what the market was expecting.

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ith the outlook for a gradual increase in the global fastener demand, which is expected to peak before Christmas, Chun Yu expects orders placed with it to continue through the fourth quarter of this year.

Chun Yu President Huei-Jeng Lin said that the strong post Covid-19 demand in the USA, Europe and China, as well as reshoring of many Taiwanese businesses, helped drive up steel demand. The second quarter of this year continued with a rise in both wire price and volume, as well as a large amount of fastener and wire orders placed to Chun Yu’s three major manufacturing bases in Taiwan, Indonesia and China. The company’s revenue set a new high in May at NT$970 million (€29.6 million).

Source: Fastener World Magazine

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Ta Chen benefits from US steel revival Ta Chen International believes its 2021 revenue is likely to peak amid the US market’s recovery, especially with President Biden’s proposed budget of US$6 billion expected to drive the infrastructure demand in the USA.

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a Chen International (TCI) has been the beneficiary of the revival in American industrial steel demand since the beginning of this year. TCI’s revenue for Q2 2021 is expected to climb high again, and its full year revenue stands a chance to reach a new high at NT$85 billion (€2.59 billion) with high profitability.

In terms of stainless steel business, TCI expects an obvious upturn in demand as opposed to last year, when there was a slowdown in the US due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The company also believes there will be a revival in the American manufacturing and construction industries.

Source: Fastener World Magazine

New office building for Tong Ho Shing In a boost to its customised fastener production and service, Tong Ho Shing is set to complete a brand new office building that is expected to help increase capacity, orders and service, reports Fastener World Magazine.

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ocusing on the construction and furniture markets, Tong Ho Shing International mainly manufactures stainless steel hex washer socket head screws, flange screws, round head screws, flat head screws, pan head screws and other small screws. The company can manufacture a range covering M3.5 to M6 of DIN compliant products and #6-#14 IFI compliant products.

Located in Kaohsiung City, Tong Ho Shing was founded in 2011 and is ISO 9001 certified.

The company also recently installed three all new threading machines and forming machines that have increased the total number of manufacturing equipment to 73 sets.

“We have experienced management staff that help supervise the manufacturing area and solve any issues,” explains Tong Ho Shing. “We are also able to inform customers of how their orders have progressed along the production process, at any point, thanks to our ERP management system.”

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NEWS - asia

Chinese Ministry of Commerce to conduct final review investigation on anti-dumping Chinafastener.com has reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has decided to conduct a final review investigation on anti-dumping measures applicable to carbon steel fasteners originating in the EU and the United Kingdom.

O

n 28th April 2021, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce received the application for the final review of anti-dumping measures on imported carbon steel fasteners from the European Union submitted by the Fastener Branch of China General Machinery Parts Industry Association on behalf of China’s carbon steel fastener industry.

According to Article 48 of the Anti-Dumping Regulations of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Commerce has decided to conduct a final review and investigation on the anti-dumping measures applicable to imported carbon steel fasteners originating in the European Union and the United Kingdom from 29 th June 2021.

According to the proposal of the Ministry of Commerce, the Tariff Commission of the State Council has decided to continue to levy anti-dumping duties on imported carbon steel fasteners originating in the European Union and the United Kingdom during the period of the final review investigation of anti-dumping measures in accordance with the scope of products and tax rates announced in the Announcement No. 40 of 2010, No. 24 of 2016, No. 50 of 2017 and No. 3 of 2021 of the Ministry of Commerce.

The rates of anti-dumping duty imposed on companies are as follows: EU companies: 1. KAMAX GmbH & Co KG 6.1% 2. Koninklijke Nedschroef Holding B.V. 5.5% 3. Nedschroef Altena GmbH 5.5% 4. Nedschroef Fraulautern GmbH 5.5% 5. Nedschroef Helmond B.V. 5.5% 6. Nedschroef Barcelona SAU 5.5% 7. Nedschroef Beckingen GmbH 5.5% 8. All others 26% UK companies: All others 26%

The products under investigation include carbon iron or steel fasteners, including woodscrews, self-tapping screws, screws and bolts (whether with nut or washer or not, but excluding screws for fixing rail and screws and bolts with rod diameter less than 6mm), as well as washers. Nuts and fasteners used for maintenance and repair of civil aircraft are not included in the scope of products under investigation.

The survey started from 29 th June 2021 and shall be completed by 28 th June 2022.

Nitto Seiko’s second Indonesian plant now offers vertically integrated production PT. NITTO ALAM INDONESIA, part of the Nitto Seiko Group, has announced that its second Indonesian plant now offers a vertically integrated production system, which has helped shorten lead times by around 30%.

F

ounded in 1985 with just 30 employees, PT. NITTO ALAM INDONESIA’s second plant was first inaugurated in August 2018 and focuses on introducing automated production to provide automotive and other industry clients with high-quality and shorter lead times.

It has taken three years for the plant to establish the vertically integrated production system, with the plant having the equipment for heading, threading, heat treatment, electroplating, inspection and packaging.

The plant aims to target the Japanese manufacturing cluster in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta, and provide it with screws, bolts, anchors and other special cold forged products.

Source: Fastener World Magazine

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

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

Brazilian fastener imports increase in 2021 In the first half of 2021 the Brazilian Ministry of Industry and Commerce recorded more than US$457 million of imports in fasteners (steel, iron, and other metals). This total value is 32.1% higher than the same period in 2020. In volumes, it was 98,650 tonnes, 59.3% superior from January – June last year.

I

n value, mainland China remains at the top among the ten largest fastener supplier countries to Brazil, with 23% of the total share. After China comes USA, 16%; Germany, 11%; Japan, 9.9%; Italy, 9.7%; France, 4.4%; Taiwan, 3.9%; South Korea, 3.2%; Sweden 3% and India 2.3%.

At the same time, in the first half of the year Brazilian fastener exports reached US$66.31 million, which was just 1.5% growth on the previous year. However, due to the high currency depreciation in the Brazilian real, there was a high increase in volumes of 246.5% to 35,745 tonnes. During 2020 26,926 tonnes of fasteners were exported, with a revenue of US$136.81 million.

Among the ten largest fastener customer nations for Brazil, Argentina is the top in value, with a share of 28%. USA is second with 18%. Paraguay is next, with 11%; France, 6.7%; Germany, 4.6%; Bolivia, 3.9%; Uruguay, 2.9%; Mexico, 2.8%; Chile, 2.5%; as well as Colombia and India tied at 2.4%.

João Marques Castelhano: Automec 2021 to take place in November A Life Story The book to address the successful trajectory of the founder of Jomarca, João Marques Castelhano, has been published, which coincides with his 80th birthday at the end of the year.

L

iving in Brazil since his migration from Portugal as a 12 year old in 1954, João Marques Castelhano worked for some important Brazilian fastener companies during his youth, such as Fibam (extinct) and Elbrus.

After his resignation from Elbrus, the company had no money to pay João, so instead gave him a batch of fasteners. That batch was the ‘kick-off’ to open his own fastener resale business, until he became the founder of Jomarca when he was just 28 years old in 1969.

Currently Jomarca is one of the biggest fastener manufacturers in South America, with more than 1,000 employees and a capacity to produce more than 50,000 fasteners per year.

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Organisers have confirmed that Automec São Paulo 2021, the biggest trade show for the auto parts sector in South America, will take place on 9th – 13th November 2021.

T

he international auto parts, equipment and services trade show, will be held in the Expo Center North pavilion, in São Paulo City, according to the official Press Officer Eduardo Pincigher.

With an annual GDP near US$1.9 trillion, the automotive market is a robust sector – with Brazil predicted to produce more than 2.5 million automotive vehicles and 1.1 million motorcycles by the end of December 2021.

Automec currently has several fastener companies as exhibitors, all with industrial plants and/or offices in Brazil, such as CAILLAU (France) and Growermetal SpA (Italy).

Metalúrgica Fey, Metalmatrix Indústria Metalúrgica, Naschold Elementos de Fixacao Industria e Comercio Ltda and ZM are the local Brazilian companies. However, as things get better and the vaccination programme advances, the organisers hope it will raise new enthusiasm from further local companies.

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COVER STORY

Automation is the future

For many years Ambrovit has been focused on automation and 2021 has been no different – with the company increasing its number of automation lines for even faster order processing and faster product delivery.

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attia Sozzè, quality manager at Ambrovit SpA commented: “Automation is the future and at Ambrovit we are living in the future. We aim for excellence and believe there can be no perfect service if it is not automated. Without constantly investing and enhancing your automation services there can be no clear management of your product offering.”

Increasing the number of automation lines has enabled Ambrovit to quickly add arriving pallets to the system and for them to be automatically transported to the automated high bay warehouse – resulting in the flow of products becoming even faster and more efficient.

“It is important as a business you are able to be flexible, so it is easier to follow the needs

42

of the markets and customers. After doubling the size of the automated warehouse in 2016 to 44,000 pallets, we soon realised that whilst we could quickly and efficiently send out orders, there was a bottleneck at incoming goods and getting the pallets into the system.

That is why we decided to invest and automate incoming goods, so we could streamline the overall process,” explains Mattia.

Within the automated warehouse there is a buffer area with 170 positions (equivalent to five containers per day), dedicated to incoming goods management, as well as relevant quality control on three operating bays. Here the operator, supported by a specialist program, carries out all the necessary inspections against product standards (UNI-DIN-ISO-EN).

This new operating system ensures a very high-level of quality and sustainable

FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

product standardisation, which Ambrovit states is important. “We also have a miniload warehouse, also fully automated, which manages and handles small loads.

This enables us to prepare orders for small quantities, which may involve many articles in a very short space of time.

Even in this situation, we can guarantee ultra-fast processing within 24 – 48 hours,” comments Mattia.

To further guarantee the quality of products when arriving at their destination, Ambrovit’s automated system also includes an automatic stretch-hood pallet wrapper to provide proper protection for products during transport. This packaging is waterproof and protects the contents while keeping the integrity of the cartons. “We pay attention to the detail and that includes putting procedures in place to ensure our

products arrive in the correct condition.

We’ve invested heavily in our packaging and believe it plays a fundamental role. We therefore want to ensure quality standards in this area.”

As well as investing in automation, Ambrovit is clear – quality products is key. “Our goal is to continue with all the services we already supply and to improve where possible. A warehouse with thousands of products ready for delivery must be constantly checked and updated so that the possibility of purchase is always guaranteed, but above all – we want to ensure quality.”

In order to maintain its high-quality expectations, and to ensure products are controlled and certified, Ambrovit hand picks its suppliers using a three phase selection process. Phase one – suppliers

are evaluated and certified by the purchasing office under the supervision of the head of purchasing. “It is important to us that we know our suppliers personally, in order to be able to evaluate and familiarise ourselves with the quality of the products supplied. We therefore evaluate their suitability and carry out a thorough audit,” mentions Mattia.

Phase two involves a request for the product – Ambrovit will send a supplier documentation outlining procedures that must be strictly adhered to. The supplier is then required to carry out inspections and tests and provide reports to guarantee standardisation.

Phase three involves products being constantly tested in Ambrovit’s in-house laboratory, which has been equipped with the latest generation of instruments for quality control and sophisticated software.

Equipment includes a metallographic micro cutting machine, Rockwell hardness tester, Vickers micro hardness tester and coating thickness tester, as well as a Corrosionbox for salt spray tests according to ISO-DIN. All instruments used are subject to regular calibration tests as stipulated by management procedures to conform to the UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 norm.

“The demands of our customers are increasingly aimed at having quality products that perform in all types of use,” explains Mattia. “Our investments in automation and new technologies is enabling us to have a larger amount of products with specific uses. Obviously, our customers also pay a lot of attention to the purchase costs, but Ambrovit is extremely competitive here.”

To be a leader in this market, Ambrovit believes it is not enough to have good

products delivered quickly – long-standing relationships are vital and over the past 18 months this has never been more true. The pandemic has meant customers need to communicate and work together more than ever before – something that Ambrovit has always strived to achieve.

“Our relationships with our customers are the result of years of collaboration and have been further consolidated during this tough pandemic. As a business you have to work together with your customers to create synergies to address economic aspects; to be as transparent as possible; and to also communicate effectively. This of course means providing product information quickly and clearly – an offering we’ve now enhanced with our online portals.”

Ambrovit’s online portals give customers all the product technical specifications and product updates in a clear, intuitive and easy to view way. There is also an online interactive catalogue that is constantly updated in ‘real time’.

Given the focus once again this year on automation – what are Ambrovit’s plans for the future? “The aim of Ambrovit, and therefore of our foreign sales force, is to seek out new markets without exclusion, both in Europe and on other continents. It should be said that, despite the pandemic period, we have achieved significant commercial successes that has further confirmed our market position.”

“For the future, we expect trends to be geared towards quality above all – as well as the need for niche products for industry sectors, which may include innovative materials. We also see a trend in the responsibility of the ecological and environmental aspects of our products, which Ambrovit is ready for. For instance, we are already a promoter of initiatives for a healthier and cleaner environment.” www.ambrovit.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

take a look into the workings of fastener companies

Bontempi celebrates th 60 anniversary This year Bontempi Vibo celebrates its 60th anniversary having used its family business ethos, combined with a passion for continuous development, to become an international leader in advanced industrial fasteners.

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ver the last 60 years Bontempi Vibo has seen its product range and production capabilities develop significantly, with the company monitoring its strategy year-to-year to meet customers’ and market needs – enabling it to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and employees.

“As a business we have always looked to adapt to the needs of the markets and this is represented by how our product range and capabilities have grown,” points out Raoul Bontempi, CEO at Bontempi Vibo. “Initially as a company we started with hot forging, but by the end of the 1960s we were already working with cold forging. This developed more and more throughout the 1970s and 1980s, during which time our focus as a business was stainless steel fasteners. However, in the first decade of the 21 st Century this changed and we started to concentrate on carbon steel fasteners – specifically special items or niche standard items that aren’t readily available within the market.”

Through this commitment to meet customers’ needs, and its ability to continuously evolve, Bontempi was able to develop a wide variety of screws, bolts and specialises in diameters M5 up to M64, all available in several top quality surface coatings.

“I remember twenty years ago when all customers’ required, when it came to coatings, was either a black finished product or zinc plated product,” points out Vittoriano Calomeni, general manager at Bontempi Vibo. “Since then, customers’ requirements have developed more and more to a point where we need to be able to supply fasteners with a whole range of surface finishes, as well as patching options.”

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

In this time customers’ needs have also developed when it comes to quality requirements, additional production steps, as well as special packaging or labelling needs. “Customers are definitely asking for more each year, especially when it comes to the requirements regarding quality,” mentions Raoul. “We are regularly audited by our customers and our customers’ customers. The demand on quality levels and PPM requirements are continuously increasing, but this is what the market is requesting so it is up to us to meet these requests. We are completely dedicated and committed to satisfying all our customers’ needs.”

Vittoriano adds: “We have also seen distributors move closer to their customers in order to meet various obligations – so their customers can save internal costs. Our customers have focused on the service they give their customers and this has therefore led to more responsibility for the products and services for us as a manufacturer.

We have accepted this challenge, because we understood that this is the key to our customers’ success, which is why we ensure we can provide the necessary flexibility and services requested.”

Through this flexibility, Bontempi Vibo has become renowned for its good service and prompt delivery for its range of products – all at a competitive price. “We are able to combine stock, service and price as one package,” states Raoul emphatically. “We can do this thanks to our extensive production capabilities as well as our automated warehouse, which is a key part of the service we are able to provide our customers.”

Bontempi Vibo is in the process of expanding its automated warehouse to include an additional 6,400 pallet spaces – which will take the total to around 22,000. “This is a big investment

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INSIGHT for us and will enable us to deliver even more products to customers from stock,” mentions Raoul. “We will be able to have more items instantly available for customers who want to buy straight away or we can hold more stock for our distributor customers for when they need them. This ability to provide big volume orders, supported by first class service, enables us to stand out within the market as a European manufacturer.”

This service has been particularly vital during the last 18 months as the Covid-19 pandemic swept the globe.

“Service and understanding your customers’ needs, and being flexible enough to answer new requirements, has been essential during the whole pandemic,” states Raoul. “At the very beginning we did close our factories for 20 days, but then it was the market itself that pushed us to reopen – due to the fact we were a key part of supply chains. Initially it was just the logistics department, but soon after we opened all the plants in order to meet customers’ needs, which at the time were very urgent. During the whole process we kept in close contact with our customers and did our best to provide the products and flexibility they required.”

Even with the pandemic, Bontempi Vibo continued with its investment plans to give it the best opportunity to grow once the market restarted. “We have an industrial growth plan to achieve €80 million in revenue by 2025 and there are two key focuses for us in how we achieve this target,” states Raoul. “The first is by investing in new machinery and enlarging our capacity, as well as introducing new products.

The second, and main one as a commodity business, is to acquire new companies, which is what we have done.”

Bontempi Vibo announced the acquisition of Italian manufacturer Mi.Me.Af. SpA in March (for more information go to page 58), which is in addition to the acquisition of the entire ownership of FRAM Srl in 2019. “These acquisitions have enabled us to expand our production capabilities, as well as widen our range of products, and we have plans for further acquisitions within the fastener market in the future,” concludes Raoul. “We will look for companies that can offer us new product ranges and new markets. We want to be a supplier where customers can find all the products they need; at the correct price; with a very high-quality level; all supported by a leading logistics service; and through our commitment and industrial growth plan we are confident in reaching our goal.” www.vibo.com

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ADVANTAGES • • • • •

INSIGHT

Nögel: Celebrating with investment Alongside celebrating its 40th anniversary, Nögel is also using 2021 as an opportunity to invest in its future growth – with the company recently completing a new warehouse, with more than 5,000 extra pallet places, as well as planning to invest in new CNC machinery.

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stablished in 1981, Nögel Montagetechnik Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH has developed from a family business – started in the cellar of a house – into a market leader for the window, construction and industry markets. The company can provide over 45,000 different solutions for applications involving windows, doors, façades and wood construction.

“With our large-scale, and knowledge of our customers’ requirements, we can offer a wide range of items to meet every need,” states Nögel. “This has enabled us to develop a high-quality range of products and services that meet customers’ requirements around the world.”

Even during the current challenging market environment, Nögel has still seen growing demand for its products and services. “Due to our long-term planning, as well as the stable partnership with customers and suppliers, we have been able to approach the Covid-19 situation in a generally positive and proactive way,” explains Nögel.

This has been further helped by the company finishing its new warehouse in 2021, which will enable Nögel to keep in stock up to 35% of its core products – especially those with long delivery times. “With the new warehouse we are looking to guarantee our clients a constant supply of the core products they require, as well as further improving the service they receive.”

Alongside its distribution capabilities, Nögel also has the ability to manufacture at its headquarters in Twist, Germany. “We can produce more than 250,000 plastic parts for window and door accessories each day. We also have a range of high class CNC machinery that enables us to offer specialised production for aluminium window and door manufacturers. We are also currently planning to increase our capacity when it comes to the production of PVC by introducing new machinery. This is to meet the market demand from customers, which is constantly increasing.”

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In addition to its headquarters in Germany, Nögel also has operations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Romania, Poland, and Hungary, enabling it to sell its products worldwide. “The main markets of Nögel is the whole European market, including a strong position in Russia,” explains the company. “Thanks to our PARCO and JETFAST brand of products, we have been able to establish ourselves as a supplier of high class fastener solutions.”

Alongside its product range, Nögel can also offer a wide range of services to its clients. Its technical department is able to offer help in all kind of construction applications and make sure customers find the right solutions for their requirements. “A big focus for us a business is our innovation lab, where we develop ideas and bring more unique and patented product solutions to the market. This enables us to offer customers the best practical solutions.”

For the last two years the company has also been focused on developing a new client supply system – called the Nögel Easy Button system. “This is a logistics solution that can be customised to the needs of individual customers and ensures that we are providing a complete service to our customers.”

To add to its technical developments, Nögel also has its own QC laboratory and works with external testing institutes to guarantee a constant high-quality level of products. This is underlined by several of Nögel’s products being ETA and CE certified. “We have a wide range of certified products. For instance, our range of window fasteners are Ift Rosenheim tested according to the necessary technical requirements.”

Nögel concludes: “We are very proud to be celebrating our 40 th anniversary and through our investment in the new warehouse, as well as plans to increase of manufacturing capacity, we are very positive about the future and we look forward to continuing to work with our existing customers, as well as finding new business.” www.noegel.de

INSIGHT

BUMAX® – optimal fastening solutions BUMAX® is known for its ability to provide a variety of different stainless steel grades for optimal fastening solutions – with the company stating it produces the strongest bolts in the world. Here we speak to Lars Holm, managing director at BUMAX, about the company’s capabilities and its commitment to high performance, consistency and quality.

BUMAX® is a Bufab brand, tell us more about the company and its development, as well as how it earned its reputation for providing high-quality stainless steel bolting solutions?

“BUMAX® is located in the village of Åshammar in the heart of Sweden’s steel industry. This is a region with a very long history of steel production and is still home to prominent steel manufacturers such as Sandvik, Ovako, SSAB and Outokumpu. BUMAX itself as a manufacturer can trace its roots back to 1899 and the forging of nails.

The manufacturing site continued to develop and in 1926 became one of the first companies to produce fasteners in austenitic stainless steel grades (similar to those commonly used today). However, the company has come a long way since then.

The BUMAX brand was born when the business was acquired by Bufab Group. With a well established history in the manufacture of high-quality stainless steel fasteners, there was natural progression for us to leverage our technical expertise in stainless steel materials and manufacturing know-how even further. By establishing a clear focus on developing a range of high strength fasteners in premium stainless steel materials, it has allowed BUMAX to become a brand known for high performance, quality and consistency, for those applications where performance and safety are critical and generic fasteners would simply be inadequate.”

level. This is quite a step up from A4 stainless steel fasteners in terms of general corrosion resistance and also offers strength equivalent to carbon steel 12.9. DX 129 solves a lot of the specification, manufacturing and performance challenges that surround the use of 12.9 high-tensile carbon steel bolts, with additional secondary protective coatings. Even at such high strength, DX 129 still retains excellent ductility and fatigue resistance properties, easily exceeding that of high-tensile 12.9 carbon steel bolts.

Next in our standard product range is BUMAX® SDX 109, which is a high strength super duplex stainless grade. We stock this in a range of fastener types, nuts, and washers, from M6 to M16, which is quite unique for super duplex stainless steel fasteners. Fasteners of such material would traditionally have to be specially manufactured to order.

However, BUMAX maintains a large stock of finished super duplex fasteners – possibly the biggest in the world.

We then have other ‘special’ BUMAX product grades, which we consider on a project-to-project basis – usually in close collaboration with the end customer’s engineers to develop the optimal solution.

These grades include BUMAX® Ultra, which is a super high strength grade, capable of tensile and yields strengths of 1,500MPa and 1,350MPa respectively (even considerably higher, in some carefully considered cases). BUMAX also differentiates itself from competitors in terms of the level of technical expertise and application advice it offers to customers in order to find the optimal fastener solution for their particular application.”

We pride ourselves on the technical knowledge of our people and our ability to offer or develop solutions to meet our customers’ challenges…”

What are the grades BUMAX products are available in and how does this differ to those available with other stainless steel products?

“BUMAX® 88 and 109 are the BUMAX flagship ranges of A4/316L stainless steel grades. We only source premium European stainless steel, supplied to a very stringent BUMAX specification. This material offers its users a higher level of general corrosion resistance than other A4/316 stainless steel material more commonly used in the manufacture of generic A4 stainless steel fasteners. In terms of strength, BUMAX® 88 is stronger than A4-80 with excellent fatigue resistance properties. This is another advantage for end users that require long-term reliability from fasteners within equipment or products operating under quite severe conditions.

If higher strength is required, then BUMAX® 109 offers end users a class A4-100 product.

The BUMAX® DX 129 product range takes corrosion resistance and strength to the next

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What are the types of products available within the BUMAX range? Plus, what are the main geographic and industry markets you are able to supply these products to?

“At BUMAX, we offer a wide range of fastener types from stock – including socket head cap screws, countersunk screws, pan head screws, hex head bolts and set screws, nuts, lock nuts, washers and threaded rod. Depending on the fastener type, our stock can range from M3 diameter up to M36. In addition, we also offer BUMAX® 88 fasteners with a pre-material assessment in accordance with PED 2014/68/EU, for use in pressure rated equipment from temperatures as low as -273°C up to 400°C. We also produce BUMAX® 88 CE Marked structural bolts

MANUFACTURER SINCE 1981 OF THREADED RODS DIN976-1

NEW WEBSITE AND WEBSHOP Visit www.bomet.com and ask your log-in

Stock Availability

Price Availability

Ordering

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BIRMINGHAM

INSIGHT (non-preloaded) to EN 15048 for structural steel applications. We can manufacture fasteners in non-standard sizes to order and also customer specific designs in different BUMAX grades. We even manufacture some non-fastener parts, where several customers have approached us with a request to provide the same material properties of certain BUMAX grades within their own bespoke components.

In terms of the industry sectors that we serve, there is a common theme that runs through our customer base – companies that are involved in high performance or safety critical applications. This includes offshore and subsea oil and gas, nuclear energy and research, marine, defence and space, industrial machinery, and also challenging construction and infrastructure projects. Geographic markets for BUMAX have traditionally been mainly within Europe, however we plan to expand our geographic footprint in potential key markets in the US, Middle East and Asia over the coming years – this is part of our ambition to double our turnover within the next five years.”

What are the key properties of BUMAX products?

What are the advantages for customers?

“The main properties that come to mind when people think of BUMAX are high strength and corrosion resistance. However, there are many other properties that benefit our customers. The quality and consistency of our material and our manufacturing process, means that not only do we produce a very high performing product, but that it is also a very consistent product in terms of performance.

Another important aspect of BUMAX is the fatigue resistance of our fasteners. This means that under conditions of variable stress and vibration, BUMAX fasteners show considerably longer service life compared with other generic stainless steel fasteners.

This is largely down to the quality and specification of the materials we use and also the manufacturing techniques that we employ to produce our fasteners. Customer benefits include longer service life, improved reliability, reduced down time, less maintenance and lower lifecycle costs.

Another big advantage of BUMAX fasteners is that they are almost immune to galling. Galling is a common concern that people have with stainless steel fasteners and involves the seizing up of the fasteners during installation, due to friction and adhesion between stainless steel surfaces sliding against one another under high pressure. Again, there are various features of BUMAX fasteners that prevent this from occurring.”

How do you guarantee the quality and reliability of BUMAX products?

“Our quality and reliability all stem from BUMAX products that are designed and manufactured to exceed generic fastener standards. Manufacturing fasteners of this type of specification is not easy, which means that everything we do is carefully considered and controlled, with

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little room for error. Quality and reliability are the result of many factors – from our knowledge and understanding of stainless steel material and bolting; our expertise in manufacturing processes and technology; the skills of our production personnel; and our stringent processes and procedures.

All of our products are fully tested post-production and every BUMAX part is readily available with 3.1 certification (and 3.2 certification on request). Normally this level of quality assurance and certification will require fasteners that are specifically manufactured to order.

In addition to this, many long-standing BUMAX customers have been using BUMAX fasteners in their products and operations for many years, which we consider a testament to our product performance, quality and reliability.”

What services do you offer to customers?

How do you ensure a reliable supply?

“We pride ourselves on the technical knowledge of our people and our ability to offer or develop solutions to meet our customers’ challenges – we do not just ‘sell’ nuts and bolts. Many of the projects that BUMAX has been involved in over the years have required working hand in hand with the customer – developing, testing and validating a solution to a particular engineering challenge. This has sometimes resulted in the development of solutions that were the first of their kind.

In addition to this, being part of the Bufab Group offers many advantages when it comes to serving our customers. Through regional Bufab sister companies, we are able to hold and manage BUMAX stock for specific customers. Whether there is an ongoing requirement or where we are manufacturing special parts to order, customers are able to take advantage of cost reductions from larger manufacturing order volumes.

We are able to hold this stock for call off, meaning that the customer can benefit from both a lower unit cost but also avoid the upfront outlay.

If fastener parts are required that cannot be met by the BUMAX product portfolio or manufacturing capabilities, then our Bufab colleagues are able to leverage their wide-reaching supply chain networks and get alternative products sourced or manufactured.”

What is the current situation within the stainless steel fastener market?

“The last 12 – 14 months have been very challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we are now in fact, starting to see a swing towards a significant increase in activity for stainless steel in general and this also includes fasteners. We are very aware of the current unpredictability of supply, increased lead times and price volatility within the general stainless steel fastener market. There is considerable pressure on steel producers at the moment to deliver volumes in order to meet the demands of industry buyers. The shortage in capacity, increased demand, and pressure to deliver material, is inevitably pushing the high prices we are currently experiencing with stainless steel. In addition to this, there is also the disruption to logistics and the soaring costs of shipping. As a manufacturer of stainless steel fasteners, we are not immune to these same challenges that are faced by the rest of the industry. However, we benefit from our long-standing relationship with suppliers, considerable commitment on material supplies, stockholding and long-term planning. As a result of how we operate as a business and the steps that we have taken over the last year or so, we are confident that we have managed to mitigate much of the negative impact as far as possible.

We continue to achieve good output from our factory and are maintaining healthy levels of BUMAX stock products.”

How do you see the premium stainless steel fastener market developing in the future?

“Previously, the availability of stainless steel fasteners was fairly limited and costs were relatively high. Stainless steel materials were treated as a necessity, rather than an option. However, with large Asian producers, stainless steel products have become more readily available and at lower cost. Another key driver for stainless steel fasteners is the challenge of producing more durable, reliable and sustainable products and infrastructure. Stainless steel is highly recyclable, which means that this feature alone will be a considerable factor in the rationale for the future use of stainless steel. This has worked hand in hand with the growing awareness of the benefits of stainless steel materials among engineers. Especially within other industry sectors outside of those that are traditionally more familiar with stainless steel materials, such as oil and gas, chemical and marine industries. This trend will continue to increase in the size of the overall stainless steel fastener market and will also have a knockon effect on the premium end of the market, as there will always be that proportion of performance and safety critical applications where generic commodity fasteners will be inadequate.”

By establishing a clear focus on developing a range of high strength fasteners in premium stainless steel materials, it has allowed BUMAX to become a brand known for high performance, quality and consistency…”

What trends do you see for the stainless steel fastener sector going forward? What opportunities does this provide to you as a business?

“Stainless steel continues to gain more interest across many industries, as engineers and asset owners are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits. For example, one market where we are starting to see greater interest is construction. With ever growing pressures to think about building in a more sustainable manner, we are starting to see greater interest in stainless steel as a more sustainable material option – where traditionally carbon steel would have been used.

There is extensive research going on to re-evaluate our thinking about material usage in buildings and infrastructure and to develop new standards in structural engineering, particularly in the use of stainless steel materials.”

What plans does BUMAX have for 2021 and beyond?

“One of the most recent additions to the BUMAX high strength product family is BUMAX® NITRO 109, which is designed for achieving both excellent corrosion resistance in marine environments, as well as delivering high strength, equivalent to 10.9 at large diameters – up to M36. BUMAX has a philosophy of continuously pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible, so we are continually investing in R&D. The direction of our R&D is largely influenced by the close relationships we have with our customers and the particular engineering challenges that they face – as in the case of NITRO 109. We have a number of additional exciting products and new production capabilities in the pipeline and we hope to be in a position to discuss some of these early next year in more detail.

Our key geographical markets have traditionally been within Europe.

However, in addition to developing our coverage of these markets, we are increasingly drawing on our network of Bufab sister companies and BUMAX distributors around the world, who are working to build customer relationships throughout the USA and Asia. We are planning an aggressive expansion of our geographical footprint over the coming years, which will take us toward our ambitions of doubling turnover within the next five years.”

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

SERMOCOL – developing its tooling capabilties SERMOCOL is a manufacturer of tools for the fastener industry that is constantly updating its machine park to ensure that it is able to produce the necessary products and quality to meet customers’ expectations.

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stablished in 2012, the company specifically focuses on the manufacture of dies and punches in steel and carbide for its main markets in Portugal, Spain, France and Germany.

SERMOCOL has a wide range of machinery within its production facility including flat grinders, CNC cylindrical grinding machines, 3 and 5 axis CNC machining centres, CNC lathes, wire cutting EDM, die-sinking EDM, as well as hole-drilling EDM. “We can provide a reliable service to our customers because all our parts are 100% controlled throughout the entire process,” states SERMOCOL. “We also ensure our measuring equipment is regularly calibrated and our quality department is ISO 9001 certified.”

To continue its growth and development the company is committed to investing within its employees, as well as its capabilities. “It is very important to have a strong investment in the professional training of our employees and we also try to keep ourselves updated in equipment with the latest technologies,” points out SERMOCOL. “For instance, we added further machinery to our factory in the form of a wire cutting EDM machine in March 2021.”

“Over the last 18 months we have had to adapt to this new reality, whilst keeping the focus on the customer,” concludes SERMOCOL. “As a business we will continue to improve the way we communicate with customers and ensure we are able to react even faster to the needs of the market. As a company we will also look to diversify into other sectors such as aviation, rail, pharmaceutical and the ceramic industry.” www.sermocol.pt

Hardmetal Tooling & Spare Parts www.sermocol.pt

HIGH TECHNOLOGY PRECISION METAL FINISHING COMPETITIVE AND FAST SERVICE Zona Indust. Norte - Raso de Travassô 3750-755 Travassô, Águeda - Portugal

comercial@sermocol.pt

Gecko plastic fastening solutions Through constant expansion of its production portfolio; consistently investing in its tooling; and establishing new offices around the world; Gecko Fastener has been able to establish itself as a key supplier for plastic fasteners.

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ecko Fastener Co was originally founded as a trading company in 1986. However, through the rapid growth in the demand for plastic fasteners, the company decided to grab the opportunity to transform into a plastic fastener manufacturer in the 1990s.

Through its quality products and reliable service, Gecko Fastener has gained the trust and cooperation of its customers for a wide range of products including circuit board supports, rivets, screws, washers, nuts, feet, damper, rotary damper, LED spacers, cable management, automotive and metal spacers.

“We are a developer and producer of small, essential components and can provide customised tool design, injection moulding, product design and professional consulting,” states Henry Wu (above left), CEO at Gecko Fastener. “We maintain a high volume of stocks on numerous products to ensure a reliable supply to our customers. We also consistently invest in our tooling and make varieties of moulds to increase our product range. Our development department regularly introduces new products to the market.”

Johann Nitsch, GM Europe & USA (above right) at Gecko Fastener, adds: “Predominately we focus on a variety of applications that require ‘made to order’ products, fasteners for industrial production, consumer products production, as well as the automotive industry, in Asia, the USA and Europe. Thanks to our core value of supplying high-quality products – which is guaranteed through several international standards including IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 – we can provide the product solutions customers need.”

Despite the pandemic, Gecko Fastener has still looked to expand its sales reach, by setting up offices in Spain, Taiwan and the Philippines. “We provide a reliable supply chain for our products with reasonable prices, as well as any necessary support and service to our customers,” concludes Henry Wu. “The new sales offices will enable us to provide more frequent, faster and on time support and supply to our customers, as well as maintain close relationships with our customers.” www.gecko-fastener.com

INSIGHT

New projects for NORM Coating NORM Coating has announced two new important projects for 2021 that will enable the subsidiary of NORM Holding to continue to develop its versatility, increase its already high capacity and introduce further technologically advanced innovative coating systems.

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ounded in 1998, NORM Coating started with only one zinc coating line.

However, over the last 23 years the company has become one of the largest coating companies in Turkey, and one of the leading companies in Europe, thanks to its high capabilities for not only coatings but also for sorting and packaging processes.

The company is certified to IATF 16949 and is an approved supplier to major OEMs and leading automotive manufacturers.

“At NORM Coating we deliver consistent quality and world-class coatings for sectors such as automotive, appliances, construction, engineering, furniture, aerospace, biomechanics and rail,” explains Fatma Fidan, plants manager at NORM Coating. “We can do this thanks to our five Turkish plants in İzmir and Manisa, which cover a total area of 77,500m2, of which 55,500m2 is facilities.

Through these plants we have a total coating capacity of 140,000 tonnes through various coating technologies.”

In order to further develop its capabilities, when it comes to the coating of fasteners and stamped parts, NORM Coating has introduced two new projects for 2021.

Firstly, it has started construction of a new factory in Sakarya, which will be completed in the second quarter of 2022. “With a total area of 20,000m 2 , of which 14,000m 2 is facilities, the new factory will enable us to develop services in wet painting, powder coating, eCoating, rack galvanising and zinc alloy coating,” points out Fatma.

The second project introduced by NORM is a new wet plating plant in İzmir, which

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is fully automated, robot controlled and environmentally friendly. “Throughout its history NORM Coating has installed fully automated state of the art equipment and expanded its machinery with the highest level of automated lines and the new wet plating plant is another example of this commitment,” states Fatma. “In our factories we can apply all coatings requested by our customers such as electrolytic acidic zinc, alkaline zinc, zinc nickel, zinc phosphate, zinc tin, as well as zinc iron coating. We can also supply DeltaProtekt®, Geomet®, Magni and Atotech licenced coatings, as well as provide bulk, rack and spray zinc flake coating applications. Plus, we can provide 3M, Precote, Tuflok and Omnimask as adhesive coatings and thread masking.”

Another example of NORM Coating’s commitment to investing is its new rack dip-spin zinc flake coating technology, which helps prevent thread damage to fasteners or assembly problems. “This method is also used in the coating of chassis parts and offers high corrosion resistance with a much thinner coating layer compared to existing applications, without the risk of hydrogen embrittlement,” mentions Fatma.

To go alongside its factories, NORM Coating also has chemical and mechanical laboratories where tests can be performed to measure processes and compare the results to customers’ standards. This allows the company to achieve repeatable, successful results and maintain a high-level of customer satisfaction. “As a team, we constantly seek to develop our core competencies and technical knowledge by playing an active role in technical networks, seminars, industry

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Fatma Fidan, NORM Coating, plants manager associations and collaborations with universities,” explains Fatma. “We always strive to pursue new technologies that enable innovative solutions to deliver high-quality and value-added solutions to our customers’ needs. We can proudly say that we perform coating processes at the highest level in our world-class facilities.”

As part of NORM Coating’s objective to be a sustainable and environmentally conscious company, it has also installed solar power systems on the roofs of its two plants in Salihli. The company plans to continue its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by expanding these solar installations to all its factories in the next two years. In addition, NORM Coating has a waste reduction and 98% water reclamation project, which it will implement in the Sakarya factory once it is complete. “At NORM Coating we are focused on how we operate as a business and how we can ensure we take into consideration future generations and the environment,” concludes Fatma. “That is why we will continue to expand our sustainability projects.” www.uysalkaplama.com

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High Innovative Coatings for every need: - Electrolytic Coatings: Acidic Zinc, Alkaline Zinc, Zinc - Nickel, Zinc - Tin, Zinc - Phosphate, Zinc - Iron Coating - Zinc Flake Coatings: Delta, Geomet, Magni and Atotech Licensed Bulk, Rack and Sprey Coating Applications - Adhesive Coating and Thread Masking: 3M, Precote, Tuflok, Omnimask Applications - Hydrogen Embrittlement Process - Technical Cleanliness Process - Topcoat Application Process Zinc & Nickel Coating Line

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INSIGHT

Mi.Me.Af. joins the Bontempi family In March Bontempi Vibo announced the 100% acquisition of Mi.Me.Af. – an Italian manufacturer specialised in the production of special design fasteners – as part of the company’s industrial growth strategy.

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i.Me.Af. SpA is recognised for its high-quality and great ability to customise its products in the most varied industries, from automotive to household appliances, as well as the locks and compressors sector. Founded in 1952 by Angelo Panzeri, the company has continuously expanded over the years by meeting the needs of its customers regarding new product requests, constant quality improvements and increased quantity demands.

The acquisition of Mi.Me.Af. brings a new range of products, capabilities and market opportunities to the Bontempi Group. “We are very pleased to have added Mi.Me.Af. to the Bontempi family and see a lot of synergies and opportunities to grow for both companies in the future,” comments Raoul Bontempi, CEO at Bontempi Vibo SpA. “At Bontempi we have set ourselves the goal of achieving €80 million revenue by 2025 and Mi.Me.Af. will be a key part in achieving this.”

A key factor in Bontempi acquiring Mi.Me.Af. was the fact the Italian SME focuses on a completely different range of products and market than Bontempi. “Mi.Me.Af. produces a variety of special screws and has a lot of experience and knowledge within this area, which was very appealing to us at Bontempi,” explains Raoul. “To add to this, there are also a lot of synergies between the two companies that will provide a host of opportunities. For instance, at Bontempi we can use our experience to help develop Mi.Me.Af. regarding distribution, logistics, etc, as well as offer the strength and financial capacity needed in order to support the company and enable organic growth. At the same time Mi.Me.Af. can open Bontempi up to new markets and also new quality and production expertise, such as IATF 16949 certification for the automotive industry – which Mi.Me.Af. has achieved. There are a lot of different areas we can work on together and both companies can benefit from this acquisition.”

For the time being Mi.Me.Af. will continue to be a standalone company within the Bontempi family, but Bontempi is already investing within the business to help it develop. “We believe in the products, the markets, and also the people that are currently working for Mi.Me.Af., which is why we are investing in the organisation of the company, as well as within its quality procedures, the machinery and plant itself,” points out Raoul. “We are already seeing an improvement

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within Mi.Me.Af. from our initial investment and we have a lot of other things planned for the future. We have just started our journey and we are looking forward to how we can work together in the future.”

Raoul Bontempi is clear that Mi.Me.Af. will not be the only acquisition Bontempi makes as part of its industrial growth strategy. “Our plan to achieve €80 million in revenue by 2025, which will involve targeting not only the Italian but also the European market, will be developed through selected acquisitions of solid and innovative companies, which will enable Bontempi Group to expand its production range – reaching new strategic sectors.”

Speaking about the strategy, Raoul Bontempi explained: “We want to get out of the industrial ‘dwarfism’ that has characterised Italian SMEs and prepare the company to be increasingly a protagonist in the challenges that we will face in the fastener sector. The previous acquisition of FRAM Srl in 2019 and now the addition of Mi.Me.Af. underlines our commitment.” www.mimeaf.it

Special screws for extraordinary products we value your details

Corso Europa, 240, 23801 Calolziocorte (LC) Tel. 0341 634814 | Fax 0341 634898 mail: info@mimeaf.it

www.mimeaf.it

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industry insight

Shining a light on the industry

T

he market has certainly been turbulent over the last 18 months, and there are still a lot of factors influencing the fastener sector.

However, at Fastener + Fixing Magazine we wanted to shine a light on the positive

developments from the past year and highlight the achievements of fastener companies across the globe. The following pages therefore include a collection of articles that showcase the very best innovations and products, as well as new capabilities and expansions within businesses.

Investing in wedge-locking technology Despite challenging circumstances over the last 18 months, Nord-Lock Group has been able to continue its investment programme and expand its production facility from 5,300m2 to 8,700m2, as well as introduce a new coating line.

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64% increase in space has helped Nord-Lock to facilitate key process improvements as part of an investment package that has levelled up the control and precision in manufacturing.

Now a high-tech facility, Nord-Lock benefits from more efficient production lines, new machinery, better automation and a bigger premises for optimised workflows.

Daniel Eriksson, product manager at Nord-Lock, comments: “We’re managing margins of thousandths in our production, so of course precision is crucial to meet the tolerances we have for both cleanliness and tools. Variation between Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers was already very low, now it’s even lower.”

Also as part of the investment, Nord-Lock upgraded its cleaning facility.

Residual oil from the stamping process can cause problems in the steps that follow the process, so Nord-Lock now provides a better work environment, a higher quality clean and zero waste. New generation furnaces also help to achieve much lower variation between washers

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during hardening, a process that is crucial to ensure the mechanical function of Nord-Lock’s wedge-locking technology – making it impossible for the product to loosen unintentionally.

Coating also now requires less chemical volume to achieve the same corrosion resistance and simultaneously gives a more even coating thickness, with lower variation between washers, thanks to the installation of a new line. Washers now last twice as long in the neutral salt spray test (according to ISO 9227) before any signs

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of corrosion occur. In turn, Nord-Lock promises the highest corrosion resistance on the market and guarantee at least 1,000 hours of corrosion protection.

After a record investment year Nord-Lock emerges with a more productive, safe, and sustainable manufacturing.

Backed by the confidence of its stable and long-term owners, investment group AB Latour, Nord-Lock Group can distribute wedge-locking washers to every corner of the world. www.nord-lock.com

group

industry insight

New KSP12-R double blow header SACMA Group is well known for the designing and manufacturing of combined headers for producing fasteners from M4 to M24. The Group has now introduced the KSP12-R combined header model to produce fasteners from M3 to M8 with a maximum shaft length of 60mm.

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he double blow header with integrated threading station combines proven SACMA solutions, including advanced mechatronic technology. The one piece main frame is perlitic cast iron and machined with high precision to guarantee rigidity and stability for the whole machine life. Major set-up adjustments are now also motorised for a quick and friendly changeover including an S-feed wire feeder driven by a torque motor; motorised wire stock gauge and DKO; as well as a threading starter driven by torque motor with self-learning function.

These combined headers have been reintroduced to face an increasing demand for small and self-tapping screws widely used in different industries including automotive, construction, as well as electronics. The quality management is facilitated by two gates interfaced with the load monitoring system and discharging of NC parts, after the header and after the roller. An optional sophisticated load control system protects the machine against overloads and monitors the forming and rolling processes.

Scrap separators in different sizes are available when producing self-tapping screws.

SACMA points out the benefits to the new KSP12-R include the consolidation of production methods, as well as floor space utilisation during the fastener manufacturing process – by having the forming, pointing and thread rolling all in one machine. Consequently, more parts can be produced per area, which makes the overall production area more profitable and efficient. One combined header also only requires just one operator and, as it’s two different machines in one, it requires less maintenance and can be set-up in less time.

Other benefits of a combined machine include having the header and threader enclosed in one soundproof enclosure, which A one piece base frame guarantees rigidity and stability for a machine’s whole life

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allows coolant and oils to be recycled safely and controlled in one sealed area – meaning no oil leakage, less pollution and a clean and safe working environment. All SACMA machines are also ‘quick plug in’ equipment meaning that in just a few hours after installation the KSP12-R is ready to start production.

“All these features make the KSP12-R the best value for our customer’s investment, especially when running parts traditionally by a line of connected machines. This ‘all in one’ high productivity process also enables the customer to return their investment quickly.

Our long-life SACMA machines guarantee future profits.” www.sacma.com

ALL YOU NEED Multi-station Headers, thread rollers and CNC lathes for fasteners and high precision metal components www.sacmagroup.com

Four companies to design and to manufacture cutting edge machineries.

Loading, Forming, Threading and Machining solutions.

Commitment to Quality, Modularity, Excellence, Reliability, Customer Centricity, Continuous Improvement, Innovation, Team Working and Employees Engagement are the core values that have been defining Sacma since 1939, world leader manufacturer of multi-station cold forming machines for high-precision metal components and fasteners.

In the last 15 years we have been dedicating our efforts in extending our product portfolio through strategic acquisitions and product innovation.

The result is what Sacma Group is today: an industrial ecosystem for the fastener and cold forming industry, that is able to offer cutting-edge technologies from process design through 3D simulation, multi-station cold forming equipment (SACMA), flat-die thread rollers (INGRAMATIC) all the way to dedicated CNC machines for secondary operations after forming and threading (HS-ASPE). Anything that goes in between these steps requires stable, high-efficiency loading and moving systems: for this Sacma Group supplies reliable solutions through its controlled company TECNO LIFT. 1 Group, 5 interconnected Production Sites within 100Km range, 300 Employees worldwide, 5 Foreign Branches with local after sales staff (USA, China, Taiwan, Germany, Brazil), 24 Agencies, 81 years of history, 24/7 onsite and remote service: Excellence for our customers.

Sacma Limbiate S.p.A.

Viale Dei Mille 126-128 • 20812 Limbiate (MB) - ITALY Ph. +39 0299 4521 • info@sacmalimbiate.it

industry insight

INDEX® A Perfect Fixing – a year of launches 2021 has seen INDEX® A Perfect Fixing continue to expand its product range with a wide range of silicones – MS and foams, a new colour changing MO-PS+ (styrene-free polyester PLUS) chemical anchor, as well as a new range of TH/TF metal anchors for large loads – manufactured in-house.

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he new expanded range of chemical fixings includes three types of adhesives for different uses – MS-PR, MSTR and MS-SF. MS-PR is available in four colours and is an odourless adhesive sealant with excellent multi-material adhesion. It is especially recommended for affixing and sealing shelves, roof finishings, gutters, decks, frame joints or structures subjected to vibrations, expansion joints, cisterns, containers and other aluminium elements, as well as for use in the food processing industry as it has ISEGA certification.

The second adhesive, the MS-TR transparent and odourless sealant, is especially recommended for affixing and assembling in materials where a transparent or visible join is preferred, such as glass, panes, acrylic, PVC, porcelain, ceramic and other transparent elements – outdoors or indoors.

The final adhesive, the MS-SF superfast high tack, acts immediately to secure heavy objects quickly in demanding conditions without supports. This adhesive is suitable for all types of materials such as concrete, wood, metal, cork, aluminium, PVC, copper, brick, stone and porcelain – both indoors and outdoors.

Another new addition by INDEX® A Perfect Fixing is a range of polyurethane foams for professional use. PU-EP polyurethane adhesive SATE/ETICS is suitable for the installation of ETICS plates (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), insulation panels and drywalls.

The high density in its formula also ensures immediate initial fixing and high adhesion.

The PU-SC/PU-SP multipurpose polystyrene foam is appropriate for sealing, assembling, filling, insulating and fixing.

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It is ideal for a wide range of applications and ensures excellent adhesion with all construction materials, except PTFE, silicone and polyethylene.

To add to this, there is the PU-FC/PU-FP polyurethane foam B1 fire resistant, which is a high performance polyurethane foam appropriate for sealing, assembly, filling, insulating and fixing in places where fire resistance is desired or required. This foam also ensures excellent adhesion with all construction materials, except PTFE, silicone and polyethylene. Lastly in this range, the PU-TC/PU-TP polyurethane foam is designed for fixing tiles.

INDEX A Perfect Fixing has also recently incorporated an innovative handling signal system into its MO-PS+ (styrene-free polyester PLUS) chemical anchor, a unique new technology that provides a visual indication of when the product can or cannot be handled. Thanks to the new formulation, which the company believes is unique on the market, the resin changes from blue to grey as the curing process starts. While it is still a shade of blue, the applied stud or rod can be adjusted. Once it turns grey, the adjustment time is over and the curing starts.

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2021 also saw the launch of a new range of TH/TF metal anchors for large loads – manufactured in-house. This range consists of nine models with different heads in a wide selection of metrics, diameters and lengths.

The anchors are available with two types of coatings – zinc plated and Atlantis C3-H, which is a special coating offering the best protection against corrosion in category C3 atmospheres in accordance with ISO 9223.

The anchors can be installed with reduced distances between anchors and at the edge of the concrete element, because they use mechanical interference between the thread and the base material to generate a smaller load on the concrete.

The anchors can also be installed with just a drill and an impact driver, significantly reducing and simplifying installation time.

INDEX A Perfect Fixing points out it is also not necessary to clean the holes in vertical installations and in roofs and/or floors.

Once installed the anchors are easily removable, making a good solution for temporary installations. They can also be unscrewed for correct adjustment and have up to three approved screw-in depths. The anchors also have optimised threads to guarantee maximum loads, as well as being available in a complete range of diameters.

The new range has also achieved multiple European Technical Assessments, such as in Option 1 (ETA – 20/0046) for installation in cracked and non-cracked concrete (C20/25 – C50/60); for non-structural redundant systems (ETA – 20/0494) in concrete (C20/25) and hollow core slabs (≥ C30/37); as well as being approved for fire resistance R30 – R120 in concrete. www.indexfix.com

industry insight

Assembling, profiling and threading ‘all in one’ Ingramatic is introducing the combined thread and profile rolling machine model RP620-R1-RR12, W40/TR6 size – inspired by its I-Thread machine line, featuring a rotary profiling/threading and standard flat dies station for rolling special parts with combined shapes.

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member of the SACMA Group, Ingramatic specialises in designing and manufacturing thread rolling machines. The well known modular I-Thread machine line provides many innovative features such as the motorisation of the die match, the single starter unit driven by torque motor motion, as well as the double starter unit driven by servomotors.

These two types of starter units have, as a standard function, the self-learning adjustment of the starter fingers to make the set-up of the blank introduction easy and quick. Ingramatic says it is the first company to have engineered a solution for the whole range of machines from M1 to M33.

Without compromising thread rolling machine reliability and productivity, this unit device can be used to assemble different types of washers including flat, chamfered, conical, waved, toothed, split, etc, with a wide range of blank diameters and lengths.

The model also features the SC-MATIC software, which allows the PLC to control the washer assembly unit easily and intuitively. The sensor control system is then able to ensure all the screws sent to the following stations have washers and circulates those without washers until they are properly assembled.

The rotary station is equipped with a GR3 size roller and sector to run special shapes

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or threads. It is also possible to bypass the rotary station and activate the motorised height adjustment from the touchscreen panel. The touchscreen panel also allows the operator to set-up the rotary station easily with the electronic handwheel. After the first rolling operation made on the rotary station, the parts are then oriented to the feeding rails of the flat die threading machine.

The flat die station is equipped with the latest technologies available including an introduction system – driven by servomotors –

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for an ultra precise introduction of the blanks into the dies. The station is also designed to run special and sophisticated parts after heat treatment from M6 to M16, as well as featuring a double starter unit with an exclusive self-learning adjustment.

There are two solutions to feed blanks into the feeding rails of the combined machine with a V-Group consisting of a vibratory feeder unit connected to the threader, for blanks up to 140mm under head, or a vertical elevator with a vibrating hopper for longer parts up to 350mm – to load the machine smoothly and quickly.

The thread rollers issued with double starter units are equipped with the ‘M-Group’, which provides the motorisation of the drive unit and slide body position for quick and accurate control of the die match.

All the adjustments are stored for each part and can be recalled to proceed with the automatic set-up of the machine. As per all Ingramatic threaders, the machine is equipped with a rejection gate to reject parts when the load monitor detects deviations.

These combined threaders can produce finished parts, such as fasteners and screws for a variety of industries, starting from blanks. They are also ideal for high productivity requirements, consolidation of production methods, floor space utilisation, and workflow in the fastener manufacturing process – by having the profiling and threading all in one machine. www.sacmagroup.com

NORMA receives ‘German Award for Sustainability Projects’ NORMA Group has been awarded first place in the ‘Equal Opportunities’ category of the ‘German Award for Sustainability Projects 2021’ for its clean water aid project, which has seen the company work with children’s aid organisation Plan International in India and Brazil to improve water supply and ensure equal opportunities.

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ORMA Group launched the ‘NORMA Clean Water’ project together with Plan International in 2014 in the greater Pune region in India. During the four year project period, the repairs of the sanitary facilities at a total of 27 schools have provided access to clean water for more than 18,000 schoolchildren and teachers. Since 2017, NORMA Group has been involved in six rural regions in the north-east of Brazil as part of the project. The goal is to improve the water supply there as well. To this end, water supply systems are being built or repaired and water committees are being established in the communities to manage them.

“Social commitment is part of our self image as a company that acts responsibly. We are very pleased to receive this award.

It is also encouragement for us to promote the sustainable use of the precious resource water worldwide,” said Dr Michael Schneider, CEO of NORMA Group. “With the NORMA Clean Water project we are contributing to a better water supply and efficient water management in the project regions in Brazil. We are thus making an

important contribution to providing children and their families with a future in which they can grow.”

industry insight

Hilti receives gold sustainability rating Hilti Group has improved its sustainability rating, given by the international agency EcoVadis, from silver to gold status. This puts the Group in the top 5% of all companies assessed worldwide.

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hristoph Loos, CEO of the Hilti Group, commented: “We are pleased our intensive efforts to become more sustainable as a company are already beginning to bear fruit. Our gold rating reaffirms that we take this seriously. However, we will not rest on this result and are rather motivated to further improve. We want to become the leader in our industry when it comes to sustainability.”

EcoVadis rates companies according to a total of 21 criteria in the four main topic areas of environment, labour and human rights, fair business practices and sustainable procurement. In Hilti Group’s 2021 rating, the progress made in the area of sustainable procurement, and the role of sustainability factors in the selection of suppliers, were recognised. The systematic, holistic approach taken in the area of labour and human rights, and the resulting improved transparency, were also honoured.

In spring 2021, Hilti Group presented its expanded sustainability strategy and published its first Sustainability Report. The strategy is based on a holistic understanding of sustainability and covers three action fields – environment, people and society. In addition to new targets, the strategy also includes the tightening up of existing targets, such as achieving CO 2 neutrality in the company’s own value chain, as early as 2023.

A new member of the Strux® clinch family CAMCAR InnovationsSM, the inventor of well known industry standards such as genuine Torx®, Strux®, and MAG-FORM®, has introduced the Strux SM™ – a stronger and more reliable assembly alternative to traditional clinch studs for sheet aluminium or other soft sheet materials.

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new member of the Strux® clinch family, the Strux SM™ uses an identical hole size and installation method, as well as offering the ultimate performance in soft metals. Its new design, however, meets the typical needs of customers with high push-out and torsional resistance.

Unlike other clinch systems, panel distortion is minimised when used with the simplest and longest life installation tools in the industry.

For highly automated lines, installation in die with existing equipment is effortless. Compared to other clinch fasteners that often require multiple designs for various sheet thicknesses, CAMCAR says the Strux SM only requires a single design per thread size for a full range of sheet thicknesses that a customer might use.

This can dramatically reduce costs in an end user plant by reducing part numbers and all the associated logistics and complexity costs. Strux SM also creates a fully sealed joint without the use of expensive chemical sealants, reducing system costs to the end user, which allows for use in applications such as roof rails and other positions that are exposed to external environments.

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K-flow delivers uninterrupted fastening As demand for EVs accelerates, the need for vehicle lightweighting is a critical factor, which presents manufacturers with complex assembly challenges. Atlas Copco says its K-Flow drill technology is the ideal mechanical fastening solution to meet these requirements.

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oining capabilities for K-Flow include ‘body in white’ construction in the areas of front floor, underbody, framing and rear floor assembly and battery assembly. This new technology utilises a fastener that is rotated at high-speed, applying pressure to warm up the material.

This allows the fastener to pierce the material stack, cutting the thread in a single process to provide efficient and flexible hybrid joining of multi-material stacks that can be combined with a liquid gasket.

Requiring one sided access only, the K-Flow process provides reliable, high-quality reusable joints that enable serviceability.

K-Flow also increases operator safety, as the process does not involve welding, which can result in weld splatter and fumes. Welding also poses potential issues regarding weld integrity and joint geometry. Efficiency is also improved in comparison to welding, by reducing process steps, as preparation or post-processing of the joint is not required.

Battery assembly is a major area of focus, as these systems have become an integrated part of the vehicle structure – demanding the highest achievable standards of joint strength and crash protection performance. The final stage of battery assembly, which involves the mounting of the cover onto the battery housing, poses a specific challenge as the housing is only accessible from the outside and the bond created should also be detachable to facilitate maintenance and recycling.

With up to 100 connections required in battery cover to tray assembly, fast, uninterrupted and precise joining is necessary, as the joining points are very close together. To address this challenge, Atlas Copco has developed a new feeding technology for K-Flow, which enables significantly higher productivity and shorter cycle times in the cover joining process.

Featuring an innovative helix design, the new K-Flow HLX 70 magazine, which is mounted on the K-Flow joining system, is filled by a fastener feed unit in a loading cycle.

The loading rail of the feed unit is filled up during the joining process, enabling cycle time to be reduced by a third. In addition, HLX 70 eliminates the feed blow air required for each feed process, reducing compressed air consumption by up to 66%. A further advantage of the HLX 70 is a significant reduction in contamination at the joint, which is particularly important in the sensitive battery joining process.

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SASPI launches interactive catalogue Committed to working closely with its customers, to maintain its long-standing relationships, SASPI has recently designed and launched a new interactive catalogue to showcase its entire product range.

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he new catalogue includes in-depth information on all SASPI products including its thread rolling machines, secondary operation machines, washer assembly units, combined machines, as well as custom-made solutions.

The new catalogue also outlines a presentation of the company, which celebrated its 60 th anniversary last year, as well as the wide range of industries SASPI Talleres S.A supplies to.

SASPI comments: “We are constantly innovating and using the most advanced technologies, which places us at the forefront of the fastener industry. We will continue to adapt to our customers’ needs to offer the best possible service for all our customers.” www.saspi.es

BOOTH #3520

Increasing volumes leads to expanded premises Velleuer, part of the Lesjöfors Group, has expanded its facilities with a new building to enable automated processes and logistics.

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n 2018, Velleuer bought an adjacent property to its existing factory in Velbert, Germany, and the decision to build an extension followed in December 2020. In April 2021, the first excavator hit the ground and construction work began. The new facility will have all the expertise and the latest equipment for the manufacture of complex stampings. The existing factory will continue with the manufacture of wire spring products and a well planned warehouse. There will also be more space for value added processes such as the assembly of strip components and in-line washing.

“By separating the production of stampings from wire springs and forms we gain not only more space and a better workflow for our employees but also more streamlined logistics, which our customers will benefit from when it comes to an even higher service level,” comments Frank Jahn, managing director of Velleuer GmbH & Co KG. The new building will meet the latest requirements in terms of energy efficiency, which is a high priority area in Lesjöfors Group’s sustainability objectives. The newly gained space is necessary in order to cope with the increased business volumes and the growing requirements of process automation.

industry insight

New high-speed automatic tapping machines Member of the SACMA Group, HS Automazioni Srl designs and manufactures a wide range of automatic HS ASPE tapping machines, including its new model T10-HC-M – designed to simultaneously tap four pieces at a time on two completely independent working sections.

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Automazioni manufactures its automatic t a p p i n g machines based on a reversible spindle system together with CNC flexible machines, which are mechanically driven by lead screw or brushless synchronised motion systems. This enables internal threads, within the range M2 to M36, to be executed with standard taps in both cutting and forming.

The new model T10-HC-M is designed for maximum productivity achieved by simultaneously tapping four pieces at a time on two completely independent working sections. The M (motorised) system provides electrical management of the tapping spindles for a quick changeover and an easy set-up, with each drawing saved into the PLC. This enables an immediate production restart.

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The T10-HC-M automatic tapping machine also has a unique inclined loading system, aimed at favouring the tapping quality as much as possible and reducing the loading misfeed to a minimum. The concept of this type of tapping machine is ideal for tapping medium production lots or for monoscope work as the machine can equip a single section at a time. The machine is also suitable for tapping large production lots as two independent working sections can be equipped at the same time.

The management of the machine cycle is controlled by PLC with the help of two operator interfaces, one for each section, through which it is possible to change the working parameters; check in ‘real time’ the production status; as well as display any kind of anomaly.

Tapping is controlled by the standard spindle stress monitoring system with alarm level programming and production quality is controlled via special trap door. All machines are also equipped with low inertia and fast positioning servo motors, which provide axis control over the working stroke.

The chip, produced by tapping, is controlled by powerful oil flows to ensure chip separation from the workpieces and/or by an integrated chip-breaker system (used in case of long chips). All parts are loaded into the machine by means of workpiece elevators or hoppers delivered on request

by HS Automazioni’s sister company – Tecno Lift. This enables feeding of the parts into vibrating tanks which, through their operation, transport the part into the machine to be machined automatically.

The quality of the thread is mechanically guaranteed by the lead screw, which makes it possible to realise all types of pitch such as metric, metric fine, UNC, UNF, BSW, G, Rp, Rc or any special pitch. www.hsaspe.com

AUTOMATIC TAPPING MACHINES The Automatic Tapping Machines are based on reversible spindle architecture, mechanically driven by lead screw or brushless synchronized motion systems.

Internal threads, within the range M2 to M36, can be executed using standard taps in both technologies, cutting and forming.

Modularity is at the core of the machines. In relation to the characteristics of the application, it's possible to place single/double spindles enabling two autonomous working areas. Flexibility is maximized with the possibility to work two geometrically different parts in completely independent processes, within the machine footprint.

Precision in operation is achieved using a structurally rigid design of frame, along with the engineered and innovative design of the positioning/clamping devices.

Orthogonality and concentricity in conjunction with other dimensional/geometrical features, are lifetime guaranteed. Regarding productivity, a configuration with four spindles, with an output rate up to 200 pieces/minute, represents the ultimate machine configuration.

www.hsaspe.com

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Combined Machines

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H.S. AUTOMAZIONI s.r.l. • Via Torino 50 • 10075 MATHI (TO) • ITALY • Ph. +39 011 9221825 • sales@hsautomazioni.it

industry insight

3D tour at Lederer Lederer has implemented another powerful component to digitisation in the shape of a walk-in 3D model of the entire company to welcome visitors in a surprisingly real way, despite social distancing rules.

The plating and coating eBook Earnest Machine, the industrial fastener manufacturer and distributor, has launched a new free eBook offering a comprehensive look at solving corrosion and harsh environment issues with platings and coatings for fasteners.

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orking together with the specialised company Werft 6, the virtual reality tour was created in four days of shooting and contains more than a thousand measuring points to represent a complex image of the company. This is because the virtual visitor moves through a three-dimensional architecture and not through conventional 360° degree photos. For this, the entire Lederer infrastructure was completely scanned with various 3D cameras, both optically and by infrared – not just conventionally photographed.

Individual floors can be selectively faded in and out, as well as interactive touchpoints providing interesting additional information and special highlights. The virtual visitor can simply use the mouse or swipe gestures to visit the sales department, incoming goods, the automated warehouse, the offices or the outgoing goods department. The finished tour is also available as a film.

“The tour works intuitively and is very true to reality – as if you were really on-site,” comments Markus Gebehenne, marketing manager at Lederer GmbH. “A guided tour together with the visitor is also possible. They see on screen what we show them, where we take them. In this way, we experience a joint tour as if we were on-site.”

He adds: “The technology used here is unique and a contemporary way to conduct customer appointments and company visits. Hopefully the current restrictions will soon be a thing of the past, but the virtual tour will continue to be a good alternative to real visits in the future, or at least a useful addition.” www.love-fasteners.com

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he resource explores the basic concepts and terms that are often used when discussing platings or coatings, including how to specify the protection needed for particular applications. It details both plating and coating options, alongside the difference between the two processes used, as well as taking a closer look at standard platings and coatings that are available in the industry.

The eBook itself is designed to help the industry understand platings and coatings, alongside the vast amount of choices available in the market.

Stuart Southall, general manager at Earnest Machine, comments: “It’s very important to us that we provide as much actionable, useful information as possible, as well as a service that helps our customers succeed – and this eBook does exactly that. As a company, we feel that we have a responsibility for education and information sharing alongside our sales and service.”

With sections detailing how to determine the protection level needed; how protection levels are tested; what properties each type of protection offers; alongside the solutions available; the resource is an introductory guide to plating and coating.

Keeping ‘one step ahead’ with NORM

Arras For Home

NORM Holding has made many new investments and innovations in 2021 including an investment in additive manufacturing technology, new patented HexLight bolts, as well as an investment in rack dip spin coating technology.

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n recent years, additive manufacturing technology has started to gain traction in the industry, becoming an important production aspect of value-added products. NORM Holding therefore decided to invest in a prototyping and mass production service to provide customers both engineering and production support for weight reduction and performance increases in their structural parts. This Additive Manufacturing System will offer prototyping and mass production services in both 316L stainless steel and AlSi10Mg aluminium alloys.

In order to continue to best serve its customers, NORM has also made an investment in rack dip spin coating technology, to ensure high-quality zinc flake coatings. The investment enables the company to provide more homogeneous coating applications; improved corrosion protection; avoidance of mechanical damages in mass production; as well as improved visuality.

Weight reduction is also a big trend in the current market. In order to respond to these new requirements, NORM has been carrying out extensive R&D and, as a result, has developed the new patented lightweight HexLight bolts. These new lightweight fasteners offer a decrease in head weight without any sacrifice in mechanical requirements, as well as not needing any extra tools or bits during assembly. www.normholding.com

Holding it organized

Arras For Home is the latest range of organiser products from Arras Construction Furniture, developed to be used almost anywhere in the home.

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hese multifunctional products can be used in the garage, shed, storage room, or in the utility room. The range includes products for all household storage needs to simplify daily life.

The organisers are easy to install and can be mounted directly onto a wall or a rail. In apartments where space is at a premium, these organisers offer a convenient, easy and compact storage solution. Meanwhile, in larger homes, they are an excellent means of storage for accessories, tools, sports equipment, etc.

The mission of Arras Construction Furniture OÜ is to be a reliable and innovative supplier to its partners, always taking a personalised approach, offering high-quality products and a high-level of service – becoming a ‘one stop shop’ for fasteners and organisers. www.arrasforhome.eu

NEW!

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industry insight

Soudal’s factory of the future In Turnhout, Belgium, the first column for the Soudal Plant 5 has been ceremonially placed for the company’s new, hyper modern production site, which will produce adhesives and sealants from 2023 onwards.

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lant 5 will support the further growth ambitions for Soudal, increasing production capacity, as well as providing additional employment opportunities in the region. A stone’s throw from Soudal’s headquarters in Belgium, it is a considerable extension to the company estate on Everdongenlaan. The ultra-modern, fully automatic production site covers 20,000m² on a almost 5 hectare site.

Soudal is a 100% family business and Vic Swerts, chairman-founder at Soudal, placed the first column together with his youngest grandson, Andreas.

“Our slogan, ‘Build the future’ can be taken literally. We currently have construction projects underway at 12 of our 23 production sites worldwide.

These mainly involve investments in additional production and storage capacity. Among these, Plant 5 is definitely the project that stands out, in terms of investment, ambition and innovation. In this factory of the future, large quantities of mastics will be mixed and filled in an almost fully automatic process. Extensive automation will mean even less waste and less energy consumption. Plant 5 will serve as an example for the numerous other future plants Soudal will undoubtedly build throughout the world,” comments Dirk Coorevits, managing director of Soudal.

SPIROL receives supplier award SPIROL has announced that two of its locations, SPIROL International Corporation in Danielson, CT, USA and SPIROL Industries Limited in Winsor, Ontario, Canada, have received the 2020 General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award.

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senior supplier quality engineer at General Motors commented: “Suppliers who receive this award have met or exceeded a very stringent set of quality performance criteria and have achieved the cross functional support of the entire GM organisation for the calendar year 2020.”

SPIROL has received the General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award every year since it was originally presented in 2012. “Each year, GM recognises its top performing supplier manufacturing locations around the globe. This General Motors Supplier Quality Excellence Award is for those locations which consistently deliver quality products, on time and at rate, and with zero disruptions, throughout the year.”

SPIROL manufactures coiled spring pins, slotted spring pins, solid pins, alignment dowels and bushings, spacers, compression limiters, inserts for plastics, disc springs, precision metal shims, installation technology, as well as vibratory feeding equipment. SPIROL supplies millions of engineered fastening components to General Motors’ assembly plants located around the world from several global stocking facilities. www.spirol.co.uk

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TR invests in UK plant TR Fastenings, part of the Trifast Plc group of companies, has taken delivery of a high performance CNC sliding head machine at its Hank® manufacturing facility in Uckfield, representing an important investment in its UK operations.

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he SR-32JII Type A unit is a high performance sliding head lathe supplied by Star Micronics GB. Its utilisation will enable TR to get products to market faster and with more efficiency – a vital requirement during the economy’s post-Covid recovery. With pent up demand, the machine will work alongside the 50 existing units, enabling TR to meet the needs of customers.

Amongst its many benefits, the SR-32JII Type A offers greater accuracy, higher rigidity and, crucially, opportunities to expand productivity levels.

Increased spindle power and more flexible tooling options will also help TR add to the number of products already manufactured at the plant.

Specialists from Star Micronics were on-site to commission the machine and to oversee relevant training for TR operators. The SR-32JII Type A weighs more than four tonnes and the installation and implementation process took four days.

“This purchase underpins our commitment to the future of British manufacturing and it represents our continuing faith in our East Sussex facility,” says Andrew Nuttall, European managing director of TR Fastenings.

AWAITING IMAGE

industry insight

RLS continues to invest

Despite the world coming to an abrupt stop in 2020, UK-based RLS Tooling has continued with its investment plan, taking delivery of a new 4 axis grinding machine in the middle of last year, as well as more recently, a Bridgeport VMC machine and an updated furnace.

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arcus Smith, managing director at RLS Tooling, explains: “In early 2020 the easiest scenario would have been to put a halt to our investment plans.

However, lessons learnt from the past told us to continue with our plans – to place us in a positive position to ride through the storm.”

“In 1989 I watched as my father built a business from the ground up, which he started only months before a recession took hold of manufacturing in the UK. The learning curve for myself and all at RLS has therefore been solid from the very beginning and instrumental in how we approach such issues or testing times like these, whenever we are faced with them.”

RLS was quick to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic by promptly making the factory compliant with UK government guidelines, which enabled the company to continue manufacturing. Initially with a reduced workforce, it was sufficient for the company to supply

customers with their urgent requirements. During this time, RLS even managed to acquire some new customers.

It was identified due to demand for its thread rolling dies, that RLS needed to invest in more machinery for its milled section, which produces Reminc thread rolling dies, Mathread rolling dies, woodscrews and non-standard products. Therefore, in August 2021 RLS took delivery of another Bridgeport VMC. Earlier in the year, RLS also updated its furnace used for stress relieving tooling during production and after machining. “We worked closely with Carbolite Gero Ltd to establish the correct machine to give maximum productivity and more importantly repeatable results. We consider this an essential part of the manufacturing process for our thread rolling dies,” concludes Marcus. www.rlstooling.co.uk

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www.rlstooling.co.uk Product range • Flat thread rolling dies • Flat knurling dies • Flat form rolling dies • Circular thread rolls • Tangential chasers

email: info@rlstooling.co.uk tel: +44 (0)1543 271 808

Licenced Products • Taptite PRO® • Taptite 2000® • Duo Taptite® • Powerlok® • High-Torque® • Taptite II® • Taptite® CA • Plastite® • Screwbolt® • Mathread® • Remform®

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Y E A R S SCHRODER www.schroederschrauben.de

industry insight

Optimas opens two new distribution facilities Optimas OE Solutions has opened two new UK distribution facilities in Birmingham Trade Park and Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, both strategically chosen for their ease of access to main transport routes and to allow the rapid deployment of parts and service provision to key regional customers.

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ith the opening of the Birmingham facility, Optimas can provide core fastener and component distribution services to existing customers by providing a cross dock function and operating as a base in the Midlands for the company’s support vehicles and envoys.

Additionally, with Optimas’ imminent planned launch of a substantial range of industrial supplies, this Birmingham site will allow the quick distribution of essential workwear, safety equipment and tools into those customers and will provide new opportunities to partner with manufacturers throughout the Midlands.

Further North, nestled amongst some of the biggest names in industry, the Newton Aycliffe facility has opened following a relocation from Gateshead – representing a significant evolution from a conventional warehouse to a highly efficient Forward Operating Deck, one that will now focus on providing customers with a superior and dynamic distribution service.

Resupplied daily from the company’s northern hub, fasteners are distributed onto a fleet of dedicated vehicles and promptly delivered by a team of specialist on-site envoys who are tasked with maintaining Direct Line Feeds (DLF) at some of Optimas’ largest customers.

The two new facilities highlight Optimas’ continuing strategic growth plans within the UK and are positioned ready for the next phase and deployment of the company’s rapidly growing range of products and services.

As an added benefit for customers looking to source sustainably, and in keeping with the announcement earlier this year of the adoption of green energy by Optimas, both new sites use power supplied only from renewable energy sources.

Dimac utilises AI Like any sizable or complex manufacturing project attaining zero defects is technically not possible – but still desirable. That’s why Dimac is using Artificial Intelligence to learn from defects and improve quality control, as well as adding the technology to its latest generation inspection and sorting machines.

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imensional characteristics and material structure can be 100% controlled with state of the art inspection and sorting machine technology, but there are still defects of aspects that often require a final visual inspection, which only the human eye can guarantee by manual sorting.

Dimac has therefore implemented new Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to process the images taken from surface digital cameras and to support the operator in the defect teach-in process. Defective parts are positioned below the surface cameras, the system then acquires the images and the operator highlights the defect in the image on the touchscreen using the available tools.

Defects such as cracks, stains, deformations, hints, dents and lack of material, which might not affect the part dimensions, are highlighted by the operator and taught-in in the system. After, the preliminary fast teach in process the system will be capable to recognise similar defects in the batch and the machine will be able to sort the parts. The AI algorithms require the availability of a gallery

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of NOK samples, in order to create a library of images of visual defects, which becomes the reference for the training of the system.

The benefits of Artificial Intelligence are not limited to inspection.

The algorithms can interact with a company’s ERP system to exchange a large amount of data regarding the sorting cycle of every batch of fasteners – measured characteristics, attribute defects and tracking statistics about the defect distribution in the batch.

AI features are included in the last generation Dimac MCVx vision inspection software optimised for the brand new MCV6 high-speed inspection and sorting machine, based on a glass rotary table. The MCV6 represents another important step ahead for Dimac along the path to zero defects as it is an AI native machine, running with a fanless controller based on a processor of the 8th Intel generation 2660 Mhz DDR4 with GigE ports for high-resolution digital cameras and ultimate USB ports for external devices. www.dimacsrl.com

industry insight

BPC increases its production capacity BPC Building Products Ltd has made significant investment in three new, state of the art, production lines, substantially increasing capacity to supply builders metalwork to the UK market.

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nstalled and commissioned at a second combined factory and warehouse facility, located just off junction 40 of the M1, the lines will manufacture a range of builders’ metalwork including joist and truss hangers, restraint straps, angle brackets and timber connectors.

The new facility also gives an additional 1,000 pallet spaces – greatly increasing the company’s stockholding and distribution capacity. Part of the Vista Group – a UK-based independent manufacturer of builders’

metalwork – BPC manufactures quality construction and DIY products including timber fixings, nailing systems, wall ties and frame cramps, as well as timber to masonry and timber to timber connectors.

“We’re proud to be able to create local manufacturing jobs.

Yorkshire has a strong tradition for the manufacture of steel products and boasts a highly skilled workforce. Coupled with our three new production lines, this will enable us to significantly ramp up production over the next few months, to continue our growth strategy into 2022,” comments Gareth Simster, managing director at BPC.

Bostik opens new state of the art training facility Bostik has opened the Bostik Academy, a brand new state of the art training facility located at the company’s UK headquarters in Stafford.

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he new facility features a sleek, modern lecture theatre for theoretical training, which can then be put into practice in a separate room that includes custom-built features such as flooring bays, plus the technology and equipment for various practical demonstrations.

The Bostik Academy offers a mix of blended learning, interactive seminars and the ability to host live streaming webinars – ensuring there is provision for a wide range of training. A separate online platform enables attendees to consolidate their learning after the training sessions. This means that as well as ‘on the day’ training, trainees will benefit from an ongoing experience with user-friendly resources.

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The company’s technical team already has experience of delivering training both on and off Bostik’s premises, but the new facility will improve the opportunities for trainees to benefit from the team’s expertise. Bostik’s experienced team will help trainees build on their existing skills, ensuring they can continue to thrive long-term within their industry.

“We know that the ideal training varies for different teams depending on their needs, which is why we’ve designed the Bostik Academy to be able to provide a mixture of different types of training. We want people to strengthen their skills and leave us with improved confidence in their abilities. The right training is therefore a valuable investment for contractors and distributors, giving them an important advantage in an increasingly competitive market,” comments Darren Robinson, national technical manager at Bostik.

BERDAN CİVATA B.C.

ONE STOP SHOP FOR STRUCTURAL FASTENERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH EN 14399-3/4/5/6 HR & HV Bolt Sets EN 14399-10 Tension Control Bolts EN 15048 Series High Tension Rods, Bulons, Studbolts and Anchors Tower, Bridge, Heavy Steel Construction, Space Frame System Assemblies Foundation Anchors & Anchor Cages

Berdan Cıvata is a manufacturer of pre-loaded and non-preloaded structural fasteners in 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 grades with a comprehensive diameter range starting from M16 up to M155.

Under favour of having a fully integrated factory, Berdan Cıvata is able to implement surface coatings Hot-Dipped Galvanizing, Electro Galvanizing, Zinc Flake Coating etc. to products.

"Hydrogen Embrittlement Risk" was removed on 10.9 and 12.9 grade HDG coated products with a Berdan patented method.

"Hyrogen Embrittlement Risk" is ZERO on Berdan Cıvata products.

Tensile Test is able to be implemented to M72, 10.9 grade full body bolts up to 500 Tons with Berdan Cıvata patented Europe’s Strongest Tensile Test Device. Also, Berdan Cıvata is able to implement torque friction tests up to M72, 10.9 grade bolts with one of two Europe’s Strongest Torque Friction Test Device, in its ISO EN 17025 accredited Test Laboratory and provide 3.1 certificates for each orders.

Mersin-Tarsus Industrial Zone 5. Ave. No:6. 33540 Tarsus-Turkey T: +90 324 676 44 90 - 2(Pbx) F: +90 324 676 44 90 E-mail: info@berdancivata.com

(.2120Ĝ 9( Ĝĝ .¹/7¹5¹ 3257$/,

2020

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industry insight

High-speed loading system for heavy parts and long blanks To ensure efficient production, thread rolling, and secondary operation, machines must be equipped with feeding units specifically designed for the type of part to be machined. The new vertical feeding system TS1200-R from Tecno Lift, is available for heavy-duty screws, bolts and special parts with various lengths.

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he Tecno Lift vertical feeder TS1200-R consists of a controlled vibration loading hopper that always supplies the correct quantity of workpieces to the vertical lifting device. The load is controlled by a sensor that stops the vibration when the channel is full, with the vibration produced by two servo controlled unbalance vibro motors. The load surface is also covered in polyethylene to reduce the noise level and to avoid damaging the workpieces. It has a load carrying capacity of 0.9m 3.

The machine also features a controlled speed vertical lifting device with flights (working width 1,200mm) transferring the screws at the required height. The thickness of the elevation bars can be defined according to the geometry of the parts to improve lifting capacity and prevent the parts from being damaged or dented while being conveyed.

At the end of the lifting device, the blanks are discharged onto a pair of counter rotating rollers. The rollers have an adjustable speed and can be adjusted both axially and vertically to select and direct the blanks into the linear vibrator feeding rails. The linear vibrator consists of two parallel plates, which can be adjusted to the blank to guarantee perfect alignment with the feed guides. Surplus blanks pieces drop down a lined, soundproof channel into the loading hopper.

For a quick changeover, all the adjustments of the device are fully motorised. From the touchscreen panel it is possible to manage the motorised adjustments and save all the positions for each part code to restart the production immediately. Even the vibrating hopper can be equipped with a dual channel to discharge the parts from the hopper to shift immediately to another kind of product to be fed.

The vertical feeder is placed on a pan to facilitate conveying and positioning and prevent any liquid on the blanks from leaking on to the floor.

“The TS1200-R is the best compromise to feed heavy parts and long blanks to reach higher speed – without damaging parts versus the use of very large traditional vibratory bowl feeders,” comments Tecno Lift Srl. Part of the SACMA Group, Tecno Lift Srl designs and manufactures vertical feeders, hoppers and belt conveyors for feeding to production machines used in the screws, bolts and general fastener industry. www.tecnoliftitaly.com

SFC achieves NORSOK accreditation SFC (Europe), a UK manufacturer and stockholder of bolting for use in a variety of sectors, is constantly adapting to the changing requirements within the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors and has recently achieved the NORSOK M630 2020 D60/D60L accreditation.

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ORSOK approval enables SFC to manufacture studbolts, headed product and nuts in UNS S32760 SA from ½ inch (M12) to 2½ inch (M52) diameter.

“To further strengthen our position in the supply chain we have also invested substantially in raw material from our nominated and approved mills, as per our Manufacturing Summary, SFC-MS-001, document,” comments SFC. “Part of this has been used to manufacture our core stock of studding, rolled in-house, ready to be cut, chamfered and marked, with a large range of nuts being manufactured in parallel – in order to satisfy clients urgent demands for studbolt assemblies.”

A large proportion of this material will remain as round bar which, by utilising SFC’s on-site processing capabilities, will be devoted to the production of hexagon bolts, set screws and socket products.

As well as the above NORSOK product range, SFC’s core stock also includes studding, studbolts, headed product, and nuts, in both finished and semi-finished forms as per the ASTM/ASME grades.

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A Perry invests in Indian production A Perry, the UK-based supplier of hinges and hardware, has now strengthened its supply chain with significant investment in a purpose-built manufacturing facility based in India.

The history of TOP KRAFT company began in 1996. We specialize primarily in the production of plastic fasteners. In particular, these are universal dowels, push-in dowels, facade dowels, frame dowels and knotting dowels. We also have our own certified flat roof insulation fastening system. We produce telescope plugs with lengths from 65 mm to 500 mm in combination with screw’s diameters 4.8 mm, 6.3 mm and 8 mm. All our products are tested and certified.

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he firm, which has been manufacturing since 1925, now assumes full ownership of the supply chain from sourcing materials right through to manufacture, import and distribution into retailers.

Due to market forces, the company reluctantly began outsourcing the vast majority of manufacturing nearly 20 years ago, but recently decided that maintaining its exacting quality standards and consistent stock levels, required building its own facility from the ground up. Decades of experience have been drawn on to develop and install processes, which enhance the quality and reliability of the goods produced in its factory in Delhi, India.

The project has taken nearly two years and is managed by the in-house team with well over a century of industry experience between them. Guy Perry, managing director at A Perry Ltd, explains: “The investment has been significant and due to the current situation it’s been very challenging. Having autonomy over the entire process is already paying dividends as we are one of the only hardware and ironmongery suppliers that has been able to maintain a level of supply at a critical time – where there is a significant shortage of it on the market. Now, we are able to match supply and demand thanks to more than 700 tonnes of products arriving in our West Midlands distribution centre each month, which has been a welcome relief for many in the industry who feared an ongoing shortage.”

Guy Perry adds: “We’re a family business with nearly a century of manufacturing history behind us. Developing our own manufacturing base in Delhi represents a significant investment of both time and money for our company, but in return we will ensure the quality and continuity required for us to retain our position for years to come.”

TOP KRAFT SK a.s.

Priemyselná 9050/1, 907 01 Myjava, Slovakia +421 34 621 4241 I topkraft@topkraft.sk www.topkraft.sk

industry insight

Newly launched installation and extraction kits Sykes-Pickavant Ltd has added two new threaded stud extractors to its industrial range, in response to the ever changing advances within the automotive and industrial sectors.

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emoval of tapped dowels can often prove tricky and invite potential damage if carried out incorrectly or without the right tools. The two new threaded stud extractors are designed to remove tapped dowels from their location holes, whether they are damaged or complete, allowing undamaged dowels to be used again.

The slide hammer design provides 1kg of pulling force to make extraction quick and easy. Both kits feature a selection of adaptors: Part number 09590000 includes adaptors from

Accu plans growth Accu, a UK component supplier, has commenced a recruitment drive to support its ambition to be a GB£20 million turnover company by 2023.

F

ollowing a landmark 2020, the business has now set plans in motion to recruit for 25 new roles by the end of 2021.

Revenues reached GB£6 million – GB£7 million in 2020 – a 60% increase on the previous year – due to increased innovation within the manufacturing sector during the pandemic.

Founded in 2012, Accu has a digital platform capable of integrating with manufacturers’ internal systems, analysing stock levels, predicting how many parts are required by when, as well as triggering an order and shipping it – with no need for human touchpoints.

The company also aids manufacturers in bringing new innovations to market quickly. During prototype phases, clients lean on Accu’s inventory of 500,000 specialist parts, which can be dispatched the same day, ready to be used by engineers across the world.

Co-founder Martin Ackroyd explains: “History has shown that crises drive innovation and that has certainly been the case during Covid-19. Many manufacturers around the world ‘pivoted’, which led to an exponential increase in innovation. Engineers were able to cut through needless red tape and move much more quickly than they ever had before. More clients were relying on us for prototype components than we had ever known – the service completely skyrocketed. We’re now focusing on reinvesting our profits to improve our service, with new technological releases set for later this year.”

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M4 – M10 and 09595000 adaptors from M6 – M20 for a wide range of applications.

For a collet style removal option, the new 6mm – 16mm dowel pin puller set includes six tapered collets, which thread onto the stud, even where only a few threads are exposed. The collet is drawn into the housing and clamped onto the stud by tightening the housing bolt.

The process reduces possibility of damage to stud threads, preventing shearing or damaging studs and workpiece whilst avoiding bottoming or shouldering studs. This set includes collets in 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 16mm.

Fixfast launches new self-service online portal Fixfast, a UK manufacturer and supplier of quality building envelope fasteners, has launched ‘My Account’ – a new self-service online portal that allows customers to make and manage orders wherever they are, whenever they want.

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s well as being able to order from Fixfast’s range of more than 5,500 products, logged in customers have instant access to all account information. With ‘My Account’, customers can also view and track orders, including delivery status, create lists of favourite items, download invoices, credit notes and pay online, as well as make quick repeat orders. Customers can also access technical information and data sheets, as well as set company permissions according to job role.

“Our five star customer service now extends online,” explains Steve Coppins, customer services manager at Fixfast. “We have a ‘Complete Customer Care’ philosophy and wanted to build a portal for that online – to match the high-level of service we’re already known for by phone and email.”

“We thought carefully about the most common requests we get from customers and made sure they can access those things easily and intuitively through ‘My Account’. By automating many of our processes, we’re able to give customers the information they need quickly and at a time that suits them.”

industry insight

Changing for the better With this year continuing to be a year of uncertainties, Videx Machine Engineering has been implementing positive changes throughout the company to make sure 2021 and beyond continues successfully.

V

idex faced an 85% decrease in communication with its customers when Covid-19 first hit. “Though we kept working throughout the crisis, the restrictions and regulations slowed down production considerably,” comments Yair Wiesenfeld, at Videx Machine Engineering Ltd. “The worst thing was the uncertainty about how long things were going to go on for, the little communication we had with our customers, as well as trying to determine how the world will be in the post Covid-19 era.”

The company therefore decided to start a YouTube channel to effectively communicate with its customer, by sharing information online. The next step was to also offer an online service and technical support service. Despite personal technicians being the default, Videx now offers remote access services by connecting customers’ lines directly to Videx computers.

As well as this, most of Videx’s new sales have shifted from single machines to automated lines, in order to eliminate labour and handling cost and be less dependent on employees. To add to this, new control systems are being implemented to check and report on every fault, to enable unmanned production 24 hours a day.

Finally, Videx is also in the stages of developing a ‘Customer Train Service’ by Augmented Reality – using Schneider Electrics’ Ecostructure system. The company hopes to implement this into new lines over the course of the next 12 months.

125 years of innovation

TensionPro appoints Argentinian distributor

Developers at tesa SE have now created more than 7,000 products worldwide, as the company celebrates 125 years of innovation.

UK-based bolt tensioning experts TensionPro has appointed Torc Tool Trader as its distribution partner in Argentina to meet the growing demand for high-quality bolting products.

W

hether in smartphones, or protecting from battery fire in the passenger compartment of electric cars, these innovations are used across the world in a variety of applications.

In electronic devices, cars, buildings, airplanes – technical adhesive tapes from tesa are taking on an increasingly important function in many industries and in complex processes.

Today, there may be more than 130 adhesive applications in a car. In 2021, adhesive pads are applied by robots to an electric car, while 90 years ago, the suspension strut of a pre-war vehicle was covered with a simple wrap.

For the first generation of smartphones, it was hardly conceivable that a firmly bonded battery could be exchanged without any problems or that all materials could simply be recycled. Today, tesa adhesive technology is proving the opposite in around two billion of these small high-tech wonders.

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eadquartered in Caseros (Buenos Aires Province) and with offices in Córdoba and Neuquén, Torc Tool Trader Srl will provide TensionPro with nationwide distribution coverage in Argentina.

Co-founders Damian Eisenag and Mario D’Arrigo have over 20 years’ combined bolting experience to supply, service, rent and repair a wide range of bolt tensioning and torque equipment.

“We are very proud to be able to include TensionPro in our new product portfolio. Our clients will benefit from its first class products, support, and technical back-up, as the bolt tensioning experts,” comments Mario D’Arrigo, co-founder of Torc Tool Trader.

TensionPro provides a ‘one stop shop’ for all bolt tensioning requirements covering equipment sales, repairs and refurbishment, spares, special tool designs, load calculations and new tensioner advice.

Its core business spans the oil and gas, power generation, wind, civil and industrial markets.

Snap fastening from Specialinsert® FAST-CON® is a patented metal snap fastening system from Specialinsert® that enables the quick connection of panels and coverings by simply pressing. The FAST-CON clip allows for a concealed mechanical fixing, making the union of two parts quick and reliable.

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ade of two parts, male and female – both in stainless steel with a special profile suitable for quick connection between them, FAST-CON® is installed by screwing, bonding or riveting. The clips have a release force that varies depending on the series used – 7kg and 10kg.

Applications include panelling, false ceilings, boiserie, removable coverings, removable seats, furniture doors, as well as advertising desktop customisations, in a variety of industries including nautical, transport, construction, design, as well as accessories.

Specialinsert Srl has a reputation for producing innovative mechanical fastening systems and the FAST-CON clip system is evidence of its investment in its R&D department to find increasingly innovative solutions. www.specialinsert.it

FAST-CON

®

QUICK PRESSURE FASTENING SYSTEM IN STAINLESS STEEL

FAST-CON® is the new and revolutionary quick pressure fastening system entirely in stainless steel, signed by Specialinsert®.

Indestructible, stainless, resistant to flames and corrosion. The very small size and the concealed fixing system make it perfect for every kind of use and finish: from nautical to furniture, from transport to camper outfitting.

Small and light for every finish

Indestructible quality

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Perfection is invisible to the eyes

Corrosion resistant

Flame resistant

specialinsert.it - export@specialinsert.it

EXHIBITIONS

PREVIEWS AND REPORTS FROM INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIRS

Fastener Fair Stuttgart postponed to 2023 Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2021, scheduled to take place at the Messe Stuttgart Exhibition Centre in Germany from 9th – 11th November 2021, has been postponed and will instead return to its normal event cycle and run from 21st – 23rd March 2023.

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ack-Brooks Exhibitions has explained that the decision was made due to the ongoing pandemic and following conversations with exhibitors and partners over the past weeks and months.

Liljana Goszdziewski, portfolio director of Fastener Fair Stuttgart, and on behalf of Mack-Brooks Exhibitions, commented: “Following our decision to postpone Fastener Fair Stuttgart, we are pleased to be able to offer our usual event slot in Spring 2023. This early announcement will allow planning security for all participants and it will ensure the event can continue its critical role in bringing the global fastener and fixing industry together again in 2023.”

“The Fastener Fair Stuttgart team will communicate closely with customers and partners over the coming weeks and months and thanks exhibitors, partners, suppliers and visitors for their continuous support.”

In the meantime, Mack-Brooks Exhibitions will run the new digital event, Fastener Fair CONNECT, allowing the international fastener and fixing community to gather in a dedicated online marketplace, which will offer an online showcase and additional networking opportunities for all the industry. From 17 th – 18th November 2021, this

international fastener get together will unite all the global Fastener Fair brands, including Germany, Italy, Mexico, USA and India.

Fastener Fair CONNECT will lead the way to a series of roadshow events, planned to run in 2022, which will offer fastener and fixing professionals opportunities to meet and stay connected with the industry. Fastener Fair Italy, already planned from 30 th November – 1 st December 2022, will be one of the events in the series. Detailed information on dates and locations will be released in due course.

EISENWARENMESSE returns as hybrid event The new products and trends of the hardware industry can finally be experienced again live at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Köln, when global exhibitors will present their innovations from tools to fixing and fastening technologies from 6th – 9th March 2022. fter time out in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, EISENWARENMESSE is returning in 2022 as a hybrid physical and online event. In anticipation of the diverse new products at the coming event, the organisers are already taking a look at the current trends and themes of the industry that might apply to the show.

Firstly, products are becoming more ergonomic. Health preserving work is one of the focal points when developing innovative products. A new, particularly ergonomically shaped generation of tools facilitates the handling in operation nowadays. For example, they enable very strong materials to be processed with little physical effort or pressure and friction to the body. New electrical tools with ergonomic designs also contribute towards making work easy – without the artisan feeling going astray.

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The industry, trade and artisan trade are also faced with new challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mega trends such as the progressing digitalisation are now being further accelerated. New themes such as Industry 4.0 or additive production techniques such as 3D printing and 5G technology are setting impulses for the future. The hardware industry is reacting by developing smart products and optimising the digital processes. A stronger focus is thus also being placed on digitalisation at EISENWARENMESSE – International Hardware Fair Köln 2022.

At the show there will also be an ‘eCommerce Area’, which will focus completely on innovative online trading. Furthermore, the expansion of the trade fair into a hybrid physical and online format will offer even more possibilities for networking, exchange and the presentation of innovative products.

exhibitions

Companies confirm attendance to +Industry 2021 The international trade will meet from 26th – 28th October in Bilbao for +Industry – an event incorporating seven trade shows: Pumps & Valves, Subcontratación, Addit3D, Industry Tools by Ferroforma, BeDigital, Maintenance and Fitmaq – which is also scheduled to be the first event held in Spain this year.

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ompanies in the manufacturing processes, equipment for industrial processes, and products for asset and facility maintenance, as well as the latest technology, digitalisation and additive manufacturing, have already confirmed participation at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.

The show will be a unique opportunity to foster cross sectoral synergies, share knowledge, showcase new solutions live, and close deals.

With the aim of becoming a strategic meeting point and an ally for the sector’s economic reactivation, +Industry 2021 has been planned as a dynamic fair that will include several spaces where visitors can interact and discover the latest products and innovations in very different ways. To achieve this, the event combines an exhibition area with live demonstrations, innovation workshops and additional tools that will increase the impact on business in alternative formats. In this context, one of the most attractive elements of +Industry is the chance to take part in various networking spaces, such as pre-arranged B2B meetings.

Visitors and exhibitors will also have the chance to attend a wide range of talks addressing the sector’s major challenges, latest features and trends. Representatives of leading companies in the sector will also share their knowledge and experience from success stories in Industry 4.0.

China Fastener Show (Online) closes its doors On 27th July 2021, the eight day China Fastener Show (Online), and Zhejiang Haiyan Online Export Fair, came to a successful end. ith the theme of ‘new model and new business opportunities’ the shows helped suppliers and buyers communicate with each other through video, ‘real time’ negotiation, supply and demand docking, live broadcast, online activities and other scenarios.

Organisers reported the online China Fastener Show not only opened up new channels for Chinese fastener enterprises to expand overseas markets, but also provided a new platform for international communication.

More than 300 enterprises participated in the show, covering the whole supply chain of the fastener industry. Exhibitors included Tong Ming Enterprise Co Ltd, Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp, Jiaxing Kinfast Hardware Co Ltd, Shanghai Welfast Enterprise Co Ltd, Jiaxing Qimu Trading Co Ltd, Hebei Hanwang Stainless Steel Products Co Ltd, as well as Beijing Jinzhaobo High Strength Fastener Co Ltd. More than 30 online activities were held, such as ‘one-on-one’ purchase meetings – featuring more than 300 international buyers from over 100 countries, Cloud factory visits, live broadcasts, technology sharing, as well as cross border eCommerce.

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Taiwan Fastener Show cancelled Organisers have announced the Taiwan International Fastener Show 2021 has been cancelled, with the next exhibition to be held on 19th – 21st April 2022.

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ureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA, and implementers, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) and the Taiwan Industrial Fasteners Institute (TIFI), made the decision in light of the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions.

The 2022 Taiwan International Fastener Show will provide exhibitors and buyers with a complete virtual and real integrated digital marketing platform. These include the ‘Fastener Show Online Exhibition’ and ‘Online Sourcing Meetings.’ TAITRA will also continue to assist exhibitors to enhance marketing visibility and create global business opportunities.

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

news and information dedicated to construction fixing products

Eurocodes: The European reference design codes

By Barbara Sorgato, secretary general of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP) When I came back to Milan in 1999, after working in Berlin for six years as a designer for private and public works, I could not easily sell my design (and job site) experience – as Italian designs (and execution) were quite different from that in Germany. Younger designers that move across Europe today, have better chances.

I

ndeed, while there is still a long way to go to find a European common path for execution of construction works, a common approach for the European design of buildings has successfully been put in place and it is called: Eurocodes.

What are Eurocodes?

Eurocodes are the European Standards for the design of buildings: A series of 10 European Standards, EN 1990 – EN 1999, divided in 58 parts taking up over 3,000 pages.

They are the European reference design codes, providing European common structural design rules for everyday use. That includes the design of whole structures and construction products.

Structural safety, serviceability and durability

Actions on structures

What about European differences?

The EN Eurocodes are the result of a long procedure of bringing together and harmonising the different design traditions in the Member States. Before Eurocodes, EU Member States all had different design methodologies.

These differences have been taken into account in Eurocodes: A number of clauses called NPD (Nationally Determined Parameters) in the individual Eurocodes still allow nationally established values to be chosen. These values are listed in the National Annexes. In this way, Eurocodes recognise the responsibility of regulatory authorities in each Member State and have safeguarded their right to determine values related to regulatory safety matters at national level – where these continue to vary from State to State. Of course, consistently with the objective of eliminating barriers to trade within Europe, Member States are requested to reduce the number of NPDs, cutting down in this way divergences from the recommended values provided by the Eurocodes.

Are Eurocodes mandatory?

Eurocodes are mandatory for the specification of European public works since 2010 and it is mandatory that the Member States accept designs to the Eurocodes. The Eurocodes replace the existing national

Design and detailing

Geotechnical and seismic design

To which situations do Eurocodes apply?

The EN Eurocodes cover the most common materials and structures, including bridges, and apply to structural design of buildings and other civil engineering works, such as geotechnical aspects, structural fire design, earthquakes resistance, execution (partly) and temporary structures.

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Adopted (EU/EFTA MS) Adopted or in progress of adoption (non EU countries) Expression of interest Status to be defined

building codes published by national standard bodies and are intended to become the de facto standard for the private sector.

They have already been adopted by the EU-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Member States as national design codes.

Eurocodes are intensively promoted and many countries outside EU-EFTA have shown interest or have already adopted the Eurocodes.

Eurocodes and the CPR

requirements. The ongoing revision of Eurocodes, however, surprisingly highlighted cases in which EOTA documents refer to own design information that may conflict with the Eurocodes or the Nationally Determined Parameters within the Eurocodes. This topic opened discussions not only at several levels in CEN, but also at CPR level.

On one side, the Eurocodes-EOTA overlaps challenge the European statement and aim to consider Eurocodes as the reference design and to promote it outside Europe. On the other side, it shows a further weakness in the CPR structure, which foresees two paths for the CE Marking of products (CEN and EOTA), without putting in place an adequate system of mutual cooperation at the drafting stage. Once overlaps are created, they can be reported; considering the challenging mechanism and situation of the CPR nowadays, though, it is unlikely that these can be easily solved.

However, do not worry. Hopefully this topic is also going into the cauldron of the revision of the CPR. We just have to continue pushing for a revision that will be finally carried out not by Member States only, but also by those who always supported, and still strongly push for, the functioning of a European legislative framework – the construction industry. www.ecap-sme.org

Eurocodes are the European reference design codes, providing European common structural design rules for everyday use.”

The Eurocodes are not harmonised European Standards (hENs). They are European Standards (ENs), so they are outside of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and related obligations.

However, as stated in the official website of the Eurocodes1 the Member States of the EU-EFTA recognise that Eurocodes serve as reference documents for the following purposes: As a means to prove compliance of building and civil engineering works with the basic requirements of the CPR, particularly Basic Requirement 1: ‘Mechanical resistance and stability’ and Basic Requirement 2: ‘Safety in case of fire’.

As a basis for specifying contracts for construction works and related engineering services.

As a framework for drawing up harmonised technical specifications for construction products (CEN ENs and EOTA ETAs).

Overlap with EOTA design

We have seen that Eurocodes are considered by Member States to give presumption of conformity with the CPR basic

Think Fixing

1

https://eurocodes.jrc.ec.europa.eu

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Contact our experienced staff to assist you for all you need.

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G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia Corso Savona, 22 10029 Villastellone (TO) tel. +39 011 961 94 33 fax +39 011 961 96 39 info@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi UK warehouse Unit 16 Riverside Court Don Road - Sheffield - S9 2TJ (UK) tel. 0114 242 0074 fax 0114 242 0075 uksales@gebfissaggi.com

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS ETA FEATURE

Safety, agility and productivity in fastening technology

By Thomas Holland-Letz, technical director of Construction Fixings Europe (CFE) ETAs in the fixing industry are often driven by customers’ demands. Based on the information contained in the ETA, specifiers, designers and contractors can safely and efficiently select the fasteners that are most suitable for their project, for example in terms of actions, exposure classes or lifetimes. This helps to ensure safe applications.

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urope enjoys a very high-level of construction safety.

In the fixings industry, ETAs play some role in this.

For example, I am not aware of any severe accidents related to fixing failures in Europe, while such incidents have been reported in other markets, such as the USA and Japan.

The independent European Technical Assessment thus ensures a high reliability of the product performance information. The product performance specification in the ETA is also aligned with the design methods in the relevant Eurocode (EN 1992-4), which facilitates the Europe wide use of anchor products. This possibility for customers to compare the performance of fixing products across the internal market often stimulates investments in new or improved products.

Furthermore, ETAs enjoy a high recognition that goes beyond the borders of Europe. As well as this, the ETA route to CE Marking provides a level playing field for anchors produced in Europe (mostly

by SMEs) and products that come from countries were the cost of

ETAs enjoy a high recognition that goes beyond the borders of Europe…”

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labour is much cheaper, ensuring a competition based on performance and identical assessment and inspection procedures.

One instance for the agile assessment of innovative products are seismic applications. As the result of the amendment of existing EADs, and the development of new EADs, there are now anchors with CE Marking based on an ETA, which are suitable for seismic areas. This has considerably enlarged the application area for these fasteners, putting manufacturers in a better position to sell their products.

Especially since seismic requirements have been introduced in parts of Italy, France and even Germany.

Product performance data based on ETAs and corresponding design methods are the fundamentals for reliable fixings. ETAs provide performance data for individual anchor products under various conditions (for instance concerning types of concrete, temperature, etc). Design methods translate this individual product performance (ETA) into actual applications. This alignment of ETAs and design standards provides an ideal basis for safe, fast

and cost-efficient fastening solutions for manufacturers, as well as for customers.

In this context, ‘innovation’ does not always mean a completely new product. It can also be a new assessment method of an existing product for a new application. The ETA route presents several advantages. One of the most important ones is short development times for European Assessment Documents (EADs). This is relevant because construction companies often work under high time pressure.

To give one example – for the public mobility project ‘Le Grand Paris’, several European manufacturers had suitable high performance anchor systems on offer. However, the lifetime for these products was limited to 50 years as per the underlaying EADs, while the service life required in the client specifications was 100 years.

The European manufacturers concerned submitted new ETA requests. The EADs were amended and the products reassessed to the same safety level in time for the manufacturers to compete in the tender. The speed and agility of the EAD development made it possible for the manufacturers to go for a Europe wide assessment solution instead of national approvals or expert opinions, which would only have been valid in France.

In the context of the upcoming revision of the CPR, the proven EAD/ETA route to CE Marking is also under consideration. If the system would be changed significantly, the resources and efforts put into developing new fastening products in the EU will be substantially reduced. This reduced speed could also negatively impact other objectives and developments in the construction sector, such as industrialised manufacturing, the renovation wave or BIM. Of course, the EAD/ETA route to CE Marking should be further improved and streamlined. Particular focus should be put on increasing transparency and especially easing complexity. For example, for small and medium sized companies it would be extremely helpful if EADs had

an SME-friendly modular structure. There could be a ‘core EAD’ covering all characteristics that are generally needed – plus compatible add-ons, e.g for seismic characteristics. Clear rules on change management and clean references would, of course, be key to making this work.

Limiting the validity of ETAs to five years, as it used to be under the Construction Products Directive, would also help increase the reliability of the system by ensuring that ETAs continue to be state of the art. Other important measures include improving quality control and cooperation between Technical Assessment Bodies on EADs and implementing some kind of quality monitoring for ETAs. One important aspect, which should be maintained, is the confidentiality of the EAD development. This principle enables innovative small and mediums sized enterprises to develop assessment procedures for new products or new applications of existing products in close cooperation with a Technical Assessment Body, and experts from universities, without the need to disclose and discuss their knowledge in a CEN WG, where mostly bigger competitors are represented.

Finally, simplification for CE Marking and declarations of performance for ETA products will be relevant improvements for a revised CPR. Construction Fixings Europe (CFE) is a sub association of the European Tool Committee that represents leading European manufacturers of metal, plastic, bonded anchors, direct fixings and drill bits for concrete and masonry. Its members come from Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland and the UK. Most of the companies involved in Construction Fixings Europe hold one or more ETAs for their anchors, while CFE experts participate in several anchor specific EOTA working groups.

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS ETA FEATURE

Advantages of offering ETA affiliated products Demand from the construction industry is the drive behind why JCP Fixings – the fixings division of Owlett-Jaton – invests heavily, in time and effort, to offer ETA/UKTA certificated products for the majority of its structural products to its customers.

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n ETA/UKTA is an official document relating to a specific construction product, valid in the European Union and the UK. Although it is a voluntary document, regulated by the Construction Products Regulation (CPR), it will also be a key requirement to unlocking other affiliated documentation recognised within the construction industry – by architects, specifiers, engineers, and other key decision makers.

An ETA/UKTA will be required to achieve a CE/UK Conformity Assessed (CE/UKCA) mark, as legislation changes in-line with BREXIT. The CE/UKCA mark will indicate conformity with the applicable requirements for products sold within the European Union and the UK. It is also a document upon which a Declaration of Performance (DoP) can be based for a product. An ETA/UKTA can be issued specifically for a construction product if it is not covered by a Harmonised European Standard (hEN).

To achieve an ETA/UKTA, the JCP technical team collaborates and works closely with national and international Technical Assessment Bodies (TAB) to test, investigate, and draft, a product’s essential characteristics. JCP’s technical team identifies the characteristics that they wish to indicate ahead of the respective CE/UKCA Markings, as well as Declaration of Performances (DoP).

The process can involve hundreds of tests, investigations and reports. The TAB is responsible for determining the scope of the product’s application. Once finalised and agreed, a technical file is prepared, which includes the detailed technical definition of the product; the intended use of the

product; the manufacturing principles; control over the consistency of performance; and an illustration of the performance levels being declared.

The TAB investigates all elements and from this, drafts an assessment report (otherwise known as an Evaluation Report).

Based on the results, an ETA/UKTA document would be issued for the respective product and its intended use.

Benefits to achieving an ETA/UKTA

Other than being a fundamental criterion in attaining either a CE/ UKCA or DoP, benefits to achieving an ETA/UKTA include an improved and thorough technical understanding of the product’s capabilities; being able to control and maintain the processes involved in manufacturing; ensuring the continued quality of the product; as well as the recognition within the construction industry.

All of the product’s necessary characteristics are also defined for design purposes and the intended use of the product is definitive.

Although applying for an ETA/UKTA is voluntary, most design companies and engineers almost always opt for approvals.

Moreover, national and international technical and standardisation institutions recognise and actively promote and encourage them too.

JCP Fixings concludes: “It is important to highlight that similar ETA/UKTA approved products on the market do not necessarily meet the same high results as those achieved and provided by JCP Fixings. Therefore, when cross referencing different products, a thorough comparison is strongly recommended.” www.jcpfixings.co.uk

The process can involve hundreds of tests, investigations and reports...”

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FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

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European Technical Assessment: ETA 20/0640 (LE-ZN), ETA 20/0641 (LE-ZNA4, LE-DA4, LE-A4)

POLISH PRODUCER OF FASTENER TECHNOLOGIES

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS ETA FEATURE

The changing regulatory environment Here we speak to Werner Braun, head of quality at AVVIO GmbH & Co KG, about the changing regulatory environment, and surveillance authority activities, that could impact ETA holders in 2022.

What will change in the legal requirements for European Technical Assessments (ETAs) in 2022?

“A steady increase in regulatory requirements can be seen in the field of construction products over recent years. For screws used in timber constructions, several new versions of the relevant standards (EN 14592 and EAD 130118) have come out over the last couple of years, and with them great uncertainty in connection with currently applicable requirements.

At the same time, the activity of national surveillance authorities is increasing and more and more often there are complaints and possible penalties involved. BREXIT and the new UKCA Marking, which was due to replace CE Marking for the UK market at the beginning of 2022, but has now been postponed until 2023, are just a couple of examples that will present concerned manufacturers with even more challenges.”

Where is there an acute need for action?

“On the one hand, we see a particular need for information during the ETA creation process. Many participants are not aware in detail of the various options for obtaining an ETA and the associated benefits and risks. So-called ‘reproduction ETAs’ are one example. In this case, the future ETA holder does not take the usual, costly and time-consuming route of creating an entirely new ETA, but instead enters into an agreement with the original holder of an existing ETA to create a ‘Copy ETA’. The exact content of such agreements is naturally of particular importance in order to avoid risks for both parties.

Another example is the obligations of the ETA holder and other market participants such as importers or distributors. For example, the question of how to correctly label a construction product, i.e what information is mandatory to include on a label and who is responsible for it? Is a matter of constant uncertainty, partly because the relevant standards leave a lot of room for interpretation.”

What would you advise companies that are already ETA owners or want to become one?

“Creating an ETA and using it as a basis for CE Marking are clearly defined and regulated processes. Nevertheless, it takes a lot of effort and, in the best case, quite some experience to implement them correctly. Therefore, especially in the area of regulation and approvals, we recommend not to take unnecessary risks, but work with experts who have a lot of experience with the dynamic regulatory environment, as well as with the specific technical and logistical requirements of a manufacturer.

We at AVVIO offer a unique package of experience, as we have been dealing precisely with the topics of manufacturing and approval of fasteners for structural timber engineering for more than 35 years now – using internal upfront product tests to ensure the necessary performance.” www.avvio.at/en/eta

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CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS ETA FEATURE

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

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

I

COMPANY

EAD 330499-01-0601 - Bonded fasteners for use in concrete ETA - 20/0980

JCP Epoxy Resin JF250E

Hexstone Ltd. JCP Construction Products

ETA - 21/0001

Chemical Stud Bonded anchor

PROMANTE S.A.

ETA - 21/0065

Fastpro / FP-77

A TO Z POWER TOOLS

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

For further information and a full list of valid ETAs visit EOTA’s website. If you have recently received an ETA, and would like to have it included in our table, please email us the full details at editor@fastenerandfixing.com www.eota.eu

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

EAD 330747-00-0601 - Fasteners for use in concrete in redundant for non-structural systems ETA - 14/0068

HEHO / HECLO / HEHC / HEA4 / HEC4 drop in anchor

Index - Técnicas Expansivas S.L.

ETA - 20/0750

Ceiling anchor DN6 6x40

DK mont AS

ETA - 20/0884

SPAX concrete screw SX-BS

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

EAD 330232-00-0601 - Mechanical fasteners for use in concrete

ETA - 21/0176

SPIT GRIP+/L, SPIT GRIP+/A4

Split SAS

ETA - 19/0563

ST Bolt

REX FASTENING SYSTEMS (H.K.) LTD

ETA - 21/0364

OUTIFIX DFX, OUTIFIX DFX/A4

OUTIFIX

ETA - 20/0446

Sormat Concrete Screw Anchor S-CSA+

SORMAT OY

ETA - 20/0859

SPAX concrete screw SX-BS

SPAX International GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 21/0262

SAE PRO SEGMENTANKER

PROFAST Ankersystemen B.V.B.A.

ETA - 14/0424

Anchor TP CCA, Anchor TP CCA-G, Anchor TP CCA-X

TEAM PRO INTERNATIONAL FZCO 2

ETA - 19/0556

Hilti HSL4

HILTI Corporation

ETA - 21/0365

WT1, WT1 SH, WT1 ST

J van Walraven Holding B.V

ETA - 21/0366

WT7, WT7 SST/A2, WT7 SST/A4

J van Walraven Holding B.V

ETAG 020 used as EAD - Plastic anchors used as an EAD ETA - 14/0336

Hollow block frame plug HBR 10

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA - 15/0068

MB/ MBR

MUNGO Befestigungstechnik AG

EAD 331852-00-0102 - Spiral cable anchor ETA - 21/0397

PFEIFER® Rope Anchor

Pfeifer Seil- und Hebetechnik GmbH

ETA - 21/0271

Spiral Cable Anchors type C-FAST and T-FAST

Officine Maccaferri SpA

EAD 330076-00-0604 - Metal injection anchors for use in masonry

EAD 330087-00-0601 - Systems for post-installed rebar connections with mortar

ETA - 21/0231

CELO Injection system ResiFIX PYSF, ResiFIX PYSF Change, ResiFIX PYSF Express and ResiFIX PYSF Tropical

CELO Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA - 21/0239

ICFS CM 385 PE,ICFS CM 585 PE for rebar connecttion

INDO CONSTRUCTION FASTENING SYSTEMS (ICFS) INDO - SPARK CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ETA - 21/0233

CELO Injection system ResiFIX EYSF, ResiFIX EYSF Express and ResiFIX EYSF Tropical

CELO Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA - 21/0285

RESINA VINILESTER SIN ESTIRENO LUSAN

LUSAN FIJACIONES Y ANCLAJES S.L

EAD 130186-00-0603 - Three dimensional nailing plates ETA - 06/0106

Simpson Strong-Tie Angle Brackets

Simpson Strong-Tie Int. Ltd

ETA - 19/0020

Eurotec Hold Downs

E.u.r.o. Tec GmbH

ETA - 20/0930

PARKSIDE – Heavy Duty Angle Brackets HG04546, HG04547

OWIM GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 20/0931

PARKSIDE – Angle Brackets types: HG04541, HG04542, HG04543, HG04545

OWIM GmbH & Co. KG

ETA - 21/0356

Hold downs:BV/KP – 12-30, BV/ KP – 12-35, BV/KP – 12-36, BV/KP – 12-37, BV/KP – 12-38, BV/KP – 1239,BV/KP – 12-41, BV/KP – 12-42, BV/KP – 12-43, BV/KP – 12-44, BV/ KP – 12-45, BV/KP – 12-46

BOVA Březnice, spol. s r. o.

ETA - 09/0015

Gutzeit Joist Hangers Type A and B (Kombi and Innen)

Gutzeit Verbindungssysteme GmbH & Co

ETA - 20/0007

SHD hold-downs and SHL angle-brackets

FRIULSIDER SpA

ETA - 20/0790

Paslode FORTA CLICK® fastening system

ITW Construction Products

ETA - 21/0357

Fastening element Hilti HCW, HCW L

HIlti AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

EAD 330335-00-0604 - Plastic anchors made of virgin or non-virgin material for fixing of ETICS with rendering ETA - 21/0293

ST Carbon K

DAW SE

ETA - 21/0431

ISOLFIX

BIEMME Srl

EAD 130118-01-0603 - Screws and threaded rods for use in timber constructions ETA - 19/0638

PXtools, PXscrews, PROF, Koch ECO, Koch ECO POWER, OBI, LUX, BAUHAUS, Merox

Swisstec Sourcing Limited

EAD 330046-01-0602 - Fastening screws for metal members and sheeting ETA - 21/0306

Fastening screws according to Annex 1.1 to Annex 1.10

REISSER-Schraubentechnik GmbH

EAD 330047-01-0602 - Fastening screws for sandwich panels

102 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

ETA - 21/0318

BiGHTY SWPS ,BiGHTY SWPS BIM

EuroTec GmbH

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS ETA FEATURE

Proven fireproof conduit fastenings Conduit installations must retain their load-bearing capacity for a sufficient length of time in the event of fire. fischer has therefore helped develop the European Assessment Document (EAD) 280016-00-0602 for pipe support systems and optimised it for fire protection, which is serving as the basis for the European Technical Assessment (ETA) for fischer products.

S

ignificant deformation can occur on rail constructions when exposed to fire. Severe consequences include the system failure of the suspended ceilings located below, which exposes escape and rescue routes to smoke and fire. Conduit installations in escape and rescue routes must therefore be designed to withstand fires, which can save lives. fischer contributed to modifying the European Assessment Document (EAD) 280016-00-0602 published by the German Institute for Structural Engineering (DIBt) and optimised the document for fire protection purposes.

This now allows European Technical Assessments (ETAs) for approved conduit fastening products to be created with CE Marking, while the fire resistance of installations is assessed and proven according to up to date technical knowledge. During this process, each construction product of a fischer pipe support system is tested and assessed by a specially accredited institute before being transferred into an ETA. As fischer has already carried out tests similar to EAD requirements in recent years, a lot of data from past tests served as the basis for the design.

The fischer FUS channels have already been assessed based on the EAD 280016-00-0602 (ETA – 21/0140). The ETAs enable specialist application designs to be carried out, allowing channels to be simulated with any number of pipe support system configurations for the event of fire. Changes to the planned kits can be carried out

quickly, flexibly and affordably at any time. All products used will feature CE Marking in future, which makes the overall configuration an approved application, providing added flexibility.

Additional installation system products from fischer Group of Companies will gradually follow on from the FUS channels, as their safety under fire exposure is proven in accordance with the ETA.

ETA FEATURE

INDEX® drop-in expansion anchors The INDEX® range of drop-in expansion anchors with internal thread are designed for installing pipework, cable trays, ventilation ducts or fire sprinkler systems and are available with ATLANTIS C3-L, A4 stainless steel or zinc plated coating for use in both indoor and outdoor applications.

A

vailable in seven different models for greater versatility, to cater for the needs and requirements of each application, this range is approved according to the highest quality standards – (ETA – 14/0135) for redundant non-structural systems in cracked and non-cracked concrete (C12/15 to C50/60), including under conditions of fire exposure; (ETA – 14/0068) for structural applications in non-cracked concrete (C20/25 – C50/60); as well as FM approval for use in fire sprinkler systems.

Available in a wide range of metrics sizes M6 – M20, the drop-in expansion anchors also feature maximum versatility with the metric inner thread allowing them to be used in multiple installations with metric bolts and/or threaded bars.

Also available is a new short version, which allows easy installation in base materials of low thickness, as well as an EXP tool with rubber protection to enable safe, controlled and ergonomic expansion

104 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

of the anchor. The anchors are also removable and reusable due to the removal of the bolt or bar, which leaves a clear surface.

“Our manufacturing allows us to ensure a rigorous control of processes; guarantee the highest quality in our products; as well as provide the best service and obtain a competitive global cost,” comments INDEX® – A Perfect Fixing. www.indexfix.com

www.anomaliecreative.it

WE STRONGLY TIGHTEN YOUR IDEAS SIPA s.r.l.

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

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS

Domax introduces Grundline® brand Domax Sp z o.o is supplying customers with its new Grundline® brand, featuring post supports for a variety of applications, along with silver, black, gold and anthracite coloured fasteners to colour match the post supports.

H

eadquartered in Poland, Domax explains that the post supports market and other garden fastening elements have experienced a very dynamic growth in recent years.

New product types have appeared such as adjustable post supports, with additional reinforcements or supports that provide better water drainage or air flow. Domax has therefore focused on supplying customers with a complete range of branded post supports for as many applications as possible, such as ground mounted post supports and internal post supports, as well as bolt down post supports.

There are two main types of ground mounted post supports in the Grundline® range – screw-in and drive-in, which have an easy and fast assembly. Screw-in supports are mounted with a special key or manually. The drive-in type supports are mounted using a hammer and a special tool. Grundline also includes adjustable products, such as PSGR, and with additional special spacers and accessories – PWO. “The use of internal post supports ensures the highest durability of the structure. They however require consideration at the initial stage of construction planning, which increases the time and complexity of the assembly,” explains Domax. “Grundline internal post supports are best suited for heavier structures, where maximum stability and strength of the connection is required. They come in a number of different models – from products with lateral adjustment (PSRU) to post supports with a saddle increasing the dilatation (distance) of the column from the ground (PSH). Some products, such as PSPR, also allow post height adjustment after installation.”

Also available as part of the Grundline brand, bolt down post supports offer high durability and easier assembly and

can be screwed to a ‘ready made’ concrete or paving stone.

In addition to the classic square post supports, which are a very common product on the market, the Grundline brand also supplies PR supports with adjustment, PSPO for round posts, or products with screw covers for improved aesthetics (PSOL). For installation, depending on the type of the pole, Domax recommends the use of appropriate screws and bolts for concrete DMX® – for example CTO or WSPs. Grundline fasteners are available in different colours – silver, black, gold and anthracite, which can improve overall connection aesthetics by colour matching post supports. www.domax.com

Bullfix launches new plasterboard fixing The Bullfix universal fixing is a new patented fixing (patent application number PCT/GB2020/052771) that offers a fast, simple and strong solution to fixing heavy items in any type of plasterboard wall – without the need for additional tools or work inside the wall cavity. reated by builder Mark Howe, company founder and director of Bullfix Ltd, after he became frustrated with the existing options available for fixing heavy items to plasterboard, the new heavy-duty plasterboard fixing offers a higher strength fixing solution suitable for all applications of plasterboard construction, including insulation backed plasterboard, stud walls and ‘dot & dab’.

Fixing heavy items to plasterboard has been a long-term challenge for years, for which there are a variety of solutions available depending how the plasterboard is fixed and with variable degrees of satisfaction. Using his previous engineering background, Mark has developed a super strong fixing for stud walls.

“With building regulations stipulating ever increasing use of insulation, the need to make a strong fixing to insulation backed plasterboard is becoming more and more common. It’s great to have one fixing that can be trusted to be strong enough for the job and is quick to use in any type of plasterboard wall,” comments Mark.

C

106 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE FASTENER MANUFACTURING PROCESS COATINGS, LUBRICATIONS + LOCKING TECHNOLOGIES FEATURE

ND Industries – pre-applied and innovative products Even the best designed fastener assemblies can succumb to a range of negative side effects including rattling, leaking, loosening, seizing, stripping, corroding or shearing. Each of these issues could potentially lead to a product failure and costly warranty claims or recalls. That is why customers turn to ND Industries to provide solutions for all these problems and more.

A

family-owned business since 1955, ND Industries specialises in the development of innovative materials and processes that increase the safety and reliability of fastener assemblies.

Headquartered outside Detroit, Michigan, ND serves a global market with divisions across the USA, as well as facilities in Taiwan and China, plus licensees around the world.

ND’s core business is the application of a wide variety of materials onto fasteners and assemblies to aid functions such as locking, sealing, masking, lubricating, and noise and vibration dampening. ND’s success in the pre-applied fastener industry is due in large part to the strength of its resources. Whether a customer’s project requires chemical engineering, chemical manufacturing, mechanical engineering, inspecting and sorting, bottling and packaging services, or A2LA lab testing, ND reports that no other fastener processor can match its in-house capabilities.

Research and development

To ensure the highest product quality standards possible, ND employs a team of degreed scientists and PhD chemists

108 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

DUTY FREE CHIPBOARD SCREW

MADE IN VIETNAM

-CHIPBOARD SCREWS SPECIALIST-

DRYWALL SCREW

CUSTOMIZED PACKING

TYPE-17

BENDING TEST MACHINE

PER EN409/EN14592

ALL PROCESSES ARE IN-HOUSE

Heading

Rolling

Heat treatment

Plating

Packing

Easylink Industrial Co., Ltd. Ting Ray Company 6F No.284,Chung Cheng 1st Rd, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan Tel: 886-7-725 1034 Fax: 886-7-723 3002 URL:www.easylink.com.tw Email: sales@easylink.com.tw

(Factory in Vietnam) Lot V1-2, My Xuan A2 Industrial Zone, My Xuan Ward, Phu My Town, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY dedicated to the development and testing of all its chemical formulations. With more than 55 years of experience in the automotive, electronics, aerospace and military markets, ND’s R&D and chemical manufacturing staff have built one of the most extensive product portfolios in the pre-applied fastener industry. Each ND material has been specifically designed to solve a unique customer application issue. Not one to rest on its laurels, ND continually works to optimise existing materials and formulate new products through rigorous lab and quality control procedures. The ND Technologies Group holds an A2LA ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation and is able to assist customers by performing independent testing for a wide range of criteria.

Chemical blending

Once a product formulation is complete, production moves next door to ND’s chemical blending facility where scale-up takes place. The close proximity and collaborative workflow greatly reduce manufacturing time and allow for the customisation of materials to customer specifications. ND’s chemical blending operation annually manufactures over one million pounds of a wide variety of adhesives, microcaps, anaerobics, epoxies, urethanes, ultraviolets, acrylics and more. ND chemical toll blending services provide customers with the opportunity to have their own chemical formulations blended, packaged and prepared for shipment.

maintain highly competitive pricing. Companies that qualify for ND’s licensing programme can gain access to equipment and materials that will put them ahead of their competition.

Fastener processing

ND’s pre-applied processing centres are where it all comes together. Once a customer has selected the ND product that meets their specifications, uncoated fasteners are shipped from a manufacturer or distributor to one of ND’s worldwide divisions or licensees. ND plant supervisors and machine operators carefully direct and monitor each part as it is processed – sometimes for multiple materials. To maintain consistent quality, ND divisions operate under strict ISO or AS certifications and, if appropriate, utilise smart factory technology, including vision inspection systems, for in process checks.

ND also offers services such as part sorting, colour coding, and even partial assembly. www.ndindustries.com

Pre-applied product categories Inert threadlocking: Also known as prevailing torque, this process uses a mechanical force to create a secure lock that is resistant to vibration, shock, and related slippage. Processed fasteners can typically be removed and reused.

Reactive threadlocking: Once installed into a mating part, a strong chemical bond is formed, preventing slippage from shock and vibration, while helping to seal fastening points against gas and liquid leakage.

Masking and lubricating: ND produces formulations to ease the assembly process and protect fastening parts against exposure to undesirable substances that can adhere to uncoated fasteners.

Advanced sealing: ND pre-applied sealants are designed to withstand a wide range of pressures, chemical fluids and gases, while reducing the chance of fastener loosening.

Assembly aids: These aids are designed to make assembly safer, easier, and faster by reducing application errors and worker fatigue.

Innovative products ND continues to develop bold, new technologies to support the fastener industry. Recent product offerings include: Thread Armor® GP: This material prevents galvanic corrosion in assemblies with dissimilar metals, such as aluminium and steel, by electrically insulating the fastener. Specially bonded to the fastener, ND Thread Armor GP is durable, chemical resistant, and non-conductive.

Design and engineering

When developing a pre-applied product, formulating the right chemical blend is only half the challenge. Just as important, is the process of applying that material onto fasteners. That’s where ND’s Design Engineering Group steps in. The group works alongside R&D to build the custom application equipment that gives the company the ability to meet virtually any processing requirement. ND machines operate at some of the fastest rates in the industry, while the parts processed exhibit both excellent visual and performance qualities. ND prides itself on the fact that it is able to achieve these goals and still

110 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Thread Armor® VC: An advanced anti-galling and lubricating thread coating designed to extend the life of bolts up to 15 times while under intense torque and high friction loads. It also helps to ensure consistent clamp load and works well on stainless steel fasteners.

Thermoloc® 1500: ND’s highest temperature chemical threadlocker, Thermoloc™ 1500 initially performs like a vibration dampening compound. Once temperatures reach 750°F (400°C), a secondary activation begins, causing the fastener to be permanently locked in place. The threadlock has been tested to over 1,500°F (850°C).

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY COATINGS, LUBRICATIONS + LOCKING TECHNOLOGIES FEATURE

Productivity – always a matter of technology Here Markus Ahr, global product manager corrosion resistant coatings GMF at Atotech, looks at whether acid zinc-nickel electroplating can be a ‘one stop shop’ solution for fasteners of all kinds.

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n modern constructions, it’s still fasteners that ‘hold everything together’. But these days, they must meet advanced requirements in terms of durability, strength and functionality. When used in building construction – either internally or exposed to the elements externally – fasteners must maintain their mechanical strength. That’s why corrosion resistance is a critical property. The plating industry commonly relies on alkaline zinc-nickel electrolytes to secure effective protection against red corrosion. However, acid zinc-nickel electrolytes are rapidly making their way onto the market, proving advantageous for the fastener finishing industry by advancing corrosion resistance, reducing energy consumption and improving productivity.

The demand for zinc-nickel coatings has increased continuously in the fastener industry and especially in construction.

Zinc-nickel finishing in a mildly acidic environment is still a relatively new technology, yet in the past five years there has been a steady increase in demand for direct zinc-nickel plating onto iron fasteners.

Zinc-nickel alloys with a nickel incorporation of 12% to 16% are especially suitable for fasteners. They provide high corrosion protection and superior wear resistance, which pure zinc and other zinc alloy coatings do not. Still, despite the many advantages of acid zinc-nickel electrolytes, there are still some application areas like barrel plating or the plating of complex shaped parts that are believed to be reserved for alkaline processes.

Zinni 220 also exhibits a much higher plating speed in LCD areas than alkaline zinc-nickel processes. Moreover, the layer thickness distribution of Zinni 220 is visibly better than that of state of the art alkaline zinc-nickel processes. Thickness distribution is key on plated fasteners, as a higher thickness plated in LCD and VLCD areas leads to increased corrosion protection performance against red rust. The nickel incorporation (see Table 1 on next page) ranges between 12% and 16% and varies slightly with current density. Effective for most of the zinc-nickel electrolytes, the nickel content slightly decreases with increasing current density.

Indication of spots on fasteners measured after zinc-nickel plating processes at 0.5A/dm² for 60 minutes

Advanced acid zinc-nickel technology

Atotech has developed a new boric acid and ammonia-free acid zinc-nickel electrolyte that possesses an improved throwing power for rack and barrel applications – Zinni® 220.

Zinni 220 boasts a homogenous nickel incorporation of 12% to 16% over the entire current density area. Its deposits exhibit an improved thickness distribution, thereby achieving a higher thickness in low current density (LCD) areas. Usually, areas with the thinnest coating thickness, called hidden areas, are particularly susceptible to early red corrosion. The outstanding corrosion protection performance properties of Zinni 220 are due to its improved thickness distribution and homogeneous nickel incorporation.

Figure 1:Measured areas of the head (1: Head, 2: Head side, 3: Shank)

Plating performance

Today, most industries are placing increased focus on their CO 2 footprint and energy consumption. As such, current efficiency is key when comparing processes. Acidic zinc-nickel processes achieve a current efficiency of 85% to 90%, which is an incredible advantage. Another relevant aspect of the plating process is covering power during the initiation phase. Experience shows that for alkaline zinc-nickel plating, the covering power, especially on hardened fasteners such as self-tapping fasteners, woodscrews, or nitro-carburised fasteners, ranges from very weak to failing.

On the other hand, the acid zinc-nickel electrolyte Zinni 220 has been proven in production to exhibit excellent covering power for woodscrews with a surface hardness of 450 HV to 600 HV (1,420N/mm² to 1,995N/mm²).

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Figure 2: Measured areas of the thread (4: Thread peak, 5: Thread valley, 6: Thread side)

Increase your productivity

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Advanced acid zinc-nickel technology for highest corrosion protection Zinni® 220 is a highly innovative acid zinc-nickel process that combines outstanding corrosion protective properties with improved throwing power resulting in higher thickness in low current density areas. A homogeneous nickel incorporation of 12 – 16% is achieved within a wide current density range. Depending on the requirements, Zinni® 220 allows to choose between bright, semi-bright or matt coatings.

The highly productive, production proven process Zinni® 220 is approved by the fastener industry.

The electrolyte is perfectly suitable for high volume bulk production and fulfills the requirements of the white goods, construction, and automotive market.

Atotech Group +49 6147 50130 info@atotech.com Corrosion Protection Competence Center

atotech.com

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Outstanding corrosion protection

Table 1: Comparison of thickness of zinc-nickel coating deposited from Zinni® 220 electrolyte at 0.5A/dm² measured at different spots on a bolt indicated in Figure 1 and Figure 2

Figure 3: Test results in neutral salt spray test: ASTM B-117

No. of corrosion test cycles acc. PV1209

The corrosion behaviour of fasteners plated with Zinni 220 and coated with passivation (EcoTri® HC2) and sealer Conventional alkaline (Corrosil® Plus 501 or Corrosil® 315 L) was Acid zinc-nickel Zinni® 220 zinc-nickel tested via a neutral salt spray test in an NSST Measuring point chamber according to ASTM B-117. Figure 3 Thickness / Incorporation / Thickness / Incorporation / shows the fulfillment of all zinc-nickel coating [µm] nickel [%] [µm] nickel [%] requirements for white and red corrosion 1 Head (vlcd) 5.2 15.3 4.0 14.7 after sealer application. After more than 100 2 Head side (hcd) 9.1 12.8 8.6 13.3 hours of neutral salt spray testing, only slight 3 Shank (lcd) 5.9 14.0 5.7 14.5 white rust formed on the sample heads.

In the cyclic corrosion test, done according 10.9 4 Thread peak 9.3 to VDA 233-102, the samples exhibited superior 5 Thread valley 8.6 5.6 corrosion protection, as shown in Figure 4, with no red rust even after 15 cycles.

6 Thread side 8.9 8.0 There are cases, as with woodscrews, where much higher corrosion resistance Production experience is required. A further boost of corrosion Several customers who adopted the acid zinc-nickel technology protection can be achieved by applying a thin water-based top coat early on were quickly convinced by its advantages. Because the process over Atotech’s passivate. As an additional benefit, the woodscrew – requires temperatures in the 30°C to 40°C range, cooling efforts are with a surface hardness of 600 HV – also gains an appealing notably lower than in alkaline zinc-nickel processes. This leads to stainless steel finish. Atotech has tested these fasteners, especially reduced energy consumption. for wood applications, in the cyclic corrosion chamber against red The acid zinc-nickel technology also allows for the successful plating rust corrosion for 12 weeks. of complex shaped fasteners, such as hex head recess areas or integrated Zinni ® 220 with out pas sivation washers. Tiers appreciate the aesthetic stainless steel appearance and Figure 5: Cyclic corrosion test results of fasteners coated Zinni ® 220 pl us EcoTri® HC 2 with Zinni® 220 reaching first signs of red rust the added value for end users, especially in the white goods segment.

Zinni ® 220 plus EcoTri® HC 2 + Zi ntek® Top XT Additionally, production experience has shown that it is now 13 12 possible to exploit the loading capacity of large-scale barrels for 11 zinc-nickel applications. In a six-station barrel plating line, with each 10 9 barrel capturing 300kg of fastener material, plating time lasted 42 8 7 minutes with up to 1.2 ASD. 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

3µm

6µm

9µm

Coating thicknesses Zinni®220 without passivation

Summary

As received

After 240 hours

After 1,056 hours

Figure 4: Test results in cyclic corrosion test: VDA 233-102

As received

After 10 cycles

After 15 cycles

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Zinni®220 plus EcoTri® HC2

Zinni®220 plus EcoTri® HC2 + Zintek® Top XT

Zinni 220 combines outstanding corrosion protection properties with an improved throwing power that results in increased thickness in low current density areas. Homogeneous nickel incorporation of 12% to 16% is achieved within a wide current density range. Depending on requirements, Zinni 220 can sustain bright, semi bright, or matte coatings in addition to a final finish with an appealing stainless steel appearance.

Zinni 220 is well suited for barrel production of hardened fasteners and fasteners with complex shapes. It can reduce plating time up to 50%, thus improving productivity compared to state of the art alkaline zinc-nickel electrolytes. This results in either higher barrel loads or shorter plating times. In addition, several factors result in lower energy consumption. These include less intensive cooling requirements; higher current efficiency – leading to a reduced number of plating tanks; and increased barrel loads. Overall, Zinni 220 also facilitates higher productivity in barrel plating lines.

In summary, the new generation of acid zinc-nickel electrolytes can safely replace alkaline zinc-nickel electrolytes in barrel applications.

Furthermore, it is now possible to plate parts in Zinni 220 that were impossible to plate with alkaline zinc-nickel technology. www.atotech.com

Protected for centuries Coventya – market leader in multi-layer corrosion protection systems

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

De-oiling, washing, cleaning and drying in a single machine Last year, Dr Ing Goessling Maschinenfabrik GmbH, a subsidiary of the JOEST group, delivered a Washing Centrifuge WZ550 machine to fastener company baier & michels, which enables the company to recover up to 95% of its oil.

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ased near Frankfurt, Germany, with over 400 employees, baier & michels GmbH & Co KG is a specialist for the development and production of innovative fasteners, joining parts and C-part management for the automotive industry. On the new WZ550 machine, the patented process of de-oiling and cleaning mass production components enables the in-line cleaning machine to achieve an oil recovery of up to 95%. Three identical drums are mounted to a rotating frame, in which the process steps – de-oiling, washing, cleaning and drying – are performed in sequence. It is therefore not necessary to empty the drums in between steps. The lids, which vary from step to step are fixed.

The existing machine is charged by a hinged belt conveyor with an integrated scale, which is also part of the Dr Goessling product portfolio. The majority of the oil is separated in the first step by centrifuging the parts at up to 1,000rpm. The oil is collected and then either stored in containers or directly fed into a new process.

For an optimal result, the mostly de-oiled material is washed with warm suds of up to 80°C. This also acts as a corrosion prevention. Before the material enters the last step, it is centrifuged once again to remove the washing suds. In the last step, the material is rinsed to get rid of any remaining suds. It is then dried with hot air of up to 350°C. The drum is completely emptied into a container. After each step, the frame mounting the drums is rotated by 120° to move the parts to their next processing station. This is done fully automatically and the timing can be adjusted based on the amount of material.

The centrifuged suds and water are separated and processed for reuse in the processing station that is located next to the machine. The station also serves as an unobstructed provider of water and suds, as well as an oil separator. The oil contained in the water and suds is separated and stored in an additional container. Since most of the oil is already recovered during the first step, a carry-over of oil is prevented.

The Washing Centrifuge WZ550 has a maximum throughput of 1,000kg per hour when filled evenly and depending on the parts’ apparent weight. Small and large parts with various geometries and weights of up to 230g each can be cleaned. The very clean result and the minimal carry over of suds, water and oil enable the reusability of the oil and drastically reduce oil disposal fees when compared to other machines. The Washing Centrifuge also helps meet the increasingly strict demands of the environmental certification ISO 14001.

WAFIOS passing the baton After 20 years involvement in the management of the company, Jutta Leib is retiring from WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH. Andreas Pawelzig took over as joint managing director from 1st July 2021. fter almost 30 years in the WAFIOS Group, 20 years as managing director, a new phase of life is beginning, not only for Jutta Leib, but also for WAFIOS Umformtechnik GmbH. To mark the start and hand over of the baton, Andreas Pawelzig received a Swabian dictionary from his predecessor – certainly helpful for keeping regular communication with the parent company in Reutlingen.

The new joint managing director has many years of experience, amongst other things as a commercial manager in medium-sized mechanical engineering companies and is therefore very familiar with the challenging environment in which WAFIOS operates. “The technological know-how and the international orientation are great strengths of WAFIOS. Aligning the processes with this and constantly developing them further will be my focus in the coming weeks and months,” says Andreas Pawelzig.

Focus is an important keyword here, because WAFIOS is currently consistently realigning its strategy under the guiding principle of ‘Focus

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on the Future’. The objective is to further develop the already successfully implemented three pillar strategy consisting of the business areas of innovative new machines, service oriented aftersales, and high-quality thread rolling dies. “The focus is always on customer benefits,” agrees Andreas Pawelzig and his joint managing director, Jens Gutsche, who continues to be responsible for sales and technology.

“Digitalisation will be a key focus and Industry 4.0 also requires continuous further development of processes in the commercial area in order to support the value creating faculties in the best possible way,” explains Andreas Pawelzig.

In recent months, the Covid-19 pandemic has not only been a major challenge, but also a driver of the transition to digital formats for WAFIOS. For example with regard to virtual machine demonstrations and commissioning or through the use of modern video conferencing systems for internal and external communication.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Dimac utilises remote connectivity Dimac is providing remote services using its Connectivity Pack to aid customers all around the world, including remote machine commissioning, upgrades, programming and set-up support, training conferences, as well as improved factory quality control and management features.

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eveloped by Dimac R&D, the Connectivity Pack is a Business Intelligence solution that integrates and connects all Dimac 100% inspection and sorting equipment to the factory network. The software suite is used by Dimac staff to perform machine pre-acceptances prior to machine shipment and final acceptances when the machine is installed at a customer’s site.

The advanced graphic desktop of the Dimac Connectivity Pack allows the remote monitoring of the sorting department in ‘real time’, as well as displaying machine status and sorting cycle information with a click. The inspection plans can also be edited remotely and uploaded in the machine memory without interrupting the current sorting cycle – prior to changeover to the next part number to sort.

Machine programming and sorting cycle planning can also be organised from the quality control office remotely, even with a smartphone or a tablet. As well as this, the software offers the option to export statistic data and relevant measurements to the company ERP. www.dimacsrl.com

A new torrent automated precision ultrasonic cleaning system Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics, part of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, has introduced the Torrent M Series automated ultrasonic aqueous cleaning systems for high precision cleaning applications. he Torrent is a single chamber, front loading rotary basket style machine that features 640 watts of single or multi frequency ultrasonics for vacuum and non-vacuum immersion wash or rinse. It also features basket rotation with user selected speed, direction and short cyclic modes, compressed air blow off, spray rinsing and hot air dry or vacuum dry with hot air assist.

The Torrent M Series machines are self-contained, skid mounted machines designed for both single pass or multiple pass chemistries – utilising onboard reservoirs while reducing water consumption through a broad range of user defined machine operation parameters.

“This new machine sets the stage for a new generation of in-process or final clean ultrasonic cleaning systems that meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail regulations and GAMP 5 recommendations – while simplifying machine IQ and OQ validation in the most demanding applications,” states Blackstone-NEY. Cleaning Technologies Group (CTG) specialises in providing innovative cleaning and waste minimisation technologies to precision and industrial manufacturing markets. CTG is comprised of Ransohoff located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics located in Jamestown, New York, and CTG Asia located in Suzhou, China. The Group provides high technology, environmentally friendly parts cleaning and waste minimisation equipment and services to the global marketplace.

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Bodycote Plc, a provider of heat treatments and specialist thermal processing services, has opened a new facility in Syracuse, New York, USA.

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TOOL PROTECTION

PROCESS OPTIMISATION

Bodycote announces further expansion in North America

he new Syracuse facility is Bodycote’s second new site to be opened in North America, following on from the announcement of the opening of the new Elgin, Illinois, facility in December 2020.

The Syracuse factory, encompassing approximately 5,574m 2 of operating space, is now operational and offers a wide range of heat treatment processes. These include vacuum heat treating, atmospheric carburising, low pressure carburising, carbonitriding, ferritic nitro carburising, nitriding and aluminium heat treating. Bodycote believes that the site will secure all major OEM approvals as well as Nadcap accreditation, which it is already well on the way to achieving.

Stephen Harris, Bodycote group chief executive, comments: “We are very pleased to announce the opening of another new facility in the USA. This investment demonstrates Bodycote’s continuing commitment to align resources to serve our customers across North America.”

Bodycote is committed to offering world-class heat treating services and is investing in improvements as part of an ongoing strategy to provide the best possible capabilities combined with superior quality. Bodycote’s geographic network is constantly evolving with growth targeted at serving both its customers current and future needs.

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TESTING

INSIGHT INTO TESTING METHODS FOR THE FASTENER SECTOR

CORROSION + COATING THICKNESS TESTING FEATURE

The importance of product testing

By John Cross, general manager at Rotech Laboratories and Phoenix Materials Testing The news is sadly littered with stories about products not being fit for purpose, from cladding, to structures, to breast implants. The end result is a threat or harm to human life, as well as damage of all kinds. Add environmental damage to that, as well as corporate cost, and it quickly focuses the mind on the importance of materials testing. To not do it, is unthinkable, to not do it correctly via an accredited, diligent laboratory, is unforgivable.

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K-based Rotech Laboratories works with customers across many sectors, predominantly in aerospace, oil and gas, and energy (including all renewables), to conduct materials testing to ensure that products are fit for purpose. A key test within this is corrosion and plating/coating thickness testing, which for the Rotech team generally involves high-end fasteners in carbon and alloy steels, duplex alloys, austenitic stainless steels and the superalloy range.

Corrosion and coating thickness testing is usually conducted on materials that need to be corrosive resistant and would be used in environments that would be harsh and hostile to fasteners. In many applications, materials such as carbon steels would not last and would be unable to resist the environmental and atmospheric attack.

The materials being used in such environments must therefore be resistant to these attack and it is Rotech’s job to show that they are. Rotech’s key areas of testing include ASTM G48, G28 and A262, which are accepted international standards for demonstrating an ability to resistance to corrosive attack.

The ASTM G28 test is conducted by immersing a sample in a boiling sulphuric acid solution, which replicates a very aggressive attack. Tests such as these would be used for petrochemical and pipeline environments. These types of materials are used in oil and gas, as well as nuclear applications or anywhere that there is an aggressive environment. These tests are safety critical and the implications of failure are catastrophic to health, life, and the environment, as failure means oil or gas leakage and catastrophic environmental cost.

The aim of these tests is to assess the pitting of a sample by measuring the pitting resistance. If the pitting resistance is low, there are areas on the material that form a pit that can induce cracks and cavities forming in the material and may result in reduced life or even catastrophic failure. As part of the testing, after immersion in the corrosive media, the surface of the material is examined with a scriber and checked for any tiny pin hole indications that may open up into larger sub surface cavities. This is about assessing the reaction of the material to the corrosive environment. If we can

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TESTING demonstrate that a material is able to resist corrosive attack, this reduces the likelihood of any potential failures in service.

The ASTM G48 corrosion test is looking for surface pitting and the other tests are looking for granular corrosion as some materials can get an undesirable formation of oxides and carbides, which in turn can cause intergranular corrosion and cracking at the material grain boundaries. This can then induce catastrophic failure. The material grain boundaries represent plains of weakness and can allow the corrosion to propagate.

The ASTM G48 test tries to induce corrosion pitting through exposure to a ferric chloride solution. This is a widely recognised method of assessing resistance to pitting corrosion of stainless steels.

The Rotech team determines the weight loss after exposure and make visual examinations as part of the assessment. The weight loss is stipulated by specification or customer requirement.

The ASTM A262 test is an evaluation of a material that may have long-term exposure at elevated temperatures. This test assesses if the material’s grain boundaries have precipitated undesirable carbide formations, as this can lead to the material being vulnerable to an intergranular corrosive attack. In the ASTM A262 test, a sample will be exposed to corrosive media and then will undergo a visual examination and bend testing.

For susceptibility to intergranular corrosion in austenitic stainless steels, we use the ASTM A262 (Practice E) test. For the testing of pitting and crevice corrosion in stainless steels and related alloys, we would generally carry out the ASTM G48 Method A test. To test wrought nickel rich chromium bearing alloys for the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion, ASTM G28 Method A would be the preferable test.

tests, which will comparatively assess how suitable a coating sample is for use as a protective finish. This is one of the most commonly known and longest established internationally recognised tests.

The test period is pre-determined and the visual appearance is evaluated for form and the presence of rust or other oxides. More resistant coatings to the corrosion process will take longer to develop corroding elements, such as rust.

These coatings act as a physical barrier protecting the component.”

Accelerated environmental testing

Accelerated environmental testing is an evaluation of the suitability of a coating as a protective barrier of a component and is a comparative assessment of corrosive attack on protective finishes.

This could include all manner of coatings, for example plastics (e.g xylan), zinc based plating (e.g galvanising and sherardising), electrochemical plating (e.g zinc, nickel, chrome) and paints (e.g electrophoretic paints). These coatings act as a physical barrier protecting the component.

There are many types of tests on coatings, for example, the neutral salt spray test ASTM B117, BS EN ISO 9227, are accelerated corrosion

Metallurgical tests to examine coating thickness

The Rotech team also test samples to examine coating thickness and this involves using cross section and optical microscopy to determine the coating thickness measurement of a sample to BS EN ISO 1463. In many instances the acceptance criteria is determined by the customer.

The thickness tested in the Rotech laboratory can vary from 2 microns to 100 microns, depending on the sample and the coating.

Our accredited test BS EN ISO1463 allows Rotech to measure local coating thickness using metallographic examination of a sample cross section. In this test, we are looking to ensure that the coating conforms to the customer requirements or stated specification.

Generally thicker is better when it comes to coating thickness, but there is a limit. Our customers will not want to put on 100 microns of coating if 40 will do, and this is predominantly down to cost. There is also a practical mechanical element; some components are machined to a certain size, some are over plated and then ground back to the desired (specified) surface finish.

Certain surfaces are ground off, to reduce it to a size to ensure mechanically parts fit together. There is a commercial and economic reason for not over coating and a practical dimensional element. The customer will specify the thickness requirement and the plater will work to these requirements.

Corrosion tests are generally conducted on high alloy materials, which are not plated. Plated materials would protect ferrous materials or some materials that would be less safety critical. In the oil and gas sector our customers would always use a high alloy material. On materials exposed to more corrosive environments, it would always be appropriate to use the higher alloy/nickel-based superalloys.

Coated materials would be present in potentially less safety critical environments and ‘low to medium’ alloys would be used. They would be used in structural applications where there is less environmental and less atmospheric exposure to corrosion.

Each scenario has its own set of requirements. In some of the high temperature settings, the requirement would be to use higher specification alloys. These could be running hot with corrosive gases around them to create a very aggressive environment and we work with many customers in power, nuclear and oil and gas.

The petrochemical environment is one that is highly aggressive and higher alloy overprotective coatings on lower alloys would be the obvious choice.

Keeping material usage and waste to a minimum is paramount and we strive to work more efficiently and reduce the carbon footprint.

The corrosion and plating/coating thickness testing outlined above is critical in ensuring the compliance of both safety critical parts and product verification, which protects both the end user and businesses supplying the goods.

For more information about Rotech Laboratories, please go to www.rotechlabs.co.uk or speak to the Rotech experts on +44 (0)121 514 0602 and quote Fastener + Fixing.

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TESTING CORROSION + COATING THICKNESS TESTING FEATURE

Increase longevity of fasteners through material analysis By the global applications team at Helmut Fischer headquarters Here Helmut Fischer looks at how the use of the correct material analysis can help increase the longevity of fasteners, especially for applications in harsh environments.

Durability of fasteners

Screws, nuts, washers and bolts can be found everywhere, holding our world together, but some of them lead a much harder life than others, especially those used in harsh environments like offshore installations. As nobody ever wants to dismantle a wind turbine or oil rig only to replace the fasteners, special corrosion resistant alloys of stainless steel are used for them. This enables the supplier to guarantee a much longer service life, but that, in turn, requires clear and rigorous supervision of the material composition.

Protecting fasteners of marine structures

Any part of a marine structure – whether wind turbines, oil rigs or ships – that is permanently exposed to saltwater and inclement weather must be shielded against corrosion. The same precautions taken for protecting the surfaces of these structures must also apply to even the smallest parts holding them together. Every offshore installation contains many thousands of fasteners – and every single nut, bolt or screw has an important job to fulfil, for at least as long as the structure itself.

The right material for fasteners

To avoid too frequent maintenance or, even worse, replacement of all the bolts before the structure itself is worn out, the fasteners are made of unique corrosion resistant materials that guarantee a much longer life than usual. Different kinds of stainless steel, such as 316, 317 or A4, are used – each with its alloy composition. For example, A4 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly increases strength and corrosion resistance to withstand caustic agents such as saltwater (chlorides) and acids. It is recommended for use in highly aggressive environments.

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Material analysis of fasteners

An excellent way to ensure that these components are made of the correct material is to analyse their exact composition. This is where the non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method (XRF) is ideal. Using the FISCHERSCOPE® X-RAY XDLM® with its powerful WinFTM® software, it is both fast and easy to take exact and accurate measurements of the alloy to determine its composition. The use of a small collimator together with a microfocus X-ray tube even allows measurements of tiny structures.

The world of automated XRF measurement

The FISCHERSCOPE® X-RAY XDL® and XDLM® X-ray use energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer for automated material analysis and non-destructive measurement of coating thickness to ISO 3497 and ASTM B 568 standards.

This range offers the main components of our X-ray machines – such as the detector, X-ray tubes and filter combinations – but there is a significant difference: The XDL and XDLM devices measure from top to bottom. That means convenient XRF analysis of non flat samples – complex shapes are no longer a problem. The top down approach has another advantage, it makes for easy automated XRF measurements.

Equipped with a programmable sample stage, the XDL 240 and XDLM 237 are ideal for scanning surfaces, thus checking the thickness of layers on larger parts or automatically measuring lots of small pieces one after another. As with the XUL series, the ‘M’ in XDLM stands for ‘microfocus tube’, which delivers precise results even with small measuring spots and thin layers. This means that these XRF devices are particularly well suited for analysing small samples.

Measure alloy compositions the right way

Since 1983, Helmut Fischer’s XRF instruments have been integral in quality testing in almost all major industries. To verify if fasteners have the correct alloy composition needed for longevity under offshore and other harsh environments, the FISCHERSCOPE® X-RAY XDLM® is the best choice for non-destructive analysis. For more information contact your local fischer representative.

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TESTING

VICIVISION X-360: An ‘all in one’ machine For over ten years, VICIVISION has specialised in the production of optical measuring machines for turned and cylindrical parts across multiple industries. The use of non-contact metrology solutions reduces inspection times while increasing throughput and yield.

A machine with a wide measuring range is the preferable choice, provided there are no compromises on resolution, accuracy, and the ability to detect the smallest details.”

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ICIVISION’s optical machines measure the external profile of cylindrical components both statically and dynamically in a matter of seconds – from simple diameters, lengths, and threads, to more complex form errors.

These unique advantages in technology and capability have returned a strong international response from a wide range of demanding industries.

Because of this, VICIVISION has developed a specific product line to address increasing demand.

High resolution images, combined with improved ergonomics for small components, address the demands of these critical industries. “In this rapidly changing environment, along with the transformation of global markets, it can be difficult for manufacturers to choose a machine and technology that offers capability and flexibility to see them through the coming years,” explains VICIVISION. “A machine with a wide measuring range is the preferable choice, provided there are no compromises on resolution, accuracy, and the ability to detect the smallest details.

That is why we have introduced the X-360 – an ‘all in one’ machine that is the ideal solution.”

VICIVISION explains that the X-360 combines the ability to capture the smallest details while offering a large field of view. The result is a unique solution to the market, which provides manufacturers with a single instrument capable of measuring both small and large components. For instance, micro-mechanical manufacturers can also benefit from a resolution capable of measuring very small radii, bevels, grooves, and threads, while still having a system capable of larger dimensional measurements (300mm x 60mm).

“The unrivalled resolution combined with a large field of view completes VICIVISION’s exclusive ‘full image’ function, which captures the entire profile of the part loaded in the machine with maximum resolution – displaying and saving all the measurement data. Not only is the measurement data saved but so is the entire profile of the part,” comments VICIVISION. This function enables the technician to save the image of the part so that it can be inspected at a later date. Should additional information be requested, measurements can be made by using the profile of the part without having to get the actual part remeasured.

The innovations don’t stop here, VICIVISION has also focused heavily on the ergonomics of the X-360 to make the measurement of small components easier.

The machine offers unobstructed, well-lit front access to facilitate loading and unloading operations, even for the smallest parts. Particular attention was also paid to the reduction of preventative maintenance. For instance, the optics housing is made of stainless steel rather than aluminium to prevent contamination and to facilitate easier cleaning.

The low friction bearings in the upper tailstock also help reduce the rotational slipping effect between the tailstock and the work piece in low force conditions.

Across all high precision industries, components being inspected are often delicate – so clamping force must also be very delicate as to not deform the parts being measured.

As an alternative to mounting parts between centres, the machine can also be equipped with a large selection of fixturing solutions for pieces without centring holes. The automated control option also includes I/O communication and pneumatic fixturing systems (both chuck and tailstock).

“With our long history in industrial automation solutions we can meet the needs of robotic integration, as well as interface with MES and SPC software,” points out VICIVISION. “For the most advanced integrations, our VVLinx communication software is available with closed loop feedback control to machining centres. The data collected by our system is processed and sent back to the lathe (in the form of tool offsets) to keep production in tolerance and to help facilitate tooling changes.”

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TESTING

The crucial role of taking samples Here Cesare Certini, owner of S.M.T Srl – an independent Italian laboratory specialised in metallurgical testing – looks at the process of taking samples and how it plays a crucial role in the overall process of mechanical testing.

W

hen we talk about mechanical tests, our thoughts go to the actual test – the one that is performed on the machine itself. Everyone would agree that the execution is an important phase of the testing process. However, just as important is the previous phase – namely the taking of samples.

The sampling of tests must be carried out in such a way as not to influence the results that will be obtained subsequently with the mechanical test. To achieve this, various measures are required that involve knowledge of the standards and operating procedures, as well as having the necessary facilities within the mechanical workshop.

First of all, the tests must be performed following the requirements of the reference standards or the customer’s specifications. Wrong positioning can lead to different results from those that can be obtained with correctly obtained specimens. For example, in the case of heat treated steel pieces the structure, and consequently the mechanical properties, change considerably as a function of depth. In particular, when the hardness of the steel is lower, differences of a few millimeters lead to very different results.

Another fundamental point is that the specimen is obtained without altering the material. If overheating or work hardening occurs during mechanical processing, the mechanical characteristics will be affected. For this reason, it is sometimes preferable to use water cutting, a system whereby coupling abrasive material to water, and working at high pressures, makes it possible to not alter the material and also to achieve extreme precision and an excellent finish of the edges.

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The use of alternative cutting systems to the classic ones is also very important when it is necessary to obtain specimens from very small pieces or to obtain them from already finished pieces. In this case it is preferable to use wire cutting, which greatly reduces the waste and allows the obtaining of specimens even with little material available.

Another aspect to consider is the surface finish, particularly in the case of tests such as fracture mechanics and impact tests. In the case of impact tests, the processing of the notch is fundamental, which must avoid creating surface imperfections, such as scratches and marks. However, even a non-optimal roughness can reduce the absorbed energy value. For this reason, broach machining has been abandoned in favour of systems that allow users to obtain notches with a better surface finish, such as grinding or wire cutting.

It is also important that we do not neglect the stages following the making of the specimens. To avoid dangerous mixing it is in fact necessary to mark the specimens. This operation can also have negative consequences. In the past this operation was performed by hand stamping, while today most modern laboratories have replaced it with laser marking, which is more repetitive, more readable and less impactful on the material to be tested – due to it having a a depth of a hundreth of a millimetre.

Finally, before being tested, the specimen must be checked to make sure that all the tolerances required comply with the regulations.

For this reason, some laboratories, including SMT, have equipped themselves with automatic control systems. www.smtsrl.com

TESTING

Quality assurance in fastener assembly – from start to finish Bolted joints must function safely and reliably to avoid extra costs, recall actions or recourse claims.

In this interview, Wilfried Blechmann, head of fastening technology business line at Kistler Group, explains the key points in quality assurance for fastening technology. He also goes on to describe the systems that provide effective support for users in every step of the process.

Fasteners have been around for centuries and were added to the DIN catalogue of standards back in the 1930s. Why does this tried and tested joining method still play such an important part nowadays?

“There are two good reasons for that.

Firstly, the bolted joint is the only joining method that can be released without destruction – and as a general rule, the joint can be used again. Also, fasteners are becoming smaller and lighter all the time, so they are highly versatile. That’s why they also have a part to play in Industry 4.0 – in the automotive, aviation, medtech, electrical engineering, wind power technology, construction and many other areas of industry.

The second reason is the safety aspect, which is a major issue in connection with bolted joints. Just think about a container weighing many tonnes, suspended from a construction crane as it is transported above a site full of people – and it’s held in place by just a few fasteners. Or think how many safety critical bolted joints there are in a car – for the wheels, axles, the transmission, doors, brakes and even the safety belts and airbags.”

Which points require attention from manufacturers who use fasteners in the production process?

“The level of quality required is high, so manufacturers need to monitor their fastening technology from ‘end to end’ of the process. They have to carry out quality assurance on the fasteners themselves, the tools and also on the bolted joints in the assembled components. They must do this consistently and with the required frequency, depending on the application, for instance testing a tool once every shift.

Manufacturers also have to document everything, in case of an investigation. For instance, after a car accident they must be able to prove that they tested the bolted joint on the safety belt according to the applicable

If the application is classified as high risk, the fastening tool is tested once every shift – with the help of the INSPECTpro mobile measuring and evaluation unit standards. The basis for performing quality assurance is set out in DIN EN ISO 9001.

Of course, the measuring instruments and systems used for quality assurance also need to be calibrated at regular intervals.

Traceability of the measurement equipment may be required or indicated so as to boost confidence in the validity of the measurement results. In these cases, calibration must take place in a laboratory accredited as per DIN EN ISO 17025. According to the risk category, these calibrations have to be repeated at intervals ranging from three months to two years.”

There are vast numbers of standards and regulations in this area. Which ones apply in which cases?

“Depending on the purpose for which the bolted joints are used, manufacturers

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draw up a test concept that includes the relevant standards for their application.

Let’s mention some examples of important standards and guidelines derived from the ISO 9000 series: VDI 2862 sheet 2 on the ‘Minimum Requirements for Application of Fastening Systems and Tools’; VDI 2645 sheet 2 on the ‘Capability Test for Fastening Technology – Machine Capability Test – MCT’; and VDI 2230 on the ‘Systematic Calculation of Highly Stressed Bolted Joints’.

As well as these Norms, customers often have their own specific requirements. VDI Guideline 2862, which I just mentioned, also includes a classification of bolted joints in three categories: ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’.

Category ‘A’ means danger to life and limb, ‘B’ indicates restricted function, and category ‘C’ is for bolted joints where a fault does not present a risk but would be an annoyance for customers. The testing

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TESTING requirements for bolted joints in categories ‘A’ and ‘B’ are naturally stricter than those for category ‘C’.”

What are the most important variables that have to be tested?

“A number of different variables such as coefficient of friction, preloading force, and torque, are relevant to the quality of a bolted joint. Preloading force – a critical factor in joint stability – is the result of interaction between torque, rotation angle and friction coefficients for the surfaces involved. These parameters have to be monitored continuously. It’s also important to document and archive all the data – so the necessary proof can be provided in case of recourse claims.”

What are the advantages of solutions from Kistler?

“One decisive advantage is that Kistler offers systems, consulting and services for quality assurance from start to finish of the fastening process. Customers benefit from support at every stage – from drafting the test concept and actually carrying out quality assurance, all the way through to documentation and archiving.

Also, we often implement adaptations to meet customers’ specific requirements – if space is confined, if two systems are needed, or if a mobile measurement solution is required.

The friction coefficient test stand is used to check the key measurands for the quality of the bolted joint

There’s also another significant advantage: We hold DIN EN ISO 17025 accreditation both as a stationary laboratory and also for on-site deployments, so we can perform the prescribed recalibrations of test and measurement equipment on the customer’s own premises.

That means there’s no need to send devices away – so costly periods when they are not available for production are eliminated.

Kistler’s portfolio of inspection systems for fastening technology includes devices to test the fasteners themselves, the tools, and the bolted joints. The systems and the

matching software capture all the measured values and present the documented results in a crystal-clear format.

User-friendly software modules help to manage tasks and store all the relevant data on testing assignments.

In a nutshell, when customers come to Kistler, they get everything they need for safe and reliable bolted joints – all from one single source: Inspection systems, the relevant hardware, and software, backed by high-quality service – including traceable recalibrations on-site at our customers’ premises.”

CORROSION + COATING THICKNESS TESTING FEATURE

Traditional control panel meets modern technology ElektroPhysik, a German-based manufacturer of measuring gauges, states that its MiniTest 4500 coating thickness gauge combines a traditional control panel in connection with modern technology.

M

iniTest 4500 combines traditional, approved characteristics of coating thickness measuring with current technology. Beside modern features, such as a Bluetooth and USB interface for data transfer, ElektroPhysik’s newest model also combines analogue probes and a classic control panel with keystroke for a simple handling.

“We deliberately took a lot of time to get the new MiniTest 4500 market ready,” says Winfried Roggendorf, managing director at ElektroPhysik. “The main thing we did was to incorporate key suggestions and wishes from the many discussions we had with the specialists who use our equipment.”

The result is a coating thickness gauge that impresses with its state of the art and high precision measuring technology in a robust, industry grade housing, while also meeting user requirements for practical, easy application using proven operating technology.

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With the MiniTest 4500 is it possible to handle a wide range of measuring tasks. The non-destructive surface measurement of paints, anodised aluminium, chrome, zinc, and other coatings, on a range of different substrates, is no problem for the MiniTest 4500. A large selection of measuring probes are available to users for both standard and complex tasks such as measuring in pipes or particularly thick coatings of up to 100mm thickness.

All probes from the predecessor models MiniTest 1100, 2100, 3100, and 4100, can also be connected to the new models. “One key factor in the product’s development was to provide users with a smooth transition to the newer model,” emphasised Winfried Roggendorf.

“To summarise, measurement accuracy, reliability, ergonomics and production quality are top priorities in the new MiniTest 4500 measuring gauges. Traditional, proven operating technology means the new series also offers users easy operation and secure application in non-destructive surface measurement.”

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS SYSTEM DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE FASTENER SECTOR

Cash is king – examining the Cash Conversion Cycle

By Jim Japczyk, CFO of Optimas Solutions Cash is king – well almost. It is hard to argue with the old adage that ‘cash is king’, but maybe in the fastener manufacturing and distribution industries the phrase would be better coined as ‘cash conversion is king’. As one could imagine, an industry such as fasteners needs to rely heavily on how cash conversion is managed and leveraged to make a company successful.

A

s described in Investopedia, the Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) is a metric that expresses the time it takes for a company to convert its investments in inventory and other resources into cash flows from sales. Cash conversion attempts to measure how long each net input dollar is tied up in the production and sales process before it gets converted into cash received. It considers how much time the company needs to sell its inventory, how much time it takes to collect receivables, as well as how much time it has to pay its bills without incurring interest or penalties.

As the CFO of Optimas Solutions, the Cash Conversion Cycle is a very important tool for me to use to better leverage business assets, cashflow, inventory and investment. By managing the cycle well, financial executives can generally improve the overall financial health of the organisation, which is meaningful to suppliers, distributors and, most importantly, customers.

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS The CCC is focused on three primary elements of net working capital – inventory, accounts receivables and accounts payable.

From my point of view, CCCs are impacted most by two things: 1. Working to get the cash cycle under control.

2. Controlling soft costs such as interest, overheads, and opportunity costs, inherent in having goods and services sitting idly; or too long in inventory or in the supply chain.

There are four key aspects of the CCC I look at in managing the cycle properly to make it one of our most valued assets.

Access to cash or credit

First, access to cash or credit is so important to the CCC. Having the ability to flexibly manage cash flow during the cycle is important to manage the soft costs mentioned earlier. Interest is the biggest foe to the cycle. Good access to cash and strong credit can help one manage the cycle because either can help fill gaps in the cycle when needed.

We carefully look at each facet of the cycle from a time consumption standpoint and use that to determine how best to fund each – whether with cash or credit.

Transparency throughout the ‘food chain’

Second, transparency throughout the business ‘food chain’ is extremely important to cash conversion. I have often written about the importance of data and analysing it from all aspects of the company. Managing the CCC is no exception.

Having complete visibility throughout the business ‘food chain’ is necessary and having the ability to analyse data driven from that visibility is very important.

For example, knowing in what business process cash is held up the longest would be helpful to making adjustments. Is the lack of strong inventory management visibility causing management to move too slowly to adjust inventory flow? Or, management may glean through visibility new ways to reduce supply chain delays and improve the flow, cutting time and expenses.

Transparency throughout the whole business ecosystem provides the ability to make improvements through better decision making.

Cash conversion attempts to measure how long each net input dollar is tied up in the production and sales process before it gets converted into cash received.” costs Controlling and/or eliminating soft

Deploying best practices

The third area I concentrate on is methods and best practices on how to get the cash cycle under control, including having greater visibility in data affecting operations, and sales, and what adjustments can be made accordingly. Many use a cash conversion calculator as a best practice in understanding the cycle. Calculating the CCC may be a little challenging at first, but once you understand the elements involved in the calculation, it becomes easier. The CCC formula has three parts: Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO), Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), and Days Payable Outstanding (DPO). So, the formula looks like this:

CCC = DIO + DSO – DPO The typical length of the CCC will vary considerably by company or industry. There is no single figure that represents a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ CCC. However, by looking at the phases in the cycle with this formula in mind, one can start to unearth areas where problems in the cycle

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may exist and can be fixed. For example, a longer DPO may mean one needs to apply incentives to get customers to pay faster.

Or a longer inventory phase (DIO) may suggest the supply chain is inefficient or inventory make up needs to be adjusted based on demand.

The most important point with this third aspect I look at in the cycle is to use analytics to make improvements in the cycle. It starts with this simple formula.

Finally, controlling and/or eliminating soft costs within the CCC is extremely important. As I said earlier, soft costs such as interest rates, late fees, price surcharges, or cost of goods fluctuations all can impact how effective a company’s CCC is performing. While time doesn’t impact all soft costs, it is a big factor in controlling some of the most significant – such as interest or late fees. Getting to the bottom of inefficiencies in the cycle can help one make changes to time on task and improve one’s CCC.

So, cash conversion just might be king

As the pace of manufacturing and distribution picks up in 2021 to address pent up demand, companies must look at all aspects of business to become operationally and financially sound. Cash conversion is a key element in that process and more and more companies are working hard to be better at leveraging it for success.

At Optimas we view the CCC as one of our greatest assets and use it religiously to manage the business. I guess you could say while cash is very important in our company, the Cash Conversion Cycle is really ‘the king’.

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

Supply chain silver linings

By Jason Bader, The Distribution Team If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

Last year, we all dealt with the fear and confusion of a global pandemic. Whilst it is still ongoing; most people seem to have found ways to accept the circumstances and persevere.

This year, we get to deal with a global supply chain meltdown that may, or may not, have been caused by the forementioned pandemic.

A

couple of months ago, I came across a video that discussed the supply chain mess. It suggested that the pandemic wasn’t really the cause of the crisis.

Rather, it was just the straw that broke the camel’s back on a very fragile system. The Just In Time (JIT) inventory management philosophy popularised in the 1970s by the Japanese automobile market reduced waste in the process but relied heavily on a very timely and coordinated flow of materials. In our modern interpretation, the coordination was even more critical to the success of manufacturing. With the shutdowns of early 2020, the whole system was thrown into turmoil. This global system, which relies on production, shipping, trucking, and labour, could not find its groove. That is what happened and is still happening.

Rather than dwell on the answers, of which I don’t have many, I would like to focus on the silver lining to this cloud of scarcity and disruption in our ability to procure product. As I have mentioned many times in my writing, I facilitate groups of distributors with the goal of solving common challenges in specific job functions. We tend to focus on micro solutions rather that get spun up on the macro challenges. We leave it to those who have larger platforms and thrive in ambiguity. Recently, some of the groups shifted focus away from the challenges and reflected on the positive lessons taken from the supply chain crisis. These are their thoughts.

Vendor relationships

The first area we discussed was the relationships in the supplier community. Here, there were a couple of schools of thought. Some suggested the relationships with their key suppliers had become

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closer during this time. There has been greater collaboration and visibility to the supply process. Distributors have opened their ‘doors’ a bit and shared usage information with the hopes of gaining preferential treatment with allocated product. There has been a new interest in alternative products that may be a better fit than those in the standard buying habits. People are talking more than ever before.

On the flip side, distributors are reaching outside of their traditional suppliers and developing new relationships with alternative suppliers. Those in procurement have become very adept at hunting down and finding alternate pockets of supply. This has led to greater creativity and critical thinking in this department.

Sales

In the wake of scarcity, distributors are learning how to segment their customers to determine who their best relationships really are.

The days of saying yes to all and trying to satisfy everyone are long gone. Although this is not a new concept, the segmenting of customers by bottom line contribution is gaining traction. Rewarding the loyalty and profitability of the customer base is more attractive. Similar to the collaboration with suppliers, sales teams are learning how to communicate more effectively with their customers. Planning ahead, and the ability to be transparent with supply challenges, has brought salespeople closer than ever before.

Another by-product of scarcity is creativity. In the current climate, salespeople have the opportunity to expose customers to alternative higher priced products. Customers who need product are more willing to listen to available product options. Now is the best time to consider upselling and establishing familiarity with premium products.

Profitability

There are a couple of areas where profit margins can be enhanced in this disarray. First, supplier price increases are coming fast and furious. No one has escaped this new challenge. Rather than dwell on the negative, price increases are the best time to find modest margin gains in your pricing strategy.

Sure, you can’t bump the highly sensitive items in your product mix, but at least 85% of your products can take a margin bump at the time of supplier increase. As you move down the sensitivity scale (popularity) add anywhere from 0.5% to 2% to the supplier increase.

Inventory carrying costs should reduce a bit due to a lack of availability, but we should also see a better turn ratio on the majority of products. Now would be a time to review your slow products and see if they would be attractive alternatives to traditional items. Please don’t misunderstand me here. I am not asking you to reduce your inventory levels on your higher hit items. The love of turns and Lean inventory practices are what got us here in the first place.

Company culture

The pandemic and supply chain fallout have shone a light on company culture in ways we have never seen. For those with a clearly defined positive culture, this crisis has tested and solidified the positive attributes. For those who have been negligent with regard to their human resources, they are struggling to find solid ground.

Leadership visibility and direction has been put to the test. Those who coach and encourage their team will be the big winners.

One of the more positive cultural changes is flexibility. Teams have had to scramble to stay open, find ways to work remotely and collaborate from a distance. The work environment has been rapidly

evolving. This is a good thing and we should not ‘pine away’ for getting back to normal. Our team have learned to overcome obstacles, in short order, and found ways to thrive in chaos. They are no longer excuse makers; rather, they have evolved into problem solvers. This is something that leadership needs to encourage and not chalk it up to a passing fad or circumstance.

Our companies have learned how to manage resources better than ever. Inventory management has gone through a transformation.

Facilities and delivery methods have adapted to fit the shifting environment. Technology solutions have come off the back burner and have gained a renewed interest in the mission. When our people became sick, we stepped up to fill the gaps. We pulled together like never before.

Paul Romer, an economist out of Stanford University, once said: “A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” Our job is very simple. Take the lessons of the past 18 months and don’t let them get lost to archives of your company. Learn from this time. Capitalise on what you are doing right and how your team is overcoming adversity. Make that your silver lining going forward. As always, I am here to help.

About the author

Jason Bader is the principal of The Distribution Team. He is a holistic distribution advisor who is passionate about helping business owners solve challenges, generate wealth and achieve personal goals.

Last year, he launched his first podcast, Distribution Talk.

Episodes can be found at www.distributiontalk.com and on most podcast applications. You can find additional resources on his website: www.thedistributionteam.com

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS MOBILE TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

Using mobile technology to stay ahead Mobile technology is big, and only set to get bigger over the next decade. Here, Sam Cannon, account executive at sales-i – a sales performance software company for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers – explores the possibilities that using mobile technology can bring to fastener companies with the right mindset.

I

f you’ve ever been in a new city and wanted to find somewhere to eat, then you’ll know the frustration of not knowing what’s near and suitable. And if you’re of a certain age, you’ll remember a time before mobile technology when you’d have to find an actual person who was willing to stop and give you directions.

Luckily, we now carry the solution to these everyday problems in our pockets. Without a second thought you can have your phone in your hand and type, for example: ‘Italian restaurants near me’. When you do, two solutions come into play. One, you have access to all the local knowledge you need and two, typing ‘near me’ is enough – if your location services are on – for your device to know which city you’re in and that you want something relatively local that you can walk there.

Applying those two solutions to the workplace, it’s obvious how mobile technology can play a critical role in our workflows, both on the road and back at the office. Equipped with the right technology that provides an answer to a question like ‘give me the name of a fastener manufacturer’ can prove invaluable for staying on top of the rapidly changing manufacturing and distribution market. This was also true following the pandemic when so many businesses pivoted their offerings in new directions, or staff turnovers meant there would be someone new at the end of the phone or email.

If your mobile technology knows where you are in relation to customers or potential customers, it can alert you to further opportunities. Think of it like your assistant sitting in the car with

you. They’re looking out the window spotting new places you might miss. Couple that with, for example, software that provides sales opportunity insights, and you’re quickly able to prioritise which customer you visit first.

Getting the most out of mobile technology may require a shift in how your organisation thinks about that technology. Many businesses still aren’t prioritising mobile technology for their team, despite its increased growth. There’s much more to having a mobile workforce than being able to do business on the go. In fact, it’s becoming critical to many businesses. If you aren’t making the most of your mobile technology and your competition is, who is likely to be taking the lead?

Businesses are becoming increasingly mobile, spending time away from their base office. One thing most people learnt last year was that we’re now able to be out of the office and still remain fully connected to our colleagues.

The potential of mobile technology is so vast that not only will your team be able to work on the go, equipped with smartphones, tablets and other mobile gadgets, but they will also be able to collaborate with team members on projects thanks to Apps hosted in the Cloud.

Mobile technology is now so advanced that you can place orders, check stock levels back at the warehouse, as well as record all your meeting notes anywhere you can get an Internet connection (and with the right Apps, even when you can’t). The modern workforce needs to stay connected to access the information and tools they need wherever they are, from any device and at any time.

The potential of mobile technology is so vast.”

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS MOBILE TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

Improving efficiencies for the fastener industry Mobile technologies have come a long way over recent years and the need for businesses within the fastener and fixing industry to embrace digitalisation has never been greater. Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd (KCS) is one provider of software solutions that is doing what it can to facilitate this transition by developing mobile Apps for its customers.

K

CS’ K8 business management software is used by companies throughout the fastener industry and the recent deployment of mobile Apps has made these customers more adaptable to new, digital ways of working. In many cases, mobile Apps are integral because they facilitate efficiency improvements – helping to cut the number of hours spent on manual tasks, as well as the associated costs.

For instance, KCS launched K8 eReceipts to allow users to quickly book in receipts from purchase orders, freeing up the hours that are spent every month manually carrying out the task. Users are automatically notified whenever a problem arises, so not only are they able to rectify it as soon as possible, but customers also benefit from enhanced levels of service.

K8 ePick is also creating efficiency improvements. The simple to use App automatically guides users to the right bin locations in the most effective sequence. Once users have reached the location, items can be scanned using the mobile device, making sure deliveries of fasteners and fixing products are right first time.

Another KCS App that is making deliveries more streamlined is ePOD. The App enables images to be captured at the point of delivery and an electronic signature is taken from the recipient. Everything is stored against the delivery record, so staff can access the information they need and drill down into the level of detail they require.

“KCS has developed Apps to help businesses run smoother and make day-to-day life more efficient. These Apps are designed to take the ERP system to the job, rather than the other way round. There has been a noticeable shift towards digital solutions over recent months and the pandemic has hastened the pace of technological change.

Companies recognise the need to adopt digital tools to stay relevant and provide better services for their customers,” comments James Mitchell, UK & IE managing director at KCS.

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

Forming technology meets edge computing Schuler, a machine and plant building company, is cooperating with German Edge Cloud, a specialist in edge and Cloud systems, to offer a track and trace solution for press plants.

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he ability to trace components, driven by the automotive and aircraft industries, is rapidly gaining in importance. Through this partnership, Schuler and German Edge Cloud (GEC) are combining expertise in forming technology with skills in edge and Cloud technology, to achieve greater transparency and networking in production, as well as across the entire value chain.

This joint solution is already being employed in a pilot project: Smart Press Shop GmbH & Co KG, a joint venture between Porsche and Schuler with a fully networked press shop in Halle an der Saale, Germany, which is being used for the flexible production of body parts for Porsche and other producers.

“With our data driven press shop and the associated Schuler Digital Suite track and trace system, we are responding to our customers’ call for easy to use total solutions,” explains Domenico Iacovelli, Schuler Group’s CEO. As a companion on the path to digitalisation, the company is thus ensuring complete transparency in production. “In the event of any product recalls, for example, the entire supply chain can be traced – without any gaps – and the cause of the fault can be quickly identified.”

GEC supplied a central software module for the track and trace system while Schuler is also developing additional modules based on the user centred design approach. The front end can be run on various mobile devices.

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MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

iSCALE - the new scale system Würth Industrie Service has introduced the innovative scale system iSCALE, which can be directly connected with a Kanban bin and is independently movable, to its portfolio of fully automated C-parts solutions.

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s a result of being independently movable, the iSCALE can be used flexibly in industrial environments in a variety of locations, such as at the assembly line, material storage, Kanban location or directly at the workplace. On the basis of the weight, the system notifies the requirements of production materials and other small parts digitally – from the customer’s point of use directly to the ERP system of Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co Kg and ensures an exact replenishment.

While the main objective of industries is to increase productivity and reduce process costs, they should also focus on improving quality and increasing flexibility. Even though C-parts represent only a small proportion of the purchase volume of a company, the procurement efforts involved here are very high. iSCALE handles the logistical storage management of C-parts almost on its own.

In addition to this, Würth Industrie Service offers sensor controlled weighing technology for traditional Kanban material storage, as well as for supply to the line and directly to the individual assembly stations.

This flexible and independent application in the actual place of use is only possible because the system is operated without power and is controlled via new radio technology (IoT).

A prime example is the Kanban bin W-KLT®2.0 (Würth small load carrier 2.0), which is equipped with a sensor controlled scale that continuously checks the weight inside the bin directly at the customer’s location and transfers the same via an encrypted interface to the ERP system of the C-parts provider.

Once the weight goes below a defined value, a notification is sent automatically to Würth Industrie Service, an order is initiated, and a delivery is

subsequently triggered. The scale system is designed for all Würth Industrie Service bin sizes following the VDA norm (2115, 3215, 4115, 4315) and is first implemented for the bin size 2115.

“The benefits are significant – a fully automated logistical stock management replaces the cumbersome stock takings, reorders and interim storage at the customer’s location. As the inventory is continuously audited, any fluctuations and peaks can be identified in time, and thus, the supply security can be maximised,” explains Würth Industrie Service. “iSCALE is particularly suitable for manufacturing companies having irregular requirements of direct materials. In addition to that, the process is economised significantly by reducing the tied up capital, since high inventory levels can be reduced at customers’ locations, and in turn, areas for storage spaces.” iSCALE is an important part of several Würth Industrie Service solutions, for the entirety of procurement and logistics. With iSCALE, it is possible to deliver to the central storage locations as well as seamlessly supply to the exact place of requirement and the individual assembly area.

Thus, the processes are completely networked as defined by the principles of Lean factory. In this way, Würth Industrie Service offers an additional solution within the production and operating materials supply, with users able to further digitalise their entire delivery chain and make it more transparent.

“On the basis of the weight, the intelligent system independently identifies the exact requirement for material and automatically notifies Würth Industrie Service’s ERP system. Thus, the entire supply chain and the flow of material to the place of use will be largely self controlled,” concludes the company.

iSCALE handles the logistical storage management of C-parts almost on its own.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY FASTENING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL INDUSTRIES

RAIL FEATURE

Rail speeds W towards carbon zero

By Ian Parker, freelancer, ianfliesrussian@aol.com The Covid lockdown and recent severe weather have made many people re-examine their previous lives and travel has come under particular scrutiny – it’s a major contributor to pollution and therefore global warming and climate change. We should all travel less and differently. One question is – how differently?

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hether the future of on land transport lies with road or rail (or both), one thing is certain – it’s going electric.

For rail, this will involve the extension of the existing overhead and track electrification or the generation of onboard electricity by hydrogen – either simply burning it or in fuel cells to power electric motors. Tests are also being run on road overhead electrification with lorries having pantographs, just like electric trains do.

Whatever happens, lots of fasteners will be needed and they’ll have to be tough because high-speed rail (HSR) trains are pushing 250mph – in countries including Japan, China, and many in Europe. Keeping the wires and the rails in place calls for top quality fasteners.

Another issue is safety. Rail travel is the safest form of transport of all. Over Japan’s Shinkansen’s (bullet train) 50 plus year history, carrying over 10 billion passengers, there have been no passenger fatalities due to train accidents such as derailments or collisions, despite frequent earthquakes and typhoons. Injuries and a single fatality have been caused by doors closing on passengers or their belongings; attendants are now employed at platforms to prevent such accidents.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY Road safety and traffic flow are likely to improve with the introduction of autonomous cars, but they are not likely to cruise at 250mph. Should the UK follow the Japanese proven system of a network of high-speed trains with a 25kV 60Hz overhead power supply? HS2 has met much controversy, but such projects always do, particularly in the UK where NIMBY (not in my back yard) attitudes often prevail. As an alternative to road and airline travel, rail has many advantages in convenience, speed, cleanliness and safety.

The UK House of Lords Science & Technology Committee has called for the government to accelerate the railway electrification programme in a report following an inquiry on batteries and fuel cells. The report – ‘Battery strategy goes flat: Net-zero target at risk’ – says that the UK’s rail electrification programme is “falling behind schedule”. The aim is for diesel trains to be phased out by 2040.

It should allow “greater use of electric trains” and ensure sections left without electrification “are within the capabilities of trains powered by batteries and fuel cells. Otherwise, sections may be left for which decarbonisation is more expensive or more challenging. This poses the risk that the necessary increases in freight and passenger rail may not occur, and indeed that some usage could shift to roads”.

The report raises concerns that the UK’s electrification strategy is not as clear in some other countries and lacks long-term funding.

One result is “a boom and bust cycle” for the supply chain, which is detrimental to the development of new technologies.

David Clarke, the UK Railway Industry Association (RIA) technical director, welcomed the report. “It is good to see the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee backing the asks of RIA’s Rail Decarbonisation 21 campaign, which is calling for government to commit to a rolling programme of electrification and fleet orders of battery and hydrogen rolling stock – in-line with the Transport Decarbonisation Plan – before COP26 in November,” he said.

“This is now the third parliamentary committee to back the recommendations of RIA’s campaign, showing a ‘head of steam’ amongst policy makers to deliver a clean, environmentally friendly, low carbon rail network. We look forward to working with peers from across the political spectrum, and the government, to support the committee’s findings.”

In its overview of the English rail system, published recently, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlights a “disappointing lack of progress in agreeing a specific and funded plan for rail electrification”, which it says will pose risks to achieving the government’s net zero targets.

UK rail and bus operator The Go-Ahead Group has signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative for ratification of its ‘industry leading’ timetable for carbon reduction, it announced last July. Go-Ahead wants to achieve a 75% cut in its emissions by 2035 and become carbon neutral by 2045.

The company anticipates that its ‘exacting’ targets will be achieved through a combination of investment in zero carbon technology, a crackdown on waste and a significant increase in the reuse and recycling of materials. These would be accompanied by initiatives to encourage active travel, with the company calling on the government to encourage modal shift from car use to walking, cycling and public transport.

Announcing a ‘wholesale shift’ from diesel to zero carbon modes including electric and hydrogen traction, Go-Ahead said it was aiming to achieve a fully decarbonised rail fleet by 2035, and to switch its 5,000-strong UK bus fleet to zero emission vehicles by the same date.

Fastener issues and examples

Yorkshire company Ellis Patents Ltd says that rail electrification requires both power cables and Overhead Line Equipment (OLE).

Upgrades and new build schemes must adhere to rail industry National Technical Rules (NTRs) and European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs).

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The UK’s HS2 project is underway with tunnel boring a major activity

Ellis says that it has the most extensive range of cable cleat designs on the market and as such, has a range of offerings suitable for all applications within the rail industry.

Overground and underground rail sectors use an extensive range of cable types including telecoms, alarm and control cables, signalling and data, and of course, a range of power delivery and electrification cables. Many rail cables are installed using cable hangers. Ellis has improved the design of the basic galvanised steel hanger with reduced weight, radiused corners (to reduce damage to cables during installation) and a convex hanger profile for cable sagging.

Ellis manufactures cable hangers that are curved to fit the profile of a tunnel. These reduce the level of supporting steel structures necessary as the hangers can attach directly to the tunnel profile.

Where the kinematic envelope of trains is tight and space is restricted, these profiled hangers provide a neat solution.

The No Bolts Cleat from Ellis Patents was designed to a specific remit from Network Rail. Contractors had been injured when working live on cables where metallic components in the cable fixings tore through the cable sheath. Network Rail’s design brief for a new style fixing specified no metal parts and no tools required for installation and maintenance. The No Bolts Cleat was fast tracked successfully through the development stages using rapid prototyping technology and achieved its Network Rail PADs approval within a year.

The product is also fully compliant with IEC 61914 having been short circuit fault tested to 101kA. No Bolts Cleat won the Electrical Times ‘Best Innovative Product of the Year 2016’.

Ellis was approached in 2016 to supply cable fixings to the Severn Tunnel electrification scheme, part of the GWEP project.

The tunnel conditions are severe with sea water ingress and a high corrosion environment. A 60 year design life was specified

High-speed rail development and rail electrification in the UK can come up against opposing forces such as the preservation of archaeological sites. This one is on Curzon Street in Birmingham

There will be 112,000 fibre reinforced concrete segments for the HS2 Chiltern tunnel and they all need fasteners and as such, Ellis adapted its standard 2F+ product to include a super duplex high chromium fixing plate, which satisfied the project requirements.

China’s AGICO provides a wide range of rail fasteners for HSR applications. These include the E-clip fastening, Pandrol fast clip fastening, tension clamp fastening, bolt clamp fastening, tack joint and chairs fastening, as well as steel spring keyed rail in a chair fastening.

China has the world’s largest high-speed rail network and it’s the most extensively used – the total length reached 37,900km by the end of 2020. The HSR network encompasses newly built rail lines with a design speed of 200km/h – 350km/h (120mph – 220mph). China’s HSR accounts for two-thirds of the world’s total high-speed railway networks. Almost all its HSR trains, track and service are owned and operated by the China Railway Corporation under the brand China Railway High-speed (CRH).

HSR has developed rapidly in China over the past 15 years. The HSR building boom continues there with the network set to reach 70,000km (43,000 miles) in 2035.

China’s early high-speed trains were imported or built under technology transfer agreements with foreign train makers including Alstom, Siemens, Bombardier and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Trains are now built by the indigenous CRRC Corporation.

The advent of high-speed rail in China has greatly reduced travel time and has transformed Chinese society and economy. A World Bank study found “a broad range of travellers of different income levels choose HSR for its comfort, convenience, safety and punctuality”.

Notable HSR lines in China include the Beijing-Guangzhou line, which at 2,298km (1,428 miles) is the world’s longest. The Beijing-Shanghai line is the world’s fastest. The Shanghai Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains can reach 430km/h (267mph) and last

year China started testing a maglev train that runs at 600km/h (372mph) with a planned launch date of 2025.

High-speed rail in Europe is emerging as an increasingly popular and efficient means of transport. The first HSR lines in Europe, built in the 1980s and 1990s, improved travel times on intra-national corridors.

Since then, several countries have built extensive high-speed networks and there are now several cross-border high-speed rail links. Railway operators frequently run international services and tracks are continuously being built and upgraded to international standards.

In 2007, a consortium of European Railway operators, Railteam, emerged to coordinate and boost cross-border high-speed rail travel.

Developing a trans-European HSR network is a stated goal of the European Union and most cross-border railway lines receive EU funding. Several countries – France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia and the United Kingdom – are connected to a cross-border HSR network.

More are expected to be connected in the coming years as Europe invests heavily in tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure and development projects across the continent, many of which are under construction now. Currently, there are a number of high-level manufacturers designing and building HSR in Europe, with criss-crossed alliances and partnerships, including Bombardier, Alstom, Talgo and Siemens.

HSR is fast becoming the transport method of the future because it’s electric (and therefore clean), extremely safe and increasingly fast.

Combined with electric autonomous cars, which could be put on the trains for longer journeys (as happens on the Channel Tunnel service), carbon zero transport is on the horizon. It simply remains for the world to choose it and fund it. The miles of track and overhead power lines are going to require a huge number of top quality fasteners.

www.fastenerandfixing.com 151

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RAIL FEATURE

Securing passenger belongings with Bluetooth® Security continues to present issues for rail networks, especially when it comes to protecting passenger belongings. Manufacturers of innovative locks and latches, such as Southco, can help improve the secure and safe storage of luggage, as well as managing access control to lockers with intelligent electronic locks.

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lectronic locking solutions offer a secure solution for rail carriers looking to eliminate common issues with mechanical locks, such as key management.

When combined with an appropriate access control device, electronic locks can be easily networked into an existing infrastructure and provide remote control and monitoring capabilities.

This digital record of access provides security personnel with a record of who has accessed a compartment, and when, which can be used to prevent unauthorised access. Electronically actuated rotary latches, for instance, offer a simple but versatile solution to achieve maximum security with a small design footprint. The latch is concealed on the inside of the frame and panel, taking up very

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little space – allowing increased locker capacity and a clean, exterior surface free of visible pry points.

Storage units with electronic locks can be designed into new trains or electronic access systems can be retrofitted to existing storage lockers to replace or supplement an existing mechanical solution. This can be achieved without comprising on space or adding additional weight to the carriage.

To avoid jamming conditions in gasketed or heavily loaded compartments, electronic locking solutions designed with gear-motor driven mechanisms require less current to handle greater loads versus traditional solenoid-type locks. Incorporating high-quality, microprocessor-based motor driven locks in storage locker designs allow these solutions to be precisely controlled and monitored for better performance and security.

The rise of mobile and digital technology is also changing access control. With smartphone embedded Bluetooth and 4G connectivity, manufacturers are using this technology to control access to storage units on-board the train that have been equipped with electronic locking solutions.

Traditional electronic access control is managed in one of three ways – through a key or RFID card, a PIN, or something unique, such as a fingerprint.

Bluetooth technology offers a user-centric, streamlined solution for the remote management of user credentials. When connected with Cloud-based applications, Bluetooth enabled devices – such as a smartphone – can be used as a key.

Electronic access solutions that integrate Bluetooth controllers offer a simple solution for on-board locker access. Time-based virtual keys can be sent wirelessly to a smartphone App via a Cloud-based web portal. The passenger then simply opens the App to see their virtual keys, along with the associated locked equipment location, description and period of access time.

To access the locker, the passenger must approach it and click the access button on the App, which transmits the encrypted Bluetooth signal to the reader, unlocking the door and sending a record of the access via the smartphone App to the Cloud. With Southco’s BT Bluetooth® Lock Controller, the user does not need a wireless network to open the lock.

The mobile App simply communicates via Bluetooth, with the lock controller. At the same time, this technology also allows the rail carrier to monitor access to the storage wirelessly and remotely from any Internet portal, without having to connect to an existing security network.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RAIL FEATURE

Growermetal’s spring washers for railway tracks Railway track spring washers were developed specifically to secure railroad track assemblies and withstand the intense shocks and vibrations produced by passing trains.

Growermetal is able to offer a wide range of such solutions, including single, double and triple coil spring washers according to the UIC 864-3 norm, for the European market.

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hese springs according to the UIC 864-3 standard, are used on railway tracks in many countries, including Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Spain, Croatia, Sweden and Egypt.

Also available from Growermetal for the American market are single coil springs in accordance with the standard of the American Railroad Engineering Association (A.R.E.A. 1967).

Growermetal has been qualified by the German railway company Deutsche Bahn for the supply of double washers for railway equipment according to DBS 918 006 for over 20 years. Last year the Deutsche Bahn also approved the Delta-Protekt® KL100 zinc flake coating from Dörken® on Growermetal’s railway springs, for applications with high humidity and presence of water, such as railway tunnels.

The Delta-Protekt KL100 coating is performed by Growermetal in-house on a fully automatic coating line specifically designed for washers and springs, to guarantee the highest quality of the coating itself and the maximum performance of the product during its use. The zinc flake on these railway springs exceeds 720 hours of neutral salt spray test according to ISO 9227 and guarantees an outstanding adhesion of the coating throughout the product lifetime. www.growermetal.com

RAIL FEATURE

Rail clip drivers for smart rail maintenance Pandrol says its clip driver products, CD200 IQ, CD300 IQ, and CD400SP IQ, have been designed to dramatically increase the speed and efficiency of clipping and unclipping rail fastening systems.

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ach clip driver features a ‘smart system’ incorporating an intelligent control system that monitors the machine’s operation and actively controls the clipping operation. The control system provides information on clips installed and operating hours, while also preventing any incorrect usage of the machine.

With the CD200 IQ clipping up to two clips per cycle at a rate of 20 sleepers per minute, and the CD300 IQ and CD400SP IQ clipping up to 4 clips per cycle at 40 and 30 sleepers per minute respectively, the new intelligent systems offer a wide range of options for clipping at a speed and efficiency that suits any installation and preferred work method.

The range of modular products – weighing 117kg, 975kg, and 3,075kg respectively – can be utilised for a broad range of tracks and can be used in conjunction with Pandrol’s full range of Fastclip and eClip products.

The CD300 IQ road rail vehicle clipping attachment improves the clipping capacity and offers a number of features that help the operator to ensure a good quality of work.

Also available, the self-propelled CD400SP IQ is a clipping machine that is operated by a remote control. This second generation of Clip Driver CD400SP has an EU Stage 5 diesel engine, which is more fuel efficient and reduces the carbon footprint.

Erika Berg, managing director of Pandrol’s Swedish operations, where the new range was developed, said: “The smart system in the IQ range of clip drivers really does make all the difference.

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Beyond the robustness and the versatility of the machines, and the logging of operations, this generation of clip driver offers a built-in diagnostic system to vastly improve maintenance, repair and testing effectiveness.”

GROWERMETAL ACHIEVES EN 9100 Growermetal widens the horizons after DNV approved its quality management system according to the EN 9100:2018 for the AEROSPACE industry.

Growermetal’s commitment to quality excellence moves to a new level.

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RAIL FEATURE

Fire protection in railway vehicles Passenger safety plays a central role in rail transport, which naturally includes fire protection.

The fire behaviour of materials used must be intensively tested and classified. This also applies to the adhesives and sealants used, which is why Kisling AG’s new ergo range of structural adhesives has been tested according to EN 45545-2.

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isling’s ergo 1675, ergo 7430 and ergo 7440 structural adhesives have been tested and certified for smoke toxicity (ISO 5659-2), heat generation (ISO 5660-1) and flame propagation (ISO 5658-2). They also meet the requirement sets R1, R7 and R17 of EN 45545-2 with the best grade HL1-3 (hazard level 1 – 3).

The two component epoxy resins, ergo 7430 and ergo 7440, as well as the methacrylate adhesives – ergo 1675, also make a significant contribution in terms of process simplification, acceleration and safety.

Toxic gases and smoke can develop in the event of fire, particularly when plastics and adhesives are involved. Flammability

and continued burning behaviour are also important technical properties to take into account when selecting these materials.

The second part of the DIN EN 45545 ‘fire protection in railway vehicles’ standard

regulates the requirements for fire behaviour of materials and components. This gives processors a guideline as to which adhesives are suitable for which applications and their respective fire protection requirements.

RAIL FEATURE

Vossloh strengthens its position in Dutch rail market International supplier of rail products, fasteners and services, Vossloh Group is strengthening its strategically important position in the Dutch rail infrastructure market with the acquisition of ETS Spoor B.V.

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TS is an established and leading market player with a wide range of products and services in the Dutch rail infrastructure market. The company also has excellent market knowledge and contacts with all major local customers and has already been cooperating very successfully for many years with a number of partners – including Vossloh. In addition, ETS has exclusive distribution agreements with suppliers of products and services outside the Vossloh portfolio and thus ‘rounds off’ the local offering in the sense of a ‘one stop shop’. This aspect is of crucial importance for Vossloh, particularly with regard to trendsetting service models.

“The acquisition of ETS Spoor plays a key role in the implementation of our Group strategy. We will be in an even better position in the future to tailor our unique technological expertise and our entire range of services to the needs of our customers. The Dutch market is already a pioneer for trendsetting business models in the rail infrastructure sector and we see ourselves excellently positioned with this acquisition to drive this forward and create important added value for our customers,” explains Oliver Schuster, CEO of Vossloh AG.

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www.colombofasteners.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RAIL FEATURE

Innovative rail insulation system Global rail track products and adhesive supplier edilon)(sedra has provided Editack Spray, a sound damping system as well as an innovative rail insulation system, to the newly built Odense tramway line in Denmark.

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ditack Spray is a unique PU based rail coating system that ensures an optimal degree of stray current insulation and is easy to install even under harsh environmental conditions.

It can also be durably applied on any type of rail, in compliance with all technical standards.

Editack Spray has been supplied for the 14.5km new double track light rail transit, which aims to reduce the number of car trips in the growing city of Odense, as well as noise pollution and carbon emissions, while reducing lifecycle costs. edilon)(sedra B.V offers a wide range of resilient rail track products and adhesives that have been extensively tested and proven within the rail industry worldwide. Its products can be tailored to the requirements of customers.

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Products With a high demand of flexibility, reliability and quality, the mid-sized and in fourth generation family-owned and managed company PÜHL, based in Plettenberg (GER), manufactures standard, ISO-, DIN- and special stamping parts for mechanical connections.

STANDARD PARTS Service State-of-the-art manufacturing technology with 20 stamping machines and pressing forces up to 1,000 tons and a substantial warehouse of raw materials and finished products allow a fast production and delivery to competitive conditions.

SPECIAL PARTS Reliability Wholesalers and end users in the sectors of wind energy, steel construction, traffic engineering, railway engineering, agricultural machines and the automotive supplier industry, value the quality and the competitive conditions of the products.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY RAIL FEATURE

WEVO products for rail vehicles Specially designed potting compounds from WEVO-CHEMIE GmbH – including WEVOPUR 552 FLX and WEVOPUR 67210 FL – meet the highest requirements of EN 45545-2 for use with electrical and electronic components in rail vehicles and railway infrastructure.

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lastics are widely used in rail vehicles and railway installations, for example as insulating materials in transformers, capacitors, sensors, relays, insulators, printed circuit boards and batteries. In the event of a fire, the components and materials must meet certain performance levels defined by EN 45545-2.

Accredited test institutes have examined the suitability of specially designed WEVO potting compounds for use in rail vehicles and railway infrastructure and have found WEVOPUR 552 FLX and WEVOPUR 67210 FL successfully fulfil the highest performance level HL3 in requirement sets R22 and R23 (electrotechnical products for interior and exterior use in rail vehicles). Several other WEVO products also meet performance level HL3 in R23 and HL 2 in R22, including an epoxy resin.

“In-line with the requirements of the standard, particular attention was paid to achieving a combination of low flammability, low smoke density and low smoke toxicity,” explains Andreas Arlt, business development manager at WEVO. “At the same time, in close cooperation with suppliers and OEMs from the world of railway engineering, the thermo mechanical and dielectric properties have been optimised and easy processability ensured.”

“Furthermore, we have even realised positive impacts on the mechanical properties by using certain additives,” adds Andreas Arlt. “These Fastener And Fixing Mag Ad AW.pdf 13 06/01/2021 12:22 include a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, higher tensile strength and higher thermal conductivity.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Henkel develops structural adhesive for aircraft interiors Henkel has developed Loctite EA 9365FST, a new two part epoxy adhesive for use in aircraft interiors, which cures in just two hours at 70°C (158°F).

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octite EA 9365FST offers good mechanical performance when bonding properly treated thermoplastics and thermosets to a range of other substrates. This user-friendly epoxy provides an excellent balance of adhesion performance and FST compliance. Designed not to yellow over time, the product is also paintable, delivering good colour performance with less show-through than older adhesive formulations.

When used as a matrix resin, Loctite EA 9365FST easily wets out fibreglass, strengthening thin thermoplastic assembly walls for enhanced structural support in interior applications – including wall, ceiling and floor panels; compartments and cabin stowage; galleys; lavatories; and seating. The product is available globally and has targeted applications in commercial aviation, defence and rail applications.

“Loctite EA 9365FST is a high-tech, FR and FST qualified technology that has expanded Henkel’s already robust paste adhesive portfolio,” explains William Smoot, technical account manager at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “This product has also answered a need at Boeing, and across the aerospace and rail industries, for critical flame retardancy, toxicity and smoke suppression adhesives for cabin interiors. Product safety and sustainability are also increasingly important. This product is sustainable and REACH compliant with no halogens or other hazardous chemistries.”

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Protecting precious memories Memorial benches are a beautiful way to commemorate someone. However, the public location can make them a target for opportunistic thieves.

Security fasteners from Hafren therefore protect these benches to help stamp out the impact of theft globally.

Kinmar® Removable Nut (Available in A2 Stainless Steel, Case Hardened Steel BZP & Case hardened Steel Geomet®)

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hen contacted by a local family who recently lost a loved one, Hafren Security Fasteners knew it had the ideal solution with its security fastener kit designed to help safeguard the memorial.

To protect the bench, the highest security Kinmar® permanent sleeve anchors were used as a permanent mechanical fixing to anchor it to a concrete base. Hafren also supplied enhanced security 5-lobe pin self-tappers (stocked in corrosion resistant A4-70 stainless steel) to secure the memorial plaque and keep it safe, ensuring a lifelong memorial to a lost loved one. www.hafrenfasteners.com

Bulten wins strategic consumer electronics contract in Asia Kinmar Removable Bolt ®

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Bulten, via its subsidiary PSM International Holdings Limited (PSM), has signed a strategically important agreement in China regarding the supply of fasteners to a leading provider of consumer electronics. he agreement has an estimated annual value of approximately SEK 50 million (€4.9 million).

“This is a strategically important contract for us, as it further diversifies our customer base and strengthens our position on the Asian market. It is an effect of our earlier acquisition of PSM, which provides good opportunities to grow in Asia and in various segments, including consumer electronics,” says Anders Nyström, president and CEO of Bulten.

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Bulten extends existing automotive FSP contract Bulten is also strengthening an existing FSP (Full Service Provider) contract for the supply of fasteners, with a further order from a European automotive manufacturer.

The order is worth approximately SEK 68 million per annum (€6.6 million). Deliveries are estimated to start in the fourth quarter of 2021, will reach full pace in 2022, and will run for three years.

“The award of further products for an already established FSP contract confirms that our industry leading position as a full service provider of fasteners in the automotive industry, along with our responsiveness to customers’ requests, creates new business opportunities for Bulten,” comments Anders Nyström.

The original FSP contract was awarded to Bulten on 2nd July 2020 and has an estimated annual order value of approximately SEK 620 million at full capacity over five years. The extended contract will not require any investments or start-up costs other than those from the original start-up.

eMobility connector for VDA type spigots The eM Twist from NORMA Group offers a quick connector to securely fasten thermal management lines in electric vehicles, which can be installed in a space saving way.

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deally suited for usage in thermal management systems in battery electric vehicles, and in hybrid vehicles to cool or heat the battery pack and the other critical modules, the eM Twist is optimised for use at operating temperatures of up to 110°C and a maximum operating pressure of 2.5 bar. It is thus precisely geared to the temperature range and pressure requirements of electrically powered vehicles. The quick connector comes with an assembly friendly self-locking mechanism that enables it to be securely locked with a single movement and opened by twisting the locking ring.

During development, NORMA Group’s engineers concentrated on the essential components and the best possible use of materials. The connector saves around a third of CO 2 in production and the supply chain compared to similar connectors in conventional cooling systems. The main reasons for this are the optimised use of raw materials in product design and less emissions through transport and production of the components. The eM Twist was developed by a cross functional team, which has also been awarded with NORMA’s internal ‘Innovation Excellence Award’.

The new connector complements NORMA Group’s wide portfolio of joining solutions for electric vehicles, which also comprises the eM Compact quick connector for SAE style spigots that helps save space inside the battery pack.

This allows for more powerful battery packs to be created by using more battery cells per pack. With the TP Flex plastic tube, the company also offers a flexible and lightweight solution for cooling lines in fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

+44 (0) 114 247 3399

info@rotorclip.com

www.rotorclip.com

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

LISI Aerospace utilises 3D printing LISI Aerospace is introducing Markforged Composite 3D printers to optimise faster manufacturing of high-quality fasteners for the aerospace industry.

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orking together with UK-based additive manufacturing solutions provider CREAT3D, LISI Aerospace has embedded Markforged 3D printers within its manufacturing department at its UK plant in Rugby to produce bespoke and replacement tooling and components for the production lines, as well as functional prototypes for design development and testing.

The UK manufacturing plant specialises in the manufacture of fasteners for the aircraft industry, providing fasteners for key clients including Airbus and the civil aircraft market. Key criteria for the manufacturing team are performance excellence, safety and innovation. The manufacturing unit produces numerous variants of fasteners every day, split into three core departments – feeder (raw materials), manufacturing, plating testing and despatch.

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Typically, between 95% – 98% of these fasteners are produced in titanium, however, a small percentage of parts are made in steel. To produce a range of fasteners LISI Aerospace has a huge challenge, with a high number of variants within each product category. To reduce the number of changeovers required, the production lines are set by the diameter of the fastener. However, there are a huge number of variants of products and in addition bespoke and fast track batches are often ordered by clients at short notice, requiring agility and fast problem solving. Due to the nature of the aerospace industry, the manufacturing unit also operates to very tight tolerances and stringent testing, so any processes must meet these standards.

Having worked with LISI for over five years, CREAT3D has helped to shape LISI’s additive manufacturing capabilities through applications engineering, training and advice – tailoring LISI’s additive solution across multiple departments, resulting in immediate savings and cross functional team benefits.

This has resulted in fast problem solving and higher productivity, with less damage, wastage and downtime; the ability to identify and fix issues earlier on in the production process; as well as improved preventative maintenance for reduced stoppages.

“We will never go back to operations without additive manufacturing. We are just going to use it more and more, identifying more parts and applications that can be 3D printed. Tooling is a key area that will just keep expanding,” comments LISI.

MAIN OFFICE Via Bellardi, 40/A - 10146 Torino - ITALY Phone +39 011 707 23 98 +39 011 707 08 77 www.fixi.it - info@fixi.it

APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY

Welding or bolting?

Comparing joining methods in bridge construction The following text explores this topic in detail. It is an excerpt from the white paper: ‘Bridge Design, Construction & Maintenance: Insights and Best Practices for a Rapidly Changing Sector’, produced by Nord-Lock Group.

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any European bridges are part of an aging infrastructure built during the mid-20 th century.

This calls for maintenance, as well as newer bridges that better correspond to rising traffic needs.

History, regional preferences, and bridge type, are all key contextual factors that influence the joining methods used in bridge construction and maintenance.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to use welding or bolting to join bridge components together. In some instances, existing preferences may dictate this decision. However, it is important to consider each project separately in order to make the best decision.

A hard choice to make

Historically, bridges and other steel structures were riveted such as the Golden Gate Bridge. This process includes heat treating and forging the rivet after which it is cooled through a process called annealing.

Individual rivets are not very strong, meaning that many must be used in order to assure the safety of a structure. It is also a cumbersome process and is no longer used within the bridge building sector.

However, although riveted bridges are no longer built, existing bridges that use rivets still need to be maintained. Bolts are often used to replace worn rivets and high strength bolts in particular are specifically designed to resemble rivets. Welding is not a viable option to maintain the joints on old bridges due to the degradation of the bridge material, which would make it unsafe.

Bolting and welding are currently the two most popular methods to join components

168 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

together. When it comes to which method to use, the decision can be as controversial and country specific as that of deciding between concrete and steel. It must also be noted that the welding qualification level in some countries is very high and this is an example of how national contexts play a role in the preferred construction methods.

Bridge type

Apart from the influence of national preference, there are a few important factors that can determine whether parts should be welded or bolted. One of these is the type of bridge that is being built – see infographic on the next page.

For larger bridges, hollow box cross-sections are often used as they absorb torsional stress very well and only the outside has to be considered when planning corrosion protection. The downside of hollow box cross-sections is that they can only be approached from one side, making it difficult to use a bolted connection. Thus, welding is the most logical method to use. Tolerance and offset compensation are also relevant for larger structures. There is no margin of error for bolted joints as the bolts must fit precisely in the pre-existing holes. Welding is much more flexible as you can compensate offsets if necessary.

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APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY Different types of bridges

Efficiency and ease of use

Truss bridges, on the other hand, could very well be bolted due to their interlocking triangular sections. However, size must also be taken into account and small truss bridges could potentially be welded together in the production hall and transported as a whole to the construction site. Nevertheless, even if welding is the preferred connection method, bolted joints will still be widely used across the bridge. This is because secondary structures such as railings and noise walls are commonly bolted. These primary structures (e.g cable clamps, bearings, transition joints structures) are also dynamically loaded to compensate for bridge movement.

Temporary bridges are almost exclusively bolted due to the fact that they are dismantled every few years and rebuilt elsewhere. Since bolting creates a temporary joint connection, these joints can be easily taken apart and the bolts and washers themselves reused. Since welding creates a permanent joint connection, it is very complicated, costly and time-consuming to use it for a temporary bridge. A large amount of effort would have to be put into first creating the welds and then undoing them. In this way, bolting is a much more efficient and advantageous method to use.

170 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Efficiency and ease of use are also important factors to consider regarding welding or bolting. Included in this is the decision to make the connection at the factory or on-site. Welding often requires a certified welder, advanced tooling, and can be considered risky due to the high temperatures involved. Thus, it is quicker and easier to perform this task in a factory where everything is already set-up. It is also cheaper to weld in a factory due to the high cost of setting up a welding and testing facility on-site, which also contributes to longer bridge erection times.

Indeed, if the connections are to be made on-site, bolting is often the easiest and most efficient method to use. This is due to the fact that bolting is a much more controlled operation and does not create any unnecessary risk in a construction environment. The components are also easy to transport and install as they do not require any special equipment to use. Most instances only necessitate a simple handheld torque wrench to operate. Bolting also has the added advantage of not being permanent, unlike welding, which means that unexpected problems are quicker, easier and cheaper to repair.

This article is taken from Nord-Lock Group’s white paper: ‘Bridge Design, Construction & Maintenance: Insights and Best Practices for a Rapidly Changing Sector (2021)’.

To download the free paper visit: www.nord-lock.com/campaign/ bridge-construction

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PRODUCTS + tools THE LAtest product and technology developments COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE

Selecting the right tool for the job Here, Anthony Coulson, technical sales manager from SPIT, part of ITW Construction Products, looks at the benefits of reducing time on-site by using tools that will maximise efficiency – such as the new SPIT Pulsa 40 range.

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hen choosing a tool, it makes sense to look at the application first. What does the job involve? What materials are you working with? What are the challenges you’ll face doing the job quickly and effectively? Once you know what you’re working with, you need to make sure the tool and any components you select are up to the job.

For fixing and fastening tools, this means considering data such as average stick rates; the average number of shots per charge; and the weight of the tool; especially when working in overhead applications. Multi use or multi application tools and fixings that can be fixed into concrete, steel and masonry can also help improve productivity by reducing the need to switch tools for different applications.

It may seem like stating the obvious, but one of the key ways to reduce time on-site is to opt for products that have a proven history of being reliable and robust. The SPIT Pulsa range, for example, underwent significant R&D investment – backed by knowledge accumulated over 70 years serving the construction industry – to identify customer pain points, and then design and build a solution using the highest quality components.

As the skills shortage throughout the construction industry continues to impact productivity, a focus on keeping workers fit and healthy also becomes even more important than ever. Look for products that have taken factors such as hand arm vibration and (COSHH) regulations around hazardous construction dust into consideration, to reduce the risk of known hazards. Back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff syndrome, sprains, and strains, are types of musculoskeletal disorders. For the user, a lightweight tool, such as the new SPIT Pulsa range, offers benefits beyond just being easier to use in overhead applications – reducing the overall strain on joints when carrying and using tools, not to mention when contorting into tight spaces.

The range is designed ergonomically, lightweight and with minimal actuation force, reducing operator strain. Accessories also include a pole tool that reduces the time spent working at height by enabling overhead working up to 2.4 metres, therefore reducing the risk of a fall. The new Pulsa 40 range offers a stick rate that exceeds the industry average, while also increasing productivity by up to 8 times. In short, it delivers in terms of speed without compromising the finish quality, reducing overall time on-site.

172 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

Multi use tools can help improve productivity by reducing the need to switch tools for different applications.”

Ever since cordless power tools have gained popularity, there has been a lot of debate about the merits of corded versus cordless tools. The debate rages on, with discussions around storage of corded tools, battery length, weight and reliability dominating the argument.

The core benefits of a cordless power tool – manoeuvrability and portability – are undeniable. However, many of those who have stuck with corded models based their decision on early battery powered tools. The reality is advancements in technology mean that cordless tools can now match the power of their corded counterparts. The Pulsa 40 offers a battery capacity of 3,500 shots per charge.

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THREAD When it comes to fastenings and fixings, selecting the right accessories and consumables is key. While it can be tempting to opt for unbranded, cheaper options, it can be a false economy. Tool suppliers know their market, the challenges, the opportunities and the reasons why components fail.

Crucially, these suppliers also know their tool and the way it works inside out, so it makes sense to buy consumables from the same brand as your tools to ensure that they are fit for purpose and won’t let you down when it matters most.

ROLLING Valenta ZT s.r.o.

Nedomická 494, 277 16 Všetaty, The Czech Republic Call for information +420

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE

New LIGNOLOC nail with head ®

Austrian manufacturer BECK is continuing its innovations in wooden collated fasteners with the new LIGNOLOC® nail with head, as well as the technical modification of its F60 LIGNOLOC® handheld nailers to enable compatibility with these fasteners.

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aunching soon, the main target application for these new nails is horizontal and vertical wood cladding.

After months of R&D work and fine tuning, lead user market tests will last until the end of September, with a general roll out planned for the end of 2021.

BECK states its LIGNOLOC® range is the most sustainable professional fastening system on the market with more than 70% lower CO 2 emission versus conventional systems.

Furthermore, LIGNOLOC provides additional benefits such as less thermal conductivity, corrosion and chemical resistance, as well as less tool wear when cutting and grinding wooden elements. The ecological fastening system, made of the renewable raw material beech wood, is ideal for all timber construction companies that want to implement projects metal-free and efficiently. In this way, companies can increase the value of construction projects and make a bigger contribution to sustainable building.

LIGNOLOC wooden nails offer the possibility of building ecologically high-quality wooden elements. The environmentally friendly fasteners are ideal to produce multi-layer mass timber panels and replace aluminium nails and wooden dowels.

“There are currently several projects in progress in which CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) is manufactured with LIGNOLOC wooden nails in addition to gluing. In the production process that has been customary up to now with adhesive alone, the necessary use of a press and the duration of the adhesive drying result in a waiting time of around one hour,” mentions BECK. “By using LIGNOLOC

174 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

wooden nails, production time can be shortened. This means advantages for the industry in terms of time saving and environment-friendliness.”

Beside the two handheld tools, the F44 LIGNOLOC – for nails with a diameter of 3.7mm (0.146 inches) and the F60 LIGNOLOC – for diameters of 4.7mm (0.185 inches) and 5.3mm (0.209 inches), BECK offers two LIGNOLOC nailing heads within the FASCO® tool line. With these, the wooden nails can also be processed in a stationary system.

From nail bridges to robots, the LIGNOLOC systems are individually adaptable to all industrial solutions.

After receiving the German general construction technique permit in 2020, which enables the planning, design and execution of load-bearing connections in timber frame construction, Raimund BECK KG is working towards a European Technical Assessment for LIGNOLOC in 2022.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE

New gas nailer from SENCO SENCO says its new tool, the GT60i-NN cordless gas nailer, is ideal for securing pre-drilled metal plates and strips, as well as also having the freedom of movement that being cordless brings.

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T60i-NN has a high voltage ignition, which gives higher power output with cleaner combustion, minimising maintenance requirements. As well as this, the cordless tool features a depth of drive for precise depth control along with a nail guide mechanism – an overhanging nail tip for locating the pre-punched holes.

SENCO points out that with a quick and easy two step rear loading system for 38mm – 64mm nails, the gas nailer has also been designed to cater for both left and right handed people. It also has a stowable belt hook to ensure the tool is kept close at hand, ready for the next job.

The GT60i-NN comes with two long service life lithium-ion batteries, charger and a durable case. Also supplied with the tool are SENCO fasteners that ensure the fixings are durable in tough situations. The tool can be used in a wide range of applications including fastening joint hangers, seismic and hurricane ties, rafter ties, post bases and caps, foundation anchors, as well as other metal framing hardware.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS COLLATED FASTENERS, NAILERS, STAPLERS + SYSTEMS FEATURE

Quickly fasten insulation panels The new PREBENA pneumatic nailer 4C-WD75 is a small and handy nailer for thin thermal insulation – such as clay building boards, polystyrene boards and many more.

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REBENA highlights that the 4C-WD75 processes staples from 38mm – 75mm in length and is the compact solution for fastening insulation boards up to 60mm. The brackets, which are heavily galvanised and rust and acid resistant, have ETA certification (ETA – 16/0101) recognised throughout Europe, which is made mandatory by leading system manufacturers in building, prefabricated house and wooden frame construction.

With this nailer, PREBENA Wilfried Bornemann GmbH & Co KG believes it offers enormous work relief compared to other nailers for heavy insulation.

Loosening tough screw connections Special tools are required when bolts or screw heads are heavily rusted, deformed or rounded. GEDORE says its extractor set ½ inch R68003010, used with its GEDORE red ratchets, is ideal for the task. he 10 piece extractor set was developed specifically for screwdriving applications where conventional tools are unusable. The innovatively designed tapered spiral profile is rotated anticlockwise into the defective screw head and cuts in, independently and firmly. This provides a solution even in the toughest problem cases.

GEDORE says its extractor set will loosen even the very toughest screw connections when everything else has failed. The special inserts can be used with GEDORE red ratchet version ½ inch R60050009 or the swivel head reversible ratchet ½ inch R60120027. These will allow the user to work effortlessly even in hard to reach areas and any problem cases can be solved in no time at all.

The impact mandrel included in the set then ensures the faulty screw head is easily removed from the extractor. The set contains nine inserts in key widths 10mm to 19mm with female square drive to cover all the most common sizes. Housed in the practical plastic box, the components in the kit are all stored safely and clearly. The labelling of the individual key widths also aids efficient working, since the user no longer has to waste time looking for the right item.

The two GEDORE red ratchets both have a two component handle. The ergonomic handle design ensures that the power transmission is kind to the hand, which helps to prevent signs of tiredness when working. Furthermore, both versions have an oval head that further eases working in tight spaces and offers greater leeway when swivelling.

The ratchets also switch over from clockwise to anticlockwise at the touch of a lever – which is sunk into the head to prevent unintentional adjustment while working. The ball locking device provides a fixed connection between the tool and the bit while the ratchet is being used.

The reversible ratchets also have a push button release, which makes it easy to release inserts or connecting parts. Made of high-quality chrome vanadium steel and with a matte satin finish, GEDORE red ratchets are extremely durable and stable.

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Chemically resistant, non-drip epoxy system Master Bond EP41S-5ND Black is a two part, NASA low outgassing rated epoxy, with outstanding chemical resistance to acids, bases, alcohols and fuels. Most significantly it will withstand liquid immersion to harsh chemicals such as methylene chloride, phenol (10%), and nitric acid (30%).

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ontaining no solvents, this system cures at room temperature or more rapidly at elevated temperatures.

It provides a high glass transition temperature of 140°C to 150°C, and exceptional electrical insulation properties, with a volume resistivity greater than 1,014 ohm-cm.

“EP41S-5ND Black is designed for bonding and sealing applications, wherein a non-sag, paste like consistency is required,” says Rohit Ramnath, senior product engineer at Master Bond. “The optimum curing schedule is overnight at 23.8°C followed by 3 – 4 hours at 65.5°C – 93.3°C. In applications where long-term chemical resistance is critical, the importance of post curing with heat cannot be overstated.”

EP41S-5ND Black has a good physical strength profile with a tensile strength measuring between 10,000 psi and 12,000 psi, and a tensile lap shear of 900 psi – 1,100 psi, both at room temperature. It is serviceable over the temperature range of -62.2°C to +232.2°C. This compound adheres well to a variety of substrates such as metals, composites, glass, ceramics and many plastics and rubbers. As indicated by the product name, its colour is black and it is RoHS compliant. Packaging is available in ½ pint kits, pint kits, quart kits and gallon kits.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

The effect of joint face angularity on the fatigue life of bolts

By Dr Bill Eccles, Bolt Science It is well known that it is good design practice to ensure that the joint faces are at right angles to the bolt axis. Angle errors on the joint face can have an influence on the static strength of bolted joints – although for small angles this is usually not significant. What is less well known is that even small angularity errors can have a catastrophic effect on fatigue life.

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ven relatively small errors in the angle of the joint face can have a significant effect on the fatigue performance. By quantifying the loss of strength, decisions can be taken as to what are acceptable tolerances for the design specification such as what degree of joint face squareness is required.

Bolt fatigue problems stemming from an uneven joint surface are not uncommon. Usually they originate because of a manufacturing problem that resulted in the joint surface not being square to the bolt hole. Frequently, the problems stem from fabrications when the welding distortion is not adequately controlled.

An influencing factor relating the angularity error to the fatigue endurance strength is the amount of clearance in the thread. A large thread clearance allows the nut to rock slightly on the bolt thread and

so reducing the bending stress that will be imposed on the bolt thread.

The length of thread engagement also has an influence on this effect.

Guideline values for the fatigue endurance limit have been included in the latest version of the BOLTCALC program. The program will determine the reduction in the fatigue endurance limit that will be sustained by the bolt allowing for the joint face angle, the thread tolerance and the length of engagement.

So called self-aligning nuts and washers are available, with spherical bearing surfaces, to compensate for the effects of joint face angularity. Such products need to be used with care, since at small angles they will not completely self-align because of the effect of friction on the spherical bearing surface preventing perfect alignment. www.boltscience.com

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Rivit’s high-quality riveters Rivit Srl has added a new model, RIV506, to its already comprehensive range of tools dedicated to blind rivets, which includes the RIV502, RIV503 and RIV504. The new RIV506 model features a plastic handle and aluminium body to make the tool light and easy to handle.

RIV506

RIV502

RIV504

RIV503

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esigned to complete the series of these riveters, RIV506 can place structural blinds rivets, such as Monriv and Magnariv, in all materials and up to diameter 6.4mm and diameter 7.7mm (Gtreriv). It has a 20mm stroke, weight of 1.866kg and a maximum power of 18,000N. Also available is the RIV502 – designed to place standard blind rivets in all materials up to diameter 4mm and only aluminium rivets up to 4.8mm. It too has a 20mm stroke, weight of 1.429kg and a maximum power of 8,500N. Designed to place standard blind rivets in all materials up to 4.8mm in diameter, the RIV503 also places aluminium rivets up to 6mm. It has a 20mm stroke, weight of 1.546kg and a maximum power of 10,900N. Finally, the last of these hydropneumatics riveters, RIV504 was designed to place standard and structural blind rivets up to 6.4mm diameter in all materials. Unlike the other tools, it has a stroke of 26mm, a maximum power of 16,000N and weighs 1,866kg.

All the tools are equipped with the rivet retention system and the separated mandrel recovery device. www.rivit.it

Special bolting tools for Çanakkale Bridge UK-based TensionPro has supplied a range of special bolting tools for constructing the world’s longest mid-span suspension bridge, Çanakkale Bridge, in north-west Turkey. he 4,608m bridge, which spans the Dardanelles Strait, has a mid-span length of 2,023m and tower heights of 318m.

TensionPro has supplied 160 hydraulic bolt tensioners complete with 16 electric pumps, hoses and manifolds. The large volume order included special M42 spring piston return tensioners with bespoke spherical seats to compensate for any misalignment issues, together with specially designed 1,500 bar high flow electric pumps with a digital pressure setting and pressure read out. The tools use a remote control pendant for safe and easy operation.

Armed with TensionPro’s tools, construction workers can tighten the suspension bridge cable bands and ensure high loads are achieved with extreme accuracy. The hydraulic system is designed to power multiple tools at once. All TensionPro’s products are put through a stringent in-house testing procedure before being shipped to ensure smooth operation once on-site.

To secure the contract, TensionPro had to guarantee a quick turnaround on production and delivery. The team was supported by the company’s local representative NETRATEK – who supplied commissioning, training and service support.

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Bits with clamping effect REYHER has introduced a new bit series – Tight Bits – which prevents a tool from slipping out of the screw head, making overhead work much easier.

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ost users of hexagon socket screws are familiar with the problem.

The relatively large leeway between screw and bit leads to a tumbling motion when screwing, or the bit slips out of the screw head. REYHER’s new Tight Bits – with wider, stronger bit wings and a conical design – provide optimal positive locking with the screw.

This new design creates a clamping effect and allows the bit to sit firmly in the screw.

Especially when working on overhead applications this is a big advantage, as the user with the tool and the Tight Bit needs only one hand. Strengthened bit wings also provide higher energy transfer.

Tight Bits can be used for every application with hex drive screws. To start with, five different sizes are available from stock: T15, 20, 25, 30 and 40mm x 25mm. Tight Bits can be ordered directly in the RIO – REYHER Internet Order webshop. Additional bit types such as cross head/slotted or deep reach are also readily available from the webshop. www.reyher.de

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Tidiness at first sight A lot of valuable time is lost in daily practice just looking for the right tool. With an attractive design, the new TTS93 tool trolley from Stahlwille enables tools to be stored neatly.

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robust construction ensures a long service life of the tool trolley, even when it is subjected to tough everyday operational conditions and on mobile assignments. The worktop is made of durable ABS material and has a raised edge to prevent small parts from rolling off. Three storage compartments each to the left and right of the worktop offer clear sorting options and quick access to materials as they are needed.

Stahlwille points out that the six ball bearing mounted drawers in the TTS93 run smoothly and can be fully extended. Four of the drawers are 75mm high, the two lower ones have heights of 155mm and 205mm respectively and can also accommodate larger tools and bulky accessories. In conjunction with tool inlays and the variable drawer dividers, tools can be ideally arranged to suit immediate needs and ensure convenient removal and storage.

The sturdy metal trolley construction means it can support loads of up to 500kg. The bottom drawer has a load capacity of 45kg. There is also space for hooks in the perforated side walls of the trolley. The working height of 1,000mm enables strain-free working in an upright posture. The four rubber tyred lightweight wheels with a diameter of 125mm are resistant to oil and acid and are equipped with carpet protection to prevent blockages due to the ingress of dirt and fibres. Two of the wheels have parking brakes that guarantee the trolley will stay put. The sturdy handles at both ends can be firmly grasped even with dirty hands or gloves.

The TTS93 tool trolley is offered by Stahlwille both empty and with a choice of three different tool compilations. Depending on the version selected, the equipment includes sockets, ratcheting bit holders with sets of bits, screwdrivers, pliers and cutters through to fine tooth ratchets.

The 168 piece tool set also includes the MANOSKOP 721QR Quick, a clicking torque wrench with a permanently installed ratchet and QuickRelease safety lock for a measuring range from 40Nm to 200Nm.

Standar But c

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.

Precision engineered in the UK to international standards.

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

For further information contact: Helpline: 01530 416888 Email: sales@wti-fasteners.co.uk

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A CO B M RIT PA ISH NY

Extensive range of coatings and platings.

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

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PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Cordless freedom for blind rivet nut applications Modern manufacturing professionals demand a cordless blind rivet nut tool that delivers rapid, high volume placement capabilities from a highly mobile package that eradicates the constraints, limits, and hazards, of a compressed air line. STANLEY states it has integrated these points with the NB08PT-18.

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TANLEY’s NB08PT-18 has been designed with the needs of the user at its focus; its lightweight, cordless design allows for greater mobility, user comfort and ease of access across the broadest range of applications yet, while also eliminating the hazards associated with trailing compressed air lines. Its compact, ergonomic design and in-built LED light also work to offer greater operator function across tight, enclosed or hard to reach applications.

With the capability to install up to 900 (M6 steel) blind rivet nuts on a single charge DEWALT 2.0Ah battery, as well as the fast charging times and cross tool benefits that come with a battery powered solution, the NB08PT-18 offers operators productivity while cutting unnecessary downtime.

Quality fastening is the main key performance indicator for most industrial manufacturers and as such the NB08PT-18 contains a wide range of quality control measures to ensure repeatable, reliable assemblies with every application. The easy to use touchscreen control panel allows operators to quickly switch between pull to force or pull to stroke settings to ensure premium performance across a wider range of applications and plate thicknesses.

Onboard Poka-yoke and cycle counter displays ensure fewer quality issues across all applications and reduces the likelihood of incorrectly installed or missing fastenings, which can often lead to expensive reworks or possible product recall. The touchscreen controls are also password protected to mitigate the risk of introducing unnecessary quality issues; as well as advanced connectivity to allow operators to easily download application data from every job.

In addition to complete mobility and increased quality assurance, the NB08PT-18 boasts several performance enhancing capabilities designed to reduce wasted downtime and boost operator output.

The tool incorporates a push-start function that allows the operator to rapidly mount blind rivet nuts onto the mandrel and reduce wasted handling time between fastenings.

This feature, combined with toolless, quickchange nose housing and pull to force or pull to stroke capabilities, ensures STANLEY can ultimately offer operators a single cordless blind rivet nut tool of supreme adaptability – capable of delivering multiple applications across a wide range of differing plate thicknesses.

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

tesa relies on bio-based materials for tapes tesa is expanding its environmentally friendly range for end consumers, as well as commercial and industrial customers, with two new package tapes – tesapack® Bio & Strong bonding tape and tesapack® Paper Standard.

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or the innovative tesapack® Bio & Strong, tesa uses polylactic acid (PLA) as a carrier material, which features a basic raw material made of plant-based corn starch. The advanced organic adhesive tape for cardboard boxes, up to 30kg, has a 98% share of bio-based material.

The adhesive is based on the renewable materials natural rubber and resin. The coating process is solvent-free and the core of the adhesive roll is made of recycled paper. The packaging tape is also strongly adhesive and transparent. The high content of organic materials in tesapack Bio & Strong has been confirmed by DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria with top marks. tesapack Paper Standard offers an ecological alternative when shipping parcels up to 10kg. The material for the paper backing comes from exemplary cultivated FSC® certified forests and other controlled sources. Also, in this product the adhesive is based on natural rubber, the core of the roll is made of 100% recycled paper and the coating is solvent-free.

Unlike many conventional tapes both paper backing and adhesive of tesapack Paper Standard do not disturb the recycling process of the cardboard, which has been tested and proven according to the INGEDE 12 test method. Furthermore, tesapack Paper Standard holds the FSC Mix Label. The tape is also suitable for use with both manual and automatic dispensers.

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PARTS TO DRAWING WITH PPAP

Universally and securely fastened In jig and fixture design it would be hard to conceive building jigs and fixtures without side thrust pins to hold parts – which is precisely why JW Winco has developed the standard parts series GN 415.

N 415 is available in three sizes between 0.87 inches and 1.54 inches (22mm and 39mm) wide, each with two spring strengths. The two available slide types and the wedge shaped or cylindrical, rounded thrust pad not only hold parts with side pressure but also exert an additional downward force. All thrust pads can be rotated around their long axis in 90 degree steps to optimally adjust to the part geometry – this is as simple as loosening the central slide screw. The thrust pads are also available in a POM plastic version as well as in stainless steel with smooth or textured pressure pad for better grip. The latter type is produced by injection moulding of metal and is therefore subject to only minimal measurement tolerances.

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Here at Europa Fastenings, we specialise in the production and supply of SEMS – screw and washer assemblies and other specialised fasteners to exceed our customer’s expectations.

Having built our reputation as a leading supplier in the fastener industry, we are confident in our ability to deliver the key elements of supply: Quality, Availability and Price.

Unit 9C, Leaton Industrial Estate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AP, UK • T:+44 (0)1939 291199 enquiries@europafastenings.co.uk

www.europafastenings.co.uk

PRODUCTS + TOOLS

Effective locking of electrical In the world of electrical engineering, loose screw connections lead to system failures and a high risk of damage occurring. Because of this, teckentrup GmbH & Co KG has developed a new washer – the NSK-E – a reliable locking element for electrical screw connections.

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ccording to a survey by a Canadian energy supplier, almost 40% of all power failures can be traced back to loose contact parts. Today, locking elements from mechanical screw connections are very often used, which are only partially – or not at all – suitable for the specific requirements of electrical screw connections.

Recently a production facility came to a standstill because of an electrical screw connection that had worked loose. This led initially to increased contact resistance and then to a loss of voltage. teckentrup was not able to find a suitable screw locking element that would solve this problem over the long-term so developed the NSK-E – a lock washer that meets the specific requirements of electrical connections and the related standards.

In practice, loose screw connections can lead to increased contact resistance, voltage drops/fluctuations (flickering), as well as the heating of contact points until the contact point itself or surrounding equipment combusts. Contact connections that work loose cause significant damage, which called for a new approach.

The differences between electrical and mechanical screw connections Relevant characteristics

Materials screwed

Mechanical

Electrical

Copper/aluminium, as well as tin, silver and Steel and high strength nickel coatings (soft aluminium alloys (hard counter supports lead counter support) to increased settling phenomena and risk of splintering)

Main task/ installation situation

Force transmission, usually with longer clamping lengths

Power transmission, very short clamping lengths

Load type

Axial force, dynamic cross loads

Vibration, thermal expansion

The counter supports and connection elements are usually made of the same material

Copper/aluminium counter supports and steel connection elements lead to clamping elements and joining elements exhibiting different thermal expansion

Material combination

Characteristics and requirements of a screw connection in electrical applications

The main task of an electrical connection is to transmit power. Quality factor

192 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE ≡ ISSUE 131: SEPTEMBER 2021

k u is decisive for assessing the joint quality/screw connection quality.

This represents the ratio between the resistance in the joint and the resistance in the busbar. The aim of a joint is therefore to ensure that the quality factor is kept as constant as possible over the course of its life. It is necessary to maintain soft conductor materials’ required contact pressure over the life of the joint, in order to keep the quality factor, and therefore the resistance, constant.

To achieve stable contact pressure, a screw connection must fulfil two functions: Elasticity function: The elasticity function is necessary because different thermal expansion coefficients and heavily fluctuating operating temperatures lead to varying mechanical tension in the screw connection. Settling processes must also be compensated for.

Settling is where the surfaces of connection elements level off. The number of joints and the soft conductor material compound matters in this respect. Due to the short clamping lengths, the elasticity required of the screw connection can only be achieved by flexible locking elements.

Screw locking element functions: When screws work loose as a result of vibration and lateral displacement, this can also lead to a reduction in the electrical screw connections’ contact pressure and therefore the types of damage already described. Screw connection failure can be caused by thermal expansion with different expansion coefficients, due to the use of different materials – steel, copper or aluminium; settling within the joint; as well as vibration – for example at high frequencies or as a result of motion transmission from the overall system.

Unsuitable spring and screw locking elements

The 1990s saw examinations of the spring and screw locking effects of the elements in use at that time. As a result, the standards governing spring rings, serrated washers and toothed washers were withdrawn, meaning they therefore no longer represent the state of the art. The use of two screw locking elements, for example a spring ring and washer, similarly also does not meet the requirements. teckentrup set itself this challenge and developed the NSK-E detent edged washer especially for the electrical industry. Thanks to the company’s many years’ experience in mechanical screw locking elements, teckentrup was able to react to the specific requirements and, as a result of appropriate

screw connections testing methods, develop an optimum solution. In partnership with end users and external test labs, the NSK-E was also successfully tested under extreme conditions.

The test procedures it was subjected to include, among others, DIN 25201-4 (Annex B), DIN 267-26 and IEC 61373. The NSK-E demonstrated outstanding performance in all quality inspections, meaning that the washer can be used as a locking element in accordance with most common standards such as DIN 25201-3, DIN 46200, DIN 43673-1, as well as DIN EN 50343.

The washers are available in two variants including coated spring steel and stainless steel 1.4401. The washers are currently available in sizes M3 – M16 and can be used in combination with conventional screws. Thanks to its arched shape, the NSK-E has an especially pronounced spring effect, meaning the contact pressure, and therefore the joint’s connection resistance, can be kept virtually constant over a long period of time.

The enhanced teeth on the top side ensure a positive locking fit with the bolt head/nut. This ensures the components cannot work loose when subjected to cross loads. To prevent the soft connecting elements becoming damaged, the NSK-E’s underside features a runner-like contour. When fitted in a tightened screw joint, the washer lies on the counter support, so that despite its short installation size, the risk of exceeding the surface pressure is reduced.

In the NSK-E, the user has at his or her disposal a one part screw locking element, made from spring steel or stainless steel, which has been especially developed to meet the requirements of electrical screw connections.

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Coventya Holdings..........................................115 Dimac......................................................................87 Domax sp. z o.o................................................ 107 Don Quichotte..................................................... 93 DS Fasteners..................................................... 189 EasyLink Industrial....................................... 109 EFC........................................................................ 153 Eurofast.................................................................15 Europa Fasteners............................................191 Fastbolt....................................................................2 Fastener + Fixing Magazine...................... 139 FastFixTechnology.com............................... 149 FastFixSearch.com........................................ 185 Fastmatec.......................................................... 137 Fiminox..................................................................21 Fixi Srl...................................................................167 Fong Prean Industrial Co Ltd.................... 190 G & B Fissaggi Srl.............................................. 95 Gala Precision Engineering......................... 25 Gecko Fastener GmbH.....................................55 Grand Metal ..................................................... 194 Growermetal..................................................... 155 H.S. AUTOMAZIONI Srl...................................73 Hafren Fasteners Ltd.................................... 164 Hang Zhou RET Trade Co Ltd........... 169, 182 Harrison Silverdale....................................... 160 HASPL.................................................................. 101 Hexstone Group..................................................17 Index..........................................................................3 Industrial Recense..........................................167 INOXDADI..............................................................91 Jiaxing Kinfast Hardware Co Ltd.............191 Johan Smit......................................................... 186 Joker Industrial Co. Ltd................................181 Jubliee clips (L Robinson & Co)..................147 Kaleliler Baglianti.......................................... 143 Karter (Weighpack)....................................... 137

Klimas Wret ........................................................ 99 Kwantex.............................................................. 127 Lapafil SA........................................................... 125 Lederer GmbH............................................. 22, 24 Litnaglis ............................................................. 107 Load Control Technologies ........................ 123 Marcopol Producent Srub Sp. z.o.o........... 79 Marposs.............................................................. 120 Mayes & Warwick............................................119 Mecavit...................................................................31 Merlin Business Software Ltd....................141 Motor Clips........................................................ 158 Mule Technolgoy .............................................119 National Machinery.........................................47 ND Industries............................................ 4, 5, 27 Ningbo Londex................................................... 33 Noegel Montagetechnik................................. 49 Noord Nederlandse Draadindustrie bv (NNDI).....................117 Nord Lock........................................................... 196 Norm Civata.......................................19, 106, 107 Orbit Fastener Company Ltd....................... 93 pgb Europe ........................................................ 6, 7 Pinstructure........................................................15 Point Screw Enterprise Co Ltd.................. 163 Puehl..................................................................... 159 Ray Fu...................................................................147 Remaches Factory Srl................................... 125 Remaches Tudela ........................................... 107 Rexlen Corp......................................................... 39 Reyher.................................................................... 25 RFKS......................................................................175 Rivit...................................................................... 195 RLS...........................................................................78 RMZ....................................................................... 189 Roseter Info Trade.......................................... 183 Rosmil...................................................................147

Rotor Clip .......................................................... 165 S.M.T Srl...............................................................131 Sacma.................................................................... 65 San Shing............................................................ 111 Saspi........................................................................71 Schaefer+Peters................................................ 97 Schnorr................................................................175 Schroeder Scharuben......................................78 SD Products....................................................... 193 Sermocol .............................................................. 54 Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation......181 Sheh Kai Precision Co................................... 145 Sipa....................................................................... 105 Smartfix.............................................................. 137 Smith Bullough.................................................181 Specialinsert....................................................... 89 Spirol Ind.............................................................171 STS Tectorius.....................................................121 Sumar OU............................................................117 Szatyina Kft...................................................... 125 Tecfi..........................................................................57 Teknoform.............................................................77 Test GmbH...........................................................121 The Insert Company.......................................161 titibi........................................................................ 69 Top Screw Metal.............................................. 162 TopKraft.................................................................85 UBK....................................................................... 176 Valenta................................................................ 173 Vipa Spa.............................................................. 135 Wan Iuan Enterprise Co Ltd..........................67 WPI Services B.V...............................................117 WT WINTECH a.s..............................................171 WTI........................................................................ 187 Yuyao Alfirste Hardware Co Ltd.............. 179

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WHEN SAFETY REALLY MATTERS Our wedge-locking solutions are used all over the world, from the deepest subsea situations to power stations, bridges and wind turbines. Whatever your bolting challenge, we will be there to help you ensure safer, more efficient operations. nord-lock.com