Fastener + Fixing Magazine #76

Fastener + Fi x i ng Mag az i ne - Iss ue 76 J uly 2012

The most competitive prices in the industry.

Hex Heads

Fastener Fair Thailand Preview Application Technology news Tapes + Adhesives

5%

• HEXAGON BOLT DIN 931 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A2-70 (18-8) • HEXAGON SET SCREW DIN 933 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A2-70 (18-8) • HEXAGON BOLT DIN 931 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A4-80

In this July issue…

EURO trade available

discount for Online Orders

• HEXAGON SET SCREW DIN 933 COARSE STAIN A4-80

• FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEEL A2 BBI Standard • FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEELA4 BBI Standard • FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEEL DIN 125A A2

Non-contested returns on stainless goods

• FULL NUT COARSE DIN 934 STAINLESS STEEL A2 (18-8)

Don’t delay contact us today!

• FULL NUT COARSE DIN 934 STAINLESS STEEL A4-80

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

w w w. b r i g h t o n B E S T . o r g tel. +44(0) 1384 568144

fax: +44(0) 1384 413719

w w w. faste ne ran d f i x in g . co m

Hex Nuts

For information or enquiries please email: sales@brightonbest.org franceinfo@brightonbest.com deutschinfo@brightonbest.com

©2012 Brighton-Best International, Inc.

Flat Washers

www.fastenerandfixing.com

Issue 76 July 2012

Fastener + Fi x i ng Mag az i ne - Iss ue 76 J uly 2012

The most competitive prices in the industry.

Hex Heads

Fastener Fair Thailand Preview Application Technology news Tapes + Adhesives

5%

• HEXAGON BOLT DIN 931 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A2-70 (18-8) • HEXAGON SET SCREW DIN 933 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A2-70 (18-8) • HEXAGON BOLT DIN 931 COARSE STAINLESS STEEL A4-80

In this July issue…

EURO trade available

discount for Online Orders

• HEXAGON SET SCREW DIN 933 COARSE STAIN A4-80

• FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEEL A2 BBI Standard • FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEELA4 BBI Standard • FLAT WASHERS STAINLESS STEEL DIN 125A A2

Non-contested returns on stainless goods

• FULL NUT COARSE DIN 934 STAINLESS STEEL A2 (18-8)

Don’t delay contact us today!

• FULL NUT COARSE DIN 934 STAINLESS STEEL A4-80

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

w w w. b r i g h t o n B E S T . o r g tel. +44(0) 1384 568144

fax: +44(0) 1384 413719

w w w. faste ne ran d f i x in g . co m

Hex Nuts

For information or enquiries please email: sales@brightonbest.org franceinfo@brightonbest.com deutschinfo@brightonbest.com

©2012 Brighton-Best International, Inc.

Flat Washers

www.fastenerandfixing.com

Issue 76 July 2012

RIVIT RIVITFASTENERS FASTENERS

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RIVIT RIVITFASTENERS FASTENERS

THE FASTBOLT CONCEPT

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ForFor M3-M12 M3-M12 inserts inserts 1 phase 1 phase RIVRIV 938938

ForFor M3-M10 M3-M10 inserts inserts 1 phase 1 phase RIVRIV 990990

ForFor hexagonal hexagonal holes holes RIVRIV 916B 916B

Supply market presence

Direct container solutions Pre-shipment inspections Supplier auditing ISO 17025 : 2005 inspection laboratory

ForFor M14-M16 M14-M16 inserts inserts RIVRIV 790790

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

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

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

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

Battery Battery tools tools for for insert insert

B l iBnl di n rdi vrei tv se tasn da n tdo ot loso l s RIVRIV 502502

ForFor standard standard rivets rivets Ø 4.8 Ø 4.8

RIVRIV 503503

ForFor rivets rivets Ø 4.8 Ø 4.8

RIVRIV 504504

ForFor rivets rivets Ø 6.0-6.4 Ø 6.0-6.4

RIVRIV 505505

ForFor standard standard rivets rivets Ø 5Øacc 5 acc

RIVRIV 508508

ForFor structural structural rivets rivets

RIVRIV 750-760 750-760

ForFor structural structural rivets rivets

RIVRIV 509509

ForFor blind blind bolts bolts

RIVRIV 509B 509B

ForFor blind blind bolts bolts

RIVRIV 510B 510B

ForFor rivets rivets Ø 10.0 Ø 10.0

RIVRIV 610610

Self-feeding Self-feeding system system

RIVRIV 300300

ForFor speed speed rivets rivets

HAND HAND TOOLS TOOLS

ForFor rivets rivets andand inserts inserts

AUTOMATIC AUTOMATIC CENTRE CENTRE FOR FOR FIXING FIXING SYSTEM SYSTEM P011110 P011110

Hi Tensile Bolts and Setscrews Hexagon Socket Head Screws UNC/UNF Hi Tensile Bolts and Setscrews Self Tapping Screws Self Drilling Screws Machine Screws Chipboard Screws Threadforming Screws for metals – Tritap ® Threadforming Screws for plastics – Plasfast ® Threaded Rod Metric Fullnuts Screws for roofing and cladding – Cladfast ®

OFOFFIXING FIXINGSYSTEMS SYSTEMSAND ANDTOOLS TOOLS

I n sI en rs te rnt u tn su tasn da n tdo ot loso l s

ForFor M3-M12 M3-M12 inserts inserts 2 phase 2 phase

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INNOVATION INNOVATION

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PREPARE FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE Our know-how as a fastener expert guarantees you significantly better performance and a lasting improvement of your competitive position.

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CONTENTS

Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com

38-39

Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com

Fastbolt - 30 years of supply solutions

46-51

90-103

Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Claire Lake claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com

Fastener Fair Thailand preview

Construction Fixings news

58-86

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

Disclaimer

The Publisher cannot be held responsible or, in any way, liable for errors or omissions, during input or printing of any material supplied or contained herein although the utmost care is taken to ensure that information contained is accurate and up to date.

The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication.

The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Limited.

Copyright

Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2012.

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.

Made in Italy 6

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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

Blind Fastening Solutions

THE OTHER CHOICE

European knowhow with Asian production: cost saving high tech offer

Breakstem Rivets Speed Rivets Blind Rivet Nuts

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E D I TO R I A L

Too much time to think

N

It is perhaps a strange thing to say but the good thing about the 2008 crash is that it arrived unexpectedly and suddenly. In other words, there was not a whole lot of time to think. Of course, there were business casualties as a result but overall companies really just had to react as best they could, in many cases I am sure survival instinct was as powerful an activator as any strategic thought. The recovery, similarly, was unexpectedly swift. few years in commanding market positions as a result of those investments. Significantly, to my mind, there also appears to be a substantial increase in M&A activity. Stanley Black & Decker recently acquired Powers Fasteners in the US and is reportedly amongst a short list of bidders for Infastech. TR acquired the PSEP business in Malaysia. Just as we go to press NORMA Group announced the acquisition of Nordic Metalblok in Italy.

On the other hand, one can also sense a sector of the market that is “battening down the hatches” presumably with the intent of riding out the storm. The potential flaw with that strategy, to my mind, is that storms are violent and swift in passing – but is that really the scenario the fastener industry faces today? How long can a business hibernate, and what kind of spring is it going to emerge to, when the winter is finally over? The very real risk, I would suggest, is that it is likely to be a very different one in which catching up after a period of dormancy is likely to prove very difficult if not impossible. The other danger, is that when the forward momentum eases time to think means feeding on despondency, a diet ill-suited to a vital renewal of activity.

As always this publication and its user-oriented sister Fastener + Fixing Technology, for which Will Lowry is constantly developing a stronger and stronger international readership, is here to tell the market what you are doing. You just have to have something to tell – and make sure you tell us.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

ow, there just seems to be too much time to think and no really reliable information on which to forecast. The reality is politicians of any colour or creed have very little real capability, or perhaps more importantly weapons in their armoury, to influence the global economy in the short term. On the other hand financial and commodity markets, bombarded by the sheer wall of noise, of tweets, texts, RSS feeds, and other so-called news, have become ludicrously reactive. All in all it is a far more corrosive business atmosphere today than at the depth of the crash.

The only reality, it seems, is that this industry in common with most others now faces a long, hard slog that may or may not result in a return to pre-2008 prosperity levels. If you believe, Han Björstrand, who has just stepped down as Bufab president, the industry has to adapt to tighter margin trading conditions for which there is unlikely to ever be remission.

So how to react? As this issue of the magazine once again demonstrates there are major fastener businesses throughout Europe continuing to invest strategically in improving their efficiency and competitiveness. These are also, by definition since they are featured in our pages, committed to making sure the market knows about their developments and the reasons why they intend to be a more attractive proposition to global customers. Companies from the complete spectrum of fastener manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors on which we regularly report are declaring their intent to come through the next

CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World .................................................................... 10-22 North America.......................................................................... 24-26 Asia............................................................................................28-30 Russia + CIS.............................................................................. 32-34 South America............................................................................... 36 COVER STORY 30 years of supply solutions for distributors........................... 38-39 SPECIAL REPORT Fastbolt massively outdrives fundraising record......................... 40 EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar............................................................................ 42 News.............................................................................................. 44 Fastener Fair Thailand preview............................................... 46-51 INSIGHT Trifast goes from strength to strength..................................... 52-54 A little extra goes a long way........................................................ 56 90 years efficiently meeting customer needs............................... 88 MADE IN ITALY Featuring Italian manufacturers ............................................. 58-86

8

CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS News.........................................................................................90-93 Irish Anchor Code gradually taking effect............................... 94-96 CE marking for anchors for seismic zones ............................ 98-99 BS 8539:2012 new UK anchor Code ...................................100-103 FOCUS ON Construction Fixings............................................................ 104-105 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY News..................................................................................... 106-111 Ewald Dörken AG wins award for creative ideas.........................112 MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS News..................................................................................... 114-116 Getting a fix on your intangible assets................................118-120 Effective enterprise product cost management..................122-123 CATALOGUE RACK UK + Ireland..........................................................................135-140 PRODUCT NEWS Application Technology news............................................... 124-134 Tools news............................................................................. 141-144 Products news...................................................................... 146-162 INDEX............................................................................................162

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

NEWS

THE NEW BRIGHTON BEST Available for trade with distributors throughout

EUROPE upon account approval.

A Full range of Socket Products & introducing our NEW 8.8 Cap Screw line and also a full range of 10.9 DIN 931/933 Plain & Zinc deutschinfo@brightonbest.com

franceinfo@brightonbest.com

sales@brightonbest.org

EURO trade available

10%

online discount on casepack for most of our Socket range

A FURTHER

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w w w . b r i g h t o n B E S T. o r g +44 (0) 1384-568144

EU launches stainless steel fastener circumvention investigation On 15th June the European Commission published Regulation EU 502/2012 initiating an investigation of possible circumvention of anti-dumping measures on imports of stainless steel fasteners originating in China via Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

T

he investigation, which was initiated on the European Commission’s own initiative rather than in response to a complaint from EU manufacturers, commenced 14th June 2012. The Commission says it has prima facie evidence that anti-dumping tariffs on stainless steel fasteners are being circumvented by means of transhipment via Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. This evidence includes changes in the pattern of trade involving exports of the products following the continuation of anti-dumping tariffs on stainless steel fasteners originating from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan under EU regulation 2/2012. It also has sufficient evidence that the product under investigation is being imported at dumped price levels.

Exporters from the countries under investigation are entitled to apply for exemption from the possible application of anti-dumping duties. To do so they needed to apply to the Commission within strict time limits and cooperate with its investigators.

The regulation instructs national customs authorities to register imports of the cited stainless steel products from the countries under investigation from the date it commenced.

Under EU anti-dumping law the Commission has the power to apply anti-dumping tariffs retrospectively to imports received from the date the investigation commenced except where an exporter succeeds in obtaining an exemption. This happened as a result of the circumvention investigation on steel fasteners from Malaysia last year.

The investigation will conclude within nine months from 15th June 2012. A full copy of the regulation can be downloaded in any EU official language by visiting the EU Official Journal at eur-lex.europa.eu and going to 14.06.2012 L153 page 8.

Provisional CVDs on Indian stainless steel fasteners lifted The European Commission terminated the anti-subsidy proceeding concerning imports of stainless steel fasteners from India. Provisional countervailing duties ranging from 3.2% to 16.5% applied in February were removed by Commission Decision 2012/278/EU, published 24th May 2012.

S

ubsequent to its provisional decision the EC reconsidered its assessment of the level of subsidy to Viraj Profiles Ltd, India’s largest exporter of the stainless steel fasteners under investigation. A recalculation took the subsidy rate below the minimum threshold at which the EU considers it to have an effect. A 3.2 percent CVD rate had provisionally been applied but the decision deemed this to have been overestimated.

Viraj accounted for 87 percent of Indian exports of the cited product to the EU during the investigation period. The Commission confirmed earlier findings that other stainless steel fastener exporters benefited from greater levels of subsidy but, similarly to the anti-dumping proceedings also recently terminated, ruled “A causal link between the subsidised imports, accounting for a mere 13 percent of the total quantity exported from India, and the injury suffered by the union industry cannot be sufficiently established.”

The Commission’s decision notes that, while imports from Viraj could not be deemed to be subsidised, “prices of imports from India decreased overall by 9% in the period considered, remaining always lower than import prices from the rest of the world and sales prices of the Union Industry.” It also notes that the volume of imports from India increased “dramatically by 65% over the period considered, increasing their market share from 12.1% to 18.3%”.

©2012 Brighton-Best International, Inc.

10

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

NEWS

Arrived

NORMA acquires Nordic Metalblok NORMA Group AG acquired Nordic Metalblok S.r.l. effective 12th July 2012.

The parties agreed to maintain confidentiality on the transaction details.

B

ased in Riese Pio X near Treviso in northern Italy, Nordic Metalblok has been active in the market for over 40 years. The company is manufacturing clamps for various applications particularly for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry and the agricultural and construction sectors. In addition, the company produces metal bands and the related tools. Nordic Metalblok distributes its products to retailers and wholesalers as well as to manufacturing companies globally. The company generated overall sales of about 6 million euros in fiscal year 2011. It will be consolidated as part of NORMA Group with immediate effect.

NORMA Group has been present in Italy since 2006 and is operating a distribution centre in Gavardo.

Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group, says: “We are further expanding our global footprint through the acquisition of Nordic Metalblok. The expertise of Nordic Metalblok particularly in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology and NORMA Group’s product portfolio complement each other perfectly. We will meet the requirements of our clients across Europe even better.” www.normagroup.com

TR commits to further growth Trifast plc preliminary results for the year to 31st March 2012 show total Group revenue at £112.51 million up 6.1 percent on the previous year.

U

Stainless Steel A2 & A4 Hexagon Head Nuts Washers

BRIGHTON-BEST INTERNATIONAL

w w w . b r i g h t o n B E S T. o r g +44 (0) 1384-568144

12

nderlying pre-tax profit, excluding the acquired PSEP business in Malaysia, was up 17 percent at £4.42 million. Trifast told shareholders it had reintroduced a dividend.

The financial year-end marked three years since Malcolm Diamond and Jim Barker returned to the business as chairman and chief executive. In a joint statement they referred to the stark yet encouraging contrast between the status of the company in 2009 compared to 2012 as “maybe not quite ‘rags to riches’ but more ‘doomed to dynamic’” adding they were now “focused on working through the current financial year with an even higher degree of confidence in our ability to further accelerate our growth going forward into 2013 and 2014.”

Commenting on the acquisition of Power Steel and Electro-Plating Works Sdn Bhd (PSEP) they said the company had fulfilled all the key criteria to help broaden TR’s manufactured product range, especially within the automotive assembly sector, whilst clearly demonstrating its strength of earnings.

Malcolm Diamond and Jim Barker committed: “For as long as we can add shareholder value,” to continue at Trifast to drive a second three-year plan aimed at growing the business considerably by a combination of organic growth and niche acquisitions.

In detail, UK revenue increased 1.1 percent to £57.78 million; Asia grew 13.4 percent - including the PSEP acquisition - to £31.12 million. Europe and the USA contributed £23.61 million sales, up 9.8 percent.

Bossard maintains sales in first half 2011 Bossard Group reported first half 2012 sales of CHF251.4 million.

In local currency terms this represented a 0.5 percent increase on same period 2011. In Swiss Francs sales fell 0.4 percent.

C

onsolidated net income for the first six months 2012 totalled CHF22.1 million (2011: CHF25.1 million), representing a return on sales of 9.1 percent compared to 10.3 percent for first half 2011. First half 2012 sales and income showed significant improvement compared to the second half of 2011.

Analysed by region, European half-year sales fell 2.6 percent in local currency, equating to a 5.1 percent decline in Swiss Francs to CHF136 million. Asian sales fell by 5.5 percent in both local currency and Swiss Francs to CHF39.8 million. American sales contributed CHF8.8 million additional sales year on year, to CHF75.6 million – up 10.5 percent in local currency.

Given the current return to a climate of uncertainty as a result of the continuing euro crisis and a downtown in Asian sales, Bossard anticipates slack demand overall in the second half of 2012. The Group says, in this challenging market environment, it will continue to pursue its defined market and product development strategy “even if this should be at the expense of results in the short term”. www.bossard.com/ffm

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

momastudio.it

Small tools for great ideas Slovak Republic: Bratislava - Nový most

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

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

▸ HEX LAG SCREWS ▸ CHIPBOARD SCREWS ▸ DRYWALL SCREWS ▸ DOME SCREWS AND EURO SCREWS

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We are looking for new agents! Please contact us at: sales@ambrovit.it

Ambrovit S.r.l.

Via Giulio Natta, 29 - 27026 Garlasco (PV) Italy Tel. +39.0382.810280 Fax +39.0382.1760014 email sales@ambrovit.it

www.ambrovit.it

NEWS

Fastener Fair Brazil dates shift by a day Fastener Fair Brazil 2012 will now take place on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd November at the Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, opening a day later than previously advertised.

S

how manager, Candyce Costa, from organisers Mack Brooks Exhibitions, explains: “A new São Paulo public holiday has recently been announced for Tuesday 20th November. Although the impact of ‘Dia da Consciencia Negra’ is unknown at this time we felt, on balance, it was better to avoid this holiday than risk compromising our visitors or exhibitors.”

The current and regularly updated exhibitor list for Fastener Fair Brazil is available at www.fastenerfair.br.com together with full information on exhibiting at or visiting the show.

In November 2011 the first Fastener Fair Brazil attracted 170 exhibitors and 2,500 visitors. www.fastenerfair.br.com

BCF gets to the point In developing its growth strategy Barton Cold-Form has identified a number of key investment potentials to strengthen its already extensive and varied manufacturing capabilities. Late last year it installed a new Tesa-scan optical measuring machine. Now it has placed the order for a new SMART NP 14DD pointer.

T

he planned investment became crucial when Barton succeeded in securing new automotive business, which will immediately put a million parts onto the new pointer, due for installation in July.

The company considered two Italian machinery suppliers but a visit to the SMART facility in Tortona impressed the Barton team with the advanced technology it produced and the order was placed. The new machine will allow Barton to point or dog from M3 to M14 diameter, which Andrew Nuttall, sales director, says: “pretty much covers our full range as well as providing us with additional drilling capacity to back up our existing machine capability.”

The SMART NP standalone pointer has a high speed electrospindle and a unique closed circuit cooling system for the tooling, which provides the capability for a wide range of chamfering shapes at very high production speeds - resulting in excellent quality finished parts. The work cycle is computer controlled and set-up and adjustments are rapidly achieved using servomotors managed from the controlled panel.

“Barton Cold-Form is committed to strategic investment,” says Andrew Nuttall, “where we see opportunities for volume business that builds on our current competences.”

NORMA Group expands production in UK and China NORMA Group AG is increasing production at its Newbury facility in the UK and in Qingdao in China. The company is reacting to growing demand for NORMA products in Europe and Asia.

J

ohn Stephenson, COO of NORMA Group and president of the Asia-Pacific Region, commented: “We are pleased about the strong demand for our products, which we want to meet in all regions with the high quality and reliability our clients have come to appreciate.”

NORMA Group will build a new 1,000 metre manufacturing hall at the Newbury facilities in the next twelve months, designed to provide additional production and storage capacity for V profile clamps for the European market. Also, capacities for manufacturing of V profile clamps will be set up in the Chinese manufacturing facility in Qingdao, established in 2008. The close cooperation with Newbury allows for a know-how transfer in this product segment: Identical production processes and tools will be introduced to the Newbury as well as the Qingdao facilities. NORMA Group thus ensures that clients will be offered the same high quality joining technology across the world. In addition, by producing on-site, customers in Asia can profit from shorter delivery times.

“Producing locally, we can serve our clients worldwide depending on their individual needs.

The close cooperation between the teams in the UK and China enables us to increase production simultaneously in Europe and Asia based on the same quality standards,” Stephenson adds. www.normagroup.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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Prelok GmbH, Hans-Böckler-Strasse 2, 58730 Fröndenberg, Germany Tel: +49 221 491 1063 Fax: +49 221 497 3359

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*Prelok enjoys the benefit of access to [production/service] capabilities throughout Europe, including its own sites in UK, Germany and Spain and maintaining close ties with its former French business after supporting its buyout by management in 2010.

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NEWS

Anixter A-LAB fully commissioned Anixter Fasteners has announced that its testing laboratory ‘A-LAB’ in Gloucester, UK, is now fully commissioned. Independently audited by UKAS and accredited to UKAS/ISO17025, the facility offers a comprehensive range of fastener testing and failure investigation capabilities.

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ommenting on the new laboratory, costing over £450,000 to establish, Richard Hawker, vice president of technical services, said: “One of Anixter’s core values is quality and our culture is focused to deliver a zero defects standard, whilst supplying over 14 billion components annually, worldwide. As part of this commitment we have invested heavily in our technical capability. Our UKAS accredited laboratory not only tests products that we supply, but also provides an independent investigation and product verification service.”

The services offered at A-LAB fall under five headings; metallurgical, mechanical, chemical, failure investigation and product finish testing. Specialist equipment includes optical emission spectrometers as well as the capability to carry out salt spray testing.

Specialists at the laboratory seek to verify properties of engineering components as well as checking conformity and determining suitability of materials. Metallurgist, Lee Pugh explains: “At A-LAB we offer over 25 different tests to scrutinise the integrity of a huge array of components.

We work to the most exacting standards of a broad range of industries, covering the specifications of BS, ISO, ASTM and Ford.”

The rigour with which A-LAB performs tests is proportional to the criticality of the purpose of the components according to Richard Hawker: “We support the largest OEMs, including a large proportion of the automotive industry. The fasteners and components that we supply are therefore often application critical, for example in chassis build or construction of braking assemblies. We take our responsibility to our customers very seriously and feel our duty to their customers just as keenly. The testing work done at A-LAB is therefore an essential part of how we deliver an exceptional standard of quality, consistency and reliability.”

Anixter has 15 fully equipped regional quality laboratories globally, with ten technical centres across North America, three in Europe and one in China.

NORM Civata wins Ford ‘Supplier of the Year’ award Norm Civata has another award for supplier excellence. The global fasteners supplier based in Izmir, Turkey, has been recognised as a Ford Otosan’s ‘Supplier of the Year’.

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he award was presented to nine companies in Gold, Silver and Bronze Star categories. Norm was presented with the Silver Star award for outstanding performance during 2011 at an event held in Istanbul. According to a statement from Ford Otosan, it had gathered its producers who had contributed to Ford Otosan becoming a commercial vehicle production base, achieving great success as a global player in the world market and producing the best-selling brand in Turkey.

Norm Group companies including bolt, screw and nut production, tooling and plating facilities, as well as the distribution centres Standart Civata, Norm Bursa, Best Kale and Vissart Europe. The company also has an R&D centre already giving an integrated service to automotive, machinery, white goods and construction industries.

Union to sue over Tucker closure The Unite union representing workers at Tucker Fasteners has said it will take Stanley Black & Decker to tribunal over its decision to close its factory in Perry Barr, Birmingham, UK.

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he union says it has obtained internal company documentation showing the parent company had earmarked the plant for closure a year earlier and had begun changes at German and American plants to move the production.

Regional official John Walsh told the Birmingham Mail: “We feel we have been subjected to a transatlantic charade and have decided to sue the company for lack of consultation.”

Stanley Black & Decker rejected counterproposals from the union, which would have entailed relocating to a new UK facility and downsizing from 220 to 70 employees.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

When safety really matters

Users of Nord-Lock washers have the world’s most demanding applications and require maximum control. In 2011 we began to laser mark our branded products with the control number for increased traceability and to facilitate authentication.

Our first priority is the safety of our customers. We therefore recommend sourcing Nord-Lock solely from original packaging and through our authorized partners and distributors.

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Counterfeit and risk analysis information.

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NEWS

BAFD better informed The spring meeting of the British Association of Fastener Distributors once again demonstrated its commitment to ensuring its members are better informed.

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he meeting, held at the Welcombe Hotel, Stratfordupon-Avon, included a presentation from Mark Salmon, of the Construction Fixings Association, on the soon to be published British Standard BS 8539 Code of Practice for anchors, allowing members to quiz the chairman of the committee responsible for its development. Ken Davies from consultancy TCthree also provided BAFD members with ample opportunity to explore the implications of the European Commission’s current review of trade defence measures as well as the unexpected termination of anti-dumping investigations on stainless fasteners from India and the likelihood of further circumvention investigations. The meeting also looked at the still contentious issue of whether bolt blanks imported from China are subject to anti-dumping duty. Dr John Newnham, who sits on the British Standards FME9 fastener committee, also brought BAFD members up to date on latest developments in standards.

BAFD Chairman, Jim Barker, said: “It was another busy meeting. We sometimes wonder whether we will have topics

for the two meetings held in spring and autumn but in a volatile world fastener market things are continually happening that impact on how BAFD members operate their businesses. One of the primary roles of the Association is to ensure our members are better informed, both in depth at our meetings and by regular email bulletins in the interim.”

BAFD is a founder member of the European Fastener Distributors Association through which it is able to represent the interests of UK fastener distributors at European legislative and administrative organisations.

The next BAFD general meeting is scheduled for Thursday 4th October, again in Stratford-upon-Avon.

BAFD membership is open to UK companies for which the distribution of fasteners is a significant element of their business.

Associate membership is open to companies supplying or providing services to UK fastener distributors. More information is available from www.bafd.org and details of membership are available on request from info@bafd.org www.bafd.org

Prelok enthusiasm not dampened by British summer Playing the picturesque but challenging Priory Course at Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire, invited guests to the annual Prelok Golf Day were unable to entirely avoid the downpour that seems a regular feature of this British summer.

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sunny morning belied a forecast for midday heavy thunderstorms so the Prelok team opted for a shotgun start and, while there was a twenty-minute downpour around midday, all the golfers were back in the clubhouse by 2:30pm and avoided the rest of the day’s rain.

Winners of the team competition were Steve Maw and Richard Senogles, both from Anixter Fasteners, playing alongside Axel Hertneck of Omni-Technik GmbH and Steve Hewitt of Prelok. For Steve it was his last day at Prelok after almost nine years, so nothing like going out on a high. www.prelok.com

“ALuminium - TItanium PLAStics” it’s all in the name!

ALTIPLAS – here’s the What, Who and Why. What – UK Specialist in aluminium, titanium and plastic fasteners and components to the trade.

Who - The company is located in the south of England ideally situated to the motorway, rail and airport networks.

ALTIPLAS was formed in early 2012. The business is headed by Mr Adrian Mckay, who has a wealth of in-depth knowledge and technical ability from his 14 years experience within this industry.

“I am excited at the prospect of this new venture and am looking forward to the challenge of championing the advantages of aluminium and titanium,” says Adrian.

“I see a trend appearing for products with sustainability, traceability, that are also

18

strong but lightweight, recyclable and eco-friendly. Titanium and aluminium tick all of these boxes, Sectors like aerospace, automotive, medical, rail, oil & gas, and marine, to name but a few, are all looking to improve their green credentials and these previously exotic materials are being utilised to resolve those issues”.

Why – To facilitate a gap primarily in the British fastener industry for lightweight, strong and technically viable fasteners. “From our experience, there is a lack of understanding and trust in these materials as they are not considered to be the ‘norm’,” says Adrian adding: “Unlike for our European cousins.”

The majority of enquiries originating

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

from fastener companies in regard to aluminium and titanium are very vague in terms of specification, suggests Adrian.

Through its in-depth knowledge and experience ALTIPLAS would like to make this process better informed and more effective in specifying the correct grade and type required for specific applications.

“We know we can meet your expectation and demand,” says Adrian.

“We have our own QA department and are ISO 9001 – 2008 and aerospace AS9120 REV A approved by the BSI, with the ability to provide material certification, laboratory testing (sub-contracted) including full and batch traceability, PPAP level 3, ISIR and FAIR”.

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NEWS

Finally a British winner!

The UK saw a great weekend of sport. Swiss Roger Federer won the Men’s Singles Championship at Wimbledon… Australian Mark Webber won the Grand Prix at Silverstone… and PTS carried off the FIFA trophy at Perry Barr…

Hang on a minute! PTS won what at Perry Barr?

The Fastener Industry Five A-side trophy – already being variously described as the Nuts and Bolts Cup or the Dodgy Tackle Trophy.

Figueira-Dunne – all pictured below with Jason (who somehow has managed to get his hands on the trophy), fellow director Andy Knight and supporter in chief Pauline Tomsett.

So how did that work?

Really, really well – it was a great day.

What was?

Ah. OK. Well earlier this year, in an Irish bar Cologne, somebody – well Jason Collyer actually - had the bright idea to stage a five a side football competition open to teams from the staff of any company in the UK fastener industry.

So on Saturday 7th July, at the Goals Centre, Perry Barr, Birmingham, the Fastener Industry Five A-side kicked off – sponsored by the British Association of Fastener Distributors and Fastener + Fixing Magazine.

Eleven teams from across the UK fought it ought – not quite literally – for the honour of being the very first holders of this quite unique fastener industry trophy.

But you said PTS won?

Yes, quite right, the 2012 Fastener Industry Five A-side winners are Precision Technology Supplies, winning 4:0 in the final against Mellish Engineering.

At this point, before we mention that it would never have happened without Jason Collyer’s commitment and organisation, and quietly put in that, yes, Jason is MD at PTS, we ought to mention that Goals did a great job of administering the whole competition under strict rules including the provision of FA qualified referees. Or in other words, we are still not quite sure how Jason managed to do it!

Jason’s story is that it was all down to seven guys, who never played as a team before, who just got better and better the longer the competition went on. As independent observers we’d have to say, he’s right.

So congratulations to Sam Talman, Nick Lawson, Andy Westwood, Adrian Collins, Ray Levis, Karl Brown, Miguel

Commiserations to finalists Mellish Engineering, whose powerful attack had them looking odds-on favourites for much of the competition, and runners up Beck Prosper Ltd and Montrose Group.

Next year?

Oh yes, there’s definitely going to be a 2013 Fastener Industry Five A-side - the teams were unanimous about that and with a such a prestigious trophy at stake no doubt there will be even more competition. All it needs now is the industry to ensure Jason keeps up the good work!

The Teams • Apex Stainless • Beck Prosper • Fastpack • ForgeFix • Heads & Allthreads • Martyn Price

• Mellish Engineering • Montrose Group • NE Fasteners • Performance Fasteners • PTS

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Maximum Efficiency Made in Germany: that’s Pühl!

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

Choose Pühl: said and stamped!

NEWS

STAFA wins Graydon Award STAFA is celebrating affirmation that, even in times of economic decline, the Group has its business financially well organised. On 21st June 2012 at STAFA’s office in Maarheeze, George van Gool, general manager and founder of the STAFA Group, received the Graydon Award from Graydons Martijn Utermark.

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eorge van Gool commented: “We are proud to receive this award. With Graydon’s ‘Financially Healthy’ certificate we can show that we are a reliable partner to do business with. In times of financial uncertainty that is a must. Our current and prospective customers can indeed rely on a financial healthy STAFA. After 35 years of hard work, a huge achievement.”

To receive Graydon’s ‘Financially Healthy’ certificate, an organisation needs to meet certain selection criteria, such as a positive credit rating over a long period of time and satisfactory payment procedures. Further information consists of revenue data, annual and accurate figures, creditworthiness and a sound overall business worthy situation.

Graydon is a leading financial service providers in credit

management, providing business information crucial to every company that wants to perform better in order to take a competitive advantage and able to look for suitable partners to do business with. Graydon rates companies on their creditworthiness and financial situation.

STAFA Group is the collective name of STAFA Trading, STAFA Assembly and STAFA Direct. George van Gool describes them as: “Three independent companies that can provide the management of an entire logistic chain for fasteners, the best possible packaging methods, and the most favourable import conditions and terms. Opting for the STAFA Group means you are opting for a guaranteed service and quality.” www.stafa.nl

Sika appoints new UK general manager Sika Limited - the UK subsidiary of Sika Group, the global speciality chemicals company, has announced the appointment of Ivo Schaedler as general manager.

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chaedler joined the UK business on 1st June, following almost 15 years working for Sika at its head office in Switzerland and Swiss subsidiary Sika Schweiz AG. His most recent position was as head of the company’s contractor and industry business units, which the company says both developed and performed well under his leadership.

Commenting on his plans for the UK, Schaedler says: “One of the major targets for Sika UK is the integration of our three sites in Norwich, Preston and Welwyn Garden City, and the continuing success of the business in the various markets we operate in. It is my intention to build on the synergies we have between our different business units to enable us to offer the best products and solutions to our customers.”

City mayor opens new DFS Fixings showroom DFS Fixings new showrooms, in a regenerated area of Leicester, were officially opened by city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, on Monday 2nd July.

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pecial guests invited by the Leicester construction industry and allied trades supplier attended the launch ceremony at DFS Fixings in Foundry Square. The completely refurbished former car showrooms, close to Leicester city centre, reflect the ongoing growth of DFS Fixings, which it says continues to buck economic trends.

DFS Fixings describes itself as is a long-established fastener, fixings and power tools supplier, with a reputation for infallible supply throughout the East Midlands. It sees its unique selling points as first class customer service and the ability to provide the rarest products off the shelf.

Continued expansion has led to two moves in two years: from All Saints Road to Abbey Lane; and now to Foundry Square, adding a third more capacity for presentation and storage. Latest plans include an upgraded website, currently under construction, and substantial investment in business software, further expected to raise the company’s profile.

DFS Fixings managing director, Geoff Kirk is committed to ensuring tradesmen find exactly what they need for the job. “The new showroom enables us to display key products, with space to store a vast range of items, helping us to deliver our hallmark customer service. Our revamped website will also display up to 30,000 new products, enabling customers to buy all they need online, at their convenience.”

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I would like to congratulate DFS Fixings on its continued expansion. It is really good news that DFS Fixings is joining others in realising the opportunities in Leicester’s Belgrave Gate and investing in this part of the city.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor GlobalFastenerNews.com

Fastener acquisitions kick into high gear

Stanley Black & Decker occupied center stage in the latest round of fastener industry acquisitions, buying one prominent company in the U.S., and reportedly bidding on another in Singapore.

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tanley Black & Decker is a potential bidder for Infastech Ltd, a Singapore-based industrial fastener manufacturer with revenues of more than US$500 million (407 million euros), Reuters reports. Infastech was formed in August 2010 when Asia Trading Company Ltd purchased the Avdel and Global Electronics & Commercial divisions of Acument Global Technologies Inc for an estimated US$350 million (285 million euros). Infastech’s corporate headquarters are located in Hong Kong, with global operations managed from Singapore. No deal has been finalized.

Elsewhere Validor Capital, a New York private equity firm, acquired Denton, TX-based EDSCO Fasteners. Terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1985, EDSCO manufactures anchor bolts for large steel structures. The company operates three facilities in Denton; Charlotte, NC; and Spanish Fork, UT. EDSCO ships to utility, cellular and structural steel sites around the world. Validor installed operating executive Jeffrey Pieper as president of EDSCO replacing founder Andrew Gannon. The remaining members of EDSCO’s management team were retained, including vice president Don Searcy.

Fastener supplier Precision Aerospace Components Inc acquired the assets of Fastener Distribution and Marketing Company (FDMC). FDMC is the parent company of Aero-Missile Components (AMC), which provides fasteners and other components to the military and aerospace industries; and Creative Assembly Systems (CAS), which supplies fasteners,

tooling and other products to the transportation, housing infrastructure and white goods markets.

FDMC president Richard McVaugh will assume the role of president of each of the Precision Aerospace subsidiaries.

Precision Castparts Corp agreed to acquire aero-structures manufacturer Klune Industries for an undisclosed cash sum.

North Hollywood, CA-based Klune will be added to PCC’s ‘fastener products’ segment, which reported US$1.7 billion (1.4 billion euros) in revenue during fiscal 2012.

PCC CEO Mark Donegan noted the fastener synergy in announcing the agreement. “Like Centra and Primus before that, Klune expands our reach into the widely fragmented aero-structures market,” stated Donegan. He said Klune facilities in California and Washington are located close to existing PCC aero-structures plants, giving PCC “operational and geographical leverage.”

“From a top-line perspective, Klune’s product line will significantly increase our dollar content on the Boeing 787, and they have solid positions on other major aircraft platforms, such as the Boeing 737 and Gulfstream G650,” added Donegan.

Klune manufactures aluminum, nickel, titanium, and steel aero-structures, with a focus on complex forming, machining, and assembly of aero-structure parts. The company employs approximately 740 workers at three facilities: North Hollywood; Spanish Fork, UT; and Kent, WA.

Economist at NFDA: Invest now ‘aggressively’ in your company Economist Alan Beaulieu told National Fastener Distributors Association members it is time to invest in your companies to take advantage of a growing economy.

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eaulieu declared: “The economy is heating up.” He added: “Spend money on your business. Be aggressive.”

Beaulieu - of the Institute for Trend Research - pointed out that the leading economic indicators are up.

“Exports are up. Banks are lending. Retail sales are up. Chinese companies are actually moving to the U.S.” The economy will grow until the middle of 2013 and then there will be a bear stock market in the second half of the year, followed by a mild recession during 2014, Beaulieu predicted. From 2015 the economy will boom until another recession in 2017. Beaulieu pointed out that historically there are recessions every nine to 13 years. U.S. companies have put away US$2 trillion to invest and banks have US$1.5 trillion to loan, he said.

After cuts to become leaner during the recession, “companies are right sized,” Beaulieu observed. Fastener companies should now focus on investments in growing for the stronger economy.

If you wait until inflation kicks in, such investments will be more expensive, he forewarned. How much should you invest in your company now? “Until you can’t sleep at night,” Beaulieu said.

Companies that barely survived the recession could be in

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

trouble now because they don’t have cash to rebuild. “Economic recoveries can finish the job,” he said of the possibility of weak companies closing even during a growing economy.

Coming next is inflation. CEOs need to find ways to raise prices and fix costs. Employees who live paycheck to paycheck will face greater problems when the renewed inflation hits.

Costs will rise 7% to 10%. To compensate employees during an inflationary period, Beaulieu suggested establishing bonus systems based on realistic quarterly goals and employee involvement. He recommended three goals per quarter.

One goal for fastener CEOs is to operate a company with “less people and more business.”

Despite the U.S. economic recovery, there are problem areas.

Europe’s financial troubles could lead to a recession there yet this year. China’s housing and inflation bubbles could burst. Oil prices could break through US$120. The U.S. dollar could lose all credibility.

The economy will not change no matter which political party controls the White House and Congress after the November 2012 election, Beaulieu stated.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

Fastener manufacturer tapping temp workers Fastener manufacturer Termax Corp and other U.S. companies are increasingly tapping temporary laborers to meet workforce demands, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

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he American Staffing Association’s employment index shows temporary and contract staffing employment rose 24% through May, according to the Sun-Times.

Increasingly, temp positions in the Chicago area are six months in length, and many offer benefits. Illinois-based Termax Corp, a manufacturing and engineering company specialising in metal and plastic fasteners, is using temp workers. Owner Bill Smith hired Matt Fuller to work as a die designer. Fuller told the Sun-Times that he began taking on temp assignments in 2009

after two companies he had worked for went under. Fuller is one of 15 temp workers employed by Termax to augment the work of its 273 permanent employees.

Smith said Termax has turned to temps because there is a shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. He is also hesitant to add permanent staff that he might need to cut in a couple of months. During the recession the company, which relies on the automotive sector, went from 212 workers down to 67.

Queenin, Reidl lead NFDA Jay Queenin is the new president of the National Fastener Distributors Association and Kevin Reidl is vice president. Vickie Lester was named executive director of the NFDA.

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s a student Queenin worked summers at Specialty Bolt & Screw Inc and then went to law school. He became a prosecutor in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. He joined the family fastener business six years ago and is now COO. Founded in 1977, Specialty Bolt services large OEMs. Headquartered in Agawam, MA, SBS also has facilities in Canada and Mexico. Reidl works for Hodell-Natco Industries.

Queenin reported that the NFDA has 89 distributor members and 58 associate members totaling 147.

Lester continues as the Pacific-West Fastener Association executive director. She is the seventh leader in NFDA’s 44-year history. Lester started her association management company in 1986, with the Western Association of Fastener Distributors as her first client. Later that year she added the Los Angeles Fastener Association. In 2009 those two associations combined to form Pac-West.

The next NFDA meeting is being scheduled for November 2012 in Arizona.

Lawson Products announces restructuring Lawson Products announced plans to eliminate 100 jobs - 11% of its workforce - as part of restructuring efforts to stay competitive in what it called a ‘fragmented’ MRO industry.

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he cuts include elimination of several senior executive positions, including the open COO position, but will not reduce Lawson’s sales force. Other cost-cutting measures include rationalizing inventory and reducing travel, marketing and outbound freight expenses. Collectively the reductions are expected to save Lawson Products about US$20 million (16 million euros) annually. Lawson Products also inked a new five-year, US$40 million (33 million euros) credit facility.

“With an increased focus on MRO, we have consolidated a number of units and sold two non-core operations, which represented approximately US$80 million (65 million euros) of annual revenue,” explained CEO Thomas Neri. In late 2010 Lawson sold Assembly Component Systems Inc and Rutland Tool & Supply Co. Neri said the company’s restructuring builds on earlier activities, including a tightened MRO focus, the implementation of SAP, which went live in August 2011, and network-optimization and sales-transformation initiatives.

Operational efficiency measures include simplifying its business processes and flattening the organization. The company is streamlining its customer-fulfilment process and inventory management with its consolidation of three Illinois locations into a single operation in McCook, IL, which will be the hub for the Midwest.

Revenue enhancement will include emphasizing target accounts, core products and service delivery (especially vendormanaged inventory), accelerating its sales-transformation process, completing its tier-pricing model and launching its e-commerce site.

Lawson Products reported net sales, including fasteners, declined 0.6% to US$314.9 million (256 million euros) during 2011. Net income declined to a loss of US$4.62 million. Fastening systems revenue contributed 21% of overall sales in 2011.

Overall gross profit decreased 7.7% to US$179.8 million (146 million euros) hurt by rising vendor costs, outbound freight charges, rising labor costs and lower margin business.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

ASIAN NEWS

Taiwan fastener exports hit record high in 2011 Although Taiwanese fastener exports softened in the second half of 2011, the full year export volume and value both hit record highs, Fastener World reports.

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he main reason for the growth was that China’s fastener exports to Europe were blocked by EU antidumping measures, and European fastener orders were substantially redirected to Taiwan. Thus, Taiwan’s 2011 full year fastener exports amounted to 1.422 million tonnes, outpacing the previous record of 1.41 million tonnes in 2004 and up 11.14% on 2010, the second consecutive year on year increase. The export value reached US$3.973 billion (3.233 billion euros), showing a 23.61% increase over 2010, which was the highest growth in Taiwanese export history. The average export price was US$2.794/kg, up 11.22% over 2010.

As exports to Europe grew, the European market outstripped the United States as Taiwan’s largest fastener export destination in 2011.

Generally, export orders for Taiwanese fasteners dropped in the second half of 2011. However, 2011 full year exports still substantially grew and the overall export rate was close to 95%.

Orders for small screws showed a dropping trend from April 2011 while orders for automotive fasteners presented the best performance. Many automotive fastener companies saw strong order patterns in the first half of 2011 but a downtrend during the second half.

Statistics from 2012 Five Region Fastener Association Conference The following statistics were presented at the 2012 Five Region Fastener Association Conference on 21st June and reported by Chinafastener.com and Fastener World.

The respective fastener association of each country presented the data.

South Korea - 2011 total fastener output was 820,000 tonnes valued at US$2.8 billion (2.3 billion euros). The Korean automotive industry consumed 630,000 tonnes (76 percent), the construction sector 70,000 tonnes (9 percent), and electronics 20,000 tonnes.

The export value of fasteners was US$480 million reflecting a 50 percent increase on 2010. Fastener imports were worth US$440 million (391 million euros), up 13.5 percent on 2010. 36 percent of imports were from Mainland China (US$160 million).

Imports from the USA were reported to be worth US$105 million, from Germany US$33 million and from Japan US$37 million.

Taiwan - Exported 1.42 million tonnes of fasteners during 2011, an 11.14 percent increase on 2010 volumes. The export value grew 23.6 percent to US$3.97 billion (3.23 billion euros).

Exports to the European Union dropped to 114,000 tonnes in Q4, down 7.3 percent on the same quarter 2010. However, export value grew 4.7 percent. The unit price averaged US$2.803 per kg.

The USA imported 520,000 tonnes from Taiwan equating to 36.6 percent of exports. Germany accounted for 10.2 percent of exports (145,000 tonnes), Netherlands 6 percent (86,000 tonnes), Japan 4.5 percent (64,000 tonnes), UK 4.2 percent (60,000 tonnes).

Taiwan imports of fasteners were less than 30,000 tonnes.

Hong Kong - 2011 fastener exports fell 6 percent to 30,735 tonnes. 65 percent of the volume was exported to Mainland China.

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Hong Kong imported US$324 million (264 million euros) of fasteners, 76 percent from Mainland China.

China - 2011 total output of fasteners grew 9.7 percent to 6.8 million tonnes. The value increased 10 percent to RMB66 billion (US$10.4 billion). Two hundred companies achieved annual sales greater than RMB 100 million or approximately US$15 million.

Steel fastener exports grew 13.95 percent by volume to just under 2.6 million tonnes, and 27.56 percent by value to US$4.66 billion (3.8 billion euros). Exports represented 38 percent of total sales. Exports to the USA increased 13.3 percent.

Imports increased very marginally to 264,000 tonnes worth US$2.94 billion (2.4 billion euros).

Japan - 2011 fastener output fell 3.7 percent to 2.76 million tonnes. By value sales fell 1.4 percent to 797.2 billion Yen (approximately US$10 billion).

Export volumes fell 1.8 percent to 305,000 tonnes and the export value fell 1.6 percent to 231.9 billion Yen. Imports volume increased 10.8 percent to 218,000 tonnes and value increased 11.8 percent to 64 billion Yen. (According to Fastener World 64,000 tonnes came from Taiwan, a 12 percent growth over 2010. The average value was US$3.4/kg. Taiwan expects to see further growth in it is exports to Japan as a result of post-disaster reconstruction demand.

Fastener World estimates that 68 percent of Japanese fastener imports originate in China.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

ASIAN NEWS

Taiwan export orders to U.S. expected to grow In light of the economic recovery shown in the U.S., industry insiders consider that though the U.S. construction industry still needs to be improved, the future fastener demand is optimistic due to the reduction in the unemployment rate and the growth of consumer confidence.

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aiwan industry insiders indicate, the overall export orders have grown, and the orders of small screws have recovered after a nine-month decline. It is reported that the present Taiwan export orders of small screws are at US$1.37/kg.

The insiders comment, if the small screws exports to Europe can further bottom out, the overall performance of small screws exports will have a better performance due to the growth of the export orders from the U.S.

Gem-Year wins railway contracts Gem-Year Industrial Co Ltd announced it had won the fastener contract for the Huang Han Hou railway estimated to be worth RMB 36 million (4.6 million euros).

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hinaFastener.com also reports Gem-Year winning bids to supply fasteners for underground circle line in Tiajan, worth around 0.75 million euros and a coastal rail expansion being carried out by Nanning Railway Bureau, estimated to be worth 3.3 million euros.

Gem-Year’s railway fastener business was hit hard by the slow growth rate in rail construction in China during 2011 following the high speed train accident.

Chinese fastener exports grow 13 percent in 2011 Fastener World reports the fastener export volume of China in 2011 totalled 3.56 million tonnes, up 13.4 percent over 2010, with an average export unit price of US$1.691/kg, up 15.78 percent.

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otal export value was estimated at US$6.02 billion (4.9 billion euros), up 31.29 percent. The largest export market was the United States accounting for more than 670,000 tonnes, a year on year growth of more than 10 percent. The U.S. represented 18.7 percent of total exports, followed by Russia, which saw a 27 percent growth to more than 220,000 tonnes or 6.2 percent of exports.

The highest rate of export growth was to Thailand, to which exports virtually doubled to 75,400 tonnes. Exports to Indonesia increased 63 percent to 73,300 tonnes. Exports to Turkey increased 46 percent to 78,900 tonnes.

Chinese exports to India and to Saudi Arabia both increased by around 28 percent to more than 80,000 tonnes each.

Exports to Germany in 2011 were less than 100,000 tonnnes while the exports to the UK and Italy were only 60,000 tonnes.

Only export volume to the UK increased year on year by around 6 percent.

500 exhibitors at Shanghai Fastener Show

ASEAN top three account for 90 percent of car sales

Chinafastener.com reports that 500 companies occupied more than 950 booth spaces at the 2012 Fastener Expo Shanghai and 3rd Shanghai Auto Fastener Exhibition.

Among the seven ASEAN countries, during the period 2007 to 2011, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia were clearly the biggest car markets.

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he show opened from 6th - 8th June on three levels at the Shanghai Everbright Exhibition Center. Organisers claim the show to be the largest fastener exhibition in China and the third largest in the world after Fastener Fair Stuttgart and the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo, Las Vegas. The Shanghai show is organised for the Chinese Fastener Industry Association and this year’s show was promoted as being the government approved fastener exhibition in China.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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he annual automotive sales volume in both 2010 and 2011 for each of these countries outpaced 600,000 units, reports Fastener World. Annual sales in the Philippines were around 150,000 units and in Vietnam around 110,000 units. Annual sales volumes for both Singapore and Brunei were less than 60,000 units. The total automotive market scale of the ASEAN region increased from 1.9 million units in 2007 to 2.6 million units in 2011. From 2007 to 2009, the total sales volume of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia accounted for between 82 and 83 percent of the total ASEAN region. In 2010, this proportion had risen to 86.3% and in 2011 to 88.2%.

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS Alexander Ostashov, editor Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and…Magazine www.fastinfo.ru

SORMAT OST releases a unique fired pin SORMAT OST (St. Petersburg) has released an innovative product, the PDGN fired pin, comprising a nylon nail with fibreglass filler.

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t is a joint development of SORMAT OST and BASF Germany, which has no analogues in Russia and Europe. In comparison to similar metal goods the new product has several advantages. The main advantage is the reduced weight at a fifth of a conventional steel pin, a lower price and no corrosion. Its load bearing characteristics meet all the necessary regulatory requirements. SORMAT OST’s plant has produced high quality plastic fasteners for more than 10 years, a considerable proportion of which are exported to European countries.

Rechitsa Metizny plant celebrates centenary In May Rechitsa Metizny plant celebrated its hundredth anniversary.

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mong the festivities there was a grand opening of a memorial plaque in honour of the Rick brothers, the founders of the company, and the opening of the museum ‘Nail’, equipped with multimedia equipment, and displaying a unique historical exhibition. A significant event of the festive programme was the presentation of special awards - ‘Golden Nail’, ‘Silver Nail’ and ‘Bronze Nail’ - to the best foreign sellers of products and suppliers of equipment.

Rechitsa Metizny plant wins the ‘Best Exporter of the Year’, organised by the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the ministries, state committees, corporations, and executive committees.

About five hundred companies - members of the system of the Ministry of Industry were among the nominees of the contest. There were only two winners: Rechitsa Metizny plant and JSC ‘Minsky automobile factory’ in the category ‘Mechanical Engineering and Metal Working.’

According to Mr Vashkov, the director of the plant, this victory is very important for the workers of the plant. In 2011 the export volume at the plant amounted to US$99.4 million (comparing to US$79.5 million 2010).

International Adhesives Conference 2012 On 16th April the International Adhesives Conference 2012 took place in Moscow.

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n his opening speech Sandjar Turgunov, the general director of Creon, noted that discussion at this year’s event was focused specifically on one aspect of the adhesive industry, namely melt adhesives, which is now one of the most dynamically developing sectors of the market. Creon company created a platform to discuss current problems of the industry. At the conference a possible merger of the market players into an association was discussed. Now Creon is forming a working group to prepare the foundation of the Association. The launch of the Association will be announced at an extended industry conference in October or November 2012.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

RESTEK to stage technical fair in the Urals From 23rd - 25th October 2012 at the World Trade Center in Ekaterinburg the RESTEK Exhibition Union will stage the Ural Technical Fair, a large scale exhibition and congress event of the federal level.

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ithin the fair programme there will be an industrial exhibition to display produce and relevant services for metallurgical and machine building companies.

The Ural Industrial Congress will become the main event of the fair business programme.

The concept of the Ural Technical Fair is based on the long term experience of organising Peterburgskaya Technical Fair, where traditionally the whole technological chain is presented: from raw materials through equipment to final product.

The new project has an international scale with Finnish and Italian companies already having reserved exhibition space at the fair.

RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

ITW acquires Penta Group Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) announced the acquisition of Penta Group of companies, a Russian chemical producer of silicone goods.

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enta Group of companies will play the main role in the strategic development in Russia of the ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids division, providing opportunities for the local production of ITW products and increasing its presence in the corresponding markets of the Russian regions.

The Penta Group of companies will form an integral part of ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids division in Russia.

It will be managed by Dmitriy Yufin, general director of ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Russia.

Five month Russian nail consumption around 50,000 tonnes Hardware products association, Rosmetiz, reports that January to May consumption of nails in Russia amounted to 49,000 – 50,000 tonnes, broadly corresponding to the same period in 2011.

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roduction in May 2012 was estimated to be around 11,000 – 12,000 tonnes, similar to April, of which 7,000 – 7,500 tonnes were shipped to the domestic market.

There is expected to have been some redistribution of sales among the major producers during May. NLMK domestic sales increased 16 percent to 3,500 tonnes. CMI-Metiz reduced production by 60 percent. Belpromstroiproekt maintained supplies at around 3,500 tonnes. Shipments to foreign markets, mainly in the CIS countries, is expected to have increased in May by 25 percent month on month.

Fasttec will be held in autumn In 2013 Fasttec, the industrial exhibition of fasteners and fastening elements, which holds a unique position in the central region of Russia, will take place at the Sokolniki Culture and Exhibition Center, Moscow, from 8th - 10th October.

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he new date of the exhibition was announced on its official website www.fasttec.ru. According to Raisa Gazaryan, the director of Fasttec, next year the exhibition will be held in the spacious modern hall #2 simultaneously with the exhibition of welding materials, equipment and technologies - Weldex. “The changes in the venue and time are a result of realisation of a complex development programme of Fasttec. The synergy effect of the simultaneous events will allow us to cover the whole range of fastenings displayed at the both exhibitions”, Raisa Gazaryan told Alexander Ostashov, editor of “Fastener, Adhesives, Tools and …” Magazine.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

New executive director appointed at JSC Following the departure of Alexander Shevelev to pursue a career outside the group, Vladimir Petrovich has been appointed executive director of JSC ‘Severstal-hardware’ in Cherepovets.

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ladimir Petrovich has thirty years experience in the hardware division of the company, starting as an electrician at the Cherepovets plant and progressing to become director of production, before spending the last five years as executive director of the Volgograd branch of JSC ‘Severstal-hardware’.

Oleg Veter, general director of ‘Severstal-metiz’, expressed appreciation for the work of Alexander Shevelev, saying: “Under his leadership, much has been done for the development of Cherepovets enterprise groups and the direction of the company.

In particular, complex investment projects have been implemented to optimise the infrastructure, modernise and develop new products, as well as achieve serious reductions in costs.”

Speaking about Vladimir Petrovich he went on: “I am convinced that the competence and professionalism of Vladimir, his understanding of the subtleties of the manufacturing process and unique experience in implementing projects for the industry will promote further development of Cherepovets enterprise”.

All Russia conference on wire and fasteners planned On 19th – 20th September 2012 the first all-Russia Conference Wire-Fasteners-2012 will be held in Moscow.

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he organiser of the conference is the editorial staff of Metal Supply and Sales Magazine (Metallosnabzheniye and Sbyt) under the support of the Russian Union of Metal and Steel Suppliers (RSPM), Metal-Expo, and Prommetiz Association.

The main issues of the conference are: • Current state of the hardware industry in Russian and the countries of the CIS. • Investment policy of the hardware producers, new products, new market outlets.

• Trends in production and consumption of hardware products in different branches.

• Export and import dynamics, changes in the structure of external turnover.

• Prospects for the hardware market development.

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SOUTH AMERICAN NEWS Sérgio Milatias editor Revista do Parafuso www.revistadoparafuso.com.br

Argentina and Brazil: “Between slaps and kisses” In South America, Argentina and Brazil has a “slaps and kisses*” relationship, in business just as in football, involving products such as shoes, automobiles, autoparts and others. However, both need to seek a healthy relationship, because as the major trading partners in the continent they share annual business totaling more than US$40 billion (32.6 billion euros).

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very year, Brazil exports more than US$20 billion in manufactured products to Argentina, more than to all of Europe, Mr Paulo Skaf, chairman of the Federation of Industries of São Paulo (Fiesp) commented recently on television. Since 2005 the trade balance has been unfavorable to Argentina, closing at US$5.8 billion negative in 2011.

In May more than 600 Argentinian CEOs visited Brazil, coming to the headquarters of Fiesp, to meet possible buyers and to explore ways to achieve a better balance of trade between the two countries. The conclusion was that Argentina was very competitive on 38 products, of which Brazil currently imports US$12 billion from other countries but only US$2 billion from its neighbour. The meetings paved the way for the two nations to do better business.

One member of the visiting delegation was Mr Jose Batista, chairman of Cámara de Fabricantes de Bulones, Tornillos,

Tuercas y Afines (Cafabyt - the Association of manufacturer of screws and fasteners of Argentina), which celebrates its sixtieth anniversary in 2012. Batista is CEO of BM Bulmetal, a fastener manufacturer based in Buenos Aires. During an interview with Revista do Parafuso, he pointed out some of the bad conditions that plague local industrial production, making the region “easy prey” for international fastener manufacturers.

Brazil has a very high total tax load of 36 percent but its neighbour, according to Batista, reaches 38 percent. “Also in our country we have 23 holidays per year”, told Batista.

However, the market for fasteners is not entirely a problem among “los dos hermanos” (the two brothers). “Brazil sells a lot of fasteners to us but the vast majority come from Asia,” concludes Batista. * The term “slaps and kisses” comes from a Brazilian popular song, referring to couples that mix love with a little fighting.

Acument Brazil: new factory, now new president Still recognised by the brand Mapri, an acronym for “raw materials” (Matéria Prima) created by Kurt Dreyfus with German brothers Alfred and Robert Fuchs, who founded the business in 1943, Acument Global Technologies is one of the most important manufactures of fasteners in Brazil.

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he company produces around 3,000 tonnes of fasteners per month divided between its new plant in the state of São Paulo and another located in the state of Minas Gerais. 98 percent of production is directed to the automotive industry.

Recently, Mr Frank Pierce was named as the new president. A North American, graduated in business administration, Pierce has 33 years of experience in the automotive industry. He worked at Rockwell and Lear Corporations before joining Acument.

“Despite not having previously worked in the fastener market I know this type of product very well already and I am learning more all the time. The industry in Brazil is growing rapidly and, despite being relatively weak at the moment, I expect it to grow more and offer expanded opportunities for our team”, said Pierce.

Ebrats: Brazilian surface treatment event

Senafor: Conferences about forging

The Brazilian meeting and exhibition of surface treatments (called Ebrats), comprising a business fair and technology forum is a triennial event, recognised as the largest in Latin America in relation to the surface treatment sector and its processes.

his edition will comprise of the 16th International Forging Conference, 15th National Sheet Forming Conference / 2nd International Sheet Metal Forming Conference, 9th Powder Metallurgy Meeting, 3rd InternationalPowderMetallurgy Conference, as well as the 2nd International Conference on Materials and Processes for Renewable Energy.

The event will include presentations of technical papers and research submitted by teachers and engineers from Asia, European, North America and South America. There will also be a business fair. Eminent teachers, from national and international institutions will complete the guest list and will also join a pre-event activity consisting of technical visits, showroom presentations and banners. Interested parties may participate as spectator, speaker or exhibitor. See www.senafor.com for more information.

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he 14th edition took place at the Expo Center Norte, in São Paulo. At the simultaneous “INTERFINISH Latin American” forum lectures were given by specialists from different countries. Over 125 exhibitors participated in the business fair, demonstrating the latest innovations in processes, products, equipment and materials for the sector.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

During 22nd – 24th October the 32nd Senafor will be held in Porte Alegre city, capital of Rio Grande do Sul.

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C O V E R S TO R Y

30 years of supply solutions for distributors At the beginning of July, Fastbolt brought together team members from Germany, UK and China to mark its thirtieth anniversary. Four years after his untimely death it was inevitable the event would be tinged by the regret Heinz Storch was not there to share in the celebrations of a remarkable success story and witness another significant phase in the development of the company he founded in 1982.

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ppropriately, having served 23 years as a director of Fastbolt, it was UK managing director Graham Joyce that told Fastbolt team members: “Thirty years ago Heinz would never have believed we could be here today.” Maybe not but he melded vision and ambition with no small measure of self-belief and entrepreneurship, to stretch everyone in his business and ensure it was continually driven forward.

As Graham Joyce put it: “Heinz was an absolute pioneer. It wasn’t always easy with him, but it was always interesting. His foresight ensured investment in the best

Fastbolt began trading from a small rented warehouse in Milton Keynes.

From its inception the company focused exclusively on servicing fastener distributors, a principle that has been rigorously maintained ever since. To established suppliers in the UK fastener industry, responding to this dynamic incomer was a real challenge. An executive member of the UK fastener distribution association at the time later acknowledged the dilemma: “In the end we decided it was better to have Fastbolt in the association where we could keep on eye on Heinz.”

It is a tribute to the personality and integrity of Heinz Storch that within a decade not only was his business firmly established in the UK market but also he was elected chairman of the association, shaking it from stagnation and steering it towards the positive role it now plays in the UK industry.

The real symbol, though, of Fastbolt’s arrival and Heinz Storch’s vision and ambition was the custom built warehouse opened in Milton Keynes in 1990. Today it still represents Fastbolt’s professionalism and modernity – then it was a quite extraordinary statement to a still, in many ways, hidebound market.

Internally, though, it took some years for the technology to advance. In common with all its competitors during the Eighties the phone was the principle contact with customers and the telex with suppliers elsewhere in the world. Graham Joyce recalls the day Fastbolt installed its first fax machine at the end of the Eighties: “We had no concept of how this single piece of technology would change our business.”

“ It has made the transition from a small UK business to an international group with its management and purchasing headquarters in Germany.” logistics and operations we could have at the time. That tradition continues today.”

Dennis Silverton, the independent accountant who supported Heinz Storch and, then business partner, Bernard Myers in forming Fastbolt claims the privilege of being not so much at the birth of the business as its conception. He highlighted another crucial characteristic. “Heinz and Bernard were straight, very honourable people. They believed business should always be conducted in the proper way.”

He added: “Heinz was always keen to have the best equipment and the best people.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

For that matter the market. For good or ill the fax for the first time allowed distributors to place simultaneous enquires with multiple suppliers and receive quotations within the day. In a geographically small and infrastructure intense country, next day delivery was already available and rapidly became the norm, fundamentally and irrevocably altering the service model of the fastener industry.

The fax was also crucial to Fastbolt’s importing activities. Infinitely more important, however, was Heinz Storch’s instinct for building long standing personal and commercial relationships with suppliers. He was one of the first European fastener businessmen to travel throughout Asia in search of reliable factories, a role that Graham Joyce took on and unquestionably developed. He will be uncomfortable at the comment but as well as forging a unique relationship with Heinz, Graham demonstrated extraordinary commitment in travelling for weeks in Asia to develop lasting relationships with manufacturers, many of which remain core to the Fastbolt business. Recruited very deliberately from a highly structured automotive purchasing background to take on the pivotal role of purchasing director, Graham injected new levels of professionalism into Fastbolt’s sourcing, laying the foundations for its growth both in the UK and later Europe.

Electronic inventory control and sales systems took a little longer than the fax.

During the Eighties Fastbolt relied on thousands of Kardex records and the famous ‘red book’, featured on the cover of this magazine, was the daily barometer of sales. In the early Nineties Heinz Storch sought out the best available ERP system on which to take his business forward.

The transition was direct from manual records to a near paperless sales enquiry and entry system. As always the biggest challenge was for people to adapt to a radical change in processes. Some did not; others blossomed and grew to become key members of the Fastbolt UK team. Heinz Storch believed in picking the right people, but that was never to be an unerring

Recent office extension at Fastbolt headquarters process. On reflection his real skill was in investing trust and responsibility in those people, challenging and supporting them to develop and refine their capabilities.

In 1992 Heinz Storch’s ambitions turned to mainland Europe. Moving to Germany, he established Fastbolt Schraubengroßhandels GmbH in Gronau.

Initially again, space was rented from Nellen & Quack, the Gronau freight company that continues to play a major role in Fastbolt’s mainland Europe logistics. A novel agreement effectively provided Fastbolt with a warehouse with elastic walls allowing it to take on additional space as and only when required. By 1995 Heinz Storch had carved a new role for Fastbolt in the central European fastener market. Fastbolt moved into its current facility in Gronau Epe, within three years expanding it to respond to the company’s growth needs.

A further expansion in 2003 extended the warehouse and introduced a high capacity packing and palletising plant, and another extension was completed in 2010. Most recently an office extension accommodates an entirely new quality laboratory on the ground floor adjacent to ‘Goods In’ as well as providing additional office space overhead. That the site continues to have space for further expansion of its warehouse - the blueprints already exist for a high bay fully automatic extension – is testament, once again, to the vision and ambition of Heinz Storch.

In 2000 Fastbolt took the massive step for a company of its size of installing SAP computer systems in both UK and German operations. For Heinz Storch it was about having incontrovertibly the best platform on which to continue to grow his business.

Inevitably the transition was challenging - participants at the time probably have another description – and a serious test of the character and capability of the people

in both businesses. Just as important as taking on the best system was the formative process for key personnel in the business.

Key to the continuity of the Fastbolt business, to an extent that Heinz Storch could never have envisaged, was the recruitment of Ekkehard Beermann, eleven years ago. A structured business education had been complemented with extensive work experience in a major German fastener manufacturer and a foray into the world of online systems and trading. More important, though, in a still young manager was a familiar combination of personal presence, commitment and self-belief. Within a year, it was clear that the chemistry was right and Ekkehard Beermann progressively took on the role of driving the business forward on the firmly established principles that had brought it successfully into the new millennium. The SAP system provided the platform for the introduction of FB Online, which radically advanced the communication relationship with Fastbolt customers alongside the further development of more customised links such as EDI. In 2005 Fastbolt Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd was established, followed two years later by the setting up of FQC, the Fastener Quality Center in Shanghai.

The clear intent of both developments was to substantially systemise and professionalise Fastbolt’s sourcing relationships in China to deliver new levels of assured quality to its European customers. Despite the advent of EU anti-dumping measures, the development of these businesses fundamentally contributed to the direct container solutions Fastbolt offers to its customers, both on products from China unaffected by trade defence measures, and on those from other parts of Asia. As an ISO 17025:2005 accredited facility, FQC is superbly equipped to carry out pre-

shipment inspections on product for Fastbolt’s own inventory and for its customers as well as carrying out factory audits. For Eric Ni, Fastbolt’s director in China the changes in European pattern of trade undoubtedly presented a challenge; one that with characteristic positivity he has embraced in developing business opportunities within China and in world markets outside the EU. The Gronau celebration reflects a business that has dramatically developed in its thirty years of existence, during a period when businesses generally and the fastener industry specifically has seen unprecedented levels of change.

It has made the transition from a small UK business to an international group with its management and purchasing headquarters in Germany.

The latest development has been the installation of new specialist software, interfacing with the core SAP system to provide major new efficiencies in Fastbolt Germany’s warehouse management. It reflects a change in emphasis over the thirty years from a pioneering process of searching out new Asian suppliers to a continuous refinement of the effectiveness, reliability and flexibility of the supply chain between factory and final customer.

And yet… on a lake not far from Gronau there was an equally potent symbol that this is a business of utterly committed people of all kinds, shapes and sizes, from Europe and Asia, striving together to a common purpose. For one day that resulted in the exhilaration of propelling a dragonboat across the water… on any working day it is the satisfaction of delivering an exceptional level of performance and customer service.

Some things really have not changed that much – which for Fastbolt customers is unquestionably for the best. www.fastbolt.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

39

SPECIAL REPORT

Fastbolt massively outdrives fundraising record Record attendance for the fifth Heinz Storch Memorial Golf Day drove funds raised for Willen Hospice to a truly outstanding £13,700, almost doubling the previous year’s total.

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n its fifth year, Fastbolt UK’s charity golf day excelled in both organisation and support. One of the few breaks in a dismally wet English June kept close to eighty participants dry if somewhat wind buffeted, adding to the pleasure of playing the superb Rothschild Course at the Mentmore Golf and Country Club.

A little added pressure was injected in the form of a ‘Yellow Ball’ competition. Played on alternate holes by each team member, the yellow ball score counted towards an additional team prize – but only if the ball made it safely back to the clubhouse at end of the round. For those still in the running, the Rothschild’s feature hole 16, a challenging par 3 over water, suddenly generated a whole new set of nerves. Worthy winners were: Chris Reading, Andy Scholey, Ian Estick and Simon Phillips.

Overall team prize went to: Sean Beaumont, Tim Allen, Ben Dade and Stuart Burgess (pictured top right with Graham Joyce) and the individual winner, with a remarkable points tally in challenging conditions, was Andrew Thomas.

As always the real winner was Willen Hospice, faced this year with the serious challenge of raising £3 million to maintain the extraordinary care it extends to terminally ill patients and their families.

The sixth Heinz Storch Memorial Golf Day will be held on Friday 14th June 2013. It’s going to be a tough record to beat but with Fastbolt and Mentmore’s excellent organisation and the continued generosity of the UK fastener industry and Milton Keynes business community, there’s no doubt Graham Joyce will be going for it. www.fastbolt.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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To find out more about our products, scan the QR code above, visit harclo.com or call us on 0844 571 22 22 to see how H&C can be of service to you today.

EVENTS CALENDAR

National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 10 Oct - 12 Oct 2012 Web: www.fastenershows.com What: Fasteners, machinery formed parts, tooling & packaging.

Fastener Fair Thailand Where: Bangkok, Thailand When: 6 Sep - 8 Sep 2012 Web: www.fastenerfair-thailand.com What: The fastener event for South East Asia.

wire China Where: Shanghai, China When: 25 Sep - 28 Sep 2012 Web: www.wirechina.net What: Wire and cable, including fastener manufacturing technology.

The International Engineering Fair (MSV) 15th Mechanical Components & Where:Brno, Czech Rep Materials Technology Expo Osaka When: 10 Sep - 14 Sep 2012 Web: www.bvv.cz/msv-gb What: International engineering fair.

BalticBuild Where: St. Petersburg, Russia When: 12 Sep - 14 Sep 2012 Web: www.balticbuild.ru What: Building and interiors exhibition.

HUSUM WindEnergy Where: Husum, Germany When: 18 Sep - 22 Sep 2012 Web: www.husumwindenergy.com What: Wind energy trade fair.

Automechanika Where: Frankfurt, Germany When: 11 Sep - 16 Sep 2012 Web: www.automechanika.messefrankfurt.com What: Trade for the automotive industry.

China International Hardware Show Where: Shanghai, China When: 19 Sep - 21 Sep 2012 Web: www.hardwareshow-china.com What: Tools, security systems , locks, DIY

and building hardware fair.

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Where: Osaka, Japan When: 3 Oct - 5 Oct 2012 Web: www.mtech-kansai.jp/english/ What: Mechanical components and materials.

Taiwan Hardware Show (THS) Where: Taipei, Taiwan When: 11 Oct - 13 Oct 2012 Web: www.hardwareshow.com.tw What: Tools, building materials/DIY and houseware products.

SAIE 2012 Where: Bologna, Italy When: 18 Oct - 21 Oct 2012 Web: www.saie.bolognafiere.it What: Building technology, systems and machines.

EuroBLECH 2012 Where: Hannover, Germany When: 23 Oct - 27 Oct 2012 Web: www.euro-blech.de What: Sheet metal industry.

PTC-Asia Where: Shanghai, China When: 29 Oct - 1 Nov 2012 Web: www.ptc-asia.com What: Trade fair for power transmission and control.

s s i M t ’ n o D

North America’s Largest Fastener Expo!

16th Annual

National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo

A Special Welcome to Our Fastener Industry Friends in Europe

October 10-12, 2012 Sands Expo & Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada USA

A Special Invitation to Fastener Manufacturers, Distributors and Other Industry Related Business in Europe Visit North America’s Largest Fastener Expo featuring nearly 80,000 net sq. ft. of fasteners, fastener machinery & tooling, inspection, testing and packaging equipment, wire and more, plus many other suppliers of fastener related products and services from throughout the USA and around the world.

Meet and network with thousands of fastener manufacturers, distributors, importers, independent sales agents, manufacturers representatives and many others who attend the expo looking for new sources and solutions to every fastening application. Our expo regularly attacts buyers and sellers from throughout the USA and 35 other countries worldwide.

Establish your company as a trusted supplier in the vital U.S. marketplace and many other countries around the globe. Our expo is THE place to be if you want to build relationships and expand your business. Hundreds of domestic and international companies have enjoyed great success at our past exhibitions over the past 32 years.

For Additional Information: Susan A. Hurley, CEM, General Manager: (614) 895-1279, email: info@fastenershows.com or visit our website at www.fastenershows.com

EXHIBITIONS Dedicated Fastener Fair event launches in Yangtze River Delta hub Mack Brooks Exhibitions has announced that Fastener Fair China 2013 will take place at Suzhou International Expo Centre from 14th – 16th May 2013. It will take place co-located with BLECH China, an international sheet metal technology event.

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astener Fair China joins Fastener Fair India and Fastener Fair Russia as the dedicated fastener events for key growth markets outside Europe in the first half of 2013.

Mack Brooks sees Fastener Fair China 2013 providing an ideal platform for both local and international distributors and manufacturers to establish successful business relations, both with customers for fastener and fixing systems, and with local agents or partners across the Yangtze River Delta and elsewhere within China. Show manager, Dan Wu, expects to attract both trade visitors and end-users, keen to source existing products and also find new fastening and fixing solutions.

Next to Shanghai, Suzhou is the second largest industrial city, with the fifth largest GDP in China. With a population of 10 million, it has grown to become a hub of international and domestic investment. It lies just to the west and within easy

reach of Shanghai with access to both Shanghai Pudong and Shanghai Hongqiao international airports.

The automotive, general engineering, IT, telecoms, construction and consumer goods markets in China are well known to offer significant business growth opportunities. Whilst in recent months the global economic slowdown is showing an impact, explains Dan Wu, economists predict a controlled and minor slowdown, revising China’s overall full year growth figures down from 8.6% to 8% in 2012 followed by higher growth through 2013. Investment in manufacturing and engineering continues at a very high level, across all end-user sectors for fastener and fixing products.

More information on Fastener Fair China is available at www.fastenerfairchina.com

EuroBLECH – “For a sustainable future” EuroBLECH is the world’s largest exhibition for the sheet metal working industry. The event is renowned as the leading international trade exhibition and a trend barometer for this industry sector.

With this year’s theme “For a sustainable future”, EuroBLECH puts a special focus on energy efficient technology, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and intelligent use of material.

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urrently, a total of 1,340 exhibitors from 37 countries have booked their stands at EuroBLECH 2012, from 23rd – 27th October 2012 in Hannover, Germany, covering a net exhibition space of more than 84,000 square metres.

This is an increase in floor space of more than 6% compared with the previous show.

“This thoroughly positive outlook for this year’s EuroBLECH reflects a further recovery of the sheet metal working industry; and it also shows that the industry sector is inspired by overall trends such as sustainability, awareness of resources, energy efficiency and mobility. Major developments in sheet metal working focus upon lightweight construction, intelligent use of material, processing of hybrid structures as well as new applications of established production processes,” says Nicola Hamann, exhibition director EuroBLECH, on behalf of the organisers, Mack Brooks Exhibitions.

“Visitors to the exhibition can look forward to discovering a

large number of machine demonstrations throughout the eight exhibition halls, as live presentation of innovative machinery and systems is traditionally a major focus for participating companies at EuroBLECH,” adds Nicola Hamann.

International attendance, a further characteristic of EuroBLECH, is, once again, very high at this year’s exhibition.

Almost 48% of the companies that have already booked their stands come from outside Germany, with Italy, Turkey, China, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Spain being the biggest exhibitor countries after Germany.

EuroBLECH 2012 will occupy halls 11,12,13,14,15,16,17 and 27 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. The exhibition profile represents the entire sheet metal working technology chain: sheet metal, semi-finished and finished products, handling, separation, forming, flexible sheet metal working, joining, welding, surface treatment, processing of hybrid structures, tools, quality control, CAD/CAM systems and R&D.

Suppliers support Totally Shows’ Ricoh move Following a well-attended open day for potential exhibitors at the Ricoh Arena recently, the Totally Shows sales director Paul Grinsell said that he was pleased with the industry’s reaction to the show’s move to Coventry.

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aul Commented: “A visit to the Ricoh Arena and a tour around the Jaguar Hall, where the shows will take place, proved to all those who attended how easy the venue is to access and the quality of the facility.” He continued: “The move also gives us the opportunity to stand the show on its head and give visitors a very different experience.”

New initiatives so far will see the shows offering bona fide retailers and resellers a free sit-down lunch as part of their visit and restricting exhibitors to a maximum stand size of 50m² in order to limit their cost of exhibiting and encourage more suppliers to take part.

The show already has the support of key industry wholesalers

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Home Hardware, Mica and Stax, and both leading trade associations, the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) and British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), which will all have a presence at the show.

The 2013 Totally Shows will be open for three days from Sunday 10th to Tuesday 12th February.

Event director James Murray said: “We want to deliver a national trade show the industry will benefit from and be proud of, and our move to the Ricoh Arena is great opportunity to update the type and tone of the show, so we are delighted with how the trade has responded to our new home in Coventry.”

EXHIBITIONS Exhibitor Name

Positive economic climate for Fastener Fair Thailand

Forecasts for Thailand’s economic growth in 2012 continue to be in the 5 - 6 percent range, despite general concerns about global economic conditions. For Fastener Fair Thailand, due to open 6th – 8th September in Bangkok, that provides a positive backdrop.

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he Thai government has applied intensive monetary and fiscal measures to regenerate growth following last year’s floods. A 4.8 billion baht (123 million euro) flood defence construction programme is on schedule and by June 75 percent of factories in the seven industrial zones hit by flooding, were reported to be back in production. In addition to reconstruction, extensive infrastructure projects include modernisation of Bangkok’s urban traffic network, international high speed rail links and transnational rail projects. Thailand’s automotive sector is projected to be producing close to 3 million cars annually within five years and its electronics industry is a mainstay of the Thai export economy.

Bangkok is the commercial centre of Thailand and a major hub for Southeast Asia. The Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is firmly established as a regional exhibition and convention centre.

BITEC is 15 minutes drive from Suvanabhumi International Airport and linked within the city by interconnected expressway as well as the BTS Skytrain mass transit system.

Fastener Fair Thailand features 116 exhibitors (as at 13th July) including a strong presentation of local fastener manufacturing. Twenty Thai fastener exhibitors include Bangkok Fastening Co Ltd; Thai Union Fasteners Co Ltd; Thaisin Metal Industries Co Ltd; and TPC Stainless and Steel Fasteners Co Ltd. Other regional manufacturers include Linkwell Industry Co Ltd, which in addition to its Thailock Fasteners locking nut factory, in Chonburi, has stainless steel plants in Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysian companies also include Jinfast Industries Sdn Bhd and Geen Screw Industries Sdn Bhd, and Endela Trading & Manufacturing Pte Ltd is amongst Singaporean companies represented. The show will also host large contingents of Taiwanese and Chinese fastener producers.

World leading manufacturing technology exhibitors include Italy’s SACMA Limbiate and Ingramatic as well as National Machinery, producing its Formax ranges at Tiffin, Ohio, and Puma LeanFX heading machines in Suzhou, China.

Full details of exhibitors, travel and accommodation, and other information for visitors is available at www.fastenerfair-thailand.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Stand

Country

Advanced Global Sourcing Ltd J05 Taiwan Ajax Supply Co., Ltd H08 Thailand Asia Pacific Magazine E42 China E20 Thailand Atlas Copco (Thailand) Limited Automated Packaging Systems Southeast Asia Co., Ltd. R10 Thailand Bangkok Fastening Co.,Ltd. H12 Thailand E26 Thailand Bernhard Muenz Import/Export Co., Ltd Biing Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd A28 Taiwan Bonuses Fastener Technical Co., Ltd P19 Taiwan BSID,Dept of Industrial Promotion J24 Thailand Changzhou Junhe Technology Co., Ltd H42 China J07 Taiwan Chau Da Enterprise Co., Ltd Chia-Li Co., Ltd. P17 Taiwan Chiang Shin Fasteners Industries Ltd G06 Taiwan G04 Taiwan Chien Tsai Machinery Enterprise Co., Ltd Chii Chyuan Heat Treatment Industrial Co., Ltd P13 Taiwan Chinafastener.info R04 China Chite Enterprises Co., Ltd J28 Taiwan Chong Cheng Fastener Corp G36 Taiwan Chun Yu (Dongguan) Metal Products Co., Ltd J29 China F02 Taiwan Chun Zu Machinery Industry Co., Ltd D-Snap G34 Din Ling Corp A08 Taiwan J40 China Eagle Metalware Co., Ltd EDM Fastening G44 Egli, Fischer & Co., Ltd E34 Switzerland E07 Singapore Endela Trading & Manufacturing Pte Ltd EXIM & MFR Enterprise E28 Singapore Fastener and Fixing Magazine R20 UK J02 Taiwan Fastener World Inc Filrox Industrial Co., Ltd. H11 Taiwan Foshan City S & D Fasteners Co., Ltd J26 China P28 Taiwan FWU Kuang Enterprises Co. Ltd Geen Screw Indusrties Sdn Bhd H32 Malaysia Guangzhou Ebseek Information Technology Co., Ltd J23 China J22 Taiwan Gwo Ling Machinery Co., Ltd Haiyan Fujian Fastener Co., Ltd. H40 China Haiyan Huilian General Fitting Co., Ltd F28 China Haiyan Weishi Hardware Standard Factory F25 China Hangzhou XiaoShan Gaofeng Nail Factory P27 China Hariton machinery H22 USA Header Plan Co., Ltd. P20 Taiwan E12 Thailand Hi-Tech Fastener Manufacturer (Thailand) Co., Ltd Home Soon Enterprise Co., Ltd. J06 Taiwan P22 Taiwan Homn Reen Enterprise Co., Ltd. Hu Pao Industries Co., Ltd. J04 Taiwan J08 Taiwan Hwa Hsing Screw Industry Co., Ltd. Q20 Italy INGRAMATIC SPA Isan Fasteners Ningbo Co., Ltd J25 China Jet Fast Company Limited G20 Taiwan F24 China Jiaxing Chnstar Industries Furnace Co., Ltd Jinfast Industries Sdn Bhd E22 Malaysia A24 China Jingjiang Hengfeng Rivet Manufacture Co., Ltd Krasstech H02 Thailand Kyosei Factory (Thailand) Co., Ltd F44 Thailand Li Chuan Industrial Co., Ltd. H24 Taiwan Lian Teng Machinery Industry Co., Ltd G03 Taiwan Linhai Standard Parts Co.,Ltd E06 China G02 Taiwan Linkwell Industry Co., Ltd J09 Taiwan Lu Chu Shin Yee Works Co., Ltd. Luo Yao Co., Ltd G07 Taiwan P10 Taiwan Master United Corp.

G26 Taiwan Metal Fasteners Co., Ltd MIN JUI Automation Co., Ldt G10 Taiwan A20 Thailand Minamida (Thailand) Co., Ltd MMT Engineering Co., Ltd P09 Thailand National Machinery LLC P06 China Ningbo Jinding Fastening Piece Co., Ltd J21 China F22 China Ningbo Qunli Fastener Manufacture Co., Ltd Ningbo Xinxing Fasteners Manufacture Co., Ltd F29 China Ningbo Yonghong Fasteners Co., Ltd E02 China Ningbo Zhonglian Fastener MFG Co., Ltd H26 China Norma Pacific (Thailand) Co., Ltd Q28 Thailand Oetiker Far East Ltd P08 Hong Kong Orbit International E08 Thailand Oread Fasteners (Vietnam) Co.,Ltd. F21 Vietnam G22 Taiwan Panther T & H Industry Co., Ltd. Peaksight Technologies (shanghai) J20 China Pearson Industrial Co., Ltd H10 Taiwan Ray Fu Enterprise Co., Ltd. J03 Taiwan Rong Chang Metal Co., Ltd. G24 Taiwan SACMA LIMBIATE SPA Q20 Italy Sahasilp Rivet E32 Thailand Samrat Wires Pvt Ltd R02 India San Shing Fastech Corp Q42 Taiwan Sanhuan Fasteners Co.,Ltd. F31 China Sanko Fastem (Thailand) Ltd A04 Thailand Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corp F12 China Shanghai Jingyang Import & Export Co., Ltd P05 China P29 China Shanghai Rivet Fastener Manufacture Co., Ltd Shanghai Rivet Manufacture Co.,Ltd. F30 China Shanghai Sunray Co., Ltd F23 China Sheh Kai Precision Co. Ltd P04 Taiwan Spec Products Corp G32 Taiwan Special Rivets Corp.

J10 Taiwan Synergix Saima (S) Pte Ltd E10 Singapore Technology Promotion Association (Thailand - Japan) TPA R08 Thailand Thai Auto - Parts Manufacturer Association (TAMPA) H34 Thailand Thai Mongkol Fasteners Co., Ltd P26 Thailand Thai Union Fasteners Co., Ltd H05 Thailand Thaisin Metal Industries Co., Ltd H20 Thailand The Federation of Thai Industries H30 Thailand Thread Industrial Co., Ltd P38 Taiwan Tigges Fastener Technology (M) Sdn Bhd E03 Malaysia Top Stability Machine Industry Co., Ltd F40 Taiwan Tork Fastners (INDIA) Pvt.Ltd H36 India TPC Stainless & Steel Fasteners Co., Ltd G12 Thailand Transtechnology Pte Ltd E20 Thailand Tung Kang Machinery Co., Ltd G30 Taiwan P11 Taiwan Tzong Ji Metals Co., Ltd. Uni-Protech Ind. Co., Ltd F10 Taiwan Unis Industrial Solution Corp E30 Taiwan Wan Iuan Enterprise Co., Ltd. J11 Taiwan P12 Taiwan Wang Cheng Precise Technology Co., Ltd. E24 Taiwan Wingtone Industrial Co., Ltd YuYao Fastener Factory F20 China Zhejiang Guang’an Standard Components Co., Ltd E44 China Zhuji Ouyang Hardware Co., Ltd J27 China

Stand A28

EXHIBITIONS

Endela - a licensed manufacturer

Stand: E07

Incorporated in the Republic of Singapore, Endela is a licensed manufacturer of REMFORM® screws as well as TORX®, TORX PLUS®, TRILOBULAR®, PLASTITE® and TAPTITE® fasteners. Since 1986, the company has built and maintained partnerships with global customers through effective application of its design and manufacturing capabilities, enhanced by overseas logistics hubs and manufacturing plants.

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he REMFORM® screw is a thread rolling fastener with a unique thread form to provide superior performance in today’s wide range of plastics. The asymmetrical thread minimises radial hoop stress to reduce boss bursting.

The narrow tip angle also reduces stress in the plastic nut member. The steep trailing flank on the REMFORM® screw’s unique asymmetrical thread form is engineered to resist pullout.

The REMFORM® has a higher torsional strength than many spaced thread fasteners. REMFORM® screw’s high stripping torque and low thread forming torque provide a wide comfortable margin in which the seating torque may be chosen. The unique thread form and sharp tipped threads provide low thread forming torque by efficiently moving and displacing material.

TAPTITE 2000® screws and bolts are TRILOBULAR™ shaped thread forming screws that roll form internal threads in steel or aluminium, eliminating tapping operations and associated costs.

The TRILOBULAR™ shape inherently resists vibrational loosening, eliminating the need for lock washers, adhesives, or plastic patches and plugs. TAPTITE 2000® screws work in punched, drilled, cored and extruded holes in many different metals. The TAPTITE® family of thread rolling fasteners can typically form threads in materials contaminated with paint, primer or weld splatter without need of a secondary operation. The ultimate benefits in using TAPTITE® are the elimination of assembly line cross-threading and the reduction of assembly costs.

TAPTITE 2000® and REMFORM® are registered trademarks of REMINC.

Expanding business service activity

Stand: G02

In order to expand its business service activity, Linkwell Industry Co Ltd recently built a new factory in Batam, Indonesia, to produce stainless steel screws.

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inkwell’s Indonesian production line has been running since September 2011, with the line providing 150 tonnes capacity per month for current and new customers.

Adding the new factory to Linkwell’s original factory - Well Union Metal SDN BDH in Johor, Malaysia (which also produces the same category of stainless steel screw with an output of 200 tonnes) means that Linkwell’s total product output has almost doubled.

“Customers are welcome to send us their enquiries for stainless steel screws covering hex bolt, carriage bolt, hex lag screw, hex socket head cap screw, hex flange head screw, machine screw, tapping screws, chipboard screw, drywall screw, self drilling screw and thread forming screw (trilobular thread), with drawings also welcome.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Simple and quick inspection solutions

Stand: Q42

San Shing Fastech Corp, based in Tainan, Taiwan, will be exhibiting at the upcoming Fastener Fair Thailand in Bangkok.

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an Shing has recently developed two new series of measurement system - SBM-35L and SXM-30S - to replace traditional measurement devices such as optical projectors (2D), surface profilers, as well as hand measurement tools such as micrometers or internal gauges. The new systems are equipped with high precision telecentric lenses and collimated illuminator to achieve precise measurement accuracy so that measurement error due to negligence of operator can be avoided. www.sanshing.com.tw

Winning fastener manufacturing technologies

Stand: Q20

The SACMA Group will be presenting winning fastener manufacturing technologies at Fastener Fair Thailand.

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ACMA is a world leading designer and manufacturer of cold forging, progressive heading, screw making, bolt making and warm forming machines for production of standard fasteners, special fasteners and metal special parts.

Ingramatic designs and manufactures flat dies threadrolling machines from M2 to M36, and pointing machine for shank chamfering of special bolts.

For the latest in SACMA and Ingramatic winning technologies turn to pages 82 - 84. www.sacmagroup.com

Growing as a business

Stand: P11

Tzong Ji Metals Co Ltd, established in 1988, says that thanks to its customers’ loyalty and support it has been able to grow as a business, both domestically and internationally, in the field of retaining rings and clips.

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zong Ji states that in order to reduce cost, and surpass its competitors, it invested in a new factory in Taiwan, which was completed in 2011 and increased the company’s production capacity by 50%.

The product range available from Tzong Ji Metals includes retaining rings (external and internal), lock washers, wave washers, disk washers, R-pins, U-nuts, spring pins, speed nuts, curve washers, as well as custom-made parts and tooling assembly.

Aiming to lighten the load

Pr e O Fre ffi e no -reg ch cia ent w a ist an l S r y n er w ce ho to d r on w w e li t w .fa o w Ca the ceiv ne in ta sh e ste th lo ow ne r fa e la gue , fr te an ee irst th d ip th ai ad e la nd ! .co m

Stand: G30

With 48 years of manufacturing experience in fasteners, Tung Kang Machinery Co Ltd says that it knows how critical each fastener is as part of customer products.

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ung Kang has over 20 optical sorting machines that enables the company to check that every fastener it produces is of the highest quality. In the near future Tung Kang will introduce magnesium alloy screws, which it says will be ultra-strong, ultra-corrosion resistance, lightweight, environmental friendly and recyclable. “The relative density of magnesium is two-third that of aluminium and one-fourth that of stainless steel. Magnesium is the lightest structural metal and has superior relative strength, provides electromagnetic shielding, vibration absorb and no galvanic corrosion occurs with magnesium alloy parts.

The magnesium alloy screws can be used in a wide range of applications including in the automotive, aerospace and information device fields.

Stand: J10

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6 - 8 September 2012 Hall 106 - BITEC Bangkok, Thailand

FASTENER FAIR

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OW

TE R N IS

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RC Group, headquartered in Taiwan, was established in 1983. Now its product range includes blind rivets, high strength rivets, structural rivets, blind nuts and high quality riveting tools.

In 2001, SRC Group established SRC Metal (Shanghai) Co Ltd, a 20,000m2 factory, to provide better products. In 2004, the second plant - SRC Metal (Jiashan) Co Ltd (22,000m2) was established and fitted with an automated storage and retrieval system. Now the third plant located in Jiashan is under construction and is expected to be completed in spring 2013.

Mr Chang, vice general manager of SRC indicates that the goal of SRC Group is to become one of the three largest rivet manufacturers in the world within five years.

FASTENER FAIR

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E

Special Rivets Corporation Group (SRC Group), a blind rivet manufacturer, has announced that it has decided to establish a third plant in Jiashan, Zhejing, China, to expand its production capacity.

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SRC establishes third plant

International Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

To register for free please visit www.fastenerfair-thailand.com International: +44 (0)1727 814 400 Thailand: +66 2 7493939 ext 3117 Thailand@fastenerfair.com

www.fastenerfair-thailand.com

EXHIBITIONS

Wan luan adds new equipment

Stand: J11

Ensuring a better service

Stand: P04

Wan Iuan Enterprise Co Ltd, based in Lujhu, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, recently added a range of new equipment to its factory to help it improve the quality of products and delivery.

Sheh Kai Precision Co Ltd, established in 1992, is a Taiwanese manufacturer, domestic supplier and exporter of the 300 series austenitic stainless steel bi-metal self-drilling screw in Taiwan.

he new equipment that Wan luan Enterprise added included a wire E.D.M (Electric Discharge Machining), CNC lathes, centreless grinding machine and a CNC vertical machine.

Wan luan Enterprise main products includes: • Piercing, square, hex, 12 point, 6 lobes, polygon R-type, sockets, carbide, customised punches.

• Carbide insert, trimming, segment dies.

• Fastener forming accessories.

• Carbide punch.

heh Kai states that its goal is to provide its customers the most profitable pricing with the latest technology and best quality for just-in-time delivery. Through a continuous innovation programme, quality control system, and ERP system, Sheh Kai says it is able to ensure a better service for its customers.

Sheh Kai’s main products include 200 series and 300 series material stainless wire rods. Its monthly production capacity reaches 400 tonnes per month and the wire diameter ranges from 1.6mm to 20mm. The wire rods are used for Sheh Kai as well as the down stream makers to produce screws, bolts, nuts, spring wire, and machine parts.

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Norma Pacific to showcase pipe couplings

Stand: Q28

Norma Pacific (Thailand) Co Ltd will present its NORMACONNECT® FGR product range at Fastener Fair Thailand 2012.

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he NORMACONNECT® FGR pipe coupling is a connection suitable to join thick- and thin-walled plastic and metal pipes and especially pipes made from stainless steel.

With NORMACONNECT® plain-ended supply pipes as well as exhaust pipes for solid, liquid or gaseous media can be connected. The pipe coupling can be joined quickly and easily without the necessity of prior pipe alignment or treatment of pipe ends. Furthermore, NORMACONNECT® FGR is light, reusable and can be used in narrow spaces.

NORMACONNECT® couplings are used in mechanical engineering and construction, shipbuilding, civil engineering and in hydro technology.

Chong Cheng expands factories

Stand: G36

Chong Cheng Fastener Corp is expanding its factories to help improve its operating performance and to achieve its goal of becoming an international large nut manufacturer.

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resident Sandy Yu explains: “Due to the growing demand for high value added products we have spent US$5 million on acquiring land, factories, and machines. We have also recently invested in an automatic inventory system which should be completed by 2013.”

Sandy Yu emphasised: “under the current competitive environment, time is money. As a company we need to look at how we can help customers reduce their inventory and make them get the orders quickly. The new automatic inventory system will play an important role in this, enabling us to expand our inventory from 2,200 tonnes to 5,000 tonnes.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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40 years of experience

Stand: H22

Hariton Machinery Co Inc is the largest dealer specialising in buying and selling new and secondhand (used) machinery for the fastener, cold, warm and hot forming industry.

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ariton Machinery highlights that it maintains a large stock of equipment in its main warehouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. The company buys single machines as well as entire manufacturing facilities. It can also perform certified appraisals in confidence at any time.

Chia-Li demonstrates capability and strength

Stand: P17

Chia-Li Co Ltd was established more than 20 years ago. In the beginning, the company’s main products were construction-used SEMS fasteners. The company continues to focus on the manufacturing and quality of such fasteners.

A

s of now, 80% of Chia-Li’s revenue is generated from the sale of 3.5mm - 6.3mm hex screws (with washers) and the rest of its revenue is generated from the sale of wood screws, drywall screws and furniture screws.

Most of its products were sold to the US market. Because the SEMS fasteners market has become more and more competitive, the company has actively developed markets besides the US, such as Europe, the ASEAN countries and Latin America, so as to spread out the risk.

Ensuring the quality of its SEMS fasteners, Chia-Li was awarded with the ISO 9002 certificate (quality assurance system) in 1998; in 2011, it was awarded with the ISO 9001-2008 certificate as well. The company has purchased several testing and checking devices, such as tensile testers, tapping capability testers, membrane thickness testers, as well as 2-D and 3-D projectors.

See more clearly into your parts Established in 1992, Min Jui Automation Co Ltd specialises not only in special purpose machines such as gas spring production lines and ceramic valve automatic assembly machines but also in optical sorting machines for different kinds of screws, nuts, and rollers.

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t Fastener Fair Thailand Min Jui will exhibit its most popular and practical product — Glass Turntable Optical Sorting Machine (GLS). As implied in its name, the turntable is made of glass. The machine sorts the parts which can stand on the turntable steadily such as nuts, weld screws, blind nuts, and rollers. To inspect more precisely, GLS is equipped with four cameras to take pictures separately from different angles. From the top, it measures the length, width, bore diameter, outside diameter, welded points, chips, crack or indentation on the surface, parts with/without plating, head diameter, concentricity and roundness. From the side, it

Stand: G10

measures the nut height, welded point height, flange thickness, total height of a part, deformed threads, pitch, major diameter and minor diameter. From the oblique, it measures if there are threads in the parts; from the bottom, different from the linear sorting machine, through the transparent disc, the bottoms of parts can be inspected to see if there is any crack or mark.

As for the classification system, GLS has one outlet for qualified parts, two for defective parts and one for uncertain.

One of the defective parts outlets is for general faulty parts and the other one is for the non-threads; parts which are too close to be inspected will fall into the uncertainty section.

Orbiting the world Orbit was first established in the UK, in the1960s. However, in 1985, in order to maintain its competitiveness, all of the manufacturing facilities of Orbit were relocated to Bangkok, Thailand, creating Orbit International Corporation Limited.

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oday Orbit hose clips are used in various industries including hardware and tooling, agricultural, automotive and marine. Orbit’s main customers are based in the UK, Sweden, UAE, Asia and South East Asia countries. Orbit is also accepted in the quality-conscious markets such as Japan and Sweden.

“With our clearly commitment, we aim to be a manufacturer

Stand: E08

of high quality products with cost effectiveness in various markets. We will provide our customer competitive prices with high quality hose clips in various range of material in order to match with our customers’ need.”

Orbit is certified to ISO9001:2008 and says that it strictly maintains its production and inspection to comply with British Standard BS 5315:1991. www.orbit-hoseclips.com

Your Stud Welding Specialist

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www.soyer.com

Fastener Fair Bangkok, T hailand 6th - 8th Sept. 2012, Hall 106, Booth H02 Come & see us!

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INSIGHT

Trifast goes from strength to strength Over the last three years Trifast plc has successfully restructured its operations in its European, Asian and USA businesses. The integration of Malaysian Group Power Steel and Electro-Plating Works in December 2011 has further enhanced its capacity and capabilities in the global fastenings industry, but it is the Asian automotive sector that has fuelled change.

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n essential part of TR’s management growth strategy is to identify and selectively acquire profitable, selfmanaging bolt on businesses that either, extend its product range or offer niche opportunities as well as being earnings enhancing for the Group.

Power Steel and Electro–Plating Works Sdn Bhd (PSEP) was acquired in December 2011 and is considered to be one of the most advanced fastener manufacturers in the Asia region, employing around 176 staff and producing 450 tonnes of products per month. PSEP was incorporated in 1972 by Mr Foo Poh Wah, the CEO and principal shareholder with an incredible 90% of its products sold into the existing automotive markets in Malaysia supplying companies such as Proton and Perodua.

Trifast CEO Jim Barker spent many months working with Asia’s MD Thomas Tan to conclude this acquisition as it was strategically important to the future plans for the Group’s automotive strategy. Mr Barker says: “The growth potential for competent manufacturers in the automotive sector in Asia is substantial. We believe this addition to the existing five TR manufacturing locations will further compliment that strategy and enhance what we are already doing following on from our success in this sector in Europe.”

TR Fastenings, part of the Trifast Group was traditionally known for its supply into the electronics and telecoms market places. This involved the supply of small diameter fasteners and components, with high specifications and the supply chain was usually managed on a VMI system.

This sector contributed to the Group’s success in the 1980s and 1990s, and to the knowledge of managing these parts globally for companies with multiple sites across the three main continents.

This became a particularly important part of TR’s supply

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strategy to major OEMs and the Contract Electronics Manufacturers (CEMs) that supported them, as these businesses transitioned their sites globally in search of lower cost manufacturing sites, in Asia particularly.

During this time TR acquired manufacturing sites in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and China to further strengthen its product offering and compete in very challenging market conditions in the early 2000s. The Dotcom boom and bust saw a sizeable drop in the fortunes of many of these electronics groups and TR decided to diversify into other markets as a buffer, ensuring that it had no heavy dependence, again, on a specific industry.

These different business silos include electronics/telecoms, audio and visual, marine and the automotive sector in particular which has seen unprecedented growth. No one sector exceeds 25% of the total turnover of the Group and this spread of industries has been instrumental in the success of TR in the three years since recession.

From its background of smaller diameter fastenings, TR focussed on the interior of the car, supplying fasteners within the cockpit for the IP console, seating, air bag and trim. Having built up a good reputation for quality of product and supply of Lean Build systems and winning some prestigious customer awards, TR recognised the need to increase its product offering to Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers so that it provides a more holistic supply chain. TR Fastenings had a very strict AVL, controlling either its own manufacturing, e.g. SFE in Taiwan or other major global manufacturers they chose to work with. This list of vendors, however, only satisfied the supply of cockpit fasteners and not engine, steering or braking products. The acquisition of PSEP has addressed that shortcoming.

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INSIGHT Chris Black, group automotive manager for TR Fastenings (pictured left) is confident that this will see an increased level of interest now that the scope of supply has been enhanced.

PSEP Malaysia, soon to be renamed TR PSEP, has a lot to offer; a stable economy, natural resources, a skilled work force and reasonable labour costs. Charlie Foo, director of operations at the site (pictured below) is confident the output of the factory can be doubled without difficulty and sees being part of the TR family as an opportunity to grow to meet the Groups needs.

Both he and his team possess the in-depth technical knowledge required to drive the business forward and this has been amply demonstrated at the recent Asia meeting of the operational heads for TR Asia and the Trifast board at the conference hosted

by Mr Foo and his team.

PSEP previously had strong ties with Osaka Rashi Mfg Company in Japan and that influence extends to the way it operates today. For example, the steel PSEP uses is 80% Japanese because of its high quality and integrity. This is of particular importance as companies seek alternative sources of supply based on price with the high cost of the Yen. So Japanese quality at Malaysian prices is a winning formula. The multi die forged parts they produce in the TS16949 accredited facility are supplied to many blue chip companies already in Asia.

PSEP’s second op facilities are not usually seen in conventional forging companies, which enables it to meet certain customers’ demanding expectations. PSEP’s niche is high strength, and complex parts, some examples are in the photographs to the right.

The Trifast Group is presented with real business opportunities for future growth in Asia, at a time of worldwide recession. The networking opportunities for PSEP will ensure a successful future, no more so in the Chinese automotive market which is importing high strength grade fastenings to support its growing demands.

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INSIGHT

A little extra goes a long way National sales manager (Jaton), Tony Williams, discusses the latest service sourcing tool from Owlett-Jaton.

A

s a leading provider in the fasteners and fixings market offering a range of more than 30,000 fasteners, fixings and associated products to the wholesaler and merchant trade, it is crucial that we continuously evaluate and evolve our product and service offering to provide that little bit extra.

We are already recognised as the number one choice for quality, service and value within the industrial fasteners market, and as the biggest stockholder in the industry.

Our focus is on convenience and consistency and, most importantly, a commitment to quality. We provide a ‘shopping basket’ approach where suppliers can pick and choose from high quality products, in the knowledge that we research and source only the very best. To many customers, Owlett-Jaton has become an extension of their stock room. Our 150,000 square foot warehouse stocks all of the essentials, which enables us to offer many industry sectors a ‘one stop shop’.

In the last 12 months alone we have added to our growing portfolio the Draper line of hand tools and accessories, plus an extended range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and workwear. This is part of our growing commitment to providing a diverse range of high quality, cost-effective products for customers to meet more of their purchasing needs from one source; consistently saving them time and, in turn, money.

Something extra As part of our commitment to providing that little bit extra, we have launched an exclusive service for customers giving them even greater access to our products and services.

Called ‘OJ-Extra’ the scheme is designed to offer customers even more than before; providing access to an extended range of industrial fasteners sourced from mainland Europe, with a quick turnaround and a low minimum order value.

The introduction of OJExtra means we can pass on additional benefits to customers; from sourcing specialist products that they wouldn’t be able to get ‘off the shelf,’ to using our buying power to get hold of stock quickly and easily – with minimal order restrictions. We can source any DIN-specified industrial fasteners – ferrous and non-ferrous metal, plastic and nylon – in diameters 1mm - 110mm and lengths 2mm - 3,000mm, in all material grades,

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from across Europe, typically within seven days.

We can also provide test certification if required.

It’s a simple and effective way for customers to meet their fastener needs quickly and cost effectively.

Our aim is to provide any product at any time and, since the launch of OJ-Extra earlier this year, the response from customers has been fantastic. We have been tasked with many interesting requests that are far from the norm and span the spectrum of options available; from micro screws for the telecommunications industry to extra-large fasteners for very specific industrial applications.

As the minimum order spend is just £50, we can source niche products like this very easily and quickly, either as a ‘one off’ or as part of a more regular order programme. We regularly receive requests for one specialist item only, as well as requests for up to two million items! Other enquiries have specified materials including aluminium and phosphorous bronze, with imperial as well as metric threads.

About Owlett-Jaton As well as an ever-expanding, comprehensive portfolio the Owlett-Jaton service promise means that stock is available via next day delivery with no minimum order charges accounting for the majority of business.

Another increasingly popular way to access and order our products is OJ Trade - an online trading portal where customers and visitors can view the entire product range. Customers can register to check stock availability and prices and can place orders 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ‘real time’ functionality of the site also means product enquiries and selling prices can be calculated instantly. Other features include the ability to store and review enquiries for future reference, access to order, invoice, and credit details that can be viewed online or printed off, and a ‘purchase manager’ facility to store details of regularly purchased products.

Owlett-Jaton bases are strategically placed across the UK, from the headquarters in Stone (Staffordshire), to Dartford, Elland, Milton Keynes, and Swindon, meaning we can provide next day delivery to any part of the country. www.owlett-jaton.com

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The No.1 choice for quality, service, and value.

M A D E I N I TA LY

VIBO: the mark of quality It is more than fifty years since the first bolt headmarked VIBO was hot forged by Mr Bruno Bontempi. Today, Bontempi VIBO - still guided by the Bontempi family – vies for recognition as one of Italy’s top ranking cold forged bolt producers in both stainless and carbon steel.

B

ontempi VIBO moved from hot forging to high volume cold forging in the 1980s, establishing a modern factory in Calabritto, an hour from Napoli, to produce smaller diameter products. Meanwhile, the Berzo plant, north of Brescia, focused its cold forging capabilities for larger diameter and longer length products, so that by the late 1980s its capacity had extended to M27 x 220 bolts.

In 2006, Bontempi VIBO acquired and began to develop a new, additional site at Rodengo Saiano, around 10 kilometres outside Brescia – the start of a major investment programme to bring the company to the highest levels of service and quality. The original factories continued in their specialist areas, with Calabritto primarily producing hexagon and socket head products in the range M5 to M12.

By 2009 Bontempi VIBO had created an advanced fully automated warehouse at Rodengo Saiano with a massive capacity for 15,000 pallet spaces. Early the following year this magazine witnessed first hand how the facility had rapidly been established as the heart of the group’s logistics system introducing levels of accuracy and productivity previously beyond the imagination of the business.

The whole system is barcode controlled and fully integrated to Bontempi VIBO’s ERP system.

Product from the two remote factories, already subjected to intensive final quality inspection, is received at Rodengo Saiano and is onto the inventory system, giving the sales department immediate visibility of its availability. Before and after picking each pallet drawn from the storage area is weigh-checked to ensure accuracy. Once the customer order is assembled it is conveyed to an automatic wrapping machine, to ensure transit security, before it is labelled and stored ready for despatch.

For general manager, Raoul Bontempi, the most important aspects of the new logistics centre were those that successively eliminated errors, and more importantly, their negative effect on the customer relationship.

“The technology shift that this warehouse system represents, compared to how we used to handle our logistics, is simply huge,” he told us at the time. “It provides our customers with levels of accuracy and service, essential in today’s business environment.”

Rodengo Saiano was always destined to be far more than a crucial logistics operation. By the end of 2009 all of the main administrative and managerial departments had taken residence.

In June 2010 the site became Bontempi VIBO’s third production facility, as the first cold forged bolt was produced by a 212 tonne M36 x 300 capacity cold former, specially mounted to insulate the rest of the building from its massive forging power.

The cold former was the first symbol in an investment

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program that has continued at Rodengo Saiano ever since, resulting in the installation of cold headers and new threading rolling machines that have strongly extended the range and grades of bolts Bontempi VIBO can offer. Now customers can find in everyday stock: DIN 931, DIN 933 and DIN 912, M30 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9, self colour and bright blue zinc plated finishing from 60mm to 300mm. DIN 931, DIN 933 and DIN 912 M36 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9, self colour finishing from 80mm to 300mm.

DIN 931, DIN 933 and DIN 912, M16 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2-70 and A4-70 self colour and bright blue zinc plated finishing from 210mm to 250mm (bringing the entire M16 range from 20mm to 250mm).

DIN 931, DIN 933 and DIN 912, M20 8.8, 10.9, 12.9, A2-70 and A4-70 self colour and bright blue zinc plated finishing from 210mm to 250mm (bringing the entire M20 range from 20mm to 250mm).

The selection of thread rolling technology also carefully took into account the necessity to minimise the risk of thread overlapping, a further increment to Bontempi VIBO’s quality commitment.

The critical process in bolt and screw production is, of course, heat treatment and here Bontempi VIBO has spared no expense in ensuring the highest quality of both process and output.

The new continuous mesh, atmosphere controlled, furnace at Rodengo Saiano was sourced from a market leading Austrian supplier. As well as having a very high hourly capacity for hardening and tempering the plant includes a special system to protect against mixture of parts and it meets, as one would

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M A D E I N I TA LY expect, the highest standards for environmental protection and energy saving. Operation via a touch-panel PC control unit opens, says Raoul Bontempi, “totally new perspectives regarding plant visualisation, process optimisation and process documentation.”

Commitment to quality assurance is also highly visible in the form of a new, modern equipped, laboratory capable of carrying out “the most stringent tests required by the market”.

This investment included integrating Bontempi VIBO’s capacity to conduct micro-hardness tests, so that it can now provide hardening and tempering documentation for each production batch. Inbound materials are tightly controlled and the company has also carried out strict audits on its surface finishing contractors. Bontempi VIBO also inspects systematically, using both visual and automatic systems, to minimise the risk of head cracking in Grade 12.9 hexagon socket products.

The quality system is now able to issue on customer request several types of document: PPAP Lev. III, ISIR, IMDS, 3.1 with proof-load system and PPM certificate commitment.

Equally critical to the final customer is ensuring they receive the correct type and quantity of parts. As well as the controls integrated to the logistic system Bontempi VIBO has invested in a new robot packaging line at Rodengo Saiano that minimises the risk of incorrect box quantities as well as reducing packaging time and ensuring correct handling.

All of this technology, of course, counts for naught unless the calibre of the people involved in its operation are equal to its capabilities. That is the responsibility of Alessandro Galletta, who joined Bontempi VIBO in 2000, and in January 2011 was appointed as the company’s quality manager. For Raoul Bontempi it is simple: “Without the right people in the right places, even if you have the very best quality in machines, you cannot do anything.”

Just as importantly, Bontempi VIBO’s management believes a tight connection between the sales and quality departments is key to achieving outstanding levels of customer satisfaction. As a result Mr Galletta works “side by side” every day with the group’s sales manager, Vittoriano Calomeni, who says: “We believe it is essential to have a ‘Task Force’ that can find a solution for all customer needs, in order to give the best product, at the best price, with the best quality and with fixed delivery times”.

Bontempi VIBO has sustained an unprecedented programme of investment over recent years, worth tens of millions of euros, and plans to continue at similar levels for several years to come. In challenging economic conditions that is a remarkable commitment on the part of the Bontempi family.

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While Bontempi VIBO remains strongly committed to the production of high-grade stainless steel fasteners one of the driving forces has been to establish itself clearly, and with similar credentials, in the carbon steel fastener sector. Results speak for themselves, and with annual production in excess of 20,000 tonnes from the three factories, it is significant that the emphasis has shifted to the extent that carbon steel now represents around three quarter of output.

For Raoul Bontempi, there are two absolutely critical goals in everything the group does. “Quality is our main goal, we are committed to being a bright star in the market for quality in both standard products and for special parts made to customer drawings – especially for the automotive and industrial sectors”.

He recognises, though, that the ultimate measure of success is from the customer. “Customer satisfaction is our other important goal, to improve the relationship with all our customers, ensuring that we meet all of their quality expectations - for the product and for logistics and technical support. We encourage all our customers to audit our operations so we can be fully assessed for their quality systems and they can have first hand confidence in our capabilities. We also value their feedback in identifying possible areas of further potential improvement.” www.vibo.com

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M A D E I N I TA LY

LITMAT a world of plugs

Founded in 1950 LITMAT S.p.A. is specialised in the manufacturing of metal threaded plugs and magnetic plugs that are supplied to the automotive industry (oil drain plugs) and to manufacturers of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical equipment.

L

ITMAT is the only exclusive Italian manufacturer in this field, making a full line of plugs, in different materials (steel, brass, aluminium), according to various national standards (DIN, SAE, UNI), with any thread, cylindrical and taper.

LITMAT also manufactures a wide variety of magnetic plugs: actually, the whole business started in 1950 with patented magnetic plugs, sold to the then booming Italian automotive industry. Since then, LITMAT has been original equipment supplier to the most important automobile and truck manufacturers in Italy for all drain and fill plugs in the oil pan, gear box and differential. Many of the most important manufacturers of mechanical components (including axles, gear boxes, pumps) for the automotive and industrial vehicle sectors and many important fastener dealers in Europe are in the LITMAT customer list.

A large part of the business deals with special parts made to customer’s specifications or drawings and sold mostly as large quantity orders to wholesale dealers and automotive industries.

Very commonly used standard parts, such as cold formed steel plugs according to DIN 906, 908, 909 and 910 are normally kept in stock or deliverable with minimum delay. LITMAT’s largest effort, however, goes in trying to satisfy all customer needs, both explicit and implicit: examples include special heat and surface treatments, assembly of O-rings and other rubber sealing rings, captive metal gaskets, application of special magnets, and threads sealants.

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Owing to this extremely wide range of special products and to the diversified characteristics of its clients, from the global car manufacturer to the smallest independent mechanical craftsman, LITMAT service is fully customised, with parts quoted according to the volume, packaging and freight requested by the customer.

LITMAT has always pursued a steady, but cautious, growth over time; strengthening year after year the achieved results and progressively adjusting its production facilities to the sales volume, up to the current facilities in Via Bruino, 42 – Rivalta di Torino. In this location LITMAT owns approximately 10,000 square metres of land of which more than 6,000 are covered by production, storage and newly built office buildings.

The LITMAT current production line consists of several thousand different plugs. This huge quantity of items, including semi-finished and uncoated parts, is stored in a single, computer controlled, mobile shelving system on rails. Different, all-in-house processes, depending on material, geometry and quantity, make the plugs. Large lots of steel plugs are cold formed on horizontal presses or machined by multi-spindle lathes, while very small batches or complex parts are turned on NC lathes. LITMAT knows it has the right technology for every plug.

LITMAT has always considered the quality of its products and services as an indispensable prerequisite and a primary competitive factor with respect to both national and international competitors. For many years now, the company’s quality organisation has been certified according to the main reference standards (ISO 9001:2008 and ISO/TS 16949:2009). These results are not considered as a stand alone achievement, but as the evidence of a continuous effort to improve every aspect of LITMAT industrial processes as well as its customers’ satisfaction, while preserving the environment following the recently acquired ISO 14001 certification.

A very efficient Quality Assurance structure, directly under the control of the top management, gives strength and rigour to the application of internal quality procedures and drives effectively the continuous improvement process that makes LITMAT an ever growing leader in its field. www.litmat.it

M A D E I N I TA LY

Lean and flexible: the SARIV way For some companies getting to grips with lean principles in their manufacturing and distribution is a long, challenging road. For a few, lean management is simply in the DNA. SARIV is one of the few: managing its rivet manufacturing and distribution operations in an instinctively tight, focused way that responds effectively and flexibly to ever more specific customer demands.

W

ith its head office and main manufacturing facility just outside the historic walls of Cittadella, 30 kilometres north of Padova, SARIV has been producing rivets since 1990. For the last eight years its comprehensive range of blind rivets and blind rivet nuts has largely emanated from a modern, highly productive factory, which reflects a far-sighted vision of the value of continuous and highly focused investment.

Efficient modern cold headers are all installed with process monitors as are the high-speed nail machines. The principle is clear: avoid producing out of specification products and the direct cost of wastage and indirect and even more important costs of customer dissatisfaction are eliminated. To meet special quality requirements and provide assurance for products destined for the automotive sector SARIV has an internal laboratory and has recently invested in new inspection equipment. For managing director, Nicola Sartore, these investments have been critical steps in ensuring SARIV can effectively respond to the ever growing customer requirement for ‘zero-defect’ parts used in automated fastening installation lines.

Mandrels and rivets are combined on a bank of specially designed assembly machines. In the last two years, two brand new assembling machines have been installed to improve productivity. “Amongst the wide range of rivets produced on these machines,” says Nicola Sartore, “are customer specific high-strength blind rivets in A4 stainless steel – a technical achievement that we believe is unique to SARIV and which clearly demonstrates our responsiveness and flexibility in developing a solution to precisely meet the customer’s requirements.”

Washing is automated and heat treatment carried out in-house

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

on two lines. SARIV also has its own plant for standard zinc coatings. “These facilities ensure,” explains Nicola, “that we are able to exercise direct quality control over two critical processes.”

Packaging is also automated – on two lines that form, fill and label SARIV’s distinctive green boxes, before they are palletised and stored in a 99 metre long, 19 metre high automatic warehouse housing more than 5,000 pallets. SARIV also produces and fills customised boxes and labels for some of the leading, high-volume fastener distributors in Germany, Italy and elsewhere in Europe. That production capability now extends into logistics integration with these major customers, an aspect of the SARIV business that is set to becoming increasingly important in the coming years. By the end of 2012 SARIV’s capability to supply small box and bulk packs in customer livery will be further extended by the installation of an automatic packaging machine for customised blister packs. At heart this is a tightly managed operation, impressive for its unwavering focus on eliminating waste and maximising productivity and consistency of quality.

In 2005 SARIV established its first production facility outside Italy. Its plant in the Czech Republic produces plain rivets and turned parts for several applications; including for stair structures, heating systems and for furniture producers. Today, more than 80 percent of its output is parts specific to customer drawings.

The commercial faces of the company are familiar from many trade exhibitions across Europe. Nicola Sartore, and alongside his father and sales manager, are seldom short of a smile but always focused ambassadors for SARIV – epitomising the company’s incisive command of the important things in business and relationships. SARIV’s international presence, though, also has a far more physical and practical form in the shape of

SARIV Italy Heading department

M A D E I N I TA LY Jiri Nemcik, managing director of SARIV Nemcik, and founder of the distribution operations in Poland, Slovakia and Czech Republic, reflects on the development in these countries. “Since opening the first SARIV companies in Eastern Europe, in Slovakia in 1995 and in Czech Republic in 1996, our aim has been to give a complete service to the customers. Although our core business is selling blind rivets and blind rivet nuts, we have added several different families of fastening products. Now we have more than 6,000 active codes; nearly 80 percent of them in stock ready to be delivered.”

In 1998, responding to market requirements, SARIV took the strategic decision to open its own distribution operation at Legnica in Poland. “The catalogue platform of the three companies are similar,” explains Jiri, “but each warehouse has its own additional fastening products. For example, we are now preparing to add a comprehensive range of self-drilling and self-tapping screws. In this way, we can now provide a ‘nextday delivery’ for nearly all the high rotation articles. The next challenge is increased logistical integration with our customers, with the implementation of Kanban systems at several different production lines.”

five distribution companies, in Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, and Russia, ensuring critical levels of service to key growth markets throughout Eastern Europe.

Russian sales manager Igor Marchuk explains what lies at the heart of SARIV’s business in Moscow, which started trading in 2005. “The market strength of a fastening distributor in Russia is strongly connected to being ‘ready to deliver’. The longer time needed to receive products from Europe, and the distances inside the country make product availability within Russia a really decisive point.” For that reason SARIV Russia has doubled its warehouse space since the beginning of 2012 and also taken the decision to increase the safety stock levels. “This has allowed us,” says Igor, “to be ready to deliver 95 percent of the order lines received from our customers within 48 hours. We plan, within the next six months, to increase that performance even further to a 97 percent service level”.

“Since SARIV Russia was set up,” he continues, “we have tried to build a name in the market as the ‘consistent solution-provider for rivet distributors’. Now, we have developed the necessary know-how to further increase penetration in the market.”

He adds: “With easier connections between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, our dealer network is developing fast, and we have successful cooperation with fasteners distributors everywhere in Russia, including Siberia, and in former USSR Republics.”

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In 2012, nearly 70 percent of SARIV’s Italian production is exported, explains Oddone Sartore. While he admits some mixed feelings, in terms of the reflection on the current Italian economic and industrial condition, the statistic is unquestionable surety to SARIV’s commercial strength both now and in the future. Germany and Eastern Europe, particularly Russia, are major markets but, Oddone says, SARIV also exports Made in Italy products to further flung destinations including Northern Africa, the Middle East and even as far as South Korea. The company employs 23 people in Italy and a further 27 across its network of businesses. Over the last eighteen months it has recruited eight people, testament to the success with which it has rebounded from the crisis period. By 2010 sales had exceeded 2007 levels and SARIV confidently expects to generate 2012 group sales in excess of 12 million euros.

Specialisation and depth of knowledge are the crucial keys to SARIV’s continued success, concludes Nicola Sartore. “We will continue to apply the full advantages of our flexibility and know-how, and particularly our own production capabilities to provide customised rivet and rivet nut solutions for our customers wherever they are. In 2008 these products accounted for 37 percent of SARIV Italy’s output, today that figure is nearer 50 percent, and includes as well as special dimensions, special packaging, and special zinc or paint coatings. We are very clear that our main strength and our future is continuing to be lean and highly flexible in responding to our customers needs.” www.sariv.it

M A D E I N I TA LY

Assuredly Arser quality Arser has a typical Italian history and character. It is located in the heart of the region where ‘Made in Italy’ means the highest in precision engineering. Between Bologna and Modena all types of special mechanical components for transmissions, motorcycles and sports cars renowned throughout the world are made.

F

ifty years ago Mr Ariosto Seragnoli, whose name inspired that of the company he founded, set in motion a continuous improvement technical process. This entailed the research, design and development of Arser’s own production equipment and methods, which have been at the foundation of the company’s technical integrity.

Arser is a 100% producer of socket sets and hexagonal keys.

The complexity of these specific and technical components can sometimes be overlooked amidst the commercial imperatives of the modern fastener market. Arser’s engineering and technical integrity has made it a fundamental reference in the European market as well as winning it recognition from the global market.

That sustained reputation is the clearest assurance that Arser products will perform unerringly throughout the lifetime of the application – an assurance well worth investing in.

Arser’s technical capabilities reflect the accumulated knowledge of fifty years of specialisation. The company is equipped with two furnace lines ensuring the optimal transformation of the structure of the varied material from which it can produce.

Standard and fine pitch threads are rolled to ensure the best material grain disposition and points are turned to guarantee the highest precision and functional efficacy. Where product is developed and manufactured for specific applications Arser’s technical and manufacturing resources mean it can validate

through prototyping before moving to volume production.

All kinds of hexagonal and hexalobular drives are produced with depth and precision greater than the market’s general standard - resulting in higher screwing torque than the keys’ limit values. To ensure uninterrupted automatic assembly, socket set screws are produced to zero defect standards, without burrs or contamination.

Because of their shapes and the presence of the socket, grub screws are extremely demanding fasteners on which to obtain good surface treatments. Through partnerships with specialised suppliers Arser has developed technical measures to improve galvanic, mechanical and chemical coatings. On request salt spray test reports can be provided.

Arser’s logistical operation is geared to meet today’s critical market requirements. Special packing provides lot indication for complete traceability. The company’s commercial department works closely with the customer and the company’s commitment to stock availability, backed by its minimum quantity production capabilities and now combined with a new automatic storage system, enable Arser to respond with the highest efficiency.

The final assurance is Arser’s capability to supply complete quality documentation, from IMDS to VDA or PPAP Level 3, with specific test and inspection reports if required. www.arser.it

M A D E I N I TA LY

Themis 2K – Statistical Process Control Statistical Process Control (SPC) is the ideal way to prevent problems in manufacturing, not only enhancing quality level but also decreasing costs, through reduction in scrap, tool damage and machine stops.

W

ithout using the best available technology, however, SPC is time consuming and subject to human mistakes. It requires suitable software support and the proper system to collect measurements in an efficient and intrinsically error free mode.

The first advances in this sense were performed using quality control programs with data input tools to achieve measurements from conventional instruments. Nowadays improvements in optical technology allow reduction in time and improved result reliability.

Commonly available optical stations are well used for preproduction and final tests, but during manufacturing process face at least two drawbacks. If the station is organised to measure only the profiles, such as the ones adopting the side view on a V in glass, the operator has to handle the parts to measure recess and axial holes. It works like a ‘semi-manual’ station.

If the optical station is organised to measure recesses and axial holes, in addition to the profile, it needs to place the parts with specific bits, necessarily different from those needed for other parts. The changeover and correct calibration requires time.

Eldes’ new optical station Themis 2K makes use of preassembled frames specialised with suitable bits before starting the production. Each frame houses up to five parts, allowing measurement of five samples at the same time automatically, including pits and holes. Parts can be rotated to detect concentricity, straightness and misalignments in complex structures, threading integrity, hex across corners/flats, wrench height. The basic model is used for parts with maximum length 36mm, maximum diameter 25mm, with 0.001mm resolution.

A second model extends the measurement capability, using the same camera, to 150mm length and 36mm diameter, thanks to the vertical movement of the frame facing the camera.

The quality management software is born “before the station”, resulting from Eldes’ twenty years experience in this field, ensuring that the Themis station is not a standalone product requiring an interface with data storage software to be fully used within a production process.

Optical measurements are managed by a module, integrated to the software suite in which control plans, job order launches and SPC analysis are managed. Starting from a “general purpose” plan, it takes a few minutes to set up a complete part template. An intuitive graphic software interface assists in this.

Once the part template is complete, it can be saved and recalled later. A copy of a template from a parent article is also possible.

The main features of the Themis software module for Automatic Dimensional Acquisition and SPC Analysis are: • User friendly touch screen interface.

• Choice of job order from a list. Selection possible using bar code reader.

• Frequency of control in time or number of pieces, with colour x for the operators; integration with production data collection and dedicated alarm lamps.

• State of job order (start, stop, suspended) can be managed separately or in connection with existing ERP or Data Collection System.

• Declaration of defects and notes guided by catalogues, but also free if required.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

• Visualisation of technical drawing of the article, procedures, instructions, any notes useful to the operator for controlling the production or setting the machines.

• Statistical analysis of all the acquired values (Xm/R, Xm/s, Cp, Cpk) and configurable alarms (out of limits, run, trend, middle third, out of time).

• Immediate operator visualisation of the new point acquired on the SPC chart, following quality rules.

• Calibration through dot grid target with NIST certification of accuracy.

• Possibility to associate lot code or raw material identification for traceability.

• Complete traceability of all measurements.

• Management of production approval, supervisor control, machine capability.

• Interface to the new optical system as well to commercial instruments, already existing optical stations and profile projectors. External stations are considered as an instrument that sends a package of measurements which can be integrated in the database with all the other measurements for further analysis.

• Control Panel to see all the active processes trend, out of control and alarms.

Eldes recommends Themis 2K to anyone who is committed to quality improvements in their facility, saying it will drastically improve quality and efficiency. Eldes provides complete training and continuous software updating as well as offering other support when needed. www.eldes.net

RIVETTI A STRAPPO BLIND RIVETS BLINDNIETE

PROCESS MONITORING FOR COLD FORMING FACTORY DATA NETWORKING FOR MASS PRODUCTION CONTROL STATIONS FOR SPC ANALYSIS

MONITORS

2K SERIES

PRODUCTION

DATA COLLECTION

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

www.xi.it - info@xi.it

This is what we call sustainable: Short delivery time, premium quality, and a full product range.

NEW! SPC OPTICAL

STATION

Tension pins // Coiled spring pins Heavy-duty design > Tension pins acc. to DIN EN ISO 8752 > Coiled spring pins acc. to DIN EN ISO 8748

Light design > Tension pins acc. to DIN EN ISO 13337

Regular design > Coiled spring pins acc. to DIN EN ISO 8750

Spannstiftstraße 2 D-58119 Hagen T. +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de

Anz_E_Nachhaltig_FF_92x135.indd 1

www.jvu.de

ELDES Electronic Design di Bellotto Paolo & C. Ornago (MB) - Italy - Tel.: +39 (0)39 668589 E-mail: info@eldes.net - www.eldes.net 30.03.11 14:46

M A D E I N I TA LY

The Italian design and production concept Tecfi is an Italian company specialised in the design, production and sale of fixing systems. The range of products covers a wide variety of fixings including: heavy duty, light, roofing, wood, as well as windows/frames/façade fixings.

I

n the last few years Tecfi has invested huge resources in enhancing its internal production capacity, as well as empowering its technical department and the R&D department (fully equipped laboratory, highly skilled and trained human resources), to reach important goals in ETA-CE certifications.

The results of this investment have been Tecfi achieving European Technical Approvals for the following products: • ETA-CE option 1 for HXE concrete screw (ETA-11/0336), AJE wedge anchors (ETA-11/0319), HVE high performance steel anchors (ETA-10/0060) and SWE Epoxy chemical anchor (ETA-12/0254).

• ETA-CE option 7 for the DSE sleeve anchor (ETA-08/0058) and DXE sleeve anchor with unlosable nut (ETA-10/0453).

• ETA-CE according to ETAG 015 connectors for wooden beams.

• ETA-CE according to ETAG 029 for styrene free polyester chemical anchor.

• ETA-CE option 7 for styrene free vinylester chemical anchor.

Tecfi says that the company’s final target is the internationalisation of the company and Italian styled anchors and fasteners.

“The new expanded production site, that will be ready by the end of 2012, is clear evidence that we at Tecfi strongly believe in the Italian design and production concept.” www.tecfi.it

Comprehensive programme of solutions Rivit Srl, based in Bologna, produces and distributes fixing systems and tools for sheet metal working.

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he company was founded in 1973, and during the last 40 years it has come to develop a comprehensive programme of solutions for sheet metal assembly.

Rivit can offer a wide range of fixing systems (rivets, inserts for rolled sections, self-clinching, threaded studs, blind bolts, cage nuts, inserts for plastic, latches), the relevant tools for their application (tools for rivets and inserts, welders) machines for sheet metal working, fixing systems for metal roofing and aluminium frames.

To assure customers of the high qualitative standards of both its products and services, Rivit has achieved certification as per UNI EN ISO 9001:2008.

Rivit explains that it offers itself as a proper partner,

proposing new solutions, personalised assistance and technical advice, all of it tailored to customers’ requirements.

Today, the challenge is the global market, which pressed Rivit Srl to create Rivit India Fasteners Private Ltd, a distribution branch for India and neighbouring countries.

The subsidiary, based in Chennai, has the main commercial aim of the Indian market. However, the subsidiary also has a special interest in Far East markets.

The Indian branch has a large warehouse, which is constantly supplied by Italy with products in stock, in particular fastening systems and tools for installation and associated parts, with the experience and quality standards guaranteed by Rivit. www.rivit.it

Supplying the quality the market demands Founded in 1965 FAST.LOC S.p.A. specialises in the manufacture and sale of mechanical fastening devices and custom drawing turned parts suitable for a wide range of applications in various fields of activity.

I

n May 2007 the company moved to a new 4,000 square metre covered building, with an additional 4,000 square metres uncovered, located in the new industrial area of Pianezza, near Torino.

The production unit is equipped with 11 CNC lathe machines, 30 automatic lathe machines, 1 vertical machining centre, 5 presses (from 20 tonnes to 130 tonnes) and several secondary operations machines, including drilling, tapping, milling and rolling machines.

In April 2008 a new factory, fully owned, has been opened in the Chinese town of Hangzhou, capital of the Zhejiang province, where

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zinc die casted and plastic products are currently manufactured.

Direct sales employees look after domestic customers whilst local distributors market the products in export countries.

FAST.LOC served more than 6,000 customers during the last few years, with 1,500 customers buying regularly on a annual basis.

The quality assurance system, certified in 2005 by DNV accordingly to ISO9001:2008, guarantees that FAST.LOC’s products and service is at the required quality level demanded by the market.

FAST.LOC’s main products lines are ¼ turn fasteners, tension latches, threaded inserts, cam-locks, handles and hinges.

M A D E I N I TA LY

Threaded tubular inserts for sandwich panels specialinsert says that searching for innovative fastening solutions for the world of composites has become key for the company in the last few years.

A

result of this searching is the introduction of the Deform-Nut TC/SC, a special patented threaded tubular insert for sandwich panels, made of stainless steel, which is coupled with a specifically designed internal or external bush.

The Deform-Nut TC/SC allows users to achieve a structural threaded anchorage on composites, such as sandwich panels with internal honeycomb, foam or others materials.

For the application of the Deform-Nut TC/SC the user simply drills the receiving panel from one side (skin) creating a blind hole, injects structural adhesive or glue, and inserts the Deform-Nut TC/SC with a manual or pneumatic tool. specialinsert highlights that it is possible to adjust the depth of the bush inside the sandwich, until it reaches the opposite side of the panel (skin), with a normal screwdriver.

The adjustable system can be easily used on a wide range of thicknesses of sandwich panels, ensuring an anchorage which has superior performance for pull-out and torque forces. specialinsert says that tests carried out at its laboratories demonstrated that Deform-Nut TC/SC has on average two times better performance for pull-out and torque resistance than classic blind rivets or self-tapping inserts.

“Our R&D and production department is also able to study and develop custom shapes and dimension of the insert in order to solve specific problems for customers applications. Feel free to contact our export department or technical office to help you find the best solution to your fastening application.” www.specialinsert.it

Top quality – Made in Italy!

The history of the Italian producer company Growermetal started a long time ago.

The production of the first Grower washers in the small workshop of Virginio Cattaneo in Lecco, in Northern Italy near Lake Como, dates back to 1950.

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o Grower washers, the emblem of the company, the first range of blanked flat washers was soon added. In early 1960s, the founder decided to make a considerable investment, and moved the premises of the company to a larger and more structured area at Calco (Lecco), where the company is still established. Today, on an area of 32,000 square metres, 14,000 of it indoors, the company ensures efficiency, organisational capacity, and production quality. The late 1980s were marked by the second generation, when the sons of the founder took the lead of the company. The way opened by their father finds in them continuity and the boost to further developments. The supply of top quality products and services using state of-the-art technologies remains the main goal of the company. After more than 60 years of activity and growth, Growermetal has achieved on the Italian and the international markets a leading position in the production of blanking parts standard as well as special production according to customer’s specifications. The consistent high quality of Growermetal products and its management system is certified by ISO/TS 16949, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

The product range contains plenty of different types of securing elements like toothed washers, contact and sperrkant washers, conical spring washers, convexed washers, corrugated washers, split lock washers, electric terminal washers, flat washers, disc springs, eccentric washers, Rippen flat washers, cup washers, spherical washers, hexagonal washers as well as double split lock washers for railway tracks.

Since 2000 Growermetal is a certified Q1 supplier for the German railway. This year Growermetal will exhibit for the first time at INNOTRANS - the International Fair for Transport Technology - Innovative Components, Vehicles & Systems in Berlin, Germany. During the event Growermetal will present its latest product, the Grower TWIN-LOCK® - wedge lock securing system, which the company says completes its production range with a further highly reliable fastener securing system.

Growermetal will be glad to welcome you at the INNOTRANS, 18th – 21st September- Hall 8.2, booth 234! www.growermetal.it

GX-L nylon ETA approved G&B Fissaggi, based in Turin, Italy, has announced that its GX-L nylon anchor has achieved ETA approval (ETA 02-0261) for diameters 8mm and 10mm, with several types of screw - countersunk flat head, hexagonal head, hexagonal flanged head, available also in stainless steel version.

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he GX-L nylon is a new anchor for frame fixings designed with a 4x way structure expansion body to increase pull out values on different profiles. Suited for the main construction materials, (stone, concrete, solid, semisolid and hollow brick, as well as light concrete), it is suitable for fixing installation in frame, roofing, insulation panels, ventilated walls sectors.

The GX-L nylon enables a rapid and easy plug inserting, even on hollow supports, without bending and a screw block system prevents the plug expanding during insertion into the hole. www.gebfissaggi.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION All the fixings you need Always ask for the best quality for your work.

Always ask for G&B quality.

METAL SHEETS

Fastening systems for metal sheets and tubular sections

SOLID PARTS

Fastening systems for solid wood-metal parts

PLASTIC

Fastening systems for plastic materials

COMPOSITES

Fastening systems for composite materials

G&B Fissaggi S.r.l. Italia Corso Savona 22 - 10029 Villastellone (TO) tel. +39 011 961 94 33 - fax +39 011 961 93 82 www.gebfissaggi.com • info@gebfissaggi.com

G&B Fissaggi Iberica G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland G&B Fissaggi Benelux

All Technology Inside GROWTH INNOVATION EXPERIENCE SOLUTIONS ASSISTANCE

For more than 35 years Specialinsert have offered the most advanced and effective solutions for any kind of fastening problem. Specialinsert’s products range spans from threaded tubular rivet to self-tapping inserts, from 1/4 quick-turn fasteners to inserts for composite materials, from inserts for wood to blind rivets.

Specialinsert production is 100% Made in Italy.

Our mission is to establish ourselves on the market as an innovative and continuosly evolving company, in order to offer more and more state-of-the-art solutions and services in step with and even ahead of times.

Torino • Milano • Maerne di Martellago (VE) • export@specialinsert.it

w w w. s p e c i a l i n s e r t . i t

M A D E I N I TA LY

New Carlo Salvi CS 005 Carlo Salvi introduces the new CS 005 model, single die, double-blow automatic cold header with quick tool change for the production of solid and semi-tubular rivets.

C

arlo Salvi manufactures heading machines for the production of screws, semi-tubular and fully tubular rivets, bolts, special fasteners and parts with very complex shapes starting from drawn wire in coils.

Its machines can be divided into three main families: • 1-die 2-blow headers.

• 2-die 4-blow headers.

• Progressive precision transfer headers.

Here we are looking specifically at single die double blow headers, which Carlo Salvi has been manufacturing for more than 50 years. These machines are especially suitable for manufacturing screws, rivets and components where the upset volume does not exceed five (or in some cases six) times the wire diameter.

Typical applications for these machines are the manufacture of: • Machine screws.

• Self-tapping screws.

• Dry wall screws.

• Welding studs.

• Aerospace, solid, semi-tubular or fully tubular rivets.

• Pins.

Carlo Salvi single-die, double-blow machines can be divided in three sub-groups: • For manufacture of solid parts or screws blanks.

• For production of parallel or tapered hole semi-tubular rivets as well as shouldered rivets.

• For the production of fully tubular or blind rivets.

Carlo Salvi has the only 1-die 2-blow cold header available on the market that can manufacture semi-tubular shouldered rivets and fully tubular rivets.

Carlo Salvi machines are toggle driven. The toggle action offers many advantages. In single-die, two-blow machines with one revolution of the crankshaft it is possible to complete one working cycle. Therefore, one revolution of the flywheel or crankshaft corresponds to one part produced. On competitors’ machines, the full manufacturing cycle requires two revolutions of the flywheel or crankshaft. The result is that crankshaft, connecting rod and related bronze bushings on a Carlo Salvi machine are subject to much less wear.

Heading is carried out by means of progressive pressure, very similar to hydraulic pressure, and not an instant impact as occurs on conventional headers. The toggle moves rapidly in the first part of the stroke and slows down dramatically at the end of the stroke, when the component is being upset.

The time allowed for actual heading is much higher, resulting in better tool life and a better molecular structure of the component. On single die headers, this is evident with recessed head screws, where punch life can be increased up to 30% compared to conventional headers.

In single die headers, besides better tool life, the toggle has enabled the development of a very efficient, patented piercing

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system, which has been applied to semi-tubular and fully tubular rivets manufacturing.

In conventional headers the crankshaft is subject to maximum load when in the maximum heading position. On Carlo Salvi toggle headers the maximum heading point is taken by the toggle and the crankshaft is at an almost idle position. The Carlo Salvi crankshaft is therefore subject to much less wear and heading flexion is minimised.

Single-die, double-blow headers are manufactured in several models able to handle wire from 0.8mm to 14mm diameter and capable of manufacturing very small through to large components.

The latest Carlo Salvi models are from the CS- series: a new range that can be considered real CNC cold heading machines.

Distinctive features of these machines are: • Touch-screen controls to set-up machine.

• In-line on screen trouble shooting.

• Computer controlled motorised adjustment of K.O. unit.

• Computer controlled motorised adjustment of wire feed.

• Product data saving and recall possibility for following productions.

• Linear wire feed, with universal grippers for all wire diameters inside the machine range. This eliminates the need for rolls so tooling is less expensive and set up is quicker. It also means better cut-off quality with no wire deformation and absence of possible marking, even on softer materials.

• Tool set-up outside of machine while it is working by means of the quick change kit.

• The possibility to produce super alloys special parts by mean of an embedded induction heating kit.

Following on the CS 002 model, able to handle up to 5mm diameter wire, and the CS 003 model, able to handle up to 7mm diameter wire, Carlo Salvi has now developed the CS 005 model, able to handle wire up to 14mm diameter (super-alloys up to 13 mm).

CS 005 main specifications: Min - max wire diameter: 6mm – 14mm Max cutoff length:

200mm

Max K.O. length die side: 160mm Max speed:

150 pcs/min

Max head diameter:

25mm

Max heading tonnage:

75,000 daN

Max cutting tonnage:

8,000 daN

Stroke of P.K.O.’s:

18mm

Max P.K.O.’s tonnage:

1,000 daN

Installed power:

37kW

Weight of machine:

36,000 daN

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M A D E I N I TA LY

Focused on the finer detail Since 1980 Defremm has specialised in cold forming production from wire made of carbon steel, aluminium alloy, copper, brass and stainless steel. The company has made a name for itself thanks to emphasis on precision quality and customer service.

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ocated in the north of Italy Defremm manufactures special parts to customer drawings for different applications. These include the automotive industry, household appliances, fittings for plumbing and sports equipment. The company also produces fasteners as well as standard parts such as rivet nuts and blind rivets.

The company has a wide range of horizontal heading machines with from 2 to 6 stations. With a view to meeting increasingly complex customer requirements it continually invests in advanced machinery for recovery, threading, punching, turning, assembly and optical control selection.

Defremm’s experienced team carries out technical and feasibility studies to co-design products together with clients. It then designs and builds the necessary tools in its own workshop to manufacture initial samples and standardise production.

Defremm will continue with this focus on research and development in order to guarantee clients the innovative solutions they have come to expect.

More about Defremm can be found at its new interactive website where the production range can be seen and an updated catalogue downloaded. Defremm is also always delighted to meet with existing and prospective clients at international events; the next will be at Fastener Fair Stuttgart in February 2013.

Production quality clear to see Thanks to investment in new technologies and the quality of the products and services it offers, and despite the international crisis impacting various industries and distributors throughout Europe, MECAVIT has managed to gain significant new orders for special items to be used in strategic areas of mechanical sophistication.

I

n 2012 exports represented about 70% of MECAVIT’s turnover and this figure is expected to increase further in coming years.

The research and the experience that has matured over the years, alongside the business relationship it has forged with important international companies, have helped MECAVIT reach a top quality level.

MECAVIT has a high tech laboratory equipped with modern technology handled by professional technicians, who can carry out any kind of test on screws to check mechanical resistance and material analysis and to issue several kind of certificates.

The MECAVIT production line is also equipped with a very modern belt-conveyor furnace for the heat treatment of the carbon steel items produced in-house. The plant is a latest generation, totally automatic annealing furnace, which can be remotely controlled thanks to its sophisticated information systems. It provides a highly flexible capability precisely suited to MECAVIT’s production. On demand MECAVIT can provide certification confirming the quality of heat treatment for any item.

Recently MECAVIT has added a short video to its website showing the production process.

The high precision turning company Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl was incorporated in Abbadia Lariana in the immediate post war period as a one-man firm producing screw nuts. Rapid growth driven by its founder and sons has resulted in an industrial entity that now employs 29 people and has modern and technoligically sophisticated equipment.

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oday Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl has a well established presence in both national and international markets and presents itself as the ideal partner for all companies looking for high quality turned parts produced in steel, special steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminium. The company’s mission is to be a strategic partner, not just a supplier, for all companies requiring high quality turned parts and 360 degree top of the range service.

Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl specialises in producing high quality turned parts according to specific customer drawings for the automotive, electronic, hydraulic and general engineering sectors. Production is carried out on Gildemeister and Mori Say multispindle machines, all equipped with Pietro Cucchi bar loaders. The company also has a well equipped department to perform secondary operations and component assembly, as well as a quality department and special camera equipped inspection equipment to carry out 100% quality checks. The production lines are also installed with a software system that allows the performance of Statistical Process Controls.

Colombo Giovanni & Figli Srl is committed to constantly increasing the quality standards of its products and services through well-defined investment and personnel training plans and aims, it says, “to be a solid landmark for all our customers.”

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Meeting application requirements Vimi fasteners S.p.A, based in Novellara (Reggio Emilia), is a producer of mechanical fasteners (special screws and studs) engineered to meet the most advanced applications requirements of the major world manufacturers of agricultural equipment, industrial machinery and automotive industry.

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ith 190 employees, supported by the experience and know-how achieved in over 50 years activity, Vimi fasteners says that it has gained a strong position in the global fastener market.

Vimi fasteners highlights that it has established close relationships with its customers thanks to its excellent organisation, broad product range, state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and the capability to develop tailor-made solutions. Its products combine high technical materials specifications – high-performance steels and special alloys – and superior process reliability.

“Continuous improvement and lean principles are deployed on all company activities in order to provide competitive products and efficient service to customers worldwide.”

Dimac inspects Dimac Srl, established in 1988, is a manufacturer of inspection and sorting machines for fasteners.

D

imac has a wide variety of machines available, including the SPC_LAB – a portable system that Dimac proposes as the first piece inspection system for the spc data collection in process as well as for the ppapp procedures. Dimac highlights that the SPC_LAB is user friendly and accurate, and allows the inspection and measurement of several dimensional features within a second.

Other machines include the MCV4 index rotary table machine, which Dimac says presents a patented solution for the high speed inspection of the smallest thread defects, as well as for the cracks detection with machine vision and eddy current. This machine has been developed and patented to perform the inspection of two parts simultaneously, in order to improve the output rates for crack detection and 360° all around optical inspection.

Dimac also has the new MCV Zero high speed rotary table machine that has been developed in 2012 on the basis of the best seller MCV1, for the inspection of small fasteners with dimensions below M3 down to M1. This machine is equipped with special high resolution digital cameras and high precision telecentric lenses for the high speed optical inspection of small screws.

The MCV Zero has an output rate up to 900pp/min; a recess shape and depth inspection station with interchangeable bit gauge; and a 360° all around inspection station for dimensional profile measurements.

M A D E I N I TA LY

The Italian speciality A small example of fastener company Italian excellence Unifast Srl was founded in 1985 and is based in Settimo Torinese near Turin in Italy, as well as having a logistics and engineering subsidiary in the UK. The company is committed to providing the most efficient and cost effective technical fasteners to engineers seeking mechanical assembly solutions across a broad spectrum of industries.

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nifast now employs 35 people including customer service staff, a technical engineering sales team and CAD designers. In a bid to guarantee customers the highest quality of products and services Unifast has built a modern manufacturing facility that provides the capability to produce and supply consistently high quality fasteners and custom engineering components.

A strong point of the company is the use of an automatic warehouse system known as ‘Silo’ with shifting trays for the storage of a huge variety of small to medium size items. Unlike more traditional automatic vertical storage systems, the Silos offer perfect adaptability to the needs of a warehouse and are effective at reducing picking times; one of the main reasons Unifast decided to install eight of them.

Over the past 25 years Unifast is sure it has built a reputation for expertise and reliability that has instilled a sense of confidence in customers. Part of the company’s success is in re-engineering existing or obsolete parts to simplify processes, improve functionality and reduce both production times and costs.

The products manufactured by Unifast are monitored by an SPC system (System Control Process) and guaranteed by its quality department, supported with optical sorting machines.

Unifast manufactures quick acting fasteners and captive nuts in addition to a wide range of special products. Quick acting fasteners are widely used where rapid assembly and disassembly of units is vital or where service access is required, such as electrical cabinet, air conditioning units, compressors and inspection panels on engine covers. The automotive industry is a major user of this product. Unifast designed FAST turn quick acting fasteners to be rapid and economic to use whilst maintaining reliability.

Another Unifast product is the KAPti-nut, which is a high strength, captive threaded fastening system for sheet metal ideally suited to multiple and automated insertion into thin gauge steel, aluminium and pre-finished materials. Unifast is confident the KAPti-nut will deliver a significantly better result, in terms of cost effectiveness, performance, and now, increasingly important, reduced environmental impact over traditional weld nut or blind rivet nuts.

In addition to its standard lines of products, Unifast uses specialised design skills, market knowledge and leading edge technology to develop and manufacture fasteners for individual applications. Unifast knows the challenges it faces and its innovative team helps to solve those challenges providing the right information, getting the right product and achieving significant savings.

All Unifast products are manufactured in accordance with ISO/TS 16949:2009 and Unifast is certified to UNI EN ISO 9001: 2008.

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L.L.S. LAVORAZIONE LEGHE SPECIALI was founded in 1990 as a manufacturer of metal components in titanium and light alloys (especially Al7075) specifically for the motorcycle industry. It almost immediately achieved a top place in the processing of these materials, becoming an important point of reference at the European level.

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n a short time, fasteners produced in pure titanium and its alloys, and also on high strength 7075 aluminium alloy have seen growing demand in a wide spectrum of different industrial sectors, both in Italy and international markets. Currently L.L.S. exports 50% of its production.

The constant supply of technological innovations and the major investments in its production capabilities have allowed L.L.S. to increase production and to be recognised internationally as a reference in the processing of special alloys.

The special alloys, offering special mechanical and structural high corrosion resistance, durability, and weight saving, find applications in many different fields, from automotive to marine, petrochemical industries to robotics, racing to the military and nuclear power.

In 2002 LLS Racing was introduced as a new brand, dedicated entirely to the aftermarket components for motorcycling.

In 2005 L.L.S. created another new brand dedicated to the cycle industry. The division Carbon Ti, already well known, especially abroad, is focused primarily on high-end cycle products, for enthusiasts and professional athletes.

The know-how and technological experience gained in these 20 years of activity allowed L.L.S. to approach the aircraft industry, a sector that requires highly strategic skills, certifications and special tools for quality control. The company has recently been certified EN ISO 9100 and is now ready to face a new challenge, having already achieved the necessary requirements for entry into the aerospace market.

EXPERTS IN COVERHEAD SCREWS

Our range is the most extensive anywhere.

Special product development is a strength we play to.

tel: +44 (0) 1843 593 440 5 Wilton Road, Haine Industrial Park, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 5HD, UK email: sales@fkmoore.co.uk website: www.fkmoore.com

M A D E I N I TA LY

SACMA S-Forging – delivering the most advanced cold and warm formers SACMA Limbiate Spa is convinced of its position as the most advanced and competitive company worldwide in designing and manufacturing cold and warm headers. The SACMA R&D department enables the Group to supply innovative solutions to the fastener and special parts industries.

S

ACMA designs and manufactures its products all in-house. Once research and development is completed, its factories are responsible for the production of the components. SACMA is the only manufacturer in this field having 100% of the spare parts immediately available for its customers.

SACMA Group’s complete machine range and powerful structure guarantee that it can co-operate effectively with the biggest fastener manufacturers as with the medium and small companies.

For the production of Net Shape special parts, SACMA has introduced the new release of its 6-die progressive headers inspired by the S-Forging concept. The new touch screen panel SC-Matic facilitates tool set up, taking control of the process through machine supervision and management. SACMA can guarantee the quality of the produced parts using the new LoadMatic, by monitoring the loads and driving the discharging device for non-conforming parts with the transfer fingers or a gate before the finished parts conveyor.

The SACMA Transfer System with its seven strategies of transferring, consolidates its position of excellence through its capacity to handle the widest range of parts, from shortest to the extra-long ones, at maximum production speed. The introduction

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

of the patented Transfer Support Assist Package extends the transferring performance to more difficult tapered and stepped parts. The Timed Desmodrive cams allows the transfer of the most difficult parts adjusting the timing of departure of the transfer rack after each forging operation.

With the S-Forging concept, SACMA offers a revolutionary wire feeder: the S-Feed System. This unique and patented system allows feeding of the header in the most precise and simplest way available today. The patented S-Feed System by means of one or two servomotors (according to the machine size) allows engagement of the wire while the machine is stopped and also the ability to pull back the wire automatically without any manual operation. With this new device, the operator has only to setup the length of the blank on the SC-Matic Touch Screen Panel Control and the machine takes care of the wire feeding. Another strategic point is the possibility to use the S-Feed in alternate blow mode to reduce the machine load.

The S-Feed System is supplied on the warm formers as a standard feature to feed the machine automatically and to pull back the wire when the machine stops, in order to take back the wire from the induction coils. The S-Feed is also available as an option for the progressive cold formers.

Warm Formers are the best answer to the customer’s request in this field, where SACMA found optimal solutions to realise an absolutely user-friendly machine. This header provides for automatic wire introduction through the induction coil and ensures its pull back whenever the machine stops. Using the touch screen panel, the operator can manage the process by changing directly the parameters of the heating system, such as the temperature, length of blank and the production speed.

Consequently, the machine drives all modules automatically.

Respecting the environment, the Drive Unit, consisting of a flywheel with clutch-brake integrated into the enclosure together with the new generation of inverters, allows energy recycling and reduces energy consumption, making the machines eco-friendly.

The SACMA S-Forging is the result of a concentration of best technologies applied to cold and warm formers to create the most precise and reliable machines available. www.sacmagroup.com

victorycommunication.it

i-thread, innovative & intelligent threader

Stand Q20

CONCENTRATED OF BEST TECHNOLOGIES EXCLUSIVE FEATURES TO KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR PRODUCTION I-THREAD, THE MOST ADVANCED HIGH SPEED THREAD AND PROFILE ROLLING MACHINE FOR THE FASTENER INDUSTRY Sacma Group introduces its new thread rolling machine inspired by the I-thread concept. The Ingramatic R&D Department developed new solutions for an unique tool set up and for a higher final product accuracy, such as a new patented starter unit. Sensitive to the environment, the new drive unit, consisting of a planetary gearbox integrated inside the flywheel together with the clutch-brake, allows energy recycling and reduces consumes, making the machines Eco-Friendly.

Double Starter unit with Brusless motors Pneumatic separation; Transport and positioning through Brushless motor; Introduction through Brushless motor.

Rejection blade connected to the load monitor to reject the n.c. parts with integrated Die match control to improve the tool life.

Motorization and adjustment with electronic handwheel for feeding rails and vertical feeder.

Eco-friendly new drive unit consisting on a planetary gearbox integrated in the flywheel recycling continuously the energy.

NE W !

Electronic handwheel for all machine adjustments – die match – rails – starter unit; avoiding the use of hand tools.

Servomotor for the automatic die match with load monitor and hydraulic clamping of the drive unit.

SACMA LIMBIATE S.p.A.: Limbiate - Milano - ITALY - Tel. +39 02 99 45 21 - Fax +39 02 99 05 01 85 - com@sacmalimbiate.it - info@sacmalimbiate.it - www.sacmagroup.it INGRAMATIC S.p.A.: Castelnuovo Scrivia - Alessandria - ITALY - Tel. +39 0131 87 161 - Fax +39 0131 82 30 70 - com@ingramatic.com - www.ingramatic.com

M A D E I N I TA LY

INGRAMATIC I-Thread The innovative and intelligent threader

SACMA Group introduces its new I-Thread concept high speed thread and profile rolling machines for the fastener industry. The Ingramatic R&D department has developed exclusive systems including a new computerised starter unit for tooling set-up and motorised adjustment of the die match for higher final product accuracy.

I

ngramatic designs and manufactures its products all in-house. Once the research and development is completed SACMA’s own factories carry out the component production, which means Ingramatic is able to offer 100% immediate availability of spare parts to its customers.

The adjustment and set up of the machine is achieved through the remote electronic handwheel, eliminating the use of hand tools. This device provides the operator precise control of the height position and width of the rails, the die match with the adjustable position of the drive unit, and the set-up of the double starter unit. Thanks to this solution, setups can be made in less than two minutes using the touchscreen panel.

The new patented ‘Introduction System’ of the double starter unit is activated by brushless motors utilising high precision pinion-rack units to control the movement of the starter slides. The ‘M-Group’ provides the motorisation of the drive

84

unit and slide body position for quick and accurate control of the die match. The new frame with high pressure hydrostatic lubrication of the slide makes the I-Thread the most precise and reliable machine for high tensile parts.

The new QTC washer assembly unit is now available for the most demanding users. Ingramatic can supply as an option a new system in order to save time during the production changeover. This QTC washer assembly unit allows the operator to set up the tools in the tool room and to save time on board of the machine.

Respecting the environment, the new drive unit, consisting of a planetary gearbox integrated inside the flywheel together with the clutch-brake, allows energy recycling and reduces energy consumption, making the machines eco-friendly.

The Ingramatic I-Thread is the result of a concentration of best technologies applied to thread rolling to create the most precise and reliable machines available. www.sacmagroup.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Exhibition for Fastener and Fixing Technology

Quality, reliability and technology – the keys to success FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is a reference company in the area of spring, conical and ground washers, as well as many other high-technology products developed for a variety of applications.

T

he origins of the company date to the early 1950s, when two brothers, Luca and Rodolfo Pirovano, decided to establish in Casatenovo, in the very heart of Brianza district, a small mechanical workshop. The two founders demonstrated intuition, insight, industriousness and passion in finding the key for their success in the production of bicycle elements. Their ability to address and diversify investments towards an ever-wider range of products became the driving force that allowed the company over time to achieve a leading position on major international markets.

Today, the goal of FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is to meet and even exceed customers’ needs and expectations through offering state-of-the-art technology and excellence in service and product quality. ‘Made in Italy’ represents a guarantee that is assured by the ISO-TS 16949 certification, which attests to the high quality levels reached and sustained by the company.

For years now the company has been a leading manufacturer at European level, becoming a point of reference for the automotive industry, as well as for agricultural and earthmoving machines sectors, mechanical transmission, energy, mechanical and electro-mechanical companies in general, and for the fastener manufacturing industry. The highest technological levels combined with a unique know-how achieved high levels of flexibility and an extremely creative and company-oriented human capital. These qualities and resources mean FRATELLI PIROVANO S.p.A. is today considered a market leader in many industrial areas, and they represent the driving force for its future development and consolidation on the global market.

Your path to the important

Russian market Book and your st now!

12 – 14 March 2013 Lenexpo, St. Petersburg For further information, please contact Restec-Brooks Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Email: russia@fastenerfair.com

www.fastenerfair.com

M A D E I N I TA LY

Celebrating 50 years as an Italian business Bossong-Werk GmbH was founded in Germany in 1937 as a producer of automotive components but in 1962 the company was acquired by the Taddei family and firmly established as an Italian fixings manufacturer and supplier.

A

fter the Second World War Carl Bossong converted his business to nail tools and fasteners, using the operational system of a pistol to drive a nail into concrete, as well as to fix steel bars and wooden planks. In 1951 a more efficient and economical nail gun, comprising fewer components, was developed and registered in the United States. The following year Carl moved to Italy to found Bossong SpA, with production in Ponte San Pietro, Bergamo.

During the Fifties Bossong’s nail gun enjoyed great success as, unique in its genre, it demonstrated unique capabilities to penetrate steel and concrete.

At the end of the Fifties Carl Bossong met the Taddei family, owners of a company in Longuelo specialising in galvanisation. In 1962 the Taddei family bought Bossong SpA. At the helm of the new Bossong SpA was Luciano Taddei, a graduate in industrial chemistry from Pavia, son of the founder of Industria

Elettrochimica Bergamasca.

In 1969 the two companies merged, signified by the E and B logo indicating the union of Elettrochimica and Bossong.

During the Seventies the construction of a new factory in Curno allows development of the Bossong range - mechanical anchors for medium loads, nylon plugs and screws for light fixing - through a combination of import and internal production. The following decade saw production increasingly concentrated internally on machines created by Bossong technicians. Design and product development also became an important in-house capability.

In the 1990s chemical anchoring became the core business, first through import; then by producing the first epoxy resin with manual and semiautomatic machinery; and finally through industrialised production including new lines of polyester and vinylester resins.

In 1994 sons Andrea and Michele joined

The power of human experience and technology innovation Since 1950 Faire Srl has offered to the market the best technical, commercial and logistic expression of the highest quality.

F

rom its factory in Monza, Faire Srl supplies an extensive and varied range of major industrial sectors, including: automotive, agricultural and earthmoving machinery, mechanical transmissions, petrochemical, energy and Infrastructure, railway systems, civil and industrial building, mechanical engineering, cycle and motorcycles.

Today the company knows for sure that its disc springs are an integral part of all the products of those companies that have requested not only its commercial cooperation but also and above all its technical advise.

The Faire team is motivated by a common goal: to develop and produce special pieces through the use of advanced technologies for the production of parts which correspond exactly to its customer’s requirements, in accordance with the highest standards of quality. For Faire, its disc springs are now a guarantee of quality and technology, they have become an “ambassador” of Italian excellence, of Made in Italy, throughout the world.

Today, says Faire, we know where we are, and that nothing is impossible for a company that always knew, since its founding, how to enhance human resources and finalise its business in strict compliance with the environment in which it lives.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Dr Luciano Taddei on the Bossong board of directors. As the millennium arrived the Bossong anchoring system was born, a specific solution for structural reinforcement through the insertion of metal bars into, especially heritage, buildings, designed to respect the existing structure.

This year Bossong celebrates 50 years of its Italian activity, proud it says to be amongst the most qualified world companies in the production of fixing systems. Its Research & Development capabilities, implemented over the years, are today a key strength, enabling the design of innovative solutions for both mechanical and chemical fixing systems, such as wall plugs, nails and resins, as well as nails for powder actuated tools. These elements help Bossong in enhancing its presence across Europe, especially where professionalism and product quality are needed. www.bossong.com

www.custom-art.it

M E C H A N I S C H E

A N K E R

U N D

A N K E R

F Ü R

G E R Ü S T E

CHEVILLES MECANIQUES ET PITONS D’ECHAFAUDAGES

MECHANICAL ANCHORS AND EYBOLT ANCHORS FOR SCAFFOLDS ETA Benestare Tecnico Europeo European Technical Approval

ETA - 08/0208 ETA

Benestare Tecnico Europeo European Technical Approval

ETA - 11/0377

1962 sistemi di fissaggio

2012

®

w w w . b o s s o n g . c o m BOSSONG S.p.A. fastening systems Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 51 - 24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy - Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 - info@bossong.com

INSIGHT

90 years efficiently meeting customer needs Over four generations Berardi has distinguished itself as a distributor of fasteners, special turned and press-forged parts according to clients’ drawings. Throughout, its reputation has been for reliability, high quality products, flexibility and customisation of service to its customers.

T

he company began as a shop in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna in 1919. Since then, Berardi says its business growth has been continuous and in recent years extraordinary. In the early years it saw the reconstruction and economic recovery that followed two world wars and it actively contributed to the growth and development of the first mechanical industries that still exist in the region.

The dedication and passion for the family business has been passed from generation to generation. The example of the parents has always been a point of reference and departure for the business.

The care, seriousness and professionalism of following generations consolidated and expanded the commercial presence in the region, maintaining the typical family relations but also enhanced the levels of managerial professionalism and competence.

Berardi Bullonerie says it guarantees the high quality of its products and service. It was one of the first companies to obtain quality certification in this field and continuously invests in technology and human resources, which it sees as its real strengths.

That company culture, together with partnership with the principal Italian companies, modern business methods, the ability to smooth occasional disagreements between customer and supplier, daily technical updates and, from 2009, the

Berardi Bullonerie can supply special parts based on the drawing of the customer in order to meet any kind of screw, bolt and nut requirement which is not envisaged by the unified regulations.

Our internal technical department can offer the necessary advice to support the customer in the choice of the most suitable technical solution for each single need thanks to: The execution of specific drawings The search for qualified suppliers A complete range of thermal and superficial treatments Guaranteed execution times and tailored quality control The issue of technical certificates Product stock design management with scheduled deliveries

WE GUARANTEE THE BEST SOLUTION FOR ANY REQUIREMENT

publication of a new technical catalogue are just some added value Berardi Bullonerie provides its customers.

Today Berardi’s headquarters are about one kilometre from the Castel San Pietro-Bologna highway. A 6,000 square metre warehouse holds a range of 35,000 stock items and services more than 3,000 customers. Dedicated software takes maximum advantage of wireless and barcode technologies. A network of ten agencies and sister companies cover the whole of Italy and are all connected in real time to the main office and warehouse.

A team of young and motivated people completes the package that Berardi Bullonerie believes makes it a reliable partner for its customers.

Berardi is committed to continuous improvement in efficiency to guarantee customers rapid and effective supply of small parts and special items according to drawing. During recent years the most significant development has been management systems to provide customers rapid and reliable supply using the Kanban concept. This allows customer to forget the management of metal hardware purchasing and to dedicate their precious and expensive internal human resources to higher value added activities. www.gberardi.com

PEE-WEE® UPW® WANDERER® TECHNOLOGY FROM TRADITION

SENY®

PEE-WEE® - Rolling Dies Grinding – Regrinding – Special profiles Profile development – Patented PSS tracking Standard steel Special steel High speed steel HSS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

= PW 1000 = PW 2000 = PW 3000

Raw material from high-alloyed tool steel Mechanical treatment Hardening process in a vacuum furnace Diameter and surface grinding Thread grinding Chamfering of the starts Ageing treatment in a special oil cask Delivery

This special surface coating was developed of PEE-WEE in co-operation with considerable Institute for surface technology.

According to evaluation of different customers is the life time of these tools up to three times higher than the standard tool.

Special surface coating

since

Headquarters:

www.gberardi.com

info@pee-wee.de - www.pee-wee.de

The primary source for American Made plastic fasteners WORLDWIDE

Keeping customer needs as priority #1...

Our larger facility now provides: • Improved product development • Future growth of product line • Double the amount of in-stock inventory to one billion parts • Increased inventory allowing for same-day shipping of catalog items • Expanded shipping & receiving

• Expanded on-site tooling & production for custom orders

Additional customer conveniences include: • 24/7 website availability • Manufacturing operates 24/7 • Reach a real person Mon-Fri 7am-5pm CST (USA)

toll free fax 1-877-453-8707

www.voltplastics .com •

1-800-844-8024

700 Hwy. 202 West, Yellville, Arkansas 72687

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Aptus Fastener Systems at Timber Expo Aptus Fastener Systems will present its most comprehensive range of innovative fastening solutions for timber construction methods at Timber Expo 2012, staged at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on 25th – 26th September.

W

hether constructing with panelised methods, timber frame and structural insulated panels (SIPS), volumetric construction techniques, cross-laminated (x-lam) and glue-laminated (glu-lam) technology or hybrid applications, Aptus Fastener Systems has a solution in its range.

Its comprehensive range of products and services ranges from everyday fixings and specialist insulation and cladding screws to high specification structural fasteners, developed with modern sustainable building technologies in mind.

Aptus managing director, Stewart Taylor, says: “We have recognised that as new construction methods emerge our range of fasteners must keep pace, so that we can support our distributors in presenting the most effective solution.

In order to do so we have developed a specialist range of ETA approved innovative fasteners from market leading manufacturers across Europe.”

Aptus Fastener Systems stocks and distributes a broad range of industrial fasteners and associated components to meet the structural design parameters for timber buildings under Eurocode 5.

“We supply our product range with an extraordinary level of service,” says Stewart, “as well as providing a high level of technical support to ensure the right fastening solution is specified in the required application, using the correct equipment.”

Aptus technical support extends to installation guides, thread geometry, fastener surface finishes and joint design guidance. Working with its supply partners Aptus Fastener Systems’ research and engineering capabilities encompass specific engineering disciplines, supporting its network of distributors in meeting an extensive range of customer applications.

Aptus Fastener Systems will be on Stand B7 at Timber Expo 2012, 25th – 26th September at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

The show expects to receive 4,000 visitors including architects, specifiers, engineers and contractors plus central government departments and local authorities.

Hilti launches ‘no cleaning required’ anchor system Hilti has announced the launch of what it describes as “a revolutionary chemical anchor system HIT-HY 200.” When used together with Hilti HIT-Z anchor rods, the company says this new system allows contractors to make structural fastenings in concrete without the need to clean the anchor holes.

A

nchor hole cleaning is a task that construction companies are very keen to eliminate from their daily workload. Hilti says that its new system not only makes this possible, it also achieves previously unattained bond strength, making HIT-HY 200 Hilti’s highest performing injectable adhesive mortar ever.

The new Hilti HIT-Z rod with its cone-shaped helix works as a torque-controlled bonded anchor. Hilti says in its brochure for engineers: “This means that because of their shape, HIT-Z anchor rods are unsusceptible to uncleaned holes in dry or water-saturated concrete.”

Cleaning the holes after drilling is seen by contractors around the world as a tedious, time-consuming part of the chemical anchor installation process, requiring use of inconvenient tools and equipment such as steel brushes, compressed air or manual pumps.

However, up to now, good hole cleaning has been essential for reliable anchor performance and, accordingly, this step in the

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

installation process has long been a major concern of chemical anchor users everywhere. Elimination of the need for anchor hole cleaning therefore not only saves time and labour costs, it also helps ensure reliable fastenings. Contractors and engineers who design anchor points, says Hilti, will thus have much greater peace of mind because the anchors installed on the jobsite will be as safe and robust as they were designed to be in their plans and blueprints.

Hilti points out that an additional benefit of this revolutionary no-hole-cleaning anchor system concerns health, safety and environmental aspects, which have been growing tremendously in importance over the last decade. As the HIT-HY 200/HIT-Z anchor rod system has eliminated the cleaning operation, and thus the need to blow dust out of the hole, environmental pollution in the form of airborne dust is greatly reduced. This new system therefore virtually eliminates a source of breathable dust that construction workers may otherwise be exposed to every day.

Recent European Technical Approvals for fixings Here is a list of recent ETAs granted in the last three months to fixings products, following the agreement with the European Organisation for Technical Approvals.

I

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

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

ETA NUMBER TRADE NAME ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts)

COMPANY

ETA - 11/0268

Anchor GS

KOELNER S.A.

ETA - 11/0398

Chemofast Injection System C-RE 385 for concrete

CHEMOFAST Anchoring GmbH

ETA - 12/0006

Injection system HILTI HIT-Z / HIT-Z-R

Hilti AG

ETA - 12/0007

REX COLD FORGED WEDGE ANCHOR

Rex fastening Systems (HK) Ltd

ETA - 12/0142

Apolo MEA Quick fix anchor BA plus

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA - 12/0155

Q Highload Anchor SZ

Q-railing Europe GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 12/0160

fischer Powerbond - injection system

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 12/0164

Würth Injection system WIT-VM 250 for concrete

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 12/0165

GCP EPFI Injection System for concrete

General Construction products , LLC

ETA - 12/0166

Würth Injection system WIT-VM 250 for rebar Connection

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA - 12/0167

Walsywa injection system WQI 44 PLUS for concrete

Walsywa Ind. E Com. De Prod. Met. Ltda

ETA - 12/0168

SYMPAFIX Injection system X 150 PLUS for concrete

Sympafix

ETA - 12/0169

SYMPAFIX Injection system C 100 PLUS for Concrete

Sympafix

ETA - 12/0170

SYMPAFIX Injection system C 100 PLUS for rebar connection

Sympafix

ETA - 12/0176

TM C 7

OBEX s.r.l.

ETA - 12/0177

Expandet Drop-in-anchor E / EK

Expandet Screw anchors A/S

ETA - 12/0178

Mungo Injection system MIT 600 RE for concrete

Mungo Befestigungstechnick AG

ETA - 12/0215

TILCA Wedge anchor BZ Plus

Egli, Fischer & Co AG Befestigungstechnik

ETA - 12/0252

ECM

ESSVE Produkter AB

ETA - 12/0254

Sinto ST-PE Tecfi Epoxy Resin SWE 01 for rebar connections

Tecfi SpA

ETA - 12/0273

ENGLISH PREMIER FASTENERS (EPF) galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

H & B FASTENERS

ETA - 12/0302

DESA-FIX FTB II

Técnicas de Anclaje S.A.U.

ETA - 12/0305

M50-PLUS

Sympafix

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA - 10/0214

MAF-KRAK-LIN and MAG-KRAK-LIMO

MAG-KRAK Sp Jawna A.i R. Pluta B.i J. Twardosz

ETA - 11/0231

FIXPLUG DIA 8 AND FIXPLUG DIA 10

KLIMAS WKRET-MET sp.z o o.

ETA - 11/0232

WKTHERM dia 8

KLIMAS WKRET-MET sp.z o o.

ETA - 11/0432

NF46050-7 and NF46090-6

AKIFIX S.p.A.

ETA - 12/0093

IsoFux Rocket

RANIT-Befestigungssyteme GmbH

ETA - 12/0148

Insulation support - metal nail KEW TSDL-V and TSD-V WS

KEW Kunststoferzeugnisse GmbH Withen

ETA - 12/0303

TTH 10/60-La

Hüfner-Dübel GmbH

ETAG 020 plastic Anchors (all parts) N/A

N/A

N/A

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

INDEX launches new web portal With a new corporate image, INDEX Fixing Systems, a manufacturer and industrial supplier of anchors, screws and other fixing systems, has launched its new web portal. As part of INDEX’s new business and I+D+ strategies the web portal includes supporting digital contents, social and professional networking websites, product reference automation, as well as customers’ extranet service.

I

NDEX Fixing Systems has just launched its new web portal after more than a year of work on the areas of creativity, design, research and marketing. The Spanish company says that it is a true turning point in its international growth strategy and provides it with a new naming, domain, corporative graphic identity, and organisation ideology, to face the world’s latest market tendencies and trends.

The new web portal offers every customer and user the work and commitment of all the members of the company through detailed pictures, CG info graphics, installation procedures, videos and video manuals, news, technical and security sheets, certifications and approvals, as well as INDEXSoft Cal anchor load and INDEXSoft Mor chemical anchor calculation softwares highly demanded in the professional field.

In addition to these commercial solutions and tools, INDEX

Fixing Systems has developed and strengthened its brand presence on social and professional networking websites including: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Issuu, YouTube, as well as RSS applications. Other features of the new site include blogs, flipping book catalogues, a download area, a digital library, headquarter and branch geo-positioning, a semantic search, and an exclusive customer area.

This 2.0 stage has been initially developed in Spanish, English and French. Portuguese, German and Italian versions will also be available by the end of September.

New Handi-Stick® Architectural Foam Fomo Products Inc, based in Ohio, USA, has announced the release of Handi-Stick® Architectural Foam Shapes adhesive. The adhesive extends the Handi-Stick product line with a specially formulated faster grab time formula based on contractor feedback.

H

andi-Stick Architectural Foam Shapes adhesive is formulated for compatibility with all polystyrene applications including architectural foam shapes, mouldings, foam boards and insulated concrete foams (ICFs). The pre-pressurised portable, one component, foam adhesive is applied in bead form and dries tack free in under three minutes, adhering to polystyrene, concrete, cinder block, brick, cement board sheathing, exterior gypsum board, oriented strand board, plywood and most other substrates.

Fomo Products Inc highlights that Architectural Foam Shapes adhesive will expand to fill uneven surfaces and voids and the fast cure time provides quick and powerful bonds. It meets ASTM E84 Class 1 for adhesives and contains no volatile organic compounds or solvents that can harm polystyrene board.

Sara Jonas, vice president marketing for Fomo Products Inc said: “It is important for Fomo to offer high quality products that meet the needs of our customers. Offering this new adhesive allows us to extend our product line for our customers with a brand they trust.”

STYROFOAM to star at Olympics Dow Building Solutions says that its STYROFOAM products will play a part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

T

housands of STYROFOAM-A insulation boards made at Dow’s manufacturing site in King’s Lynn have been installed on several structures within the London 2012 Olympic Park, which will be seen by billions of people around the globe, as well as the neighbouring Westfield Stratford City shopping centre.

The insulation is designed to help make the buildings on the Olympic Park more energy efficient and the roofs more durable; which will be particularly important as they transform from temporary to permanent use.

Structures insulated with STYROFOAM materials include the Olympic Stadium, the International Media Centre, the Copper Box (Handball Arena) and more than half of the roofs on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Village.

“It was a case of pulling out all the stops to make sure enough

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

STYROFOAM would be available at the right time and in the right place – no mean feat when you are dealing with such a large, busy and very security conscious construction site,” said Jayne Law MBE, sales and marketing manager for Dow Building Solutions in the UK and Ireland.

The Olympic and Paralympic Village will be transformed into a residential community following London 2012, ensuring a lasting legacy for STYROFOAM. The Olympic Stadium, International Media Centre and Copper Box have also been designed as permanent structures.

Hilti acquires Sales analysis reveals industry trends Eurofox Innovative construction products manufacturer Hilti has completed the purchase of Eurofox GmbH, the façade technology design and manufacturing business based in Austria.

T

he acquisition will see the Eurofox product range sold through Hilti in the UK and Ireland, with a new national building envelope team being established comprising of seven Hilti account managers.

Gareth Prosser, Hilti steel & metal trade manager for Northern Europe, said: “This is a critical step for both companies as it now allows Hilti to offer the full solution for ventilated façade substructure. We can now meet all customers’ needs for positioning and measuring tools, drilling tools and consumables, anchoring systems, brackets and profiles, screw systems and firestop.”

He added: “Eurofox is a market leading brand in the UK and under this new partnership with Hilti, it is set to grow bigger and better than ever before.”

Dunlop Adhesives, a manufacturer of adhesives, grouts, finishing and ancillary products, has used sales data from the last few years to identify a number of new industry trends.

D

unlop found that many of these new trends correlated with one another. The company has observed a growth in the sales of powdered adhesives, reflecting the increased popularity of porcelain, natural stone and large format tiles – all of which require a cement-based (powdered) adhesive. In addition, an increased desire to tile in areas of the home not traditionally associated with the practice (such as conservatories, living areas and hallways), and the fact that both kitchens and bathrooms have got significantly larger in the last decade, are also likely to have contributed to the increased popularity of powdered adhesives.

Debi Bailey, brand manager of Dunlop Adhesives, commented: “Lots of these new trends are relatively recent developments and reflect the changing styles, attitudes and consumer demands within the industry. In terms of adhesives, the move towards the powder-based products can be interpreted as a direct result of the popularity of particular tile materials and sizes.”

She continued: “It’s really interesting to be able to analyse our sales patterns, and see to what extent they relate to and mirror the rest of the industry. At Dunlop we always try to ensure that we are ahead of the trend curve, so that we can be confident that all of our products meet the demands of both the trade and DIY enthusiasts alike.”

Heavy Duty Hand Wipes

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Irish Anchor Code gradually taking effect With the publication of British Standard BS 8539 imminent, we asked Bryan Carroll, technical director of Masonry Fixings, Dublin, to reflect on its antecedent, the Irish Health & Safety Authority’s ‘Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Anchors’, which has now been in force for just over two years.

T

he Irish HSA Code owns its existence to a combination of a fatal accident and the passion and personal commitment of one man. The accident killing a construction worker on a Dublin construction site, proved to be substantially attributable to the unauthorised and inappropriate substitution of specified concrete anchors for shorter length alternatives. The fixings supplier to the site was Masonry Fixings and while the Dublin company was quickly and totally exonerated in the subsequent investigation the experience catalysed Bryan Carroll into becoming the major driving force behind the development and publication of the Irish HSA Code.

The Code was designed as a ‘user-friendly’ practical guide to designers, specifiers and installers in ensuring observance of Irish safety at work and construction regulations. As such the Code effectively has force of law, and contraventions of its guidance can be admissable in evidence in subsequent legal proceedings.

The Code came into operation on 17th May 2010 by which time the Irish construction industry had plunged into probably the deepest recession it has ever known.

Two years on and the question to Bryan Carroll is whether, with the benefit of hindsight, he would had done anything different. He acknowledges the Code was developed in “a hostile environment” in the sense that it stemmed from the fatal accident, and was put together while the court case relating to that accident was in process. “It would have been nicer if it had come out of a wider recognition of the need to regulate the industry. We did put the Code together under a bit of pressure but on the other hand, without that pressure, it is doubtful it would ever have seen the light of day.” He has no doubts about the final Code, though: “it is definitely a good document. Initially people in the industry thought it was more legislation and paperwork but they’ve come to recognise it does actually simplify things. There is a straight forward form (FM-01), that gathers all the information needed to ensure accurate anchor design and specification. Then the anchor manufacturer’s design software printout can be accepted as the FM-02 anchor specification form.”

Importantly, these forms provide the basis for accurate and informed change management. “Previously, change management was difficult – you didn’t know what the load was, whether the concrete was cracked or non-cracked, what the strength was,” says Bryan. “The consultant may well have done the specification six months previously, and for him there is no incentive at all to redo his work. Now with the Code, change management can be

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carried out easily because all of the information needed is there.”

“Once you change anything, of course, you effectively become the designer, and take on all the responsibilities that includes.

That said, if you are using the data from the calculations based on ETAG data, where’s your risk?”

There is some disappointment that, over the two years, the Irish HSA has not been energetic in pushing the adoption of the Code but Bryan Carroll is pragmatic. “Unfortunately and regretably they didn’t. That has largely been because its introduction coincided with the wheels coming off the Irish economy and the HSA themselves have downsized. A lot of the people involved in the Code’s development have gone.”

That said, he believes “most of the big contractors have bought into it and are now also asking the sub contractors on-site ‘do you comply with the Irish Code of Practice, do your anchors have ETAs, do you have the FM-02 form?’.”

“Then there is an FM-03 form that the installer has to complete to confirm correct installation procedure and that the correct dimension and type of anchor has been installed. The fact that he now has to sign off on that makes him think a bit more and realise there might be repercussions on him.”

Significantly, because it was issued by the Irish HSA, the Code has force of law. In that respect BS 8539, on the development of which Bryan Carroll has advised extensively, differs. “Here, if you don’t comply and something goes wrong, particularly if someone is hurt, legal liability is clear. The BS code will not have the same status although it is likely to be deemed best practice, so in the event something went wrong and was down to incorrect installation the content of the Code would almost certainly be admissable in evidence”.

For Bryan Carroll the BS Code has “provided the opportunity to address the few shortcomings we have learnt about over

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S the last two years, particularly as we did not really have the opportunity to test the forms in practice before they were enshrined in the Irish Code.”

One feature of the Irish Code, though, he is sorry will not feature in the British Standard. “It was important to us that the Code was not just written for qualified engineers or consultants.

We wanted the guys on the site to understand not just their responsibilities but the importance of getting things right. That’s why we built in the information boxes with the little anchor cartoon figure. We wanted it to be friendly in delivering sound practical advice to really improve practice on the site.”

“There is still a massive learning curve for people to go through,” says Bryan, “and its not just the guys on the site. We’ve had ETAs since 1997 but we still come across people out there, including engineers, that have never heard of an ETAG.”

“ It’s all about knowledge and understanding. The Code has highlighted the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the connection.”

So can he feel the effect of the Code? “Yes, definitely but it is a slow burn. There is still a resistance from some people that feel it is complicating their lives and want it to go away.” The other criticism is that the Code is potentially anti-competitive.

Bryan Carroll does not see it that way. “Actually it takes away a lot of the smoke and mirrors that were used before. It’s all totally transparent and provides a system to make informed and accurate change decisions.”

“It’s all about knowledge and understanding,” Bryan continues.

“The Code has highlighted the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the connection. Now if you are negligent there is no question that you are legally liable. Hopefully, that will encourage people to go and learn something.”

The Code, however, has not yet found its way onto the curriculum of the national colleges around Ireland, something Bryan Carroll contrasts unfavourably with technical education methods in Germany. “The trouble is the anchors are a tiny percentage of the total cost of a project. People get all excited about the specification of major components but forget it is the anchor bolt that is holding it all together.”

He has concerns also about the superficiality of understanding on occasions. “On one hand it is a great thing that the younger guys are computer literate. The risk is that they don’t necessarily understand what is behind the software they are using. As I always tell them at CPD seminars, the software from whichever

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manufacturer is only a fancy front end calculator for a European guideline and technical approval structure, which also needs to be understood. There are still too few people at the top end trying to educate people and promote best practice.”

In the face of the incredibly tough economic environment in Ireland over the last two years does he feel the presence of the code has helped to resist the inevitable temptations to substitute lower performance or safety products to reduce costs? “Yes, definitely,” he says. “If you look at our own business, there has been a disproportionate impact from the economic crisis. Where we have found it very tough is with the commodity products. We have been far more effective at holding onto the structural and safety critical business because we are seen to possess a real technical expertise in these products. The Code has helped to create a recognition that the cost of getting it wrong is actually much greater than the cost of using approved fixings. It’s not just the risk of an accident, it is the potential commercial cost of having to go back and put things right.”

So it was worth the massive effort he personally put into the project? “It’s the carrot and stick situation. I was there out of true passion and love of anchors. I felt this should be treated as a document to regulate, to improve and to enforce best practice in the industry – not something that sat on the shelf gathering dust until some fella gets it wrong, when it is taken down and used to hit him over the head.”

That disappointment, though, is tempered. “The more responsible players in the industry have definitely started to push it and you can see good effects slowly coming through.”

One thing is for sure, Bryan Carroll remains as passionate as ever about promoting best practice in the industry, however long it takes.

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

Barbara Sorgato secretary to the European Consortium of Anchor Producers

CE marking for anchors for seismic zones coming soon May’s earthquake in Emilia, Italy, put the spotlight on one of the peculiarities of some European regions: seismicity. Barbara Sorgato of ECAP writes about the implications for CE marking of concrete anchors for use in earthquake vulnerable areas.

T

he European earthquake hazard map shows that the highest earthquake hazard is mainly concentrated in southeastern areas of Europe, e.g. Greece, Italy and Romania. As it is well known, according to the theory of plate tectonics, most earthquakes occur along the margins of plates, where one plate comes into contact with another, developing shear stresses and accumulating energy that is suddenly released as seismic waves. Such is the case in Emilia – on the basis of the events registered during the last 500 years not considered in the actual code as a particularly high seismic hazard area.

The most serious damage caused by this earthquake was the collapse of several industrial buildings. The connections between slabs and beams or beams and columns (not designed according to seismic design criteria since it was not mandatory) did not resist the seismic action.

Therefore, the attention of designers is now focused on strengthening/reinforcement of the structural elements of industrial buildings, with the use of bi- and tri-dimensional steel connections and related post-installed anchoring systems.

The basic questions for designers are about product choice (“which anchor should I use?”) and its design (“How do I use it?”).

Whilst Europe already has a code for the design of structures for earthquake resistance, the Eurocode 8, CE marked anchors for seismic zones are not yet available. The good news is that the CE marking is coming, which will establish extremely strict criteria, to safeguard all European territories, particularly the seismic regions.

“Tomorrow is here”, says the Italian song “Domani 21-04-2009”, composed in the aftermath of Italian earthquake which occured in L’Aquila, in 2009. We hope it also applies to CE marked anchors.

Let’s have a look at the present normative situation in Europe regarding anchors for seismic zones.

researches to provide data for the assessment of suitable testing methods. ECAP played its part and commissioned the structural engineering department of the Milan University “Politecnico di Milano” - involved for 10 years in the drafting of EOTA guidelines - with its research.

“ CE marking is coming, which will establish extremely strict criteria, to safeguard all European territories, particularly the seismic regions.”

In the meanwhile, to compensate for the lack of a European standard or guideline, other seismic certifications are circulating in Europe. The best known is the US certification called ICC-ES (USA Norm: ACI 355.2 based on USA design ACI 318). It is important to mention this certification, as, due to the panic created by the Italian earthquake and to the lack of public information on the pending CE marking, anchors with Anchors (in general) Anchors for use in seismic zones this certification may be used Annex E (“Earthquake”): under CE marking based on European Product in structural applications for discussion since 2007. The document Technical Approvals (EOTA industrial buildings in seismic has been finalised and the CE marking Guideline: ETAG 001 and related zones, whilst, according to the will be available soon. amendments/integrations). coming CE marking, they are UNI CEN/TS 1992 – 4:2009 Code under review.

Design suitable only in specific cases and (Eurocode). never for seismicity higher than “low” (as defined in the EC8).

The imminent CE marking on anchors for seismic zones will Let’s explain why. It is not strictly a question of products, but be an EOTA CE marking, based on an amendment of the EOTA guideline ETAG 001, called Annex E (“Earthquake”). The technical a question of design and of test protocol. When a new norm is introduced, it is common practice to consider other existing discussions for this CE marking has taken over five years, codes and certification, and to refer to them with the aim of during which the European Industry commissioned technical

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achieving, as far as is possible, a common worldwide normative approach. So, at the outset of the work on EOTA Annex E, the US certification and other proposals were first considered and analysed. With great marketing anticipation, the US certification was duly promoted all over Europe.

As, during the normative works, it became clear that the assumptions of the US certification, and its related US design, were not consistent with the European design code Eurocode 8 and that it could have caused safety problems, the US certification has been strongly opposed by some member states where seismic actions play a major role.

To conclude the works, in April 2012 the EOTA Working Group reached the following compromise: the European CE marking will consider two basic categories, with different test protocols, and related to different seismicity levels and building classes.

Category C2 foresees a much more strict test protocol than Category C1, and it will be suitable for structural applications in Europe in civil and industrial buildings, including schools, hospitals, fire stations, power plants, etc (Classes II, III and IV of Eurocode 8, 1998-1:2004, Tab. 4.3). Category C1 is based on the US certification, and will be permitted for applications in buildings of minor importance for public safety, like e.g. agricultural buildings (Class I of Eurocode 8, see above). It will furthermore be permitted in ordinary buildings and in schools, assembly halls, etc, but ONLY IN LOW SEISMICITY ZONES and NON-STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS. CE marked anchors for seismic areas will be on the market soon. While waiting for the entrance onto the market of anchors with CE marking for use in seismic zones, ECAP recommends the use of anchors with an European Technical Approval for cracked concrete, in the case of structural applications in civil and industrial buildings in seismic zones. www.ecap-sme.org

About Barbara Sorgato Barbara Sorgato is secretary general of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers. She is a member of the EOTA Technical Committee 06.01/03 “Anchors” and CEN Technical Committee TC250/SC2/WG2 “Design of fastenings for use in concrete” (design of anchors within the Eurocode 2). She is also recognised by NORMAPME as an expert for the sectors: anchors, direct fastening and wood screws.

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

BS 8539:2012 Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry In October this year a new British Standard will be published, setting out the roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the use of anchors. The Construction Fixings Association regards this as potentially the most significant step forward in the use of construction fixings in the UK since the advent of European Technical Approvals. Mark Salmon, who leads the BSI drafting panel on behalf of the CFA, explains why he believes the Code is necessary and what it means to distributors.

Why do we need a code of practice for fixings?

Who is the Code aimed at?

For years the CFA has monitored so called “accidents” in which fixings have failed. On www.fixingscfa.co.uk there are a series of articles under the heading “Fixing failures”. These discuss a fatal collapse during construction; the death of a car passenger six years after the anchors that failed had been installed; and the collapse of a suspended ceiling in a school, also some time after installation, in which thankfully no one was hurt because the room was empty at the time. These examples were chosen to highlight that everyone in the fixings chain can be responsible to some degree or another for such failures. There have been other examples and the number of failures is almost certainly well under reported.

It was the investigation into one of these accidents, in Dublin, that prompted the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland to publish its own ‘Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Anchors’. That document formed the starting point for the drafting of BS 8539:2012.

Everyone involved in the use of fixings from the manufacturers and specifiers through distributors to contractors, installers and testers.

What’s in it for the distributor?

Responsibilities and opportunities. The Code clearly states the responsibilities for distributors (referred to as suppliers) in providing the necessary information to enable specifiers to select the correct anchor and to enable contractors to install them correctly. This can usually be achieved simply by passing on the

The main causes of fixing failures The investigation of fixing failures reveals many influencing factors but it is often the coming together of several issues that causes the actual failure. In the writer’s experience, the top three causes are: the wrong fixing being selected in the first place, the specified fixing being changed without proper care, and poor installation. There are of course others.

So how might a fixings distributor contribute to any of these causes? Well, if you are asked for a particular fixing that you don’t stock and offer an alternative without pointing out that the full selection procedure needs to be repeated with the alternative fixing, you might unwittingly cause the wrong fixing to be used.

If you sell anchors without the correct setting equipment this may lead to them being incorrectly set and failing as a result.

If you fail to ensure the installer knows how the anchor should be set you could be one of three parties failing to live up to their responsibilities in this respect.

100 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

manufacturer’s information. Less overtly stated is the opportunity the Code affords you in justifying your recommendation to your customer that they should use the most appropriate anchor, usually one carrying a European Technical Approval, and not the cheapest.

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C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S What does it cover?

The clues are in the title. “Post-installed” anchors are those set in drilled holes rather than cast-in channels or sockets.

The Code does not cover so-called “direct fastenings” such as powered fasteners (shot fired or gas nailing).

Concrete refers to both cracked and un-cracked structures.

Anchors may be qualified for use in either cracked concrete OR un-cracked concrete only but we should remember that effectively the vast majority of concrete structures are cracked – it’s the nature of concrete - and deciding whether the concrete on a particular job is cracked or not is the job of a structural engineer. To be on the safe side we should always point the customer in the direction of an anchor approved for use in cracked concrete.

“ The applications covered by the Code are all those which may be regarded as safety critical.”

Masonry covers brickwork, stonework and blockwork. The Code tends to concentrate on brickwork but the principles apply to all types of masonry. While there are ETAGs covering the use of resin anchors and plastic anchors in several categories of masonry, their selection is not too straightforward. If the masonry units of a job are not at least as large and as strong as the masonry units referred to in the ETA then special tests must be carried out on-site to determine the allowable load. The Code allows two different test regimes to be used for this and a further two for the case of anchors without ETA. The applications covered by the Code are all those which may be regarded as safety critical. If the failure of an anchor could lead to anyone getting hurt that application is covered by the Code and almost certainly warrants an anchor with an ETA. One of six annexes deals with the selection of anchors. It contains two flow charts, one for concrete and one for masonry.

In both charts the question is asked: “Is the application statically determinate or indeterminate?” Applications in which the failure of just one anchor might lead to the failure of the supported structure are statically determinate. Applications where there is a degree of redundancy, such that the failure of one anchor would be catered for by load sharing among its neighbours, are statically indeterminate. Anchors with ETA may be qualified to cater for one or both of these conditions. This is one of many reasons why the selection of the anchor is the responsibility of the specifier.

102 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Many other aspects of the selection process are covered, such as anchor positioning, corrosion, the direction and nature of loading as well as practicalities such as the need for immediacy of loading, and catering (at the selection stage) for the installer hitting reinforcement during drilling.

How easy is it to understand?

We have tried to make it as clear as possible but all British Standards are written in “Standard” English, a language where everything is heavily qualified lest someone should interpret a phrase or sentence in the wrong way. The terminology used in the Code is therefore very specific and certain terms have very precise meanings. The Code makes a clear distinction between the “Selection” and the “Design” of a fixing, and between the role of the “Specifier” and that of the “Designer”.

It is the subject of loads that will probably cause most confusion among non-engineers. A load will now be either an “action” or a “resistance”. The action is the load coming from the fixture. The resistance is the capability of the anchor to resist the action. That may sound straightforward but once we start introducing partial safety factors and you realise that the ETA system has no equivalent to the “recommended load” you will see why the CFA intends to publish a series of guides to cover various aspects including terminology and loads, together with one for each of the key stakeholders – specifiers, distributors, contractors/installers and testers.

What are the key messages?

Within its eighty or so pages there is a great deal of advice, much aimed at the specifier and plenty for the installer, but the language used in writing standards means that some messages are somewhat hidden. For instance, the Code does not state, as the Irish Code does, that an anchor with an ETA MUST be used.

This is for two reasons. The first is that sometimes, despite the large number of ETA anchors now available and the wide range of applications, base materials and anchor types they cover, there may be some special applications for which one does not exist. In those rare cases, anchors without ETA may be used.

The second is that the BS Code is a standard and has to follow international rules, which forbid the use of the word MUST together with any reference to third party endorsements such as approvals. You will therefore notice advice in the foreword stating, “Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of selecting anchors with a European Technical Approval (ETA).” Throughout the text reference is made to “Anchors qualified according to ETAG” instead of “Anchors with an ETA”. But the message we hope is clear. If available, an anchor with an ETA SHOULD be used. That way everyone’s interests are much better covered: be they seller, specifier, contractor, installer or, most importantly, building user.

Another strong message is aimed at preventing accidents such as the fatal one in Dublin, which saw several parties taken to court. The message is that an anchor specification may be changed but only if the proper procedure is followed. All too often contractors use a different anchor to the one specified, either to save money or because getting hold of the specified anchor is a bit awkward. If an anchor is properly specified this will be the result of a thorough consideration of all the relevant influencing factors and a design process to select the correct size, using

manufacturer’s technical data, usually contained in the ETA and often best done via software. Simply changing to another anchor, which looks similar or has similar headline performance in a catalogue, is not good enough. Nor is a site test to a proof load. Neither of these approaches verifies the safety factor as thoroughly as the full design process. The manufacturer whose anchors you sell should be able to support you in changing specifications properly.

The passing of correct information among the various stakeholders is also a key feature – a whole section is devoted to it.

What else is in the Code?

Inevitably a whole section is devoted to installation. The installer should be competent, use the right tools and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The Code takes five pages to discuss that.

If you also offer a testing service you will be interested to see that the tester is treated as a key player in the fixings chain and allocated responsibilities, which include carrying out the test to the correct procedure and recording results.

While the Code spells out the test regimes (how many tests, to what load and how to analyse the results) the detailed procedures (how to apply the load, with what equipment, how to monitor movement) are to be published in a revised version of the CFA Guidance Note: Procedure for site testing construction fixings – 2012, which, along with several other CFA Guidance Notes, will be referred to in the Code.

“ Simply changing to another anchor, which looks similar or has similar headline performance in a catalogue, is not good enough.”

Capitalising on the opportunity By becoming familiar with the recommendations of the Code you will be in a position to give appropriate advice to your customers. This will help safeguard your liability and possibly theirs. Used well it could help you sell premium products rather than unqualified ones at low margins.

The existence of the Code of practice will not in itself prevent a single accident or save a single life. Following its recommendations and encouraging those we have contact with to do the same just might. www.fixingscfa.co.uk

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FO C U S O N C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S

July 2012

Construction Fixings This issue’s Focus On is dedicated to Construction Fixings. Suppliers of products within this market sector have provided details of their capabilities along with up to date contact and product information.

Coming up in the next issue…

Sheet Metal Contact Claire Lake Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 508 email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH One stop shop - Three strong brands together with a high competence in development, production and sales of fastening systems and screws.

Since March 2009 Apolo MEA Fastening Systems is part of the international Grupo CELO. Since then the customers of Apolo MEA profit from three strong brands: Apolo MEA, Apolo and CELO. The core competences are: Apolo MEA: Fixings (nylon, metal and chemical anchors) Apolo: Fixing supports for electrical and sanitary trade

(clamps, rails, gas nailer and accessories) CELO: Large assortment of screws like chipboard screws,

but also customized screws • A wide range of first class light duty fasteners produced in Aichach, Bavaria. Customized products possible.

• High quality metal anchors – approved and reliable. New Option 1 wedge anchor BAZ available.

• High-performance chemical fastening systems ResiFIX – for everyone the appropriate system.

• Chipboard screws and screws for structural woodwork VELOX® ETA approved, patented, available since July 2012.

• Clamps, clips, rails and special fixings/accessories for electrical and sanitary trade. Well known and preferred Abranyl® clamp.

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E.U.R.O. Tec GmbH

Martyn Price Fasteners

EuroTec – The Specialist for Fastening Technology

Martyn Price Fasteners, a major wholesaler of bolts, nuts, washers, standard fasteners and special Fasteners; is also a major stockist of ‘Fixings’.

Offers a wide range of constructional fasteners like 1:

PanelTwistec – countersunk or flanged head for higher pull-through resistance, from 3,5 – 10 mm ø, in different coatings and material compositions.

Cut point and milling thread for easy and fast screwing; blades under the csk-head for easy countersinking.

Flanged head 8 mm ø screw with approval also for fastening strong insulation material for over rafter insulation.

2: TopDuo – sister of PanelTwistec with approval for fastening soft insulation material for over rafter insulation.

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KonstruX – for all connections in wood element constructions, prefab house constructions, hall constructions, carpentry.

No pilot-drilling, highest load transmission. Best value for money. Approvals available.

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104 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Our biggest selling concrete and masonry fixing is the standard ‘Through Bolt’ bright zinc plated; this product is extensively stocked and competitively priced.

Martyn Price also stock a range of shield anchors, sleeve anchors, standard hammerset anchors, lipped hammerset anchors and expansion anchors; give us a call.

A number of other fixing associated products along with resins are available from stock, details are available as a PDF as well as technical details for polyester resins, all available on our website below.

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FO C U S O N C O N S T R U C T I O N F I X I N G S pgb-Polska z.o.o.

Roberlo S.A

Manufacturer of ETA approved construction fixings

Roberlo invests in new ETA certificates.

pgb-Polska is the Polish production plant of pgb-Europe (headquartered in Belgium), specialized in the manufacturing of innovative nylon anchoring systems. It offers high performance fixing systems and a full range of packing possibilities to provide fastening solutions for every branch in the construction industry.

SMART FRAME ANCHORS: ETA approved, easy to install (pushthrough installation) and all-round suitability for many substrates such as concrete, solid brick and perforated bricks. The full assortment on offer includes total fixing lengths ranging from 60 mm to 230 mm. The enclosed screw is available with countersunk head PZ3, T40, hexagonal head SW13, or hexagonal head SW13 with pressed-on washer and T40.

SMART THROUGH BOLTS: apart from the ETA option 1 through bolts, pgb-Polska also offers through bolts with ETA option 7 for non-cracked concrete. This cost-effective anchor is available in zinc plated version, type “SMK” from M6 to M20. Stainless steel A4 upon demand. A nice feature are the setting marks on the body which assist correct mounting of the anchor.

For a full scope of our products, we invite you to visit our website or just call us for further details!

Certifying a product is a procedure that ensures that a product or service is according to the standards of a market, whether they are mandatory or voluntary. The main target of Roberlo is having the appropriate certificates aiming to the success of its market.

Roberlo is working together with DIBTs (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) in order to get a new ETA for Vinylester Styrene Free product. R&D head of the project confirmed that “it is going to be one of the most complete ETAs in the market including the formula for Low Temperatures”.

On the other hand, Roberlo also started preparing ETAs for Polyester Styrene Free and Pure Epoxy in collaboration with ITEC (Instituto de Tecnología de la Construcción de Catalunya).

Once they are all approved, Roberlo will have a full range of products ETA certified.

All in all, Roberlo products have been certified by an ETA since 2007 and they are convinced that this is one of the keys of their high annually growth.

email: piotr.baczkowski@pgb-polska.com www.pgb-polska.com

Tel: +34 972 478 060

RS FASTENERS & FIXINGS LTD

Shin Chun Enterprise Co., Ltd.

RS Fasteners & Fixings Ltd, based in UK & having manufacturing facility in India . We are supplying to whole sellers & distributors in Electrical, Plumbing & HEVAC sectors.

Winer Screw® - With special design on thread - Diamond type with jag, the drilling torque is easily reduced but no obvious change to fastening function like pull-out strength etc.

Compared with normal chipboard screw, the reduction of drilling torque can be around 30% (Test by Asia Technical Services by using Schatz VE Germany. Samples specification: 5X80/50mm, double flat head.)

Our Parent company “Strut Support Systems” an ISO 9001:2000 organisation certified by TUV: DAR, Germany. We are a manufacturer and exporter of wide range of STRUT FRAMING, CABLE SUPPORT AND PIPE SUPPORT ACCESSORIES from India.

All our products are produced in accordance with BS 6946 – 1988 standard.

Please have a look and let us know your interest.

• Strut Channel Slotted & Plain • Spring nuts • Strut Brackets • Pipe Clamps / Strut clamps • Cantilever arms • PVC End Caps & Closure strips for channels • Bolts, Nuts, Washers, Rod connectors etc.

• Threaded rods • EMT Conduits & Fitting • Flexible Conduits & Fittings • FASTENERS- Hex Bolt , Hex nut, Roofing Bolt and nuts.

email: info@roberlo.com

Winer Screw® can be applied on the usage for various kinds of wood construction. Especially for long screws and hard wood, the longer the screw is or the harder the wood is, the better you can feel the difference. With lower drilling-torque, screw-drilling work becomes easier, quicker, and less power.

ColorGuard® - A perfect solution for surface treatment, applicable widely for fasteners. With non-Chrome Zinc coating, high-grade Polymer Organic binder and top coat, ColorGuard® offers strong surface protection against corrosion (S.S.T., Kesternich test, etc.) but no harm to environment. Furthermore, we offer you many colors, with which you can easily make sure you drilled right-sized screws, and also makes the work more beautiful and interesting.

You can find more products on our website below: Tel: +44 (0) 1902 771 602

www.strutsupportsystems.com

email: paul@sce.com.tw

www.sce.com.tw

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Keighley Laboratories trains the next generation Enjoying an excellent start to 2012 and scheduled to start work on a new factory extension this summer, Keighley Laboratories is keen to recruit and train its next generation of skilled heat treatment technicians and metallurgists to pave the way for further growth.

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ith many of its qualified staff approaching retirement age over the next decade, succession planning is now a priority for identifying and developing personnel with the potential to fill future leadership positions. Two of Keighley Laboratories’ bright young prospects are enrolled on the new BTEC Diploma in manufacturing engineering at Bradford College, while the company is currently training a cohort of three apprentices and maintains an in-house programme of skills training and career development.

Debbie Mellor, MD of Keighly Labs, is an enthusiastic supporter of the new BTEC Level 3 Diploma in manufacturing engineering. Redesigned in collaboration with members of the Contract Heat Treatment Association and revised to fit the new Qualifications & Credit Framework, which cumulatively awards credits for individual learning units, the course now includes modules relevant to metallurgy and heat treatment, including the structure and properties of metals, mechanical and thermal treatment, and metallurgical techniques. Keighley Labs has enrolled one trainee from induction hardening and another from its inspection department on the two year programme, in the pilot intake of a dozen sponsored students, and expects to fund

another two people each year.

Although some of the thermal heat treatment processes are still physically demanding, Keighley Laboratories’ work involves a growing number of high technology roles that would appeal to today’s computer generation. These include the application of spectroscopy to the analysis of metal components, the use of metallographic microscopes for examining the microstructure of specimens, the programming of PLC-controlled furnace processing routines, the skilled operation of non-destructive testing and inspection instruments and, when the new factory building comes on stream, the introduction of ‘cleaner’ heat treatment processes.

“Since we work with advanced industries like aerospace, automotive, energy, defence and petrochemicals, Keighley Labs and the heat treatment sector generally need the skilled technicians, metallurgists and managers of tomorrow and can offer properly-defined career paths,” explains Debbie Mellor.

“Nowadays, apprenticeships are not about training people to do a single job for life, they are about unlocking their full personal potential. After all, I started as an office junior and progressed to become managing director.”

New NOF high performance topcoats With the aim of expanding its topcoat range (PLUS®, DACROLUB®), NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP recently launched its new GEOKOTE® line of topcoats.

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ike other topcoats it is applied onto GEOMET® 321 or 500 zinc flake coatings, thus enabling the increase, with a very thin layer, of the anti-corrosion performance of coated parts while providing new features. The new features of the GEOKOTE® range includes resistance to chemicals, controlled tribological properties, as well as additional anti-corrosion and abrasion performance.

The GEOKOTE® topcoat is also particularly well adapted for manufacturers and users of fasteners (screws, nuts, tightening clips) by providing them optimal strength and mount-ability properties. The GEOKOTE® topcoat also helps to avoid the stick-slip effect when tightening.

MGI COUTIER selects the GEOKOTE® topcoat MGI COUTIER manufactures and assembles parts for the automotive industry, such as door check straps that are highly stressed. The company wanted to develop a very high performing

anti-corrosion solution, even after very harsh use simulated by various test cycles.

Two solutions were chosen - the application of a GEOMET® 321 coat and a clear or black GEOKOTE® topcoat. Mr Sébastien Leclerc, project manager at MGI COUTIER explains: “We wanted a new coating combining both a strong corrosion and mechanical resistance. The GEOMET® 321 zinc flake coating with a GEOKOTE® topcoat provides us with the compromise sought regarding the preservation of the corrosion performance after the numerous mechanical stresses exerted on parts. From the tests performed we have selected two options: a black topcoat and a clear topcoat.”

The whole range of GEOKOTE® topcoats is available worldwide.

It can be used with dip or spray processes on the lines of NOF METAL COATINGS GROUP’s global applicators network.

Dual-spindle thread rollers The new dual-spindle thread rollers from Videx Machine Engineering Ltd are designed to roll threads above and below the shoulder, with the possibility of the threads being either different or similar.

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idex explains that the two heads are independent, eliminating influence of one on the other, enabling use of simple and economical rolling dies.

Other advantages of the new dual-spindle thread rollers include independent adjustments assuring better quality of thread; high production speeds as the second operation does not slow down the machine; inexpensive tooling and full control of the quality of each rolling operation; and less handling, eliminating possibility of mixing parts.

Videx highlights that both stations have controlled thread rolling start, hydraulic clamping, zero-taper mechanism for parallel threads and micrometric thread pressure screws, as well as an AC speed controller, automatic air shut-off and two operator control panels.

106 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Simple and quick inspection solution San Shing says that to ensure that the quality of products is always at a consistently high standard, inspection has to be executed at each manufacturing process point. This ensures that unqualified products due to tools life, wire quality, mechanical failure or other factors can be discovered instantly.

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an Shing has developed two new series of measurement system - SBM-35L and SXM-30S to replace traditional measurement devices such as optical projectors (2D), surface profilers or hand measurement tools such as micrometers or internal gauges. The new systems are equipped with high precision telecentric lenses and collimated illuminator to achieve precise measurement accuracy so that measurement error due to negligence of operator can be avoided.

The SBM-35L is specially designed for fast inspection purpose of bolt products during the manufacturing process so that quality control can be implemented on each manufacturing process. The measurement data obtained from each process can be utilised for complete process capability analysis and failure tracking.

The SXM-30S is designed for measurement of cylindrical parts such as punch with a high mix low volume characteristic. The measurement and dimension marking are done automatically without presetting requirement.

Furthermore, the reading can be dragged and pasted directly to the engineering drawing; no handwriting or form filling is required. In addition, the complete information can be saved or printed easily for data management.

SBM-35L bolt measurement system

SXM-30S cylindrical parts measurement system

www.sanshing.com.tw

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Continuous development Wrentham Tool Group (WTG) has been a supplier of cold heading tools since its founding in Wrentham, MA, USA, in 1948. WTG has undergone many changes since then including ISO 9001:2008 certification and continues to re-invent itself to better serve the ever-changing global market.

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TG says that as a result of its dedication to continuously expand its product line and operations, it now has one of the widest ranges of hot and cold-headed tools.

In July 2010, WTG purchased RICO and Astro from PCC. RICO and Astro are known for their high quality industrial, automotive, and aerospace punches and associated tooling. As a result of this acquisition, Wrentham Tool Products was renamed Wrentham Tool Group. The close proximity of RICO/Astro allowed WTG to retain most of its highly skilled workforce.

In April 2012, Wrentham acquired the Acument Pin Shop from the Camcar group. The Acument Pin Shop was the preliminary manufacturing location for TORX®, TORX PLUS®, and TORX PLUS AUTOSERT® blanks for use as the basic raw material for manufacturing finished tools. With this acquisition came a maturing of Wrentham’s identity from a header tool supplier into a supplier for heading tool manufacturers. As part of this acquisition, Wrentham acquired the machines, dies, and supportive tooling for production of a full range of internal and external TORX®, TORX PLUS®, and TORX PLUS AUTOSERT® recesses.

WTG states that its mission is to “provide world-class quality, value pricing and unparalleled customer service”. To achieve these goals WTG has dedicated significant financial and human

resources to ensure success. WTG has expanded its product line and offerings to include the latest fastener recess innovations such as Mortorq® Super, Hexstix®, and TTAP, as well as a proprietary MOAC coating, and a new line of Black Diamond pen and plug gauges. WTG also manufactures a full array of carbide and steel heading tools including hex inserts, hex pins, and trim dies.

Finally, WTG has increased stock levels and appointed sales agents in strategic locations around the world to better serve the customer. www.wrenthamtool.com

CAN-ENG to supply tube quench and temper system CAN-ENG Furnaces International has been contracted to supply a large diameter tube quench and temper system for FIBA Technologies Millbury, Ma, USA.

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he system will be utilised to heat treat alloy steel tubes in the 14 inch – 24 inch (36cm – 61cm) OD range by lengths up to 40 feet long (12.2m) and wall thickness up to 1.625 inches (4.1cm). Since the tube ends are hot spun to form closed vessels prior to heat treatment, special consideration is given to tube restraint in the quenching technology.

The continuous austentising furnace will come equipped with the latest in recuperative burner technology. The overall line layout of approximately 250 feet (75m) with offset quenching system will be installed in the Greater Worcester Massachusetts area.

This is the second order that CAN-ENG has received from FIBA Technologies, the first being in 2002. A first quarter 2013 start-up is planned.

FIBA is a global leader in the field of industrial gas containment equipment producing seamless pressure vessels, tube trailers, and related equipment with locations throughout the United States and Taiwan.

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Ewald Dörken AG wins award for creative ideas They possess excellent inventive energy, exemplary innovation processes and successfully bridge the gap between idea and market success: the most innovative SMEs in Germany. On 22nd June they were awarded the ‘Top 100’ seal of quality by Ranga Yogeshwar in Friedrichshafen. Ewald Dörken AG of Herdecke was amongst the award winners for the third time.

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nnovation is not limited to new products or processes amongst the 720 employees of Ewald Dörken AG: the company also promotes innovation by acquiring firms and thus expanding its production capability. The promotion of and focus on the new is therefore a central component of the corporate strategy. This can be witnessed specifically in the corporate development department, founded approximately one year ago. Here four employees keep a keen eye out for innovation opportunities for the four business fields of laminated construction sheets, house paints, colorants and corrosion protection systems.

When developing new products Dörken likes to follow new paths: such as with the so-called contradiction-oriented innovation strategy, known as WOIS. Developed at the Coburg University of Applied Sciences, this innovation philosophy helps to think in new directions and generate new growth. “By opening up to new ideas we can prevent organisational blindness and avoid becoming entrenched in old thought patterns,” says marketing employee Jörn Selent, when describing the benefits of the method.

from examination of economic viability to the pilot phase at the customer.

New standards set Numerous innovations from Herdecke have undergone such processes and are today successful products - or at least well on the way to becoming so. For example, in 2011 Dörken MKSSysteme GmbH & Co KG developed a sealing with integrated lubricant that sets completely new technological standards with regard to fulfilling the highest requirements of German automobile manufacturers as far as the surfaces of screws in bodywork and engine construction is concerned. Delta-Protekt® VH 301.1 GZ prevents stick-slip effects when applying chromium(VI)-free surfaces against e-coated surfaces in particularly difficult applications. The topcoat can also be assembled against aluminium without problems and satisfies the requirements of the new VW standard 1131-1/2, such as double tightening in the yield point against aluminium or five times fastening with e-coated surfaces. The new surface has already been employed in various installation areas with both lightweight constructions and the difficult applications stated and has proved itself capable of solving the installation problems there.

The thorough test procedure

However, even the best theoretical framework conditions would be wasted if the innovative spirit was not carried over into the operational business. At Dörken there is particular focus on the employees as providers of ideas. An effective aid in this has proved to be the company database, which supports the workforce beyond the national borders in the form of a CRM system with connected project management program. Here it is possible for anyone to feed in their ideas without first having to overcome high hurdles. Accompanied by a process tool, the ideas then progress step by step through further development stages -

112 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Prof Dr Nikolaus Franke and his team from Vienna University of Economics and Business ran the rule over the innovations management of 281 SMEs. The best of these were awarded the ‘Top 100’ seal of quality. Board member Karl Dörken is delighted with the award and praises the team performance in particular: “The Top 100 award is proof that we are on the right course with our innovation strategy. Laying out structures and creating processes and space for innovations is one thing. However, you have to find the right people for this - and we have them.”

In association with the Vienna University of Economics and Business compamedia awarded distinctions to 116 companies (maximum of 100 in each of the three size categories). These include 51 national market leaders and 20 global market leaders. In 2011 all of the companies together generated turnover of around 8.1 billion euros. 100 of them achieved growth beyond the average of the industry in the past three years – an average of 20 percentage points. The SMEs invested 623 million euros in research and development as well as innovation processes in 2011. The companies plan to hire some 6,000 employees in the course of the next three years, an increase in workforce of 12%. www.doerken-mks.com

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

OGL to expand West Midlands based OGL Computer Services Group has announced ambitious plans for expansion of its Stourport site which will result in the recruitment of up to 30 additional staff over the next two years.

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he new facilities, which will nearly double the current square footage, will house additional office, stores and workshop space together with customer training and demonstration suites. OGL, who provide IT solutions and IT support and develops the business software, prof.ITplus, for the fastener and fixings market, was founded in Kidderminster in 1976.

Neil Morris, operations director at OGL said: “With over 50% of our 200 staff residing in Wyre Forest it makes sense to expand our operation here rather than move out of the area. Much of our growth has been in hosted services, also known as cloud computing, and our new offerings of offsite data storage and business continuity have been highly successful. Over the next two years we expect to recruit up to 30 new staff in a variety of areas including research and development, helpdesk support, sales and management. This is an exciting time for OGL with major investment in data centre infrastructure together with extensive development of our software, particularly in the areas of mobile computing and ecommerce.”

Commenting on the plans, Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest, said: “This announcement from OGL is incredibly good news and adds to other positive local news. OGL is a company that I know well and it is a beacon of new technology industries in our district. That it is not just expanding, but expanding in Wyre Forest is a testament to the management’s excellent track record, confidence in their future, and their commitment to our local community. I look forward to working with them to help in any way that I can to deliver both their aspirations and new jobs in Wyre Forest.”

Solarsoft to acquire PSI Solarsoft Business Systems has announced that the shareholders and management of Progressive Solutions Incorporated (PSI) have agreed to accept an offer from Solarsoft to acquire PSI.

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SI, which is privately held, provides specialist enterprise software for producers, manufacturers and distributors in the lumber and building materials supply chain.

Since 1989, PSI has supplied management systems to saw mills, lumber yards and suppliers of construction materials in North America and the UK. Commenting on the transaction, Shawn McMorran, chief executive of Solarsoft Business Systems, stated: “I am delighted to be able to make this announcement because PSI is a great business and an excellent fit with Solarsoft. This acquisition will add significant strength to our offering for distribution and wholesale customers. Furthermore, it brings to Solarsoft a talented and successful team with deep vertical market expertise and a commitment to excellence in customer service. PSI’s customers

will benefit from being supported by a larger organisation with international operations. We see a bright future together.”

Len Williams, president, CEO and founder of PSI, said: “We believe that the combination with Solarsoft will provide fresh momentum to the ongoing development of PSI’s products and services for the benefit of customers, suppliers and employees,” Andy Hovancik, chief operating officer at Solarsoft added: “Solarsoft has an established position in distribution and wholesale systems in the UK and Ireland. Bringing PSI’s market leading applications into Solarsoft will allow us to accelerate our strategic expansion in the lumber and wood products sector. Together, we will continue to develop the outstanding reputation that PSI has built for product innovation, expertise and customer service.”

Infor delivers ERP on IBM PureSystems Infor, a provider of business application software, has announced the availability of Infor ERP on IBM PureSystems, the new expert integrated system from IBM.

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nfor says that its Infor ERP on PureSystems provides a simplified, easy-to-manage, high performance IT environment for core business applications with integration middleware and a user interface that all work together in the same frame with a single plug-in.

“As complexity increases for our customers, they look for solutions that help them move towards standardisation and simplification not just at the application level, but at the infrastructure level as well,” said Charles Phillips, CEO of Infor. He added: “We believe that ultimately delivering a business process enabled by IT systems should be as easy as going to a catalogue, selecting the service and getting it provisioned; and with PureSystems, IBM, has delivered an important step towards this goal.”

The combination of PureSystems and Infor’s industry specific applications, results in deeply integrated hardware and software that is tuned in a ready-to-go workload-optimised system with a broad and open ecosystem of additional solutions. Customers

114 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

typically rely on a portfolio of applications in addition to ERP to support the needs of their business and enhance operations, including CRM, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). PureSystems enables customers to procure and deploy these systems in a matter of minutes, a process that previously took hours if not days.

Infor plans to extend the Infor10 ION Support Adapter to PureSystems, through the IBM PureFlex infrastructure, enabling greater knowledge based support to solve critical business issues. Through the ION Support Adapter, data is collected not only on the application, but also on hardware, connectivity, middleware, and other IT components and transmitted back to Infor. If a support call comes in to Infor Xtreme Support, the expert technicians are able to use this data to address issues more quickly without having to first research the customer’s IT systems in addition to the application.

Fasteners & Fixings Software Merlin Business Software

is a multi-user, fully integrated order processing, stock management and accounting system for Fasteners, Fixings and Ironmongery Stockists.

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We were searching for a product that could help us improve every area of our business, from our trade counter to our accounts department. Each area needed to be linked to give our users access to important information quickly, with no fuss and with simple operation... we have found it!

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... working in partnership with our customers!

Telephone +44 (0)1246 457150

info@merlinbusinesssoftware.com

www.fastenersuppliessoftware.co.uk

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

VECTA via the cloud helps sales boom EDP Plc explains how the adoption of best practice sales techniques has helped fastener and fixing distributors grow, despite tough market conditions.

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uring a time when analysts say competitive pressure is so intense that a third of companies in the industry are making a loss¹, tools to combat this are more critical than ever.

Winning a new customer is known to cost around 5x more than protecting and increasing the value of your existing customers, so in the current tough economic climate, strong opportunity management, high levels of customer retention and a highly productive, informed sales operation are key.

It makes sense to adopt a sales process that delivers in the most profitable areas and pinpoints exactly where opportunities are and where attention is needed. Individually, traditional CRM, BI or spreadsheets are known not to achieve this – VECTA does.

Recognising the value of investing in VECTA to equip their sales team and protect and secure profitability and customer care has helped businesses such as Orbital Fasteners and Sealey Power Products see a boom in sales.

VECTA automatically prompts sales people to pursue opportunities and address drift, translating hard facts from sales

data. It helps to meet targets, efficiently manage customer (and prospect) activity and is quick and easy to use, live via the cloud on laptop, PC, tablet or mobile. It ensures sales teams have a real handle on everything happening within their territory and can prepare effectively for every call.

VECTA constantly evaluates its offering to ensure delivery of best working practice and has recently provided new capabilities including the ability to seamlessly send tasks and appointments to view or share in MS Outlook, helping to improve the communication of scheduled actions; and enhanced opportunity management, enabling better follow up and visibility to ensure nothing is missed.

Martyn Sheppard, business services manager, Screwfix Direct, confirms: “VECTA is the key link in the systems chain which directs our sales people to opportunities within the customer base.

Without VECTA we would spend hours processing and analysing reports, now the team are more proactive and customer focused than ever.”

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http://www.plimsoll.co.uk/industry-report.aspx?Industry=fasteners-fixings

Group further expands market position In fiscal year 2011, DocuWare, document management specialist, again achieved double-digit growth. The greatest boost was seen in the German market, with an increase of 21%, followed by the US market with just under 19%. Worldwide 1,047 new companies chose DocuWare.

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ocuWare says that last year saw it lay the cornerstone for securing the company’s continued growth – sales activities in key markets were intensified, many new dealers were added and several future oriented technologies introduced. Those measures made an impact in 2011: 16.07 million euros revenue, for a total increase of 12.4% (13.6% when adjusted for currency) over the previous year. The software company achieved its best results since DocuWare’s founding in 1988. Resulting project revenue for its network of Authorised DocuWare Partners (ADPs) was 74 million euros.

Innovations driving success According to industry association BITKOM, the document and enterprise content management market grew by 7.8% in 2011 - almost twice as fast as the overall IT market. DocuWare highlights that it has benefited for years from this trend. Thanks its international presence, attractive partner programme and the strengths of its DocuWare software (security, scalability, and ability to integrate), DocuWare says it’s well equipped to stay on this path for success.

Through DocuWare Online the company also offers first document management solutions on real cloud solutions.

In addition, DocuWare also offers document management clients for all popular mobile platforms, from iPhone and iPad to BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7, to Android operating systems for smart phones and tablets.

International expansion pushed With Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital LP (a Morgan Stanley Investment Management private equity fund) investing in the company, DocuWare has substantially expanded its international network of outstanding experts in technology and internet business. A newly formed board made up of seven members will contribute to helping the company further accelerate its growth in the coming years.

116 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Getting a fix on your intangible assets (or don’t get in a fix with your IP) Most businesses know that intellectual property (IP) is important but many are not aware that a comprehensive IP strategy can underpin just about every aspect of a company’s operations, says Jackie Maguire, CEO of Coller IP.

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he world of intellectual property (IP) can seem daunting, especially when it comes to protecting inventions from being copied when trading internationally. Most businesses ensure they have some kind of IP protection, but often that is as far as it goes. Used strategically, however, IP can underpin a business in a number of different ways.

Deploying IP strategically boils down to three key issues, all of which are both important and interdependent. Firstly, you need to understand what you have and the value of it. Secondly, you need to protect it. And finally, you need to consider how to enhance and exploit it.

The first step is to undertake a thorough audit of all the intangible assets in the organisation. Identification of all the valuable intangible assets in a company can be done internally or by calling in outside specialists. Such specialists will, after undertaking an audit, also perform a landscaping exercise in order to fully understand the intangible assets that are of value.

This includes assessing the company’s unique position relative to existing or potential competitors, while at the same time identifying possible opportunities for exploiting any IP further.

The specialist can then put a value on the assets assessed.

“ Firstly, you need to understand what you have and the value of it.

Secondly, you need to protect it. And finally, you need to consider how to enhance and exploit it.”

Next, a company needs to ensure that protection for these assets is as watertight as possible. Having the right patents and trademarks in place is, of course, important. Filing patents, and perhaps registering trademarks and designs is certainly part of this. But a company’s value is contained in its wider

118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

intangible assets. This includes so-called ‘know-how’ as well as branding, skills, policies and processes. Written materials, customer contact lists and bespoke materials can all form part of your intangible assets. If these assets are not protected (or not protected thoroughly enough, for example in each significant country where it may be at risk) there is a real possibility that an organisation could have not just its trading and product names stolen but also its ideas and inventions. Other areas such as employee contracts also need to be considered. Are they written in such a way that they prevent their employees taking ideas and information to a competitor?

Protecting innovative developments Obtaining protection through a granted patent is just one way to protect inventions and ideas. Having patents for innovative developments and your inventions gives you rights to stop others from making, selling, licensing, distributing or otherwise profiting from your invention for a limited period of time in exchange for a public disclosure of that invention.

When it comes to patents, novelty is key and so it is important to know if someone else has also developed something close to your invention, which would prevent it from being claimed as novel. Before starting your patent application, you should therefore undertake a global patent search. It can be quite complex to submit a patent that stands a good chance of being granted, and novelty is one aspect that needs to be considered.

Organisations sometimes forget the need to ensure that nothing is publicly disclosed before full protection is in place.

There are many examples where companies have inadvertently made a public disclosure – at a conference, in a research paper or article, or perhaps in standards meetings. From that point onwards, if a patent application has not been filed, then it may not be deemed new or inventive, and it will be difficult to get a commercially valuable patent for it. In such a case, a business runs the risk of giving away its ideas or inventions for free.

Companies should not forget the important role that trademarks, registered designs, database rights, copyright and trade secrets can also play in protecting innovative developments, branding and new business models.

Going global If an organisation is trading, or planning to trade, internationally, the issue of protecting intellectual assets across the globe can be quite intricate, particularly in this digital age, where access to information is so easily available. Wherever possible a company should register its IP rights in its key geographical markets.

Each country has different processes and methods, and the pitfalls in obtaining IP in each country also vary. For companies trading across several countries, protection of intellectual

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

“ The optimum way of ensuring success is to integrate IP with the business plan right at the start.” property is certainly possible - most people would say essential - but not always very straightforward. There are, however, some simple steps that can be taken.

If an organisation has decided to trade in a particular country, it needs to try to extend protection in that country. We have worked with clients who think they are fully protected in all the countries that they need to be, when in fact, on closer examination, they are not, leaving the business open to risk.

In Europe, a system operates to provide a method of protection across the EU states. In the EU, different trade restraints apply, and it is especially important to consider competition law, which covers the free movement of goods around the EU and the avoidance of the abuse of a dominant position in the market.

Recommendations for the exact route to choose will depend on the countries involved, the stage of development of the technology and the nature of revenue streams and cash flow.

Because patent protection overseas can be complex, advice at an early stage helps ensure pitfalls are avoided, opportunities maximised and costs are kept to a minimum. It can be timeconsuming and costly to sort out errors later. In addition, patent portfolios need to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that as organisations and legislation change, full protection remains in place.

Monetisation So, finally, to monetisation.

Coller IP has developed a Commercialisation and Management Process that allows clients to understand the value of their intangible assets and to assess and track the commercial potential of their products and services at different stages of development. In addition, the process prompts decisions on how and whether to protect the underlying assets.

Intangible assets can be valued in monetary terms and knowing their worth can help you understand their true value to your business.

If you are considering expanding the business, be very careful about doing so until you are sure that all your legal protection is in place. Make sure that anyone with whom you discuss an idea for a new invention - whether a product or a service - has signed a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. During the growth and development phase, a company needs to be pro-active in monitoring any infringement of its IP.

120 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

IP should be fully integrated with a company’s business plan; and, of course, during the life of a company, the plan will change.

The IP needs to be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it is constantly aligned to the business plan. A good IP advisor will not just help a business with the legal aspects, they will actively help in the commercialisation process of the ideas behind the goods or services that the company is selling by helping the organisation realise the tangible value of different aspects of the IP. A regular audit of the IP against business strategy is an excellent idea. This may show IP that is no longer core to the company and which could be sold or licensed, and highlight other areas where IP could be developed further to add value to the company.

If your business has been trading for some time, you may decide that it is time to either merge with another company or sell. If you are the company initiating a merger or sale, you need to know what your IP is worth in order to retain the maximum value for your company. The same applies if you are planning an IPO. For anyone looking to attract funding, getting the IP in order is a must. Many venture capitalists/angel investors will be considering a range of IP factors when making their decision whether or not to invest. Knowing the value of your IP - or which parts of your IP are more valuable than others - is essential in making decisions about what parts of the business to develop, and when considering applying for funding or contemplating a sale.

If the worst happens and a company becomes insolvent, having IP rights that could be sold on can help the company and its creditors in such a situation.

The optimum way of ensuring success is to integrate IP with the business plan right at the start. Putting a value on the IP, ensuring the right protection is in place and reviewing it on a regular basis to ensure it is delivering maximum commercial value is an important part of the business strategy for any kind of business and its investors. www.collerip.com

About Coller IP Coller IP combines technical, legal and commercial expertise to deliver intellectual property management and valuation services that unlock the potential of business assets. It works with companies and professional practitioners to value IP for many purposes such as insolvency, fund raising, M&A, share issue, director disputes, arbitration, royalty considerations, divorce, probate, and tax considerations - and at all levels within organisations, from start-ups to corporates, from the boardroom to technologists and with the investor community.

The company’s activities extend further to provide board level strategies, competitor analysis, patent and trademark attorney services and clear legal opinions, as well as an Invention House service aimed at giving support and access to funding through venture capitalists and investors.

Jackie Maguire, Coller IP’s CEO has been voted into the IAM 250 of global top IP strategists for the third year running - and is leading in the UK. She can be contacted at jackie.maguire@collerip.com or on +44 (0) 870 402 1616.

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Effective enterprise product cost management The business benefits of a systematic enterprise product cost management (PCM) programme are significant, yet many manufacturers still don’t implement these initiatives effectively.

Traditionally, product cost management has been performed by highly-specialist cost engineering experts. Myles Peyton, managing director of northern Europe for PCM software specialist aPriori, explains how innovative software tools are now equipping professionals across every department of a manufacturing enterprise to execute an effective PCM programme with maximum impact and cost reduction potential.

I

n any strong discrete manufacturing and distribution business, such as those spearheading the European fastener and fixings industry, you will always find a broad range of people and departments with roles that are intended to influence product costs in many different ways.

Engineering teams might decide on specific designs for example, but there will usually be multiple alternative approaches that would meet the same form, fit and functional requirements - each factor dictating a different cost. Likewise, sourcing teams will work to produce a design with multiple potential costs for manufacturing, negotiated with reference to materials, plant cost structures, capabilities and process controls. And then there’s the manufacturing team, which will recommend a way to produce the design and estimate a ballpark cost, even though there may be other, even more cost-effective, ways to tool and manufacture the same design.

“ Every discrete manufacturer will be well aware that ‘Cost of Goods Sold’ (COGS) impacts every important business measure… but they’ll also know only too well, that managing product costs is not easy.”

In Europe we have a strong history of enterprise product cost management (PCM) practices and a proud tradition of recognising cost engineering experts and value analysis/value engineering (VAVE) teams that understand and specialise in

122 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

cost reduction to support core business functions. With relevant expertise in manufacturing processes, supplier management and quote estimation, these are all highly capable and valued experts with unique domain knowledge built up over time. However, the knowledge of these individuals is extremely difficult to replicate and scale across multiple products within a complex manufacturing business. It’s a challenge that must be met, and quickly.

Every discrete manufacturer will be well aware that ‘Cost of Goods Sold’ (COGS) impacts every important business measure for revenues, profits, time-to-market, competitive differentiation and more. But they’ll also know only too well, that managing product costs is not easy. Challenges exist at every level across product lifecycles. Engineering makes design decisions without understanding their true cost impact. Cost engineering decisions come either too late in the development process or even after product launch, causing delays in production and the reaping of cost benefits. Also sourcing professionals often don’t have sufficiently accurate information to negotiate preferred pricing with suppliers. The negative impacts of these challenges are very apparent: reduced profits, delayed time to market, limited product innovation.

But how do manufacturers bridge that gap between understanding the challenges and finding a rapid, effective solution?

Sweating the smaller stuff Within the discrete manufacturing there is usually strong focus on the manufacturability and cost-optimisation of high-value, medium-to-high impact, strategic parts. This is understandable; however it can result in low-to-medium impact, or commodity parts, a bracket that embraces a high percentage of fastener and fixing components, crucially falling under the cost management radar.

The reason for this may be due to a general acceptance that there is little optimisation advantage in this area. The strategy of only performing cost optimisation on strategic, complex parts will not deliver maximised savings. PCM must be applied to all parts. Actually, such an oversight can easily result in a huge missed opportunity. This situation is a classic example of the ’80-20 rule’, sometimes referred to as the ‘Pareto Principle’.

Roughly speaking, this would translate to around 80 percent of a manufacturer’s costs tied up with just 20 percent of its parts. As these are generally high-volume commodity parts, the resulting

savings in this area can be extremely significant. Now, more than ever, European discrete manufacturing and distribution firms need to become aware of critical product cost management blind-spots if they are to be as competitive as possible. The need for innovation and competitiveness as well as reductions in enterprise-wide product costs and cycle times – must be met by the broader application of PCM. Historically there was insufficient bandwidth to cost and optimise every part in every project, but that has now changed with the introduction of specialist product cost management software solutions developed specifically for the discrete manufacturing industry. Effective PCM is based on a set of systematic activities, processes and tools that can be used throughout the enterprise to drive the lowest possible costs.

PCM enables discrete manufacturers to attack cost at the point of origin while ensuring the greatest impact on enterprise product cost reduction. This strategy can deliver a consistent cost culture across the enterprise.

“ To drive down ‘Costs of Goods Sold’ (COGS) by entire percentage points, European manufacturers must look to deploy PCM further upstream in the development process and across all departments and levels.”

Core cost management activities and processes There are a number of core activities involved in an effective PCM strategy, which can broadly be split between cost savings opportunities in the engineering itself, and cost savings opportunities in sourcing.

The greatest engineering cost savings can be made through analysis early in the product lifecycle. For example, during new product introduction (NPI) multiple design alternatives must be evaluated for low costs. Likewise in both NPI and re-engineering projects, cost trade-offs for different concept deigns need to be studied during the R&D stage. Only then is it possible to evaluate the costs of proposed solutions to an engineering change order.

When considering sourcing and supply, it’s important to first evaluate multiple manufacturing and tooling alternatives for lowest costs. This process should also include a ‘make versus buy’ analysis. By generating a detailed ‘should cost’ case,

manufacturers are then able to more knowledgeably validate supplier quotes and ensure the lowest pricing. Over time they can conduct batch analysis of current prices of entire commodity groups in order to clearly identify over-cost outliers. Ultimately, evaluating multiple cost-cutting ideas for products in real-time will help to identify the highest potential reductions in the shortest amount of time.

The business benefit of effective enterprise product cost management tools Effective PCM is enabled by putting the proper tools in the hands of anyone that impacts product cost. These tools help assess true product costs across the enterprise at a detailed level at any stage, and enable people to seize appropriate opportunities to reduce costs.

For example, product cost management systems can quickly and consistently generate and manage accurate estimates without requiring specialised manufacturing or cost knowledge, complemented by reporting systems for documenting and tracking cost management results and KPIs over time. PCM can also drive analysis through the systematic searching of large volumes of data, while identifying cost outliers and trends as well as bill of materials (BOM) cost tracking systems that roll-up costs at any point in a product’s lifecycle.

Without these core activities, processes and tools, PCM remains a highly manual and decentralised function - of value only to manufacturing or cost engineering experts. Without being more intuitive, PCM can only be performed once or twice per NPI cycle, severely limiting the windows of opportunity for identifying product cost savings. This also leads to inconsistent estimation methods using static information that is difficult to update, manage and share.

To drive down ‘Costs of Goods Sold’ (COGS) by entire percentage points, European manufacturers must look to deploy PCM further upstream in the development process and across all departments and levels. Each group must identify its key cost control points and define the activities and processes needed to reduce those costs. These groups also need the right tools to analyse cost trade-offs quickly and easily each time they make a decision.

Forward-thinking manufacturers are now pulling away from their competition thanks to instilling a systematic approach that makes effective Product Cost Management the norm inside their organisations. The quickest route to success is to partner with an experienced technology solution provider that can provide solid proof-points, a demonstrable history of success with comparable organisations, and practical advice based on that well-established track record of producing positive results for its customers.

About Myles Peyton Myles Peyton is the managing director, Northern Europe, for aPriori (www.apriori.com), a provider of product cost management software solutions for discrete manufacturers.

He and his team have advised hundreds of leading European manufacturing and distribution companies on how to reduce product costs across the enterprise, reduce cycle times and get higher quality products to market faster.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

123

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Putting a spring in your step Smalley flat wire wave springs from TFC Ltd are used by shoe manufacturers for cushioning in the soles of both athletic and casual shoes.

W

ave springs are used because of their space saving abilities and lightweight design compared to conventional coil springs. TFC Ltd explains that wave springs, which typically operate at half the height of conventional coil springs, provide an accurate repeatable load in both the heel and ball of shoes. A single Crest-to-Crest wave spring in the heel and two parallel wave springs in the ball of the shoe absorb the impact associated with athletic activities, reducing stress on joints.

TFC Ltd highlights that the springs, manufactured in corrosion resistant 17-7 stainless steel, were specifically designed to handle the extensive cycle life that is associated with the wear of the shoes. Smalley wave springs offer accurate, repeatable loads for the duration of the spring life, which is designed to outlast the life of the shoe itself.

Using the same unique method of manufacture, TFC Spirolox retaining rings offer an ideal space saving alternative to conventional circlips. By ‘edge-coiling’ rectangular section material to exact dimensions (rather than using the die-stamping process that is used to produce conventional circlips). Spirolox retaining rings have a uniform cross-section without lugs to interfere with the assembly and are free of burrs.

“With a wide range of sizes and materials to choose from Spirolox rings can be found in thousands of mechanical products throughout the world.” www.thefastenercentre.com

Coal mining shearers use RotaBolt technology Caterpillar is using RotaBolt measurement technology on special versions of its longwall mining shearers that are used in very challenging underground environments where vibration is a constant factor.

T

he shearers have a reputation for maximum structural integrity and service life and the performance of RotaBolt fasteners has been helping Caterpillar to not only assure integrity but also improve maintenance checking.

The shearers can cut and load more than 5,000 tonnes an hour and feature a one-piece mainframe design. Special versions of the shearers with split mainframes are available wherever there are underground conditions that limit transportation.

The mainframe is split into three separate units and RotaBolts up to 6 metres in length are being used to join the sections together.

The technical team at James Walker RotaBolt have worked closely with Caterpillar over the last five years evolving mainly M64 and M80 fasteners that have ranged from 1 metre in length to over 6 metres.

In joining sections of the mainframes together, the fasteners are operating as mechanical jack tensioners, accurately measuring the correct tension, with loads of up to 250 tonnes.

“Feedback from operational teams in mines across Asia and Europe has been very positive, reporting enhanced underground assembly and disassembly as well as ongoing assured structural integrity.”

124 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

EL 2000 longwall miningshearer from Caterpillar

EXPAND-A-SEAL

FILLS THE GAPS CONVENTIONAL THREADLOCKERS

Expand-A-Seal

ES0105®

increases in volume 20 to 50% on installation, penetrating the gaps in fastener threads left unfilled by conventional threadlockers.

HOW IT WORKS: 1.

2.

3.

4.

MICROSPHERE TECHNOLOGY Encapsulated Epoxy Resin

Expanding Capsules Epoxy Hardener

Install Expand-A-Seal-coated fastener into mating part.

Installation pressure makes Epoxy Resin & Expanding Capsules burst.

Epoxy expands, filling fastener thread gaps while hardening.

Fastener is fixed in place within 10-15 minutes. Full cure in 24 hours.

CONVENTIONAL

EXPAND-A-SEAL PRODUCT BENEFITS: • • • • • •

Fastener variation can create gaps (shown in white) between mating surface threads.

Conventional threadlockers (blue area) are thin and insufficient at filling these spaces.

Expand-A-Seal (green area) expands 20 to 50%, completely filling the gaps between fastener threads, resulting in a strong lock and high-pressure seal.

Low prevailing on-torque.

Exceptional break-away torque.

High-pressure seal.

Increased reliability.

Shelf life up to one year.

Replaces locking and sealing washers.

APPROVED TO: • GM9986339 • DIN 267-27

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HELPS PREVENT LOCKING & SEALING FAILURE FROM: Thread forming abnormalities • Oversized or mismatched threads • Fastener deformation

WIDE VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS:

Marine ride plates • Head bolts • Engine plugs • Pipe fittings • Air & compressor fittings • Cooling connectors and more.

CONTACT US TO GET YOUR FASTENERS COATED WITH EXPAND-A-SEAL Hermann Huster GmbH & Co. KG is a licensee in Germany of ND Industries, Inc., an industry-leading maker of fastener adhesives and sealants.

Hermann Huster GmbH & Co. KG Oberflächensysteme Selbecker Straße 141 u. 143, 58091 Hagen Tel. +49 [0] 23 31 97 70 • Fax +49 [0] 23 31 97 71 90 www.huster-hagen.de, info@huster-hagen.de

www.ndindustries.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Innovative Soyer stud welding equipment The search for unique selling points continues to drive Heinz Soyer Bolzenschweißtechnik GmbH, a German specialist for fastening and joining technology, towards the development of product innovations.

T

he idea of developing a stud welding device with a gun which can be used to identify important operating conditions was realised in the form of the innovative BMS-9 stud welding device and the corresponding PS-9 stud welding gun. Thanks to the multi-coloured traffic light LED display system on the welding gun, the operator is now able to identify at a glance when the stud welding system is ready for operation and when there is a problem.

Furthermore the PS-9 welding gun is equipped with an innovative and adjustment-free stud chuck (patent application: DE 102010 001 629.2). For the first time there is no need to change chucks when using different stud lengths from 6mm - 40mm.

“Besides improving the welding quality of welded joints, the new BMS-9 stud welding equipment also helps users to save time and work more efficiently.”

Heinz Soyer’s innovative stud welding equipment will be exhibited at the 2012 Fastener Fair in Bangkok, Thailand. www.soyer.com

Hetal-Werke tests Arnold ATP studs The automotive division of Hetal-Werke, located in Alpirsbach, Germany, is intensively looking for alternatives to conventional joint technologies. In the future, ATP® TriPress fasteners from Arnold Umformtechnik are expected to be used in place of conventional weld-on studs.

T

hese press-in studs match the requirements profile of the company, which specialises in the full scope of kinematic sub-assemblies and hinges in the passenger car seating area.

According to Reinhard Gruber, sales manager of the automotive division of Alpirsbach based Hetal-Werke: “The anticipated use of lighter materials, such as magnesium, fibrereinforced composites such as carbon, or high-strength steel in car construction requires fastener systems that ideally provide better joint quality at lower cost.”

With their triangular shape, Arnold Umformtechnik says that its TriPress press-in studs provide the answer to this cost/benefit dilemma. They are polygonal fast-assembly components that can be pressed into plastic and light metal materials.

The cost savings result from the process. The number of manufacturing operations is dramatically reduced compared to the welded-stud option, and cycle times are shortened.

The triangular shank and longitudinal knurling provide high

resistance to fastener stripping in permanent joints, such as for seat rail adapters. Circumferential locking grooves on the shank also provide a high pull-out strength.

Arnold Umformtechnik points out that eliminating the thermal stresses resulting from stud welding reduces the effort necessary for material inspections, which yields cost savings of around 50 percent for this cost item alone. The environmental impact, such as noise and vapour emissions, is also reduced, along with the associated protective measures. In addition, the reject rate in production is sustainably lower due to the purely mechanical nature of the process.

“Experience from the use of ATP® TriPress fasteners indicates potential cost savings of around 80 percent compared with using weld-on studs. At the same time, joint quality is improved and the process allows different types of materials to be assembled quickly and economically. These are all convincing arguments for the specialists at Hetal-Werke.”

New A4 high resistance rivets SARIV has designed and produced a brand new high resistance rivet in A4 material, offering the right combination for all the marine applications where A2 material is inadequate to ensure required mechanical and corrosion-resistance characteristics.

S

ARIV explains that a 4-side crimping and a higher mandrel resistance makes the new high resistance rivet easy to set and extremely solid in application.

The body is produced in stainless steel 316Cu and the mandrel in 316, which SARIV says gives the rivet a corrosion resistance well over 20% higher than the values reached with A2 material.

The dimension 4.0 x 7, which suits small grip applications, is already a stock item. www.sariv.it

126 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Faster curing with Loctite MAX2 With lightweighting in mind, automotive manufacturers are using more and more parts made from carbon fibre or glass fibre composites. With this in mind Henkel says that it has developed a polyurethane-based composite matrix resin that cures faster than the traditional epoxy resins.

C

omposites based on carbon fibre or glass fibre are gaining momentum in various application areas due to the opportunity for enormous weight savings over traditional part construction, with no loss in mechanical performance. Starting in aerospace where pre-impregnated fibres (prepregs) are manually laid up and then baked into composites, many different applications are now penetrating into the automotive industry. New manufacturing methods like resin transfer molding enable economic processes that are suited for high volume automotive production.

For the resin transfer molding process, Henkel has developed a new composite matrix resin based on polyurethane that enables improved economics and throughput in processing. Compared to standard epoxy matrix resins, Henkel says the new Loctite MAX2 cures significantly faster. During injection it also enables more efficient impregnation without stressing the fibres due to the lower viscosity of the resin.

“The composite properties of Loctite MAX2 were specially developed to provide more flexibility as well as much higher impact resistance than traditional epoxy resins. We are confident that this new generation of polyurethane matrix resins deliver significant benefits for fast and efficient manufacturing.”

Get the ferry locked up in a hurry For the marine contractor tasked with fitting out a Bahamas based ferry there was the little problem of a glitch in the supply chain - with a need for a complete fit of special cabinet locks for the personal storage areas – and the locks had to be on-board in two days.

F

ortunately this is exactly the sort of situation that FDB Panel Fittings says it is able to deal with. The company searched its large stock of similar cabinet fittings to find the correct type and quantity of locks, with master key and zone locking facility. Once located it was then a matter of organising transport logistics by air to Miami and onward to the Bahamas in time for the ship’s maiden voyage.

Standing ovation for Quicktight™ Quicktight™ says that it is offering a fastening solution that allows solid fixation of objects while maintaining the flexibility to unfasten these objects in a user-friendly way.

H

aving developed a patented fastening technology Quicktight™ has arrived at the stage to expand this concept further outside of the Netherlands and also into other application areas.

The roots of Quicktight™ are in the theatre world where there is the cumbersome task of changing seating arrangements to adapt to different events. The Quicktight™ fastening solution was developed to allow quick clearance that still guarantees the theatre seats to be secured in a proper way when the chairs are moved back to their former setting. This was the birth of the Quicktight™ concept and product.

“Besides chairs there are other applications in the theatre that are being targeted for instance lightning equipment.

To further expand the business case for this fixation concept there is also a strong belief in significant opportunities outside the theatre world. Areas that are being considered for this fastening concept are the transport sector – trucks, vans, cars, as well as aerospace.”

128 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Blind riveting specialists Spezialist in Blindniettechnik

Full Focus.

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

New Rivit presses for self-clinching fasteners Rivit Srl, based in Bologna, Italy, has always trusted the industrial use of self-clinching, a speed fastening system in thin sheets, as a lower cost alternative to other fastening systems requiring welding.

F

or this reason Rivit decided to launch some new sheet metal working solutions to optimise the self-clinching studs application with presses - the pneumatic ones up to 7 tonnes of power and deep throat, or the more classic and economic manual one.

The pneumatic RIV2450, for nuts and studs from M4 to M8, has 7 tonnes of power and 450mm throat depth. Rivit says it was created to be safe, flexible, compact, economical and easy to operate and maintain. The structure of the press and its interchangeable frames allow the installation of self-clinching fasteners in box-shaped pieces, frames and metal manufactures of big dimensions, already bent and also geometrically very complex. The eccentric dies allow the installation of selfclinching fasteners very close to the edges and to the bends.

RIV2200 has 6 tonnes of power and 200mm throat depth, and is the smallest one in size, but very big in its performance.

The compactness and geometry of the structure allows users to install self-clinching fasteners with a force that goes up to

6,000kg for a vast numbers/types of shapes. RIV2200 is also a very safe tool because the use of moving saddles reduces the distance between the anvil and punch within the values of safety.

Finally, RIV2100 is a manual tool featuring a simplified construction, a high power ratio and maximum working safety.

Rivit highlights that the main characteristic of this press is the extremely quick replacement and adjustment of punches and dies. For the operation it does not require any power source, except the manual one; it has a side lever on which a movement of only 90° can cause high pressure on the self-clinching fastener the user wants to install.

RIV2100 technical features Height: 400mm Width: 200mm Depth: 300mm Weight: 20Kg Power with applied force of 30 Kg: 1,600kg RIV2450 technical features Power: 6 - 8 bar Force range: 7 tonnes Max sheet thickness: 3mm Weight: 300Kg RIV2200 technical features Compressed air drive: 6 – 10 bar Power: 220V – 100W Force range: 280kg – 6,000Kg Max sheet thickness: 3mm Weight without/with base: 50/93Kg www.rivit.it

Seam design makes coiled pin perfect for hinges Coiled spring pins are manufactured with a seam, which is much better for hinges than the gap or slot of slotted spring pins, says Michael Pasko, engineer at Spirol International.

T

he seam is inherent to coiled pins because they are rolled with more than one wrap of material. The coiled pin’s ‘duty’ will affect material thickness and the coil configuration but all coiled pins will possess a seam.

Some assume that a coiled pin’s seam is raised above the surface of the pin. This is not the case. A coiled pin’s seam is actually ‘tucked’ or rolled to ensure the pin remains round. In addition, the seam is prepared with a bevelled edge to soften the transition into the ‘comma’ area. In fact, a key characteristic of a properly rolled coiled pin is that the diameter of the pin at the seam is equal to or less than the diameter adjacent to the seam.

This prevents the edge of the material from contacting the inside diameter of the hole wall and prevent skiving when inserted.

A large percentage of coiled pins are used in hinges and the unique seam configuration is essential to their proper function.

Thus, when utilised in round holes, the seam should have absolutely no impact on performance.

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

The coiled pin’s tucked seam will allow smooth, interferencefree rotation of hinge/axle components in the vast majority of assemblies. In most situations where the seam is problematic, it is typically the result of poor installation methods or improper implementation. If excessive compressive force is applied to one part of the pin and not another, seam deformation may occur.

This sometimes happens when assemblies are designed such that they do not properly support the pin. Similarly, pins can be damaged during installation and this can lead to deformation at the seam. Improper installation technique, equipment, hole condition, or pin material and duty are typical causes.

Designers have also attempted to use coiled pins and slotted pins in assemblies where a ‘pawl’ or lever must ride axially on the surface of the pin as it rotates. The geometry of these components sometimes causes them to catch or ‘hang up’ on the seam. www.spirol.com

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28/07/11 14:11

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Surface finishing for fasteners in a marine environment

By Alan Gardner, global marketing manager, MacDermid Industrial Solutions Cadmium, combined with a hexavalent chromate conversion coating, has been the preferred choice for protecting fasteners in a marine environment for many years now. This coating provides long-term sacrificial protection, without the excessive growth of white corrosion products.

T

he features of cadmium plating in this application can be summarised as: • Self-healing (sacrificial) on ferrous substrates.

• More than 500 hours to base metal corrosion (neutral salt spray testing).

• Minimal corrosion products.

• Soft and ductile – acts as a thread lubricant.

• Compatibility with aluminium.

However, engineers are searching for alternatives to these coatings which can meet the above criteria due to the toxicity of cadmium and hexavalent chromium compounds.

Alternative to cadmium and hexavalent chromium Alternatives to cadmium and hexavalent chromium are based on zinc with a trivalent chromium passivate. Zinc can be readily alloyed with metals such as cobalt, iron and nickel. Of these, zinc-nickel (containing some 12% - 15% nickel) offers the best alternative to cadmium. Table 1 illustrates this.

Table 1: Performance criteria for zinc and zinc alloy finishes Criteria

Zinc

Zinc-iron

Sacrificial protection

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

> 500 hours to base corrosion

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Compatibility with aluminium

No

No

Yes

Yes

Minimal corrosion products

No

No

No

Yes

Lubricated thread

Zinc-cobalt Zinc-nickel

With appropriate lubricant

Sacrificial protection Corrosion is an electrochemical process in which, for example, steel oxidises (rusts). Oxidation occurs as a result of the chemical reaction between steel and oxygen, in the presence of water.

Sacrificial protection prevents this reaction by galvanically protecting the steel with another metal in contact with the steel.

When base steel is exposed, such as at a cut edge or scratch, the steel is cathodically protected by the metal. This occurs because metals such as cadmium and zinc/zinc alloys are more electronegative (more reactive) than steel in the galvanic series.

See table 2:

132 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Table 2: Galvanic series in seawater Metal Noble (cathodic)

Cast iron Steel Duralumin Cadmium plating Aluminium (Commercial purity) Zinc

Active (anodic)

Magnesium

Resistance to base metal corrosion In marine environments, cadmium corrodes very slowly producing minimal corrosion products. This helps to explain why cadmium, despite toxicity issues, is still used in applications where it is exposed to sodium chloride (salt). Zinc by comparison corrodes rapidly.

This is explained by Hayashi (1991): “Zinc in the coating layer changes to chloride at the initial stage of the corrosion followed at a later stage to zinc oxide. The substrate corrodes after the zinc coating loses its ability to sacrificially protect. By contrast zinc alloy coated steel sheets showed excellent corrosion resistance. This result was explained in terms of zinc alloy coatings being more durable against chlorine ion penetration into the coating layer than zinc coating”.

For this reason zinc alloys are preferred when replacing cadmium in chloride environments. For an equivalent thickness, normally 8µm on fasteners, zinc alloys match cadmium deposits in neutral salt spray tests. It is very important that deposit thicknesses do not exceed this otherwise dimensional tolerances of the fastener are compromised. For this reason, increasing the thickness of zinc is not a viable alternative.

Minimal corrosion products Plated zinc rapidly produces voluminous corrosion products in the presence of sodium chloride. Zinc-nickel, like to cadmium, shows minimal corrosion products in this environment. In neutral salt spray testing, these corrosion products are referred to as white rust. Table 3 demonstrates the resistance to white rust of iridescent passivated coatings.

Table 3: Comparative values to 5% white rust for passivated coatings Criteria

Zinc

Cadmium

Zinc-nickel

Hours to white rust

> 72

> 96

> 150

Zinc Nickel Alloy Systems Enviralloy Ni 12 -15

The Cadmium Replacement Zinc nickel is the cadmium replacement of choice for high performance fasteners in marine applications. Enviralloy Ni 12-15 is the process of choice for zinc nickel applicators who demand consistency in their plating operations.

Along with exceptional corrosion resistance in salt environments, Enviralloy Ni 12-15 deposits offer both galvanic compatibility when in contact with aluminium, and hardness for thread forming fasteners.

Enviralloy Ni 12-15 yields a consistent nickel content of 12-15% across a wide range of current densities and operating conditions.The deposit is compatible with aluminium and is an ideal base for hexavalent chromium-free post treatments.

When it comes to delivering high performance zinc nickel alloy systems, trust MacDermid.

Key Features

• Consistent composition of zinc nickel alloy • Exceptional corrosion resistance even after heat treating • Trivalent chromium passivate post treatments

Anti-Corrosion • ZinKlad • TriPass • Torque ‘n’Tension • Enviralloy • Envirozin • Kenlevel For more information, please contact us at: fasteners@macdermid.com © 2012 MacDermid, Inc. All rights reserved.

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y The pictures below show both cadmium and zinc-nickel deposits with minimal white rust after more than 700 hours neutral salt spray testing.

Table 4: Galvanic corrosion potentials of plated deposits in 5% NaCl Potential

Deposit

- 0.46 V

Cadmium plating

- 0.5 V

Zinc-nickel

- 0.76 V

Zinc

Friction properties Coatings change the torque-tension properties of fasteners.

An advantage of cadmium is that it is relatively soft and has an average coefficient of friction between 0.09 and 0.14. In comparison, zinc and zinc alloy deposits have a relatively high and inconsistent friction, typically between 0.2 – 0.3. This is demonstrated in the graph below.

Contrast this with a pure zinc coating after some 120 hours.

The voluminous corrosion products can be clearly seen below.

Compatibility with aluminium 5xxx and 6xxx series aluminium alloys are used in marine applications to take advantage of factors such as high strength to weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. However, the mechanical joining of these alloys using coated steel fasteners can lead to galvanic (bi-metallic) corrosion.

It is well known that cadmium is an excellent coating choice for steel fasteners in contact with aluminium in salt water environments, due to the small potential difference between the two metals*. In comparison, zinc is a poor choice, due to (i) the larger difference and (ii) the high corrosion rate of zinc in this environment. If we review the galvanic corrosion potentials of these deposits, we can see that zinc-nickel is very close to cadmium (Table 4). Coupled with its resistance to chloride outlined above, this means that this coating will perform similarly to cadmium in this application.

*The actual potential difference of the aluminium metal will depend on factors such as alloy composition and whether heat treated or not.

134 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

This means that a lubricant is required in order to both lower the coefficient of friction and make it more consistent. The lubricant is applied in the coating operation, usually as a dip following the passivation operation. If fasteners are used without a friction control fluid, the increase in friction results in lower bolt tension for a given torque, resulting in joint weakness.

Summary Passivated cadmium coatings have long been the preferred finish for fasteners in marine applications. However, despite its excellent sacrificial corrosion resistance, compatibility with aluminium and self-lubrication, it is under pressure due to toxicity issues.

Zinc-nickel with a trivalent chromium passivate is the preferred alternative. Not only does it compare favourably with cadmium in corrosion resistance and minimal corrosion products, it is also compatible in applications where it may come into contact with aluminium. To match the coefficient of friction of cadmium coatings, a lubricant is applied. These lubricants are extensively used in today’s surface finishing industry and have the added bonus of further improving overall coating performance. www.macdermid.com

C ATA LO G U E R A C K

July 2012

United Kingdom Fastener + Fixing Magazine provides a unique reference guide that offers the industry a fast and easy way to source both current and upcoming product Catalogues.

Use this convenient service to call, fax or email the companies to request a copy of their latest Catalogue and up to date product information.

A. Perry & Co. (Hinges) Ltd.

Abracs Ltd

As manufacturers and distributors of Threaded Bar, A Perry has the facilities to produce to our customer’s specific requirements in 10.9, 8.8 and 4.8 Grade material.

With an expanding range of Fixings, Chain and Ironmongery we pride ourselves as being a One Stop Supplier who is Always in Stock.

ABRACS Ltd are one of the UK’s leading distributors of abrasives and allied products. Our product range includes abrasive discs, flap discs, coated abrasives, wire brushes, diamond blades and much more. For top quality products coupled with the best service around just talk to ABRACS, the UK’s number 1 for abrasives.

Tel: +44 (0) 1904 789 997 email: abracs@abracs.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 414 001 email: sales@hinges.co.uk

ACT Fasteners & Components Ltd

ALCA Fasteners

Specialist in machine screws, materials steel, brass, stainless steel.

All threads - BA - BSF - Whitworth - Unified - Metric.

All head styles.

Non preferred/odd ball lengths and sizes and head styles over 25,000 difficult screws stocked.

ALCA Fasteners have increased their capacity to single point diameters up to M80 diameter for all grades of material. New inspection equipment has been implemented to guarantee material quality.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 526 6010 www.alcafasteners.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 791 880 www.actfasteners.co.uk

ALCA Fasteners intend to be the top European Supplier of Large Diameter High Integrity Bolting, with increased stock, increased capacity, improved quality supported by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.

Alfran Fasteners Ltd

Altiplas

UK Manufacturers to Europe

COMMERCIAL AUTOMOTIVE AEROSPACE Specialist in, Aluminium, Titanium and Plastic fasteners and components.

Aluminium commercial grades and High tensile (7075) Titanium grade 2 & 5 Plastics – nylon6 and 66, polypropylene, polyethylene, LDPE and many more grades We offer material certification, Full traceability, PPAP, ISIR and hold the following approvals BSI 9001 2008 and AS9120.

Grades 8.8 / 10.9 / 12.9 metric R / S / T / SAE8 Imperial M12-M100 Hex Head 1/2” - 2.1/2” Hex Head 8.8/10.9 Preload Assembles 14399-3 10.9 Allthread Studding M16 - M48 All Specials Made to Order Hot Dip Galv / Zinc Plate / Shera / Geomet Finishes Available Specialists to European Industry.

Tel: +44 (0) 1535 664 993 email: sales@alfranfasteners.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1494 458 986 email: sales@altiplas.com

www.fastenerandfixing.com

135

C ATA LO G U E R A C K A.M.C. (UK) Fasteners Ltd AMC Manufacture Hexagon, Square and Round Nuts including Special parts, M3 to M64 Diameter.

Parts include: All Metal Locknuts, Weld Nuts, Wheel Nuts, Flange Nuts, Heavy 2,2H 4 & 7 Nuts, Usual Full, Lock Castle & Slotted Nuts, Custom Specials.

All in Carbon & Stainless Steels.

All normal accepted finishes.

Quality Approved to BS EN ISO email: sales@amcukfasteners.co.uk 9001 (PPAP Level 3 Certified) & TUV AD 2000 W/O TRD 100. www.amcukfasteners.co.uk

Apex Stainless Fasteners Ltd As the major UK source for Stainless Fasteners, Apex remain committed to servicing the distribution trade, providing an ex-stock next day delivery service on all standard items.

A Stainless fastener stock holding of €15 million is available to fully cater for customer needs, with Quality Assured product and competitive pricing. email: sales@apexstainless.com www.apexstainless.com

Ash Fasteners Ltd

Bollhoff Direct

Standard Fasteners Extensive range of over 100,000 stock lines including non-preferred and difficult-to-source items

Bollhoff Direct offer unrivalled stockholding of more than 100,000 standard and non-preferred metric parts in materials including Stainless Steel, High Tensile Steel, Brass and Nylon, direct from Germany.

New product lines include: RippLock anti vibration screws, nuts and washers, VaryBond adhesives and cutting discs.

Since 1922

Since 1936

Avdel® is one of the leading global product brands from Infastech®.

Avdel’s range of blind fasteners and tooling is one of the widest in the market. Infastech offers Avdel products through Sales, Distribution and Manufacturing facilities in over 150 countries serving all market segments with innovative fastening and assembly solutions.

2010

email: enquiries@infastech.com www.avdel-global.com

PROTECTION & FASTENERS

Tel: +44 (0) 121 328 3881 www.patternfasteners.co.uk

The UK’s foremost manufacturer of long length & specialist cold forged fasteners in Steel, Stainless, Aluminium or Brass. Any length from M3 up to a M12 diameter with Hex, Flange Hex, Cup Square, Countersunk, Pan, Round or Cheese Heads with Torx, Pozi, Struck Slot or Indented Hex. Threaded Metric or Imperial including UNF, UNC, Whitworth, BSF, BA.

Avdel UK Limited Blind Fastening Systems

Bulte Plastics UK

AL C AT

OGU

®

www.bulte.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 603 934 email: bdirect@bollhoff.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1842 763 000 www.dsfasteners.co.uk

Bollhoff Direct, your local European supplier.

Tel: +44 (0) 1789 263 753 email: bulte@bulte.com

E

Dealing with Bülte, over 50 years experience in mainland Europe, you can be confident of quality, service and reliability. They offer more than 20 000 products.

Activitities: fastenings, plastic screw, washers, spacers, plugs, screw caps, nuts, plasto-metallic screws and nuts, stamped parts, threaded rods, handles, cables ties, cable clips, cable gland, adjustable feet… Manufacture to customer specification.

Bülte is awarded DIN EN ISO 9001-2008.

DS Fasteners Ltd

Everbuild

Switch to Stover Nuts the automotive industry approved all metal self locking nut.

Ex-stock from D.S. Fasteners Ltd in grade 8, 10, 12 & fine pitch.

Everbuild Building products are the UK and Ireland’s largest independent manufacturer of Sealants, Adhesives, Fillers and Building Chemicals. Their brand new A4 sized World Class catalogue is bigger and better than ever, reflecting Everbuild’s global success and current position within the market. This 187 page catalogue also now features the entire Feb range!

• Nylon Insert Nuts – Flange Nuts • Castle Nuts • Nylon Dome Nuts • Dome Nuts • Weld Nuts • Full & Lock Nut • Flanged Head Set Screws DIN 6921

136 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

Tel: +44 (0) 113 240 2424 www.everbuild.co.uk

C ATA LO G U E R A C K

Tel: +44 (0) 1908 650 100 www.fastbolt.com

Fastbolt

Fit-Lock Systems

Fastbolt is a leading wholesaler of industrial fasteners to European distributors only. Apart from a highly specialised product range ex stock Fastbolt offers individual supply solutions such as customised packing, direct container imports, pre-import quality inspections and a revolutionary online availability check and ordering system: FBonline.

We are established as a market leader for an extensive range of fastening/riveting systems.

In-house British manufacturing of our GRIPTAINER & FASTAINER – “BUY BRITISH”!

V6M

Hydro-Pneumatic Riveter Stroke: Pull Force: Air Pressure: Weight:

20mm 8.3KN@5bar 3-7Bar 1.10kg

V8L

V10XL

V15XXL

Stroke: 20mm Pull Force: 10.9KN@5bar Air Pressure: 5-7Bar Weight: 1.50kg

Stroke: 26mm Pull Force: 15.2KN@6bar Air Pressure: 5-7Bar Weight: 1.70kg

Stroke: 20mm Pull Force: 18.0KN@6bar Air Pressure: 5-7Bar Weight: 1.70kg

Hydro-Pneumatic Riveter

Multigrip Rivets Contact Us For Further Information:

0161 483 6220

Hydro-Pneumatic Riveter

Rivinox

Hydro-Pneumatic Riveter

Blindbolt Megalock

Orlock

email: sales@fitlocksystems.com

www.fitlocksystems.com

Now exported to 6 continents.

Other own brands – MULTIFAST – ORLOCK – FASTBOLT – MEGALOK – FASTSERT – VISION RIVETING SYSTEMS.

Fit-Lock Systems Ltd, Kenann-House, 32 Newby Road Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 5DA, UK

Want to become a distributor?

Contact us.

Tel: +44 (0) 161 483 6220 www.fitlocksystems.com

Galaxy Fasteners

Hafren Fasteners

Galaxy Fasteners is now firmly established as a market leader for supplying specialised distributors within the structural engineering and farm building sector. The complete product range is available from stock, covering application at the initial fabrication stage - from submission of the original draftsman’s list, right through to the fully cladded structure.

SECURITY SCREW SPECIALIST

email: office@galaxy-screws.com www.galaxy-screws.co.uk

Tel: 0844 571 22 22 www.harclo.com

FIT-LOCK SYSTEMS

• Widest range of tamper resistant nuts and bolts - worldwide • In-stock for same day despatch to distributors only • High quality bespoke security fasteners manufacturing service • Sensitive areas need security fixings to deter vandalism and theft • New products and sizes added to our range - call for details SECURE BUSINESS WITH HAFREN! Tel: +44 (0) 1686 621 300 email: info@hafrenfasteners.com Hafren Cat Rack Front Cover July 12.indd 1

23/05/2012 07:30:50

Harrison & Clough Ltd

Harrison Silverdale

Metalmate always strives to achieve the highest ideals demanded by Customers.

Quality standards are of the highest priority.

Established in 1982 Harrison Silverdale has a wealth of experience in the fastener industry.

Our products include Threaded Inserts, Sheet Metal Fasteners, Spring Steel Nuts & Clips, Turned Parts and Plastic Fasteners. We have our own 3D design service for specials which is all controlled by our ISO 9001 approval.

The Catalogue lists depth of range and choice across common fasteners such as Hexagon Bolting, Socket Screws, Nuts and Washers, which are available in Metric or Imperial and a choice of materials.

email: fasteners@harrisonsilverdale.co.uk www.harrisonsilverdale.com

Heat Treatment 2000 Ltd

Hollo-Bolt

by Lindapter

Automotive Specialists

New Hollo-Bolt Brochure / Hollo-Bolt by Lindapter

New computer controlled 1 ton per hour continuous furnace for Carburising / Carbonitriding TS16949 + CQI – 9 Approved Fastener Specialists.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 526 2000 email: sales@heattreat2000.co.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 1274 521 444 www.hollo-bolt.com

The Hollo-Bolt, invented by Lindapter, is the original expansion bolt for structural steel hollow section (SHS) or where access is only available from one side. The easy to install ‘blind connection’ is now available with a High Clamping Force Mechanism for up to three times higher clamping force than equivalent sized products without the mechanism.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

137

C ATA LO G U E R A C K Icon Fasteners

JCS Hi-Torque Ltd

Icon Fasteners is your higher grade supplier and the UK’s leading supplier from stock for 12.9 Cap, 10.9 Button, 10.9 Csk self colour/Zinc, 10.9 Hexagon, 8.8 Hexagon Galv. We are able to supply PPAP parts, and have an experienced specials team that source & manufacture parts.

Manufacturers of Hi-Grip, Hi-Torque and Tamtorque, the world’s finest quality worm drive hose clips and clamps, and approved to BSI Kitemark and Lloyd’s Type Approval Standards.

email: sales@icon-fasteners.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1902 491 122

Tel: +44 (0) 1787 376212 www.jcshi-torque.co.uk

We offer a wide range in design and material specification to meet the needs of modern industry.

Please contact us for a catalogue.

London Screw Co Ltd

Masons Fasteners

UK’s leading manufacturer of all thread studs. Extensive stocks M3-12 dia. up to 180mm long in steel, brass, PH BR & St/St. Also manufacture a full range of m/c screws and cold headed specials in all head forms and materials. Large stocks M4-M12 up to 180mm – long lengths a speciality.

One of the UK’s leading fastener manufacturers.

Tel: +44 (0) 1384 569 832 Fax: +44 (0) 1384 410 296

Tel: +44 (0) 121 556 0824 www.ndjig.com

JCS products are exported throughout the world for use in the Industrial, Automotive, Marine, Construction and Petro-Chemical industries.

Manufacturing standard & special fasteners M2 – M12 in Brass, Steel & Stainless.

We also carry a complete range of fasteners: Brass Screws, Nuts & Washers, Hex Bolts & Sets, Socket Screws, Washers, Machine Screws, Security Screws, Self tappers, Rivets, RivNuts and Allthreads.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7500 email: info@masonsfasteners.com

ND Jig & Gauge

NE Fasteners Ltd

ND Jig & Gauge is a leading manufacturer of Metallic Washers.

Large stocks of washers, square from 25sq x 3thk up to 150sq x 25thk. Black Washers BS3410 & BS4320.

Also BS4395 hardened washers.

Special washers in Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Brass and other exotic alloys made to your requirements.

Please contact us now.

Wood/Chipboard screws, Mirror/ Decking screws, Furniture fasteners, Screw cups and Brass turned sockets, Wall Plugs, Brackets and much more in all materials and finishes including Black, E/Brass, Chrome. NEF are also experts at Packing/Kitting.

We also buy surplus screws!

Please call for our new Brochure released July 2012.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 559 8866 www.nefasteners.co.uk

Non Standard Established in 1972, we employ over 100 people in the manufacture & distribution of socket screw & allied products, with a range that begins at M1.4 (0 UNF-1/8” Imperial) up to M64 (2” Imperial & unified) & lengths as long as 700mm. With distribution centres in Birmingham & London providing a nationwide service & the widest range of socket screws.

Tel: +44 (0) 121 515 0121 www.nssocketscrews.com

138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

OGL prof.ITplus from OGL Computer is a complete business management BusinessManagementSoftware software suite designed specifically for stockists and distributors in the Fasteners f o r S t o c k i s t s & D i s t r i b u t o r s and Fixings industry. OGL Computer combines innovation in software development with a detailed understanding of your business needs, gained working in partnership with stockists and distributors for over 30 years.

Tel: +44 (0) 1299 873 873 www.ogl.co.uk

C ATA LO G U E R A C K

Product

Guide

Owlett-Jaton

Prelok

Owlett-Jaton is the UK’s largest supplier of fasteners, fixings, ironmongery, hardware, and associated items to the UK distributor and merchant trade.

Experienced sales and distribution teams are dedicated to delivering a first class service to their customers and just one call gives you access to our comprehensive product range.

With 50 years experience in the field Prelok is the European market leader for pre-applied locking, sealing and dry film lubricant solutions for fasteners and threaded components.

Tel: +44 (0) 1785 819 819 www.ojtrade.co.uk

www.prelok.com email: info@prelok.com

Premier Washers

RLS Tooling Ltd

Manufacturer of washers and pressings in all types of metal and in a variety of finishes with in-house tool facilities. An excellent service & competitive prices, supported by our registration to BS EN ISO 9001:2008, places Premier Washers in a position to fully satisfy the requirements of all our customers.

Our thread rolling dies are used worldwide by fastener manufacturers in industries like; construction, automotive, white goods and aerospace. We are licenced to make dies for the Taptite®, MAThread® and Excalibur Screwbolt® products. In addition to a full range of flat dies we also make thread rolls for most 2 and 3 roll machines.

email: sales@premierwashers.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1902 307 121

Tel: +44 (0) 1536 444 800 www.spirol.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1543 271 808 www.rlstooling.co.uk

SPIROL COILED SPRING PINS

SPIROL DISC SPRINGS

Versatile SPIROL Coiled Spring Pins provide flexibility, uniform strength, equal stress distribution, closer diameter tolerances, no interlocking, substantial advantages in trouble-free automatic feeding, and they reduce costs. Heavy, standard, and light duty pins provide combinations of strength, flexibility and diameter to meet the specific engineering objectives of your pinning applications.

SPIROL Disc Springs are conically-shaped, washer-type components designed to be axially loaded. SPIROL offer a standard-size range in outside diameters from 8mm to 200mm to meet your diverse application needs. SPIROL standard disc springs meet all DIN 2093 performance, tolerance and quality specifications as well as DIN 2092 design criteria.

Tel: +44 (0) 1536 444 800 www.spirol.com

SPIROL SLOTTED SPRING PINS

Star Fasteners (UK) Ltd

SPIROL manufactures Slotted Spring Pins to ISO 8752 (EN 28752), ASME 18.8.4M Type B (Metric non interlocking) and ASME B18.8.2 (Inch), in High Carbon Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel and Chrome Stainless Steel. We also produce special products subject to quantity such as light duty ISO 13337, reduced ends and combination pins.

Tel: +44 (0) 1536 444 800 www.spirol.com

With strategic global alliances we are constantly working in partnership with material manufacturers to develop new products and processes, which offer innovative jointing solutions to meet the ever changing industry demands.

Tel: +44 (0) 115 932 4939 www.starfasteners.co.uk

Star Fasteners, the UK’s largest Huck distributor.

Huck fasteners are installed wherever there’s a requirement for structural strength and resistance to vibration & loosening making them suitable for tough engineering situations.

Stock includes rivets, threaded inserts, screws. Tool sales, hire and repair complement the service. Many years of application experience ensures unrivalled technical support.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

139

C ATA LO G U E R A C K

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 490 490 www.stf-fasteners.co.uk

Supplying industrial fasteners for 30 years

dedicated to meeting all your fastening needs

Stainless Threaded Fasteners

STF Export

Stainless Threaded Fasteners, a member of The Hexstone Ltd Group of companies, is one of Europe’s leading stainless steel fasteners wholesalers.

• Stainless Steel A2, A4 and A4-80 • Brass • Non-Standard Specials • Marine Hardware 316SS • Action Can® Aerosols for Industry • BS EN ISO9001:2000 Accreditation Next Day Delivery Dedicated to Distributors/Stockists.

STF’s dedicated export department carries sales responsibility around the world for The Hexstone Ltd Group’s fastener product range: • High Grade Alloy Fasteners (8.8, 10.9, 12.9, 14.9) • Galvanised • Carbon Steel • Stainless Steel A2 & A4 • Marine Hardware 316SS • Action Can® Aerosols for Industry • BS EN ISO9001:2000 Accreditation Multi-lingual sales team.

T: 01902 865777 F: 01902 864777 E: sales@washer-factory.com

The premier manufacturer of non-standard washers and light pressings.

TR Fastenings Limited

Staytite Staytite stock an extensive range of specialist fasteners designed to speed up production. The introduction of the Stayplas 30 screw for plastic has further enhanced our core product range of: SEMS Screws, Barb Nuts, Carp Nuts, All Metal Lock Nuts, Serrated and Non Serrated Flange Nuts and Bolts.

email: distributors@staytite.com Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 462 322

TheWasherFact ry

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 499 210 www.stf-fasteners.com

TR Fastenings Limited is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of industrial fastenings to the assembly industries, with operations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

TR Supplies over 250 million components every day to thousands of customers, from sheet metal fabricators and plastic moulders through to global OEM’s. email: sales@trfastenings.com www.trfastenings.com

For more information visit our website.

Washer Factory Ltd

Woods & Hughes

We are one of the leading manufacturers of non-standard and specialised stainless steel, duplex stainless and non-ferrous washers and light pressings.

We have an extensive range and offer quick turnaround, see our website www.washer-factory.com for more information, or call our sales office for fast and friendly help.

We now stock SAE GRADE 5 and SAE GRADE 8, also we carry a range of pressure plugs in sizes from 1/8 – 2” in BSPT, 1/16 – 2” in NPTF (3/4”TAPER) & 1/16 – 2”PTF (7/8 TAPER) in A4-316 stainless and alloy steel, which are available for immediate delivery.

Tel: +44 (0) 1902 865 777 www.washer-factory.com

Tel: +44 (0) 121 505 7551 www.socketscrews.com

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

Targeting Brazil Contact: Claire Lake email: claire.lake@fastenerandfixing.com 140 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

•

Tel: +44 ( 0 ) 1727 814 508

TO O L S

Drive Studs provide hand tool housing solution

T

An on-going challenge for hand tool manufacturers is to secure plastic housing components together effectively - particularly when high vibration and pull-out forces are present. Spirol Industries has been involved in providing a number of solutions for various suppliers of hand tools including the latest project that involved the replacement of selftapping Phillips head screws with Drive Studs to secure a plastic cover.

he original design of the hand tool used three self-tapping Phillips head screws to fasten the cover to the body of the tool. However, the screws did not provide the necessary retention to hold the plastic cover onto the assembly, and as a result, they were experiencing high rates of failure.

The Spirol solution was to use Series HP220 Headed Drive Studs which had been developed after many years of intense design, development, and thorough performance testing. Spirol explains that this barbed Drive Stud provided the best possible retention in plastic assemblies. Its critical feature is in the fetter barb design which gives the least amount of insertion force, yet provides maximum retention due to the host material back fill/ recovery around the barbs once fully installed.

Spirol points out that the plastic fills the voids between the barbs such that the assembled product can resist tremendous amounts of force before disengaging from the pin. In fact, the plastic host is usually deformed beyond functionality long before the stud becomes dislodged.

“In addition to the superior retention qualities, Spirol Drive Studs are also much easier to install than screws. They are installed into standard drilled, moulded or punched holes. No reaming or tapping of the hole is required. They install faster than screws and eliminate issues associated with crossthreading or skewing. Also, unlike most screws, Drive Studs do not require lock washers to keep them from backing out of the assembly which makes them easier and less costly to install.” www.spirol.com

Tentec breaks records With Reuters reporting that the UK’s manufacturing sector has contracted for the second month running, West Bromwich engineering firm, Tentec, once again bucks the trend by announcing a record-breaking month for orders.

I

n May Tentec had an order intake of £1 million, a new record for the company. Tentec designs and manufactures bolt tightening equipment for a wide range of industries including the oil and gas, renewable energy and power generation.

“We have seen our turnover steadily increase, despite the recession,” says Mike Gethings, managing director at Tentec.

He adds: “By providing our customers with equipment that exactly matches their requirements, as well as delivered on time and on budget, means that we are winning new contracts all the time. We have invested heavily in new equipment, training for existing employees and have taken on new staff to help fulfil our ever-expanding order book.” Tentec has also recently expanded its manufacturing facility to cope with the new orders.

In addition to selling direct, Tentec has an extensive network of agents and distributors throughout the world, many of which will be attending Tentec’s first International Distributors’ Conference in October. This 3-day event will see more than 50 attendees from as far afield as Russia and China in Birmingham to learn more about Tentec’s future plans, exchange ideas on how best to market the equipment and to visit the company’s manufacturing facility in West Bromwich.

Open day success for Laser Tools The latest chapter in the Laser Tools story has commenced with the launch of the company’s new showroom and Tech Centre facility at its headquarters in Southam, Warwickshire, UK.

O

fficially opened by Lord Digby Jones Kt the new facility offers an impressive range of services that are offered to the company’s customers that include a fully stocked showroom, conference centre and technical demonstration area. The adjacent Tech Centre is where the company’s research, development and product testing takes place. Many of its tools are designed and developed in-house and produced at Laser Tools’ manufacturing plant in Sheffield.

Champion of British industry, Lord Jones commented: “For Britain to succeed in the 21st Century competitive globalised economy there has to be quality investment by business in research and development, the training of young people, innovation and quality branded products. Tool Connection tick every box and it is a privilege to be asked to open the facility that is emblematic of all that is good in UK business both at home and overseas.”

www.fastenerandfixing.com

141

The Flexible Shaft: designed for comfort Groen Bevestigingsmaterialen, a Dutch distributor of hose and tube clamps, has developed a new tool that has recently been added to its existing range of tools to mount and demount clamps and screws in general.

T

he Flexible Shaft is fully made of chromium/vanadium. The flexible part guarantees fast and strong mounting in the most inconvenient spaces. The shaft is available in 7mm, with Groen stating that it plans to introduce 6mm and 8mm sizes in the future.

Groen highlights that the Flexible Shaft offers various advantages to all users who have to work in narrow spaces and who need flexibility.

“Imagine you need to mount in a small place. What tool suits better than a flexible screwdriver? The Flexible Shaft enables the user to find the flexibility to complete an application, using a battery tool. Those users needing a steady, efficient and revolutionary quick (de-)mounting, will be accommodated by the new Flexible Shaft for battery tools.”

GESIPA goes gold GESIPA has introduced an exclusive Gold edition of its GESIPA PowerBird® blind rivet setting battery tool, which has a higher traction power of 18,000N.

D

ue to its high setting power of 18,000N the exclusive PowerBird® Gold can be used for setting rivets with diameter 6.4mm and above. The working range for the Gold edition includes:

• Standard blind rivets from diameter of 4.8mm in steel up to 6.4mm in all materials.

• BULB-TITE® - Blind rivets up to 7.7mm diameters in all materials.

• MEGA GRIP® - Blind rivets up to 6.6mm diameter in aluminium and steel.

• G-BULB® - Blind rivets up to 6.4mm diameter in all materials.

• PolyGrip® - Blind rivets up to 6.4mm diameter in all materials.

GESIPA says that with an excellent price-performance ratio, high capacity through a 2.6Ah battery, and a high energy yield through high voltage and low weight, the PowerBird® Gold offers easy and fast operation to all users.

The PowerBird® Gold is also available with: • In a plastic carrying case with one 14.4 Volt / 2.6Ah li-Ion battery and charger P/N 724 0001.

• Pressure trigger in plastic carrying case with one 14.4 Volt / 2.6Ah li-Ion battery and charger-P/N 724 0002.

• Set of jaws (3 parts) - P/N 710 2208.

A real solution for big challenges ITW Heller GmbH, a drill bit manufacturer, says that its new EnDuro multi-cutters are a real challenge to concrete and reinforcement, with the EnDuro range being convincing in practical applications, as well as offering an excellent service life.

I

EnDuro Trijet: For XL diameters 12mm -16mm

TW Heller explains that the reason for the high service life in concrete is due primarily to the design of the very wide hard alloy wings on the head which make it especially robust and protects against wear. In addition, a high drilling progress is achieved - also on account of the newly designed spiral and the stable core.

Especially for reinforcements, the drill bits have been strengthened in such a way that compared to an average two-flute cutter four times the service life is achieved, ITW Heller says, when drilling through reinforcements.

In the new EnDuro multi-cutter range, the previous Y-Cutter is replaced in dimensions of up to 16mm by the Trijet design - well tried in the SDS plus field. All diameters as from 18mm are provided with the new EnDuro Y-drill head design with completely new, even more stable carbide tips.

142 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

EnDuro Y-Cutter: For XXL diameters 18mm - 50mm

New long arm riveter range Scell-it Group has launched a new high quality professional long arm riveter tool range.

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he new tool range includes two rivet tools - E1 and E2 (E2 being suitable for monobolt and magnalock 6.4mm - 6.5mm structural rivets) and two blind nut tools - E3 and E4 (up to M12).

Scell-it highlights that the four tools are equipped with a unique system of power transmission that allows effortless setting of blind rivets and blind nuts. Also, their robust and ergonomic design makes them suitable for mass production.

More information as well as a product video are available on the Scell-It Group website.

Norbar torques Spitfire – again Norbar Torque Tools of Banbury, UK, recently delivered torque wrenches to nearby Enstone Airfield in Oxfordshire for the construction of brand new Spitfire aircrafts. This event resonated strongly with key events in Norbar’s history, since the company was the first in Britain to commercially manufacture torque wrenches in the 1940s specifically for engineering Spitfire engines.

Blind Rivets

A Riveting Experience ORLOCK Double locking system OR-BULB Split Tail STELOCK / STEEL-FIX Steel High Strength and Multi-Grip U-FIX High Versatile Multi-Grip T.P.R / O.R.P Superior Peel ORNILOCK / OR-BOLT Multi-Grip Structural

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he Norbar torque wrenches are being used for an inspirational project undertaken by Enstone Flying Club to construct and launch a squadron of 12 new Mk26B version Spitfires. The brainchild of Paul Fowler (aka Skipper) at the Club, members are being offered the chance of joining syndicates to obtain shares in each of these aircraft, which they would co-build and co-own with other members.

These are in kit form and have been designed by Supermarine Aircraft of Texas. They will eventually be used both in formation flying displays and for the individual enjoyment of the owners.

Norbar was established in Banbury in 1942 as the ‘North Bar Tool Company’ and the initial demand for torque wrenches was driven by the need for the gasket-less cylinder head of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine used for the World War II Spitfire to be accurately tightened. Bill Brodey and his partner Ernest Thornitt obtained a licence from Britain’s wartime government to begin manufacture of torque wrenches and Norbar was launched.

Philip Brodey, sales and marketing director of Norbar, explained: “We are delighted to support this exciting project to create a piece of living aviation history. The Spitfire was an engineering triumph of its time and it is wonderful to know that we can continue to experience the thrill of its flight now and into the future.”

www.ornit.com

World Wide: +972-86610222 USA: 1-877-627-0423

TO O L S

Quality tools for trade and industry ALPEN-MAYKESTAG says that it is the only cutting tool manufacturer that supplies both the segment of trade customers, craftwork and the specialist trade, as well as the metalworking industry with high-quality cutting tools.

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ence too the double name: the ‘ALPEN’ business division supplies the trade, craftwork and the specialist trade with drill bits for metal, wood and masonry, whilst the ‘MAYKESTAG’ business division supplies all types of cutting tools for the industrial connector trade and the metalworking industry.

ALPEN-MAYKESTAG is the biggest Austrian manufacturer of rotating cutting tools, not least thanks to its wide range (a total of over 35 million tools are produced per year).

80 percent of sales are exported, with Germany representing the major market.

In addition to Europe, markets like South Africa, South America and Asia also play an important role.

With its own sales companies in Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic and Hungary, and sole agencies in over 70 countries, today the family firm of ALPEN-MAYKESTAG is represented on all continents.

ALPEN-MAYKESTAG tools are produced in Austria in the most up-to-date plants, with the highest quality standards, under the strictest quality controls; resulting in top quality every single item. ALPEN-MAYKESTAG sets the same standards for its production as for its tools - it must be productive; it must be commercially viable and it must be state of the art.

In order to ensure achievement of its high quality standards, ALPEN-MAYKESTAG has kept the entire manufacturing process in its own hands and it manufactures exclusively on its production sites in Austria.

Areas of innovation Anyone who wishes to set new quality standards must constantly develop. With its innovations ALPEN-MAYKESTAG wants to guarantee even more precise work, more reliability and even longer product life, so up to two percent of total expenditure is applied to research and development.

Innovations 2012 ALPEN-MAYKESTAG highlights that its current ALPEN catalogue lists many new products that impress with their innovations: Profi Ziegel This special drill bit is designed for shatter-proof rotary drilling of cavity bricks. The unique cutting geometry prevents the cavities from breaking and thereby ensures a secure dowel hold.

Profi Ziegel- No breakage, perfect hold SDS - many breakages, no dowel pin Profi Dach This special drill bit is suited for rotary drilling in roof tiles, concrete tiles, slate, ceramics, tiles, marble and granite.

Precise drilling is possible due to its precision-ground spiral flutes and the Profi Dach is suitable for all standard cordless drills with standardised shank profile.

Profi Granit This special drill bit for rotary and percussion drilling is well suited for all types of granite - even the hardest of granite - due to its special drill bit geometry and carbide plate.

In the metal sector, MAYKESTAG’s new HSS facade drills impresses by the way its short spiral flute prevents the reaming of the hole in hollow profiles. SDS chisels, in particular MAYKESTAG’s new SDS ‘extreme’ chisels for the toughest applications, round off ALPEN-MAYKESTAG’s product innovations. www.alpen-drills.com

144 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

TA P E S + A D H E S I V E S

Future-oriented adhesive tapes tesa® says that it is taking the chemistry involved in tape production forward a generation with tesa® ACXplus, a future-oriented range of adhesive tapes that guarantee optimal strength for constructive bonding on materials with different surface characteristics.

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esa® ACXplus technology enables a new functional combination of the tapes’ chemical components to effectively withstand the dynamic and static stresses that constructive bonds are subject to, particularly in outdoor applications.

During the life cycle of a component, static and dynamic forces act upon the constructive bond. In outdoor applications there will be temperature variations to contend with and often the effects of high wind loads, water, UV light or even exposure to chemicals. Dissimilar materials also show different elongations when temperatures change, creating extreme physical stresses that need to be dissipated for the bond to be durable.

The ability that tesa® ACXplus has to compensate for different thermal elongations and extreme conditions is based on its viscoelasticity; a material performance defined by both elastic and viscous characteristics.

The elastic restoring forces provide inner strength while the viscous part of the material behaviour leads to the relaxation of mechanical stresses. Due to the viscoelastic behaviour of the tape, arising stresses can be dissipated through relaxation of the tape and a secure, long-term bond achieved. tesa® ACXplus

employs a special acrylic adhesive system that combines both effects to provide excellent results.

Jeremy Smith, marketing manager of tesa UK, summarises the significance of this product in ensuring the strength of constructive bonds: “When two materials with different thermal elongations, for example aluminium on steel or deco glass on composite fibre, are bonded tesa® ACXplus will deliver a consistent bond irrespective of the conditions in which the application is found. The special balance between elastic and viscous performance does not only secure an optimal wetting of different surfaces, it also allows absorption of dynamic forces and vibrations and stress relief in the bonded joint.”

Helping preserve cultural heritage It’s the nature of all materials to degrade and deteriorate over time. However, specialist products from British surface coatings manufacturer HMG say it is dedicated to preserving these materials at both ends of the natural cycle.

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ts anti-corrosive primers, preservative wood treatments, weather-resistant masonry paints and high performance coatings help protect them against abrasion, wear, chemical and environmental attack; while its historical vehicle colours, extensive library of heritage paints and conservation-grade adhesives help restore culturally significant structures and artefacts for future generations.

“People know that paints and adhesives contain solvents and other chemicals and wrongly assume that they are environmentally unfriendly,” says HMG’s managing director, John Falder. “But our technology can extend the working life of many man-made objects, saving the raw materials otherwise needed to replace them, and help restore and preserve damaged, corroded or fragmented objects without affecting their historical importance, whether it’s a vintage vehicle or an archaeological find.”

The company’s conservation-grade glues are represented

by HMG Heat & Waterproof Adhesive and HMG B72 Restoration Adhesive, which are known in archaeological circles worldwide and by museums, galleries, conservators and restorers for

their technical performance. One of the guiding principles of interventive conservation is that of ‘reversibility’, whereby the object should be capable of being returned to its original state prior to intervention; and both HMG’s museum-grade adhesives are formulated to be permanently reversible and resealable in solvents, so that artefacts can be subsequently unglued for correcting mistakes, minor realignment or adding newly-found fragments. They also possess the correct levels of plasticity and viscosity necessary for good workability, desirable water-white transparency and non-yellowing characteristics, and excellent physical and chemical stability.

The traditional favourite, HMG Heat & Waterproof Adhesive is a single-pack, clear product, which is touch dry in 5 minutes and hard dry in 10 minutes, resisting temperatures up to 100°C. In contrast, HMG B72 Acrylic Adhesive offers longer working times, being touch dry in 3 – 5 minutes, surface dry in 1 hour and hard dry in around 6 hours; not having instant grab, the glue allows fragments to be easily readjusted and surplus adhesive removed with acetone, for virtually invisible joins.

146 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

No.

Complete Fastening Solutions whatever your needs, we’re number one call now to speak to our expert team

+44 (0)1435 860333 www.thefastenercentre.com

High Quality Disc Springs from the world market leader Mubea Disc Spring Product Overview ▪ Disc springs according to DIN 2093 (Group 1, 2 and 3) ▪ Disc springs according to Mubea Factory Standards ▪ Disc springs according to customer requirements ▪ Special springs ▪ Disc springs stacks / assemblies / components Mubea UK Ltd.

Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH

Unit 1 Charter Gate Clayfield Close Moulton Park Industrial Estate Northampton NN3 6QF GB Tel.: +44 1604 790 600 E-Mail: info.mubea.uk@mubea.com

Tel.: +49 2743 806 0 E-Mail: info@mubea-disc-springs.com

P.O. Box 120 57564 Daaden Germany

www.mubea-disc-springs.com

TA P E S + A D H E S I V E S

New adhesive spells end for cracking mattresses Adhesive specialists KMS Adhesives has developed and gained accreditation for a new generation of hot melt adhesive, specifically for mattress manufacturers.

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he new hot melt Intact® H906 can be used in all types of existing hot melt systems and has been specially developed for manufacturers who require a superior pocket sprung mattress assembly. KMS Adhesives points out that the unique adhesive has exceptional bonding properties to non-woven materials, PU foam and textiles. It has the correct open and setting time for automatic pocket spring assembly machinery and melts easily in the glue tank.

In addition, unlike standard hot melts, Intact® H906 remains highly flexible which helps prevent the cracking noise and poor adhesion that is commonplace with inferior grades of hot melt glue, such as those designed for use in packaging that have been traditionally used in pocket sprung manufacture.

Intact® H906 is already used by leading mattress manufacturers who have found that not only does it provide a stronger bond; it has also improved the sound of the mattress, eliminating the cracking noise associated with other hot melts. Intact® H906 has passed the manufacturers tests when rolling the mattress for packing, with the adhesive bond remaining strong and flexible.

Fred Dunn, business development manager at KMS Adhesives, said: “At KMS Adhesives, we only manufacture the best quality adhesives and using a packaging hot melt for the pocket sprung within mattresses was not consistent with our aim of providing the very highest quality. As such, we are proud to be launching Intact® H906. We are so confident that this will revolutionise the way that we make mattresses in the UK, we are offering a free supervised trial. Intact® H906 can be easily demonstrated on any production line without the need to change any equipment to ensure that production continues.”

See the light with UV curing adhesives Techsil has partnered with UV specialist Honle and its subsidiary company - Panacol to become principle distributor of Honle’s UV curing equipment, and Panacol’s UV and LED curing adhesives, to markets in the UK and Ireland.

Techsil highlights that it is representing four adhesive ranges from Panacol:

Vitralit® - UV/visible light-curing adhesives

Available in various viscosities these are single component epoxies and acrylates and are suitable for a variety of application methods. After UV-curing cross linked polymers are obtained with high transparent bonding line for glass, PC, PMMA and in combination with metals.

They are suitable for manual and automatic high volume production.

Elecolit® - Electrically and thermally conductive adhesives

They are 1 and 2 part epoxies that can cure with UV, at room temperature and/or with heat. Flame retardant properties, lead and solvent free, high thermal stability and no bleeding. Typically used for die bonding, flip-chip, aerial contacting, and bonding of heat sinks and power modules. Often used in highly automated processes within electronics production.

Structalit® - Structural adhesives

Heat curable two-part adhesives with long pot life. High peeling and shear strengths, excellent chemical protection and polishable for optical applications.

Cyanolit® - Instant adhesives

Available in viscosities from watery to thixotropic gels.

Fast curing at room temperature with humidity in thin films.

Applicable for coloured thermoplasts with excellent adhesion on ABS, PVC, polycarbonate, styurol, acryl for rubber components such as latex, EPDM or in combination with metals.

These ranges of UV curing adhesives can be used with a wide variety of substrates such as plastics, glass, and metals and can be used in many sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, glass bonding and optics.

ISO-Chemie first to seal environmental products’ award ISO-Chemie, a producer of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR), says that it has become the first foam sealing tape manufacturer in the world to gain the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) standard in accordance with ISO 14025 and prEN 15804.

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he move follows testing and evaluation of ISO Chemie’s polyurethane and polyethylene foam tapes at the Rosenheim test centre in Germany, which confirmed that the company’s products do not have any negative influences on the environment, particularly during use.

The EPD examination covered the production, use and post application of the sealing tapes manufactured in the ISO-Chemie GmbH production plant in Aalen.

Evaluation was based on eco-balances in which the effects on the environment are calculated through material and energy flows and covered the full ‘cradle-to-grave’ life cycle of the tapes - from raw material extraction through production and

148 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

distribution to recycling.

Peter Thompson, ISO Chemie’s UK general manager, said certification reflected the company’s strong commitment to providing low carbon products to protect the environment.

“We are the first global supplier of foam tapes that we know of to receive this certification, reinforcing our very strong environmental credentials. The aim is to help our customers reduce their own carbon footprint as reductions are embedded in the products we make for them.”

He adds: “Certification will also add towards ensuring compliance with building regulations which state that from 2016 all new homes will need to meet stringent carbon neutral standards.”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine delivers world spanning insight, analysis and perspective of the fastener industry.

Comprehensive coverage makes the magazine a ‘must read’ for everyone involved in the global fastener and fixing market.

Visit our website to subscribe!

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PRODUCTS

Cut assembly costs and simplify maintenance Böllhoff GmbH states that whilst TORX® or hexalobular drives are well established in production as an efficient drive form, there are some applications in which it is still to make its mark.

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his is especially the case where connections have to be able to be released again, for maintenance or repair for example. The argument that fitters do not always have access to hexalobular tools or that the hexalobular socket head becomes clogged with dirt has tended to discourage its use in assembly.

FLEXIDRIVE® is not a single product but rather a product family. So a wide variety of drive combinations are possible, such as a hexalobular drive with a hexagonal head or a slotted hexalobular drive. As far as screw geometries, thread types, materials and surface finishes are concerned, all technically feasible options are available as each solution is custom-made.

The efficient hexalobular drive is used for assembly. A variety of tools can then be used for maintenance purposes.

If the hexalobular drive becomes clogged with dirt, for example, or the right bit is not available, then there are other options such as an external drive for unfastening the threaded connection.

Example applications:

Motor assembly/Attachment of mounted parts Previous solution:

FLEXIDRIVE® solution:

Hexagon socket fasteners/Hexagon head fasteners.

Hexagon head-hexalobular drive flange bolt.

Lamp mounting Previous solution: FLEXIDRIVE® solution:

Crosshead screws.

Pentagonal thread-rolling screw with serrated flange and slotted hexalobular.

Screw fastening of heat exchanger components Previous solution: Slotted screws.

FLEXIDRIVE® solution: Trilobular thread-rolling screw

with slotted hexalobular drive.

Böllhoff advises its customers about the best technical and most cost-effective solution and then it delivers in accordance with specific requirements. Drawings for individual FLEXIDRIVE® solutions can also be prepared by Böllhoff.

Key benefits of FLEXIDRIVE® include: • Shorter assembly time through the use of hexalobular drives.

• Use of standard tools for maintenance and repair work.

• Fewer tools required.

• Longer tool lifetime.

• Technical advice.

• Procurement, stocking and supply of your FLEXIDRIVE® product.

TR Fastenings launches new Plas-Fix 45 screw Further investment in product development for the thermoset and thermoplastic industries has enabled TR Fastenings to expand its screws for plastics range with the introduction of the Plas-Fix 45 screw.

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he Plas-Fix 45 screw has a 45-degree angle and Tri-lobular thread form, which makes it ideal for harder plastics.

TR also continues to offer the Plas-Tech 30 screw that has a 30-degree angle and is used extensively in softer plastics. The complete range offers a number of different head styles and thread sizes, ranging from 1.4mm up to 6mm. Both screws are available off-the-shelf in case-hardened steel and offer superior screw performance with low torque drive and high pull out strengths.

TR Fastenings’ range of products for plastics also includes a comprehensive selection of brass inserts. Consisting of sixteen different types, both headed and un-headed, these brass inserts are available in sizes ranging from M2 up to M10. The variety of styles offers a number of installation methods with varying performance levels, allowing users to easily find the product to suit their individual application.

TR says that its products for plastics meet virtually all assembly requirements within the thermoset and thermoplastic industries and can offer considerable time and cost-saving benefits. Additionally, they are designed for optimum performance and therefore can be used in a number of different industries, including electrical, telecommunications, sound and vision.

TR Fastenings product specialist Steve Wallis says: “In recent months TR has invested heavily in its products for plastics ranges. We are confident that we now have a quality fastener to suit most applications and we welcome the opportunity to discuss requirements with manufacturers.”

Do you pay the price?

Electroplating, dip galvanising, spray and rolled coatings are some of the many finishes applied to fasteners. Not fully appreciated are the additional costs incurred to take an unfinished fastener to the coated state.

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nitially fasteners will need to be removed from their existing packaging ready for the coater; this can be time consuming and time means added cost. The removed oil damaged packaging will need to be disposed of or recycled; many companies charge for removal of this oil damaged product and paper bailing to reduce the cost can be time consuming, another cost.

Transport to and from the coaters is another charge that many companies pay - particularly if their coater is not local to their own location.

On return the finished product needs to be repackaged again this can become an extensive labour cost and of course the new box needs to be paid for. The goods need to have an identification labelled, again yet another cost.

To avoid or reduce the investment in transport, labour, packaging and labelling let Martyn Price Fasteners do the work for its customers.

“We have coaters and electro platers close to our facility and have many years’ experience in coating fasteners for our own stock as well as our customer’s needs.”

P R O D U CT S

Control processes ensure the highest spring quality In order to meet customers’ expanding requirements, Lesjöfors has made major investments in measuring equipment at its plant in Swedish Herrljunga.

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esjöfors manufactures all types of springs with a wire diameter between 0.03mm and 65mm. Each production unit is specialised in its own market and product line, but a common requirement for all is the high quality standard each Lesjöfors spring must live up to. With theoretical models spring properties can be calculated with good accuracy.

“For all traditional types of springs we use our own developed software and for more complicated geometries we use specially adapted FEM programs. Rapid pulsed load and transient phenomena are areas that, in some applications, are of importance,” says Anders Berntzen, quality technician at Lesjöfors Industrial Springs.

Investments in measuring equipment To become even better at measuring that the manufactured products are top class, Lesjöfors has made a major investment in new equipment. All production in Herrljunga is now carried out in fully automated processes. Measuring equipment is placed in the production line so operators are able to perform their spring tests in direct connection to their workplaces. Previously they had to go with the springs to a special test chamber.

Accurate measurements with documentation Italian Micro Studio who specialises in the measurement needs for spring manufacturers has supplied the new measuring equipment.

“We follow an overall control plan and it says check the first and the last piece with continuous inspections during the process.

For example, if we have 250,000 springs in a series, which is not unusual, the measurement takes place continuously approximately every 30 minutes. If we have a small series of 3 to 5 springs we measure all of them in most cases,” says Anders Berntzen.

All-round spring competence Lesjöfors explains that to get the requested spring properties a company need a good knowledge of manufacturing materials, after-treatments such as heat treatment, grinding and shot peening and other performance-enhancing measures.

Henry Berner, strategic sales manager for all Lesjöfors´ units in Sweden, adds: “Lesjöfors´ strength is when a customer comes to us with an immediate problem such as ´we want a spring with this or that characteristic’. We can then participate from the project start and, based on our extensive experience, develop optimal solutions for the customer.”

System solution with RIVTEX The RIVTEX system solution from Arnold Umformtechnik and Arnold & Shinjo GmbH is a high-quality alternative to conventional welding that cuts parts assembly costs whilst assuring every quality requirement.

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ith the RIVTEX system studs and nuts are pressed into the ready-to-assemble sheet metal parts such that they do not fall out and are characterised by high twisting moments and press-out forces. The fastening process, controlled by intelligent tool technology, remains integrated in the press process and replaces at least one complete operation.

Tangible cost reductions in industrial assembly processes can only be made throughout the process chain. Arnold & Shinjo GmbH & Co KG was set up for this purpose. It offers consultancy and support to customers and supplies the corresponding tool technology.

The company offers a package stud/nut solution including a process technology specially tailored to the product benefits.

The RIVTEX range comprises of clinch studs and self-piercing nuts and addresses the requirements arising from steel and aluminium sheets less than 1mm thick.

Arnold Umformtechnik explains that RIVTEX fasteners cannot fall out because they are pressed firmly into the sheet metal component. With their large bonding area, RIVTEX fasteners are extremely stable against press-out forces and torque, and so

152 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

develop their own safeguard against failure. RIVTEX fasteners replace welding and the associated environmental hazards. The surface structure around the fastening is protected and there is no welding spatter - so no requirement for additional reworking after application. The risk of corrosion (due to the 90% level of zinc coating in sheet steel welding) can be eliminated with the RIVTEX alternative.

Unlike welding screws and welded nuts, these fasteners can be applied at the same time as the sheet steel is stamped and pressed. Arnold & Shinjo supply standardised tool and feed technology which enable several fasteners to be emplaced in a single stroke. RIVTEX fasteners can be processed on the fastrunning tool in exactly the same way as in the transfer press or pressing line.

P R O D U CT S

Zero Cases provides cost effective solution An order for ‘super-light’ cases required with a very short lead time, to carry aircraft servicing related parts, presented such a challenge that protective cases expert Zero Cases (UK) Limited used all of its 35 years of case making expertise to provide a solution for a brand new customer.

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he company Didsbury Engineering Co Ltd, specialises in lifting and handling solutions for aircraft maintenance. “We were given the challenge of building a case which had to be very light, robust and able to meet Didsbury Engineering’s aerospace related demands,” explained Mike Dimmack, UK plant manager. “The dimensions were 1.5m x 1.1m x 0.85m.

The case, made of aluminium, needed to be strong, durable and the internal layout was specifically designed to meet the industry sector leading product to be transported.”

The company developed the case by enhancing an existing design, rolling the sheet aluminium and extending the design around the products the case would be protecting.

Zero Cases (UK) Limited was given three weeks to design, manufacture, and ship. Work on the first five cases started in the middle of April 2012 and by the middle of the third week in May 2012 it had been delivered to the customer. Another five cases have now been made and delivered.

Demand for cases that are customised to meet specific needs has become so important to Zero Cases (UK) Limited that the company has been able to develop new product lines based on such requirements.

Mike Dimmack said that the requirement for non-standard products has also enabled the company to help weather the UK’s current economic storm.

Jubilee® Clips gets ‘suited and booted’ Jubilee® Clips recently unveiled a new product launched in response to customer demand.

The latest addition to the Gillingham based manufacturer’s expanding portfolio is a constant velocity (cv) boot clip, which it is offering in convenient packs of 15 (10 x 40mm -110mm plus 5 x 25mm - 50mm).

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ubilee® Clips does not deal directly with end-users but sells through a network of automotive wholesalers.

Nevertheless, the company exhibits at end-user exhibitions for the opportunity to meet truck and van operators and gain useful feedback on how its products are being used in workshops, as well as identify potential new opportunities.

It was during an automotive exhibition last year that Jubileev Clips realised that there was a gap in the automotive market for a constant velocity boot clip sold separately to additional, expensive, components which are not always required.

“Some of the operators we spoke to were becoming quite frustrated so we went back to find a solution and our new cv boot clip pack is the result,” explains Ian Jennings, joint managing director at Jubilee Clips. “It’s an effective solution to a specific problem and underscores our reputation as a ‘one-stop shop’ supplier to the automotive aftermarket.” www.jubileeclips.co.uk

P R O D U CT S

Air and liquid tight self-seal washers APM HEXSEAL, based in Englewood, New Jersey, USA, has announced the expansion of its SEELOC® self-sealing, high-pressure washer line of available stock sizes, which will include the range of metric sizes from M3 to M6.

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ccording to APM director of sales, John Arnold: “Six new popular metric sizes have been added as the foundation to satisfy the increasing international demand for this industrial grade sealing washer line. We are experiencing a surge of metric size requirements from OEMs who are building marine, medical, military, instrumentation and a broad range of electrical and enclosure equipment throughout the world”. Arnold added that: “within this size range, the washer O.D. is 12.7mm to 25.4mm, and maximum thru-hole sizes of 6.35mm to15.87mm are being offered. Additional sizes are contemplated, based on demand.”

The SEELOC® washer platform is built with 300 series stainless steel - a uniquely profiled and ribbed silicone rubber section is molded onto one side (facing down) creating a high-pressure seal to 100psi. SEELOCs are rated to IP66/68 for Type 4X & Type 6 enclosure protection, and are resistant to salt water, acids, weather, sunlight, ozone and a myriad of harsh, hostile conditions. They can easily handle temperatures from-160°F to +500°F. The APM self-sealing fastener line has been sold for more than 50 years under the following trademarks: SEELBOLT®, SEELSKREW®, SEELNUT®, SEELRIVET® and SEELOC®. APM fasteners are sold by electronics and industrial distributors throughout the United States, Canada and worldwide. For name and location of nearest distributor, visit the APM website.

Providing robust solutions PennEngineering says that its PEM® self-clinching studs, designed with large-diameter heads, provide particularly robust solutions for heavy-duty attachment applications.

T

he enlarged, non-flush stud head distributes axial tightening force over a large area.

The result is improved pull through performance, reduced compressive stress on the panel, and development of full thread strength. All four types of these RoHS compliant studs offer cost-effective alternatives to weld studs by enabling easier installation with fewer production steps.

Type HFE™ steel studs install permanently in steel or aluminium sheets as thin as 0.040 inches/1mm with hardness of HRB 85 (or less) and HB 165 (or less). Thread sizes range from #10-32 through 5/16 -18 and M5 through M8. Standard stud lengths are available up to 2 inches/50mm.

Type HFH™ steel studs for high-strength applications meet Grade 5/Property Class 9.8 tensile requirements and install permanently in steel or aluminium sheets as thin as 0.050 inches/1.3mm with hardness of HRB 85 (or less) and HB 165 (or less).

Thread sizes range from #10-32 through 3/8 -16 and M5 through M10. Standard stud lengths can be supplied up to 2 inches/50mm.

Types HFG8™ (unified) and HF109™ (metric) high tensile strength studs provide solutions for the most demanding applications.

These carbon alloy steel studs are specially heat-treated to achieve greater hardness and tensile strength up to Grade 8/Property Class 10.9 meeting 150 ksi/1040 MPa minimum. They install permanently in steel or HSLA steel sheets as thin as 0.040 inches/1mm with hardness of HRB 89 (or less) and HB 180 (or less). Thread sizes for Type HFG8 studs range from #10-32 through 5/16 -18 and from M5 through M8 for HF109 versions. Standard stud lengths can be ordered up to 1 inch/25mm.

Detailed specifications, CAD models, and performance data (Bulletin FH) for this family of large-diameter head studs can be accessed on PennEngineering’s website.

The secret’s out - Button-fix has arrived Button-fix™ is a new, extra strong, secret fixing for panels. Having only just been launched Buttonfix Limited says that its Button-fix™ has already been well received by users, ranging from furniture manufacturers to shop-fitters to caravan makers, who have tested their free sample packs.

B

utton-fix is easy to align and fit with the Button part of the fixing safely locking home with a ‘click’. Its reversible design means that it can be surface-mounted or rebated for compactness and strength. It can also be orientated for vertical or sideways assembly with the Button attached to either the removable panel or the background structure. How it is used depends on the users particular application.

Buttonfix Limited points out that as Button-fix is moulded from a glass-filled, engineering-grade polymer it is extremely strong. It has also been specifically designed, developed and manufactured in the UK and works with a wide variety of panel materials and thicknesses.

“Button-fix has received independently commissioned load test results and is supported by a comprehensive website, giving details of how to use the product and useful tips and accessories to help with the installation.”

156 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 76 July 2012

K sm速 welding nuts

Kim速 in-mould inserts

Ksm速 welding nuts have been developed by Kohlhage during many years of experience with resistance welding. Millions of them have already proven their capabilities.

Knowing your needs in the in-mould process, we at Kohlhage designed Kim速 in-mould inserts. This exclusive Kohlhage - development is available with or without thread for easy use as plastic reinforcement in the injection moulding process.

7 times better

strength of 1. two times higher N 928/929 welding against DI lding process 2. safe resistance we gaps between 3. tightly welded, no rt nut and assembly pa s caused by 4. no surface defect galvanic acids 5. no splash prior to welding 6. easy positioning 7. safe process

5 times better

1. higher torque re sistance 2. higher clamp fo rce 3. minimized stres s for the plastic assembly 4. optimized to achi eve even plastic surfaces 5. easy to mount in the injection tools

Since 1929 Kohlhage has been specialising in fastener technology. With a competent team of 16 staff and our own procurement and QA organisation in Asia, we are partner to manufacturers and distributors. With the capacity to warehouse over 4.500 pallets we offer all the logistics services which are customary in the sector to customers. As a certified organisation, we are familiar with all current sampling and QA processes.

www.kohlhage.de

We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you.

P R O D U CT S

Providing the finishing touch Blue Diamond says that it has recognised an increasing demand for custom-made ends caps that finish off and add value to a wide range of products.

B

lude Diamond explains that not only do end caps enhance appearance, they can also be designed to prevent the ingress of dirt or dust and, in the case of furniture legs for example, spread the load alleviating damage to floor coverings.

Although there are ranges of standard end caps available, most customers recognise the benefit of having them specially made so as not to compromise the design of the overall item.

Blue Diamond can manufacture end caps in a range of materials including any plastic, rubber, polished metals or alloys to provide a contrasting or a near seamless match to existing finishes. Caps can be threaded or push-fit and, with careful design, it is often possible to produce a universal component that will meet a range of applications – reducing costs and inventory.

Products can be produced in a range of colours to match or tone with the finished item or they can be supplied ready for finishing by the customer.

Branding, company logos and identification part numbers can be added and products packaged ready for delivery as required.

When the product requirements have been agreed with the customer, Blue Diamond will handle the complete production process including design and prototyping, and the manufacture of low cost tooling.

Making a better spiral spring William Hughes Ltd has extended its range of springs to include spiral springs. However, unlike other manufacturers who use soft wire which is then hardened and tempered to give the required characteristics, William Hughes uses CNC technology to process spring hard wire into the required shape, the spring is then stress relieved and finished.

W

illiam Hughes is a manufacturer of springs, bent wire-forms and assemblies and the introduction of spiral springs takes full advantage of the company’s experience, wire bending skills and state of the art wire forming machinery.

Spiral springs are a type of torsion spring. The use of profiled or square wire allows high performance parts to be engineered for applications in awkward or confined spaces. Typical applications include the electrical and automotive industries, for example seat folding mechanisms.

William Hughes highlights that using CNC technology results in a spring that is faster to produce, has a lower cost, looks better and has better performance characteristics. The CNC technology means that tooling for new springs can be manufactured more quickly and at a lower cost. Even small batch quantities can be quickly and economically produced for prototyping or low production runs.

“The William Hughes product range includes compression, tension and torsion springs in many bespoke configurations, wire forms, PCB test points and spring wire. Stringent quality checks to ISO 9001:2008, TS 16949 and AS 9100, combined with the latest design, production and distribution techniques ensure continuity of supply, rapid delivery and competitive prices across the range.”

Rocfast brand expands The Rocfast brand at FDB Panel Fittings is expanding with the addition of a comprehensive range of toggle latches.

F

DB Panel Fittings points out that the Rocfast toggle latches have the advantage of being ‘quick release’ but with the added benefit of not extending into the case or equipment being fastened.

The new range offers the user a wide choice to suit most industrial applications for everything from simple containers, tool boxes, industrial canisters, banding and cladding applications, to sophisticated medical and marine equipment.

Rocfast toggle latches are manufactured from either cold rolled steel or stainless steel, and feature many options including adjustable, vibration proof models to provide gasket pull up, key lockable and padlockable types and some with a secondary locking feature to prevent accidental unlocking.

The latches are complemented by a wide variety of matching strike plates as well as straight or curved links, while integral springs are also available on selected styles for their anti-vibration characteristics.

Your requirements are satisfied immediately: for example tension bushes in special designs.

> Tension bushes in inch sizes / with lubrication groove inside, outside, or both / with grease holes and cruciform lubrication grooves / with nib / with rhombus-shaped surface dents as reservoir for solid lubricants for lesser bearing loads / with flanged edges / eccentric tension bushes ...

Spannstiftstraße 2 D-58119 Hagen T. +49 2334 957-0 info@jvu.de

Anz_E_Sonder_FF_92x135.indd 1

www.jvu.de

30.03.11 14:56

P R O D U CT S

Strong joints with little weight WEICON GmbH & Co KG has developed two special adhesives for applications in the field of lightweight constructions – WEICON RK-Construction Adhesives RK-1300 and RK-1500.

W

EICON explains that to reach especially light constructions, the use of adhesives has become a well-established factor over the last few years.

Besides the low weight, adhesives offer another advantage compared to the previously prevailing riveted structures in that the stress concentration in large-surface joints is minimised and stress peaks, which otherwise could lead to damages, are reduced.

WEICON points out that the characteristics of WEICON RK-Adhesives are high strength, residual elasticity and impact resistance. They offer a fast and strong bonding power and can be used in a wide temperature range.

RK-Construction Adhesives are two-component systems based on methacrylate which cure fast at room temperature. Both products are applied in a ‘no-mix’ process, which means that it is not necessary to mix adhesive and activator. Polymerisation only starts at the moment when the adhesive and activator-wetted surfaces are joined together. This allows adhesive joints without critical time restrictions. Curing starts with the chemical reaction between adhesive and activator in the bonding line.

WEICON RK Adhesives can be used for high-strength bonding

of different materials like metals, plastics, fibre composite materials, wood, glass, ceramics and stone. Even coated metals can be bonded.

The RK-Construction Adhesives can be used universally in many industrial sectors. They are suitable for the automotive engineering, for machine and apparatus engineering, in electrical engineering or in the construction and furniture industry.

Some points must be observed if RK-Construction Adhesives are used. The surfaces to be joined must be clean, dry and free of grease. Depending on the size of the bonding gap, the RK Activator is applied on either one or both sides of the surfaces to be bonded. With large gaps (between 0.4mm and a maximum of 0.8mm) the activator should be applied on both sides.

The evaporation time of the Activator is at least five minutes at room temperature. Parts coated with the Activator can be stored for up to 30 days without loosing their effectiveness. The adhesive is then applied only on one side and normally on the surface that has not been coated with the Activator. Processing of the adhesive system should take place at room temperature. Higher temperatures shorten the positioning and the cure time, lower temperatures increase the respective times.

P R O D U CT S

Mini indexing plungers Mini indexing plungers are a vital part of many machines as they offer a quick, tool-free and positive positioning system in a very small package, consistent with standard engineering practices and suitable for fitment to even thin gauge sheet metal down to 3.5mm.

E

lesa’s GN822.1 series feature steel or stainless steel bodies with stainless steel plungers and internal spring. The manually operated knob is matt black and made of polyamide technopolymer.

Two variants are available in plunger sizes 4mm to 7mm with normal default of pin extended and type C with the default of the pin retracted. A simple 90° turn of the operating knob either retracts or extends the plunger pin to suit the equipment process.

Abbey Clamps.................................. 15

Jubilee Clips....................................131

ACT Fasteners & Components Ltd....127

Koenig Verbindungstechnik GmbH....117

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co. KG...............21

Kohlhage Befestigungstechnik.......157

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co.............. 53

Landmark Fasteners Pvt Ltd......... 115

Alca Fasteners Ltd........................... 57

Lederer............................................. 20

Alfran Fasteners Ltd...................... 115

Litmat SpA....................................... 63

Allbolts Ltd....................................... 35

London Screw Company Ltd.......... 150

Alloy & Stainless Fasteners Inc,...... 25

Lucky-Winsun Enterprise Co Ltd...147

Alpen-Maykestag GmbH................ 145

M&W Fastener Co.,Ltd.................... 29

Ambrovit SRL................................... 13

MacDermid Plc.............................. 133

Arser................................................ 68

Masterfix Products ........................ 129

Autonic Engineering Ltd.................. 35

Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH.............147

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd.........117

Multiple Overseas Exports................11

Bendfast Ltd......................................81

Nakashimada Engineering Works... 23

Berardi Bullonerie SRL................... 88

National Machinery.......................... 27

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co.Ltd............. 119

ND Industries..........................125, 159

Biing Feng Enterprise Co., Ltd........ 47

NIFMSE............................................ 43

Birlik Baglanti...................................31

Nord-lock......................................... 17

Bontempi Vibo.................................. 59

Nordic Metalblok SRL...................... 77

Bossard Ltd........................................ 4

NORMA Group.................................... 5

Bossong........................................... 87

omniTechnik Mikroverkapselungs....111

Bralo................................................. 37

Orbit International Corporation Ltd....51

Brighton Best.......... 10, 12, 14, 16, 164

Ornit............................................... 143

BRK Industries................................. 33

Pee-Wee........................................... 88

Bülte Plastiques SA......................... 57

Peter Schröder GmbH................... 162

Chatsworth Computers Ltd........... 115

Pinstructure..................................... 15

Ching Chan Machinery Co Ltd....... 113

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd... 149

Degometal.......................................131

Prelok............................................... 15

dk Business Solutions....................117

Pressed Parts.................................127

Don Quichotte B.V.......................... 103

Ray Fu............................................ 154

Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH............ 3

Reyher.............................................131

DS Fasteners................................... 95

Rivelit................................................. 7

Edward Symmons............................ 53

Rivit Srl........................................... 163

EFC International............................. 33

SACMA............................................. 83

Eldes snc di Bellotto Paolo & C........71

Saima Corporation......................... 150

Verbindungslemente Engel GmbH... 99

San Shing Fastech Corp................ 109

Everest Overseas..............................91

SARIV Srl.......................................... 65

Fastbolt.......................................... 1, 2

Schäfer + Peters GmbH................. 153

Fastener Fair Brasil......................... 19

Schnorr GmbH................................. 35

Fastener Fair.................................. 155

Shanghai Fast Fix...........................121

Fastener Fair India..........................127

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd..........161

Fastener Fair Russia........................ 85

Sipa SRL............................................81

Fastener Fair Stuttgart.....................61

Smith-Bullough Ltd....................... 129

Fastener Fair Thailand..................... 49

Specialinsert Srl.............................. 75

Fixi.....................................................71

Spirol................................................ 53

FK Moore & Sons..............................81

Stafa Group.......................................31

G & B Fissaggi Srl............................ 75

Super Nut Industrial Co Ltd.......... 158

Global Engineered Products Ltd.... 129

Tecfi S.p.A......................................... 73

Goebel GmbH................................... 55

Tecno Impianti SRL.......................... 79

Graewe GmbH & Co.KG................... 19

TFC Ltd............................................147

Grime Boss...................................... 93

Tillex - Fastex................................... 95

Growermetal SRL.............................. 9

Titibi.................................................. 75

GWI..................................................111

Trojan...............................................151

Hafren Fasteners Ltd......................151

UBK spa........................................... 67

Harrison & Clough Ltd.....................41

Vipa SPA........................................... 97

Heinz Soyer GmbH............................51

voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH..... 45

Herbert Knoke GmbH & Co. KG.....101

Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG.... 31, 71, 159

Hexstone Group............................... 57

Volt Industrial Plastics, Inc.............. 89

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG......... 95

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH........107

Ingramatic........................................ 83

Wilh. Lüsebrink GmbH................... 160

Japan Hardware............................. 108

Wrentham Tool Group.................... 110

RIVIT FASTENERS

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

OF FIXING SYSTEMS AND TOOLS

Insert nuts and tools RIV 998

For M3-M12 inserts 2 phase RIV 912

For M3-M12 inserts 1 phase RIV 938

For M3-M10 inserts 1 phase RIV 990

For hexagonal holes RIV 916B

For M14-M16 inserts RIV 790

Battery tools for insert

Blind rivets and tools RIV 502

For standard rivets Ø 4.8

RIV 503

For rivets Ø 4.8

RIV 504

For rivets Ø 6.0-6.4

RIV 505

For standard rivets Ø 5 acc

RIV 508

For structural rivets

RIV 750-760

For structural rivets

RIV 509

For blind bolts

RIV 509B

For blind bolts

RIV 510B

For rivets Ø 10.0

RIV 610

Self-feeding system

RIV 300

For speed rivets

HAND TOOLS

For rivets and inserts

P011110

AUTOMATIC CENTRE FOR FIXING SYSTEM RIVIT Srl - via Marconi 20 loc. Ponte Rizzoli 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO) ITALY phone +39 051 4171111 fax +39 051 4171129 www.rivit.it rivit@rivit.it

The most competitive prices in the industry.

Hex Heads

5%

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Hex Nuts

For information or enquiries please email: sales@brightonbest.org franceinfo@brightonbest.com deutschinfo@brightonbest.com

• FULL NUT COARSE DIN 934 STAINLESS STEEL A2 (18-8)

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