Fastener + Fixing Magazine #95

In this September issue‌ Plating + coating Torque wrenches European Technical Assessments

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Issue 95 September 2015

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CONTENTS

80-88 Part of the Mack Brooks Group Romeland House, Romeland Hill, St Albans, Herts, AL3 4ET, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1727 814 400 Fax: +44 (0) 1727 831 033 www.fastenerandfixing.com Publishing Director Jamie Mitchell jamie.mitchell@fastenerandfixing.com

Plating + coating

Executive Editor Phil Matten phil.matten@fastenerandfixing.com Editor Will Lowry will.lowry@fastenerandfixing.com Deputy Editor Claire Edwards claire.edwards@fastenerandfixing.com Senior Advertising Executive Harry Whyte harry.whyte@fastenerandfixing.com

42-43 52-54 Keeping ahead of industry trends

GESIPA demonstrates its capabilities

Advertising Executive Emiliano Pagliaroli emiliano.pagliaroli@fastenerandfixing.com Advertising Executive Ilana Bernstein ilana.bernstein@fastenerandfixing.com Production Manager Andy Clow andy.clow@fastenerandfixing.com Production Assistant Jo Lightfoot jo.lightfoot@fastenerandfixing.com Fastener + Fixing Magazine is a dedicated, trade-only publication which is circulated freely throughout the European trade.

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

The Publisher also cannot be held liable for any claims made by advertisers or in contributions from individuals or companies submitted for inclusion within this publication. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or Fastener Fairs Ltd.

62-78 110-112 Construction fixings 6

Galling of stainless steel fasteners

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Copyright Entire contents copyright © Fastener Fairs Limited 2015. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publisher.

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by

E D I TO R I A L Will Lowry, editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Back to business The summer break is over and companies are focusing on the remainder of 2015. In this issue we have a selection of thought-provoking articles to get you back to thinking about all things fasteners.

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s a magazine we are always looking for White Papers and technical articles that concentrate on key topics affecting the fastener and fixing industry. For instance, Deepak Garg, from Bossard’s expert team, has written an article that focuses on ‘Galling of stainless steel fasteners’ – the various causes of galling – and the prevention methods currently available in the market.

There is also an insightful article from Jozef Dominik, owner of Ferodom s.r.o, who analyses the current testing methods for locking bolted joints and questions the universality of any specific solution.

In our Construction Fixings section we have a special feature on European Technical Assessments/Approvals. In addition to the regular list of recently published ETAs – in agreement with the European Organisation of Technical Assessments – there is an article from Hilti Group – focusing on its Hilti HIT HY-170 multibase material mortar – as well as fischer concentrating on its FIS V injection mortar system. Further articles from leading construction companies include INDEX Fixing Systems, G&B Fissaggi Srl and pgb-Polska sp z.o.o.

After attending the recent General Assembly of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers (ECAP) in Barcelona, Spain,

Executive Editor Phil Matten also reflects on the development of ECAP and how it has made the voice of SMEs heard in European institutions.

For our Cover Story we have an exclusive interview with Keith Harrison, chief executive of Hexstone Limited – parent company of Owlett-Jaton, JCP Fixings, Unifix, Stainless Threaded Fasteners, Icon Fasteners and Galaxy Fasteners. Keith offers an insight into the latest developments of its six well established brands, as well as how the Group stays ahead of industry trends.

There is also a unique look at GESIPA Blind Riveting Group’s new demonstration and training centre, just outside Frankfurt, Germany. I recently had the opportunity to meet Uwe Herth, head of BU equipment manufacturer, who gave me a guided tour of the new centre and the various demonstrations.

To add to this there is an in-depth plating and coating feature that includes a report from the first in-house exhibition by Ernst Reinhardt GmbH – focusing on its barrel coating line type BE-T602; an interview with Peter de Bruine, owner of Lubo Interational, who talks about the unique ‘Lubo’ lubrication; as well as Duroc NV giving an insight into its impressive surface treatment capabilities.

CONTENTS INDUSTRY NEWS Europe and World ................................................................... 10-22 Perspective....................................................................................24 North America ........................................................................ 26-30 Russia + CIS ............................................................................ 32-34 Asia .......................................................................................... 36-38 Brazil .............................................................................................40 COVER STORY Hexstone: Keeping ahead of industry trends ......................... 42-43 EXHIBITIONS Events Calendar ............................................................................45 News ....................................................................................... 46-50 INSIGHT GESIPA demonstrates its capabilities .................................... 52-54 Providing engineered fastener solutions................................ 56-58 Ornit opens new European logistics centre..................................60 CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS Getting the SME voice heard................................................... 62-64 Confidence is good; approvals are better .....................................66 News ....................................................................................... 68-78

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY Diamond Coating for wood to wood connections .........................80 Ernst Reinhardt opens its doors ...................................................82 Corrosion protection since 1954 ...................................................84 The power of Lubo .........................................................................88 News ....................................................................................... 86-96 MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS A distributors place in the supply chain ............................... 99-100 News ................................................................................... 102-108 TECHNICAL Galling of stainless steel fasteners .....................................110-112 Testing bolting resistance to vibration .................................114-116 PRODUCT NEWS One true blue ...................................................................... 118-120 Application Technology news .............................................. 122-128 Tools news ............................................................................130-136 sJs® – a new concept in self-forming screws ............................138 Products news .................................................................... 140-148 INDEX ..........................................................................................150

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NEWS

SFS reports solid H1 growth in local currency Excluding currency effects SFS Group achieved organic sales growth of 6.1% in the first half of the year, mainly driven by the ramp up of new projects and products at its Engineered Components segment.

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he strong appreciation of the Swiss Franc against the euro, however, “left a deep mark on SFS Group sales and profits in the first half of 2015”. The negative impact of exchange rate movements on the translation of Group sales into CHF added up to a CHF 35.8 million reduction or -5.5% of local sales.

Fastening Systems, including SFS intec and GESIPA® brands, reported sales of CHF 157.9 million, down 5.8% in Swiss Francs but slightly up in euros, the main currency for transactions.

Exchange impacted Fastening Systems EBITA, which fell 35.9% to CHF 9 million. Factoring out exchange effect the reported margin of 5.4% would have been 8.1%.

The construction division saw operating performance “steadfastly improved” with a sharpening of the focus of production strategy and simplification of operating structures. SFS announced that finishing and assembly operations, previously carried out in Switzerland, will transfer to the Czech Republic to improve response times and competitive cost position.

The riveting division achieved above average growth in North America and Asia, supported by the ramp up of automotive projects and new customers.

Engineered Components, which develops and manufactures

customised precision components, fastening assemblies and solutions, reported first half 2015 sales of CHF 358 million, up 13.5% on the same period in 2014. EBITA was CHF 55.6 million at a margin of 15.4%. SFS’ automotive and industrial divisions supply European customers primarily from three factories located in Switzerland with prices quoted almost entirely in euros, so exchange rates had a negative impact.

The distribution and logistics segment, which supplies fastening technology, tools and architectural hardware alongside innovative logistics solutions, recorded CHF 154.5 million sales, down 4.7%. EBITA was down 45% to CHF 7.8 million. SFS unimarket, operating solely in Switzerland, reacted to the CHF appreciation by adjusting prices but customers changed their ordering activity and drew down inventories. Like for like H1 sales fell 5.5% – currency induced markdowns reduced sales by a further 4.2%. The acquisition of Thomas Minder Holding AG added 5% to sales growth of the segment.

SFS Group expects a substantial recovery of operating profit margins during the second half 2015. Assuming no further adverse exchange rate changes and similar macro-economic conditions, full year Group sales are expected to be in-line with 2014 with an EBITA margin decline of 100 to 200 basis points.

Currency drags on Bossard H1 results Bossard Group reported continued growth in the first half of 2015, with sales increasing by 5.4% to CHF 336.4 million. The Swiss Franc revaluation, however, impacted profitability particularly in Europe.

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ossard says growth was mainly due to the acquisitions made in the USA, Italy, France and Norway. In local currency Bossard’s European business showed a 4.6% increase in sales, although factoring out the benefit of acquisitions, like for like sales declined 1.8%. Converted to Swiss Francs the revenue showed a drop of 3.7% to CHF 199 million. Business units in Switzerland were most severely affected by the unfavourable currency effect with perceptible falls in sales and margins.

Following the acquisition of Aero-Space Southwest Inc, American sales increased

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33.1% compared with the first half of 2014 to CHF 87.2 million (in local currency sales increased 25.5%). Excluding acquisitions sale were down 5.2% in local currency. Bossard says expected growth from the largest US electric vehicle maker did not compensate fully for market related demand reduction from a major customer in the agricultural machinery segment. However, Bossard expects higher volume from both customers in the second half of the year.

Asian sales increased a “respectable” 6.6% to CHF 50.2 million in the first half of 2015 (2.9% increase in local currency).

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Bossard notes that, whilst the current increase in demand in most countries is encouraging, it is proving less dynamic in China than in previous reporting periods.

The effect of the Swiss Franc revaluation and associated margin pressures have been reflected in reduced profitability in the first half of the year. Compared to the all-time high net income in the previous year, net income fell by CHF 2.7 million to CHF 29.6 million. Excluding negative currency effects the profit would have been, on a comparable basis, slightly up on last year’s level.

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NEWS

Continued strong growth for Bulten Bulten AB reported first half 2015 sales of SEK 1.4 billion (approximately 148 million euros), up 17.5% on the same period in 2014. It also confirmed investments to increase its Polish capacity were going to plan.

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uarter 2 sales growth, which improved 13% against the same quarter in 2014, was based primarily on FSP contracts that went into production last year and a number of smaller contracts for which deliveries started this year.

Operating earnings for the first six months were SEK 82 million, up from SEK 70 million for H1 2014, and corresponding to an operating margin of 5.8%, slightly lower than H1 2014 at 5.9%. Bulten said its order book was up 5.2% on the same period last year.

Tommy Andersson, Bulten president and CEO, said: “We continued to win new business during the quarter, including a new contract from an existing customer concerning fasteners for heavy-duty vehicles worth around SEK 17 million annually. We have also seen how our business in Russia and China continues to progress,

although the effect on the group as a whole is still limited.”

Capacity expansion to handle higher volumes in Poland has continued with a new heat treatment line coming into operation in Quarter 2 and the construction of the new logistics centre on schedule to be operational in Quarter 3.

Andersson noted that market development in the latest quarter was uneven with lower activity in May, which affected Bulten. An uneven rate of production and the start-up of the heat treatment line in Poland together with currency translation effects had a negative effect on productivity.

Going forward, Andersson commented: “We see continued good opportunities for new business where we can further increase our market share and strengthen our position in the market.”

Würth reports first half sales growth Würth Group reported first half 2015 sales of 5.5 billion euros, reflecting growth of 8.7% on H1 2014 results. In local currency growth was 5.5%.

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he operating result was in-line with H1 2014, the lack of growth attributed to exchange losses as result of the appreciation of the Swiss franc and investments in the sales force. The Group employs 30,686 sales people, 1,000 more than on the same date in 2014. Overall employee numbers increased to 67,669 (+2.6% since December 2014).

“Würth’s development is positive, which is not only due to the good economic development in relevant fields of our business activities. We also focused on expanding forward-looking business units such as e-business,” says Robert Friedmann, chairman of the central managing board of the Würth Group.

Würth noted that the acquisition of Northern Safety Co Inc (NSC) in New York is subject to review by US antitrust agencies.

The company, which specialises in the sale of personal protective equipment and mainly supplies industrial businesses, is described as a “perfect addition rounding off the Würth Group’s industrial activities in the US”. NSC generated 2014 sales of US$190 million (170.3 million euros) and employs 472 people.

Würth has also acquired a 51% interest in Paravan GmbH, a company specialising in drive-by-wire technology and vehicles for disabled people. Würth sees the acquisition offering strategic potential as an entry to the global market for autonomous driving systems. In 2014 Paravan generated sales of 20 million euros.

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Bufab first half sales grow 4% Bufab Group released its interim report for the first half of 2015 showing net sales were up by 12% to SEK 1.27 billion (approximately 134 million euros).

Adjusted for currency effects net sales rose 4%.

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perating profit was SEK 107 million (2014 H1: SEK 93 million). Commenting on the result Jörgen Rosengren, president and CEO of Bufab, said: “Operating profit in the quarter did not quite reach the high-levels of the preceding year, largely as a result of unfavourable exchange rates for Bufab that negatively impacted the gross margin. However, it was gratifying that the action that we took in the form of price increases to customers, lower purchase prices, and cost savings, started to generate clear results.”

Bufab reported Q2 order intake was 15% higher than the same period in 2014 but was down quarter-on-quarter. Partially a normal seasonal effect Bufab said this was also indicative that underlying demand had not made any lasting improvements.

Swedish sales fell on the already noted switch of a major customer to in-house production and migration of business out of the country. Overall the Group showed organic growth primarily due to new business from existing customers.

Noting that the integration of Flos B.V was progressing according to plan and the acquisition made a solid contribution to earnings in the quarter, Jörgen Rosengren added: “The work on identifying additional suitable acquisition projects is continuing.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NEWS

Nedschroef agrees to buy two Whitesell plants Koninklijke Nedschroef Holdings B.V has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the assets of Whitesell Beckingen and Whitesell Schrozberg, subject to approval by competition authorities.

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hitesell entered insolvency in January 2015, having twice previously gone through the process – with the US Whitesell Group buying the four German plants at the beginning of 2014.

The purchase agreement represents Nedschroef’s first acquisition under the new ownership of Shanghai Prime Machinery Company Limited. The acquisition is seen as “another step in in Nedschroef’s vision to become the leading global fasteners partner for future mobility – focusing on value for customers with advanced solutions and services”.

Mathias Hüttenrauch, CEO of Nedschroef, said he was very positive about the planned transaction, for three major reasons.

On people he said: “I am convinced that we as Nedschroef are in a position to offer Whitesell employees a better future compared to the past. In our long-term growth plans we will further focus on engineered fasteners. I was able to see craftsmanship and high-quality work reflected by the people from Schrozberg and Beckingen, which grew my confidence in them.”

On technology he noted: “Both plants have outstanding technologies, which are required in the worldwide fasteners industry. With the acquisition of Beckingen we are able to generate know-how and capacity for coating, which we do not have so far. Schrozberg’s history is driven through development, engineering and production of complex cold forged products. Together with our machine capabilities we will open new perspectives there.”

Regarding customers and time to market, he said: “Currently there is a strong need for an increase in time to market for new businesses. With these additional capacities we will be able to offer more flexibility to our customers and help them on a short notice to overcome their bottlenecks.”

NGZ-online reports that the insolvency administrator has told 116 employees at Neuss Schraubenfabrik that he will continue in negotiations with two prospective purchasers, one interested in the Neuss plant only; another in both Neuss and the plant at Neuwied.

Dokka Fasteners to close Michigan plant On 28th August Dokka Fasteners Inc announced it will cease operations at its Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, plant by the end of 2015; the closure process beginning immediately. Dokka emphasises that the decision solely affects the USA facility and not its operations in Norway.

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he statement issued by CEO Louis Vasilevski notes: “The decision to close Dokka Fasteners in Auburn Hills, MI, was difficult after just committing to build the state of the art facility in 2010. Although the plant start-up went well, the business was subject to uncertainty due to the state of the wind industry in the United States. The landscape for wind energy is volatile based on a lack of a committed US renewable energy policy, gridlock of government in Washington, and the uncertainty of the production tax credit. Furthermore, inexpensive fossil fuels continue to pose a challenge to the growth of renewable energy. Lastly, the strong US dollar has made competing against European competitors and low priced

Asian imports increasingly difficult. The Dokka Fasteners Norway plant will continue to support customers demanding high-quality fasteners used in extreme applications.”

Dokka Fasteners joined the Würth Group as part of the acquisition of Arvid Nilsson in 2008. The product of a US$20 million investment, the Auburn Hills hot forging and machining operation opened in late 2011. It uses automation and robotics throughout to manufacture fasteners for critical applications and harsh environments. At the beginning of 2015 Dokka relocated production from Cardinal Fasteners, which it acquired from bankruptcy in 2011, to the Auburn Hills plant, north of Detroit.

Screwfix reports strong growth In a pre-close update Kingfisher Group reported half year sales for its Screwfix trade supply subsidiary were up 27.5% on the same period in the previous year.

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crewfix opened eleven outlets during Kingfisher’s second Quarter bringing its total presence in UK and Ireland to 412 branches. Like-for-like sales increased 16% year to date.

Group sales for Q2 were up 4.8% (+3.5% LFL). For the financial year to date (23 weeks to 11th July) full Group sales were up 3.7% (+2.1% LFL). B&Q UK and Ireland reported year to date sales up 4.7% (+3.3% LFL).

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Clamping Solutions

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NEWS

Berkshire Hathaway to acquire Precision Castparts Berkshire Hathaway, Warren E. Buffett’s investment company, has agreed the acquisition of Precision Castparts Corp (PCC) for US$235 a share, valuing the deal at around US$32.5 billion.

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he acquisition, announced on 10th August, is the biggest ever deal made by the multibillionaire investor.

Berkshire Hathaway had a 3% stake in the company, which it started to build three years ago.

Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO, Buffett, said: “I’ve admired PCC’s operation for a long time. For good reasons, it is the supplier of choice for the world’s aerospace industry, one of the largest sources of American exports. Berkshire’s board of directors is proud that PCC will be joining Berkshire.”

The transaction requires approval from a majority of PCC’s outstanding shares and is expected to close in Q1 2016.

Precision Castparts is a worldwide, diversified manufacturer

of complex metal components, serving the aerospace, power and general industrial markets, which has its headquarters in Portland, Oregan, USA. It generated sales in its 2015 fiscal year of slightly more than US$10 billion. 70% of sales come from aerospace, 17% from power and 13% from general industry and other.

PCC Fastener Products designs and manufactures high performance and strength precision components for critical applications and severe environments. It manufactures fasteners in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Two thirds of its facilities are in the United States. PCC began building its fastener business through acquisition of SPS Technologies Inc in 2003.

Brugola Michigan plant to contribute 20% of revenue Egidio ‘Jody’ Brugola – who became president of the company following his father’s death in February – told La Republica that Brugola’s new manufacturing facility in Michigan, which will supply engine bolts to Ford, will produce 10,000 tonnes by 2018, worth 25 million euros.

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rugola’s sales, which fell to 63 million euros in 2009, are expected to reach 130 million euros this year.

The new plant is described as a clone of that in Liss, Italy, employing SACMA manufacturing technology and initially employing 25 people.

Employment numbers are expected to increase to 75 – 80 by the end of 2017. Brugola also plans to have installed its own heat treatment line and increased the number of manufacturing plants from the current six to around twenty-two.

Remnants of Preciturn purchased from bankruptcy According to French media the Commercial Court in Le Puy-en-Velay accepted a bid from Auriol Frappe à Froid, based in Toulouse, France, for the remnants of Preciturn.

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uriol manufactures rivets, screws and special parts for aerospace, industry and automotive sectors.

The company also manufactures in the Tangier Exportation Free Zone, Morocco. Preciturn’s demise was accelerated when Peugeot pulled out of supply contracts leaving Renault as the ailing business’ only major contract.

The transaction is expected to result in the retention of less than twenty jobs in a business that in the 1970s employed 400.

Purchased in 2013 from a previous bankruptcy by a US investor the business continued to struggle, allegedly due to failure of the investor to delivery cash injections.

SFS and HECO enter strategic partnership SFS and HECO have announced a strategic partnership, based on their complementary offerings, to bring customers a broader range of products and services and to benefit from operational synergies.

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udwig Hettich GmbH & Co KG (HECO) is headquartered and has its main production plant in Schramberg, Germany. It also produces part of its timber screw and fixings range in Câmpia Turzii, Romania. The family-owned company has sales of around 35 million euros and employs 230 people. Employment will not be affected by the agreement with the construction division of SFS Group.

As part of the agreement SFS Group will, subject to competition authority approval, acquire a 30% interest in HECO via a capital increase. SFS said proceeds from the share issue will be spent on projects to improve competitiveness and accelerate growth.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NEWS

Grainger to acquire UK’s Cromwell Group W.W. Grainger Inc, North America’s leading broad line distributor of MRO products, has announced it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Cromwell Group (Holdings) Limited together with its subsidiaries on a cash-free, debt-free basis for GB£310 million.

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stablished in 1970 and headquartered in Leicester, Cromwell is the largest independent MRO distributor in the United Kingdom, serving more than 35,000 industrial and manufacturing customers worldwide with more than 80,000 industrial products. It has more than 2,150 employees. Sales for the fiscal year ending 31st August 2015, are forecast at GB£283 million with the vast majority coming from the UK; EBITDA margins are expected to be approximately 10%.

Grainger says the UK and Germany are two of the largest e-commerce markets in Europe, though adoption is lower than in the United States. It believes there is a compelling opportunity in the UK to grow its MRO online model, similar to that already accomplished in Japan with MonotaRO and in the United States with Zoro.

“We have demonstrated that when we have a broad product line and supply chain scale, as we do in the United States, we can develop a profitable online model very quickly. Cromwell is a great company with an outstanding product offering, strong management team, and stable supply chain and will be a strong addition to Grainger,” said Jim Ryan, chairman, president and CEO at Grainger. “Cromwell’s solid foundation will enable us to accelerate the growth of the online model in Europe within the next six months. Over the next five years we expect sales growth from low single digits to approaching double digits, and EBITDA margins to improve from 10% to 15%. This acquisition will also accelerate the profitability of Zoro Germany.”

“The large economically mature markets of Europe and Japan present the greatest opportunity for growth outside of North America and our online businesses across these regions are rapidly growing,” Ryan continued. “In Japan we have helped build the most successful MRO startup business in the last 20 years, MonotaRO, which is growing in excess of 20% annually in local currency. In the United States we launched the Zoro business, which is expected to reach US$300 million in sales this year after just four years, and we are seeing strong results from the launch of Zoro Germany. We believe we can achieve similar success with Cromwell.”

Online sales are currently less than 5% of Cromwell’s total sales. Upon completion, expected in September, Grainger intends to operate Cromwell as a standalone business unit led by current managing director, Michael Kerins.

Nord-Lock Group acquires Boltight Nord-Lock Group has acquired Boltight Limited, a hydraulic bolt tensioning company that is based in Walsall, UK. The directors of Boltight will continue to manage the company.

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ounded in 1999, Boltight’s hydraulic bolt tensioning systems have a global reputation for innovation and excellent quality. Boltight products are used in demanding environments in a multitude of markets, ranging from energy to engineering, and construction to mining.

Nord-Lock Group is specialised in bolt securing and bolt tensioning systems, and says that the combined strength of the Nord-Lock wedge locking washers, the Superbolt® mechanical tensioning systems, and the Boltight innovative hydraulic bolt tensioning systems, creates a wide ranging powerhouse and dominant force in the increasingly important area of secure bolting solutions.

“We welcome the acquisition and the opportunity of accelerated growth made possible by becoming part of the Nord-Lock Group,” commented Fred Heaton, managing director of Boltight.

Ola Ringdahl, CEO of the Nord-Lock Group, added: “We are excited by the acquisition of Boltight, which takes us one step further to achieving prominence in the global business of bolt securing systems. Boltight’s high-quality product range will open up many interesting business opportunities. We are very pleased to welcome Boltight into the Nord-Lock Group.” www.nord-lock.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NEWS

Pentair to buy ERICO Pentair Plc has announced it will pay US$1.8 billion (1.6 billion euros) in cash for ERICO Global Co, which manufactures electrical components and fastening products.

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RICO will become part of Pentair’s technical solutions division, which generates around a quarter of the Group’s revenue and about one third of its operating income. The majority of Pentair sales come from valves, water systems and flow control products, emanating from its merger with Tyco Flow Control International Ltd in 2012.

“The addition of ERICO’s complementary business will expand our presence in the commercial and industrial sectors,” commented Randall J. Hogan, chairman and CEO of Pentair. “We have similar cultures and serve similar industries with complementary products, which will create a broader and stronger offering for our end users.”

ERICO’s most recognised brands include its line of CADDY® fixing, fastening and support products; ERICO electrical grounding, bonding and connectivity products; and its LENTON® engineered systems.

ERICO employs 1,200 people across 30 countries and generates annual sales of around US$570 million.

Garton acquires Boka Bolt Supplies Boka Bolt Supplies, a well established UK distributor of fasteners and fixings, has been acquired by Manchester-based sector specialist Garton Ltd.

G

arton Ltd is a manufacturer and distributor of specialist fasteners with three divisions – a UK stockist division, manufacturing operation, and import-export specialist division. Established in 1992, Boka Bolt Supplies is a single source of supply for a large range of products, both general and non-standard, to a diverse range of sectors including power generation, mechanical engineering and automotive.

Boka Bolt Supplies brings a well established client base and opportunities to cross-sell products to the combined client base, further strengthening Garton’s position in the market. The acquisition also presents an opportunity to

make efficiencies and shorten lead times for customers.

Robert Steele, owner of Boka Bolt Supplies, commented: “I am extremely pleased that Garton Ltd has acquired Boka Bolt Supplies. The combined expertise of both companies will continue to drive Boka Bolts forward and create a formidable team.”

Tim Garton, director at Garton Ltd, said: “Boka Bolt Supplies has a diverse and respected customer base who appreciate both the service and product knowledge that is provided.

The additional stock availability and resource that the enlarged Group offers will prove beneficial to customers, and we look forward to continuing the relationship.”

TFC regenerates management for new growth phase UK headquartered TFC has announced a regenerated senior management team led by existing managing director, Morgan Burgoyne.

S

etting the developments in context, TFC describes the last seven years as a transformation from a technically focused specialised into an international multi-sited, premier division business, during which it has maintained a continued emphasis on customer service. The company says it is now “able to provide our customers with a competitive edge via our innovative products and extensive operational savings – contained in our pioneering supply chain assist suite of added value services such as DLF, VMI, Kanban, Kitting and Vending”.

TFC has now announced that financial arrangements to support the Group’s next

20

growth phase are in place, with expansion plans focusing upon additional TFC service centres in the UK and mainland Europe, along with the expansion of sales within selective target market sectors.

The regeneration of its management team, with Morgan Burgoyne leading the Group as chief executive, involves new appointments and the replacement of some original directors. New directors Keith Kentish (commercial) and Steve Teale (UK sales) have been appointed internally from their existing management roles, and the appointment of an operations director to oversee UK locations will be announced shortly.

Underpinning the growth plan involved

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

the appointment of Greg Templeman to TFC’s head of marketing. His international team will work across the entire group in order to raise TFC’s market profile with emphasis on marketing strategy, technical & commercial campaigns, utilising industry intelligence and a stronger proactive approach towards identifying customer requirements.

Morgan Burgoyne said: “I am delighted that, now with Foresight Group, our existing VC’s continued support, we can move TFC fully into Europe’s big league and consolidate our place in this industrial market as a customer focused force to be reckoned with.”

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NEWS

BeA UK increases warehouse capacity

New editions of ISO 9000 and 9001 published in September

BeA Fastening Systems Ltd, a UK manufacturer of fastening tools and consumables for the construction and industrial markets, has announced a significant investment in the UK to meet growing demand for its products and to maintain a reputation for the highest levels of service and support.

The first major revision of the world’s most used management standard, ISO 9001, is due for publication in September – incorporating changes made following user and expert feedback. A revised version of ISO 9000 will be published at the same time.

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eA has recently acquired additional warehousing at its Woodmansey, East Yorkshire site. The new facility will be used to increase both the depth and breadth of the company’s stockholding and to ensure continued, good ex-stock availability across BeA’s range.

John Mercer, managing director at BeA (UK), said: “BeA offers high-quality products that include tools and consumables employed across a wide range of sectors. However, we’ve always taken the view that products alone are only ever part of the best solution and that service, support and expert advice are all equally important.”

Reflecting this belief in service excellence, BeA already operates a nationwide team of field-based technical sales managers. These individuals adopt a consultative approach and aim to offer customers solutions that not only meet their needs but that also add value – whether that’s through increased margins, improved efficiency, greater productivity or many other benefits.

The company also operates a team of field-based support engineers. These technical specialists are equipped with vehicles customised to double as mobile workshops.

John Mercer added: “BeA prides itself on the strength and longevity of its customer relationships and a high proportion of our customer base has worked with us for many years and even decades. Investing into additional warehousing will help us to build on that track record. It will ensure we can continue to offer customers across the UK the fastening products they need, when they need them, whilst our own business expands.”

I

SO says the new version of ISO 9001 will follow a new, higher level structure to make it easier to use in conjunction with other management system standards, with increased importance given to risk.

UK standards organisation BSI summaries some of the key changes in ISO 9001 as: • Greater emphasis on building a management system suited to each organisation’s particular needs.

• A requirement that those at the top of an organisation be involved and accountable, aligning quality with wider business strategy.

• Risk-based thinking throughout the standard makes the whole management system a preventive tool to encourage continuous improvement.

• Less prescriptive requirements for documentation: The organisation can now decide what documented information it needs and what format it should be in.

• Alignment with other key management system standards through the use of a common structure and core text.

ISO 9000, which is also being revised and will be published at the same time, outlines the terms and definitions crucial to understanding ISO 9001. Existing certification holders have a three year transition period after the revision has been published to migrate their quality management system.

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NEWS

by Phil Matten, executive editor, Fastener + Fixing Magazine

Phil Matten reflects on some of the key topics currently involving the fastener industry There’s no shortage of environmental turbulence buffeting a fastener industry that, in the round, seems to have been doing pretty well of late. So ‘Fasteners Meetaly’, the international conference organised by UPIVEB in Milan this month, promises a timely barometer into industry leaders perceptions of whether expectations should be for gentler breezes or tempests.

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here is an impressive list of keynote speakers to forecast conditions in key fastener consumption industries; but I’m just as interested in the afternoon’s ‘Talk Show’, which promises insights from presidents of global fastener associations, entrepreneurs and bankers.

This issue’s News identifies quite a few nose winds felt right now. A few months ago one fastener distributor discussing supply chain issues put it succinctly: “I used to be a fastener dealer; now I find I’m a currency trader.”

The latest tranche of half-year results reinforce that feeling.

Bossard and SFS illustrate how Swiss corporations have sharply felt the double effect of CHF appreciation: Eroding overseas earnings when converted and pressurising domestic margins as fellow countrymen adapt to the radical currency movement. UK manufacturing continues its uphill trudge to grow exports in the face of sterling’s relative strength. US dollar strength is also making for a tough export climate, and was cited as a contributory factor in the most striking piece of breaking news just as we went to press.

The closure of Dokka Fasteners’ US manufacturing plant, a rare example of the appropriate use of the ‘state of the art’ description, was a shock, coming little more than four years downstream from its US$20 million establishment. The company’s statement levelled particular blame at the shift in US energy sources and costs, and lack of policy clarity.

The advent of viable, large-scale shale extraction might be driving down energy costs but there is clearly collateral damage in our industry.

Back to currency and China’s dramatic devaluation of the renminbi might well have been a rational correction in the macro-economic sense. It also, though, reinforced the toxicity of China’s over capacity in steel production, not just in terms of environmental pollution but also the damage its low cost exports inflict on the global steel industry. Now, it seems, current and previous senior management of China’s steel industry are coming under the scrutiny of the country’s anti-graft investigators. After the revelations following the Tianjin explosion, has the time come when Beijing may actually succeed in cracking down both on corruption and environmental pollution – or will the divergence between avowed policy and on-the-ground reality persist?

Softer economic prospects mean the Chinese are buying fewer luxury European car models. While American and European vehicle demand has been buoyant there’s a sense dealer discounting may be disguising softer domestic demand. The prospects of the so-called BRICS and CIVETs developing economies are also causing concern for the automotive sector. Looking at the latest industrial indicators even India’s manufacturing growth appears to have subdued somewhat and the PMIs of the rest of the acronym economies are definitely not something to write home about.

Plenty to learn and ponder on in Milan.

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

by John Wolz, editor, GlobalFastenerNews.com

Lowry to NFDA: Globalization regulating fastener finishing Longer product life, ‘invisible’ finishes, friction control, more durability with less thickness, and increased usage of nano-technology, are the future of fastener finishes, Brian Lowry told the National Fastener Distributors Association.

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owry, vice president for technical services at Curtis Metal Finishing Company, said the fastener industry could expect further environmental restrictions. Targets include zinc, aluminum, nickel, chromium and PTFE. “It is hard to find alternatives for zinc,” Lowry commented.

“Raw material costs will increase for petroleum and metals,” he anticipates, warning also of more OSHA (US Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.

Many regulations result from globalization rather than any one government, he noted. “Globalization of finish specifications requires approved materials to be available in North America, Europe, Asia and South America. Increasing environmental pressure due to globalization is forcing the finishing industry to find alternatives to hexavalent chromium compounds,” Lowry said.

Cadmium, lead and barium are hazardous materials affecting fastener finishes. The industry is fighting nickel regulations and cobalt will soon be used less.

Environmental issues also include air and water quality

standards. Lowry noted finishers now spend 7 cents of every sales dollar on waste disposal.

The automotive industry “sets the trends,” Lowry said. Most automotive fasteners are coated because of harsh environment use, extended vehicle life and more sophisticated assembly methods. That promotes non-electrolytic zinc flake coatings “versus rust-in-place”, Lowry explained. Corporations – customers – are setting durability mandates, he said.

Trends also include use of light metals, new assembly methods, designing for global manufacturing, changing assembly such as automated feed systems and plant cleanliness.

New coating materials will provide higher performance with fewer costs, Lowry said. New industrial OEM specifications require specific frictional requirements with associated testing.

“With increased emphasis on automated assembly, friction modification is part of the material formulation, not post-applied, leading to greater consistency of assembly,” Lowry explained.

Alcoa realigns downstream segment

McIlhon, Strandquist lead NFDA for 2015-16

Alcoa is realigning its downstream portfolio into two segments.

One segment, including Alcoa Fastening, will focus solely on aerospace, and the other segment will be centered on the construction and the commercial wheels markets.

Casey McIlhon of Assembled Products Inc is the new president of the National Fastener Distributors Association, and Marc Strandquist of Würth Group is vice president.

ed by Group President Olivier Jarrault, the Engineered Products and Solutions (EPS) segment has been streamlined “enabling a core focus on the position of Alcoa as a premier aerospace partner”, the company stated. The EPS group will be comprised of business units that cater to the aerospace market primarily, which include Alcoa Titanium & Engineered Products, Alcoa Fastening Systems & Rings, Alcoa Forgings & Extrusions, and Alcoa Power & Propulsion.

CEO Klaus Kleinfeld stated that these changes “provide important leadership and organizational advances”.

“This realignment optimizes company’s organizational structure and expands its leadership capabilities to capture profitable downstream growth more rapidly,” Kleinfeld added.

Alcoa entered the fastener industry with the 2000 acquisition of Cordant Technologies Inc, which included Huck®. Huck had acquired fastener manufacturer Jacobson Mfg Co in 1998 and Chicago-based Continental/Midland Group in 1999.

Alcoa acquired Fairchild Fasteners in 2002 for US$655 million, combining the company with Huck International to form AFS. AFS operates 22 manufacturing and distribution facilities in the US, Mexico, Europe, Asia and Australia. AFS employs 6,800 people in two divisions: Aerospace and industrial.

cIlhon, who succeeds Paul Tiffany of Copper State Bolt & Nut Co, is the fifth NFDA president from the McIlhon family. His grandfather, Dan McIlhon helped found the NFDA and was the first president from 1968-70. McIlhon is third generation in the fastener industry. He started with the family company, Iowa Industrial Products (IIP), in high school, kegging fasteners. After college he worked in outside sales. IIP was sold to Bossard in 1999.

In 2005 McIlhon started his own fastener rep agency, Chicago-based McIlhon & Associates. In early 2013 McIlhon closed his agency to join Assembled Products Inc as executive vice president of sales.

Strandquist started in the fastener industry in 1986 with Rockford Products LLC. He has been with Würth since 2001.

Kameron Dorsey of Beacon Fasteners & Components Inc is the new associate chair. Dorsey started in the fastener industry in 1995 with AFI Industries Inc and has been with Beacon since 1998.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

Fastener Tech panelists point out industry trends Three ‘Industry Trends’ panelists at Fastener Tech 2015 predicted a variety of changes coming to the fastener industry in coming years.

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ob Baer, vice president at Abbott-Interfast Corp, predicts fastener making machinery will advance beyond humans programming what machines produce. “Instead of us telling machines, machinery will be telling us what needs to be produced.”

Baer also predicted lighter weight fasteners from stronger materials, more plastic fasteners, and “better, longer lasting coatings”.

Ultimately, some engineers will find an end for hydrogen embrittlement, Baer predicted. Baer also suggested another possibility: “Someone may invent a compromise between Inch and Metric.”

One reason for advances in fastener engineering: “A rash of engineering graduates” who may create a third industrial revolution.

More and more ordering will be online, Baer said. Fastener distributors need to provide online ordering or customers “will look elsewhere”. Even Amazon will be selling fastener specials, he added. The future may include parts on demand in OEM facilities with 3D printing, he added.

Fastener warehouses must be more automated. Advancements will allow even small package quantities, Baer said.

Joe Peplinski of Würth Industry North America, predicted fastener production will continue to move “country to country to meet lower cost pressures from OEMs”. North American is accustomed to production of standards moving to Asia, but even high grade fasteners will moved from traditional fastener manufacturing locations to emerging manufacturing nations in the coming years, Peplinski predicted. “Know your supplier,” Peplinski advised distributors. “Understand your supplier.”

Taiwan has an advantage as a fastener supplier because the

steel producers are the “most stable and predictable”.

One part of the fastener industry that hasn’t changed with the times is the warehouse. “There are very, very few warehouses in the fastener industry that look different from 25 years ago,” Peplinski observed. “That’s not sustainable. It is living in the past.” The average fastener warehouse should have been more automated a decade ago, he suggested.

The US industry needs to “remove people from the process”, just as new technology is allowing in Europe. The fastener industry “has to change for profit”.

He predicted recent steel price reductions “will hold for the foreseeable future”, presenting difficulties for fastener companies with high priced inventory on shelves.

Mainland China’s fastener production rates have slowed.

There is concern about China’s “fragile economy” and corrupt companies where owners pocket government incentives.

“Chinese fastener producers are trying to move up to specials,” Peplinski finds.

What is coming to the fastener industry was “science fiction” just a few years ago, Brian Musker of FastenersClearingHouse told conference attendees. Musker recalled demonstrating early versions of the World Wide Web 20 years ago and predicting it would grow. “No one believed me.”

Driverless delivery trucks next? The distribution industry is going to change radically, Musker predicted. “There will be new channels.” He cited cheaper ordering, direct delivery systems, drones, and driverless delivery trucks as examples of what is to come.

Amazon is processing 80,000 orders a minute, he noted. “The numbers are staggering. The rates are going to accelerate.” He urged the fastener industry to have “more than a catalog online”.

FDI reports weaker sales and stagnant pricing The Fastener Distributor Index dropped in July to 49.8 amid a “tough” environment for many distributors. July’s Index was down from the 52 reported in June.

S

equential declines in sales, employment, and pricing were noted among survey participants, while six month expectations modestly improved from the previous month. “Overall, we believe that fastener distributors continue to face material demand pressure from lower commodity prices, forex, and weaker industrial production.”

The sales index fell 48% to 35.4, while employment fell 14.7% to 52.1. “While we note that a sequential decline in total sales is normal for July given seasonality, the percentage of respondents noting a deterioration in conditions was the highest in the survey’s brief history (January 2012).”

After rising in June, pricing month-on-month in July declined 17% to 45.8, while year-on-year pricing fell 18% to 58.3.

About 50% of distributors reported a “higher” outlook for the next six months, while 29% anticipate the “same” results and 21% predict “lower” returns. “We believe that overall fastener sales should see some benefit from stronger res/non-res construction gains in H2 2015.”

The FDI and pricing are diffusion indexes based on data supplied by FCH Sourcing Network. The FDI is a monthly survey of North American fastener distributors, conducted with the FCH Sourcing Network and the National Fastener Distributors Association. This month’s reading marks the first publication by BB&TCM since May 2014, although the survey has continued during this period.

28

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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NORTH AMERICAN NEWS

Beaulieu to NFDA: US economy in good shape The US economy is in good shape, economist Dr Alan Beaulieu declared. Unemployment is down and manufacturing is up. The leading indicators are pointing up. The world is relatively calm.

Banks are lending. Retail sales are rising. Non-residential construction is improving.

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eaulieu of ITR Economics told the National Fastener Distributors Association: “The recession ended in 2009,” adding: “Think of how to grow.”

“Interest rates are low,” Beaulieu commented.

“This is the time to borrow. Borrow until you can’t sleep again.

Borrow until your banker can’t sleep.”

Employment is rising and after downsizing due to the past recession, “companies are right-sized,” Beaulieu finds.

Beaulieu noted a recent Fox news poll found 65% of America “thinks we are in a recession. Wrong!” he retorted. Declaring the current economy almost the “roaring 1920s,” Beaulieu asked, “how can so many people be wrong?”

When a NFDA member suggested the negative rating might be politically motivated, Beaulieu agreed. He noted a Colorado senator elected last November recently gave a negative speech about the economy. “He is wrong. He must still be giving his stump speech,” Beaulieu said.

Though for a few recent months some industries have shown some slowing, the US economy is “not heading toward breakdown”. “Think of how to grow,” he advised.

Beaulieu, who describes himself as a “Austrian business-oriented economist rather than a Keynesian government-oriented economist,” displayed graphs showing the US industrial production and real gross domestic product growing since the recession and ITR’s projections for continued expansion through the first half of 2018.

By late 2018 through 2019 there will be a “consumer-led recession”, but it will be mild compared with 2008, Beaulieu

predicted. ITR Economics projects an economic depression about 2030. Beaulieu emphasized that it will be a “depression” rather than the “recession” of 2008.

Beaulieu’s NFDA presentation entitled – ‘Prosperity in the age of decline’ noted: • Health care costs are an issue. The costs are driven by the US aging population of Baby Boomers. In previous generations the first major illness would kill seniors.

• Expect oil prices to be up in 2016.

• At just over 2% the delinquency rates on consumer loans is well below the 10 year numbers of 3.2% to 4%.

• US auto exports are topping 100,000 – compared with less than 30,000 around 2010.

• Greece’s economic problems are not a world problem, Beaulieu said. “Greece is just not important globally.

The world is not dependent on any products from Greece.”

• Lower unemployment means the rate of employees quitting is rising. It also means higher wages – which means inflation is coming.

ITR Economics pegs private sector employment growth at 2.5%; job openings at 20.8%; and that involuntary part-time employment has dropped -9.7%.

Founded in 1948, ITR Economics is an economic research and consulting firm, which boasts a 94.7% accuracy rate in its projections.

Oberton returns as Fastenal CEO Seven months after becoming CEO at Fastenal Co, Leland Hein has relinquished the top job to his predecessor, Board Chairman Will Oberton, who resumed his duties as president and CEO on 20th July, according to SEC documents.

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berton, 57, first became CEO in December 2002, when he succeeded company founder Bob Kierlin, until December 2014. He also served as Fastenal president from July 2001 to July 2012.

He resigned as CEO in December 2014. The unusual move prompted speculation among business analysts. “It’s not very clear what is going on. But the change is definitely strange,” Edward Jones equity research analyst Logan Purk told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The company strategy didn’t change under Hein, Purk said, noting that in recent years Fastenal has actively cut costs and boosted operating efficiencies. At the same time, the company has closed several retail stores and installed more factory vending machines.

Some Wall Street analysts speculated that something might have happened in Oberton’s personal life that prompted him to take time off, Purk added.

Hein, 54, assumes the role of COO for Fastenal. Fastenal stated Hein “will take on the important responsibilities of heading the company’s operations and sales areas of the company where he is a proven leader”.

Fastenal CFO Dan Florness told the Winona Daily News that the change wasn’t a negative assessment of Hein, who he called one of the most effective operators the company has had. “He and the board really felt that was the best role he could be in for the business,” Florness said.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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

Bervel Russian plant nears completion Pre-commissioning activities at the new plant of Bervel GmbH, a German producer of high-tensile fasteners and drawn steel, are nearing completion in the Rybnovsky District of Ryazan region.

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uring a working meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Oleg Kovalyov, the governor of Ryazan region, announced that the commissioning of the plant would take place in September this year. The estimated output of the plant, when it reaches full production in 2016, is around 20,000 tonnes of fasteners and 30,000 tonnes of drawn steel per year.

Investment in the project will total 4.5 billion rubles (approximately 60 million euros). The plant will produce fasteners for construction, machine building and automotive industries in Russia and foreign countries. The plant will operate a complete production cycle of fastener production – from wire preparation through to hot dip galvanised and zinc-lamella coatings. According to the Ryazan information agency, Governor Kovalyov has invited the president to visit the plant after commissioning.

Technical Fair will include ‘Fasteners. Hardware. Tools’ Expo The organisers of the St. Petersburg Technical Fair 2016 has announced exhibitions that will be held within its framework, including for fasteners, hardware and tools.

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xhibitions will include: Metal processing, machine building, metallurgy, founding, fasteners, hardware, tools and services for industrial enterprises. Some fastener suppliers have already booked exhibition space at the fair, including such companies as Mashkrepezh LLC (Moscow), Profkrepezh (Dzerzhinsk), Stroymetiz (St. Petersburg). Exhibitors from Germany, Belarus, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Finland are also expected to be at the fair.

NLMK-Metiz will produce new import substituting fasteners NLMK-Metiz, based in Yekaterinburg, Russia, has begun operating a new pointing machine for production of self-drilling screws, for fastening materials to metal profiles.

T

he new equipment has annual production capacity of 114 tonnes, which will allow the company to offer products not previously produced in Russia.

4 million rubles was invested in the acquisition and installation of the new machine from Taiwanese manufacturer Edison Machinery Industrial Co Ltd. The machine will assist in the production of self-drilling screws from 4.2mm x 13mm dimensions.

“Now the new pointing machine has started operation on a full range of sizes of self-tapping screws for metal with a drill point and, thanks to their high-quality, substitute imported products,” commented Andrey Krylov, head of hardware sales for NLMK-Sort.

NLMK-Sort has collected customer orders for its fasteners until the end of 2015 and plans to ship around 2,700 tonnes of the new self-tapping screws by the end of the year.

32

ARaymond opens plant in Dzerzhinsk ARaymond RUS LLC opened a fastener production plant for the automotive industry at the Dzerzhinsk-Vostochny industrial park, Nizhny Novgorod region.

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ccording to an announcement from the media service of the government of the region, 300 million rubles were invested in the project, which will employ 40 qualified personnel and produce around ten million fasteners annually. Antoine Raymond, president of ARaymond Group, is quoted as saying it had received extensive support from the regional government during the construction of the factory and that he found the local market very promising.

The regional vice-governor, Vladimir Ivanov, who took part in the opening of the plant, said that the government had been working for a long time on the creation of the automotive cluster in the region, and that the basic income comes mainly from the production of components. “It is one more step towards the creation of a large-scale effective cluster. In due course components from Nizhegorodskaya region will be supplied not only to Russian but also to foreign production facilities.”

ARaymond RUS has operated in Russia since 2003. The Group was granted ownership of a 20,000m2 land parcel in the eastern industrial area of Dzerzhinsk in May 2013. Project realisation started in 2011, with construction of the actual plant starting in April 2014.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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RUSSIAN + CIS NEWS

New exhibition alliance for international tools market Russia, Taiwan and Indonesia are important markets for the tools sales sector with specialised exhibitions supporting each market. These three key exhibitions have now founded an alliance to obtain synergies.

M

ITEX, Taiwan Hardware Show and Indonesia Hardware Show have founded an alliance to obtain synergic benefits for exhibiting companies and foreign visitors. The organisers of the exhibitions: Euroexpo, Kaigo Co Ltd and Wakeni have joined their knowledge and experience to help them widen the sphere of each event.

MITEX is the largest tools exhibition in Russia and Eastern Europe with 570 participants from 22 countries in 2014. This year it will be held in Moscow from 10th – 13th November. The Taiwan Hardware Show has operated successfully for fifteen years, representing innovations and produce under the ‘Made in Taiwan’ quality brand for the international audience. In 2015 it will take place in Taichung from 12th – 14th October.

Concurrent with the established exhibitions IndoAutomotive, IndoFastener and IFMAC, the first Indonesia Hardware Show exhibition took place in Jakarta from 17th – 19th September.

Krasnaya Etna increases authorised capital JSC Zavod Krasnaya Etna, a producer of automobile fasteners in Nizhny Novgorod, has announced the completion of an additional issue of shares.

I

t originally planned to place 8,534,500 ten ruble nominal price common shares and to increase the authorised capital by a factor of twenty-six. 6,425,325 shares (75.29%) were actually placed between 16th – 25th July 2015.

First Russian lean certificate awarded to tools producer The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has awarded the first certificate of lean production compliance to the Interskol company.

T

he lean production manufacturing management concept, focused on a constant quest to eliminate all types of wastage, has been adopted by many domestic enterprises and formalisation of a Russian standard for it began last year.

Denis Muratov, head of ministry, explained that the project plan for the Rosstandard was approved by the order of his department, and involved the design and approval of national standards for lean production and the creation of a system for its voluntary certification.

“There is now an accredited certification authority under this system, which at the request of the company, can assess its compliance with the adopted national standards of lean production and issue a corresponding certificate,” the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade noted.

According to its website Interskol has been the Russian market leader in power tools for more than ten years and is one of the top ten world producers. It has a complete production cycle for power tools from engineering development to the assembly of the final product. Its newest plant is in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone and has capacity for production of two million units annually. It has two other plants in Russia, as well as a plant in Spain and a joint venture in China.

Mariya Valiakhmetova, editor in chief, Metiz Magazine, Ukraine

Belarus Wire approved for shock absorber springs The Belarus Steel Works (BSW) has successfully produced a new 54SiCr6 wire rod, an experimental batch of which was submitted to a world leading spring manufacturer for assessment to produce shock absorber springs.

T

he manufacturer required the spring, under specific loads, to survive a minimum of 400,000 cycles of compression and expansion. According to BSW research centre chief, Mr Vengura, its wire successfully passed this and a range of tests including: Absolute quality control of the surface; absence of defects during the production process; as well as physical mechanical and endurance tests. A manufacturing trial including a factory audit conducted by a specialist from the spring manufacturer is scheduled to be carried out at BSW.

34

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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ASIAN NEWS

Taiwan clamps down on transshipment via Free Trade Zone Fastener World Magazine reports that the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced that solar products, bikes and fasteners exported from the Free Trade Zone must first obtain Bureau of Foreign Trade permission.

T

he action is in response to EU discoveries that Chinese-made solar products, cycles and fasteners have been falsely identified as manufactured in Taiwan and transshipped through the Taiwan Free Trade Zone to evade EU anti-dumping tariffs.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on 30th July: “In order to protect the rights of our legal companies, the three types of products… are mandated to acquire permission from the Bureau of Foreign Trade to be exported through the Free Trade Zone.”

The Ministry also said, in order to restrain illicit companies from damaging real Taiwan-made products, it will have discussions with the Ministries of Transportation & Communications and Finance to “enhance the management of the Free Trade Zone”.

In the meantime the Bureau of Foreign Trade has enhanced its measures on Certificate of Origin, requiring that:

• The Factory registration certificate and Letter of Guarantee (proving the product is Taiwan-made) must be attached upon applying for the Certificate of Origin.

• The Certificate of Origin must include the number of the container.

• The auditor must carry out a proper audit and issue the Certificate of Origin “deliberately”. Customs Administration is required to carry out a further check on potentially illicit companies.

During July the Bureau of Foreign Trade sent inspectors to check on the auditors and to punish illicit auditors that failed to follow the correct procedure. According to Taiwanese Trade Laws illicit auditors will be deprived of their licence for one year. Companies falsifying Certificates of Origin will be deprived of their registration certificate as a trader.

In future, the report says: “The authorities will continue to crack down on illicit actions and send them for prosecution.”

San Shing Q2 performance flat San Shing’s shipment schedules were influenced by late-placed European orders, Fastener World reports, which meant its combined revenue in April and May declined and the operating result in Q2 showed no signs of recovery.

M

arket analysts forecast that San Shing’s gross profit in Q2 may be slightly lower than in Q1 owing to the weak euro. However, the non-operational loss reported for Q1 was expected to reverse in Q2.

San Shing cautiously projected Q3 total orders to be in-line with those of Q2. Despite increasing capacity this year, San Shing profits reduced as a resulted of the depreciation of the euro.

San Shing is the largest automotive nut manufacturer in the world and its products are mainly shipped to Tier 1 fastener suppliers of car manufacturers. Nut sales currently represent 50% – 60% of total revenue; screw sales represent 10% – 20%; with wire and tooling accounting for the remainder.

Nagano Products to start production in India

Gem-Year reports H1 2015 sales fall

Nagano Products Co Ltd will set up a wholly-owned production facility in India, which the Japanese company expects to start supplying special automotive nuts within eighteen months.

Gem-Year Industrial reported provisional results for the first half of 2015, showing sales down CNY 20 million (approximately 2.8 million euros).

N 36

agano specialises in specially shaped flare nuts for braking and hydraulic piping. It combines pressing and machining to produce other through-type nuts and sleeves.

Source: Fastener World Magazine

G

em-Year said the shortfall in the first half mainly resulted from the slowdown in the construction of high speed rail lines in China and a substantial decline in the shipment of fasteners and components. Separately Gem-Year announced it had reached agreement with Te Lung Yan Railway Co Ltd to supply railway fasteners. The contract is estimated to be worth CNY 9.6 million.

Source: Fastener World Magazine

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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Park Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 2QY, UK T: +44 (0)1384 569 832 E: sales@londonscrew.co.uk www.londonscrew.co.uk

ESTABLISHED 1870 Manufacturer of Quality Industrial Fasteners

ASIAN NEWS

ARaymond starts production in Korea ARaymond, one of the world’s leading suppliers of fastening solutions to the automotive industry, has strengthened its presence in Asia with the launch of manufacturing operations in Korea.

A

Raymond has had a sales office in Korea since 2006.

The new plant in Hwaseong-si commenced production in June. The automotive sector in Asia continues to grow and is a key strategic market for ARaymond accounting for 20% of the global market for fasteners. According to the Korean Automobile Manufacturers Association, Korea’s car market will grow 2.5% in 2015 to 1.65 million units. ARaymond will supply a variety of assembly solutions and metal and plastic fasteners for car interiors and engines, particularly for cooling and fuel supply systems.

“ARaymond has always sought to be close to its customers and since the automotive industry in Asia continues to experience strong growth, opening this factory is a natural next step for us and reflects our desire to continue to expand on the continent,”

Sundram domestic sales grow 25% in Q1 fiscal Sundram Fasteners Limited reported a 10% increase in net profit after tax of INR 423 million (approximately 5.67 million euros) for its first fiscal year Quarter ending 30th June 2015.

O

verall sales rose 9% compared with the same quarter last year to INR 6,319 million (approximately 84.7 million euros). Domestic sales, which accounted for 62.5% of the total, rose 25% on the same quarter last year. Export sales were reported as “remaining flat” due to a continuing slow down in overseas markets.

said Antoine Raymond, CEO of the ARaymond network. “This approach is firmly rooted in our company’s DNA. We don’t delocalise the manufacture of our parts, but instead produce locally for the domestic market.”

ARaymond has been present in Asia since 1996, opening a plant first in China, followed by Japan in 1997 and then India in 2007. The capacity of the Japanese facility was increased last year while new branches in Thailand and Singapore were opened in February of this year. Besides Asia, the company’s primary markets are Europe and the United States.

Today the ARaymond network has 5,500 employees in 25 countries, 11 R&D centres and 25 production sites, with a global turnover of 930 million euros. 95% of sales are from the automotive industry and 87% from international markets.

China fastener output up 12% for H1 2015 Chinafastener.info published data showing China’s metal fastener output for the first six months of 2015 rose 12.01% year-on-year to 4.4 million tonnes.

B

y volume, the top five provinces were Zhejiang, Hebei, Sichuan, Jiangsu and Liaoning – accounting for 70% of the country’s total output. Zhejiang alone accounted for 25% of the total. Output in the province was virtually unchanged from the same period in 2014 at 1.139 million tonnes.

Hebei output increased 42% to 724,240 tonnes. Sichuan output increased 29.4% to 654,200 tonnes. In percentage terms Fujian province recorded the highest growth at 169% to 182,121 tonnes, taking it to eighth in the volume ranking.

Chin Well targeting DIY sector According to a StarBiz interview with Tsai Chia Ling, executive director at Chin Well Fasteners Co, the Group aims to increase output from its Vietnamese plant to 4,000 tonnes a month to meet rising orders from the European DIY sector.

D

IY products represent 15% of Group sales, up from 10% last year. Vietnam operations contribute around 40% of Group revenue and half the bottom line. Tsai said orders for construction bolts eased during the company’s fourth Quarter ending 30th June, while sales of smaller screws for renovation and furniture increased.

She expected Europe to account for half of Group revenue in 2015, lower than an originally forecast 60%, and saw the outlook for Chin Well’s first Quarter (ending September) as slow, reflecting the impact of uncertainties over Greece and the low confidence in the global market on European demand.

For the 9 months to the end of March, Chin Well reported MYR 12 million net profit (2014: MYR 8.9 million) on MYR 119.6 million turnover (2014: MYR 119.6 million). MYR 100 = approximately 23.7 euros.

38

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

66Dies

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

M.Shimizu launches Liberty During FEIMAFE 2015 – a trade show focusing on machine tools and quality control – the first Brazilian electric fastening system was launched. Called ‘Liberty’ it was developed exclusively by M.Shimizu Eléctrica e Pneumática LTDA.

F

EIMAFE featured 1,400 international brands and attracted 70,000 visitors to its 85,000m2 exhibition area. M.Shimizu represents twenty-five brands, including within its fastener portfolio, Stanley Black & Decker and Alcoa Fastening Systems.

The Liberty right angle driver and controller systems are produced to worldwide quality standards to meet the most stringent needs of the bolted assemblies industries. “As the fourth largest manufacturer of automotive vehicles in the world Brazil now has its own electronic fastening system,” said Mr Luiz Mitsuro, CEO of M.Shimizu, which was founded 45 years ago. “The name alludes to freedom, allowing maintenance to be carried out by the customer without interference direct from the manufacturer.”

Turbulent sea for Brazilian offshore industry In June Rio de Janeiro hosted Brasil Offshore, the trade fair dedicated to the supply chain to the oil and gas sector.

A

ccording to the organiser, this is the world’s 3rd biggest event, which attracted 50,000 visitors, with 700 exhibiting brands, distributed through 45,000m2 of exhibition area, which included workshops as well as exhibits.

Despite the large reduction in offshore activities in Brazil, we can say that the event was still good; however it was lower than in 2013. This was reflected, for example, in the price of hotels during the event. In 2013, in the event week a modest room, of less than 9 square metres cost US$200 per day and it was hard to find any availability. This year there were many options costing US$50.

2015 automotive sales down but some rebound in July At the end of June, the Brazilian association of automotive manufacturers, ANFAVEA, announced a new report of domestic sales for this year, which showed a 20.6% year-on-year reduction in registrations.

L

ocal production fell 17.8% while registrations were down just 10% year to date in 2015. “The market expectation and confidence from consumers and business continues to be low, mainly caused by credit shortage and delays in adjustments from the economic authorities,” said Luiz Moan, ANFAVEA chairman.

PASSENGER CARS (P/C), BUSES AND TRUCKS (B/T)

Registrations

40

According to ANFAVEA data, the industry ended May with 210,000 units produced, which meant a 3.4% reduction from the previous month (April: 217,600) and a 25.3% plunge from the same month in 2014. Year to date sales were down 19.1% (1.1 million units in 2015 against 1.4 million in 2014).

Buses and trucks

Forecasts 2015

Production

Passenger cars

Thousand units

2014

2015

Variations

Total

3,146

2,585

-17.8%

P/C

2,973

2,468

-17%

B/T

173

118

-32%

Total

3,498

2,779

-20.6%

P/C

3,333

2,682

-19.5%

B/T

165

97

-41%

Production in May achieved 6,200 units, 10.1% fewer than in April and less than half the same month in 2014, when output was 12,700 units. From January to May output was down 46.4% against the same period 2014, when 67,800 units were produced.

Good news In early August ANFAVEA announced an increase from June to July, with 227,600 units sold, up 7.1% on June’s 212,500.

However, July output was still 22.8% lower than the same month 2014, when output was recorded at 294,800 units.

ANFAVEA projections for the full year (see Table) indicate car production will be down by 17% with registrations down 19.5%.

Data source: www.anfavea.com.br

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

hexstone.co.uk

Proud to be affiliated with â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

HEXSTONE is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest wholesale supplier of fasteners, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associate items to the engineering and merchant trade. The six faces of Hexstone combine to provide a total one stop solution for distributors.

C O V E R S TO R Y

Keeping ahead of industry trends As the parent company of its six well-established brands – Owlett-Jaton, JCP Fixings, Unifix, Stainless Threaded Fasteners, Icon Fasteners and Galaxy Fasteners – Hexstone is one of the few wholesalers in the fastener and fixing sector able to offer customers a one-stop solution when sourcing products. Here Keith Harrison, chief executive of Hexstone Limited, offers his insight into the latest developments in the business, and how Hexstone keeps ahead of industry trends.

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eacting to the changing needs of customers in the fastener industry is integral to our operation, and we are a company that has set out to service our industry sector in a consistent, and importantly, a sustainable way. I am asked, why do you keep all six businesses active in Hexstone? The answer is simple; we feel it’s important to maintain specific skills, knowledge and support to what are subtly different market sectors.

With this in mind, what is it that is really important to customers in the fastener and fixing market?

A joining force Helping customers to emerge from the impacts of the recession has been important to us over the last few years.

It is clear that customers want to consolidate their suppliers, and as a result of having these six businesses we are able to provide a more complete service.

As customer demand continues to grow, we are able to rise to the challenge by maintaining stock levels and service throughout our operation. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with cost-effective products without comprising on quality. Hexstone recognises the needs of the market and adapts accordingly.

For customers, the benefits of this one-stop shop approach are plenty. Not only are there logistical advantages but it also offers peace of mind. By using only one supplier the management challenges are minimised. Customers are free to select from a wide range of quality products and can make use of our knowledgeable

“ As customer demand continues to grow, we are able to rise to the challenge by maintaining stock levels and service throughout our operation.”

1.

sales team. More and more customers have begun to approach us to consolidate their supply due to these reasons.

Attachment to brand Having a recognisable brand is becoming increasingly important in our sector. For a long time the industry has not placed high importance on building brands, but as ever, consumers have driven this change. It is now imperative to present a strong brand, which encompasses our ethos. When people buy from Hexstone they are buying into quality and service, no matter what the product.

Providing a combination of niche and standard products, in a recognisable brand, allows buyers to select one trusted supplier. It also means that the six faces of Hexstone can continue to tackle the European market and other opportunities further afield. As a significant and substantial company, Hexstone can attract global suppliers and in turn, the very best products.

Developing markets In the construction industry, where legislation plays a big part, we have seen an increase in the need for solar related products.

A record amount of solar power was added to the world’s grids in 2014, pushing

www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/09/record-boost-in-new-solar-power-continues-massive-industry-growth

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

“ For customers, the benefits of this one-stop shop approach are plenty. Not only are there logistical advantages but it also offers peace of mind.” total cumulative capacity to 100 times the level it was in 20001. This change has had a direct effect on our product range and focus, for example the well known REDtip™ Solar Mounting System – where sales have grown to significant levels.

Within the fastener and fixing industry online trading has taken time to develop.

Online trading can make the process of ordering and reordering products more efficient and straightforward. This is an area we plan to grow as a business in order to react to the changing needs of

our customer base. We will continually look into new areas of development – driven by the changes in the market.

Securing the future While it is important to recognise developing trends, operating in this sector can be problematic and it is important to maintain our core commercial values. It is also important to us that our business remains in good financial shape so that we can continue to deliver a reliable service to our customers.

Hexstone premiere at Torque-Expo For the first time in the UK, all six of the Hexstone businesses will be showcasing their wide range of products at Torque-Expo, between 13th – 14th October. Myself and the team will be on hand with a series of promotions and incentives. So make sure you come and visit us at Silverstone in October. www.hexstone.co.uk

The Hexstone hexagon Owlett-Jaton: A leading supplier of fastenings, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associated products to the merchant and distributor trade. With a network of sales offices throughout the UK, customers have access to experienced staff, whilst the online ordering website OJ Trade gives customers access to prices, stock availability, and more.

Unifix: Has a long and established history as a quality fittings brand. The strong portfolio of products such as Thunderbolt, Vortex screws, and Kliplok pipe clips, have an enviable reputation for consistent quality.

Galaxy Fasteners: The leading supplier within the structural, engineering, agricultural and steel framed building

sectors. With a growing product range, which features assembled bolting, square hexagon bolts, cladding screws and allied products, Galaxy can deliver across mainland UK with a next day service and with full product traceability for customer confidence.

Icon Fasteners: Specialises in the supply of standard and non-standard products to a wide range of markets including: Automotive, agricultural, structural, energy, and general engineering. Icon is a leading stockist of high grade alloy fasteners, socket screws, and hexagon fasteners. The in-house specials team can source and manufacture parts to specification and is quality approved to BS EN ISO 9001 – 2000.

JCP Fixings: A specialist supplier of construction fixings to distributors. All products are supplied with a full technical specification, and in many cases European Technical Assessments/Approvals.

JCP offers on-site testing of products via an external technical sales team, and in-house anchor load calculations.

Stainless Threaded Fasteners (STF): A leading distributor of stainless steel and brass fasteners. STF offers in excess of 10,000 items of A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel and brass fasteners, as well as carrying a range of A2 (304) stainless steel security screws, A4 (316) marine fittings, the well known REDtip™ solar mounting system and Action Can industrial aerosol products.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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Proud to be affiliated with â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

HEXSTONE is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest wholesale supplier of fasteners, fixings, hardware, ironmongery, and associate items to the engineering and merchant trade. The six faces of Hexstone combine to provide a total one stop solution for distributors. hexstone.co.uk

EVENTS CALENDAR

MIDEST Where: Paris, France When: 17 Nov – 20 Nov 2015 Web: www.midest.com What: Subcontracting and services for the processing of metals.

BATIMAT

Construct Canada

Where: Paris, France When: 2 Nov – 6 Nov 2015 Web: www.batimat.com What: Building exhibition.

Where: Toronto, Canada When: 2 Dec – 4 Dec 2015 Web: www.constructcanada.com What: Building and construction exhibition.

AAPEX – Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo

Swissbau

Where: Las Vegas, USA When: 3 Nov – 5 Nov 2015 Web: www.aapexshow.com What: Automotive aftermarket products exhibition.

STAFDA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show Where: Phoenix, USA When: 8 Nov – 10 Nov 2015 Web: www.stafda.org What: Speciality tools and fasteners.

Elmia Subcontractor Where: Jönköping, Sweden When: 10 Nov – 13 Nov 2015 Web: www.elmia.se/en/subcontractor What: For subcontractors and suppliers within

the engineering industry.

Intersolar India

Where: Basel, Switzerland When: 12 Jan – 16 Jan 2016 Web: www.swissbau.ch What: National construction fair.

BUDMA – International Construction Fair Where: Poznań, Poland When: 2 Feb – 5 Feb 2016 Web: www.budma.pl What: Building technology, equipment and materials.

Totally DIY:Totally Tools Where: Coventry, UK When: 16 Feb – 17 Feb 2016 Web: www.totallydiy.co.uk What: DIY, hardware, tools and security products.

bautec

Where: Mumbai, India When: 18 Nov – 20 Nov 2015 Web: www.intersolar.in What: Exhibition for the Indian solar industry.

Where: Berlin, Germany When: 16 Feb – 19 Feb 2016 Web: www.bautec.com What: Building and construction technology.

The Big 5

Intertool Kiev

Where: Dubai, UAE When: 23 Nov – 26 Nov 2015 Web: www.thebig5.ae What: International building and construction show.

Where: Kiev, Ukraine When: 2 Mar – 4 Mar 2016 Web: www.en.intertool.kiev.ua What: International exhibition for hardware, tools + DIY.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

45

EXHIBITIONS

wire® and Tube® 2016 building momentum

EISENWARENMESSE 2016 on course for success

The 15th edition of wire® – the international wire and cable fair – and Tube® – the international tube fair – will simultaneously present their technology highlights for their respective industries from 4th – 8th April 2016 at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany.

C

overing a net exhibition space of currently 58,600m2 (July 2015), wire® will feature machinery for the production and finishing of wire, tools and auxiliary materials in process engineering, as well as materials, special wires and cables. The trade fair will also cover innovations in measurement and control engineering, test engineering and special areas. wire will occupy Halls 9 to 12, 16 and 17 – with the halls featuring wire, cable and glass fibre machinery, as well as wire and cable products, and the wire and cable trade. Innovations in metal forming will be shown in Hall 15. Hall 16 will open its gates to mesh welding machines and spring making technology. So far 920 companies from 46 countries have registered.

Traditionally, the countries that are particularly well represented by exhibitors are Italy, Belgium, France, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, Sweden and Germany. But a large number of registrations have also been received from the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Japan and China.

Tube® has so far received registrations for over 48,000m2 of net exhibition space, covering the full range of pipe and tube manufacturing, processing, treatment and trade. The spectrum includes raw materials, pipes, tubes and accessories, machinery for the production of pipes and tubes, pre-owned machines, as well as tools in process engineering, auxiliary materials, measuring and control engineering and test engineering. The line-up also includes pipelines, OCTG technology, profiles and machines and the Plastic Tube Forum (PTF). So far 741 exhibitors from 41 countries have registered.

Tube will focus on pipe accessories in Halls 1 and 2, while the pipe trade and pipe manufacturing can be found in Halls 2, 3, 4, 7 and 7.1. As before, the China Pavilion will be in Hall 2. Metal forming will occupy Hall 5, and Halls 6 and 7a will feature tube processing machines. Mechanical engineering and construction will be presented in Hall 7a. Halls 1 to 7 will also have profiles for a wide range of applications. The special show PTF (Plastic Tube Forum) will be presented in Hall 7.1.

46

Organisers of EISENWARENMESSE – Interational Hardware Fair Köln – have announced that at the end of its ‘early bird’ registration period it has received over 15% more registrations than for the same period in 2014.

K

oelnmesse reports that its early booking campaign closed at the end of June with an excellent number of registrations – thanks to newly changed schedule and the premiere of the DIY Boulevard.

The positive result of the early bird booking period extends over all segments of the show, with 12% of exhibition space already sold.

Traditionally, the tool area forms the strongest product group of the show. However, fasteners and fixings, fittings, home improvement and industrial supply segments, as well as the industry service providers, have all improved compared to the end of the early bird booking phase of the previous event.

Exhibitors that have already registered include among others: Ega Master S.A, GEDORE Werkzeugfabrik GmbH & Co KG, HAZET-WERK Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co KG, Knipex-Werk C Gustav Putsch KG, STABILA Messgeräte Gustav Ullrich GmbH, Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co KG, and Wiha Werkzeuge GmbH. Prominent returnee exhibitors include 3M Germany, and TOX-Dübel-Technik GmbH. In terms of its internationality, EISENWARENMESSE is also well on track, with the level of internationality increasing by 15% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

EXHIBITIONS

Strong demand for Fastener Fair India Organisers of Fastener Fair India 2016, taking place for the first time in New Delhi, are reporting strong demand for exhibition space with under nine months to go until the show.

F

astener Fair India is the leading exhibition for the fastener and fixing industry in India and will take place from 19th – 20th May 2016 at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, in the heart of India’s capital city.

Building on the success of this year’s exhibition in Mumbai, Fastener Fair India 2016 will continue to cover a wide product range of industrial fasteners and fixings, assembly and installation systems, storage and logistics services, fastener manufacturing technology, and construction fixings.

Held in April 2015, the Mumbai edition of Fastener Fair India was a resounding success, with 4,181 visitors attending the exhibition, an increase of 17.5% from the previous edition of the show.

Visitors and exhibitors showed significant interest in establishing an annual event for the industry in India and the overall impression and feedback on the 2015 exhibition was extremely positive. 89% of the visitors to the exhibition were company owners or had buying and specifying responsibilities. The show also attracted visitors from

many key industry sectors, such as automotive and mechanical engineering. 21% of visitors were distributors, resellers or wholesalers.

Moving the 2016 edition of Fastener Fair India to New Delhi provides a different profile for the event, as New Delhi is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Many international companies have established themselves in the region, encouraged by the positive business sentiment, resulting from increased political confidence. The Delhi region also acts as a hub for the automotive industry and will draw a new set of visitors, including buyers and distributors from the region.

“Fastener Fair India 2016 provides excellent networking opportunities to all industry professionals, including distributors, suppliers and engineers. Due to the show’s success there has been a significant increase in demand for floor space. Contact us now to book your prime location and take advantage of this unique opportunity to showcase your products and innovations.” www.fastenerfair.com

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EXHIBITIONS

New Totally show format gathers momentum Totally DIY:Totally Tools organiser Brintex has reported strong support for the new format and timing of the event taking place from 16th – 17th February 2016 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK.

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ollowing detailed consultation with manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and key trade associations, the 2016 edition sees the show move to a two-day midweek time slot. The decision has been widely welcomed as a positive move allowing the trade to focus on two days of business and discussion.

Exhibitor support for the new format show comes from Draper Tools Ltd, Gorilla Glue Company, Rolson Tools Ltd, Eurobond Adhesives Ltd, Soudal UK Ltd, Forgefix Ltd, and others, who have all reconfirmed their participation. Tembé DIY Products has also rejoined the show following a break in attending.

Home Hardware, Stax Trade Centres and MICA DIY will once again be working closely with Brintex to deliver the show and to encourage independent retailers to attend the UK’s national trade show. Voice of the independent retailers association, bira, will once again be participating and hosting its supplier village concept.

Supplier trade association BHETA will look to develop the Innovation Zone, which made its first successful appearance at the 2015 event. Championing new and fledgling companies is of core importance to the show and bringing new products to the fore is a key part of that. In fact, two of the show’s award winning new products came from the Innovation Zone at the last event.

A number of the show’s key features will remain unchanged such as the Buyer Dining Area and the New Product Showcase and its awards, although the floor layout has been changed to put new products at the heart of the event.

The seminar programme also remains, as does the co–location of the DIY Week Industry Awards and dinner, which will take place on the evening of the opening day.

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

Looking to trade in Turkey?

30 - 31 March 2016 IFM – Istanbul Expo Centre ¬ Istanbul ¬ Turkey

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Turkey has become one of Europe’s leading fastener manufacturing countries, propelled by strong domestic demand from key industries including automotive, electrical goods, infrastructure and energy.

Turkish fastener companies are winning valuable export business based on the quality of their products and services.

In this dynamic environment, Fastener Fair Turkey will provide the essential meeting place for local and international manufacturers, distributors and industry professionals within the Fastener and Fixing industry.

Exhibits at the show: ¬

Industrial fasteners and fixings

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Construction fixings

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Assembly and installation systems

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Fastener manufacturing technology

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Storage, distribution and factory equipment

turkey@fastenerfair.com This fair is organised with the permission of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey in accordance with the law number 5174

www.fastenerfairturkey.com

INSIGHT

GESIPA demonstrates its capabilities

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pened in Autumn 2014, the demonstration and training centre has attracted a host of visitors – all keen to see first-hand GESIPA’s wide range of capabilities. “As a manufacturer that can supply a vast range of rivets and tooling, we felt it was necessary to create a centre where customers could see all of our products in action,” explains Uwe Herth, head of BU equipment manufacturer. “The new demonstration and training centre is the perfect opportunity to showcase everything we can do.”

Visitors to the centre have included new and existing customers from around the world, including the Netherlands, France, Austria, Switzerland, as well as the USA and China.

“We regularly have customers visiting each week, including large automotive OEMs, as well as Tier 1 suppliers,” mentions Uwe. “We also have a lot of smaller companies come to visit us – such as engineering and trade companies.”

The first stop on the demonstration tour is GESIPA’s battery powered hand tools and assortment of air tools – with both ranges proving popular with trade and end user customers.

GESIPA says for the last twenty years it has set the standard for battery powered riveting devices through its popular Bird

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GESIPA® Blind Riveting Group is a leading international company for blind rivet technology that supplies a wide range of high-quality fasteners and innovative setting tools. To ensure that its customers are fully aware of the depth and range of products available, GESIPA has introduced a new demonstration and training centre at its headquarters just outside Frankfurt, Germany. series – PowerBird® and AccuBird®. The newest generation of Bird tools include an innovative BLDC motor, which is a brushless DC motor that instead of brushes – that are susceptible to wear – uses electrical sensors to detect the rotor’s position and commutate the stator coil via circuit breakers.

This means that the motor offers high efficiency, long service life, smooth running and a reduction in electrical noise.

As well as battery powered tools, GESIPA supplies a range of modular air tools – including the popular Taurus® series of pneumatic hydraulic blind rivet setting tools. The modular principle of the Taurus series means that for all the tools in the series there is the widest possible parts commonality – meaning a low spare part stock is required and maintenance of the tools is simplified.

The Taurus series is also equipped with a high performance, patented grip mechanism and jaw system. The jaw system includes three jaws that move in separate channels while being under force control. The jaws are pressed onto the mandrel by using compressed air instead of spring force – which results in the force being ten times higher than usual.

Due to the high-pressure, the jaws immediately cling to the mandrels upon triggering the riveting process – only the pulling movement starts. This results in lower costs due to longer service life and low requirements regarding maintenance and spare parts needed.

“Both our air tools and hand tools are proving as popular as ever,” says Uwe emphatically. “We are finding that more companies are becoming interested in using our battery powered tools for production lines, as they are easy to use and enable operators to move around without worrying about air hoses scratching the product or getting caught. However, obviously with battery powered tools you have to eventually charge the battery, which is why some customers prefer the consistency that air tools provide.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

In addition to its tooling capabilities, GESIPA offers a range of small process control counter devices. “If the user has a complicated part that demands a number of rivets to be installed, there is a high risk that one of the rivets may be forgotten,” points out Uwe. “Through counter devices you can set a target number and once the designated number is reached the air power cuts out to signify that the user has finished. The operator must then remove the part from the clamp and enter a new part before the air flow will start again.”

GESIPA can also supply full process control systems, which can cover stroke and force measurement – with each machine customised to individual requirements. Full process control systems can monitor worker identification – to ensure the correct employee is operating the tool – and part numbers must be scanned before the installation process can begin. During the process an image of the application is displayed with illustrations and text informing the operator of the next installation step.

The system also monitors the installation process and gives a visual indication if the product has been installed correctly (green) or incorrectly (red). If there has been an incorrect process the operator will need to rescan their identification and a new part number before the machine will start to operate again.

“By using the full process control system customers are able to eliminate the possibility of creating parts with incorrect riveting,” says Uwe. “We have sold this tool for 12 years and it has been very successful.”

Another option for full process control is GESIPA’s assembly cell, which combines everything a user needs into one workbench.

The assembly cell can be customised to individual requirements and a workpiece carrier enables the desk to be converted for different products and processing tools in a very fast and simple method. There is even the possibility of existing work tools being integrated into the cell if required.

Other key features of the assembly cell include a counting

device that counts the torn off residual rivet mandrels; as well as an operating status display that uses different coloured lights to show the process status.

“You can lose your reputation very quickly if you start to produce incorrect products,” says Uwe. “We have found that more and more customers are interested in controlling and monitoring processes, which is why we have also developed our range in robot riveting applications.”

GESIPA has several robotic riveting systems at its demonstration centre, the first involving the FireRex® tool, which can be integrated into a robot application and is capable of reliably setting bind rivet nuts – as well as hexagon – at any conceivable angle in industrial production processes.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

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INSIGHT

GAV HF can be used for high force and setting at various angles

The FireRex® tool can be integrated into a robotic riveting system “This is a brand new machine and can be customised to individual needs and its production environment,” points out Uwe. “In cooperation with a robotics company we are able to produce a precise machine that is cost-effective, innovative and fast.

The external pressure booster of the FireRex makes it perfect for tight spaces and enables the user to install rivets wherever they need to be placed.”

Other examples of robotic riveting systems involve GESIPA’s GAV range of automatic riveting machines, which are perfect for use in industrial large-scale production. GAV 8000 is a fully automatic blind rivet system that includes setting process monitoring and can set almost any rivet between 2.4mm and 6.4mm, with the longest rivet 32mm and the biggest head 11.4mm. Up to 40 blind rivets can be processed every minute and no trained personnel are required for operation.

“We offer the option of the GAV 8000 with a rotary machine or as a robotic system,” explains Uwe. “With both systems the GAV 8000 enables users to install rivets into applications in a quick and efficient manner, which is vital in busy production lines.”

Another option from the GAV range – and part of the biggest robot riveting system on display at the demonstration centre – is GAV HF, which can be used for high force and setting rivets up to 8mm diameter, 35mm length, and 19mm setting head.

By partnering the GAV HF in a robot controlled application there

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is the possibility to programme various movements and ensure a controlled, fast and secure production process.

“The shear speed of operation and the angles at which the rivets can be installed truly underlines the power and capabilities of GAV HF,” says Uwe. “It is definitely one of our most impressive demonstrations at the centre.”

In addition to showcasing its wide range of leading products, the new centre makes the perfect venue for training seminars.

GESIPA regularly invites its customers’ employees, such as maintenance staff or engineers, to come and experience how to use products; understand other possibilities that are available; as well as talk about fastening applications and solutions.

“From hand tools to robot controlled riveting applications, we can offer customers every solution,” proudly states Uwe. “We invite all our customers to our German demonstration centre so that they can find out how GESIPA can help them.”

For those customers who are unable to travel to Germany, GESIPA has demonstration centres in China, USA, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic, and the UK, as well as a demonstration van that travels around France and Belgium. “The other demonstration centres don’t have the amount of robots we have in Germany,” says Uwe. “But they include all the key GESIPA products and can give customers a great insight into our capabilities.” www.gesipa.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Demonstration & Training Center New demonstration center in GESIPA® headquarters

NEW

Here you can convince yourself of the performance and innovative product portfolio of GESIPA®. In addition to the latest generation and impressively fast AccuBird Pro® and the strong PowerBird Pro® Gold Edition, the robot-guided GAV HF 8000 will also leave a lasting impression.

Let yourself be inspired!

The experts in blind riveting GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH Nordendstraße 13-39 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf Germany

T +49 (0) 6105 962 0 F+49 (0) 6105 962 287 info@gesipa.com www.gesipa.com

INSIGHT

Providing engineered fastener solutions Staytite Ltd is a fastener supplier that has been providing high-quality products and reliable solutions to customers for over 35 years. Will Lowry visited the headquarters in High Wycombe, UK, to find out how its multi-pronged approach enables it to deliver a complete service.

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stablished in 1978, Staytite was originally focused on a single product – the Staytite Nut – a one-piece metal locking nut that was designed in Japan. “For the first five years we simply focused on the Staytite Nut and building the brand,” explains David Cartledge, director of sales at Staytite. “After this we started to look at other product ranges that added value for customers, such as Carp nuts and Barb nuts. We then introduced a complementary range of SEMS, for which we are still the largest UK stockist – both to distributors and end users.”

Initially Staytite predominately grew in the distributor market, which accounted for 60% – 70% of sales. “In the early days importing was a ‘dark art’ and was something that we excelled at,” says David. “However, the internet made it a lot easier for companies to import products and the market started to become a lot more competitive. To ensure that the company continued to move forward and grow, we decided to diversify and start to focus on also supplying engineered solutions to the end user market.”

Today, the distributor market only accounts for 30% of Staytite’s sales – with the remainder direct to end users. “We are still very committed to supplying distributors and we are still hitting the same sales values for the distributor market as we were ten years ago,” points out David. “We have simply been growing faster in the end user market.”

During the time Staytite was establishing and growing in the end user market, it also took the opportunity to acquire Andover-based Portafix Ltd in 2008 – a ‘one stop shop’ for a wide range of fastener products for end users.

“Portafix was originally a customer of ours and we saw the potential within the

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business,” mentions David. “They were a solid company that had a good catchment area for big potential customers. We thought we could learn something from them and how they operate, and they could benefit from the added value and the stability to grow we could provide.”

Since the acquisition, Portafix has operated as an autonomous company and gone from strength to strength.

“Andy Emerson, the managing director at Portafix, has done a remarkable job,” comments David. “Due to the rate at which Portafix has grown we have found it difficult to find a site that we can build on that is good for today, for three years time and for ten years time. Now we have finally found a site, so the company can continue its growth strategy.”

Portafix’s close proximity to customers and its ability to respond quickly and efficiently to enquiries is something that David believes is proving popular with customers. “There has definitely been a ‘groundswell’ for the market to go back to how it stood 10 to 15 years ago – where suppliers were close to their customers.

It gives you the opportunity to respond decisively to customer’s needs and – from the success at Portafix – we have seen how much of an advantage it can be.”

The philosophy of being near to its customers was an important element in Staytite establishing a Hong Kong distribution centre in 2008. “The warehouse in Hong Kong has enabled us to stay close to our key end user customers in Asia and

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

make sure that we are providing them with a first class service,” explains David.

The centre is managed from the UK with Mandarin speaking staff ensuring that there is the correct paper trail for every order. Once an order is taken in the UK, a picking note can be printed out in the Hong Kong facility and the order can be picked. A logistics partner then guarantees that the products are shipped across Asia quickly and effectively.

“It is a very controlled operation and we have set criteria on minimum orders and spend,” comments David. “We have gradually picked up customers and there is the potential for further growth over the next couple of years. We are very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

As well as its developments in Asia, Staytite is also looking to further strengthen its team in the UK. The company has now established a business development team, as well as a customer service team, and has also recently added new buyers to the company. “Over the past twelve months we have looked to grow the experience we already have in the team, to make sure that we are ready to take on new work and continue providing a first class service to the customer,” says David.

Staytite has also looked to strengthen its quality department, with new personnel enabling the business to

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INSIGHT

“ We have always had a strong technical ethos running through the company, and we like nothing more than providing value added services and products.” measure its suppliers in greater detail.

“By expanding our quality department we are able to have better dialogue with our suppliers,” comments David. “We choose suppliers based on the quality of service and product they can provide, and through the quality department we are able to guarantee that the high standards we demand are maintained. If there are any production issues we are also able to work with them and solve any concerns.”

rather than a fastener logistics company,” states David. “We have always had a strong technical ethos running through the company, and we like nothing more than providing value added services and products.”

Through its technical department Staytite works with customers on applications and suggests products that can offer significant benefits. “Ultimately we are looking to provide the customer

David continues: “When it comes to quality, the level of customer expectations is higher than they have ever been.

Customers now want to see the paper trail and documentation to show the quality procedures that we carry out, which is why we have strict procedures in place to record that data and to share it with our customers.”

Another department that plays a critical role within Staytite is the technical division. “We are still fundamentally an engineering fastener-based company,

with something different to what they are currently using, which can provide either reliability or commercial benefits – or even both,” says Andy Giddings, technical manager at Staytite. “Whilst customers have the knowledge of the application, they don’t necessarily know what is the best fastener to use. That is where we come in.”

“It is about looking at the entire package and coming up with a better solution, which gives customers the quality and consistency they need,”

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

explains Andy. “We want to encourage customers to look at the fasteners they are using and ask, is this the right fastener for the application? Could I be using something better?”

Staytite has over 4,000 industrial fasteners, which are made to the highest quality and include leading brands such as the Staytite Nut, Hardlock Nut, Stayloc Nut and Stayplas 30 – all available in a variety of sizes, finishes and materials.

“Our range of products means that we are able to offer a solution to almost every application,” states Andy. “Where we do not have a product that is suitable, we have the ability to offer a custom-made service for bespoke fastener applications.”

David adds: “We can also offer advice on cost reduction measures such as product realisation, partnership sourcing, stock management systems, and alternative supply methods, which can enable customers to further reduce their production times and costs.”

Through working with its customers and continuing to use its multi-pronged approach of supplying the distributor and end user markets, Staytite is confident of staying ahead of the market and providing quality products that offer real solutions.

“Through targeting key new customers, and increasing the product portfolio to existing customers, we will look to further strengthen our leading position within the distributor market – as well as continue to grow our end user business,” says David. “Our Hong Kong distribution centre will enable us to target UK or European companies with Asian operations and – by using the experience and knowledge within the company – we will continue to provide a unique service to all of our customers and continue to grow our reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality products.”

BOOKMARK THE BRAND NEW FASTENER + FIXING WEBSITE FOR MORE… INDUSTRY NEWS, EXHIBITION NEWS, INSIGHT, CONSTRUCTION FIXINGS, MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY, MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS, TECHNICAL, PRODUCT NEWS… www.fastenerandfixing.com

INSIGHT

Ornit opens new European logistics centre To ensure that it continues to meet the demand for its products, Ornit Blind Rivets has opened a new logistics centre in the heart of Europe.

DATE NAME

07.10.07

• Mega Orlock® – the newest innovation in Ornit’s products family. The Mega Orlock, patent registered, uses a triple locking system to give users maximum power, shear and tensile strength. It can be used to secure military applications, automotive heavy-duty applications and other large steel constructions.

• Orlock® – a structural, breakstem fastener with great shear and tensile strength. The patented rivet has a double locking system that ensures the strongest vibration resistant joints, whilst the large blind side bearing area spreads the load and prevents creep.

9 ±0.3

6.45 0.05

13 ±0.3

4.17 0.07

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ocated near Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the new logistics centre will enable customers to reduce stock on their shelves, as Ornit will be able to carry it for them. In addition, the centre’s close proximity to industrial areas within western Europe will help Ornit’s customers to increase sales in a competitive environment – with products now available overnight.

Ornit has specialised in providing fastening solutions since 1975, manufacturing quality blind rivets at its state of the art facility in Israel. The company has built a reputation as a designer of tailor-made solutions – working closely with its partners to create unique solutions, as well as using the experience and knowledge within the business to design solutions through pure innovation.

“At Ornit, creativity is a way of life,” explains Assaf Vigdor, vice-president sales and marketing at Ornit. “In addition to research and development, our innovation ideas come from personnel throughout the company. That starts from personnel at the production lines who strive to improve productivity, via engineering and quality control personnel who assure top quality products, to our application specialists who work closely with our customers to deliver unique designs.”

B Due to this commitment to innovation, and through Ornit’s engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities, the company says it has positioned itself among the leaders in the fastening industry – providing globally recognised products for the heavy-duty vehicle, automotive, renewable energy, rail, and construction sectors.

Another crucial aspect for Ornit is quality, with the company holding the highest international standards – ISO TS 16949:9001 and ISO 9001:2008. “The challenges we have overcome over the years have taught us not to compromise on quality,” explains Assaf Vigdor. “Today quality is part of the company DNA and we are always looking to further improve the quality of the products, and also the service that we provide our customers.”

This commitment to innovation and quality has led to Ornit producing a wide range of rivet product lines, as well as supplying Gage Bilt® riveting tools, including:

6.40 ±0.05 3 ±0.2 14.5 0.5 50 2

• Ornilock and Orbolt – both multi-grip structural RIVET are FINISH: ZINC COATED- Cr(VI) FREE PASSIVATION .

FINISH: ZINC COATED- Cr(VI) FREE PASSIVATION . breakstem fasteners withMANDREL perfect hole fill capability to give a fully sealed joint. They have high shear and tensile strengths DOC-04254 DIMENSIONS and are ideal for ALL high vibration and heavy-duty applications.

DOC.

ANGLE PROJECTION

DATE

IN :mm

DEP.

DATE

SIGNAT.

NAME

ADVIS.

SIGNAT.

QMHS

DRAWN.

07.10.07

SOPHIA

CHECK

07.10.07

AVI

APPR.

07.10.07

KOBY

• Mega Bulb – the structural Mega Bulb rivet has a large DESCRIPTION PARTS blind side bearing A4area making it an ideal rivet for use in ASSEMBLY ORLOCK RIVET MR-L64105P-B-0599 L6410.5P L64x10.5 P (L64105P) thin sheet or low strength materials.

The Mega Bulb contains 4:1 a visible mechanical lock to give extra strength to the joint.

MATERIAL

REVISIONS

BODY:LOW CARBON STEEL MANDREL:CARBON STEEL

SIZE

CHANGE

FAX:972-8-6611380 HOF ASHKELON 79190 TEL:972-8-6610222 KIBBUTZ OR-HANER

ISRAEL

TITLE

CATALOG N.

DRAWING NO.

CH. RIVET & MANDREL FINISH : ZINC COATED

SCALE

SHEET

SHEETS

• Or-Bulb – the Or-Bulb breakstem fastener is designed with a split tail formation, providing a much larger blind side bearing area against the rear sheet. This also allows for a wide variation in material thickness. The Or-Bulb is ideal for use with soft, brittle and thin sheet materials.

• GB745 – a pneumatic hydraulic tool designed specifically for the efficient installation of a wide range of Ornit’s rivets.

It weighs just over 7lbs (3.15kg) and can be operated in any position with one hand. The GB745 riveter operates on a wide range of air pressure, with 90psi to 100psi (6.2 – 6.9 bar) providing the maximum efficiency.

• GB756 – a hydraulic installation tool designed specifically for the efficient installation of a wide range of blind, lockbolt and fasteners through 3/8 inch diameter. It weighs 11.1lbs (5kg) and can be operated in any position with one hand. It has a 0.960 inch (24.4mm) rivet setting stroke and a rated pull load of 10,000lbs (44.5kN). The GB756 riveter operates with 90psi to 100psi (6.2 – 6.9 bar) of air.

“Our products are available from our valued business partners, local distributors and online,” explains Assaf. “Thanks to our new logistics centre in the Netherlands we have further improved the service to our customers and can deliver products to over 34 countries around the world. The next time you have a fastening challenge, you need to contact Ornit for the answer.” www.ornit.com

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Innovating the future of fastening.

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

Getting the SME voice heard This summer Phil Matten sat in on the General Assembly of the European Consortium of Anchor Producers in Barcelona, Spain. It set him reflecting on ECAP’s development over 14 years, how SMEs in practice make their voice heard in European institutions, and the challenges of decision making in a democratic organisation.

E

CAP was founded in 2001 through the urgent, perhaps even desperate, need for a small group of SME producers to rebalance the influence exercised by Hilti and fischer over the development of the European Technical Approval system for concrete anchors. Not to put too fine a point on it, smaller anchor producers were caught on the hop, as ECAP’s founder members tacitly acknowledged at the time. Some SME producers certainly had tried hard to gain access to the ETA decision process but felt their efforts were stymied by what was in effect a closed system.

Approved anchor products for safety critical applications are an absolute necessity and the development of an effective approvals system represents a major contribution to construction safety. Hilti and fischer can justifiably be proud of that but given a relatively clear field it was virtually inevitable that the eventual mechanism would suit the bigger players and make it tougher for SMEs. Ironically, having begun in effect as a protest movement against the high costs of obtaining ETAs, ECAP these days is one of the primary advocates of their importance in construction safety. Now, and in no small measure because of the support ECAP has provided, its member companies have the ETAs designed to ensure access to the entire EU market and to provide both safety assurance and the chance to compete on more even terms with the major brands.

“ …ECAP is now deeply involved in the standardisation of a far wider range of construction fixings...”

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The lessons of hindsight, though, are crystal clear. Let other people write the rules and you cannot be surprised when you find the game harder to play. When that happens there’s no point in calling foul. The imperative is adapt and find ways to play the game competitively according to the rules that now exist – and to make sure you are in a position to exercise influence over the future revision and development of the rules.

That is precisely what ECAP has done and is doing – in the process creating a model unparalleled in other areas of fastener related standards development. In fact ECAP is now deeply involved in the standardisation of a far wider range of construction fixings: 3D nailing plates, woodscrews, concrete screws, as well as powder actuated tools and components.

The ‘Anchor Producers’ in its name no longer really reflects ECAP’s field of activities.

From an outsider’s perspective there appears to be two pivotal factors in ECAP’s genesis. Firstly: The passionate commitment of the Taddei family, both to the future of its Bossong business and to a far wider vision of ECAP. Secondly: The inspired appointment of Barbara Sorgato as ECAP secretary general.

Inspired? She certainly had the technical qualifications for the role. Previously an architect who practised in Germany she was responsible for the development of Bossong’s technical department. That, though, misses the essence of the individual.

A ready smile and a deceptively quizzical demeanour disguise a fierce, agile and extraordinarily lateral intelligence, combined with an equal tenacity in the pursuit of a chosen cause. These attributes have uniquely suited her to an ECAP role that demands both enduring patience and the incisiveness to, if not always cut through, certainly find the loose ends to unravel quite often truly Gordian knots. She might be self-effacing about that description – everyone that has encountered her, though, will acknowledge its accuracy.

On the technical front ECAP developed a crucial association with the Politecnico di Milano. Initially it provided the research and testing capability essential for ECAP members to economically achieve their ETAs – the relationship has grown stronger over subsequent years. Now the Polytechnic also carries out research to assist ECAP in influencing standards developments, assists in representation on European technical committees and runs educational courses on structural fastener technologies. It’s not an exclusive relationship: ECAP now works closely with and has active projects with several other European technical institutions.

The development of ECAP’s Anchor Calculation Program demonstrates the practical benefits of the consortium approach

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

in providing a depth and quality of technical resource that no individual SME could contemplate funding. Originating from a Scandinavian project it is now underpinned by multinational technical resources and the active participation of ten ECAP members. Its distinctive advantage is in the greater transparency it affords its users. Barbara Sorgato explains: “ECAP engineers set up design rules based on discussions in several EU member states, which accurately reflect the requirements of the Eurocodes.

From this base the program offers ‘ECAP choices’: Providing the transparency for customer engineers to make informed decisions about the solution for a particular application.”

The fundamental achievement of ECAP to date, though, has been how it has assiduously established its legitimacy in the corridors of Brussels and the European standardisation

Think Fixing

environment. That has been aided, to some extent, by the EU’s recognition over the last decade that it needed to ensure the voice of SMEs is heard and that standardisation is not entirely the product of financial firepower. Two examples demonstrate ECAP’s success. It has been appointed to two committees of the EU’s ‘Europe 2020’ growth strategy. In addition to achieving observer status at CEN a more significant recognition of Barbara Sorgato’s effectiveness and integrity is that the latter now speaks at the Standing Committee on Construction on behalf of all the SME members of Small Business Standards (SBS).

SBS is an organisation part funded by the EU to support SMEs in participating in standards work.

ECAP’s success in establishing a voice in EU institutions is the product of perseverance and meticulous attention to detail –

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

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

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

G&B Fissaggi Vertretung Deutschland johnengebfissaggi@gmail.com G&B Fissaggi Ibérica gbiberica@gebfissaggi.com G&B Fissaggi Benelux p.brok@gebfissaggi.com

C O N S T R U CT I O N F I X I N G S intelligently tempered with a recognition that success in these environments cannot solely be the result of single-minded pursuit of self interest, but must seek to accommodate the needs of all stakeholders.

The time and travel commitments involved are, however, gruelling. Barbara Sorgato, supported by project manager Luisa Caimi and the Politecnico di Milano, attends an average of seventy-eight meetings around Europe every year. Add to that two board meetings and a general assembly annually, plus nine working group meetings preparing contributions to CEN working groups covering products and design rules ranging from connectors in concrete and wood construction, through wood connectors, to powder actuated tools and related components such as nails and fixing cartridges. As a SBS board member Barbara Sorgato regularly attends meetings with EOTA and the European Commission. She is also invited by CEN to speak on behalf of EU SMEs at seminars on standardisation – including recently one for EU parliamentarians. ECAP is also a member of Construction Products Europe, on behalf of which Barbara Sorgato sits on the EOTA technical board.

Here, though, they are expected to review progress, determine ECAP’s successes or failures, and above all input to and decide its future strategy within an organisation of equals.

It takes time and patience. It very clearly does espouse the principles of democracy. It has to accommodate differing levels of knowledge and rates of comprehension. That means, on occasions, deferral of decisions, perhaps overnight, perhaps for the board or a working group to come back with a more specific proposal. Certainly there are elements of frustration but to the independent observer they are surprisingly seldom visible and appear not to detract from achieving steady, at least, progress. Several factors are at work to achieve that eventual coherency: An underlying confidence in a board and presidency, which is elected every three years; meticulous preparation and knowledge from the secretariat; a clear track record of success in delivering benefits to its membership; and a mutual respect and commitment to achieve consensus.

Could it be done differently? Unquestionably. Could it be done better? Probably not. ECAP has evolved a series of mechanisms to suit the diverse nature of its membership and focus effectively

“ECAP…has assiduously established its legitimacy in the corridors of Brussels and the European standardisation environment.”

It is an extraordinary workload that clearly underlines what it takes for SMEs to achieve effective representation in Brussels and Europe’s standards organisations. ECAP members clearly believe it is worthwhile. The consortium now has twenty member companies – the latest formerly welcomed at the Barcelona General Assembly. Representing companies from nine countries its strength lies in its transnational nature – a very European organisation tackling Europe-wide issues and needs.

The blend of business origins and cultures in a non-profit organisation that must operate on strict and transparent democratic principles presents a fascinating – and surely on occasions challenging – internal dynamic. For the working groups there are inevitably differences of viewpoints but the goals are fairly clearly defined and there is a common technical language. The General Assembly presents a rather different situation at which the CEOs and senior management of the membership come together once a year. It’s a long meeting split over an afternoon and morning, punctuated, one imagines to everyone’s relief, by a relaxed social dinner. While the board and general secretary bring the agenda to the table it is one – and a large one now – surrounded by people accustomed to making decisions within their own distinctive businesses.

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on the points of common interest without impinging on its members’ commercial independence.

ECAP started almost as a protest movement; it has evolved into a remarkably influential lobbying organisation effectively representing specific strands of its members’ interests. On the way it has established a set of core values on which the ECAP ‘brand’ stands.

While it clearly has a continued and significant role in representing both its own members and SME interests in the standards arena, there is a reasonable argument that the major challenges are now in the past. From being an outsider trying to find a way in, ECAP has established a strong, apparently stable and increasingly respected role within key European institutions.

The question, now, for its board and its members is what will ECAP be in the coming decade? How will it leverage the strengths it has undoubtedly developed? Characteristically, that means research within its membership to define not just its priorities but also the precise role it can play in continuing to contribute to construction safety, as well as strengthening its member companies.

It will be interesting to watch both the way it arrives at those conclusions and what they will be. www.ecap-sme.org

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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

Confidence is good; approvals are better Hilti Group has recently received European Technical Assessments for a selection of its anchors, including the Hilti HIT HY-170 – a multi-base material mortar.

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ilti’s HIT HY-170 system is approved (ETA – 14/0457) for cracked and non-cracked concrete with standard elements and two temperature ranges according to ETAG 001 Part 5. In addition, the system is approved (ETA – 15/0197) for hollow and solid masonry under ETAG 029.

“From fastening metal staircases, railing, canopies or pipes, to concrete or solid/hollow masonry, HIT HY-170 easily and reliably dispenses in all application directions and offers unmatched versatility. It is the optimal choice for safe, easy and reliable fastenings.”

Hilti HIT-HY 200 with SafeSet™ Hilti HIT-HY 200-A and HIT-HY 200-R now offer higher design loads in addition to reduced minimum edge distances for use in both cracked and non-cracked concrete applications (ETA – 11/0493 and ETA – 12/0084, respectively). Together with SafeSet™, installation time is reduced in half when compared to traditional methods.

Hilti points out that when used as a system, the most load-affecting and time-consuming steps such as hole cleaning are eliminated, thanks to either Hilti HIT-Z anchor rods, or Hilti TE-CD and TE-YD hollow drill bits.

The Hilti HIT-Z anchor rod, with its cone shaped helix, works as a torque controlled bonded anchor. This means that because of their shape, HIT-Z anchor rods are not affected by uncleaned, hammer drilled holes in dry or water saturated concrete in base materials above 41°F (5°C) – when used with HIT-HY 200.

When using the HIT-Z rod is not possible or practical, standard elements can be set with HIT-HY 200 and Hilti TE-CD or TE-YD hollow drill bits. Drill dust can be removed by the Hilti VC 20/40 vacuum system while drilling is in progress for more reliability and a virtually dustless working environment.

“While each anchor is installed to carry a certain load, factors can affect an anchor’s performance over its lifetime. Inadequate or no borehole cleaning, for instance, can result in a serious reduction of its load-bearing capacity. Hilti’s SafeSet system takes borehole cleaning out of the equation while making anchor installation more reliable than ever before.”

Hilti also points out that its comprehensive portfolio of dispensers, rods, and masonry accessories work perfectly together with the HIT HY-170 as an unmatched system solution that delivers flawless fastenings with minimal mortar waste.

Higher loads and higher reliability with the Hilti HMU undercut anchor A new addition to Hilti’s comprehensive undercut portfolio is HMU – a self-undercutting solution for a broad range of applications including C1 seismic and cracked concrete (ETA – 14/0060). HMU anchors are simple to install and come standard with a hot dipped galvanised coating for added robustness and corrosive protection. HMU delivers high tension loads and security due to its undercut functioning principle and is available in M12 and M16 diameters.

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

OUR TECHNICAL APPROVALS FOR YOUR SAFETY!

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

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

High-quality, certified products Headquartered in Italy, G&B Fissaggi Srl offers a wide range of high-quality, certified products including nylon fixing systems, as well as steel and chemical anchors for ironmongery, hardware, building and industry, electric, thermohydraulic and self-service stores.

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ince 1980 G&B Fissaggi has looked to be a reliable partner for its customers, supporting every kind of fixing need and using its experience, quality, research and innovation, to ensure that it is continuously providing the service and products its customers require.

“We believe that to offer products and anchors that have a European Technical Assessment is one of the most important steps in showing that we are listening to the needs of the market and our customers, who require quality, reliability, high performance and safety.”

One of the most important product lines for G&B Fissaggi is its bonded anchors, with its formulations of vinylester, polyester and pure epoxy resins all receiving ETAs. Two key products in G&B Fissaggi’s range include GEBOFIX PRO VE-SF CE1 vinylester resin styrene-free, and MA GREEN PLUS CE Option 7, polyester resin styrene-free.

GEBOFIX PRO VE-SF CE1 is a vinylester styrene-free high performance bonded anchor with ETA Option 1 approval (ETA – 09/0407) for cracked and non-cracked concrete. It is available in 300ml, 345ml and 410ml cartridges and is suitable for the main construction supports – stone, concrete, aerated concrete, solid and hollow bricks. It can also be used in applications with threaded bars and reinforced bars, as well as wood and metal carpentry, fixing of façades, railings, pipe connections, and profiles.

GEBOFIX PRO VE-SF CE1 has very high chemical resistance and there is no expansion effect during installation, which allows fixing close to

the edge of applications. It also has F120 fire resistance certification.

MA GREEN PLUS CE is a polyester styrene-free bonded anchor that has an ETA Option 7 approval (ETA – 11/0445) for non-cracked concrete, as well as being suitable for masonry.

Granting high loading values, MA GREEN PLUS CE has been designed for use on main construction materials, such as solid supports – used with galvanised steel, as well as stainless steel accessories. It can also be used on semisolid supports – used with steel perforated sleeve and polypropylene brush.

Available in 300ml, 345ml and 410ml cartridges, MA GREEN PLUS CE is also suitable as a repair resin or adhesive resin for concrete components.

In addition to its bonded anchors, G&B Fissaggi also supplies a range of leading structural fixings, including its SITA steel throughbolt anchor, which is available with different ETAs. The SITA CE 1 has ETA Option 1 approval (ETA – 10/0076) for use in cracked and non-cracked concrete supports, and has a longer and larger expansion clip – made up of three sectors – to enable high pull-out values. It is available in galvanised, stainless steel and hot dip galvanised versions and is F120 fire resistant certified.

SITA CE 7 has ETA Option 7 approval (ETA – 12/0594) approved for non-cracked concrete (M6 – M20). It has an extra long multi-expansion clip and features two depth installation marks on the long threaded body for quick and easy installation – requiring minimum insertion effort. www.gebfissaggi.com

Technically advanced fixing solutions We all want safe, reliable products but with so many options on the market it can become a difficult experience choosing the right one. fischer designs chemical fixing products with the main purpose of supplying the customer with premium quality, technically advanced fixing solutions, which have been rigorously tested and comply to stringent European Technical Assessments (ETA) standards, as well as being CE marked.

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key product in fischer’s range is FIS V – an injection mortar system – which, along with its ETA Option 1 approval (ETA – 02/0024), has received an award from the general building authority for masonry; a certificate of fire behaviour; as well as a European Technical Approval for masonry (ETA – 10/0383). The multipurpose injection system works with both dry and wet concrete and has a shelf life of eighteen months, which gives it another positive feature against its competition.

One of many unique selling points within the FIS V range is its short curing time of just 30 minutes (FIS VW), which in turn reduces the installation period and therefore saves time and money. The FIS V system can work in conditions down to -5ºC and up to 40ºC, with a safe working application range from -40ºC to 120ºC. The versatility of the product enables installation in

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any weather conditions and in multiple substrates – ensuring finishing on time as well as feeling confident that the job that has been carried out safely. There is also a wide range of accessories available to go with the FIS V range. fischer points out that the uniqueness and success of the product has enabled it to achieve the long awaited requirement of not only fixing in concrete but having the ability to be used for all applications including cracked concrete, aerated concrete, as well as solid and hollow masonry.

“Engineers and builders dream of a product that has multiple uses that can transform their working life into something extraordinary. Lucky for them FIS V has become one of the most universal products in the fischer range due to its impressive multipurpose injection system.”

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

HEAD OFFICE:

ITALY

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

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

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

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

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

ETA NUMBER

TRADE NAME

COMPANY

ETAG 001 Metal Anchors for use in Concrete (all parts) ETA – 13/0367

FM753 Nautilus hrg

Friulsider SpA

ETA – 13/0397

Injection System DeWalt PURE110-PRO

ETA – 13/0398

Injection System Powers PURE110-PRO

DeWalt, Stanley Black & Decker Deutschland GmbH

ETA – 14/0028

Würth Injection System WIT-PE 500 diamond-drilled for concrete

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 14/0225

TILCA TIM DIAMANT Injection System for concrete

Egli, Fischer & Co AG

ETA – 14/0269

KALM Wedge Anchor KDK-F

KALM Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 14/0321

B+BTec Injection system BIS-PE 3:1 for rebar connection

B+BTec

ETA – 14/0322

SORMAT Injection system ITH-EPOXe for rebar connection

Sormat Oy

ETA – 14/0323

B+BTec Injection system BIS-V

B+BTec

ETA – 14/0350

B+BTec Injection system BIS-PE 3:1 for concrete

B+BTec

ETA – 14/0351

B+BTec Injection system BIS-PE 3:1 for concrete

B+BTec

ETA – 14/0352

Sormat Injection System ITH-EPOXe for concrete

Sormat Oy

ETA – 14/0390

Wakai WDN 6-40

WAKAI GmbH

ETA – 14/0394

G&B Fissaggi Injection system EPO PLUS RE for concrete

G&B Fissaggi

ETA – 14/0395

Injection system Chemfix 500 for concrete

Chemfix Products Ltd

ETA – 14/0403

Vorpa middle duty anchor VHS-C

VORPA Srl

ETA – 14/0408

fischer injection system FIS GREEN

fischerwerke GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 14/0457

Injection system Hilti HIT-HY 170

Hilti AG

ETA – 14/0468

GRAFT Chemical Anchor and GRAFT Chemical Anchor winter

Polyseam AS

ETA – 14/0475

Würth concrete screw W-BS/B, W-BS/A4, W-BS/HCR

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 14/0477

Würth concrete screw W-BS 5 and W-BS 6

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 14/0478

Würth concrete screw W-BS 6

Adolf Würth GmbH & Co KG

ETA – 15/0046

Team Pro TP DA, TP DAL drop in Anchor

Team Pro International FZCO

ETA – 15/0051

Profix PIT,Profix PIT- Winter steel bonded anchor

Profix AG

ETA – 15/0056

Sika AnchorFix -2 for rebar conection

Sika services AG

ETA – 15/0057

Sika AnchorFix -2001 for rebar connection

Sika services AG

ETA – 15/0058

INDEX Styrene Free Vinylester Mortar MOVISE for rebar Connection

Index Técnicas Expansivas S.L.

ETA – 15/0059

UIP Injection System ubond VI-II galvanized or stainless bonded anchor

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0061

UIP1:1 Injection system ubond PE-II for rebar connection

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0062

UIP 1:1 Injection System ubond PE III steel bonded anchor

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0063

UIP3:1 Injection system ubond PE-III for rebar connection

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0064

UIP Injection System ubond VI-III, VI-III-T, V-III-W steel bonded anchor

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0065

UIP Injection system ubound VI-III, VI-III-T for rebar connection

UIP Gmbh & Co KG

ETA – 15/0066

ResiFix 3VE galvanized or stainless steel bonded anchor

SANAX GROUP s.r.o

ETA – 15/0094

Interfixings Injection system Easy-Fix for concrete

Interfixings NV Easy-Fix

ETA – 15/0114

Injection System MC50/M50E – Winter and Standard

ICCONS PTY LTD

ETA – 15/0115

Injection System PRIV PESF – Winter and Standard

Privlab s.p. z.o.o.

ETA – 15/0116

Injection System BIT PRO – Winter and standard

BIT United Ltd

ETA – 15/0120

NTZ and NTSS through bolts

ZAROLL BVBA

ETA – 15/0141

VEIDEC Anchor PRO+

VEIDEC AB

ETA – 15/0145

MTP-ssA4

Técnicas Expansivas S.L

ETA – 15/0168

Anchor KRAFTOOL MTP Anchor KRAFTOOL MTP-G

Kraftool I/E GmbH

ETA – 15/0204

Multifix MF-MTH wedge anchor

Multi-fix Fasteners Pte Ltd

ETA – 15/0220

Sormat Chemical Injection System ITH-Pe

SORMAT OY

ETA – 15/0227

SCELLOX 410

Mandelli-Setra

ETA – 15/0228

TECHNIFIX for rebar construction

Technique Beton

ETAG 014 Plastic Anchors for ETICS ETA – 15/0011

Capatect Schraubdübel Rondelle

Synthesa Chemie GmbH

ETA – 15/0186

CAPATECT VECTOR SCHLAGDÜBEL

Synthesa Chemie GmbH

ETAG 020 Plastic Anchors (all parts)

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ETA – 12/0388

FM-TXT

Friulsider SpA

ETA – 14/0336

Hollow block frame plug HBR 10

Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH

ETA – 15/0068

MB/MBR

Mungo Befestigungstechnik AG

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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Fixing in high temperature Installing standard chemical anchors in tropical climates around the world can prove difficult, if not impossible, due to the speed at which standard chemical anchors harden – leaving very short working times to install the necessary metal rod anchors.

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talian-based Bossong SpA has introduced to the market the new BCR V-PLUS-T – a two component vinylester resin styrene-free of thixotropic consistency, which has been especially produced for high temperatures and has a maximum application temperature of up to 50°C (temperature of the concrete substrate).

The BCR V-PLUS-T is a tropical version of the standard BCR V-PLUS and offers the same performance capabilities, but with the advantage of being slower to react at the same temperatures, especially when temperatures are high.

BCR V-PLUS-T is CE marked according to ETAG 001 Part 5 and has an ETA (ETA – 09/0140) for threaded rods and an ETA (ETA – 09/0246) for post-installed rebar connections.

The product is approved for a wide range of diameters for cracked and non-cracked concrete, and can also be used in flooded holes.

The performance of the BCR V-PLUS-T is certificated for service temperature ranges: -40°C / +40°C (Max long-term = 24°C) -40°C / +80°C (Max long-term = 50°C) -40°C / +120°C (Max long-term = 72°C)

• Takes heavier loads • New quick fix design • Removable and reusable • Easy and quick to install • Fits 9.5 -15mm thick Plasterboard • Ideal for Dot & Dab Walls • 100% Universal • 1 fixing holds up to 180kg

www.gripitfixings.co.uk #gripitworldwide

Certified on concrete for heavy loads and structural uses, the BCR V-PLUS-T can also be used for fastening on solid masonry, stone, hollow masonry (with the use of special plastic sleeve) and wood.

Bossong is also able to provide a solution for low temperature applications, with its BCR V-PLUS WINTER able to act with the temperature of concrete support as low as -20°C. www.bossong.com

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

Manufacturing ETA fixings Offering high performance fixing systems, and a full range of packing possibilities, pgb Polska sp z.o.o – the polish production plant of pgb-Europe NV – says that it is able to supply fastening solutions for every part of the construction industry.

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n addition to its wide range of SMART® through bolt anchors – such as SMK/SMKI through bolt anchor with ETA Option 7 (ETA – 11/0474) and S-KA heavy-duty expansion with ETA Option 1 (ETA – 10/0472) – pgb is also able to supply a wide range of other leading products with European Technical Approvals/Assessments, including:

(ETA – 15/0122). The anchor is available in zinc plated (type IA) and stainless steel versions (type IAI). There is also a version with a lip (type IAL) that prevents the anchor slipping in the drill hole. For core drilling machines, pgb also offers the type IAD with reinforced shell.

SMART chemical anchors

The unique design of pgb’s hammer-in fixing (ETA – 12/0572) combines looks with efficiency. Available with different collars, it is a quick fixing for different applications.

®

The SMART range of chemical anchors has a variety of different chemical resins in the range, such as: • SMART S-IRP: A high performance polyester chemical anchor, which has an extended ETA for use in dry and wet non-cracked concrete (ETA – 13/0750) as well as in flooded drill holes, without loss of performance.

• SMART S-IRV: A high performance vinylester resin that has an ETA for use in non-cracked concrete (ETA – 13/0749) and for use in cracked concrete (ETA – 14/0141). The ETA covers a full range of diameters with different embedment depths going from M8 to M30, for use in dry, wet and flooded drill holes.

• SMART S-IRW: A vinylester anchor that has the same performances characteristics as the S-IRV and has even been tested for use in temperatures down to -26°C. • SMART S-SCV: This glass capsule anchor is approved for non-cracked concrete (Option 7) from M8 to M30.

SMART® drop-in anchors pgb recently obtained an ETA according to ETAG 001-Part 6 for multiple use for non-structural applications in concrete

SMART® hammer nail plugs

SMART® multifunctional plugs with screws pgb can also supply multifunctional plugs with ETA. Different type of plugs and screw combinations are ETA certified according to ETAG 020 (ETA – 10/0392).

SMART® concrete screws Covered by an ETA the concrete screw taps its own way into the drill hole. Moreover there is no lateral tension in the base material, which allows the user to use small spacing and edge distances. SMART offers 3 types: Hexagon head (type MZK), hexagon head with pressed-on washer (MZF) and countersunk head for a flush finish (type MVK).

SMART® high performance anchors SMART high performance anchors offer a high grade of safety.

The perfect expansion ensures suitability in cracked concrete, whereas the plastic compression ring ensures the clamping of the mounted piece to the base material. The high performance anchors offer very high shear loads, with different head shapes available – hexagon head (type ZAK), threaded rod with nut (type ZAT) and a countersunk head (type ZAV). www.pgb-europe.com

CROSS reports screw bolt anchor failure The latest CROSS confidential report on structural safety from the Institution of Structural Engineers includes a report on the failure of a number of screw bolt anchors securing suspended scaffolding.

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ROSS is a confidential reporting system operated by the UK’s Institution of Structural Engineers and modelled on long established systems used in the aviation and maritime industries. It is the first such confidential reporting scheme to deal with structures. Individuals and firms participate by sending reports of their experiences and concerns in confidence.

The names of reporters are never revealed and only the technical aspects that could help structural engineers are published. Expert commentaries are often appended to the reports. For more details refer to www.structural-safety.org According to the confidential report submitted to CROSS’s July newsletter, Number 39, the discovery that a number of M12 x 100mm hexagon screw bolt anchors had failed was made when the scaffold was being removed. Fourteen screws, representing around 8% of the total used, had failed but in some individual brackets seven out of eight bolts had failed.

A subsequent investigation involving the main contractor, screw manufacturer and scaffold installer was unable to identify the primary cause of failure, even after laboratory inspection of the failed fixings.

The full report is published in the July Cross Newsletter at: www.structural-safety.org/publications/view-newsletter/?newsletter=5961

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

info@blumoragana.it

HIGH LOAD CHEMICAL ANCHOR FOR CONCRETE

+24°C

+50°C

+72°C

HIGH TEMPERATURES

T

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+40°C -40°C

+80°C -40°C

+120°C -40°C

CALCULATION SOFTWARE

SERVICE TEMPERATURES RANGE

P

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FLOODED HOLE

FIRE RESISTANCE

L

ETA

ETAG 001 TR023

Prodotto per uso strutturale in accordo al D.M. 14/01/2008

ETA-09/0246

FIRE

Barre aderenza migliorata

RESISTANCE

ETA

ETAG 001 Part 5 OPTION 1

ETA - 09/0140

VINYLESTER RESIN STYREN FREE

Opzione 7

Opzione 1

1962 sistemi di fissaggio

®

2012

BOSSONG S.p.A. Fastening Systems Zona Industriale 2 - Via E. Fermi, 49/51

w w w . b o s s o n g . c o m

24050 GRASSOBBIO (Bergamo) Italy Tel +39 035 3846 011 - Fax +39 035 3846 012 - info@bossong.com

Take a SMART step.

Join the winning team!

Complete anchor program: nylon, mechanical and chemical anchors High quality products with CE/ETA marking Excellent service and competitive prices

SMART Anchor Design Software Easy and clear to use; 3D view with zoom real-time zoom function; Different anchor plate designs; Optimized setting depth option for chemical anchors; Different temperature ranges for chemical anchors; Comprehensive report in pdf; Live updates.

DoP Declaration of Performance

pgb-Polska Sp. z o.o.

Production plant Ul. Jondy 5 | 44-100 Gliwice | Poland Tel.: +48 (32) 330 26 10 | Fax: +48 (32) 330 26 20 biuro@pgb-polska.com | www.pgb-polska.com

pgb-Europe nv Headquarter Gontrode Heirweg 170 | 9090 Melle | Belgium Tel. +32 9 272 70 70 | Fax +32 9 272 70 95 info@pgb-europe.com | www.pgb-europe.com

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

INDEX Fixing Systems: Certified quality INDEX Fixing Systems has continued to broaden its range of ETA and CE approved products with the launch of the new SL-RT – a heavy-duty anchor that is certified for use in non-structural applications in public and private buildings under low seismic level.

I

n addition to the high performance SL-RT, which is approved in Option 1 (ETA – 11/0323) for use in cracked and non-cracked concrete, other approved metal anchors include the SL-VT in Option 7 (ETA – 04/0100); as well as the drop-in anchors with internal thread for heavy loads HE-HO and HE-CL – both in Option 7 (ETA – 14/0068 and ETA – 14/0135).

INDEX also has its flagship product range the MT through bolt anchor for heavy loads, with five products receiving ETAs. Firstly there is the zinc-plated MTP, the A4 stainless steel MTP-A4 and the sherardised MTP-G in Option 1 (ETA – 12/0397) for uses in cracked and non-cracked concrete. To add to this there is also the zinc-plated MTH and the A4 stainless steel MTH-A4 in Option 7 (ETA – 05/0242) for use in non-cracked concrete.

INDEX also has a chemical anchor range that has received several European Technical Assessments/Approvals. The range includes six different products, which, in turn, branch into a number of versions designed for specific installation conditions.

Products include the MOPOLY, and its stone colour and winter versions, a polyester anchor with an ETA Option 7 (ETA – 13/0752) for use in concrete; the MOPOSE – a styrene-free polyester

New Option 1 ETA for Profix PIT Swiss-based Profix AG has introduced the new Profix PIT injection type anchor, which has received an ETA Option 1 (ETA – 15/0051) for use in cracked and non-cracked concrete.

T

he brand new approval covers M10 – M24 sizes for concrete, hollow brick, natural stone or other materials, as well as in all hole conditions whether dry, wet or flooded. PIT is even currently under test for seismic conditions and Profix is hoping it will be approved for C1 classification by the end of the year.

In addition, Profix PIT has a European Technical Approval for post-installed rebar connections and is LEED approved.

“With Profix PIT users get a high performing injection anchor that offers the highest level of quality without expansion pressure and can even be used close to the edge of surfaces.”

Profix also offers a very high performance multipurpose anchoring mortar (PIT300) available in a 300ml cartridge ready to use (no need to cut) in a standard silicone gun. PIT300 can be used in masonry and in non-cracked concrete where high loads can be achieved. The strength of the anchor remains the same even in flooded holes and the curing time is unchanged when used in dry holes.

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anchor with an ETA in Option 7 for hollow brick and concrete, along with its stone colour, winter and summer versions; as well as the MOEPOX epoxy-acrylate anchor, with ETA Option 7 for concrete.

To add to that there is also the MOPESE, a styrene-free epoxy-acrylate anchor, with ETA Option 1 for cracked and non-cracked concrete – along with its winter and summer versions; the MOVISE styrene-free vinylester anchor, with ETA Option 7 for concrete and hollow brick; and the MOPURE, pure epoxy anchor, with ETA Option 1 for cracked and non-cracked concrete – all of which have additional ETAs for rebar connections. All of the chemical range, except for the MOVISE, is also LEED Approved.

The plastic anchor range from INDEX also includes an ETA family. The T-NUX universal frame anchor has an ETA for categories A, B and C in all its versions: Countersunk and hexagonal zinc-plated versions and countersunk and hexagonal A4 stainless steel versions.

Finally, the AB-PE sprinkler pipe clamp is FM approved for its use on fire extinguishing systems. All approvals and certifications are available on INDEX’s website. www.indexfix.com

Special frame plug for hollow bricks and blocks Apolo MEA Befestigungssysteme GmbH has received a European Technical Assessment (ETA – 14/0336) for its hollow block frame plug HBR 10 – a special nylon frame plug that has an extra long expansion zone of 90mm, for secure grip in perforated bricks and blocks.

H

BR 10 exhibits high pull-out values and its distinctive anti-rotation wings prevent it spinning during the setting process. In combination with Apolo MEA’s special safety screws, which have a reduced diameter for easier screw-in and fast grip, the HBR 10 provides optimal performance.

The HBR 10 is suitable for façade installations, fixing of doors and windows, and wooden frames in general.

Apolo MEA points out that the ETA for HBR 10 is only valid if it used with its special safety screw.

For a wide application range Apolo MEA offers three different screw versions – countersunk head with TX and PZ, as well as a hexagon head with pressed-on washer and TX.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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

Construction Fixings Association expanding

Rothoblaas recognised for innovation

The Construction Fixings Association (CFA) recently gained a new ‘full member’ and appointed a new chairman and deputy chairman. It is also planning to expand its sphere of influence into direct fastening systems and self-drilling screws, as well as looking to introduce a scheme for certified competent installers.

At the 7th edition of the Schweighofer Prize in Vienna, Austria, Italian-based Rothoblaas was awarded a prize for its X-RAD system; an innovative connection system for X-LAM (cross laminated timber) buildings.

C

hris Morley, technical director of Rawlplug Ltd, takes over as chairman from ITW’s Andrew Thomas – following his retirement – and Norbert Tiringer, head of engineering for northern Europe at Hilti GB Ltd, becomes deputy chair. The four full members – Hilti GB Ltd, fischer fixings UK Ltd, Rawlplug Ltd and Spit Fixings – have recently been joined by DeWALT. Following requests from associate members the CFA board has decided to expand the scope of fixing types covered by the Association – currently limited to drilled in fixings for use in concrete, masonry and plasterboard – to include direct fastening (powder actuated fasteners and gas nailing) along with self-drilling screws. The aim is to provide comprehensive support material for these important construction fixing systems for the use of specifiers, distributors, contractors and installers. This information will join the already comprehensive wealth of guidance freely available from the CFA website.

The publication of BS 8539* was a major achievement for the Association, which led to the drafting of this important code of practice. Two distinct trends have been identified since its publication in 2012. One is the increase in the demand for the proof testing of anchors on-site, to validate their correct installation. The other is a request for a scheme to certify staff as being competent in their installation. Both are aspects recommended by the code. Such a scheme is now under development and will be launched at the upcoming CFA conference; with Approved Distributors being given the opportunity to become Approved Training providers as part of the scheme.

The CFA will hold the conference for its 61 associate member companies at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, Birmingham, UK, on 7th October 2015. Distributors of construction fixings who sell fixings from one of the ‘full members’ above, and are interested in becoming Approved Distributors, are invited to attend the conference – simply contact Mark Salmon, general manager at CFA. “As usual the programme will be split into parallel events for Approved Distributors and Approved Testers who will see a demonstration of Hydrajaws’ new Bluetooth system, which enables the results of tests carried out on-site to be recorded via smart phones and transferred to laptop or PC,” explains Mark Salmon. “New developments in the CFA’s test procedures will also be introduced and the conference is a great opportunity to meet representatives of our full members and network with other fixings distributors.” www.the-cfa.co.uk

*BS 8539:2012 Code of practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry.

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F

ounded in 2003, by the industrialist Gerald Schweighofer, the Schweighofer prize recognises ideas and technological developments that stand out in terms of innovation – contributing to stronger competition between the various players in the European wood industry.

Over 700 guests from 41 nations attended the event with a jury of academics, industrialists, and representatives of institutions from the world of wood construction, selecting the award winners.

With its X-RAD system, Rothoblaas promises to redefine current standards in wood building. X-RAD offers numerous and significant benefits including: Greater precision, reduced construction times, increased worksite safety, reduced number of components required to achieve solid fixing, and excellent static and seismic stability. The system also enables the construction of multilevel buildings both quickly and simply, achieving heights that were simply unimaginable before now.

“The X-RAD project is the fruit of four years of research and the strong commitment to innovation. We work daily for innovation and change – processes for developing new products and improving the company’s portfolio are part of Rothoblaas’ DNA. Over the years the company has succeeded in bringing about notable technological advancements, to the great benefit of carpenters and designers in the wood-building industry, often anticipating demand. This commitment to innovation is one of the reasons why we are the perfect partner.

New long length Super Tek timber tek screws Based in Glasgow, UK, Evolution Fasteners Ltd has announced that its technical department has now developed a new range of long length Super Tek timber tek screws.

D

rawing from its previous experience and expertise – from calculations to estimate physical strength and performance; AutoCAD drawings; material and hardening specifications; as well as coating design and specification – Evolution Fasteners was able to produce a new, niche long length timber to steel connecting fastener.

The Super Tek accommodates the fixing of both soft and hard woods to very thick gauge structural steel systems.

When finalised, prototypes were produced and tested extensively in Evolution’s UKAS accredited testing laboratory, which is used by an extensive range of third party customers.

To further ensure quality and performance the final mass-produced product was also extensively tested – underlining Evolution’s commitment to the highest quality standards.

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

DELTA® DELTA® DELTA® protects protects protects surfaces. surfaces. surfaces.

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Learn Learn Learn more more more about about about DELTA-PROTEKT® DELTA-PROTEKT® DELTA-PROTEKT® KLKL 120 KL 120 at120 at www.doerken-mks.com www.doerken-mks.com at www.doerken-mks.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Diamond Coating for wood to wood connections BECK Fastener Group states that its Diamond Coating surface treatment offers a significant increase of holding power for wood to wood fasteners, as well as having a positive effect on the processing of fasteners – as the drive-in energy required is distinctly reduced.

B

ECK Fastener Group is a family business founded in 1904, which has offices in Austria, Germany, Italy, China and the USA. The company has been producing fastening technology for over 80 years – with a constant focus on customers throughout all processes.

The Diamond Coating effect is produced by the combination of thermoplastic resins, which melt due to the frictional heat, and expansion elements that are specially geared to the fastener and the wood-based material. The binding material arising from this reduces the friction between the fastener and the wooden product during the driving-in process. Also, fewer wood fibres are destroyed – helping to increase the stable contact points and give more hold to the fastener.

During the installation process there is less friction when the fastener is driven, which reduces the required working pressure.

This means that the installation tools and the compressor do not wear out as much and show longer longevity.

Intertek confirms improved withdrawal values In its test report 101817982MID-001A the accredited test lab Intertek confirmed the increased withdrawal values of Diamond Coated fasteners. Screw shank nails with Diamond Coating, for example, reach – depending on the tested type of wood – a withdrawal value improvement of up to 39% versus standard coated screw shank nails. BECK points out that with ring shank nails the value can be boosted by as much as 93%.

The most striking enhancement of withdrawal values can be observed with Diamond Coated jumbo nails. In-house tests at the BECK Test Centre showed withdrawal values increased by 150% compared to standard coated nails.

“Through our specially developed coating equipment we can offer almost all of our fasteners with Diamond Coating,” says Christian Beck, chief commercial officer of BECK Fastener Group.

Diamond Coating is already successfully used as a standard surface treatment for SubLoc® PRO SCRAIL® for subflooring, jumbo strip nails, and fence staples. www.beck-fastener.com

Diamond Coating is already used as a standard surface treatment for BECK products requiring elevated holding power

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Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Ernst Reinhardt opens its doors Ernst Reinhardt GmbH recently held its first in-house exhibition, with over 50 invited guests given the opportunity to learn more about the company and its products – including the barrel coating line type BE-T602.

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ocated in Villingen-Schwenningen, within the German Black Forest, Ernst Reinhardt is a mechanical engineering company that invents machines with modular construction possibilities with a focus on being flexible, meeting high-quality standards, and being able to produce small batches economically.

A key part of the in-house exhibition was the opportunity for Ernst Reinhardt to present and demonstrate its barrel coating line type BE-T602 to its customers. Coating lines are an important part of the company and, despite increasing competition in the market, have become more successful than ever.

“A lot of our guests had heard about barrel coating lines but had never seen one in operation – up close,” mentioned Stefan Reinhardt, shareholder at Ernst Reinhardt. “The in-house exhibition gave us the opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the BE-T602 and for guests to have first-hand experience of the machine in operation.”

The BE-T602 consists of a barrel coating system with various supply conveyors, and is ideal for screws, nuts, as well as parts with recesses (socket head screws/six lobe screws) in part diameters M5 – M16 from 4mm – 200mm.

The coating barrel has a width of 600mm, a diameter of 800mm, and is divided into two chambers. The sickle-shaped perforations on the standard barrel are 2.5mm. The maximum barrel load is 200kg depending on the bulk density and the geometry of the parts to be coated. The cycle time is between 2 – 4 minutes, again depending on geometry, with a maximum capacity of 6,000kg per hour.

The dip tank that contains the coating barrel has a capacity of 170 litres and has a temperature sensor to ensure the correct temperature is maintained. Ernst Reinhardt is also able to provide a pump, filter and stirring device for the dip tank if requested.

Due to the unique design of the Ernst Reinhardt line, the coating barrel stays inside the coating cabin, which means there is no unnecessary transporting of the barrel at ambient air temperatures – helping to reduce the amount of coating material that sticks to the barrel.

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Finally, in addition to the two supply conveyors included in the BE-T602 line, customers also have the option to add their own bin loader, extra conveyors, as well as continuous oven, if desired.

Other features include the possibility of using additional conveyors for multiple coatings, such as two layers with the same coating material. This process can be carried out automatically without the need to discharge the parts after the first coat and enter them back into the system for the second coat.

“Innovation is a key part of Ernst Reinhardt and we are constantly looking at ways to innovate our products and service,” says Stefan Reinhardt. “At Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2015 we were recognised as a ‘Fastener Technology Innovator’ for our coating lines, and we are always looking to develop new solutions.

We are currently working on a barrel that will be suitable to process pointed screws with a recessed head (e.g. decking screws). This further underlines our commitment to innovation and providing the perfect solution for our customers.”

In addition to the demonstration of the BE-T602 coating line, there were also presentations from several coating suppliers during the in-house exhibition. The presentations included ‘Experiences of Atotech zinc flake processes with Reinhardt T-301 centrifuge’ from Atotech Germany GmbH; ‘Partner for quality – product and process’ by Dörken MKS-Systeme GmbH & Co KG’; ‘Focus for surface – innovative coating systems and potentials of the coating technologies’ from Magni Europe GmbH & Co KG; and ‘40 years of water based zinc flake technology – latest innovations’ from NOF Metal Coatings Europe S.A. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the attendees, the suppliers for their outstanding support to make this event happen and of course we would like to thank our staff, who made it possible to create a successful event,” commented Christian Fenk, sales manager at Ernst Reinhardt.

“All in all it was a very successful event in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, which surely will be positively remembered by guests and staff.”

Christian added: “We will certainly being doing another in-house event in the future and we have already decided on the topic – our barrel coating line.” www.ernstreinhardt.de

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Corrosion protection since 1954 For over 61 years Duroc NV has been a key player in the European market for the surface treatment of fasteners and other related articles. Thanks to its good geographical location at the gates of the port of Antwerp, Belgium, more than 800,000kg of fasteners are surface treated per week to enhance their corrosion and friction properties.

D

uroc is able to offer a broad range of solutions – with an average layer thickness of 8 microns and corrosion protection up to 2,500 hours of salt spray test (SST) – and all without the use of chrome VI. With the flexibility and order handling capability from 1kg to 100,000kg, Duroc is confident it is the ideal partner for European manufacturers and wholesalers. Duroc also holds licences from a diverse list of Triple A coating suppliers, such as Dörken MKS. In addition to coatings according to specification, the company has developed its own broad range for different industries.

Applications vary from M52 x 800mm studs for windmill applications through to M8 x 40mm with TORX® insert for the automotive industry.

Surface treatments There are four surface treatment departments within Duroc: • Electrolytic zinc plating – up to 480 hours SST. • Zinc flake coatings – up to 2,000 hours SST. • (In) Organic coatings – up to 2,000 hours SST. • PTFE coatings – up to 2,500 hours SST. The electrolytic zinc plating is only done in barrel application, whereas the zinc flake and PTFE coatings happen both in dip spin as well as rack application. The rack application has a maximum length of 2,000mm – application is by means of a robot to guarantee constant layer thicknesses and quality. Thanks to the large diversity, Duroc is able to provide customers both flexible and above all independent advice on the methods most suited for customers’ particular applications.

Innovations Each application has its own specific properties. 300 different potential combinations mean specific coatings can be delivered per order. Yet finding the best surface treatment is very complex.

That is why Duroc has extended its assortment to 15 broad applicable coatings. Below is a selection of innovative coating systems that have already proven their worth: • DUPLEX®: Developed specifically for environments where standard electrolytic zinc plating or zinc flake coatings are not applicable, such as chemical industries, stable construction, or typically the use of a carbon steel bolts in an aluminium construction to eliminate the risk of contact corrosion.

To obtain a good corrosion protection it is vital to find the correct balance between salt spray and kesternich testing results. A high salt spray test alone does not mean it is necessarily a good system. The DUPLEX system achieves a very high corrosion resistance (both salt spray and kesternich), with a constant low friction coefficient. This means that it has

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a broad applicability and can be used universally.

The DUPLEX coating is available in the following variants – DUPLEX 700, DUPLEX 1000, and DUPLEX 2000.

• SEAL INOX®: Providing a low price and excellent low friction properties, SEAL INOX prevents cold welding. It can also be applied on stainless steel fasteners to prevent ‘galling’.

The costs for surface treatment are only a fraction of the purchase cost of mounting paste. In addition, because only the nut has to be coated, it is very simple to keep it as a stock article, reducing time to market.

• M5000®: Another example of a unique coating, the M5000 was developed specifically for the heaviest applications such as the mining industry and offshore. One of the most recent projects was a new pioneering mega lifting ship with a maximal lifting power of 48,000 tonnes. Bolts in such applications are pushed to their maximum limits and today’s coatings could not withstand this. With astonishing results, the M5000 proved itself as the new standard for the offshore market going forward.

Quality control Constant quality is very important in surface treatment.

Processes should be able to be monitored from a distance and corrected if needed. Maintaining the chemistry is not a case of daily or weekly control. Automated and continuous dosing, controlled via PLC, ensures Duroc is able to deliver continuous quality. Perfectly audited processes for the automotive industry are mixed with products for the construction industry. “We understand our job by drawing a single line in process control.”

All products that are surface treated are sampled, and are randomly subjected to salt spray tests and the kesternich test.

Certificates of these tests can be provided, proving the products respond to the high demands surface treatments must meet.

Services Despite the fact that electrolytic zinc plating of fasteners with a tensile strength of more than 1,000N/mm2 is not advised, due to the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, a large volume are still demanded by the market. To minimise the risk of hydrogen embrittlement Duroc has a standard method applied after treatment – annealing.

This process drives potential penetrated hydrogen out of the material. This technique does not totally exclude the risk of hydrogen embrittlement for 100%, but thanks to automated processes and years of experience Duroc achieves a high-level of success.

As an added value to the supply chain of fasteners, Duroc can also package fasteners, so that customers receive their product without the need for extra handling. www.duroc.be

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Automatic assembly and powder painting line UK-based Performance Feeders Ltd says it is able to supply a unique high-speed line for automatic assembling and powder painting of roofing and façade screws, which has been designed using the latest spear point technologies.

T

he line, which can be modified to suit specific needs, can assemble and powder coat screws from 4.2mm diameter x 25mm – 85mm long and 4.8mm diameter x 19mm – 85mm long, in both magnetic and non-magnetic materials with corresponding bonded sealing washers in diameter 12mm and 14mm. The capacity when running 4.8mm x 35mm and steel 14mm diameter, plus 2.5mm EPDM washers, is 500 pieces/minute or 240,000 pieces per 8-hour working shift.

Powder from all polyester powder manufacturers can be used – subject to trials. The line is capable of assembling

and powder painting a range of screw and washer sizes using additional equipment and gives a consistent finish, which can’t be achieved by a hand painting production system. Colour changeover time is

approximately 30 – 45 minutes for one skilled operator and additional colour changeover units are available to help reduce the time even further.

For longer and larger diameter screws, Performance Feeders has recently developed an additional powder painting line. The machine is capable of painting screws with or without washers, and has the option of a screw/washer assembly head if required. The machine will handle screws in 4.8mm to 8mm diameter – up to 300mm long. Production output is dependent on the screw diameter and length range. www.performancefeeders.co.uk

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

The power of Lubo Lubo International, based in Kortgene, the Netherlands, has developed a lubrication that it says offers unique benefits for stainless steel screw thread connections. Here we interview Peter de Bruine, owner of Lubo International, to find out more about the company and what makes its ‘Lubo’ lubrication so special.

When was Lubo International established and how has the company developed?

“When I had my own construction company I frequently dealt with the problem of galling of stainless steel bolts. Like everybody else, I found myself constantly greasing up bolts and machines, and even worse cleaning everything afterwards.

In 2007 I decided there must be a smarter solution to these cold welding issues. I set up Lubo International and started to develop a ‘smart’ lubricant that could be added to stainless steel products in a similar way that coatings are added to metals.

It took several years to get the lubrication to a level where it was ready to be tested in real life situations, but finally – at Fastener Fair Stuttgart in 2013 – we launched the Lubo lubrication with full FDA compliance, which means it can be used on fasteners for the food industry.”

“ O ur green lubrication saves time, money and is FDA approved.”

What does the Lubo product do and what further product developments lie in the near future?

“The Lubo lubrication is a ‘smart’ lubricant that is composed of natural raw materials and minerals, which makes it harmless to the environment. Once the Lubo layer has been added to fasteners, it stays below the outer bounds of the thread in a fixed state. When adding a nut to a bolt, the high temperature

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created by the friction of the nut and bolt makes the Lubo melt and creates instant lubrication – completely preventing the possibility of galling.

Our main focus currently is in bringing a new Lubo version to the market, which has a stainless steel ‘look and feel’. Besides that we already have orders and interest from other applications and products, such as hydraulic coupling threads, stud bolts and – due to requests – we’re now even testing the effectiveness on other steel alloys.”

Which markets can Lubo International supply?

Are there any markets you are looking to supply in the future?

“Our main supply is to the Dutch market, but we are starting to grow our deliveries into Belgium and Germany. We realise that for scaling up to the rest of Europe, and beyond, a few things are vital. The first one is to attain production control at higher volumes at well chosen locations. To tackle this we are looking to establish partnerships in Europe with leading coating companies that can add Lubo to fasteners at locations nearby major volume demand – such as Germany, the Benelux and southern Europe.

At the moment we’re exploring potential partnerships and what standardised process and equipment set-up is needed.

In addition to strong coating partners we are also actively seeking cooperation with distributors and wholesalers. We want to make sure the partnerships involve attractive terms for all parties and facilitate availability and lead times that make end users happy.”

Why should stainless steel companies choose Lubo?

And what is Lubo International mission for the future?

“At the moment the stainless steel companies find themselves in an unwanted ‘catch 22’. They need to choose between the evils of greasy lubricant paste, high galling repair cost or coatings that at best only reduce a fraction of the galling problem. Lubo can free up these companies, it simply takes away the grease, repair cost and possibility of galling in a cost-effective way.

Our mission is to provide the stainless steel fastening world with a complete solution. We’re working very hard to continue to grow the business and we are already looking to expand into Europe in the early part of 2016. As you might imagine, we see many roads after that to grow beyond Europe and to expand our product portfolio with new developments.

Once a customer has trialed the Lubo lubrication they immediately decide to convert their full assortment – which shows the power of Lubo.” www.lubointernational.com

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Lubo International

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

A 90° flip on cold form tooling Met-MAX Innovations – the tool design department of National Machinery LLC – has designed a device that will flip a horizontal part being formed, also referred to as a blank, into a vertical position for further forming.

O

pening up numerous possibilities for achieving better net-shape forming, this 90° vertical flip mechanism, called a blank rotator, is able to rotate a horizontal blank to a vertical orientation in the FORMAX® Plus machine. The FORMAX Plus machine’s unique ‘pick-move-place’ transfer uses the built-in lifting motion to pick up the blank from the previous station and place it into the blank rotator mechanism. The actual rotation of the part in the blank rotator utilises one die station to perform the rotation and is synchronised with the kickout motion of the FORMAX Plus machine. Once the blank is rotated into the vertical position, transfer fingers lift the blank out of the blank rotator fingers and deliver the blank to the next forming station. This allows for subsequent cold forming operations that were not possible while the blank was in the horizontal orientation.

The blank rotator is a self-contained unit that simply fits into an existing die bore of the FORMAX Plus die-block. It can be placed in any die station according to the tooling sequence required and can be rotated either up or down according to the sequence requirements.

Additional forming steps made possible by the vertical rotation can include: Flattening, coining, piercing and trimming. www.nationalmachinery.com/fxpblankrotator

The blank rotator with a green blank in the horizontal position, as well as the rotated downward vertical position

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Carlo Salvi will be one the sponsors of the first world convention focused on Fasteners, which will be held in Milan on September 14, 2015 in conjunction with Expo 2015: FASTENERS MEETALY 2015 Challenge the future.

The convention will gather participants from all over the world (Europe, USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, etc.), in the majority operators working in the fastener industry (manufacturers, distributors, and satellite activities), automotive industry, and major public works industry.

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

SACMA’s new automatic motorisation system SACMA Group has released the new ‘M’ automatic motorisation system for its progressive and combined machines, as well as Ingramatic thread rolling machines. The new system is an important method for the reduction of machine set-up time and fine-tuning of adjustments.

W

ith increasing demand in industrial production for smaller lots, the number of tool changes required has been increasing considerably. Fastener manufacturers are producing more part numbers in a shorter period of time – meaning tool changeover procedures need to be as quick and efficient as possible.

position of the feeding rails – in width and height – for the threader.

The motorised system utilises the new 2015 SC-MATIC software, which has been developed on a new Siemens platform and can be used with Windows-CE. A database in excess of 25,000 different part numbers can be stored in the system, which will also display all alarm information relative to machine stoppage.

All the machines have an Ethernet port for transfer of data and a modem, which can be activated for Teleservice.

New website presents Winning Technologies®

The new ‘M’ automatic motorisation system enables pre-set data for parts to be stored in the database, which can automatically determine the adjustments of feed, position of stock stop, die kick out for the headers, die match, as well as the

In order to be continuously connected with the industry, SACMA Group has also designed a new website that enables customers to keep up to date with the latest solutions available for the production of parts made by cold or warm forming technology.

SACMA Group’s new website includes five distinct sections focusing on the company structure; the Winning Technologies® and solutions that are offered; guides and information on relevant product ranges; a multimedia section for the latest news, photos, downloadable PDFs and demonstration videos; as well as company contact details for each of the company’s locations and email addresses of several branches and agents.

“Powerful, complete, precise, our new website will be helpful every day. It will enable customers to stay in touch with our Winning Technologies® and provides the latest information on the state of the art of machinery that is available.” www.sacmagroup.com

Mayes & Warwick celebrates its centenary In 2015 UK-based Mayes & Warwick Ltd, a manufacturer of thread rolling dies in a wide variety of thread profiles, celebrates its centenary year.

T

he company was founded by William Mayes, who – whilst working for a screw making company that imported thread rolling dies from the USA – had the idea to create British-made thread rolling dies himself. After taking a loan from his boss, and also selling his beloved motor bike, he had gathered enough funds for a lathe and other basic tools. He enlisted the help of his cousin, Mr Warwick, to make the master cutting hobs and together, they set up their fledgling business. Continuing their day jobs, they worked late into the night, to produce

92

thread rolling dies, which Mr Mayes then sold back to his boss, to repay the loan.

In 1915, Mayes & Warwick was officially established in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, and went into full-time production of thread rolling dies. The company gradually expanded until the early 1960s, when it was necessary to move premises due to the company reaching full capacity and also needing to accommodate new machinery.

Mayes & Warwick moved into new premises in Burntwood, Staffordshire, which is still its headquarters today.

The company has continued to grow,

Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

and has added new workshops to accommodate modern CNC machines and CAD CAM design and programming technology.

Now under the directorship of William Mayes’ grandson – Peter Lawrence – the company continues to manufacture all types of flat thread rolling dies. The company’s product portfolio includes dies for any type of screw be it standard, MAThread®, Taptite®, Ejot Delta®, chipboard, lock bolts, as well as a wide range of specials. Products can be made to order or supplied from stock.

Discover The New Web Site www.sacmagroup.com

More video, pictures, info, news, technology, tools . . . Winning Technologies速

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The Art of Forming & Threading

SACMA Limbiate S.p.A. Viale dei Mille, 126/128 - 20812 Limbiate (MB) Ph. +39 02 994521 Fax +39 02 99050185 info@sacmalimbiate.it - www.sacmagroup.com

M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

High cycle fatigue evaluation of aerospace fasteners Aerospace fasteners – bolts, studs, screws, and rivets – are among the most critical components used in aircraft manufacturing. Large aircrafts can use up to 3 million fasteners in their assembly, with structural bolts comprising approximately 25% of the total and rivets the remainder.

T

hese fasteners must withstand the demands of repeated pressure and temperature cycles, variations in dynamic loads, and high vibration levels.

The fatigue strength of fasteners in this cyclic loading environment is a critical factor in the design process and in quality control of the manufactured part.

While static tensile tests provide a measure of fastener performance under peak load conditions, laboratory testing that simulates actual operational conditions is crucial to obtaining a thorough understanding of the fastener’s performance over its service life.

Magnetic resonance testing machines, also known as high frequency pulsators or Vibrophores, are advanced systems for high cycle fatigue testing. Operating at high test frequencies, Vibrophores can perform a fatigue test in a short period of time, enabling increased specimen throughput – a Vibrophore requires 20% – 40% of the time a servo-hydraulic machine requires to run the same number of cycles.

Zwick Roell Group, a worldwide leader in materials testing, has recently introduced a new generation of Vibrophore systems, available in 50kN to 1,000kN capacities and offering a frequency range of 30Hz – 300Hz. The new Vibrophores utilise an electric drive for controlled static loading, similar to a static materials testing machine, and a magnetic resonance drive for controlled dynamic loading. This design enables both dynamic HCF evaluations and pure static testing.

“Magnetic resonance systems can be installed in most laboratories without infrastructure modifications and consume only 2% of the power of a comparable servo-hydraulic test system. Furthermore, with few parts subject to mechanical wear and tear, Vibrophores are reliable and low maintenance machines.”

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M A N U FA CT U R I N G T E C H N O LO G Y

Videx VEM extrusion machines fed from magazine Videx Machine Engineering Ltd has added a new series of extrusion machines that are automatically fed from a magazine.

V

idex explains that the main purpose of the machines is to extrude parts from major thread diameter to a pitch diameter. The VEM machines are equipped with bar feeders that automatically feed the straight parts into the dies. The machines extrude the parts and eject them outside the machine without operator interference.

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The major advantage of this new line is the ability to feed both short and long parts into the machine with the same feeding system, which enables the use of one set of gripper dies for the entire range of part lengths.

Each model in the VEM line covers a large range of wire diameters. The smallest machine will cover the diameter range of 5mm to 25mm and will handle short parts starting from 70mm long. The largest model will extrude 100mm bars.

Being open on the front, the machine has no maximum length restrictions and it can be used also as a hand feed machine for extra long parts. The machine also has a slim profile, which enables feeding of bent parts, as well as the option of being supplied with ‘side windows’ for feeding bent parts from the side.

The extrusion stroke adjustment is external and takes seconds.

Videx is also supplying the VEM models in higher tonnage ratings that enable upsetting and heading. The machines are available with 1 or 2 stations with either open dies or closed dies and heading tonnage up to 400 tonnes. A fully automatic machine fed from coil up to 25mm is also available.

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

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FASTENER SORTING EXPERT FASTENER SORTING FASTENER SORTING EXPERT EXPERT

PSG Series PSG Series

Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stations Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stations Expansion reservation upto 7 inspection stationschine with customized features. achine with customized features. gm n i t r with customized features. m o hine s rting ma c l a a i d ss dial so Glla orting s s s l a a i Glass d G Features:

Features: Features: 1. Glass Dial design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~

1. Glass Dial design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~ 1. Glass design, applicable for micro fasteners (M1.0~ M3), Dial automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), M3), automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), M3), automotive and aerospace fasteners (M3~M12), and machining / turning parts. and machining / turning parts. and machining / turning parts.

2. Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended on size of parts) 2. Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended on size of parts) 2. Optical: Sorting Speed: 100~900 PPM (depended size or of heatparts) 3.

Eddy current system for material on mixup 3. Optical: Eddy current system for material mixup or heat3. Optical: Eddy current system for material mixup or heattreatment or not. treatment or not. treatment or not.

4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts 4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts 4. Optical: Prism system to inspect thread damage of bolts and screws. and screws. and screws.

5. Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread 5. Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread 5. damage, Optical: External/internal 360゜lens to inspect thread feature or surface defects. damage, feature or surface defects. damage, feature or surface defects.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

6. Customized machine for bigger objects is also available.

For pin roller For pin roller For pin roller OK OK OK

NG NG NG

For screws For screws For screws

For nuts For nuts For nuts 360° external & internal inspection 360° external & internal inspection 360° external & internal inspection

CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao St., Hu-Nei Dist., CHING CHAN OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao St., Hu-Nei Dist., Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan St., Hu-Nei Dist., No. 58, Lane 110, Zhongxiao Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Kaohsiung City 829, Taiwan Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Fax: +886-7-693-7017 Tel: +886-7-693-7937 Fax: +886-7-693-7017 E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com Fax: +886-7-693-7017 E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com E-mail: sales@ccm3s.com

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Contact in Europe Contact in Europe BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung Contact in Europe BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung In der Delle 10, D - 57462 Olpe, Germany BRUNE GmbH Maschinen fuer Drahtumformung In der Delle 10, D - 57462 Olpe, Germany TEL: +49 27 61 In der Delle 10,837 D -378 57462 Olpe, Germany TEL: +49 27 61 837 378 FAX: +49 27 61 837 031 TEL: +49 27 FAX: +49 2761 61837 837378 031 E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de FAX: +49 27 61 837 031 E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de E-Mail: brune@brune-machinery.de

MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS

A distributors place in the supply chain

By Jason Bader, managing partner, The Distribution Team It seems that everywhere I turn, someone is trying to cut out the middleman. Who is this middleman and why do I want to get rid of him? In the circles I walk in, the distribution link in the supply chain is often viewed as the part everyone is looking to cut out. I fear that this axe wielding view of the role distribution plays is due to a bad public relations campaign.

M

oreover, distributors are willing to serve their head on a block when they fail to recognise and publicise their contribution to the chain. If distributors want to remain viable, they must be able to clearly articulate their value proposition.

When I teach distribution management, I often open with a brief discussion of the supply chain. In most industries, the distributor resides between the manufacturer and another reseller of the goods they distribute. Some sell down the chain to dealers, others sell to hard goods manufacturers and still others sell to installation professionals. I generally pose the question: ‘Why doesn’t the manufacturer sell directly to the customer of the distributor? Wouldn’t it be more efficient?’ This goes to the heart of the middleman-severing philosophy.

Playing the devil’s advocate, I remind them that the gross profit margins they enjoy produce an additional cost in the supply chain. So what does a distributor do to justify this additional expense? This is where the rubber meets the road. When a distributor fails to provide value, they are no longer entitled to remove margin dollars from the chain. Not only should a distributor provide value, but they can no longer keep it a secret. It is not good enough to sell value down the chain to the customer; but in order to duck the axe, a distributor must also be able to sell up the chain to their suppliers.

Relationships What is the distributor really selling to its suppliers? The answer is customer relationships. Several years ago, I was doing research on the relationship between suppliers and distributors in the floor covering industry. A soft goods manufacturer told me something that I will never forget. ‘He who controls the relationships in the market, controls the market.’ At the risk of throwing the flooring wholesalers under the bus, this is the lesson I learned from them. Many years ago, both the wholesalers and carpet mills had sales teams calling on floor covering dealers. Both teams would push the brand and the wholesaler would handle fulfilment. After some time, the wholesalers decided that both teams were a bit redundant

and decided to let the carpet mill representatives call directly on their dealers. For a period of time, this worked great. The orders flowed through the distributor as they always had and the expense of a field sales team had been reduced. Can you guess what happened? Over time, the manufacturer’s relationship with the dealer strengthened and the distributor’s relationship with the dealer withered. Today, most major brands of carpet are sold dealer direct.

“ What is the distributor really selling to its suppliers? The answer is customer relationships.”

Trade credit One of the largest contributions distributors make to the supply chain comes in the willingness to extend trade credit to their customer. Do you think that the manufacturer would want to take on this burden? I think it might be a bigger pill than they could swallow. The liberal credit policies employed by the distribution community acts as a lubricant to the supply chain.

If credit was managed to the same rigidity as our banking partners, the chain would come to a grinding halt. While I am

www.fastenerandfixing.com

99

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S not saying that the extension of credit is managed perfectly by all members, the willingness to use it as a catalyst for sales is a value to all links in the chain.

Localised inventory By placing inventory closer to the end user, the chain benefits through speed and efficiency. Customers don’t have to tie up space and resources to buy in manufacturer minimums.

Distributors offer value by metering in product as needed. The customer doesn’t have to wait for transportation delays or lengthy order processing times. In several situations, customers can receive orders the same day. In many industries, speed means money. Reduction of down time is a very tangible benefit.

Breadth of offering By offering a wide variety of different products, a distributor can help its customers write fewer purchase orders. This also caters to the reduction of down time. In many applications, labour is a far greater expense than the products consumed.

When labour can remain working, overtime is reduced and the project comes in on budget. In some situations, early completion of a project can produce substantial rewards for the customer.

Product knowledge expertise The downside of inventorying a breadth of products is the requirement for application based training. Distributors go to great lengths to train their customer service and field personnel on the best product for the customer application. Sales teams

“ D istributors take money out of the supply chain; and it is up to each one of them to remind others they are worthy of it.”

can often point out labour saving advice for their customers.

In fact, the field sales profession has transformed from order writing to problem solving over the years. Given the fact that most distributors represent products from over 100 different suppliers, the need for training and education is greater than ever.

Warranty support Distributors stand behind the products they sell. They often go above and beyond to facilitate a warranty exchange with the manufacturer. They become advocates for the customer when disputes arise. Many of them will take care of the customers long after the manufacturer warranty period has expired. Since customer relationships are their currency, the distributor will often sacrifice short-term profit for long-term loyalty.

Bid assistance In several industries, wholesalers provide additional service to their customers by helping them plan for the consumable portion of the project. They do ‘take off work’ and create bid packages for contractors to help them win work. This involves an intimate understanding of what the customer does for a living. Some distributors scour the drawings for opportunities to provide labour saving assemblies. It is very common for some construction related distributors to provide fabrication work so that bids can become more competitive.

VMI and EDI In the industrial markets, several distributors help their customers manage on hand inventory levels. These vendor managed inventory programs draw upon what distributors excel at, managing inventory, and allow the customer to concentrate on production. Distribution has also been a key component in promoting transactional efficiency through electronic data interchange protocols. These protocols allow the software programs of supply chain members to exchange and translate transactional documents.

The real reason I start out each course with an explanation of the supply chain is that I want distributors to never forget how they earn their money and why they invest so much in customer service. I want them to explain their role in the supply chain to every member of the company – from delivery driver to credit manager. Everyone in the organisation must be able to internalise this value proposition and be certain that they are living up to the expectations promised. Distributors take money out of the supply chain; and it is up to each one of them to remind others they are worthy of it.

About the author Jason Bader is the managing partner of The Distribution Team, a firm that specialises in helping distributors become more profitable through strategic planning and operating efficiencies. The first 20 years of his career were spent working as a distribution executive. Today, he is a regular speaker at industry events and spends much of his time coaching individual distribution companies.

For more information contact him by email at Jason@distributionteam.com. Also visit The Distribution Team’s website at www.thedistributionteam.com

100 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Mobile technology in the warehouse Here, Jon Roberts, marketing manager for OrderWise Stock Control and Order Processing Software, looks at how to utilise mobile technology in the warehouse, and why it is much more than just barcode scanning.

W

hether it is utilising traditional PDA scanners or any other device, mobile technology is now an integral part of effective warehouse management.

By using mobile devices in conjunction with barcode scanning, businesses are able to ensure that greater accuracy and efficiency is achieved in the performance of every day warehouse operations. However, with mobile technology advancing all the time, is having the ability to scan barcodes alone enough to ensure productivity is maximised within warehouse processes? The simple answer is no.

Ultimately a barcode is just a font type. Being able to simply scan a barcode rather than manually type in details obviously has instant time saving value, but really the amount of time being saved in the long run is only in the context of the task that is being performed. For example at the point of sale, this simple scanning application means being able to quickly build the sale.

However, when we look at the use of barcode scanning within warehouse environments, common processes are often likely to have multiple stages and greater levels of complexity.

“ … mobile technology is now an integral part of effective warehouse management.”

While the scanning of barcodes for warehouse activities is of benefit at specific points for increased speed and accuracy, these factors are only really maximised if the solution behind the mobile device being used effectively controls the overall manner in which tasks are being performed. Therefore mobile devices shouldn’t just offer the ability to implement barcode scanning technology, but also improve upon previously used procedures. Carefully structured task performance methods should be in place to ensure human error is eliminated. Staff need to be directed around the warehouse using the most efficient walk routes to minimise warehouse travelling time, and all information should be updated back to the main system to avoid any data inaccuracies.

It isn’t just the immediate improvement to operations that should be considered when utilising mobile devices for warehouse management. Mobile technology and barcode standards are constantly evolving, meaning that many mobile solutions could quickly become outdated. Therefore investing in a mobile warehouse management solution that is constantly updated, to take advantage of new developments, is key.

One such example is the use of GS1 barcodes within many supply chains. Currently used in industries where batch and serial traceability is important, these GS1 barcodes offer businesses a streamlined method of transferring several different fields of data into a mobile device with just a single scan, including EAN codes, batch numbers, serial numbers, expiry dates, quantities and more. Currently, GS1 barcodes are used by over two million companies around the world, however these figures are bound to further increase as the use of these barcodes is passed down the supply chain.

So although it is clear that using mobile and barcode scanning technology can improve the accuracy and efficiency of warehouse operations to reduce the cost of order fulfilment. Businesses will also need to look further into how their warehouse operations are conducted in order to achieve maximum productivity. www.orderwise.co.uk

About Wise Software (UK) Ltd Wise Software (UK) Ltd has been providing software for stock control, order processing, warehouse management, manufacturing and much more for over 24 years.

Based in Lincoln, UK, it has over 7,500 users of its software across a whole range of industries and sectors – all throughout the UK and Ireland. Designed for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, merchants, web traders, resellers and more, its software provides a scalable solution fully tailored to meet the requirements of the company it is serving. As well as offering a comprehensive main software system that can be hosted locally or accessed remotely, it also supplies revolutionary barcode scanning mobile devices to manage everyday warehouse tasks and manufacturing activities. Continually developed with a new version released each month, its software and cutting edge functionality has emerged as a reliable solution for business operations.

102 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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Fon: +49 4193 89 55 Fax: +49 4193 89 56 99

sales@achill-fasteners.com www.achill-fasteners.com

M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

Is your thinking really ready for collaboration?

Here Gary Henderson, managing director at Grampian Fasteners – a specialist supplier of fastening products and supporting services to the global oil and gas industry, discusses how collaboration can help to achieve cost savings and improve business performance overall.

I

get quite frustrated by the calls for cost-cutting in the industry, not because I don’t believe they’re needed, but because of how they’re expected to be achieved by many companies. We’ve seen the same process in every downturn – cut jobs and tell companies up the supply chain they have to cut prices. If, like us, you’re a product supplier who is always conscious of having a lean organisation you’ll know that the margins just aren’t there to make price cuts and remain a viable business. Just because product suppliers can’t cut prices it doesn’t mean we can’t help cut costs – we can.

When it comes to the total cost of fasteners approximately 15% can be attributed to the visible cost of the fastener and 85% to design, sourcing, ordering, logistics, stocking and assembly.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand where the biggest savings can

be made. For example, one of our major customers asked how we could help them cut costs. We knew it cost the customer over GB£100 in business costs for every purchase order it raised. A quick analysis showed that 63% of the orders they placed with us had a value under GB£50. The customer was able to make savings by adjusting its procurement process and it’s a good example of what can be achieved through collaboration.

Collaboration is the action of working with someone to produce something. We hear it mentioned everywhere but there doesn’t appear to be much of it happening in practice. I believe the thinking of Albert Einstein is crucial: “You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew.” The act of collaboration relies on both parties understanding that their success is reliant on each other and

trusting that they’re working for the best interest of both parties. That might be a concept that’s difficult to grasp for some but the successful organisations will be the ones that do just that.

Talk to your suppliers and invite them to see how you work, and go and visit them. The more you understand each other, the better the collaboration will be. Developing a deep and meaningful relationship happens over a long time but you have to get started and take the first step.

What we would like to achieve at Grampian Fasteners is to move from developing cost savings to help improve your business performance. We have amazing opportunities to transform the industry but they won’t be realised unless the matching thinking is in place.

Is your thinking really ready for collaboration?

Call us on 01246 457150

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

New partnership enables mobile solutions Manufacturing and distribution businesses looking for instantaneous fast transactions from the shop floor now have a wider choice of mobile solutions after K3 Syspro, a specialist ERP solution provider, announced a unique partnership with software automation expert Afrisoft Africa (Pty) Ltd.

T

he partnership has made K3 Syspro a key reseller of TransLution™ mobile software for the UK and Europe, adding to its already impressive mobile product range.

The product complements K3 Syspro’s existing SYSPRO Espresso product, which was introduced with the recent SYSPRO 7 upgrade.

TransLution is built for operation directly from the shopfloor, enabling production staff to update and add live stock and barcode information on the move and send data directly to their ERP application. With the flexibility to provide a multitude of methods to achieve the mobile functionality that SYSPRO users demand, TransLution enables the company to offer a mobile solution to every type of SYSPRO user.

TransLution software enables SYSPRO users to simplify and accelerate their production processes by capturing, processing, and analysing production data with a mobile solution for the

shopfloor. It integrates mobile scanners, touchscreen devices, and other plant equipment seamlessly into SYSPRO, allowing traditional manual tasks such as stock taking or production records to be automated and streamlined.

Russell Kleyn, director at Afrisoft Africa, added: “TransLution software is a good fit for many of K3 Syspro’s customers. Our solution not only simplifies standard tasks, but creates a system that integrates seamlessly into SYSPRO to streamline data input and reduce errors. We are looking forward to a successful partnership, providing manufacturing and distribution companies with a holistic solution that will truly benefit them.”

K3 Syspro is a division of K3 Business Technology Group, a provider of next generation enterprise software for businesses in the retail, manufacturing and distribution sectors – with more than 3,000 customer installations in over 30 countries.

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M A N A G E M E N T + SY S T E M S

South African fastener stockist to implement K8 South African-based fastener stockist Bolt & Nut Centre has implemented the K8 SAAS solution from Kerridge Commercial Systems to handle its future growth plans.

H

eadquartered in Pietermaritzburg, and with branches in Port Shepstone and Johannesburg, Bolt & Nut Centre specialises in supplying tools, bolts, washers, anchors, chemicals and abrasives to a variety of industries including construction, engineering, electrical, automotive and agricultural.

Bolt & Nut Centre’s current system uses separate servers in each location. Consolidation of data is a manual and time consuming process, often resulting in inaccurate financial figures. The new SAAS solution will be implemented on a central server, providing live sales data that can be easily consolidated to give an accurate view of the status of all aspects of the trade and finance areas of the operation.

Brandon Fisher, owner of Bolt & Nut Centre, said: “We have decided to go with K8, as we need the correct system to handle our future growth plans. We are planning to open more branches in all provinces in South Africa, so having a central, tried and tested solution – with consolidated visibility across all branches – is very important for us.”

Des Nangle, managing director of Kerridge Commercial Systems SA, commented: “Our hosting SAAS option provides a transparent cost model for growing companies, and is indicative of our faith in the K8 product – in a market where revenues are dependent on having customers stay on your platform for longer.”

Kerridge Commercial Systems is a software company specialising in servicing distributors, wholesalers, and merchants.

With offices in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and South Africa, it currently serves over 5,000 locations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

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TECHNICAL

Galling of stainless steel fasteners

By Deepak Garg, Bossard expert team The fasteners most commonly prone to galling when tightened are made of stainless steel, aluminium or titanium. Stainless steel fasteners are available in austenitic, ferritic and martensitic grades, with austenitic grades of stainless steel fasteners usually used in the industry. The stainless steel material has a chrome oxide layer, which protects it from corrosion.

Galling is seizing or abrading of the threads, in which either the joint elements jam during the assembly or threads get damaged.

It is also known as local cold welding (frictional bonding) of the thread flanks. It is generally formed when the thread flanks rub against each other for an extended period of time.

Different types of stainless steel materials, with different heat treatment conditions, behave differently in terms of galling.

Table 1 compares galling characteristics of seven types of stainless steel. It indicates that the galling time can be from 7 seconds to 58 seconds at a specific load1.

Galling and its causes This section talks about various causes of galling and prevention methods in those conditions.

W

hen two fasteners are tightened together, surface pressure builds between the thread surfaces of the bolt and nut, and the protective oxide layer may break off. The high friction between the interfaces of the joining fasteners, where the base metal has been exposed (due to the shaved oxide layer), can cause interlocking of the surfaces; this phenomenon is known as galling. The higher coefficient of friction increases the risk of galling.

Torque and galling VDI 2230 (technical guideline for fasteners) indicates that bolts may only be tightened to 90% of their yield strength. If the tightening torque is too high, the bolt will be overstretched or even break. The screws can also be broken by torsional shear forces â&#x20AC;&#x201C; due to thread galling.

The friction coefficient of stainless steel against another stainless steel is relatively high in comparison with the friction coefficient of many other materials in combination. To achieve

Type

Condition

Initial hardness

Surface treatment

Load (lbs)

Time for galling to occur (Seconds)

416

Heat Treated

43 Rc

None

400

12

416

Heat Treated

43 Rc

Tufftrided*

1,000

37

440C

Heat Treated

59 Rc

None

800

17

440C

Heat Treated

59 Rc

Tufftrided*

1,100

41

440A

Annealed

96 Rb

None

650

15

440A

Annealed

96 Rb

Tufftrided*

1,000

47

303

Annealed

85 Rb

None

(only preload)

3

303

Annealed

85 Rb

Tufftrided*

750

25

303MA

Annealed

88 Rb

None

300

2

303MA

Annealed

88 Rb

Tufftrided*

1,350

58

317

Annealed

85 Rb

None

500

7

317

Annealed

85 Rb

Tufftrided*

750

27

347

Annealed

89 Rb

None

600

8

347

Annealed

89 Rb

Tufftrided*

500

22

Table 1: Comparative galling characteristics

110 Fastener + Fixing Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 95 September 2015

the same preload, screws made with austenitic stainless steel material A1-A4 must be tightened with higher torque than regular steel screws with the same strength.

In the case of thread galling the tightening torque goes up and preload is not achieved. Sometimes the operators tend to apply additional torque to visibly seat the fasteners properly without being aware of the occurrence of galling. Such failures may hardly be detected during the tightening operation and can be invisible from outside. It appears during repairs or service that the fasteners can no longer be loosened.

After galling a bolt/nut will certainly not rotate loose or get lost, but joints that are not properly tensioned may fail from fatigue when put under service loads.

Lubricating stainless steel fasteners prior to assembly, as well as solid lubricant coated fasteners, have been demonstrated to be advantageous against galling.

Manufacturing process and galling The thread surface of different thread profiles may appear smooth when looked at with the naked eye. However, under a microscope the thread profile may show folds in the thread crests. This failure occurs due to an improper rolling die setting.

Blunt thread crests decrease the thread forming capability of thread forming screws.

The internal thread of a prevailing torque nut could have similar issues, which lead to seizing of the threads. These types of failures are considered ‘invisible’ failures. Manufacturers take extra care when producing thread cutting and thread tapping fasteners for the same reasons. Generation of the burrs (pictured below) during thread rolling is one of the common issues that can cause galling.

KEY: Ck35: Steel 24CrMo5: Low alloy steel X5 NiCrTi 2615: Austenitic stainless steel NiCr 20 Co 18 Ti: Nickel-chromium-cobalt alloy with titanium

Figure 2: The yield strength at elevated temperature for some heat resistant bolt materials.

High temperature and relaxation are often a source for thread galling in service and repair works. To prevent threads from galling, threads of heat resistant bolts have an increased thread play.

Prevention of galling Manufacturing process During the manufacturing process the wire may be coated with copper for lubricity to prevent galling in the dies. The copper coat acts as a solid lubricant on the wire. It is removed after thread rolling by pickling the finished fasteners.

Top coat

Burr on thread High temperature fasteners and galling Gas turbines and diesel engines are typical representatives of machines where fasteners are exposed to high temperatures.

High temperature can change the physical properties of a material. Due to the high temperature, aggressive gases may create scale on the surface of bolts and nuts. Thermal expansion can lead to permanent distortion. Regardless of such external impacts, the required preload must be maintained in fastened joints. In addition, the fasteners must remain detachable for service and repair works.

Galling can also occur when fasteners and structural elements are made from different materials. The design engineer should take high temperature consequences in consideration when designing a joint.

Galling can be minimised or prevented if metal to metal contact of the engaging threads is prevented. There are several methods possible, including: • Lubrication with ‘Molylub’: The solid molybdenum disulphide particles prevent metallic contact and thus minimises abrading. Sometimes application of normal oil or lubricants may not be sufficient to prevent galling.

• Similar solid film lubricants containing silver, aluminium or copper particles can also be beneficial. These lubricants help decreasing the coefficient of friction. Most of the anti-seize compounds, those that are applied at the assembly line, contain these metal particles. Lubricants containing graphite are not advisable since there could be dangerous reactions between the carbon and the chromium at high temperatures.

www.fastenerandfixing.com

111

TECHNICAL • A thin PTFE sealing tape can offer protection from galling.

For large threaded components such as pipes and valves, the threads of these parts could be wrapped with a thin PTFE-sealing tape.

• Coatings such as Polyseal, Xylan, DELTA®-SEAL or wax applied to stainless steel fasteners may also prevent galling.

Tribological coating Fluoropolymer coatings are a blend of resins and fluoropolymer lubricants. PTFE, PVDF, PFA, and FEP provide low friction, chemical and corrosion resistance, non-wetting, and release or non-stick properties at temperatures up to 550°F. Bossard ecosyn®-lubric coating is a tribological dry coating system for mechanically stressed fastening elements and components (such as screws, nuts, washers). The coating is a thin layer coating, applied non-electrolytically, with built-in lubricating properties and additional corrosion protection.

“Bossard ecosyn ®-lubric coating is a tribological dry coating system for mechanically stressed fastening elements and components.”

The coating comprises a composition containing fluoropolymers and organic solid lubricant particles, which are dispersed in specifically selected synthetic resins and solvents.

It is referred to as an AFC coating (anti-friction coating), which forms a smooth film to even out all irregularities in the surface and thus optimises friction even under extreme loads and

working conditions. The synthetic resin also ensures improved corrosion protection.

A thin, dry film of lubricant, which adheres firmly to the substrate, forms after the lubricating varnish has hardened.

This film acts as a separating and lubricating layer reducing the friction and wear between friction bodies that are in contact with each other.

Bossard ecosyn-lubric tribological coating offers an excellent solution for applications that require controlled coefficient of friction and protection against wear. The tribological properties of Bossard ecosyn-lubric minimise galling with fastening elements. ecosyn-lubric coating also helps maintain pre-defined torque to achieve the correct clamp load.

Summary Stainless steel fasteners are frequently prone to galling when assembled. The excessive friction and generated heat during tightening create plastic deformation of the surface(s) that leads to seizing of the mating members. Use of lubricants and intelligent coating such as Bossard ecosyn-lubric; extra care during thread forming; Bossard ecosyn®-lubric appropriate RPM of the installation tool; coated fastener cleanliness; and proper design practices can help reduce or eliminate the galling.

With careful attention on prevention of galling, stainless steel can be a very useful fastener material due to its inherent resistance to corrosion and generally higher tensile strength than commercial low carbon steel.

Bibliography Budinski, K.G. (1991). Tribological Properties of Titanium Alloys. International Conference on Wear of Materials.

1 Producers, C.O. (1978). Review of the Wear and Galling Characteristics of Stainless Steel. American Iron and Steel Institute, 2-19.

112 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

® Driving Excellence for Mutual Success

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MADE IN MALAYSIA

TECHNICAL

Testing bolting resistance to vibration

By Jozef Dominik, owner, FERODOM s.r.o For engineers involved in the design and maintenance of bolted joints there is one very important maxim: ‘There is no universal remedy for loosening of bolted joints’.

A

lthough correctly proportioned and tightened bolted joints do not need any special locking, many dynamically loaded structural nodes do require it.

The unlocked bolted joint represents a latent risk of loosening, which makes the choice of locking method one of the most important constructional decisions. A wide range of locking bolted joints is available on the market nowadays. It is up to the constructor’s erudition which variant they select. To have credible data is an important condition.

The aim of this article is the analysis of current testing methods for locking bolted joints and, in particular, to disprove any assertion about the universality of any specific solution.

Today, there are several producers of these testing devices for sizes from M8 to M16. The devices for M8 and M10 are portable and they are used especially as a marketing tool for promotion of leading locking fastener systems. Testing bigger sizes than M16 is more problematic and this method is hardly ever adopted.

With this exception the following statement is important: The Junker method is based on alternating cyclic loading of the bolted joints in a radial direction, i.e. perpendicularly to the bolt axis. A good example of this kind of loading can be found in wheel fastening.

Theoretical analysis of the issue and discussion Vibration and shock resistance of bolted joints is tested using special laboratory devices of various types. The best known is the so-called Junker test, which was first published by Gerhard Junker in the magazine SAE Trans, Vol. 78, 1969. Soon this method became popular in Germany but also spread all around Europe, the USA (National Aerospace Standard 3350/3354 is the exception) and in many other countries.

In the course of the time, it has been adopted into international fastener standards such as DIN 65151 (Dynamic testing of the locking characteristics of fasteners under transverse loading conditions) and its replacement DIN 25201-4.

Nowadays, many research and development departments, technical universities, manufacturers, and even distributors of fastening systems, have Junker test equipment at their disposal.

The Junker test is the method used for testing the self-loosening behaviour of threaded fasteners under transverse loading conditions by vibrations. The principle is simple (Figure 1). The tested bolted joint is, having been exactly tightened, cyclically stressed by means of eccentric alternate transversal force (FT) at a specific amplitude and frequency. The frequency 12.5Hz and the amplitude ±0.3mm are generally effective for screw sizes M8 and M10. Observation is aided through the use of a force sensor and then the decrease in the assembly force is graphically recorded on the screen. The following criteria is acceptable: A bolted joint will be safe if its preload force (FV) does not fall by more than 20% during operation.

However, a lot of structural nodes are dynamically loaded not only in transversal but also in axial direction or in a combination of both. A winding machine (pictured below) is a typical example.

Repeated starts of a locomotive, train braking and mutual pounding of the wagons cause alternating loading of the load-bearing fasteners in an axial direction. Their loosening could have catastrophic consequences.

Figure 1: FM – montage (assembly) force FT – transverse force FV – preload force a – amplitude

114 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Schweißbolzen Einsatz: Pkw-Sitze

Klemmbolzen Crash-relevantes Bauteil

Flanschschweißmutter z.B. beschichtet mit Nycote

Wir sprechen Deutsch!

Wir sprechen aber auch Türkisch, Polnisch, Englisch und Chinesisch.

Warum? Weil unsere Auftraggeber auch in diesen Ländern arbeiten und weil wir finden, dass ein direktes Gespräch mit unseren Kunden wertvoller ist als E-Mail & Co. Denn wer zu uns kommt, der hat meist ein Problem: Entweder sind die Teile, die er bislang bekommt, schlecht oder zu teuer oder gerade nicht lieferbar.

Und dann reden wir: Über 0 PPM-Strategien, Global Sourcing oder 4.000 Palettenplätze, die wir in Neuenrade vorhalten.

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Nicht jeder, mit dem wir reden, wird unser Kunde. Aber diejenigen, die es werden, bleiben - über viele Jahre hinweg. Weil sie sich gut aufgehoben und verstanden fühlen und weil wir gemeinsam Klartext reden.

Was ist mit Ihnen? Reden wir miteinander? Dann rufen Sie uns an oder besuchen uns auf der Blechexpo in Stuttgart.

Bis dahin, Ihr

Fasteners Team

Fasteners GmbH & Co. KG Hönnestraße 22 | D-58809 Neuenrade-Küntrop Tel. +49 2394 619-0 | Fax +49 2394 619-94 fasteners@kohlhage.de | www.kohlhage-fasteners.de

HALLE 6 STAND 6405-2

TECHNICAL Testing of the fasteners by the Junker system would not provide relevant results in this case. The only correct testing method is such that corresponds with the loading type of the real structural node in operation conditions. For this reason, an appropriate pulsator has to be used for an accurate loading simulation. For example EDYZ (pictured below) could be used. This is able to generate relevant force impulses in the axial direction.

wedge washers according to the tests Junker, EDYZ and NAS is compared.

From the graph it is evident in which circumstances the selection of wedge washers is appropriate: • According to the conditions of the radial alternating loading (Junker) it is an excellent locking element.

• According to the conditions of the axial loading (EDYZ), depending on the amplitude it is a quite good element.

• According to NAS 3354, however, it is an unsatisfactory solution.

This kind of comparison would also be possible and useful for some other locking systems and the results would be analogous. All of them would show their dependence on the type of loading.

Conclusion

Its advantage is in the size variability of the alternating tensile forces, ranging from 6kN to 44kN, and the loading frequency.

Similarly to the Junker test, this method also uses a force sensor, which records the changes of the original assembly force and the number of the loading cycles until the total loosening of the tested fasteners.

There are also some other vibrations tests. It is worth remembering the already mentioned test according to the National Aerospace Standard 3350/3354.

This is a very radical method because it is based on high frequency vibration loading at the amplitude ±19mm in horizontal or vertical direction (pictured above).

A bolted joint enduring the conditions of the NAS 3350/3354 endures everything. This is demonstrated indirectly in the graph in Figure 2, where the efficiency of the popular locking

Figure 2: Efficiency of popular locking wedge washers according to Junker, EDYZ and NAS tests

Choosing the way bolted joints are locked is an important construction decision. As has been shown, there is no universal solution. It is, therefore, essential to be critical and cautious in the interpretation of vibration test results – an incorrect decision can cause serious problems.

It is not that the mentioned methods of vibration testing are in any way bad. The reverse is the case. They provide valuable information about individual locking fastening elements but they do relate to specific testing conditions.

The competence of the fastener supplier extends to providing clear information. That is the Rubicon they should not cross.

The correct interpretation of the results must be the domain of the designer and constructor, who has an intimate knowledge of the application.

Where it works, a bolted joint repays with the reliable and safe operation. However, disrespecting the rules can have undesirable consequences.

About the author Jozef Dominik is a certified engineer, PhD, educated at the Technical University VŠB Ostrava (CZ) with an academic degree from Technical University Žilina (SK).

His career includes the position of metallurgist at ZTS Martin; 25 years as head of heat treatment at the Research Institute of Antifriction Bearing Parts VURAL; and 10 years at Bossard AG Schrauben.

Currently he manages his own company: Ferodom s.r.o., based in Žilina, Slovakia, which aims to deliver “Just the Best” fastening solutions for its customers.

Ferodom works in conjunction with technical universities and institutes across Europe, to develop new higher utility fastener elements and technologies. The company supplies a range of locking solutions for threaded joints including its own IstLock® locking nut system, which received a Fastener Technology Innovator award at Fastener Fair Stuttgart 2009.

In addition Jozef has written books including: ‘Technologie der Gewindeverbindungen’ and ‘Illustrated Fastener Dictionary DE – EN – SK’. ferodom@ferodom.sk www.ferodom.com

116 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Special Screws Fit bolts, plugs, knurled thumb screws, square head bolts, flat headed screws, hexagon set screws, brass screws and specials.

directly from stock!

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info@pasvahl.de www.pasvahl.de 20.01.15 11:04

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

One true blue The Electrolytic Plating Company Ltd (EPC), the sole UK licensee of the TUFLOK® NYLOK® BLUE® NYLON TORQ-PATCH®, has recently established a new Thread Locking & Sealing division. Deputy Editor Claire Edwards visited Aldridge, UK, to see how the new facility is enabling EPC to deliver an end-to-end full service for its customers.

F

ormed in 1896, EPC is an established barrel plating and surface coating company that offers a number of processes – including zinc flake coating, zinc alloy plating and zinc plating (zinklad licensed). It is also a licensed applicator of Dörken, Magni and Atotech systems and specialises in meeting OEM and global specifications.

EPC was awarded the license for the TUFLOK® NYLOK® BLUE® NYLON TORQ-PATCH® in 2014, which is compliant with IFI, DIN and major OEM specifications including IFI-524.

“We drew on our extensive experience to establish the new division in order to grow to meet our customers’ requirements

for a coatings and patches package – they both go hand in hand,” explains Andrew Dawson, operations manager at EPC. “Even though ultimately the distributor is our customer, we have an extensive knowledge spanning over 100 years, which allows us to deliver effective communication and expert technical support to end users across all key industries – particularly at the design stage.”

Operational since January this year, the new division encompasses a modern office environment and an on-site testing facility. The new site also houses a number of state of the art NYLOK licensed processing machines and equipment, with the capabilities to apply TUFLOK 180° (standard) or 360° (optional) radial coverage to a wide range of screws from M1.6 to M30.

TUFLOK – often referred to as the ‘blue patch’ – is a cost-effective self-locking element comprised of nylon permanently bonded onto the threads of a fastener. When engaged, it creates a wedge between the fastener and mating part compressing the nylon – creating metal to metal contact opposite the blue patch. This metal to metal contact results in a positive resistance to vibration and loosening. EPC points out that since nylon has great memory characteristics, this locking element can be reused several times – ensuring a quality, cost saving solution.

The blue patch can be applied to any size or thread configuration of a fastener and bonds to a broad range of fastener finishes. Not affected by high humidity conditions, and environmentally friendly, the patch can be applied on external

118 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Thread Locking & Sealing Division Wharf Road, Aldridge, Walsall, West Midlands, WS9 8BX, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1922 749 713

The Electrolytic Plating Co. Ltd 138 Wednesbury Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 4JJ, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1922 627 466

www.electrolytic.co.uk

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y EPC is expanding its capabilities by investing substantially in new machinery to enable it to provide a high-quality service for the fastener industry

and internal threaded fasteners making it suitable for a wide range of applications including automotive, aerospace, and military. For instance, TUFLOK was recently applied to bolts in the continuous track of military serviceable vehicles to stop the bolts from loosening.

To meet demand and drive further growth EPC is already expanding its capabilities with the addition of another NYLOK licensed machine, which is currently on order. The fully bespoke headless machine will enable EPC to offer the NYSEAL® under the head sealant. Suitable for a variety of industries, NYSEAL is applied to the underhead of a screw and creates a gasket-type seal that prevents leakage of fluids and gases under pressure.

As the screw is seated to its final position against the mating part, the NYSEAL element compresses slightly and fills the void between the bearing surface of the head and the counter sink/counter bore. The NYSEAL sealant can be applied to virtually any headed fastener and also increases longevity.

EPC has also made a substantial investment in a state of the art barcode process control traceability system. The new DNAsme system is specifically designed for the needs of companies providing CNC and conventional machining and assemblies.

The system enables EPC to optimise delivery and productivity performance whilst continually driving its customer service.

“The new barcode process control traceability system has enabled us to completely streamline our operations.

We can easily and quickly identify information on specific jobs, which helps us to communicate and build relationships with customers,” explains Simon Elwell, manager of the Thread Locking & Sealing division. “Order times do vary on batch size but we target a 3-5 day delivery to our customers.”

With the continued commitment and investment it is clear EPC is building on its reputation to become a ‘one stop shop’ for its customers – providing a reliable high-quality service for the fastener industry. “Our motto at EPC is simple: Quality.

Service. Price,” comments Andrew. “By providing a coherent and quality service, customers can trust in our products now and in the future.” www.electrolytic.co.uk

120 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

ABA – a NORMA Group brand

BECAUSE RUST NEVER SLEEPS

The ABA Original clamp in stainless steel – for the most extreme environments The new ABA Original SMO is developed for use in harsh environments where low-grade or acid-proof stainless steel proves insufficient. The new clamp is made entirely of SMO 254 – an austenitic stainless steel designed for maximum resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. It also has a very good resistance to various types of stress corrosion, making it the ideal material for clamps used in high chloride environments, such as seawater or high chloride process streams.

FROM ANDERSTORP, SWEDEN

www.normagroup.com

A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Safety secures trust In public infrastructure projects, there can be no compromise on the safety front. For more than 30 years, unsurpassed safety has been synonymous with the Nord-Lock Group.

B

ridges and railways are much more than parts of a transportation network. They are vital components of public infrastructure, where community investment includes trust in the ongoing safety and performance of the application. Living up to that trust means there can be no compromise on the parts and materials that, at the end of the day, are essential to ensuring critical services with minimum risk of failure and harm.

The Hohenzollern Bridge in Köln is one of Germany’s most recognisable landmarks, and a vital link across the Rhine to connect the city’s two main train stations. Approximately 1,200 trains cross the bridge daily, making it one of the busiest rail bridges in Germany. ThyssenKrupp Schulte GmbH supplies the unique SBS (steel beam sleepers) that are capable of handling the tremendous strain on the bridge’s sleepers and tracks caused by accelerating or braking trains. Each of these 1,346 beams on the bridge is fitted with Nord-Lock washers.

It pays to make sure ThyssenKrupp Schulte chose Nord-Lock washers after putting them through single test cycles at the Technical University of Munich – with the washers meeting the high safety standards ThyssenKrupp Schulte required.

For Nord-Lock, it was more confirmation that its commitment to unparalleled safety is what sets it apart. Nord-Lock is the original innovator of wedge-locking technology. The company’s products are designed for superior performance in the most extreme conditions, providing effective bolt security throughout an application’s lifetime. Since 1982, Nord-Lock washers and Superbolt® tensioners have secured billions of bolts in millions of applications all over the world.

The Nord-Lock commitment to safety is also confirmed in its collaboration with external testing centres and research institutes.

The company’s products have been awarded a wide range of certifications from independent testing facilities including ABP, ABS, DIBt, DNV-GL, TÜV and more. In-house laboratories and verification centres in Europe, North America and Asia ensure quality standards for any application worldwide are consistently high.

One very tangible result of this focus is that Nord-Lock has become a trusted partner, resource and industry voice for bolt securing. Clients often turn to Nord-Lock for advice and insights on securing, especially on challenging or unique applications.

Working closely with their clients, Nord-Lock technical teams use and share their knowledge, insights and expertise to support the project from initial planning to installation and ongoing maintenance.

Building trust worldwide Nord-Lock washers also secure more than 8,000 SBS sleepers on 50 other bridges throughout Germany. “The reality is that leading public infrastructure developers and suppliers put their reputations on the line with their choice of commissioned materials and support technologies. The public puts their trust in the project managers, builders and engineers. And judging by the company’s presence in major projects globally, managers, builders and engineers are putting their trust in Nord-Lock.” www.nord-lock.com

122 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

High-flying fastening solutions UK-based GBK Ltd has developed, with a long-term customer, two new fastening solutions for the cabin and bed areas of national airline carriers.

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eveloped for use in first and business class cabins, the initial solution required a specialist pine tree clip with very fine fin designs. The second project was a very similar part, but shorter with a locating spigot added on the top surface of the pine tree’s head.

Both new pine tree clips had to be designed using micro moulding techniques to ensure fin forms were accurately replicated from the CAD models and to ensure optimum hold was achieved.

Additionally to this, one of the fixings had a special spigot moulded on the head of the fastener to provide an assembly aid when positioning the part in the application. The head forms of both items are particularly thin for such a wide moulded area, but GBK Ltd was able to overcome any concerns and the resultant parts are fully approved and in use.

The two pine tree clips, numbers 47159 and 47208, are manufactured from nylon 66 and have a 18mm head diameter. The 47159 pine tree clip has a panel range of 0.7mm – 7mm and the 47208 pine tree clip has a panel range of 0.7mm – 4.5mm.

Kobout B.V. Nijverheidsweg 43 3341 LJ Hendrik Ido Ambacht The Netherlands T +31 (0)78 684 6611 F +31 (0)78 684 6640 info@kobout.nl

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

NORMA Group expands its worldwide testing laboratory capacities NORMA Group has expanded its validation tests at its test laboratories around the world to ensure a unified standard at all manufacturing locations.

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y using various methods it is possible to realistically simulate conditions, such as heat, cold, corrosion, various pressures and aging processes, as well as mechanical stress. This serves to enhance quality control on-site and it contributes to the development of innovative joining technology.

“Our aim is to ensure first class quality, high performance, and reliability of our joining products over a long period. The test methods at our plants around the world allow us to perform highly complex tests ourselves,” comments Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group. “We can map the entire development process in-house and offer our customers tailor-made products and services from a single source.”

The conditions that are simulated at NORMA Group’s test laboratories are based on real time measurement of motor vehicles. When conducting hot gas tests, temperature fluctuations of up to 920°C can be generated by using a gas burner and a cooling system. VPP profile clamps that are used in turbochargers and exhaust systems, for example, are exposed to such extreme

conditions. Water and salt solutions are used to test the corrosion resistance of the connecting elements.

NORMA also conducts tests to measure the vacuum tightness, pulling force, twisting moment and durability when exposed to vibrations.

Plastic urea lines are subjected to temperatures of up to 160°C for up to 3,000 hours in climate chambers in long-term tests. In addition, pressure load tests are performed to check the performance of media-carrying lines and the optimal wall thicknesses.

NORMA Group’s test laboratories meet the same quality standards all over the world, with around 250 engineers using their extensive global expertise in metal and plastics technology. www.normagroup.com

Baker & Finnemore achieves AS9100 certification Baker & Finnemore Ltd has announced that it has achieved the AS9100 certification – an internationally recognised quality management system standard specific to the aerospace, aviation and defence industries.

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S9100 is strongly supported and adhered to by major aerospace OEMs and is being required by vendors within the supply chain on an increasing basis. Baker & Finnemore’s certification to AS9100 underlines its commitment to meeting and exceeding the increasingly stringent industry requirements for aerospace related products and assures its manufacturing processes consistently meet the requirements and expectations of customers.

“At Baker & Finnemore Ltd we are committed to delivering consistently high-quality services and products to all our customers,” comments Paul Watkins-Burke, managing director at Baker & Finnemore. “We endeavour to ensure that all our employees work safely, efficiently and effectively, and policies, standards and processes are in place for project management, environmental services and health and safety.”

The new accreditation also compliments Baker & Finnemore’s other accreditations including ISO/TS 16949:2009, ISO 14001:2004, ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001:2007. www.bakfin.com

126 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Handy miniature stud welder Heinz Soyer Bolzenschweißtechnik GmbH will be showcasing the second generation of its high-tech BMK-12i stud welding inverter, with SRM Technology®*, at the upcoming Schweisstec 2015 from 3rd – 6th November.

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einz Soyer is a specialist for fastener technology with over 45 years experience.

The 2nd generation of its BMK-12i stud welding inverter is in a miniature format, which is ready for the market and series production, and completely fulfils the requirements of health and safety in the workplace thanks to the GS mark for certified quality and safety by the TÜV-Rheinland.

The BMK-12i stud welding inverter includes a handbag format and weighs just 6.8kg. It has a welding capacity of 800 amps and is suitable for weld studs up to 12mm diameter. It does not require ceramic rings when welding and produces high strength welded joints without annoying flanges, welding beads or welding splatter. This enables the user to use the stud thread right up to the base material.

*SRM = Stud welding in radially symmetrical magnetic field. Pat. No.: 10 2004 051 389 www.soyer.de

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A P P L I C AT I O N T E C H N O LO G Y

Things are hotting up DELO Industrial Adhesives LLC has introduced new one component epoxy resins based on anhydrides – with an operating temperature range of -65°C to +250°C – which are particularly suitable for bonding or encapsulating sensors and semiconductors.

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ELO points out that its anhydride-based adhesives offer superb chemical resistance and have proved their worth in high reliability. Users have also been impressed with the adhesives’ universal adhesive strength, high-level of stability, and excellent processing characteristics. The high temperature and chemical resistance, as well as low thermal expansion coefficient of 11ppm/K or less, can be attributed to the adhesives’ extremely dense crosslinking – giving them a clear advantage over aminic adhesives.

In addition to these benefits, the newly developed adhesives also have the impressive characteristic of remaining strong and stable in temperatures up to 250°C. DELO explains that this is 70°C more than previous standard products based on anhydrides. Even after 500 hours of storage at 250°C they exhibit a tensile strength of 50MPa. As well as a high temperature resistance, the adhesives also have a high bond strength at temperatures above 200°C. After storage for 500 hours at 250°C, a compression shear strength of 8Pa was achieved at a test temperature of 220°C. “With such impressive performance, these adhesives are suitable for applications in which bonded or encapsulated components must withstand high temperatures and aggressive media, as is increasingly called for in areas such as the automotive, power electronics, or oil and gas industries.”

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TO O L S

Talking torque Torque wrenches are common place across a variety of industrial processes – wherever there is a precision assembly process utilising threaded fasteners. Here, Philip Brodey, Norbar Torque Tools Ltd, explains how to correctly store, use and maintain a torque wrench.

Storing your torque wrench

Using marked loading points for accurate results

When a torque wrench is in regular use it does not need to be wound back. However, when storing a torque wrench for an extended period of time, users should always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero.

A fully loaded torque wrench, left in storage for a long period, can cause a ‘set’ in the spring, causing it to weaken over time.

On the other end of the scale, by completely offloading the spring, other components within the wrench may move fractionally relative to each other. When you reapply spring compression the orientation of these components can change, therefore affecting accuracy. All in all, it is better to leave a bit of compression in the spring when in storage.

Most torque wrenches are length dependent and feature a marked loading point on the handle. It’s essential this load point is observed when it comes to calibrating the torque wrench.

For accurate results, one click is enough Users often allow torque wrenches to click multiple times, without being aware of the additional torque being applied to the bolts. Operate your torque wrench in a smooth and steady manner and remember: One click is enough.

Using your wrench on an anti-clockwise thread Many torque wrenches will only indicate in the clockwise direction. Therefore it is necessary for users to always check the wrench’s specification before using it on an anti-clockwise thread, to ensure the tool is suitable and prevent a loss of torque control.

Adjusting your torque wrench Equipment manufacturers will always provide the required torque for any given piece of equipment, so it is important to ensure that these levels are met. Remember to always adjust the wrench up the scale to the required torque figure to ensure accurate setting.

Using torque wrenches for undoing So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. If the bolt will not free within the maximum torque of the wrench, another tool should be used instead as the wrench accuracy can be affected.

Adding extensions to the torque wrench handle Users should never put a pipe or any other kind of extension onto a torque wrench handle as doing so can seriously damage the tool and make it inaccurate.

Locking it in It can be all too easy to accidentally adjust the settings of a wrench during use so, if your torque wrench is fitted with an adjustment lock, you should always apply it before operating the wrench.

Applying ‘crows foot’ type fittings to a torque wrench ‘Crows foot’ type fittings can be applied to a torque wrench square drive but they will alter the torque. It is therefore important that a suitable offset is applied to the set torque.

Keeping this advice in mind will see users getting more from their tool, with the wrenches becoming more accurate and lasting longer. The tips are simple, but the implementation of these basic rules can often be forgotten and that’s when mistakes can happen.

Crane’s new lightweight production wrench Global torque measurement and management solutions provider, Crane Electronics Ltd, has launched a new WrenchStar Multi lightweight wrench with auditing capabilities, which will be available from October.

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rane Electronics says the WrenchStar Multi will enable the user to digitally record the torque information. The wrench features interchangeable DIN heads; a vibration alert for battery life; and an LED light ring enabling ‘real time’ and ‘end of cycle time’ tightening. The 360° light ring also shows status of readings and jobs regardless of how the wrench is held.

The wrench comes with an RF feature meaning you do not need a cable to connect it to the data collector. 200 recordings can also be made offline before having to return the wrench to the data collector.

“The WrenchStar Multi is compatible with all the latest Crane products including the IQVu data collector. The IQVu provides an ideal solution for the measurement and collection of torque, angle, and pulse data in the manufacturing and quality environment.

Use the WrenchStar Multi with the IQVu and you will have the perfect torque and angle measurement system for your application.”

130 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Controlled fastening from Wera Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co KG says its range of 19 torque screwdrivers, launched earlier this year, are ideal for every conceivable mini and micro application.

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he mini and micro torque screwdrivers are available in a preset version with a fixed torque value or as an adjustable model with variable torque ranges. In the case of the adjustable model, the required torque value can be quickly and easily set by hand with no additional special tools necessary. The preset models can also be adjusted should this be requested.

Just like conventional torque tools in larger dimensions, the new mini and micro torque screwdrivers feature a click function. When the preset torque value is reached, the user hears and feels a distinct excess load signal. This click signals the end of the screwdriving process. On the other hand, the loosening torque transferred by hand to the screwdriver is unlimited, which means that even extremely seized screws can be loosened.

The adjustable torque screwdrivers also feature a detachable magnifying element, which Wera says simplifies the setting of the desired torque value on a relatively small scale.

Six of these models will now be designed as workshop versions with a torque control range of 0.1Nm to 1.6Nm. Thirteen models will also be designed in the ESD format for electronic applications with a control range of 0.02Nm to 1.6Nm.

TO O L S

New torque tools from HAZET HAZET-WERK Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co KG has introduced a new range of electronic torque/angle wrenches, which cover a torque display range of 5Nm – 400Nm.

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vailable in three models – each with a ‘basic’ and ‘top’ version – the torque measurement ranges from 10Nm – 100Nm, 20Nm – 200Nm and 40Nm – 400Nm respectively.

HAZET says the ‘basic’ model versions measure torque with an accuracy of ±2% / ±1 digit and rotation angles with a maximum deviation of ±2% / ±1°. The ‘top’ version has double the measuring accuracy with torque ±1% / ±1 digit, and rotation angle ±1% / 1°.

The measurement result is shown in a display with 13mm high figures, and can be read easily from any working position as the display can rotate through 180°. The user can adjust the wrench via a simple menu in English or German and can choose to display in Nm or lbf.ft. Additional menu languages, including Italian and

French, are available in the ‘top’ versions of the wrenches.

An audible signal increasing in volume and a vibration in the handle, as well as an LED display with ‘traffic light’ function, gives the user threefold security when performing screwing operations.

The ‘basic’ wrenches enable up to 100 measurements including date and time to be saved and recalled at any time. The ‘top’ versions enable up to 2,000 measurements and programming options for the rotation angle and torque control can be extended.

Parameter sets and workflows can also be entered.

The tools also feature energy saving options in the form of a safety on/off function, as well as an automatic standby function.

The menu can also be locked using a numerical code to protect against unauthorised adjustment.

FASTENERS, FIXING, HYDRAULICS FOUNDED IN 1994

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TO O L S

CONTROLRIV: Power and control Rivit Srl says its CONTROLRIV process monitoring system will enable users to improve efficiency when placing blind rivets and rivet nuts, when connected to various Rivit riveting tools.

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he basic CONTROLRIV system works when connected to the RIV938CB tool for rivet nuts, and also the RIV502, RIV503, RIV504, RIV505 tools for blind rivets. Once the unit is connected to the tool, the operator must set the working standards. Regular unit checks help to avoid mistakes and oversights, improve productivity and quality of work, and obtain a reduction in rejects.

The unit is designed with an easy to use display, which enables users to set procedure and monitor activities through a few simple steps. It also features many important functions such as piece counter and lot counter.

The unit comes with audio-visual alarm systems designed to monitor and provide audible and visible alert to either right or wrong performances, and to highlight the absence of air.

Torque screwdriver with precise adjustment Felo-Werkzeugfabrik Holland-Letz GmbH has launched a new torque release screwdriver series for exchangeable screwdriver blades.

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he German-based manufacturer of screwdrivers and bits says using the Felo Nm is safe, easy and virtually foolproof.

The required torque release value is set with an adjustment key on a laser marked scale, with the release being indicated by clear acoustic and mechanical signals.

Unintentional over torquing is prevented by the patented Nm disengaging mechanism. When operated counterclockwise the mechanism is blocked and the patented torque screwdriver works like a regular screwdriver.

The patented Nm handle has a built in adaptor for screwdriver blades of all common drive types and sizes.

Felo Nm handles also meet the applicable ISO standard 6789 for torque release tools and each item comes with its individual calibration certificate.

While ISO 6789 requires only 5,000 release cycles to be within the specified tolerances, Felo guarantees Nm to be within tolerance for at least 35,000 releases.

The Nm tools are available as single handles, covering 0.6Nm – 1.5Nm (green in colour), 1.5Nm – 3Nm (blue) and 3Nm – 5.4Nm (red) and in sets with customised assortments of blades, adaptors and bit holders. A range of VDE certified blades are also available separately.

In addition an on/off pneumatic valve for the compressed air has been added, to prevent further errors during the process and consequently to provide greater safety.

Also available is the Evolution version of the unit, which is equipped with a USB port for remote and wireless connections to a PC, which can itself control multiple modules simultaneously.

CONTROLRIV will be presented to the market for the first time at EMO exhibition held on 5th – 10th October, in Milan, Italy. www.rivit.it

Grip-Tite sockets and wrenches Bradford-based Chicago Brand UK says its range of Grip-Tite sockets and wrenches offer the next generation in wrench technology.

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hicago Brand UK explains that patented advanced cam technology allows the socket or wrench to bite on to the sides of the bolt head even if it’s rounded, rusted, or otherwise damaged. The tools also function as a convenient bolt starter as they hold the bolt for easy installation or removal in hard to reach areas – the more torque a user applies, the harder the cams grab.

Made of durable chrome vanadium steel for maximum toughness and durability, Chicago Brand tools are guaranteed for life. Available in metric and imperial sizes in 3/8 inch or 1 /2 inch drive the Grip-Tite socket set is supplied with a dual flip storage case. The socket set exceeds ASME/ANSI torque specifications.

Also available from Chicago Brand UK is the craftsman adjustable slide wrench, with a ratcheting feature combining tightening and loosening speed with convenience. The company says its slide adjustment and ratcheting feature makes the tool five times faster to use than standard adjustable wrenches. To add durability, its black finish looks sleek and wipes clean easily. Its forged design gives the tool strength, exceeding ASME specifications, and the tool has a lifetime guarantee to provide customers with peace of mind.

134 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

TO O L S

MEMFast rivet nut hand tool approved by NATO The RNHT48 rivet nut hand tool, launched by MEMFast (Make Ends Meet Limited) four years ago, has now been approved for use by all NATO affiliated organisations worldwide.

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he extremely vigorous vetting and testing process operated by NATO, and its affiliated organisations, took more than two years and the RNHT48 was ultimately chosen from a shortlist of six tools.

The RNHT48 is made in the UK and offers great flexibility as it installs M4 to M10 rivet nuts in steel, stainless steel, aluminium and brass by using a simple ‘spin’ action. The company says the RNHT48 is much tougher and easier to use than conventional hand pliers and is much more compact than lever type tools.

A 10mm ratchet spanner is included with the tool to assist with installation of larger sizes of rivet nuts and a special hex allen key is provided to enable extraction of a worn or broken mandrel in seconds.

Features of the RNHT48 include high component

quality and durability; ease of assembly and use; robustness in all environmental conditions; as well as compactness and cost.

“Not only does the tool represent excellent value for money, the ongoing cost is negligible since the only parts that will need replacing are the mandrels.

These are standard Grade 12.9 high-tensile socket head cap screws, which can be sourced anywhere and, if worn or broken, changed very quickly. Spare mandrels are included with the tool.”

Cordless lithium impact wrench

Powerful grip and quick adjustment

UK supplier of workshop tools, Jack Sealey Ltd, says even the most stubborn wheel nuts can be removed easily and swiftly with its CP3005 18V cordless lithium impact wrench.

KNIPEX-Werk C. Gustav Putsch KG has introduced the Cobra® QuickSet Water Pump Pliers designed for the professional user, which it says are substantially lighter than comparable pipe wrenches.

upplied with a spare lithium-ion battery as standard, Sealey says the CP3005 18V ½ inch drive model enables users to keep a spare battery on charge whilst the other is in use, which eliminates the worry of running out of charge part way through a job.

The CP3005 has a torque of 650Nm (480lb.ft).

Both forward and reverse controls come as standard, and a battery power indicator will notify the user when power packs need to be swapped. The variable speed switch also gives a user added control. The CP3005 features an integral LED work light to assist the user in poorly lit areas.

“The full range of Sealey impact wrenches can be found online where you can request your copy of the latest catalogue, view current special offers and locate your nearest stockist.”

eadquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, KNIPEX says the 250mm long high-tech Water Pump Pliers have enormous gripping capacity and a ‘QuickSet’ function. This innovative function combines Cobra®’s proven, reliable locking of the hinge bolt with an additional push function, making it easier to work in confined and inaccessible areas.

Using the ‘QuickSet’ function is as easy as ‘open, push and grab’. Once the pliers have been put into place the gripping width of the pliers is fixed and can only be adjusted or released by pressing the QuickSet button again.

To reactivate the sliding QuickSet function, the hinge bolt must be released by pressing the push button and the pliers must be completely opened again.

“The teeth on all Cobra models have a groundbreaking design and, like the snake which gave the range its name, they pitilessly grab the item being worked upon. The pliers are also specially hardened during manufacture to approximately 61 HRC, so the firm grip is extremely long-lasting. Forged and oil-hardened the pliers have all the hallmarks of KNIPEX quality – made in Germany.”

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136 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

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P R O D U CT S

sJs® – a new concept in self-forming screws Shortly before his unfortunate recent death, inventor and CVS Engineering managing director, Carlo Vittorio Sala, submitted material for the following article. It has been published with the permission of his daughter, Ilaria, who is continuing in the development and commercialisation of the patented sJs® design.

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aving carefully analysed modern requirements for component assembly in key industrial sectors, CVS Engineering designed and developed a new self-forming thread, which is intended to replace standard ISO threads, self-tapping screws and other systems, and to achieve a decisive improvement in technical clamping.

Having completed the mathematical and mechanical design processes, CVS Engineering carried out laboratory tests, followed by practical tests in major industries, the results of which were technically very good. Tests according to DIN 7500-1 confirmed the efficiency of the process, with the formation of the thread at 70% of the maximum allowable value. sJs® screws require a receiving hole approximately equal to the average diameter of the thread: A benefit of the system is that a wide hole tolerance is permissible. The self-forming thread is cylindrical, with a series of progressive sized, asymmetrical laminators, which form a threaded joint with very high loosening loads – typically 70% to 80% of the clamping load.

The system creates a perfectly cylindrical thread, as the laminators do not protrude beyond the outer diameter and do not deform the thread profile. The thread form has a thread tolerance of zero.

The thread can be produced to ISO or American dimensional standards, and in steel strength classes from 5.8 to 12.9, as well as in AISI 340 stainless steel. Volume production is conventional using cold forming equipment and flat or circular thread rolling machinery. The sJs thread can be controlled with analogue and digital measuring instruments and go-no-go gauges. By means of an algorithm it is possible to measure the torque required to laminate the thread. The thread formed by an sJs is perfectly interchangeable with a non-thread forming screw, having thread dimensions to the same specification. The sJs thread can be loosened and retightened indefinitely.

There are no limitations to size, as the progressive laminators are formed in relation to the diameter. As shown in the images below there are 12 laminators for an M20 diameter screw.

Fasteners can be produced, as usual, in a range of drive and recess forms to suit automated or manual assembly.

This new concept allows automatic threading in steel, light alloys, copper alloys, malleable cast iron, stainless steel, thin and thick sheets, and can be used in holes of cast aluminium and light alloys with significant savings.

Use in structural systems offers significant advantages and economies because the tolerance of the assembly is zero and it is highly resistant to impact, thermal shock and vibration.

First stage: Lamination of the thread in the component

Second stage: Tightening the component and forming the thread in the nut

Third stage: Tightening the nut

The sJs screw design has received patent approval in Italy and fifteen other European countries, as well as in Russia, India, China, Vietnam and Turkey.

CVS Engineering has been involved in projects for self-forming screws since 1975 and holds several patents for metal and polymers recognised in design manuals and used in major industries.

For more information on the sJs screw and its capabilities contact Teresa Bongiorno via email: teresac.bongiorno@gmail.com or call +39 0381 091 855

138 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

INOX-VITI: sJs® licensed manufacturer

SOLUZIONI IN ACCIAIO INOX • STAINLESS STEEL SOLUTIONS

INOX-VITI, based in Grumello del Monte, Bergamo, Italy, is a licensed manufacturer of the sJs® – a new concept in self-forming screws.

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stablished in 1964 by Enrico and Bruno Cattinori, the company initially started from a small warehouse producing stainless steel screws and bolts. INOX-VITI built on its experience and expertise to deliver a quality product range and over the years it has increased its facilities and infrastructure to support its sustained and progressive growth.

“Our wealth of experience, accredited performance, and achievement, enables us to reach new and exciting goals. We are always looking for continual improvement and constantly monitor our already excellent customer service department, and distribution performance, to ensure that we are providing a first class service.” www.inoxviti.it

TITGEMEYER Group

INOX-VITI Via della Molinara,8 - 24064 Grumello del Monte (BG) ITALY Phone +39 035 449 56 11 - Fax +39 035 449 15 84

www.inoxviti.it

info@inoxviti.it

199 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 1SN, UK Tel: +44 (0)121 236 2347 Fax: +44 (0)121 236 7224 e-mail: sales@bakfin.com www.bakfin.com

P R O D U CT S

SD Products becomes ARaymond distributor SD Products Ltd has announced an official agreement with ARaymond to enhance its portfolio of fastening solutions for industry.

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Raymond fastening solutions for industry are suitable for a wide range of applications including house appliances, electrical, lighting, electronic, HVAC, furniture, and vending machines. The range includes fastening solutions in plastic and metal such as clips, fasteners, and connectors, which bring added value benefits in terms of weight reduction, simpler quality control, more efficient logistics and lower recycling costs.

“The cornerstone of our business is quality products at competitive prices with service and supply requirements tailored to our customers’ needs. SD Products looks forward to a long-standing and successful relationship with the ARaymond network, adding this portfolio of product can only enhance the service we provide to our clients.”

Since its inception in 1865, the ARaymond network has become a world leader in assembly technology with a history marked by defining inventions. Innovation is a core value of the network and has always been encouraged and developed within the company.

In its 150 years, four generations of the Raymond family have continued the pioneering spirit of the founder with a determination to innovate and maintain its status as a family business. www.sdproducts.co.uk

Techsil launches VELCRO® Trade Range Having recently become a distributor for the VELCRO® brand of hook and loop fasteners, UK-based Techsil Limited has introduced a new VELCRO Trade Range.

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he VELCRO® Trade Range comprises of general-purpose grades, high performance fasteners and imaginative straps and ties. Products in the range include the VELCRO Brand ONE-WRAP® – an innovative black self-engaging tape recommended for use on electrical applications, alongside air conditioning units, ducts and network cables – as well as the VELCRO Brand General-Purpose – an original black general-purpose hook and loop system, which is recommended for wall frame and tool applications.

Also in the range is VELCRO Brand Extra Thin – a white extra thin hoop and loop system with a self-adhesive backing – recommended for PVC and carpet floor applications, fixing sound panels and cable duct. There is also the VELCRO Brand

Heavy-Duty for High Temperature – a black heavy-duty hook and loop system with a self-adhesive backing designed for high temperature applications, and recommended for use on ceiling lights, insulation panels, wood panels and ceiling panels.

“We are delighted to be able to add these well trusted, high-quality products to our portfolio,” commented Paul Hughes, managing director at Techsil. “Velcro Industries provides innovative fasteners designed for some of the key manufacturing sectors that we service; such as automotive, transport, medical, packaging, solar panels, communications and electronics.

All of the VELCRO Brand Trade Range is now available online via Techsil’s web shop as well as larger quantities through our sales office.”

New sizes in the bag Ideal Clamp Products Inc has added new sizes to its current contractor pack bags line for the IDEAL-TRIDON® brand of worm gear, hose and specialty clamps.

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AE sizes 36, 48, and 64, are now available in the popular twenty-five packs, which were designed with the contractor or big jobs in mind. All IDEAL-TRIDON® stainless steel hose clamps are made in the USA and are Uniform Plumber Code (UPC) certified.

The durable resealable bags are easily accessible and reduce wasted time shopping for a clamp as the user can use what is needed, reseal and store the bag until it is needed again and continue with the task at hand. Applications include but are not limited to new construction, maintenance, and repair.

Ideal Clamp Products is a designer and manufacturer of

stainless steel worm gear and specialty clamps for auto, heavy-duty, industrial, plumbing, and marine industries. It also manufactures specialty clamps, which are used in a broad range of fastening and sealing applications. The IDEAL-TRIDON brand is manufactured and distributed globally from facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.

140 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

TAMTORQUE

® FM 29975 FM 80524

SIGN FIXING CLAMPS • QUICK AND RELIABLE FIX EVERY TIME • AVAILABLE IN SEVEN DIAMETERS FROM 55MM TO 340MM DIAMETER • NO BAND CUTTING, NO SHARP EDGES • EASILY RE-USED OR READJUSTED • CLAMP SIGNS OF ALL TYPES TO ROUND, SQUARE, HEXAGON/UNUSUAL SHAPED POSTS • HIGH STRENGTH STAINLESS STEEL • HARDENED TAMPER RESISTANT SCREW WITH A UNIQUE RECESSED SEVEN-SIDED SOCKET • AUTO LOCKING SAFETY BUCKLE ENSURES FREE END OF BAND IS SAFE AND TIDY

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS FOR TAMTORQUE CLAMPS INCLUDE: • SECURING WASTE BINS AND LITTER BINS • STREET LAMP & SIGNAL CONTROL BOX SECURITY • CLAMPING ROAD, PUBLIC, INDUSTRIAL, EVENT & ADVERTISING SIGNS • STREET & ADVERTISING BANNERS

HI-TORQUE LTD CHILTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SUDBURY SUFFOLK • CO10 2YH • ENGLAND TEL (DIRECT SALES) +44 (0) 1787 888031 TEL (SWITCHBOARD) +44 (0) 1787 376212 FAX +44 (0) 1787 880633 E-MAIL: sales@jcshi-torque.co.uk WEBSITE: www.jcshi-torque.co.uk

Benzing retainingg elements....

... you can

rely on !

P R O D U CT S

Germany’s exclusive BUMAX® partner F. REYHER Nchfg GmbH & Co KG, the exclusive partner for the complete BUMAX® range in Germany, says that the high-tensile stainless steel fasteners fulfil the highest requirements with respect to quality, corrosion resistance, high strength, fatigue strength and heat resistance.

T

he BUMAX® range offers fasteners with high strength as well as excellent corrosion protection, which are suitable for a temperature range from -200°C to 815°C (-328°F to 1,499°F).

Typical applications for BUMAX fasteners are offshore, shipbuilding and the chemical industry. Due to the very limited magnetic permeability at >1.01µ, the BUMAX fasteners are also used in many applications, where this characteristic is necessary.

The BUMAX range includes the product groups BUMAX 88 and BUMAX 109, on stock and ready for immediate delivery. The product group BUMAX 88 corresponds to steel property Class 8.8. Screws and nuts with a diameter range of M6 to M36, and a minimum length of 3 x diameter, can be used in pressure vessels in-line with the Pressure Equipment Directive.

The product group BUMAX 109 correspond to steel property Class 10.9. They are made of the same material as BUMAX 88, but have higher strength due to a special manufacturing process. www.reyher.de

SPIROL releases solid pins design guide SPIROL International Corporation has expanded its solid pin standard product offering and has introduced a new solid pin design guide with easy to read schematics and diagrams.

S

PIROL’s design guide is an updated version of its solid pin catalogue, which rather than simply providing specifications, includes valuable information such as guidance as to when to use a solid pin versus other types of press-fit pins; features and benefits of each type of solid pin; and how to select the proper retention feature.

The guide also offers guidelines for selecting the proper material and finish, and has information on installation methods.

It also contains the most up to date specifications for its newly updated solid pin standard product offering.

“We provide technical expertise in fastening, joining, and assembly to the world’s leading manufacturers. SPIROL engineers can work with your design teams to recommend the best solution at the lowest total assembly cost. Involve SPIROL early in the design stage of your next project.” www.spirol.co.uk

Continued business success for Rivco Rivco Ltd says its planned investment in stock lines has resulted in an ever increasing number of dispatches to satisfy strong customer demand.

A

n example of Rivco’s specialist product offering is the range of Monel rivets that are used in areas where corrosion or high temperatures may be an issue. Rivco’s staff are fully equipped to provide technical information on the complete range of Monel rivets, which includes blind dome head and countersunk head rivets available from stock.

Rivco has developed a strong supply chain position as a UK wholesaler supporting its distributor customers, with the ability to supply solutions that support distributors’ differing demands.

It has also developed exclusive supplier relationships, which has helped increase business confidence and seen Rivco delivering unique levels of support to its customers.

Steve Auld, managing director at Rivco, explains: “Rivco’s expanding customer base is driven by the fact that our prices provide UK distributors with the opportunity to obtain strong gross margins. Stock availability is also at very high levels, and our customers are now increasingly using us for our specialist product application and engineering support. The increase in customer service activities demands continuous improvement in order to maximise the impact of commercial and logistic decision making within our UK business operations.”

More information on Rivco’s Monel range and full product specification is available online with the brand new product catalogue. www.rivco.co.uk

142 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 95 September 2015

Your Stud Welding Specialists www.soyer.com

Visit us at the Schweisstec - Stuttgart 03 - 06 Nov. 2015, Hall 6 / Booth 6501

92x135_Fastener+Fixing_September_2015.indd 1

T: +44 1634 281 200 F: +44 1634 280 101

E: sales@jubileeclips.co.uk W: www.jubileeclips.co.uk

10.08.2015 10:31:55

Quoting Quoting Quoting on on on Monel Monel Monel Rivets?

Rivets?

Rivets?

Quoting Quoting Quoting on on on Monel Monel Monel Rivets?

Rivets?

Rivets?

We've We've We've got got got the the the stock.. stock.. stock..

We've We've We've got got got the the the stock.. stock.. stock..

- -Ideal -Ideal Ideal for for for use use use ininin corrosive corrosive corrosive environments environments environments - -Ideal -Ideal Ideal for for for use use use ininin corrosive corrosive corrosive environments environments environments and and and high high high temperatures temperatures temperatures and and and high high high temperatures temperatures temperatures Available Available Available from from from stock: stock: stock: Available Available Available from from from stock: stock: stock: -Dome -Dome -Dome head head head -Dome -Dome -Dome head head head -Countersunk -Countersunk -Countersunk head head head -Countersunk -Countersunk -Countersunk head head head

P R O D U CT S

New dimensions from Bülte Bülte GmbH has added new dimensions to its Violin Head Screw Form ‘D’, which offers a good grip due to the body’s ergonomic shape and also features a moulded washer that provides a load distribution and helps to protect surfaces.

T

he Violin Head Screw Form ‘D’ is now available in M4 length from 6mm – 25mm, M5 length from 6mm – 40mm and M6 length from 6mm – 50mm. Standard material is natural polyamide (nylon), which is resistant to various chemical products. The polyamide 6.6 also has excellent mechanical properties including wear resistance, low friction coefficient, high melting point, good impact resistance, and is very light.

On request these screws are available in nylon glass filled, PP, PE, PVDF, PC, and in a wide range of colours to suit customer requirements.

Bülte offers more than 25,000 references in plastic hardware

including plastic washers, plastic spacers, plastic nuts, plastic screws, plastic bushings, plastic plugs and caps, plastometal nuts and screws, plastic handwheels, plastometal knobs, plastic knobs kits, plastic handles, adjustable plastic feet, plastic cable glands, elastomeric seals, and customised plastic parts.

“Our washers, screws and nuts are compliant and/or meet specific DIN, ISO and NFE standards. We can also offer specific parts based on customer drawings in order to perfectly meet demand.” www.bulte.com

New PEM® VariMount™ fastening system PennEngineering®’s new PEM® VariMount™ fastening system (Type VM) offers a clean and ready-made assembly for mounting into any rigid material or panel such as composites, plastics, and metals.

P

EM® VariMount™ is a fastening system that utilises proven self-clinching technology, paired with a round steel or stainless steel base plate. Multiple radial holes in the base plate and a generous footprint combine to promote effective mounting of the assembly, whether the method is mould-in or laminate with layers, adhesives, standard fasteners, or spot welding. Mounting can be performed either on the front or through the back of a panel.

Promoting reliability and cosmetics, the VariMount assembly’s pre-installed PEM fastener, permanently clinched into the base plate, holds securely in place without the use of unsightly welds.

In addition, the radial holes in the base plate for mounting the assembly are specifically sized to accept universally standard diameters of rivets, self-clinching fasteners, and loose hardware such as nuts, bolts, and screws.

A variety of PEM self-clinching fastener types for accepting mating hardware in the application can be specified for VariMount assemblies. Standard offerings available in a range of metric and unified thread sizes and lengths include steel and stainless steel nuts, steel blind nuts, steel standoffs, and steel and stainless steel threaded studs. Beyond these standard offerings, other PEM fastener types and sizes can also be supplied pre-installed into base plates to suit particular application requirements.

Users can also purchase base plates separately.

Standard Listed – you know who’s best!

But contact us for all the rest . . .

Tel:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8560

Fax:

+44 (0) 117 – 972 8570

Email:

sales@avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

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

Online Product Guide: www.avonstainlessfasteners.co.uk

Unit 10, Riverside Business Park, St Anne’s, Bristol, BS4 4ED, UK

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

Ray Fu’s wide range Ray Fu Enterprise Co Ltd, founded in 1999, is an exporter for all kinds of fasteners such as screws, bolts, nuts, washers and steel/iron wires, to Europe, America, Asia Pacific and other areas.

R

ay Fu‘s wide range of products includes self-drilling screws, self-tapping screws, chipboard screws, drywall screws, machine screws, SEMs screws, and collated screws, hex head bolts, carriage bolts, hex nuts, flange nuts, wing nuts, spring lock washers, flat washers, anchors, studs, pins and rivets. The company can also manufacture to customer drawings and specifications.

Ray Fu is ISO 9001, ISO 14001, TAF, EN14592 and DIN EN 14566 certified to ensure optimum quality service, and also has an on-site quality control laboratory.

“Ray Fu aims to provide a superior quality and effective service to its customers and meet all customer demands. That is why every shipment must be approved by our quality control lab. We welcome customers to contact us for more information – we are happy to help.” www.ray-fu.com

Joinlox’s strong global demand Australian joining technology company, Joinlox, says it is experiencing very strong global demand and sales growth for its rapid installation, strong and concealed fastening and joining system – Striplox™.

T

he patented Striplox™ range consists of strong and durable concealable fastening systems, which provide rapid installation off-site or on-site without the need for specialist tools or personnel. This gives ease of use and significant cost savings across numerous applications and industries such as commercial and office design, architectural features, cabinetry, furniture manufacture, and panel and ceiling joinery.

Joinlox says its range fills a large gap in the joining and fastening market and has led to the opening of a new North American distribution centre to further service international market demand in the USA, Canada and Europe.

Dean Urquhart, sales and marketing manager at Joinlox, said: “Innovation is at the core of Striplox’s success, as well as investing heavily in and focusing on research and development. We listen closely to the market and this feeds the full pipeline of our new products being released regularly.”

The complete service solution Arpel Limited, the UK-based rivet, rivet nut and fastening solutions specialist, has launched a new easy to use product catalogue and e-commerce website to help it deliver a better and more informative customer service.

T

he first phase of Arpel’s new e-commerce website enables customers to buy small packed rivets, rivet nuts, and also the complete range of structural riveting products online. The site also clearly displays the complete range of pneumatic and hand tools available including those from FAR and Lobster, which are all available from stock.

Arpel says its user-friendly site is viewed as an extension of the sales service it can offer, and the company will continue to take orders over the phone and via email. Customers can also use the site to sign up for the company’s newsletter where they will receive all the latest news and offers from Arpel.

Along with the new website, Arpel has launched an informative product catalogue, in a printed, easy to use format, which includes its extensive stock range of aluminium, steel and stainless steel rivets and rivet nuts, which are available for next day delivery.

Steve Auld, managing director at Arpel, comments: “Please visit our website and take some time to view all the products and offers we have. To celebrate our website launch, I would like to offer a special promotional code to use on all purchases made throughout September and October 2015. Customers can enter promotion code ‘ARPLAUNCH3’ upon completion of an online order and will automatically qualify for free carriage on all orders placed online.” www.arpel.co.uk

ARPEL ARPEL LIMITED LIMITED

Use Use promo promo code code

ARPLAUNCH3 ARPLAUNCH3

forfor discount discount onon your your first first purchase purchase

Visit Visitour ournew newwebsite websiteto tobuy buyonline: online:www.arpel.co.uk www.arpel.co.uk

- -Rivets Rivets - Arpel - Arpelbranded brandedstuctural stucturalrivets rivets - -FAR FARtools tools - -Tool Toolservice service&&repair repair - -Next Nextday daydelivery deliveryavailable available

sales@arpel.co.uk Thefastening fasteningsolutions solutionsspecialist specialist | | sales@arpel.co.uk 01562 01562513917 513917 | | The

P R O D U CT S

Blind rivet nuts for sheet metal TR Fastenings has added blind rivet nuts for sheet metal and plastics to its vast product range in response to customer demand.

T

R says these mechanical fasteners ensure a strong thread in a thin sheet and provide the most versatile solution where there is little or no access at the rear. They are available in body styles of round, knurled and hexagonal with head styles of flange, countersunk and reduced in aluminium, steel and stainless steel. Sizes range from M3 to M10 with grip ranges of 0.5mm to 6mm.

TR’s blind rivet nuts provide many benefits including a stable thread on thin-walled components; simple blind installation; fast assembly time; and low assembly costs.

The blind rivets also offer low installation costs as no expensive setting tools are needed. They can be set with a hand or pneumatic tool, a press, or an automatic installation unit. They can also be used to clinch separate sheets together – acting as a rivet – allowing assembly of another component with a bolt or screw.

The blind rivet nuts form part of TR’s extensive portfolio, which includes the genuine Hank rivet bush, self-clinching studs, K-Series nuts, cage nuts, weld studs and nuts, swage nuts, and the Euro rivet bush.

Looking ahead, TR’s in-house branded products team will be introducing self-clinching clear hole standoffs, studs and standoffs for thin sheets in the near future.

Paul Standing, TR Fastenings’ commercial (products) manager, comments: “TR remains committed to providing the best available range of products, service and support to all our sheet metal customers. Our branded range has expanded over 20% in the past five years, as we respond to customers’ needs. Our huge stock allows delivery mostly within 24 hours.”

INDEX Abbey Clamps........................................15

Electrolytic Plating Company.............. 119

London Screw Company....................... 37

Saima Corporation.............................. 146

Achilles Seibert GmbH........................ 103

Ernst Reinhardt GmbH.......................... 83

Lubo International................................ 89

Saspi Talleres........................................ 97

Acton....................................................105

Eurotec GmbH....................................... 73

Mecavit Srl............................................ 19

Schäfer + Peters GmbH.........................67

Adolf Pühl GmbH & Co KG...................... 5

Fastbolt.................................................... 2

MEKR’S s.r.o....................................... 133

Schnorr GmbH....................................... 31

Advance Spares Ltd.............................128

Fastener + Fixing Magazine.................. 59

Merlin Business Software...................104

SD Products.........................................103

Albert Pasvahl GmbH & Co................. 117

Fastener + Fixing Search.................... 107

MKT....................................................... 77

Shanghai Fast-Fix Rivet Corporation.... 132

Alloy & Stainless.................................... 31

Fastener Fair India................................ 48

Mubea Tellerfedern GmbH....................29

Shin Chun Enterprise Co Ltd.............. 149

Ambrovit.................................................13

Fastener Fair Turkey............................. 51

Mustad SpA........................................... 49

Sipa......................................................... 15

Arpel.................................................... 147

Fastener Show Taiwan.......................... 47

Nakashimada Engineering Works Ltd....39

Smith & Bullough................................123

Astrotech Steels Private Limited.......... 37

Fixi Srl....................................................90

National Machinery............................... 27

Spirol..................................................... 33

Avon Stainless Fasteners Ltd..............144

Fontana Gruppo......................................21

ND Industries...................................... 101

Stafa Group............................................25

Baker & Finnemore.............................139

Forward Industrial................................ 50

Ningbo Londex Industrials Co Ltd........ 35

Star Fasteners.....................................105

Raimund Beck KG Wire-Staples-Company... 81

G & B Fissaggi Srl................................. 63

Nord Lock............................................. 17

SWG-Schraubenwerk Gaisbach GmbH.... 71

Bendfast Ltd........................................ 150

GESIPA Blindniettechnik GmbH........... 55

Norm Civata AS....................................... 4 Tecfi SpA................................................ 65

Berardi Bullonerie.................................69

Graewe GmbH & Co KG........................ 29

NORMA Group..................................... 121 Techfast................................................113

Berdan Bolt & Nut Co Ltd.................. 106

Grip it Fixings........................................ 72

Orbit International Corporation Ltd.....123

Birlik Baglanti..................................... 105

Hafren Fasteners Ltd.......................... 137

Ornit Blind Rivets.................................. 61 Test GmbH..............................................96

Böllhoff GmbH.....................................129

HEICO Befestigungstechnik GmbH.....127

Performance Feeders............................86 Tillex.......................................................57

Bossong................................................. 75

Heinz Soyer..........................................143

Peter Schröder GmbH........................... 31 Titibi....................................................... 69

Bralo...................................................... 11

Hexstone Group.......................... 1, 41, 44

pgb Europe............................................ 75

TOBSTEEL GmbH.................................109

Brighton-Best International............... 152

Hugo Benzing GmbH & Co KG............ 141

Pinstructure Ltd.................................... 15

Trojan................................................... 150

Bülte GmbH............................................ 37

Index – Técnicas Expansivas S.L.............3

Precision Technology Supplies Ltd..... 113

UBK......................................................135

Carlo Salvi...............................................91

Inox Viti................................................ 139

Ray Fu..................................................148

Vipa SpA............................................... 137

Tecno Impianti....................................... 95

Chaves Bilbao........................................ 23 JCS Hi Torque...................................... 141

Remaches Tudela................................123

voestalpine Austria Draht GmbH.......... 87

Ching Chan Optical Technology Co Ltd.....98 Johan Smit........................................... 108

Rexlen Corp........................................ 131

Volt Industrial Plastics Inc.................. 145

Construction Anchors Inc (GADR).........69 Jubilee Clips.........................................143

Reyher....................................................33

Wafios Umformtechnik GmbH.......... 9, 95

Dörken.................................................. 79

Kingwin Precision Co Ltd...................... 75

Rivco.................................................... 143

Wan Iuan Ent Co Ltd..............................95

Don Quichotte B.V................................. 77

Kobout BV............................................. 124

Rivelit.......................................................7

Wilh. Lüsebrink GmbH........................ 141

DS Fasteners Ltd................................ 137

KOHLHAGE Fasteners GmbH............. 115

Rivit.......................................................151

Wise Software......................................103

Duroc N.V............................................... 85

Lichthart Betriebsgesellschaft mbH..... 90

Rosmil Industrial...................................33

WPI Services B.V...................................94

EFC International................................ 125

Lederer............................................ 22, 24

Sacma....................................................93

Wrentham...............................................97

NE W

CHECKED CERTIFIED

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do your clients ask how your work is checked? can you certify that each of your products is well made? stand out from your competitors! with the new Rivitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Process Control System your work is always checked and certified.

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Visit our stand at: EMO MILANO 2015 Padiglione 18 - Stand C21 - 5-10 october

RIVIT srl / Via Marconi 20 / Ozzano dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Emilia / Bologna / Italy T. +39 051 41 71 111 / F. +39 051 41 711 19 / rivit@rivit.it / www.rivit.it

Enquire today at rivit@rivit.it Call +39 051 41 71 111

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